WASHING MACHINE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME
20260132561 ยท 2026-05-14
Inventors
- Byeongwon BAE (Suwon-si, KR)
- Sungwoon KANG (Suwon-si, KR)
- Jungyoon KIM (Suwon-si, KR)
- Kyoungtae PARK (Suwon-si, KR)
- Eunsuk BANG (Suwon-si, KR)
- Yuri Lee (Suwon-si, KR)
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes memory, including one or more storage media, storing instructions including water usage pattern information of a user, communication circuitry configured to communicate with a server and a user terminal to receive usage environment information, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the communication circuitry, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, cause the washing machine to perform a water usage reduction mode based on the water usage pattern information of the user stored in the memory, the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal, or water usage information.
Claims
1. A washing machine comprising: memory, comprising one or more storage media, storing instructions including water usage pattern information of a user; communication circuitry configured to communicate with a server and a user terminal to receive usage environment information; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the communication circuitry, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, cause the washing machine to perform a water usage reduction mode based on the water usage pattern information of the user stored in the memory, the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal, or water usage information.
2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, further cause the washing machine to determine whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on a comparison result between water usage progressive rate information stored in the memory and the water usage information.
3. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, further cause the washing machine to change an entry timing of the water usage reduction mode based on the water usage pattern information of the user stored in the memory and the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal.
4. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, further cause the washing machine to determine whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on a comparison result between target water usage information received from the user terminal and the water usage information.
5. The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, further cause the washing machine to change an entry timing of the water usage reduction mode based on the water usage pattern information of the user stored in the memory and the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal.
6. The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising: a drum configured to accommodate laundry; and a water level sensor configured to detect a water level of water inside the drum, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, further cause the washing machine to obtain the water usage information based on a detection result of the water level sensor according to a water level-to-water usage correlation formula stored in the memory.
7. The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising: a motor configured to rotate a drum or a pulsator, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, further cause the washing machine to increase a rotation speed and a rotation time of the motor in response to entering the water usage reduction mode.
8. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, further cause the washing machine to calculate information about an amount of water saved by performing the water usage reduction mode, and transmit the calculated information about the amount of saved water to the user terminal through the communication circuitry.
9. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, further cause the washing machine to, in response to information about a limited water usage amount being received from the user terminal, transmit information about a number of possible washes based on the limited water usage amount and information about an increased number of possible washes according to the water usage reduction mode to the user terminal through the communication circuitry.
10. A method of controlling a washing machine, the method comprising: storing water usage pattern information of a user; receiving usage environment information from a server and a user terminal; and performing a water usage reduction mode based on the stored water usage pattern information of the user, the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal, or water usage information.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the performing of the water usage reduction mode includes determining whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on a comparison result between water usage progressive rate information and the water usage information.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the performing of the water usage reduction mode includes changing an entry timing of the water usage reduction mode based on the stored user water usage pattern information and the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the performing of the water usage reduction mode includes determining whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on a comparison result between target water usage information received from the user terminal and the water usage information.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the performing of the water usage reduction mode includes changing an entry timing of the water usage reduction mode based on the stored user water usage pattern information and the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the washing machine further includes: a drum configured to accommodate laundry, and a water level sensor configured to detect a water level of water inside the drum, and wherein the method further includes obtaining the water usage information based on a detection result of the water level sensor according to a stored water level-to-water usage correlation formula.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: increasing a rotation speed and a rotation time of a motor, configured to rotate a drum or a pulsator, in response to entering the water usage reduction mode.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: calculating information about an amount of water saved by performing the water usage reduction mode, and transmit the calculated information about the amount of saved water to the user terminal through communication circuitry configured to communicate with a server and a user terminal to receive usage environment information.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: in response to information about a limited water usage amount being received from the user terminal, transmitting information about a number of possible washes based on the limited water usage amount and information about an increased number of possible washes according to the water usage reduction mode to the user terminal through communication circuitry configured to communicate with a server and a user terminal to receive usage environment information.
19. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a washing machine individually or collectively, cause the washing machine to perform operations, the operations comprising: storing water usage pattern information of a user; receiving usage environment information from a server and a user terminal; and performing a water usage reduction mode based on the stored water usage pattern information of the user, the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal, or water usage information.
20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 19, wherein the performing of the water usage reduction mode includes determining whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on a comparison result between water usage progressive rate information and the water usage information.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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[0026] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0028] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0029] It is to be understood that the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a component surface includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.
[0030] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.
[0031] In this document, phrases, such 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 any one or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.
[0032] As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.
[0033] Terms, such as 1.sup.st, 2.sup.nd, primary, or secondary may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components, without limiting the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).
[0034] When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being (functionally or communicatively) coupled, or connected to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.
[0035] It will be understood that when the terms includes, comprises, including, and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.
[0036] It will be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being connected to, coupled to, supported by or in contact with another component, it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component. When a component is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component, it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.
[0037] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being on another component, it may be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.
[0038] It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include computer-executable instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.
[0039] Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.
[0040]
[0041] Referring to
[0042] The home appliance 10 may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance 10 may, as shown in the accompanying drawings, include a refrigerator 1100, a dishwasher 1200, an electric range 1300, an electric oven 1400, an air conditioner 1500, a clothing care apparatus 1600, a washing machine 1, a dryer 1800, and a microwave oven 1900, without being limited thereto. For example, the home appliance 10 may include various types of appliances not shown in the drawings, such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, a television, and the like. Furthermore, the aforementioned home appliances are only examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, other appliances connected to other home appliance, the user device 2, or the server 3 to perform operations described below may be included in the home appliance 10 according to an embodiment.
[0043] The server 3 may include a communication module communicating with other server, the home appliance 10, or the user device 2, at least one processor processing data received from other server, the home appliance 10, or the user device 2, and at least one memory storing programs for processing data or processed data. The server 3 may be implemented as a variety of computing devices, such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, a data station, and the like. The server 3 may be implemented as one or more server physically or logically separated based on a function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data through communication between servers and process the transmitted and received data.
[0044] The server 3 may perform functions, such as managing a user account, registering the home appliance 10 in association with the user account, managing or controlling the registered home appliance 10, and the like. For example, a user may access the server 3 via the user device 2 and may generate a user account. The user account may be identified by an identifier (ID) and a password set by the user. The server 3 may register the home appliance 10 to the user account according to a predetermined procedure. For example, the server 3 may link identification information of the home appliance 10 (such as a serial number or media access control (MAC) address) to the user account to register, manage, and control the home appliance 10. The user device 2 may include a communication module capable of communicating with the home appliance 10 or the server 3, a user interface receiving a user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor controlling an operation of the user device 2, and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the user device 2.
[0045] The user device 2 may be carried by a user, or placed in a user's home or office, or the like. The user device 2 may include a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smartphone, a handheld device, a wearable device, and the like, without being limited thereto.
[0046] The memory of the user device 2 may store a program for controlling the home appliance 10, i.e., an application. The application may be sold installed on the user device 2, or may be downloaded from an external server for installation.
[0047] By executing the application installed on the user device 2 by a user, the user may access the server 3, generate a user account, and perform communication with the server 3 based on the login user account to register the home appliance 10.
[0048] For example, by operating the home appliance 10 to enable the home appliance 10 to access the server 3 according to a procedure guided by the application installed on the user device 2, the server 3 may register the home appliance 10 with the user account by assigning the identification information (such as a serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance 10 to the corresponding user account.
[0049] A user may control the home appliance 10 using the application installed on the user device 2. For example, by logging into a user account with the application installed on the user device 2, the home appliance 10 registered in the user account appears, and by inputting a control command for the home appliance 10, the control command may be delivered to the home appliance 10 via the server 3.
[0050] A network may include both a wired network and a wireless network. The wired network may include a cable network or a telephone network, and the wireless network may include any networks transmitting and receiving a signal via radio waves. The wired network and the wireless network may be connected to each other.
[0051] The network may include a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an Access Point (AP), and a short range wireless network not using an AP. The short range wireless network may include Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1, Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4, Wi-Fi direct, near field communication (NFC), and Z-Wave, without being limited thereto.
[0052] The AP may connect the home appliance 10 or the user device 2 to a WAN connected to the server 3. The home appliance 10 or the user device 2 may be connected to the server 3 via a WAN.
[0053] The AP may communicate with the home appliance 10 or the user device 2 using wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1, Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4, or the like, and access a WAN using wired communication, without being limited thereto.
[0054] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the home appliance 10 may be directly connected to the user device 2 or server 3 without going through an AP.
[0055] The home appliance 10 may be connected to the user device 2 or the server 3 via a long range wireless network or a short range wireless network.
[0056] For example, the home appliance 10 may be connected to the user device 2 via a short range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).
[0057] In another example, the home appliance 10 may be connected to the user device 2 or the server 3 via a WAN using a long range wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).
[0058] In still another example, the home appliance 10 may access a WAN using wired communication, and may be connected to the user device 2 or the server 3 via a WAN.
[0059] Upon accessing a WAN using wired communication, the home appliance 10 may also act as an access point. Accordingly, the home appliance 10 may connect other home appliances to a WAN to which the server 3 is connected. Further, other home appliances may connect the home appliance 10 to the WAN to which the server 3 is connected.
[0060] The home appliance 10 may transmit information about an operation or state to other home appliances, the user device 2, or the server 3 via the network. For example, the home appliance 10 may transmit information about an operation or state to other home appliances, the user device 2 or the server 3 upon receiving a request from the server 3, in response to an event in the home appliance 10, or periodically or in real time. In response to receiving the information about the operation or state from the home appliance 10, the server 3 may update the stored information about the operation or state of the home appliance 10 and transmit the updated information about the operation and state of the home appliance 10 to the user device 2 via the network. Here, updating the information may include various operations in which existing information is changed, such as adding new information to the existing information, replacing the existing information with new information, and the like.
[0061] The home appliance 10 may obtain various information from other home appliances, the user device 2, or the server 3, and may provide the obtained information to a user. For example, the home appliance 10 may obtain information related to a function of the home appliance 10 (e.g., recipes, washing instructions, or the like) from the server 3 and various environment information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, or the like), and may output the obtained information via a user interface.
[0062] The home appliance 10 may operate according to a control command received from other home appliances, the user device 2, or the server 3. For example, the home appliance 10 may operate in accordance with a control command received from the server 3, based on a prior authorization obtained from a user to operate in accordance with the control command of the server 3 even without a user input. Here, the control command received from the server 3 may include a control command input by the user via the user device 2 or a control command based on preset conditions, without being limited thereto.
[0063] The user device 2 may transmit information about a user to the home appliance 10 or the server 3 through the communication module. For example, the user device 2 may transmit information about a user's location, a user's health status, a user's preference, a user's schedule, or the like, to the server 3. The user device 2 may transmit information about the user to the server 3 based on the user's prior authorization.
[0064] The home appliance 10, the user device 2, or the server 3 may use techniques, such as artificial intelligence to determine a control command. For example, the server 3 may receive information about an operation or a state of the home appliance 10 or information about a user of the user device 2, process the received information using techniques, such as artificial intelligence, and transmit a processing result or a control command to the home appliance 10 or the user device 2 based on the processing result.
[0065] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described
[0066] Washing machines according to various embodiments may perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. The washing machine is an example of a clothes care apparatus, and the clothes care apparatus is a concept including a device capable of washing clothes (objects to be washed, and objects to be dried), a device capable of drying clothes, and a device capable of washing and drying clothes.
[0067] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for inserting or withdrawing laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine that is in a loading type other than the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.
[0068] In the top-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed using water current generated by a rotating body, such as a pulsator. In the front-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed by repeatedly lifting and lowering laundry by rotating a drum. The front-loading washing machine may include a dryer combined washing machine capable of drying laundry stored in a drum. The dryer combined washing machine may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from air discharged from the drum. For example, the dryer combined washing machine may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine using a washing method other than the above-described washing method.
[0069] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box including a laundry inlet on one side thereof.
[0070] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the inside of the housing to be seen.
[0071] The washing machine may include a tub arranged inside the housing to store water. The tub may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed at one side thereof. The tub may be disposed inside the housing in such a way that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.
[0072] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibration generated when the drum rotates, and the damper may reduce vibration transmitted to the housing.
[0073] The washing machine may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.
[0074] The drum may be disposed inside the tub in such a way that a drum opening provided at one side of the drum corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening, sequentially and then be accommodated in the drum or withdrawn from the drum.
[0075] The drum may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying while rotating inside the tub. A plurality of through holes may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the tub to be introduced into or to be discharged from the drum.
[0076] The washing machine may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum. The driving device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub to be connected to the drum.
[0077] The driving device may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying, or drying processes by rotating the drum in a forward or reverse direction.
[0078] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve disposed in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from an external water supply source to a detergent supply device and/or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent supply device. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.
[0079] The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal of a controller. The water supply valve may allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water supply source. The water supply valve may include a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.
[0080] The washing machine may include the detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to input detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically inputs a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent box for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a term including detergent for pre-washing, detergent for main washing, fabric softener, bleach, or the like, and the detergent box may be partitioned into a storage region for the pre-washing detergent, a storage region for the main washing detergent, a storage region for the fabric softener, and a storage region for the bleach.
[0081] The washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from a bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve disposed on the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump disposed on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.
[0082] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.
[0083] The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.
[0084] The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.
[0085] The at least one output interface may visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the washing machine to a user.
[0086] For example, the at least one output interface may transmit information related to a washing course, operation time of the washing machine, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying settings to the user. Information about the operation of the washing machine may be output through a screen, an indicator, or voice. The at least one output interface may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.
[0087] The washing machine may include a communication module for wired and/or wireless communication with an external device.
[0088] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module.
[0089] The communication module may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and/or a home appliance) or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module may establish communication with a server and/or a user device and/or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various types of data.
[0090] For the communication, the communication module may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network, such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as one component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).
[0091] The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, or the like, but is not limited thereto.
[0092] The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.
[0093] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module may communicate with an external device, such as a server, a user device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN), to which a washing machine or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The washing machine or the user device may be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The controller may control various components of the washing machine (e.g., the drive motor, and the water supply valve). The controller may control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying according to a user input. For example, the controller may control the drive motor to adjust the rotational speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.
[0094] The controller may include hardware, such as a CPU or memory, and software, such as a control program. For example, the controller may include at least one memory for storing an algorithm and program-type data for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine, and at least one processor configured to perform the above-mentioned operation by using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.
[0095] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.
[0096] A washing machine 1 according to one embodiment may be a top loading washing machine (1a; see
[0097]
[0098]
[0099] Referring to
[0100] The housing 11a may include a housing opening 12a formed to allow access to the inside of a drum 30a. The housing opening 12a may be open toward approximately the upper side.
[0101] The washing machine 1a may include a door 13a for opening and closing the housing opening 12a provided in the housing 11a. The door 13a may be rotatably mounted on the housing 11a by a hinge. At least a portion of the door 13a may be formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material to allow the inside of the housing 11a to be visible.
[0102] The washing machine 1a may include a tub 20a inside the housing 11a to store water. The tub 20a may be disposed in the housing 11a. The tub 20a may include a tub opening 22a formed to correspond to the housing opening 12a. The tub opening 22a may be open toward approximately the upper side. The tub 20a may be supported inside the housing 11a. The tub 20a may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open.
[0103] The tub 20a may be elastically supported by the housing 11a via a damper 80a. The damper 80a may connect the housing 11a and the tub 20a. In a case where vibration generated during rotation of the drum 30a is transmitted to the tub 20a and/or the housing 11a, the damper 80a may absorb vibrational energy between the tub 20a and the housing 11a to attenuate the vibration.
[0104] The washing machine 1a may include the drum 30a for accommodating laundry. The drum 30a may be rotatable inside the tub 20a. The drum 30a may perform washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying while rotating inside the tub 20a. The drum 30a may include through-holes 34a that connect an internal space of the drum 30 a and an internal space of the tub 20a. The drum 30a may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open.
[0105] A balancing unit 36a may be installed on the upper side of the drum 30a to eliminate any load imbalance caused by the laundry. The balancing unit 36a may include a balancer housing having an annular channel and a mass (such as a ball or fluid) movably provided inside the channel. As the drum 30a rotates, the ball or the fluid may move to eliminate the load imbalance of the drum 30a. A ball provided inside the balancer housing is referred to as a ball balancer, and a fluid provided inside the balancer housing is referred to as a fluid balancer.
[0106] The balancer housing may be mounted on the drum 30a, and at least one ball balancer or a fluid balancer may be provided therein.
[0107] A pulsator 37a may be rotatable on the lower side of the drum 30a to generate a flow of washing water. The laundry may be washed by the washing water flow generated by the pulsator 37a.
[0108] The drum 30a may include a drum opening 32a formed to correspond to the housing opening 12a and the tub opening 22a. Laundry may be put into or taken out of the drum 30a through the housing opening 12a, the tub opening 22a, and the drum opening 32a.
[0109] The washing machine 1a may include a washing machine driving device 40a for rotating the drum 30a and the pulsator 37a. The washing machine driving device 40a may include a motor 41a, and a shaft system for transmitting driving force generated by the motor 41a to the drum 30a and the pulsator 37a.
[0110] The motor 41a may include a stator 48a, which is fixed, and a rotor 49a, which electromagnetically interacts with the stator 48a to rotate.
[0111] The shaft system may include a spin-drying shaft 47a to transmit the driving force of the motor 41a to the drum 30a, a washing shaft 46a to transmit the driving force of the motor 41a to the pulsator 37a, and a clutch device 45a to connect or disconnect the motor 41a and the spin-drying shaft 47a.
[0112] The spin-drying shaft 47a may be formed with a hollow portion, and the washing shaft 46a may be disposed inside the hollow portion of the spin-drying shaft 47a. The washing shaft 46a may remain connected to the rotor 49a of the motor 41a, and the spin-drying shaft 47a may be connected to or disconnected from the rotor 49a of the motor 41a by the clutch device 45a.
[0113] When the clutch device 45a disconnects the spin-drying shaft 47a from the motor 41a, only the washing shaft 46a receives the driving force, and thus only the pulsator 37a rotates. When the clutch device 45a connects the spin-drying shaft 47a to the motor 41a, both the spin-drying shaft 47a and the washing shaft 46a receive the driving force, and thus the drum 30a and the pulsator 37a rotate simultaneously.
[0114] In a case where only the pulsator 37a rotates, the pulsator 37a generates a washing water flow, and the laundry rotates within the drum 30a due to the washing water flow and rubs against the drum 30a for washing. In a case where the pulsator 37a and the drum 30a rotate simultaneously, water in the laundry is separated due to centrifugal force as the laundry rotates inside the drum 30a, and thus the laundry is spin-dried.
[0115] The washing machine 1a may include a water supply device 50a. The water supply device 50a may supply water to the tub 20a. The water supply device 50a may be located on an upper side of the tub 20a. The water supply device 50a may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve installed in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source and extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device 60a and/or the tub 20a. Water may be supplied to the tub 20a through the detergent supply device 60a or may be supplied to the tub 20a without passing through the detergent supply device 60a.
[0116] The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal. The water supply valve may allow or block the supply of water from the external water source to the tub 20a. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens or closes in response to an electrical signal.
[0117] The washing machine 1a may include a detergent supply device 60a for supplying detergent to the tub 20a. The detergent supply device 60a may be configured to supply detergent into the tub 20a during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may pass through the detergent supply device 60a and mix with the detergent. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub 20a. The detergent may include not only a washing detergent but also a dryer softener, a deodorant, a sanitizer, an air freshener, and the like.
[0118] The washing machine 1a may include a drainage device 70a. The drainage device 70a may discharge water stored in the tub 20a to the outside. A drain 21a for draining water from the tub 20a may be formed at a lower portion of the tub 20a. A drain hose 74a may be connected to the drain 21a, and a drain valve 72a for opening or closing the drain hose 74a may be installed in the drain hose 74a.
[0119] The washing machine 1a may provide a user interface 15a for interaction between a user and the washing machine 1a.
[0120] The washing machine 1a may include at least one user interface 15a. The user interface 15a may include at least one input interface 16a and at least one output interface 17a.
[0121] The at least one input interface 16a may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.
[0122] The at least one input interface 16a may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting buttons. The at least one input interface 16a may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.
[0123] The at least one output interface 17a may generate sensory information to deliver various types of information about operations of the washing machine 1a to the user.
[0124] For example, the at least one output interface 17a may deliver information related to a washing course, operation time of the washing machine 1a, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying settings to the user. Information about operations of the washing machine 1a may be output via a screen, an indicator, or voice. The at least one output interface 17a may include, for example, an LCD panel, an LED panel, a speaker, and the like.
[0125]
[0126]
[0127] Referring to
[0128] The washing machine housing 11b may include a housing opening 12b formed to allow access to the inside of a drum 30b. The housing opening 12b may be open toward approximately the front side.
[0129] The washing machine 1b may include a door 13b for opening and closing the housing opening 12b provided in the washing machine housing 11b. The door 13b may be rotatably mounted on the washing machine housing 11b by a hinge 14b. At least a portion of the door 13b may be formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material to allow the inside of the washing machine housing 11b to be visible.
[0130] The washing machine 1b may include a tub 20b inside the washing machine housing 11b to store water. The tub 20b may be disposed in the washing machine housing 11b. The tub 20b may include a tub opening 22b formed to correspond to the housing opening 12b. The tub opening 22b may be open toward approximately the front side. The tub 20b may be supported inside the washing machine housing 11b. The tub 20b may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open.
[0131] The tub 20b may be elastically supported by the washing machine housing 11b via a damper 80b. The damper 80b may connect the washing machine housing 11b and the tub 20b. In a case where vibration generated during rotation of the drum 30b is transmitted to the tub 20b and/or the washing machine housing 11b, the damper 80b may absorb vibrational energy between the tub 20b and the washing machine housing 11b to attenuate the vibration.
[0132] The washing machine 1b may include the drum 30b for accommodating laundry. The drum 30b may be rotatable inside the tub 20b. The drum 30b may perform washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying while rotating inside the tub 20b. The drum 30b may include through-holes 34b that connect an internal space of the drum 30 b and an internal space of the tub 20b. The drum 30b may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open. At least one lifter 35b may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the drum 30b to allow laundry to be lifted and dropped during rotation of the drum 30b.
[0133] A balancing unit 36b may be installed on one side (e.g., the front side) of the drum 30b to eliminate any load imbalance caused by the laundry. The balancing unit 36b may include a balancer housing having an annular channel and a mass (such as a ball or fluid) movably provided inside the channel. As the drum 30b rotates, the ball or the fluid may move to eliminate the load imbalance of the drum 30b. A ball provided inside the balancer housing is referred to as a ball balancer, and a fluid provided inside the balancer housing is referred to as a fluid balancer.
[0134] The balancer housing may be mounted on the drum 30b, and at least one ball balancer or a fluid balancer may be provided therein.
[0135] The drum 30b may include a drum opening 32b formed to correspond to the housing opening 12b and the tub opening 22b. Laundry may be put into or taken out of the drum 30b through the housing opening 12b, the tub opening 22b, and the drum opening 32b.
[0136] The washing machine 1b may include a washing machine driving device 40b for rotating the drum 30b. The washing machine driving device 40b may include a motor 41b, and a rotary shaft 42b for transmitting driving force generated by the motor 41b to the drum 30b. The rotary shaft 42b may penetrate the tub 20b and be connected to the drum 30b.
[0137] The washing machine 1b may be classified into a direct driving type in which the rotary shaft 42b is directly connected to the motor 41b to rotate the drum 30b, or an indirect driving type in which a pulley 43b is connected between the motor 41b and the rotary shaft 42b to drive the drum 30b.
[0138] The washing machine 1b according to an embodiment may be an indirect driving type, but is not limited thereto, and may also be configured as a direct driving type.
[0139] One end of the rotary shaft 42b may be connected to the drum 30b, and the other end may be connected to the pulley 43b in order to receive driving force from the motor 41b. A motor pulley 41ab may be formed on a rotation shaft of the motor 41b. A driving belt 44b may be provided between the motor pulley 41ab and the pulley 43b, and thus the rotary shaft 42b is driven by the driving belt 44b.
[0140] A bearing housing 45b may be installed on the rear portion of the tub 20b to rotatably support the rotary shaft 42b. The bearing housing 45b may be formed of an aluminum alloy and may be inserted into the rear portion of the tub 20b during injection molding of the tub 20b.
[0141] The washing machine driving device 40b may perform washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying or drying operations by rotating the drum 30b forward or backward.
[0142] The washing machine 1b may include a water supply device 50b. The water supply device 50b may supply water to the tub 20b. The water supply device 50b may be located on an upper side of the tub 20b. The water supply device 50b may include a water supply pipe 51b and a water supply valve 56b installed in the water supply pipe 51b. The water supply pipe 51b may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe 51b may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device 60b and/or the tub 20b. Water may be supplied to the tub 20b through the detergent supply device 60b or without passing through the detergent supply device 60b.
[0143] The water supply valve 56b may open or close the water supply pipe 51b in response to an electrical signal. The water supply valve 56b may allow or block the supply of water from the external water source to the tub 20b. The water supply valve 56b may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens or closes in response to an electrical signal.
[0144] The washing machine 1b may include a detergent supply device 60b for supplying detergent to the tub 20b. The detergent supply device 60b may be configured to supply detergent into the tub 20b during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe 51b may pass through the detergent supply device 60b and mix with the detergent. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub 20b. The detergent may include not only a washing detergent but also a dryer softener, a deodorant, a sanitizer, an air freshener, and the like. The detergent supply device 60b may be connected to the tub 20b through a connection pipe 61b.
[0145] The washing machine 1b may include a drainage device 70b. The drainage device 70b may discharge water stored in the tub 20b to the outside. The drainage device 70b may include a drain pump 73b for pumping out water from the tub 20b to the outside of the washing machine housing 11b, a connection hose 71b connecting the tub 20b and the drain pump 73b to allow water inside the tub 20b to flow into the drain pump 73b, and a drain hose 74b guiding water pumped by the drain pump 73b to the outside of the washing machine housing 11b. The drainage device 70b may include a drain valve 72b installed in the connection hose 71b to open or close the connection hose 71b.
[0146] The washing machine 1b may provide a user interface 15b for interaction between a user and the washing machine 1b.
[0147] The washing machine 1b may include at least one user interface 15b. The user interface 15b may include at least one input interface 16b and at least one output interface 17b.
[0148] The at least one input interface 16b may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.
[0149] The at least one input interface 16b may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting buttons. The at least one input interface 16b may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.
[0150] The at least one output interface 17b may generate sensory information to deliver various types of information about operations of the washing machine 1b to the user.
[0151] For example, the at least one output interface 17b may deliver information related to a washing course, operation time of the washing machine 1b, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying settings to the user. Information about operations of the washing machine 1b may be output via a screen, an indicator, or voice. The at least one output interface 17b may include, for example, an LCD panel, an LED panel, an LED module, a speaker, and the like.
[0152]
[0153] Referring to
[0154] The user interface 15 may provide an interface for interaction between a user and the washing machine 1.
[0155] The user interface 15 may include at least one input interface (16; 16a, 16b) and at least one output interface (17; 17a, 17b).
[0156] The at least one input interface 16 may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.
[0157] The at least one input interface 16 may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting buttons. The at least one input interface 16 may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.
[0158] The at least one output interface 17 may generate sensory information to deliver various types of information about operations of the washing machine 1 to the user.
[0159] For example, the at least one output interface 17 may deliver information related to a washing course, operation time of the washing machine 1, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying settings to the user. Information about operations of the washing machine 1 may be output via a screen, an indicator, or voice. The at least one output interface 17 may include, for example, an LCD panel, an LED panel, a speaker, and the like.
[0160] The driving device (40; 40a, 40b) may include the motor (41; 41a, 41b) for providing driving force to rotate the drum (30; 30a, 30b), and a driving circuit 200 for driving the motor 41. The motor 41 may operate based on a driving current supplied from the driving circuit 200. The driving device 40 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 90.
[0161] The washing machine 1 may include at least one sensor for obtaining information about an operating state of the washing machine 1. For example, the washing machine 1 may include a water level sensor 95 that detects the water level of water contained inside the drum. The water level sensor 95 may transmit sensor data to the controller 90.
[0162] The communication circuitry 96 may transmit and receive various information by performing communication with the server 3 or the user device 2. The communication circuitry 96 may be a concept that includes the aforementioned communication module.
[0163] The controller 90 may include memory 92 storing control programs and control data for controlling the user interface 15, the driving device 40, the communication circuitry 96 and the like, and at least one processor 91 generating control signals according to the control programs and control data stored in the memory 92. The memory 92 and the processor 91 may be integrally or separately provided.
[0164] The memory 92 may store a water level/water usage correlation formula to be described later, and may store programs and data for controlling the user interface 15, the driving device 40, and the communication circuitry 96.
[0165] The memory 92 may include volatile memory, such as static random access memory (S-RAM) or dynamic RAM (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory 92 may include non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), or electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM) for long-term data storage.
[0166] The processor 91 may include various logic circuits and arithmetic circuits, process data according to programs provided from the memory 92, and generate control signals based on the processing result.
[0167] In a case where a method according to at least an embodiment of the disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one processor or by a plurality of processors. For example, in a case where a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by the method according to at least an embodiment of the disclosure, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by one processor, or the first and second operations may be performed by a first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by a second processor (e.g., an AI-dedicated processor).
[0168] For example, the controller 90 may be mounted on a printed circuit board provided on the rear side of the user interface 15.
[0169] The controller 90 may be electrically connected to the user interface 15, the driving device 40, the water level sensor 95, and the communication circuitry.
[0170]
[0171] Referring to
[0172] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1 may provide a plurality of washing courses.
[0173] A user may select one washing course from among the plurality of washing courses through the user interface 15 and then start the selected washing course.
[0174] The processor 91 may perform a water usage reduction mode that reduces the amount of water required to perform the washing course when starting the washing course at operation 703.
[0175] Specifically, water usage pattern information of a user may be stored in the memory 92. The water usage pattern information may be calculated through information about a frequency at which the user performs washing courses during a specific period and the like. A water usage correlation formula according to a water level of water inside the drum may be stored in the memory 92, and the processor 91 may obtain information about water usage based on the water level of water inside the drum detected by the water level sensor 95 and the correlation formula stored in the memory 92. For example, information about water usage for each period according to the execution of washing operations may be obtained, and such water usage pattern information may be stored in the memory 92.
[0176] In addition, the communication circuitry 96 may communicate with the server 3 and the user device 2 to receive usage environment information. Specifically, the communication circuitry 96 may receive environmental information about seasons and temperature from the server 3, and information about the number of users of the washing machine 1, such as family members, through the user device 2.
[0177] The processor 91 may perform the water usage reduction mode based on the water usage pattern information of the user stored in the memory 92, the usage environment information received from the server 3 and user device 2, or water usage information.
[0178] As the amount of water used in a washing operation decreases, to compensate for washing performance, the processor 91 may further increase the rotation speed and rotation time of the motor that rotates the drum or pulsator upon entering the water usage reduction mode. More specifically, the processor 91 may increase the rotation speed and rotation time of the motor during a rinsing operation, in which the greatest performance variation may occur as the amount of water decreases.
[0179] Accordingly, rinsing performance that may be degraded due to the reduced amount of water may be compensated.
[0180] Such a water usage reduction mode may also be performed directly through user input or the like. The user may input a command to perform the water usage reduction mode through the user device 2, or may input a command to perform the water usage reduction mode through an input device included in the washing machine 1.
[0181] Upon such a command to perform the water usage reduction mode being input, the processor 91 may perform the water usage reduction mode when executing a washing course.
[0182] As another embodiment of the disclosure, the water usage reduction mode may be performed by transmitting a command for performing the water usage reduction mode from an application in an external device, such as the server 3 or the user device 2 to the washing machine 1.
[0183] For example, water usage pattern information related to a frequency at which a user performs washing courses during a specific period, and the like may be received from external devices, such as the server 3 or the user device 2.
[0184] In addition, the server 3 may receive usage environment information from external devices, such as the user device 2, or external devices, such as the user device 2 may receive usage environment information input into applications.
[0185] Applications in the external devices, such as the server 3 or the user device 2 may determine whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on the water usage pattern information and the usage environment information, and may transmit a command to perform the water usage reduction mode to the washing machine 1.
[0186] The processor 91 may perform the water usage reduction mode based on the command to perform the water usage reduction mode received from the external devices, such as the server 3 or the user device 2.
[0187]
[0188]
[0189] Referring to
[0190] The processor 91 may compare the water usage progressive rate information stored in the memory 92 with water usage information at operation 801 and determine whether to perform the water usage reduction mode at operation 803.
[0191] For example, as shown in
[0192] The processor 91 may also change the entry timing of the water usage reduction mode based on the water usage pattern information of the user stored in the memory 92 and the usage environment information received from the server 3 and the user device 2 at operation 805.
[0193] For example, when information indicating that the current season is summer and high temperatures is maintained is received from the server 3, the number of washing courses may increase. Accordingly, even when the current water usage is less than 300 [L], the entry timing may be changed to allow earlier entry into the water usage reduction mode.
[0194] In addition, when the number of family members received from the user device 2 is large, the number of washing courses may increase. Accordingly, even when the current water usage is less than 300 [L], the entry timing may be changed to allow earlier entry into the water usage reduction mode.
[0195] By performing the water usage reduction mode based on the water usage pattern information of the user or the usage environment information, water usage may be reduced, thereby saving water bills.
[0196] The water usage information may include not only the amount of water used by the washing machine 1 but also the amount of water used by various home appliances within the household.
[0197] For example, the water usage reduction mode may be performed by considering together information about the amount of water used by various home appliances that use water, such as a dishwasher, a water purifier, or a refrigerator including a water purifier. These home appliances may be linked with the user device 2 and managed in an integrated manner through an application on the user device 2.
[0198] Hereinafter, the water usage information described below may include not only water usage information of water used by the washing machine 1 but also water usage information of water used by various home appliances that use water within the household.
[0199]
[0200] Referring to
[0201] The processor 91 may perform the water usage reduction mode based not only on the water usage progressive rate information but also on target water usage information input by the user.
[0202] The processor 91 may compare target water usage information received from the user device 2 with current water usage information at operation 1001. The processor 91 may determine whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on a result of the comparison at operation 1003.
[0203] For example, a monthly target water usage received from the user device 2 may be 400 [L] and in response to a current water usage being about 300 [L], the processor 91 may perform the water usage reduction mode to prevent the total monthly water usage from exceeding 400 [L]. For example, the entry timing of the water usage reduction mode may be determined according to the water usage. The water usage of 300 [L] for entering the water usage reduction mode is merely an example, and may be appropriately determined considering the target water usage.
[0204] In addition, the processor 91 may change the entry timing of the water usage reduction mode based on the water usage pattern information of the user stored in the memory 92 and the usage environment information received from the server 3 and the user device 2 at operation 1005.
[0205] For example, when information indicating that the current season is summer and high temperatures is maintained is received from the server 3, the number of washing courses may increase. Accordingly, even when the current water usage is less than 300 [L], the entry timing may be changed to allow earlier entry into the water usage reduction mode.
[0206] In addition, when the number of family members received from the user device 2 is large, the number of washing courses may increase. Accordingly, even when the current water usage is less than 300 [L], the entry timing may be changed to allow earlier entry into the water usage reduction mode.
[0207] In the above embodiment of the disclosure, the total water usage is set by receiving a target water usage through the user device 2. However, the processor 91 may also automatically calculate the water usage by communicating with a water storage device, such as a water tank and the like through the communication circuitry 96. For example, by communicating with a water tank used in an apartment and the like through the communication circuitry 96, information about the amount of available water may be received, and the water usage reduction mode may be performed based on the information.
[0208]
[0209] Referring to
[0210] Referring to
[0211] In addition, information provided through the user device 2 or display (i.e., the user interface 15) may include not only the above-described information about water savings but also information about the number of possible washes or washing scheduling.
[0212] The processor 91 may transmit information about the number of possible washes based on information about a limited water usage received from the user device 2 and information about an increased number of possible washes according to the water usage reduction mode to the user device 2 through the communication circuitry 96
[0213] For example, in response to a limited water usage being received from the user device 2, the processor 91 may calculate the number of possible washes based on the limited amount of water, and transmit information about washing scheduling based on the number of possible washes to the user device 2.
[0214] Accordingly, information about the number of possible washes or washing scheduling by week/month/year or a designated period may be displayed on the user device 2, allowing users to easily perform washing courses while saving water. In addition, information about the number of possible washes and washing scheduling based on the amount of water saved by performing the water usage reduction mode may be displayed.
[0215] In addition, as described above, the processor 91 may receive information about available amount of water by communicating with a water storage/supply device, such as a water tank, through the communication circuitry 96.
[0216] The processor 91 may calculate the number of possible washes based on the information about available amount of water received from the water tank and the like, and may transmit information about washing scheduling based on the number of possible washes to the user device 2.
[0217] Accordingly, information about the number of possible washes or washing scheduling by week/month/year or a designated period may be displayed on the user device 2, allowing users to easily perform washing courses while saving water. In addition, information about the number of possible washes and washing scheduling based on the amount of water saved by performing the water usage reduction mode may be displayed.
[0218] By displaying information about the amount of water saved from performing the water usage reduction mode and information about an increased number of possible washes from performing the water usage reduction mode and washing scheduling performable within a limited amount of water, users may efficiently recognize the amount of saved water.
[0219] A washing machine according to an embodiment may include memory storing water usage pattern information of a user, communication circuitry configured to communicate with a server and a user terminal to receive usage environment information, and at least one processor configured to perform a water usage reduction mode based on the water usage pattern information of the user stored in the memory, the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal, or water usage information.
[0220] According to the disclosure, water usage can be efficiently saved by automatically performing the water usage reduction mode in consideration of a user's usage pattern or usage environment.
[0221] Furthermore, by displaying information about the amount of water saved from performing the water usage reduction mode and an increased number of possible washes within a limited amount of water from performing the water usage reduction mode on an application, the user can efficiently recognize the amount of saved water.
[0222] The at least one processor may be configured to determine whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on a comparison result between water usage progressive rate information stored in the memory and the water usage information.
[0223] The at least one processor may be configured to change an entry timing of the water usage reduction mode based on the user water usage pattern information stored in the memory and the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal.
[0224] The at least one processor may be configured to determine whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on a comparison result between target water usage information received from the user terminal and the water usage information.
[0225] The at least one processor may be configured to change an entry timing of the water usage reduction mode based on the user water usage pattern information stored in the memory and the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal.
[0226] The washing machine may further include a drum configured to accommodate laundry, and a water level sensor configured to detect a water level of water inside the drum, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to obtain the water usage information based on a detection result of the water level sensor according to a water level-to-water usage correlation formula stored in the memory.
[0227] The washing machine may further include a motor configured to rotate a drum or a pulsator, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to increase a rotation speed and a rotation time of the motor in response to entering the water usage reduction mode.
[0228] The at least one processor may be configured to calculate information about the amount of water saved by performing the water usage reduction mode, and transmit the calculated information about the amount of saved water to the user terminal through the communication circuitry.
[0229] The at least one processor may be configured to, in response to receiving information about a limited water usage amount from the user terminal, transmit information about the number of possible washes based on the limited water usage amount and information about an increased number of possible washes according to the water usage reduction mode to the user terminal through the communication circuitry.
[0230] A method of controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment may include storing water usage pattern information of a user, receiving usage environment information from a server and a user terminal, and performing a water usage reduction mode based on the stored water usage pattern information of the user, the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal, or water usage information.
[0231] The performing of the water usage reduction mode may include determining whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on a comparison result between water usage progressive rate information and the water usage information.
[0232] The performing of the water usage reduction mode may include changing an entry timing of the water usage reduction mode based on the stored user water usage pattern information and the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal.
[0233] The performing of the water usage reduction mode may include determining whether to perform the water usage reduction mode based on a comparison result between target water usage information received from the user terminal and the water usage information.
[0234] The performing of the water usage reduction mode may include changing an entry timing of the water usage reduction mode based on the stored user water usage pattern information and the usage environment information received from the server and the user terminal.
[0235] The washing machine may further include a drum configured to accommodate laundry, and a water level sensor configured to detect a water level of water inside the drum, wherein the method may further include obtaining the water usage information based on a detection result of the water level sensor according to a stored water level-to-water usage correlation formula.
[0236] The washing machine may further include a motor configured to rotate a drum or a pulsator, and the method may further include, in response to entering the water usage reduction mode, increasing a rotation speed and a rotation time of the motor.
[0237] The method may further include calculating information about an amount of water saved by performing the water usage reduction mode, and transmitting the calculated information about the amount of saved water to the user terminal through the communication circuitry.
[0238] The method may further include in response to receiving information about a limited water usage amount from the user terminal, transmitting information about a number of possible washes based on the limited water usage amount and information about an increased number of possible washes according to the water usage reduction mode to the user terminal through the communication circuitry.
[0239] According to an aspect of the disclosure, water usage can be efficiently reduced by automatically performing a water usage reduction mode in consideration of a user's usage patterns or usage environment.
[0240] In addition, by displaying, on an application, the amount of water saved by performing the water usage reduction mode and the increased number of possible washes within a limited amount of water according to the performing of the water usage reduction mode, users can efficiently recognize the amount of saved water.
[0241] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be embodied as a computer-readable recording medium.
[0242] The computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording media in which instructions which may be decoded by a computer are stored, for example, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage device, and the like.
[0243] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.
[0244] Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.
[0245] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.
[0246] While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in forms and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.