WASHER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

Abstract

A method for controlling a washer, includes: based on an initiation of a washing course, selecting, as an initial driving mode, a first driving mode in which a drum rotates in a first direction and controlling a driving motor to rotate the drum in accordance with a first driving mode; obtaining driving data generated as the drum is rotated; based on the driving data, identifying whether an event condition occurs for switching from the first driving mode to a second driving mode in which the drum rotates by a reference angle in a second direction opposite to the first direction and then rotates in the first direction; and based on identifying that the event condition occurs, switching from the first driving mode to a second driving mode and control the driving motor to rotate the drum in accordance with the second driving mode.

Claims

1. A washer comprising: a main body; a drum in the main body and configured to accommodate laundry therein; a driving motor configured to rotate the drum; a current sensor configured to detect a driving current that is input to the driving motor; and a processor configured to transmit a control command to the driving motor to selectively perform one of: a first driving mode in which the drum rotates in a first direction while washing is performed, and a second driving mode in which the drum rotates by a reference angle in a second direction opposite to the first direction and then rotates in the first direction while the washing is performed, wherein the processor is further configured to: based on an initiation of a washing course, select the first driving mode as an initial driving mode and control the driving motor to rotate the drum; obtain driving data generated as the drum is rotated in accordance with the first driving mode; based on the driving data, identify whether an event condition for switching the drum to the second driving mode to initiate an operation occurs; and based on identifying that the event condition occurs, switch from the first driving mode to the second driving mode and control the driving motor to rotate the drum in accordance with the second driving mode, and wherein the driving data comprises motor current data indicating the driving current of the driving motor, which is obtained by the current sensor.

2. The washer of claim 1, further comprising a speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the drum, wherein the driving data further comprises drum rotational speed data indicating the rotational speed of the drum obtained by the speed sensor, and wherein the processor is further configured to, based on the drum rotational speed data indicating that the rotational speed of the drum is less than a preset threshold speed, identify that the event condition occurs.

3. The washer of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to, based on the drum rotational speed data indicating that the rotational speed of the drum is less than the preset threshold speed during a reference period in which a maximum current is input to the driving motor, identify the event condition occurs.

4. The washer of claim 1, wherein the driving data further comprises motor power consumption data indicating power consumption of the driving motor, and wherein the processor is further configured to, based on the motor power consumption data indicating the power consumption of the driving motor exceeds a preset threshold power, identify that the event condition occurs.

5. The washer of claim 1, wherein the driving data further comprises motor resistance data indicating a resistance between a first point and a second point in a driving circuit of the driving motor, and wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a resistance of the driving motor; and based on the resistance exceeding a preset threshold resistance, identify that the event condition occurs.

6. The washer of claim 4, wherein the driving data further comprises motor temperature data indicating a temperature of the driving motor, and wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain the temperature of the driving motor; and based on the temperature of the driving motor exceeding a preset threshold temperature, identify that the event condition occurs.

7. The washer of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to, obtain the temperature of the driving motor based on at least one of the driving current input to the driving motor, the power consumption of the driving motor and a resistance of the driving motor.

8. The washer of claim 6, further comprising a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the driving motor, wherein the processor is further configured to obtain the temperature of the driving motor from the temperature sensor.

9. The washer of claim 1, further comprising a water supply valve configured to open or close a pipe configured to supply washing water or rinsing water to the drum, wherein the processor is further configured to, based on based on termination of supply of the washing water or the rinsing water to the drum and closing of the water supply valve, identify whether the event condition occurs.

10. The washer of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a weight of the laundry put in the drum; and based on the weight of the laundry, select one of the first driving mode or the second driving mode as the initial driving mode and control the driving motor to rotate the drum in accordance with the initial driving mode.

11. The washer of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to: based on the weight of the laundry being less than a preset threshold weight, determine the first driving mode as the initial driving mode and control the driving motor to rotate the drum in accordance with the first driving mode; and based on the weight of the laundry being at least the preset threshold weight, determine the second driving mode as the initial driving mode and control the driving motor to rotate the drum in accordance with the second driving mode.

12. A method for controlling a washer including a main body, a drum in the main body and configured to accommodate laundry therein, a driving motor configured to rotate the drum, and a current sensor configured to detect a driving current that is input to the driving motor, the method comprising: based on an initiation of a washing course, selecting, as an initial driving mode, a first driving mode in which the drum rotates in a first direction and controlling the driving motor to rotate the drum in accordance with the first driving mode; obtaining driving data generated as the drum is rotated; based on the driving data, identifying whether an event condition occurs for switching from the first driving mode to a second driving mode in which the drum rotates by a reference angle in a second direction opposite to the first direction and then rotates in the first direction; and based on identifying that the event condition occurs, switching from the first driving mode to the second driving mode and control the driving motor to rotate the drum in accordance with the second driving mode, wherein the driving data comprises motor current data indicating the driving current of the driving motor, which is obtained from the current sensor.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the washer further includes a speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the drum, wherein the driving data further comprises drum rotational speed data indicating the rotational speed of the drum obtained from the speed sensor, and wherein the identifying whether the event condition occurs comprises, based on the drum rotational speed data indicating that the rotational speed of the drum is less than a preset threshold speed, identifying that the event condition occurs.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the identifying whether the event condition occurs further comprises, based on the drum rotational speed data indicating that the rotational speed of the drum is less than the preset threshold speed during a reference period in which a maximum current is input to the driving motor, identifying that the event condition occurs.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the driving data further comprises motor power consumption data indicating power consumption of the driving motor, and wherein the identifying whether the event condition occurs comprises, based on the motor power consumption data indicating that the power consumption of the driving motor exceeds a preset threshold power, identifying that the event condition occurs.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the driving data further comprises motor resistance data indicating a resistance between a first point and a second point in a driving circuit of the driving motor, and wherein the identifying whether the event condition occurs comprises: obtaining a resistance of the driving motor; and based on the resistance of the driving motor exceeding a preset threshold resistance, identifying that the event condition occurs.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the driving data further comprises motor temperature data indicating a temperature of the driving motor, and wherein the identifying whether the event condition occurs comprises: obtaining the temperature of the driving motor; and based on the temperature of the driving motor exceeding a preset threshold temperature, identifying that the event condition occurs.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the obtaining the temperature of the driving motor, comprises: obtaining the temperature of the driving motor based on at least one of the driving current that is input to the driving motor, the power consumption of the driving motor, and a resistance of the driving motor.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the washer further includes a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the driving motor, and wherein the obtaining the temperature of the driving motor comprises obtaining the temperature of the driving motor from the temperature sensor.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the washer further includes a water supply valve configured to open or close a pipe configured to supply washing water or rinsing water to the drum, and wherein the identifying whether the event condition occurs comprises, based on a termination of supply of the washing water or the rinsing water to the drum and closing of the water supply valve, identifying whether the event condition occurs.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Embodiments of the disclosure and terms used in the disclosure are not intended to limit the technical features described in the disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as A or B, at least one of A and B, at least one of A or B, A, B, or C, at least one of A, B, and C, and at least one of A, B, or C, may include all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as 1st and 2nd, or first and second may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0044] However, in the disclosure, the terms front and rear direction, left and right direction, and upper and lower direction to be used below may be used with respect to the illustrated drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited thereto.

[0045] According to an embodiment, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. Some of the plurality of entities may be separately disposed in different components.

[0046] The washer (e.g., the washer 1 of FIG. 1) described below is an example to help understand the disclosure, and various changes may be made thereto. Further, in some of the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated rather than being shown at the actual scale to help understand the disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0048] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the washer 1 may include a main body 10 for receiving various components. The main body 10 may have an overall hexahedral shape. The main body 10 may include an opening in one surface thereof. Two or more of the surfaces of the main body 10 may be integrally formed. Each surface of the main body 10 may be separately manufactured and assembled. For example, the main body 10 may be press-molded with an iron plate material or injection-molded with a resin material.

[0049] According to an embodiment, a door 20 (for opening and closing the corresponding opening) may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening of the main body 10. The door 20 may be rotatably coupled to a hinge fixed to one surface of the main body 10. For example, at least a portion of the door 20 may be provided to be transparent or translucent so as to be visible inside. The user may open the door 20 to put the laundry into the drum 40 of the main body 10 or withdraw the laundry from the drum 40. For example, the door 20 may be locked by a locking device so as not to be opened while the washer 1 is running. In an example, the door 20 may include a door frame 21 and a glass member 22. The glass member 22 may be formed of, e.g., a transparent tempered glass material to see through the inside of the main body 10, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may include a tub 30 fixedly disposed inside the main body 10. The tub 30 may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening 31 may be provided in the front surface of the tub 30 at a position corresponding to the opening of the main body 10. The tub 30 may store washing water. A drain port 32 for draining washing water may be provided under the tub 30. The drain port 32 may be connected to, e.g., the drain device 80.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may include a damper 12. The damper 12 may be provided to connect the main body 10 and the tub 30. One side of the damper 12 may be fixed to the inner surface of the main body 10. The other side of the damper 12 may be fixed to the tub 30. The damper 12 may be provided to attenuate vibration by absorbing vibration energy transferred to the tub 30 and/or the main body 10 when the drum 40 rotates.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may include a drum 40 inside the tub 30. In an embodiment, the drum 40 may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open. A front plate 43 and a rear plate 44 may be disposed on the front surface and the rear surface, respectively, of the drum 40. The front plate 43 may be provided with a drum opening at a position corresponding to the opening of the main body 10 and the tub opening 31 of the tub 30. The drum 40 may receive laundry. The drum 40 may be configured to receive rotational power from the driving device 60 and rotate inside the tub 30. The drum 40 may perform washing, rinsing, and/or spinning while rotating inside the tub 30.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the drum 40 may include a lifter 41 and a plurality of through holes 42. For example, the lifter 41 may lift the laundry while the drum 40 rotates so that the laundry repeatedly rises and falls, thereby evenly washing laundry on several surfaces thereof. For example, the through hole 42 may be a passage so that the washing water received in the tub 30 flows into the drum 40 or the washing water inside the drum 40 is discharged to the outside. In an example, the lifter 41 or the plurality of through holes 42 may be omitted.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may include a control panel 50 that supports interaction between the user and the washer 1. In an example, the control panel 50 may be at an upper end of the front surface of the main body 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1, but the disclosure is not limited to the above example. In an example, the control panel 50 may include an input part 51 and a display part 52.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the input part 51 may include any type of user input means for obtaining a user input for controlling the washer 1. The user may input power on/off, washing setting information (e.g., operation start/stop, course selection, time selection, etc.) of the washer 1 through the input part 51. For example, the input part 51 may be a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch, but the disclosure is not limited to the above examples. For example, the input part 51 may be a jog shuttle that the user may grip and rotate. In an example, the input part 51 may include an infrared sensor. The user may remotely input the setting information through the remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input part 51 as an infrared signal. In an example, the input part 51 may include a microphone. Setting information by the user's voice may be obtained through a microphone.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the display part 52 may display various washing setting information and operation state information about the washer 1 input from the user. The display part 52 may include various types of display panels such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED), and a micro LED. For example, the display part 52 may be implemented as a touch screen with a touch pad provided on the front surface thereof, but the disclosure is not limited to a specific type of display means. In an example, the display part 52 may include any type of audio display means including a speaker, and may display each of the above-described information as an auditory signal through the audio display means. In an example, the display part 52 may operate to audibly provide the user with information for guiding the user's input and/or information related to the ongoing process.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may include a driving device 60 for rotating the drum 40. The driving device 60 may include a driving motor 61 and a driving shaft 62 for transferring the driving force generated by the driving motor 61 to the drum 40. The driving motor 61 may include a fixed stator 61a and a rotor 61b that rotates by electromagnetically interacting with the stator 61a to convert an electric force into a mechanical rotational force. The rotational force generated by the driving motor 61 may be transferred to the drum 40 through the driving shaft 62. The driving shaft 62 may be press-fitted into the rotor 61b of the driving motor 61 to rotate together with the rotor 61b. The driving shaft 62 may, e.g., partially penetrate the rear wall of the tub 30 to connect the drum 40 and the driving motor 61. The driving device 60 may rotate the drum 40 forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and/or spinning operations.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may include a water supply device 70 for supplying washing water to the drum 40 or the tub 30. The water supply device 70 may include at least one water supply pipe 71 and at least one water supply valve 72. The at least one water supply pipe 71 may supply washing water into the tub 30 using an external water supply source. One of the at least one water supply pipe 71 may be connected to a detergent supply device 13 in the main body 10. Here, the detergent supply device 13 may be divided into a plurality of spaces. Each space may contain a detergent, a rinsing agent, or the like. The washing water (passing through the detergent supply device 13) may flow to the tub 30 together with the detergent (or the rinsing agent) through the detergent supply pipe 14. Another one of the at least one water supply pipe 71 may be directly connected to the tub 30. For example, the washing water (supplied through the water supply pipe 71 directly connected to the tub 30) may be directly supplied to the tub 30 without going through an intermediate component such as the detergent supply device 13.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may include a drain device 80 for draining the washing water in the drum 40 or the tub 30. The drain device 80 may include a drain valve 81, a first drain pipe 82, a second drain pipe 83, or a pump chamber 84. The drain device 80 may be, for example, under the tub 30 to discharge the washing water discharged from the tub 30 to the outside of the washer 1.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the drain valve 81 may be open or close the drain port 32. When the drain valve 81 is opened, the washing water in the tub 30 may flow through the drain port 32 to the drain device 80.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the first drain pipe 82 and the second drain pipe 83 may be a flow path that guides washing water to be discharged to the outside of the washer 1. For convenience of description, the upper stream of the pump chamber 84 is referred to as the first drain pipe 82 and the lower stream is referred to as the second drain pipe 83. The first drain pipe 82 and the second drain pipe 83 may be integrally formed. The first drain pipe 82 may have, for example, one end connected to the drain port 32 and the other end connected to the pump chamber 84. The washing water may move into the pump chamber 84 along the first drain pipe 82. The second drain pipe 83 may have, for example, one end connected to the pump chamber 84 and the other end connected to the outside of the washer 1. Accordingly, the washing water passing through the pump chamber 84 may be discharged to the outside of the washer 1 along the second drain pipe 83.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the pump chamber 84 may be under the tub 30 to store washing water drained from the tub 30. For example, a drain pump 85 for discharging the stored washing water to the outside may be provided inside the pump chamber 84. The washing water pumped by the drain pump 85 may be guided to the outside of the main body 10 through the second drain pipe 83.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 by controlling a rotation method of the drum 40 and selectively applying either the first driving mode (e.g., the normal driving mode) or the second driving mode (e.g., the swing driving mode). For example, the first driving mode may be a control mode for rotating the drum 40 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise direction or counterclockwise direction), and the second driving mode may be a control mode for rotating the drum 40 by a predetermined angle in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction or clockwise direction) opposite to the first direction and then rotating the drum 40 in the first direction. The first driving mode and the second driving mode are described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0064] In an embodiment, the washer 1 may adaptively select the first driving mode or the second driving mode to rotate the drum 40. The washer 1 may reduce power consumed for washing and maintain washing performance while reducing the cost of components included in the washer 1 by selecting either the first driving mode or the second driving mode according to a specific condition and performing a washing course.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a stationary drum (e.g., the drum 40 of FIG. 2) and laundry in the drum according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a rotating drum 40 and laundry in the drum at a specific time according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a rotating drum 40 and laundry in the drum at a specific time according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a rotating drum 40 and laundry in the drum at a specific time according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0067] In FIGS. 3 to 6, when the drum 40 rotates in the first driving mode, the drum 40 may rotate based on the order of FIGS. 3, 4, and 6. For example, when the drum 40 rotates in the second driving mode, the drum 40 may rotate according to the order of FIGS. 3, 5, and 6.

[0068] Further, for convenience of description, although it is described that the first direction d1 in which the drum 40 rotates is the clockwise direction and the second direction d2 in which the drum 40 rotates is the counterclockwise direction, the first direction d1 may be set to the counterclockwise direction and the second direction d2 may be set to the clockwise direction.

[0069] When washing is performed in the order of the wash cycle, the rinse cycle, and spin cycle of the washing course, the washer 1 may remove foreign substances stuck to the laundry by centrifugal force generated by rotating the laundry contained in the drum 40, or may spin the laundry wet with washing water or rinsing water. When rotating the drum 40, the washer 1 may select either the first driving mode or the second driving mode to rotate the drum 40.

[0070] The embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 6 may be selectively combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 in the first driving mode (the normal driving mode).

[0072] According to an embodiment, in the first driving mode, the washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 in the first rotation direction d1. For example, the washer 1 may repeatedly rotate the drum 40 a predetermined number of times.

[0073] According to an embodiment, in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the washer 1 sequentially rotates the drum 40 in the first rotation direction d1. For example, in FIG. 4, the washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 by a first rotation angle 1, and then, in FIG. 6, the washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 by a third rotation angle 3.

[0074] According to an embodiment, in the first driving mode, the washer 1 rotates the drum 40 in a predetermined direction, or may alternately change the rotation direction and rotate the drum 40. For example, the washer 1 may repeatedly rotate the drum 40 in the first rotation direction d1 a predetermined number of times, and then repeatedly rotate the drum 40 in the second rotation direction d2.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 in the second driving mode (the swing driving mode). According to an embodiment, in the second driving mode, the washer 1 may rotate the drum by a predetermined angle in the second rotation direction d2 opposite to the first rotation direction d1. For example, the washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 by a second rotation angle 2.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 by the second rotation angle 2 in the second direction d2, and then, rotate the drum 40 by the third rotation angle 3 in the first direction d1 opposite to the second direction d2. For example, the second rotation angle 2 may be set to 45, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0077] According to an embodiment, in the second driving mode, the washer 1 may swing the drum 40 while alternately switching the rotation directions. For example, the washer 1 may repeatedly rotate the drum 40 by a predetermined angle (e.g., the second rotation angle 2) in the second rotation direction d2 a preset first number of times, then rotate the drum 40 by a predetermined angle (e.g., the third rotation angle 3) in the first rotation direction d1 and, when the first predetermined number of times is exceeded, the washer 1 may repeatedly rotate the drum 40 by a predetermined angle (e.g., the second rotation angle 2) in the first rotation direction d1 a preset second number of times, and then, rotate the drum 40 by a predetermined angle (e.g., the third rotation angle 3) in the second rotation angle d2.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may save power consumption required for driving the drum 40 by the above principle. That is, according to the embodiment, the laundry is dropped by gravity so that the center of gravity is moved downward by rotating the drum 40 in the second driving mode.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may reduce power consumption by rotating the drum 40 in the second driving mode. For example, when the washer 1 rotates the drum 40 in the second driving mode in the same load (e.g., the load when the weight of the laundry is the same), as compared with rotating the drum 40 in the first driving mode, the current value to be applied to the driving motor (e.g., the driving motor 61 of FIG. 2) to rotate the drum 40 may be reduced.

[0080] According to an embodiment, when the washer 1 rotates the drum 40 in the second driving mode, abnormal noise may be generated due to the load (e.g., an amount of laundry items in the drum 40) of the washer 1. For example, when the drum 40 swings in the second driving mode, the drum 40 switches the rotation direction, causing additional vibration and noise. For example, when the drum 40 swings in the second driving mode while the laundry is in a low-load state, the drum 40 may actually rotate excessively fast as compared with the target rotational speed of the drum 40, causing additional vibration and noise. Therefore, in order to adaptively apply the first driving mode and the second driving mode, the washer 1 may obtain a plurality of data and determine whether to rotate the drum 40 in the second driving mode based on the obtained plurality of data. Hereinafter, in FIG. 8, the configuration of the washer 1 is described from the viewpoint of functions and controlling methods for the functions. FIGS. 9 to 12 describe operations performed by the washer 1 regarding the first driving mode and the second driving mode.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a current input to a driving motor (e.g., the driving motor 61 of FIG. 2) and an actual rotational speed of a drum (e.g., the driving motor 61 of FIG. 2) rotated by an input current to the driving motor 61 to rotate a drum (e.g., the drum 40 of FIG. 2) in a first driving mode, at a target rotational speed, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The embodiment of FIG. 7 may be selectively combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 7, graph (a) illustrates changes in the current that is input to the driving motor 61 over time when the drum 40 rotates in the first driving mode, and graph (b) illustrates the rotational speed of the drum 40 over time when the drum 40 switches to the first driving mode.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the washer (e.g., the washer 1 of FIG. 1) may drive the driving motor 61 to rotate the drum 40. As the driving motor 61 rotates, the drum 40 receiving the driving force from the driving motor 61 may rotate.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may input a current (having a predetermined magnitude) to the driving motor 61 in order to rotate the drum 40 at a target speed v_0.

[0085] According to an embodiment, from the time ti to the time tf, the washer 1 may input the current to the driving motor 61. For example, the current (input to the driving motor 61) may gradually increase from the time ti, and then, reach the target current I_0 at the time ts.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the drum 40 may start to rotate from the time ti when the driving motor 61 starts to drive. The drum 40 may rotate at a rotational speed of v_1 at ts, which is the time when the current input to the driving motor 61 is maximum, but the actual rotational speed may be lower than the target speed v_0.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may determine a driving failure state of the drum 40 based on the difference between the target rotational speed v_0 of the drum 40 and the actual rotational speed v_1. For example, if the difference v_d between the target rotational speed v_0 and the actual rotational speed v_1 exceeds a threshold level, the washer 1 may determine the driving failure state of the drum 40. For example, if the difference v_d between the target rotational speed v_0 and the actual rotational speed v_1 exceeds 20 revolutions per minute (rpm), the washer 1 may determine that the driving of the drum 40 has failed.

[0088] According to an embodiment, as the washing course proceeds, the actual rotational speed of the drum 40 may be lower than the target speed because the load of the laundry increases by washing water or rinsing water. In this case, the washer 1 may increase the current input to the driving motor 61 to rotate the drum 40 at the target speed, which may increase the power consumption for washing or lead to excessive consumption of electrical components such as the driving motor 61.

[0089] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the washer 1 may be configured to rotate the drum 40 by adaptively selecting either the first driving mode or the second driving mode when washing is performed. Thus, it may be possible to reduce power consumption when the washer 1 performs washing, and to reduce vibration and noise generated during washing.

[0090] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a washer 1 (e.g., the washer 1 of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The components illustrated in FIG. 8 may be understood as corresponding to the components of the washer 1 from the perspective of function and control. The embodiment of FIG. 8 may be selectively combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 8, the washer 1 may include an input part (user input) 51 as described above. The input part 51 may include any type of user input means for obtaining setting information from the user for controlling the operation of the washer 1. Various user inputs obtained through the input part 51 may be transferred to the controller 110 to be described below. In an example, various user inputs obtained through the input part 51 may be transmitted to the outside through a communication part (also referred to as a transceiver) 120 to be described below, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may include the communication part 120 that supports signal transmission/reception to/from the outside. In an example, the communication part 120 may receive and/or transmit a wired/wireless signal to/from an external wired/wireless communication system, an external server, and/or other devices according to a predetermined wired/wireless communication protocol. In an example, the communication part 120 may include one or more modules to connect the washer 1 to one or more networks. In an example, the communication part 120 may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wired/wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, and/or a location information module.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the mobile communication module may transmit/receive wireless signals with at least one of an external bracket structure, an external UE, and an external server through the mobile communication network according to any communication protocol among various communication protocols for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include various types of data signals. In an example, the wireless signals may include voice call signals, video call signals, and text/multimedia message signals, but the disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the wired/wireless Internet module may support wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi direct, digital living network alliance (DLNA), wireless broadband (WiBro), world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), long term evolution (LTE), or long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), but the disclosure is not limited to the above examples. In an example, the wired/wireless Internet module of the communication part 120 may transmit/receive data according to at least one wired/wireless Internet technology among Internet technologies not listed above.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the short-range communication module may be intended for, e.g., short-range communication and may support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), ZigBee, near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or wireless universal serial bus (USB) technology. The short-range communication module may support, e.g., wireless communication between the washer 1 and a wireless communication system, between the washer 1 and another device, or between the washer 1 and a network in which the other device is positioned through a short-range wireless communication network.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the location information module may be, for example, a global positioning system (GPS) module or a Wi-Fi module as a module for obtaining the location of the washer 1. When the washer 1 utilizes the GPS module, the washer 1 may receive information about the location of the washer 1 using the signal transmitted from the GPS satellite. When the washer 1 utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the washer 1 may receive information about the location of the washer 1 based on information about a wireless access point (AP) that transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from the Wi-Fi module.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the communication part 120 may receive the configuration data signal input by the user on the mobile terminal of the user in the form of a wireless signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. In an example, the communication part 120 may receive information and/or a command for controlling the operation of the washer 1 from an external server in the form of a signal according to a predetermined wired/wireless communication protocol. The communication part 120 may transfer various received signals to the controller 110 to be described below. In an example, the communication part 120 may transmit various data generated or obtained on the washer 1 in the form of a wired/wireless signal according to a predetermined wired/wireless communication protocol, e.g., to a mobile terminal of the user or an external server.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may include a sensor part (also referred to as a sensor) 130 for detecting an operating state or an internal environment of the washer 1. For example, the sensor part 130 may include a current sensor 131, a speed sensor 132, a temperature sensor 133, a water level sensor 134, a door sensor 135, and/or a vibration sensor 136, but this is an example and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the current sensor 131 may be provided to detect the current flowing through the driving motor 61 of the driving device 60. The electrical signal related to the current value of the driving motor 61 generated by the current sensor 131 may be transferred to the controller 110.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the speed sensor 132 may be provided to detect the rotational speed, the rotational angle, or the rotational direction of the driving motor 61 or the drum 40. In an example, the speed sensor 132 may use, e.g., a scheme of detecting an on/off signal of the hall sensor adjacent to the position of the rotor while the driving motor 61 is running. In an example, the speed sensor 132 may use a scheme of measuring the magnitude of the current applied to the driving motor 61 while the drum 40 rotates. An electrical signal regarding the rotational speed, the rotational angle, or the rotational direction of the drum 40 generated by the speed sensor 132 may be transferred to the controller 110.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the temperature sensor 133 may be provided to detect the ambient environment temperature of the washer 1 or the temperature of the internal components, or to detect the temperature of the washing water in the tub 30. The temperature sensor 133 may be implemented as, e.g., a thermistor, which is a type of resistor using the property that the resistance of a material changes according to the temperature. The electrical signal related to the temperature generated by the temperature sensor 133 may be transferred to the controller 110.

[0102] Hereinafter, the temperature sensor 133 will be referred to as a sensor that detects the temperature of the driving motor 61 unless otherwise stated. For example, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 133 exceeds a threshold temperature due to, e.g., driving of the driving motor 61, the controller 110 may determine whether the driving motor 61 is overheated.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the water level sensor 134 is a sensor provided to detect the water level in the tub 30. In an example, the water level sensor 134 may be provided to identify a spinning progress or the like when performing the spinning process. The water level sensor 134 may transfer an electrical signal related to the water level in the tub 30 to the controller 110.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the door sensor 135 may be provided to determine whether the door 20 is closed before the controller 110 performs the washing operation. An electrical signal regarding whether to open or close the door 20 generated by the door sensor 135 may be transferred to the controller 110.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may include the controller 110 for controlling the overall operation of the washer 1. The controller 110 may include a memory 113 for storing or recording a program and/or data for controlling each component of the washer 1, and a processor 111 for generating a control signal for controlling each component of the washer 1 according to the program and/or data stored in the memory 113 and information obtained from each of the other components. In FIG. 8, the memory 113 is included in the controller 110, but the disclosure is not limited to this example. In some embodiments, the memory 113 is not included in the controller 110, but the memory 113 is a component that is separate from the controller 110.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the memory 113 may store various data that may be used to control the operation of each component of the washer 1. The memory 113 may store, e.g., a plurality of application programs used in the washer 1, data for controlling the operation of the washer 1, and instructions. At least some of the application programs stored in the memory 113 may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. At least some of the application programs stored in the memory 113 may be stored in the memory 113 from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washer 1.

[0107] For example, data for the rotational speed of the drum 40 for each course and/or for each cycle may be stored in the memory 113. For example, as the wash cycle is performed, data on the target rotational speed of drum 40 and maximum rotational speed data may be stored in the memory 113.

[0108] For example, data on the threshold current of the driving motor 61 may be stored in the memory 113 for each course and/or for each cycle. For example, as the wash cycle is performed, data on the target current value to be input (to be applied) to the driving motor 61 and data on the maximum current value may be stored in the memory 113.

[0109] For example, data on power consumption of the driving motor 61 may be stored in the memory 113 for each course and/or for each cycle. For example, as the wash cycle is performed, data on the target power value to be consumed by the driving motor 61 and data on the maximum available power value may be stored in the memory 113.

[0110] For example, data on the resistance or temperature of the driving motor 61 may be stored in the memory 113 for each course and/or for each cycle. For example, as the wash cycle is performed, data on the maximum resistance or maximum temperature of the driving motor 61 may be stored in the memory 113.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the processor 111 of the controller 110 may receive various input/setting information, such as power on/off of the washer 1, washer operation setting information (e.g., operation start/stop, course selection, time selection, etc.), or other various control information from the input part 51 and/or communication part 120.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the processor 111 may obtain information about sensing information from the sensor part 130. For example, the processor 111 may obtain information about the current value flowing through the driving motor 61 from the current sensor 131. For example, the processor 111 may obtain information about the rotational speed, rotation angle, or rotation direction of the drum 40 from the speed sensor 132. For example, the processor 111 may obtain information about the temperature of the driving motor 61 from the temperature sensor 133. For example, the processor 111 may obtain information about the water level in the tub 30 from the water level sensor 134. For example, the processor 111 may obtain information about whether the door 20 is opened or closed from the door sensor 135.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the processor 111 may calculate a predicted value (or an estimated value) based on information obtained from the sensor part 130.

[0114] For example, the processor 111 may calculate an estimated value of the power consumption of the driving motor 61 based on the information about the current flowing through the driving motor 61 obtained from the current sensor 131. For example, the processor 111 may calculate an estimated value of the power consumption of the driving motor 61 based on the voltage, current, and/or power values required when controlling the driving motor 61.

[0115] For example, the processor 111 may calculate the motor resistance value of the driving motor 61 and/or the temperature of the driving motor 61 based on the information about the current flowing through the driving motor 61 obtained from the current sensor 131. For example, the processor 111 may calculate a resistance estimation value of driving motor 61 and a temperature estimation value of the driving motor 61 based on voltage, current, and/or power values required when controlling driving motor 61.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the processor 111 of the controller 110 may generate an operation control command for each component of the washer 1 based on various information received from the input part 51, the communication part 120, and/or the sensor part 130. In an example, the processor 111 may control each related component to perform at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the spinning cycle, or the drying cycle. The processor 111 may control the operation of, e.g., the driving device 60, the water supply device 70, and/or the drain device 80 to control the execution of at least one of the washing operation, the rinsing operation, the spinning operation, or the drying operation.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the processor 111 may rotate the drum 40 by controlling the driving of the driving motor 61 of the driving device 60. For example, the processor 111 may rotate the drum 40 by controlling the rotational speed, rotation direction, and rotation angle of the driving motor 61. For example, the processor 111 may control the driving motor 61 to rotate the drum 40 in the first driving mode (e.g., normal driving mode) for rotating in the first direction (e.g., either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction) and the second driving mode (e.g., swing driving mode) for rotating the drum 40 by a predetermined angle in the second direction opposite to the first direction and then rotating in the first direction.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the processor 111 may determine whether to rotate the drum 40 rotating in the first driving mode to the second driving mode based on a plurality of data. The plurality of data may include, e.g., at least one of the rotational speed of the drum 40 and the rotational speed, current, voltage, power, resistance, and/or temperature of the driving motor 61. The plurality of data is described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the processor 111 may control the opening and closing of the water supply valve 72 of the water supply device 70 to adjust the washing water supplied to the drum 40 and/or the tub 30. For example, the processor 111 may control the drain valve 81 and/or the drain pump 85 of the drain device 80 to drain the washing water in the drum 40 and/or the tub 30. For example, the processor 111 may continuously obtain information from the input part 51, the communication part 120, and/or the sensor part 130 while performing at least one of the wash cycle, the rinse cycle, the spin cycle, and the dry cycle, and continuously update and control the operation of each component based on the obtained information.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the processor 111 of the controller 110 may generate a command for controlling whether and how to display information through the display part 52 based on various information received from the input part 51, the communication part 120, and/or the sensor part 130.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 is disclosed as one comprehensive component that controls all or some of the components included in the washer 1, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an example, the washer 1 may be configured to include a plurality of controller components that individually control some of the components of the washer 1. In an example, the washer 1 may include a separate controller having a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the driving device 60, e.g., the driving motor 61. In an example, the washer 1 may include a separate controller having a processor and memory for controlling the operation of a user interface according to a user input. The processor 111 of the controller 110 may include a plurality of processors, and the memory 113 may include a plurality of memory devices.

[0122] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating control operations for determining a driving method for rotating a drum (e.g., the drum 40 of FIG. 2) by a washer (e.g., the washer 1 of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 10 illustrates driving data 1000 obtained to determine a driving method by a washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. At least some of the control operations shown in FIG. 9 may be omitted or changed in order as necessary, and some operations may be repeatedly performed. The embodiment of FIG. 9 may be selectively combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8, and the embodiment of FIG. 10 may be selectively combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the washer 1 may start a washing course in operation 910. For example, the washer 1 may start a washing course by the user's input received through the input part 51.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the washing course may include a wash cycle, a rinse cycle, and a spin cycle. Each cycle included in the washing course may be repeatedly performed, or some cycles may be omitted according to the course and/or by the user's input.

[0125] According to an embodiment, in operation 920, the washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 in the initial driving mode. For example, the washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 in the initial driving mode in response to the start of the washing course. The initial driving mode may be, e.g., either the first driving mode or the second driving mode, but it will be assumed that the initial driving mode is the first driving mode unless otherwise stated below.

[0126] According to an embodiment, in operation 930, the washer 1 may obtain driving data generated by rotation of the drum. For example, the driving data may include a plurality of driving data (e.g., the driving data 1000 of FIG. 10).

[0127] Referring to FIG. 10, the plurality of driving data may be generated by a driving command sent by the controller 110 to the driving motor 61 and the drum 40 that is rotated by driving the driving motor 61. The plurality of driving data may include, e.g., first driving data (e.g., first driving data 1010 of FIG. 10) generated by driving the driving motor 61, and second driving data (e.g., second driving data 1020 of FIG. 10) generated by rotation of the drum 40.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the first driving data 1010 may include motor current data 1011 (which is information about the current flowing through the driving motor 61), motor voltage data 1012 (which is information about the voltage applied to the driving motor 61), motor power consumption data 1013 (which is information about the power consumption of the driving motor 61), motor resistance data 1014 (which is information about the resistance of the driving motor 61), and motor temperature data 1015 (which is information about the temperature of the driving motor 61). In an embodiment, the first driving data 1010 may further include various information generated by driving the driving motor 61.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the motor current data 1011 may indicate the value of the current flowing through the driving motor 61. For example, the motor current data 1011 may be sensed by a current sensor (e.g., the current sensor 131 of FIG. 8).

[0130] According to an embodiment, the motor voltage data 1012 may indicate the voltage value applied to the driving motor 61. The motor power consumption data 1013 may indicate a value for power consumed by the driving motor 61. For example, the motor voltage data 1012 and motor power consumption data 1013 may be obtained as an estimated value (or a predicted value) calculated by the controller (e.g., the controller 110 of FIG. 8) based on motor current data 1011 obtained by the current sensor 131. For example, the motor voltage data 1012 and motor power consumption data 1013 may be detected by respective sensors (e.g., a voltage sensor or a power sensor).

[0131] According to an embodiment, the motor resistance data 1014 may indicate a resistance value of the driving motor 61. For example, the motor temperature data 1015 may indicate a temperature value of the driving motor 61. The motor resistance data 1014 may vary according to the temperature generated when the driving motor 61 is driven (e.g., rotated). For example, the motor temperature data 1015 may be obtained by a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 133 of FIG. 8) that detects the temperature of the driving motor 61.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the second driving data 1020 may be generated as power is transferred by driving the driving motor 61. For example, the second driving data 1020 may include drum rotational speed data 1021. In an embodiment, the second driving data 1020 may further include various information generated by rotating the drum 40. For example, the second driving data may include data on the rotation angle when the drum 40 rotates and data on the rotation direction of the drum 40.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the drum rotational speed data 1021 may indicate the speed when the drum 40 rotates. For example, the drum rotational speed data 1021 may indicate the angular velocity when the drum 40 rotates. For example, drum rotational speed data 1021 may be obtained by a speed sensor (e.g., the speed sensor 132 of FIG. 8).

[0134] Referring to FIG. 9, in operation 940, the washer 1 may determine (identify) whether an event condition for switching the driving mode occurs (or is met). The event condition may be a condition for rotating the drum 40 in the second driving mode (e.g., the swing driving mode) under a specific condition after the washer 1 rotates the drum 40 in the initial driving mode. For example, the specific condition may be a condition in which the washer 1 fails to rotate the drum 40 in the first driving mode, or a condition corresponding thereto.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may determine whether an event condition occurs based on the plurality of driving data 1000 obtained in operation 940.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may determine whether the event condition occurs based on the motor current data 1011 and the drum rotational speed data 1021. For example, when the current is input to the driving motor 61 to rotate the drum 40 at a target speed, the washer 1 may determine that the event condition occurs if the rotational speed of the drum 40 does not reach the target speed while the input current is input for a predetermined period. For example, if the rotational speed of drum 40 is 20 rpm or more lower than the maximum rotational speed during the predetermined period in which the maximum current is applied to the driving motor 61, the washer 1 may determine that the event condition occurs.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may determine whether the event condition occurs based on the motor power consumption data 1013. For example, when the washer 1 drives the driving motor 61 to rotate the drum 40 at the target speed, the washer 1 may determine that the event condition occurs if the power consumption of the driving motor 61 exceeds the threshold power.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may determine whether the event condition occurs based on the motor resistance data 1014 and the motor temperature data 1015. For example, when the washer 1 drives the driving motor 61 to rotate the drum 40 at the target speed, the washer 1 may determine that the event condition occurs if the resistance value in a predetermined period of the circuit constituting the driving motor 61 exceeds a threshold resistance or if the temperature of the driving motor 61 exceeds a threshold temperature.

[0139] According to an embodiment, in operation 950, when it is determined that the event condition occurs, the washer 1 may switch to the second driving mode to rotate the drum 40. The washer 1 may rotate the drum 40 rotating in the first driving mode in the second driving mode, thereby reducing power consumption and reducing vibration and noise generated during the wash cycle.

[0140] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating control operations for determining a driving method for rotating a drum (e.g., the drum 40 of FIG. 2) by a washer (e.g., the washer 1 of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 11 differs from FIG. 9 in additionally performing operation 1110 between operation 930 and operation 940, and is substantially the same as the flowchart of FIG. 9 except for operation 1110. Therefore, the following description focuses primarily on differences with duplicate descriptions skipped. At least some of the control operations shown in FIG. 11 may be omitted or changed in order as necessary, and some operations may be repeatedly performed. The embodiment of FIG. 11 may be selectively combined with the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation 1110, the washer 1 may determine whether the washing water or the rinsing water is replenished. According to an embodiment, in operation 1110, the washer 1 may detect whether the water supply valve 72 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 8 is opened or closed. For example, the washer 1 may determine that washing water or rinsing water is replenished in response to the opening of the water supply valve 72 to supply washing water or rinsing water into the drum 40, and then the closing of water supply valve 72.

[0142] According to an embodiment, in operation 1110, the washer 1 may determine whether washing water or rinsing water is replenished based on the operation state of the water supply valve 72, the drain valve (e.g., the drain valve 81 of FIGS. 2 and 8), and the drain pump (e.g., the drain pump 85 of FIGS. 2 and 8). For example, in operation 1110, the washer 1 may determine that washing water or rinsing water is being replenished based on the opening of the water supply valve 72, the closing of the drain valve 81, and the suspension of the drain pump 85.

[0143] According to an embodiment, in operation 940, the washer 1 may determine (identify) whether the event condition for switching the driving mode occurs in response to (based on) the end of the operation of replenishing washing water or rinsing water.

[0144] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may adaptively determine whether to switch the driving mode to the second driving mode in response to an increase in the load of the laundry by replenishing the washing water or rinsing water inside the drum 40 by determining whether the event condition for switching the driving mode occurs as the replenishment of the washing water or rinsing water is completed.

[0145] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating control operations for determining a driving method for initial-driving a drum (e.g., the drum 40 of FIG. 2) by a washer (e.g., the washer 1 of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. At least some of the control operations shown in FIG. 12 may be omitted or changed in order as necessary, and some operations may be repeatedly performed. The embodiments of FIG. 12 may be selectively combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 11.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 12, in operation 1210, the washer 1 may detect the weight of the laundry put into the drum 40 in response to the start of the washing course. The laundry put into the drum 40 may be a dry cloth (dry clothing item(s)) not wet by washing water or rinsing water. According to an embodiment, in operation 1210, the washer 1 may detect the weight of the dry cloth based on the current value to be input to the driving motor (e.g., the driving motor 61 of FIG. 2) in order to rotate the drum 40 receiving the laundry by a predetermined angle.

[0147] According to an embodiment, in operation 1220, the washer 1 may compare the dry cloth weight with a preset threshold weight. The washer 1 may select an initial driving mode by comparing the dry cloth weight with the preset threshold weight.

[0148] According to an embodiment, in operation 1230, when the dry cloth weight is larger than the preset threshold weight, the washer 1 may determine the second driving mode as the initial driving mode. The washer 1 may then rotate the drum 40 in the second driving mode while performing the washing course.

[0149] According to an embodiment, in operation 1240, the washer 1 may determine the first driving mode as the initial driving mode when the dry cloth weight is smaller than or equal to the preset threshold weight. The washer 1 may select the first driving mode as the initial driving mode, rotate the drum 40 and, when it is determined that the event condition occurs, switch the drum 40 rotating in the first driving mode to the second driving mode, and rotate the drum 40.

[0150] According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may determine the initial driving mode in response to (or based on) the weight of the dry cloth, and then switch to the driving mode to adaptively rotate the drum 40 in response to the occurrence of the event condition. For this reason, the washer 1 may reduce power consumed when performing the washing course, and reduce noise and vibration.

[0151] A washer according to an embodiment of the disclosure relates to a technology for adaptively selecting one of a normal driving method and a swing driving method to perform washing under specific conditions.

[0152] The washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may reduce the cost of electronic components constituting the washer by selecting an optimal drum rotation method according to a condition between the normal driving method and the swing driving method.

[0153] The washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may reduce power required to perform washing by selecting an optimal drum rotation method according to a condition between the normal driving method and the swing driving method.

[0154] The washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may reduce vibration and noise generated when washing is performed by selecting an optimal drum rotation method according to a condition between the normal driving method and the swing driving method.

[0155] Effects obtainable from the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

[0156] A washer (e.g., the washer 1 of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body 10, a drum 40 rotatably disposed in the main body 10 and configured to receive laundry, a driving motor 61 configured to rotate the drum 40, a current sensor 131 configured to detect a driving current input to the driving motor 61, and a processor 111 configured to transmit a control command to the driving motor 61 to selectively perform one of a first driving mode in which the drum 40 rotates in a first direction while washing is performed and a second driving mode in which the drum 40 rotates by a reference angle in a second direction opposite to the first direction and then rotates in the first direction while washing is performed. The processor 111 may be configured to: in response to (based on) initiation 910 of a washing course, select the first driving mode as an initial driving mode and rotate 920 the drum, obtain 930 driving data 1000 generated as the drum 40 is driven, based on the obtained driving data 1000, determine 940 whether an event condition for switching the drum 40 to the second driving mode to initiate an operation occurs, and in response to determining that the event condition occurs, switch the drum rotating in the first driving mode to the second driving mode and drive to rotate 950 the drum. The driving data 1000 may include motor current data 1011 indicating a driving current of the driving motor 61 obtained from the current sensor 131.

[0157] The washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further include a speed sensor 132 configured to detect a rotational speed of the drum 40. The driving data 1000 may further include drum rotational speed data 1021 indicating the rotational speed of the drum obtained from the speed sensor 132. The processor 111 may be configured to, based on the drum rotational speed data 1021, determine that the event condition occurs when the rotational speed of the drum 40 is less than a preset threshold speed.

[0158] The processor 111 may be configured to, determine that the event condition occurs when the rotational speed of the drum 40 is less than the preset threshold speed during a reference period when a maximum current is input to the driving motor 61.

[0159] In the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the driving data 1000 may further include motor power consumption data 1013 indicating power consumption of the driving motor 61. The processor 111 may be configured to determine that the event condition occurs when the power consumption of the driving motor 61 exceeds a preset threshold power.

[0160] In the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the driving data 1000 may further include motor resistance data 1014 indicating a motor resistance between a first point and a second point on a driving circuit included in the driving motor 61. The processor 111 may be configured to obtain a resistance of the driving motor 61, and determine that the event condition occurs when the resistance of the driving motor 61 exceeds a preset threshold resistance.

[0161] In the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the driving data 1000 may further include motor temperature data 1015 indicating a temperature of the driving motor 61. The processor 111 may be configured to obtain a temperature of the driving motor 61, and determine that the event condition occurs when the obtained temperature of the driving motor 61 exceeds a preset threshold temperature.

[0162] In the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 111 may be configured to, based on at least one of the current input to the driving motor 61, the power consumption of the driving motor 61 and the resistance of the driving motor 61, obtain a temperature of the driving motor 61.

[0163] The washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further include a temperature sensor 133 configured to detect a temperature of the driving motor 61. The processor 111 may be configured to obtain the temperature of the driving motor 61 from the temperature sensor 133.

[0164] The washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further include a water supply valve 72 configured to open or close a pipe configured to supply washing water or rinsing water to the drum 40. The processor 111 may be configured to, in response to termination of the supply of washing water or rinsing water to the drum 40 and the closing of the water supply valve 72, determine whether the event condition occurs.

[0165] In the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 111 may be configured to obtain a weight of the laundry put in the drum 40, and based on the obtained weight of the laundry, select one of the first driving mode or the second driving mode as the initial driving mode and initial-drive the drum 40.

[0166] In the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 111 may be configured to, when the obtained weight of the laundry is less than a preset threshold weight, determine the initial driving mode as the first driving mode and drive the drum 40 in the first driving mode, and when the obtained weight of the laundry is the preset threshold weight or more, determine the initial driving mode as the second driving mode and drive the drum 40 in the second driving mode.

[0167] In the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, when viewing a front surface of the washer 1, if the first direction is a counterclockwise direction, the second direction may be a clockwise direction, and when viewing the front surface of the washer 1, if the first direction is the clockwise direction, the second direction may be the counterclockwise direction.

[0168] According to an embodiment, a method for controlling a washer 1 including a main body 10, a drum 40 rotatably disposed in the main body 10 and configured to receive laundry, a driving motor 61 configured to rotate the drum 40, and a current sensor 131 configured to detect a driving current input to the driving motor 61, the method may include: in response to (or based on) initiation 910 of a washing cycle, selecting an initial driving mode as a first driving mode in which the drum 40 rotates in a first direction and driving to rotate 920 the drum, obtaining 930 driving data 1000 generated as the drum 40 is driven, based on the obtained driving data 1000, determine 940 whether an event condition for switching the drum 40 to a second driving mode, in which the drum 40 rotates by a reference angle in a second direction opposite to the first direction and then rotates in the first direction, to initiate an operation occurs, and in response to determining that the event condition occurs, transmitting 950 a control signal for switching the drum 40 rotating in the first driving mode to the second driving mode and driving to rotate the drum. The driving data 1000 may include motor current data 1011 indicating a driving current of the driving motor 61 obtained from the current sensor 131.

[0169] The washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further include a speed sensor 132 configured to detect a rotational speed of the drum 40. The driving data 1000 may further include drum rotational speed data 1021 indicating the rotational speed of the drum obtained from the speed sensor 132. The method for controlling the washer 1 may further include: based on the drum rotational speed data 1021, determining that the event condition occurs when the rotational speed of the drum 40 is less than the preset threshold speed during a reference period when a maximum current is input to the driving motor 61.

[0170] The method for controlling the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further include determining that the event condition occurs when the rotational speed of the drum 40 is less than the preset threshold speed during a reference period when a maximum current is input to the driving motor 61.

[0171] In the method for controlling the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the driving data 1000 may further include motor power consumption data 1013 indicating power consumption of the driving motor 61. The control method may further include determining that the event condition occurs when the power consumption of the driving motor 61 exceeds a preset threshold power.

[0172] In the method for controlling the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the driving data 1000 may further include motor resistance data 1014 indicating a motor resistance between a first point and a second point on a driving circuit included in the driving motor 61. The control method may further include obtaining a resistance of the driving motor 61, and determining that the event condition occurs when the resistance of the driving motor 61 exceeds a preset threshold resistance.

[0173] In the method for controlling the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the driving data 1000 may further include motor temperature data 1015 indicating a temperature of the driving motor 61. The control method may further include obtaining a temperature of the driving motor 61, and determining that the event condition occurs when the obtained temperature of the driving motor 61 exceeds a preset threshold temperature.

[0174] In the method for controlling the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, obtaining the temperature of the driving motor 61 may include: based on at least one of the current input to the driving motor 61, the power consumption of the driving motor 61 and the resistance of the driving motor 61, obtaining a temperature of the driving motor 61.

[0175] The washer 1 may further include a temperature sensor 133 configured to detect a temperature of the driving motor 61. In the method for controlling the washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, obtaining the temperature of the driving motor 61 may include obtaining the temperature of the driving motor 61 from the temperature sensor 133.

[0176] The washer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further include a water supply valve 72 configured to open or close a pipe configured to supply washing water or rinsing water to the drum 40. The method for controlling the washer 1 may further include: in response to termination of the supply of washing water or rinsing water to the drum 40 and the closing of the water supply valve 72, determining whether the event condition occurs.