Patent Application
20250066979
The disclosure relates to a washing machine for providing guidance about a washing and drying method and a control method therefor. The disclosure relates to a washing machine for providing guidance about a washing and drying method according to a time set by a user, a control method for the washing machine, and a computer-readable recording medium having stored therein a computer program for performing the control method for the washing machine.
A washing machine may include a tub that contains washing water, and a drum that is rotatably installed inside the tub and into which laundry is loaded.
A general washing machine (top loader) washes laundry in a drum as a circular pulsator is rotated. A drum washing machine (front loader) washes laundry by force of the laundry rising to the top of a drum and hitting water or other laundry when falling down.
A dryer dries laundry to be dried by evaporating moisture of the laundry to be dried by using heat. A heater dryer may dry laundry to be dried by heating the air in the dryer by using a heater and rotating a hot air fan to circulate the heated air in the dryer. A heat pump dryer may dry laundry to be dried by using a low-temperature dehumidification method of removing moisture from laundry by circulating a refrigerant.
A washing machine may include a drying function. The washing machine including the drying function may be referred to as a washer dryer combo or a washer-dryer. The washing machine including the drying function may include one drum and may dry clothes loaded in the drum after washing the clothes.
An embodiment of the disclosure may provide a washing machine for providing guidance about a washing and drying method. The washing machine may include washing components, drying components, an input interface, a display, at least one memory storing one or more instructions, and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to execute the one or more instructions stored in the memory to receive, through the input interface, a user input of setting a desired time for washing and drying of laundry to be completed. The at least one processor may be configured to execute the one or more instructions to calculate a minimum time required for the washing and drying of the laundry to be completed. The at least one processor may be configured to execute the one or more instructions to, based on determining that the desired time is less than the minimum time required, display, through the display, guide information for completing the washing and drying of the laundry within the desired time. The at least one processor may be configured to execute the one or more instructions to, based on a user input according to the guide information, drive the washing components and the drying components to wash and dry the laundry within the desired time.
An embodiment of the disclosure may provide a control method for a washing machine for providing guidance about a washing and drying method. The control method for a washing machine may include receiving a user input of setting a desired time for washing and drying of laundry to be completed. The control method may include calculating a minimum time required for completing the washing and drying of the laundry. The control method may include, based on determining that the desired time is less than the minimum time required, displaying guide information for completing the washing and drying of the laundry within the desired time. The control method may include, based on a user input according to the guide information, washing and drying the laundry within the desired time.
An embodiment of the disclosure may provide a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing, on a computer, a control method for a washing machine for providing guidance about a washing and drying method.
Before undertaking the detailed description below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.
Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in a computer readable medium. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.
Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:
Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily implement the disclosure. However, the disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiment of the disclosure described herein. Also, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in order to clearly describe the disclosure, and like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.
Terms used in the disclosure are described as general terms currently used in consideration of functions described in the disclosure, but the terms may have different meanings according to an intention of one of ordinary skill in the art, precedent cases, or the appearance of new technologies. Thus, the terms used herein should not be interpreted only by its name, but have to be defined based on the meaning of the terms together with the description throughout the specification.
While such terms as “first”, “second”, etc., may be used to describe various components, such components must not be limited to the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.
Also, the terms used in the disclosure are only used to describe a specific embodiment of the disclosure, and are not intended to limit the disclosure. An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression in the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context. Throughout the specification, when a part is “connected” to another part, the part may not only be “directly connected” to the other part, but may also be “electrically connected” to the other part with another element in between. In addition, when a part “includes” a certain component, the part may further include another component instead of excluding the other component, unless otherwise stated.
The phrase “an embodiment of the disclosure” appearing in various places in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment of the disclosure.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a washing machine for providing guidance about a washing and drying method according to a time set by a user, and a control method for the washing machine.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a washing machine for notifying whether drying of laundry is possible, and a control method for the washing machine.
Embodiments of the disclosure provides a washing machine for setting a setting value related to washing and drying by using a tag of laundry, and a control method for the washing machine.
Referring to
The washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of setting the desired time for the washing and drying of laundry in the washing machine 1000 to be completed.
For example, a quick washing and drying course may be selected by turning a dial 101 in a control panel 1510 and a +/− button 103 may be pressed to receive a user input of changing the desired time. The quick washing and drying course may be a course of washing a small amount of laundry within a time desired by the user. Upon receiving the user input of changing the desired time, the washing machine 1000 may display the changed desired time.
The washing machine 1000 may calculate a minimum time required for completing the washing and drying of the laundry.
For example, based on receiving a user input of pressing an operation button 105 after closing a door, the washing machine 1000 may perform an operation of detecting a weight of the laundry. The washing machine 1000 may calculate the minimum time required for completing the washing and drying, based on the detected weight.
Also, for example, the washing machine 1000 may obtain information about a material and weight of the laundry from a tag of the laundry and calculate the minimum time required for completing the washing and drying, based on the obtained information about the material and weight.
Based on determining that the desired time is less than the minimum time required, the washing machine 1000 may display guide information for completing the washing and drying of the laundry within the desired time.
The washing machine 1000 may display information for guiding a user to take out some of the laundry. For example, referring to
The washing machine 1000 may calculate the quantity of laundry to be taken out, based on the weight of the laundry and the desired time, and display information for guiding the user to take out the calculated quantity.
Also, the washing machine 1000 may display information for guiding the user to increase a drying temperature of the laundry. Also, the washing machine 1000 may display information for guiding the user to lower a drying level of the laundry. When the drying temperature of the laundry is increased and the drying level is lowered, a drying completion time may be reduced.
Also, the washing machine 1000 may display information for guiding the user to change a washing and drying course to a course of hot air-drying the laundry without water washing. For the laundry with low contamination, dust removal and sterilization may be performed on the laundry through hot air-drying without performing a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle, thereby reducing a processing time of the laundry.
Also, the washing machine 1000 may display information for guiding the user to change the washing and drying course to a course of steam-drying the laundry without water washing. For the laundry with low contamination, the laundry may be steamed and dried without performing a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle, thereby reducing the processing time of the laundry.
The washing machine 1000 may receive a user input according to the guide information. For example, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of taking out some of the laundry and starting the washing. Also, for example, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of increasing the drying temperature of the laundry.
Based on receiving the user input according to the guide information, the washing machine 1000 may re-calculate the minimum time required for completing the washing and drying of the laundry. Also, based on determining that the desired time is the re-calculated minimum time required or greater, the washing machine 1000 may drive washing components and drying components to wash and dry the laundry within the desired time.
By providing the quantity of laundry and the washing and drying method for adjusting to the desired time of the user, the user may easily change settings of the washing machine 1000 such that the washing and drying of the laundry are completed within the desired time.
Also, when the user needs to wash and dry one or two suits of clothes in a hurry, the washing machine 1000 may inform the user how to wash and dry within the desired time.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may provide pre-determined duration options, and wash and dry the laundry according to a washing cycle and a drying cycle corresponding to a selected duration option without having to measure the weight of the laundry.
For example, based on a user input of selecting the quick washing and drying course, the washing machine 1000 may display a plurality of duration options. Based on receiving a user input of selecting one of the plurality of duration options, the washing machine 1000 may perform washing and drying according to washing and drying setting values corresponding to the selected duration option, without having to measure the weight of the laundry.
By skipping an operation of measuring the weight of the laundry, a duration may be reduced, and the user may complete the washing and drying within a selected duration.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may store the washing setting value and the drying setting value of the laundry according to a tag identification (ID) of a tag attached to the laundry, when the washing components is driven.
When the next washing starts after the washing and drying of the laundry have ended, the washing machine 1000 may automatically set, in the washing machine 1000, the washing setting value and the drying setting value stored in response to the tag ID, based on detecting a same tag ID through a tag reader.
When a small quantity of laundry is washed, a tag ID of the laundry and a washing and drying method are stored, and then, when a same tag ID is detected, a washing setting value and a drying setting value are automatically set according to a previous usage history, and thus, a separate washing setting value is not required to be input for the small quantity of laundry that is frequently used.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may determine whether drying of the laundry is possible. Based on determining that the laundry is not dryable, the washing machine 1000 may output a notification indicating that the laundry is not dryable when a washing cycle is completed. Also, based on determining that the laundry is not dryable, the washing machine 1000 may not perform a drying cycle and stand by for an input of the user.
The washing machine 1000 determines a material of the laundry during the washing cycle after the laundry is loaded, and when the laundry is not dryable, provides the notification to the user such that the user may recognize whether the laundry is not dryable. Also, the user may select whether to proceed with drying for the laundry that is not dryable.
Referring to
The processor 1100 may control all operations of the washing machine 1000 in general. The processor 1100 may execute programs stored in the memory 1400 to control the display 1610, the input interface 1500, the washing components 1800, and the drying components 1900.
The memory 1400 stores various types of information, data, instructions, programs, and the like required for operations of the washing machine 1000. For example, the memory 1400 may store an amount of washing water, a washing cycle time, the number of rinsing cycles, a rinsing cycle time, a spin-drying cycle time, and a drying cycle time, according to a weight of laundry. Also, for example, the memory 1400 may store a washing setting value and a drying setting value according to a tag ID of the laundry.
The washing components 1800 may include a drum and a rotating motor configured to rotate the drum. Also, the washing components 1800 may include a feed valve and a drainage valve.
The processor 1100 may perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle by controlling the washing components 1800.
The washing cycle is a cycle in which water supplied from the feed valve is introduced to a tub through a detergent supply device containing laundry detergent, and then the drum is rotated to remove contamination from laundry, and may be performed in the order of water supplying, washing, draining, and general spin-drying.
The rinsing cycle is a cycle in which water supplied from the feed valve is introduced to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device or, in case of a last rinsing cycle, introduced to the tub through a softener container containing softener, and then the drum is rotated to remove detergent remaining on the laundry, and may be performed in the order of water supplying, rinsing, draining, general spin-drying, and rinsing. The rinsing cycle may be repeated two or more times.
The spin-drying cycle is a cycle in which water is separated from the laundry by rotating the drum at a high speed, and may be performed in the order of draining and strong spin-drying.
The processor 1100 may control the drying components 1900 to perform a drying cycle. The drying cycle may be a cycle in which moisture of the laundry is removed. The drying components 1900 may include at least one of a heat pump configured to remove moisture of the laundry by circulating a refrigerant or a heater configured to remove moisture of the laundry by heating the air.
The display 1610 may output, through a display panel (not shown), image data that has been processed by an image processor (not shown), according to control by the processor 1100. The display 1610 may display a set washing course, a washing setting value, a drying setting value, and a remaining time.
The input interface 1500 may convert information received from a user into an electrical signal. The input interface 1500 may include a power button, an operation button, a course selecting dial (or a course selecting button), and a washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting button.
The at least one processor 1100 may receive, through the input interface 1500, a user input of setting a desired time for washing and drying of the laundry in the washing machine 1000 to be completed.
Also, the at least one processor 1100 may calculate a minimum time required for the washing and drying of the laundry to be completed. For example, the at least one processor 1100 may calculate the minimum time required for the washing and drying of the laundry to be completed, based on a weight of the laundry.
Also, the at least one processor 1100 may, based on determining that the desired time is less than the minimum time required, display, through the display 1610, guide information for completing the washing and drying of the laundry within the desired time.
Based on receiving a user input according to the guide information, the at least one processor 1100 may drive the washing components 1800 and the drying components 1900 to wash and dry the laundry within the desired time.
The washing components 1800 and the drying components 1900 may be functionally separated configurations that perform washing and drying of clothes in one device, for convenience of description. In other words, the washing machine 1000 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be a commonly called a washer dryer combo.
In operation S310, the washing machine 1000 may receive the user input of setting the desired time for the washing and drying of the laundry to be completed.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may provide a pre-determined course of completing the washing and drying within the desired time of the user. Based on receiving a user input of selecting the pre-determined course, the washing machine 1000 may provide a user interface for setting the desired time. Through the user interface, the washing machine 1000 may receive the user input of setting the desired time.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may include the user interface for setting the desired time on a control panel. In this case, the washing machine 1000 may receive the user input of setting the desired time for the laundry without a user input of selecting a course.
In operation S320, the washing machine 1000 may calculate the minimum time required for completing the washing and drying of the laundry.
The washing machine 1000 may calculate the minimum time required, based on the weight of the laundry.
Based on receiving a user input of starting washing after the desired time is selected, the washing machine 1000 may perform an operation of measuring the weight of the laundry in the drum. For example, when the weight of the laundry is increased, friction between the drum and the laundry is increased when the drum rotates, and thus, a current consumption value of the rotating motor configured to rotate the drum may be increased. Accordingly, the washing machine 1000 may rotate the drum by driving the rotating motor and determine the weight of the laundry, based on the current consumption value of the rotating motor. Also, for example, the washing machine 1000 may obtain the information about the weight and material of the laundry from the tag of the laundry through the tag reader of the washing machine 1000.
The washing machine 1000 may calculate the minimum time required for completing the washing and drying of the laundry based on the determined weight of the laundry.
For example, the washing machine 1000 may pre-store the minimum time required according to the weight of the laundry. The minimum time required corresponding to the weight of the laundry may be experimentally determined. In this case, the minimum time required may be experimentally obtained after the washing setting value and the drying setting value are set such that a duration of each essential cycle is minimum.
For example, a washing temperature may be selected as cold water so as to exclude a process of heating washing water during the washing cycle. Also, the number of rinses may be one time. The drying temperature may also be set such that the heat pump and the heater are operated together. Also, so as to increase the drying temperature, a frequency of a compressor and a fan speed of a blowing fan may be set to be the highest possible while being set to be less than a hot air temperature that causes damage to the laundry. Also, in the washing cycle, amounts of washing water and detergent may be set to be the minimum.
Accordingly, the washing machine 1000 may store the obtained minimum time required, and washing setting value and the drying setting value when the minimum time required is calculated, according to the weight of the laundry.
For example, the minimum time required of 50 minutes may be stored according to the weight of the laundry of 0.5 kg. Also, the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and spin-drying cycle times may be stored according to the weight of the laundry. For example, according to 0.5 kg, a minimum water level feeding time of 2 minutes, cold water only washing of 5 minutes, a minimum water level draining time of 1 minute, and 400 rpm spin-drying time of 3 minutes may be stored as the washing cycle. Also, according to 0.5 kg, a minimum water level feeding time of 2 minutes, minimum rinsing of 3 minutes, a minimum water level draining time of 1 minute, and 400 rpm spin-drying time of 4 minutes may be stored as the rinsing cycle. In addition, according to the weight of laundry of 0.5 kg, a drying time of 29 minutes may be stored as the drying cycle. Accordingly, the minimum time required of 50 minutes may be stored for 0.5 kg.
In addition, for example, according to the weight of laundry of 1.0 kg, a minimum water level feeding time of 2 minutes, cold water only washing of 5 minutes, a minimum water level draining time of 1 minute, and 400 rpm spin-drying time of 3 minutes may be stored as the washing cycle. Also, according to 1.0 kg, a minimum water level feeding time of 2 minutes, minimum rinsing of 3 minutes, a minimum water level draining time of 1 minute, and 400 rpm spin-drying time of 3 minutes may be stored as a first rinsing cycle. Also, according to 1.0 kg, a minimum water level feeding time of 2 minutes, minimum rinsing of 3 minutes, a minimum water level draining time of 1 minute, and 400 rpm spin-drying time of 4 minutes may be stored as a second rinsing cycle. In addition, according to 1.0 kg, a drying time of 30 minutes may be stored as the drying cycle. Accordingly, the minimum time required of 60 minutes may be stored for the weight of laundry of 1.0 kg.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may adjust the minimum time required corresponding to the weight, based on the material of the laundry. For example, when the material of the laundry is knitwear, the washing machine 1000 may reduce a spin-drying time and a drying time to rates corresponding to knitwear. Also, when the material of the laundry is a cotton T-shirt, a drying time may be reduced by to a rate corresponding to a cotton material so as to prevent shrinking of fabric. A rate to which the minimum time required is adjusted may be experimentally determined.
The washing machine 1000 may obtain the information about the material of the laundry from the tag of the laundry. Also, the washing machine 1000 may determine the material of the laundry, based on a current of the rotating motor configured to rotate the drum.
In operation S330, based on determining that the desired time is less than the minimum time required, the washing machine 1000 may display the guide information for completing the washing and drying of the laundry within the desired time.
Based on determining that the desired time is the minimum time required or greater, the washing machine 1000 may perform the washing and drying based on the desired time. The washing machine 1000 may change setting values of the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and drying cycle such that a duration of the washing and drying is the same as the desired time, and perform the washing and drying based on the changed setting values.
For example, when the desired time is greater than the minimum time required, the washing machine 1000 may increase the number of rinses. In a case where the desired time becomes less than the minimum time required when the number of rinses is increased, the washing machine 1000 may not change the number of rinses but may increase a washing time, rinsing time, and drying time according to the desired time.
Based on determining that the desired time is less than the minimum time required, the washing machine 1000 may display the guide information for completing the washing and drying of the laundry within the desired time.
The washing machine 1000 may display guide information for guiding the user to take out some of the laundry. In this case, the washing machine 1000 may guide the user to take out clothes that take the longest time to be washed and dried among the laundry. For example, the washing machine 1000 may obtain a weight and identification information of each of the clothes in the laundry and display the guide information for guiding the user to take out some of the laundry together with identification information of heaviest clothes. Also, for example, the washing machine 1000 may obtain a material and identification information of each of the clothes in the laundry and display the guide information for guiding the user to take out some of the laundry together with identification information of clothes of a material, which has the longest duration, among the laundry.
The washing machine 1000 may display guide information for guiding the user to increase the drying temperature of the laundry. The washing machine 1000 may display guide information for guiding the user to lower the drying level of the laundry. The washing machine 1000 may display guide information for guiding the user to change a washing and drying course of the washing machine 1000 to a course of hot air-drying the laundry without the washing and rinsing cycles.
The washing machine 1000 may display two or more pieces of guide information. For example, the washing machine 1000 may display the guide information for guiding the user to lower the drying level together with the guide information for guiding the user to increase the drying temperature. Also, the washing machine 1000 may select at least one of a plurality of pieces of the guide information and display only the selected guide information.
For example, when the laundry includes clothes of a material for which a drying temperature is unable to be increased, the washing machine 1000 may display the guide information for guiding the user to lower the drying level or to take out some of the laundry.
Also, for example, in a case where the minimum time required still exceeds the desired time even when some of the laundry is taken out, the drying temperature is increased, and the drying level is lowered, the washing machine 1000 may display guide information for guiding the user to change the washing and drying course to the course of hot air-drying the laundry without the washing and rinsing cycles.
In operation S340, the washing machine 1000 may, based on the user input according to the guide information, drive the washing components and the drying components to wash and dry the laundry within the desired time.
The washing machine 1000 may receive the user input according to the guide information. For example, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of taking out some of the laundry and re-starting the washing, according to the guide information. For example, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of increasing the drying temperature. Also, for example, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of lowering the drying level. Also, for example, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of changing a course to the hot air-drying course.
Based on receiving the user input according to the guide information, the washing machine 1000 may re-calculate the minimum time required for completing the washing and drying of the laundry.
Based on determining that the desired time is the re-calculated minimum time required or greater, the washing machine 1000 may drive the washing components and the drying components to wash and dry the laundry within the desired time.
Based on determining that the desired time is less than the minimum time required, the washing machine 1000 may display the guide information for completing the washing and drying of the laundry within the desired time again.
Referring to
The washing machine 1000 may provide a “quick washing and drying” course as the course for washing and drying to be completed within the desired time of the user. The washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of selecting the “quick washing and drying” course by turning the dial 101 of the control panel 1510. Based on receiving the user input of selecting the “quick washing and drying” course, the washing machine 1000 may display a phrase 410 guiding the user to input the desired time to be taken from washing to drying by pressing the +/− button 103.
Also, based on receiving the user input of selecting the “quick washing and drying” course, the washing machine 1000 may display a phrase 421 indicating that the “quick washing and drying” course has been selected.
Also, based on receiving the user input of selecting the “quick washing and drying” course, the washing machine 1000 may display a phrase indicating that only a small quantity of one or two suits of clothes can be washed.
The washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of changing the desired time by pressing the +/− button 103. Also, the washing machine 1000 may display a changed desired time 423.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may obtain the information about the weight and material of the laundry from the tag of the laundry before starting the washing. The washing machine 1000 may calculate the minimum time required, based on the obtained information about the weight and material of the laundry. When the user input of selecting the “quick washing and drying” course is received, the washing machine 1000 may display the calculated minimum time required.
The washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of setting values related to the washing and drying, through user interfaces 431, 433, 435, 451, 453, and 455.
Washing settings may include a washing temperature, the number of rinses, and spin-drying strength. For example, the washing settings may further include the amount of washing water and information about whether to soak the laundry.
The washing machine 1000 may receive, through a washing temperature setting button 431, a user input of setting a temperature of the washing water during the washing. For example, the washing machine 1000 may set, as the washing temperature, cold water, 30° C., 40° C., or 60° C., through the washing temperature setting button 431. The washing machine 1000 may heat the supplied washing water according to the set washing temperature.
The washing machine 1000 may receive, through a number of rinses setting button 433, a user input of setting the number of rinsing cycles. For example, the washing machine 1000 may set, as the number of rinses, no rinsing, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, through the number of rinses setting button 433.
The washing machine 1000 may receive, through a spin-drying strength setting button 435, a user input of setting strength of spin-drying during the spin-drying cycle. For example, the washing machine 1000 may set, as the spin-drying strength, no draining, a first level, a second level, a third level, a fourth level, or a fifth level, through the spin-drying strength setting button 435.
Dry settings may include a drying level, an anti-wrinkle setting, and the drying time, but are not limited thereto. For example, the dry settings may include the drying temperature.
The washing machine 1000 may receive, through a drying level setting button 451, a user input of setting a dryness level of the laundry when the drying is completed. For example, the washing machine 1000 may set, as the drying level, one of a first stage to a fourth stage, through the drying level setting button 451. The first stage may denote a drying level suitable for ironing and the fourth stage may denote a drying level where thick clothing is completely dried.
The washing machine 1000 may receive, through an anti-wrinkle setting button 453, a user input of setting a function of periodically rotating the drum such that the laundry is not wrinkled when the laundry is not immediately taken out after the drying ends. For example, the washing machine 1000 may set or release an anti-wrinkle function, based on the user input of pressing the anti-wrinkle setting button 453.
The washing machine 1000 may receive, through a drying time setting button 455, a user input of setting a time during which the laundry is to be dried. Based on receiving the user input of setting the drying level, the washing machine 1000 may change the drying time according to the set drying level. Also, based on receiving the user input of setting the drying time, the washing machine 1000 may change the drying level according to the set drying time.
Referring to
Based on receiving a user input of selecting an operation button 510 after the desired time is selected, the washing machine 1000 may perform an operation of measuring the weight of the laundry in the drum. For example, when the weight of the laundry is increased, friction between the drum and the laundry is increased when the drum rotates, and thus, the current consumption value of the rotating motor configured to rotate the drum may be increased. Accordingly, the washing machine 1000 may rotate the drum by driving the rotating motor and determine the weight of the laundry, based on the current consumption value of the rotating motor. Also, for example, the washing machine 1000 may obtain the information about the weight and material of the laundry from the tag of the laundry through the tag reader of the washing machine 1000.
The washing machine 1000 may obtain the minimum time required for completing the washing and drying of the laundry, based on the determined weight of the laundry. Also, when the information about the material is obtained, the washing machine 1000 may modify the obtained minimum time required, based on the information about the material.
Upon obtaining the minimum time required, the washing machine 1000 may display a phrase 515 indicating the minimum time required of the laundry.
Also, upon obtaining the minimum time required, the washing machine 1000 may display the washing setting value and the drying setting value. For example, when the minimum time required of the laundry is obtained based on the washing temperature of cold water, the number of rinses of one time, the spin-drying strength of 4, the drying level of 4, no anti-wrinkle function, and the drying time of 29 minutes, the washing machine 1000 may display information 531 indicating that the washing temperature is cold water, information 533 indicating that the number of rinses is one time, information 535 indicating that the spin-drying strength is 4, information 551 indicating that the drying level is a fourth stage, information 553 indicating that the anti-wrinkle function is not used, and information 555 indicating that the drying time is 29 minutes.
Also, the washing machine 1000 may calculate the quantity of laundry to be taken out for the washing and drying to be completed within the desired time. For example, the washing machine 1000 may obtain, from information stored in the washing machine 1000 about a minimum time required according to a weight, a weight of laundry corresponding to a same time as the desired time from among a plurality of minimum times required. Also, the washing machine 1000 may calculate the quantity of laundry to be taken out for the washing and drying to be completed within the desired time based on the determined weight of laundry and the weight of laundry corresponding to the desired time. For example, when the determined weight of laundry is 0.6 kg and the weight of laundry corresponding to the desired time is 0.4 kg, the quantity of laundry to be taken out may be calculated to be 0.2 kg. Also, the washing machine 1000 may determine that ⅓ of the laundry in the drum needs to be taken out to complete the washing and drying within the desired time.
Based on determining that the desired time is less than the minimum time required, the washing machine 1000 may display the guide information for guiding the user to take out some of the laundry to complete the washing and drying of the laundry within the desired time.
Referring to
Referring to
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may display the guide information 610 for guiding the user to lower the drying level of the laundry, based on the material of the laundry. For example, when the material of the laundry is synthetic fabric, the user feels less discomfort even when the drying level is low, and thus, the guide information 610 for guiding the user to lower the drying level of the laundry may be displayed.
Also, the washing machine 1000 may display a notification indicating that clothes may be less dry when the drying level is lowered to be less than a currently set drying level.
The washing machine 1000 may change the drying level based on receiving a user input of pressing the drying level setting button 451. For example, the washing machine 1000 may change the drying level from a fourth stage to a third stage. Also, the washing machine 1000 may display the information 551 indicating the changed drying level.
Based on the drying level changing, the washing machine 1000 may change the drying time from 29 minutes to 24 minutes based on the changed drying level and the weight of the laundry, and display the information 555 indicating that the drying time is changed to 24 minutes. Also, the washing machine 1000 may change the minimum time required corresponding to the laundry from 50 minutes to 45 minutes, based on the changed drying level, and display information 620 indicating that the minimum time required is changed to 45 minutes.
Referring to
Also, the washing machine 1000 may display the guide information 710 indicating that the drying temperature may be adjusted by pressing and holding the +/− button 103. When the drying temperature is increased beyond a current drying temperature, the washing machine 1000 may display information indicating that clothes may shrink depending on the material of the laundry.
Based on receiving a user input of pressing and holding the +/− button 103, the washing machine 1000 may change the drying temperature. The drying temperature may be set to one of a plurality of levels. For example, based on receiving the user input of pressing and holding the +/− button 103, the washing machine 1000 may change the drying temperature to a next level of the current temperature.
The washing machine 1000 may change the drying temperature to a maximum level, based on receiving the user input of pressing and holding the + button 103 in the washing setting value and rinsing setting value of
When the drying temperature is changed to the maximum level, the washing machine 1000 may calculate the drying time based on the weight of the laundry and the changed drying temperature, and display the information 555 indicating the obtained drying time.
In the embodiment of
To increase the drying temperature, the washing machine 1000 may increase the frequency of the compressor and the fan speed of the blowing fan of the washing machine 1000.
Also, when the washing machine 1000 includes both the heat pump and the heater as heat sources for discharging moisture in the washing machine 1000, the washing machine 1000 may simultaneously drive the heat pump and the heater when the drying cycle starts, thereby maximizing a heat amount supplied to the laundry.
Referring to
When the laundry is barely contaminated, the laundry may be cleaned by removing dust, deodorizing, and sterilizing the laundry by using only hot air-drying without the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle. Also, when the laundry is barely contaminated, the laundry may be cleaned by removing wrinkles, deodorizing, and sterilizing the laundry by using only the hot air-drying after steam ejection.
A course of removing dust and performing deodorization and sterilization by using hot air or steam followed by hot air may be referred to as, for example, an air wash course, but is not limited thereto.
The air wash course does not include the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle and may clean the laundry in a shorter time than washing and drying courses including water washing because the laundry does not get wet.
The washing machine 1000 may display a description 820 about the air wash course. Also, the washing machine 1000 may display an estimated time 830 to be taken when the laundry is washed in the air wash course.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on a user input of selecting the air wash course by turning the dial 101 and pressing the operation button 510, the washing machine 1000 may perform the hot air-drying within the desired time without the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on the user input of selecting the air wash course by turning the dial 101 and pressing the operation button 510, the washing machine 1000 may perform the hot air-drying after steam ejection within the desired time without the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle.
In operation S910, the washing machine 1000 may receive a user input of selecting a quick washing and drying course of the washing machine 1000.
The quick washing and drying course may denote a course of completing the washing and drying of a small quantity of laundry within a duration selected by the user from among a plurality of duration options. Each of the plurality of duration options may be a pre-determined duration. A washing setting value and a drying setting value may be stored according to each of the plurality of duration options. Each duration option may be a time taken to complete washing and drying, based on a corresponding washing setting value and drying setting value.
Based on receiving the user input of selecting the quick washing and drying course of the washing machine 1000, guide information for guiding the user to load a small quantity of laundry may be displayed. In operation S920, based on receiving the user input of selecting the quick washing and drying course, the washing machine 1000 may display at least one duration option from among the plurality of duration options.
The washing machine 1000 may display a washing setting value and a drying setting value, which correspond to the displayed duration option, together with the displayed duration option. For example, the washing machine 1000 may indicate, together with a duration option of 40 minutes, that a washing water level is a pre-determined minimum water level (e.g., 20 L), the number of rinsing cycles is one time, and a drying time is 19 minutes.
In operation S930, based on receiving a user input of selecting one of the displayed at least one duration option, the washing machine 1000 may perform washing and drying according to the washing setting value and drying setting value, which correspond to the selected duration option, without measuring a weight of the laundry.
Because a water level of the laundry is also pre-determined, the washing machine 1000 may perform the washing and drying within the selected duration according to the washing setting value and the drying setting value, which correspond to the selected duration option, without measuring the weight of the laundry.
Referring to
Table of
A first option 110 may be an option in which a duration is 40 minutes, and may include a washing cycle of 11 minutes, a rinsing cycle of 10 minutes, and a drying cycle of 19 minutes. A second option 113 may be an option in which a duration is 50 minutes, and may include a washing cycle of 11 minutes, a rinsing cycle of 10 minutes, and a drying cycle of 29 minutes. A third option 115 may be an option in which a duration is 60 minutes, and may include a washing cycle of 11 minutes, a first rinsing cycle of 9 minutes, a second rinsing cycle of 10 minutes, and a drying cycle of 30 minutes.
A washing setting value and a drying setting value, such as a water level of washing water, a washing temperature, spin-drying strength, and a drying temperature, may be pre-stored according to each washing cycle and rinsing cycle.
Referring to
The course of performing washing and drying according to the time option selected by the user may be referred to as the “quick washing and drying” course, but is not limited thereto.
When the user input of selecting the “quick washing and drying” course is received by turning the dial 101, the washing machine 1000 may display one duration option 121 from among the plurality of duration options. Also, the washing machine 1000 may display, as a description on the “quick washing and drying” course, information 120 indicating a course of performing washing and drying according to a selected time without measuring the weight of the laundry. Also, the washing machine 1000 may display a description on how to select a duration option.
Also, the washing machine 1000 may display a washing setting value and a drying setting value, which correspond to the displayed duration option. For example, the washing machine 1000 may display, based on a duration option of 40 minutes, that the number of rinses 125 is one time and a drying time 122 is 19 minutes.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the washing and drying are performed according to a minimum duration option, the washing machine 1000 may display information indicating that the laundry may be less dry. For example, when the washing and drying are performed according to a duration option of 40 minutes, the washing machine 1000 may display phrase indicating that the laundry may be less dry.
Referring to
Based on receiving a user input of pressing the operation button 510 after a duration option 127 is selected, the washing machine 1000 may perform washing and drying based on a washing setting value and a drying setting value, which correspond to the duration option of 60 minutes. In this case, the washing machine 1000 may immediately start the washing cycle without measuring the weight of the laundry by rotating the drum.
Referring to
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may store the information about the usage history when the desired time is set by the user and the washing and drying are completed according to the desired time of the user.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may store the information about the usage history when setting values related to the washing and drying are changed by the user from a pre-stored washing and drying course.
The information about the usage history may include a washing and drying course, a washing setting value, a drying setting value, a drying time, a drying level, and a total duration, but is not limited thereto. For example, when a tag ID of the laundry is obtained from the laundry, the information about the usage history may include the tag ID of the laundry.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on receiving a user input of storing the information about the usage history after the washing and drying are completed, the washing machine 1000 may store the information about the usage history. When the tag ID is obtained from the laundry, the washing machine 1000 may store the information about the usage history according to the tag ID.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, after the washing and drying are completed, the washing machine 1000 may store the information about the usage history through a server 3000 and a user device 2000.
The server 3000 may store identification information of the washing machine 1000 and identification information of the user device 2000, according to a user account. When the washing and drying are completed, the washing machine 1000 may transmit the information about the usage history to the server 3000 based on the user account. Upon receiving the information about the usage history from the washing machine 1000, the server 3000 may transmit the information about the usage history to the user device 2000 corresponding to the user account.
Upon receiving the information from the server 3000, the user device 2000 may display information 130 about the usage history. As shown in
The user device 2000 may display a “store” button 135 for storing the information about the usage history. Based on receiving a user input of pressing the “store” button 135, the user device 2000 may transmit, to the washing machine 1000 through the server 3000, a store command to store the information about the usage history.
Based on receiving the store command from the server 3000, the washing machine 1000 may store the information about the usage history. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may store the information about the usage history according to the tag ID of the laundry.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the drying level is less than a standard drying level, the user device 2000 may display a “continue drying” button 137 for performing drying until the drying level of the laundry is the pre-determined standard drying level. The standard drying level may denote a drying level set as a default in a general drying course.
Based on receiving a user input of pressing the “continue drying” button 137, the user device 2000 may transmit, to the washing machine 1000 through the server 3000, control information instructing to perform drying until the drying level of the laundry is the standard drying level. Upon receiving the control information, the washing machine 1000 may perform the drying until the drying level of the laundry is the standard drying level.
Referring to
Based on receiving the user input of pressing the “store” button 135 displayed on the user device 2000 of
The user interface 140 may include an input field 141 for inputting identification information of the information about the usage history.
Also, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the user device 2000 may provide a user interface for modifying the information about the usage history. For example, the user device 2000 may display a drying time as a value of an input field 143 so that the drying time may be modified.
The user device 2000 may receive a user input of inputting the identification information to the input field 141 and storing the information about the usage history. According to the identification information input to the washing machine 1000 through the server 3000, the user device 2000 may transmit the store command to store the information about the usage history.
The washing machine 1000 may store the information about the usage history as a user generated course, according to the received identification information.
Based on receiving a user input of selecting the user generated course as a course for washing and drying laundry by turning the dial 101, the washing machine 1000 may display a list of user generated courses. The user generated course may be referred to as “my course list”, but is not limited thereto.
The washing machine 1000 may display identification information 145 of the user generated course as the list of user generated courses. Also, the washing machine 1000 may display a duration of the user generated course according to the identification information 145.
Based on a user input of selecting one from the list of user generated courses and pressing the operation button 510, the washing machine 1000 may wash and dry the laundry within a displayed duration, based on a washing setting value and a drying setting value of the selected user generated course.
In operation S1410, the washing machine 1000 may obtain a tag ID of laundry.
A tag of the laundry may include radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a quick response (QR) code, or a barcode, but is not limited thereto. Information about the laundry obtained from the tag of the laundry may include the tag ID, a weight of the laundry, a material of the laundry, a washing method, and a drying method, but is not limited thereto.
The washing machine 1000 may include the tag reader. The tag reader may include an RFID reader, a QR code recognition device, and a barcode recognition device, but is not limited thereto.
The washing machine 1000 may obtain the tag ID of the laundry by using the tag reader.
In operation S1420, the washing machine 1000 may determine whether there is a tag ID of previous laundry corresponding to the obtained tag ID of the laundry.
The washing machine 1000 may determine whether there is a same tag ID as the tag ID of the current laundry from among tag IDs of previous laundry. The tag IDs of the previous laundry may be tag IDs of laundry obtained from previous washes. The washing machine 1000 may store a usage history corresponding to a tag ID of laundry when washing and drying are completed. Accordingly, the usage history may be stored according to the tag ID of the previous laundry. When there is a plurality of tag IDs obtained from one wash, information about a usage history may be obtained according to the plurality of tag IDs.
The information about the usage history may include a washing and drying course, a washing setting value, a drying setting value, a drying time, a drying level, and a total duration, but is not limited thereto.
In operation S1430, based on determining that there is the tag ID of the previous laundry corresponding to the obtained tag ID of the laundry, the washing machine 1000 may set a washing setting value and a drying setting value in the washing machine 1000, based on information about the usage history stored according to the tag ID of the previous laundry.
For example, when a user input for turning the power on is received, the washing machine 1000 may set the washing setting value and the drying setting value in the washing machine 1000, based on the information about the usage history stored according to the tag ID of the previous laundry, which is the same as the tag ID of the current laundry.
In operation S1440, based on receiving a user input to start washing, the washing machine 1000 may perform washing and drying according to the set washing setting value and drying setting value.
Accordingly, during a small quantity washing, the washing machine 1000 may identify the laundry and automatically set the washing setting value and drying setting value according to a previous usage history, and thus, the user may perform the washing and drying without having to repeat a same setting for same laundry.
Referring to
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the tag reader may be provided inside the washing machine 1000. For example, an RFID reader 1755 may be provided inside the washing machine 1000 so as to recognize an RFID tag of the laundry in the drum. When a user input of turning on the power of the washing machine 1000 is received, the washing machine 1000 may obtain information about the laundry from the RFID tag of the laundry in the drum through the RFID reader 1755.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the tag reader may be provided in front of the washing machine 1000. For example, based on receiving a user input of bringing a QR code of the laundry close to a QR code recognition device in front of the washing machine 1000, the washing machine 1000 may recognize the QR code of the laundry through the QR code recognition device.
The washing machine 1000 may store information about the usage history of the laundry according to the tag ID of laundry when the washing and drying of the laundry are completed. The information about the usage history may include a washing and drying course, a washing setting value, a drying setting value, a drying time, a drying level, and a total duration, but is not limited thereto.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may store the information about the usage history according to the tag ID of the laundry when the desired time is set by the user and the washing and drying are completed according to the desired time of the user.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may store the information about the usage history according to the tag ID of the laundry when setting values related to the washing and drying are changed by the user from a pre-stored washing and drying course.
As shown in Table 151 of
The washing machine 1000 may set, in the washing machine 1000, the washing setting value and drying setting value stored according to the tag ID, based on the tag ID in which the usage history is stored being detected again through the tag reader of the washing machine 1000 when a next washing starts.
For example, when a user input of turning power on is received for the next washing, the washing machine 1000 may, based on obtaining the tag ID of the laundry, set the washing setting value and the drying setting value based on the information about the usage history stored according to the same tag ID as the obtained tag ID.
For example, when a user input of closing the door and turning power on is received, the washing machine 1000 may determine whether there is a history of performing washing and drying for same laundry as the laundry in the drum, based on the tag ID (e.g., ID3 or ID4) of the laundry in the drum. It may be determined that there is the history of performing washing and drying for the same laundry, based on the same tag ID as the tag ID (e.g., ID3 or ID4) of the laundry being found in the information about the usage history. The washing machine 1000 may set the washing setting value and the drying setting value (Washing and Drying Setting 3 in Table 151 of
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when a user input of selecting the “quick washing and drying” course corresponding to a course of completing the washing and drying within the desired time of the user is received, the washing machine 1000 may determine whether there is a history of performing washing and drying of the same laundry as the laundry in the drum.
Also, the washing machine 1000 may display information 155 about a duration of the washing and drying according to the usage history stored according to the tag of the laundry.
The washing machine 1000 may display the set washing setting value and drying setting value. Also, the washing machine 1000 may display information 153 indicating that the currently set washing setting value and drying setting value are setting values according to the usage history stored according to the tag of the laundry.
Based on receiving a user input to start washing by pressing the operation button 510, the washing machine 1000 may perform the washing and drying according to the set washing setting value and drying setting value.
In operation S1610, the washing machine 1000 may perform washing according to the washing cycle of the washing and drying course.
In operation S1620, the washing machine 1000 may determine whether the material of the laundry is a dryable material.
The washing machine 1000 may obtain the information about the laundry from the tag of the laundry in the drum through the tag reader, and the information about the laundry may include the material of the laundry. The washing machine 1000 may obtain an image of the laundry through a camera include the washing machine 1000. The washing machine 1000 may determine the material of the laundry, based on the image of the laundry. The washing machine 1000 may determine the material of the laundry, based on a current of the rotating motor configured to rotate the drum during the washing cycle. The washing machine 1000 may determine the material of the laundry based on an amount of water drained during the washing cycle or rinsing cycle.
The washing machine 1000 may determine whether the determined material of the laundry is a dryable material. For example, when the material of the laundry is leather, fur, velvet, silk, wool, latex, or rubber, the washing machine 1000 may determine that the material of the laundry is not a dryable material.
Based on determining that the material of the laundry is not a dryable material in operation S1620, the washing machine 1000 may output information notifying that the material of the laundry is not a dryable material, in operation S1630.
Based on determining that the material of the laundry is not a dryable material, the washing machine 1000 may output a pre-determined notification sound. The pre-determined notification sound may be voice notifying that there is laundry that is not dryable in the drum. Also, the pre-determined notification sound may be pre-determined buzzer sound.
The washing machine 1000 may output the notification sound after the washing is completed and before the drying cycle is started.
Also, the washing machine 1000 may transmit, to a user device through a server, a notification indicating that there is laundry that is not dryable in the drum. The user device may display the notification received from the server.
The washing machine 1000 may transmit, to the user device through the server, the notification that there is laundry that is not dryable in the drum before the washing is completed or before the drying cycle is started after the washing is completed.
In operation S1640, the washing machine 1000 may determine whether to proceed with the drying cycle of the laundry, based on a user input on whether to proceed with the drying of the laundry.
The washing machine 1000 may display a user interface for selecting whether to proceed with the drying of the laundry.
The washing machine 1000 may determine whether to proceed with the drying cycle of the laundry based on the user input on whether to proceed with the drying of the laundry. Also, the washing machine 1000 may receive, from the user device through the server, the user input on whether to proceed with the drying of the laundry and determine whether to proceed with the drying cycle of the laundry based on the received user input.
When the user input on whether to proceed with the drying cycle is not received even after the washing is completed, the washing machine 1000 may not proceed with the drying cycle and stand by.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may drive the blowing fan while standing by for the user input to prevent the laundry from being wrinkled.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, based on a standby time for the user input exceeding a pre-determined time, the washing machine 1000 may perform the rinsing cycle or the spin-drying cycle again to prevent the laundry from being wrinkled or having a bad smell.
Based on determining that the material of the laundry is not a dryable material in operation S1620 or receiving the user input of proceeding with the drying of the laundry despite that the material of the laundry is not a dryable material in operation S1640, the washing machine 1000 may perform the drying cycle after the washing cycle is ended, in operation S1650.
After the drying cycle is performed in operation S1650 or based on receiving the user input of not proceeding with the drying of the laundry when the material of the laundry is not a dryable material in operation S1640, the washing machine 1000 may end the drying cycle in operation S1660.
Accordingly, the user may proceed with the drying cycle when the user determines that the importance of the laundry is not high and to proceed with the drying. Also, the user may end the washing and drying without proceeding with the drying when the laundry is expensive or important.
Referring to
However, not all illustrated components are essential components of the washing machine 1000. The washing machine 1000 may be implemented by including more components than those shown in
Same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those shown in
The washing machine 1000 according to various embodiments of the disclosure may perform the washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying cycles. The washing machine 1000 is an example of a clothing processing device, wherein the clothing processing device has a concept encompassing a device for washing clothes (target to be washed or target to be dried), a device for drying clothes, and a device for both washing and drying clothes.
The washing machine 1000 according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a top-loading washing machine in which laundry loading portion for putting in or taking out the laundry is provided to face upward or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry loading portion is provided to face forward. The washing machine 1000 according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include any other loading type washing machine other than the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.
The top-loading washing machine may wash laundry by using a water flow generated by a rotator, such as a pulsator. The front-loading washing machine may wash laundry by rotating a drum to repeatedly lift and drop the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washer dryer combo that may dry laundry accommodated in the drum. The washer dryer combo may include a hot air supplying device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture of the air discharged from the drum. For example, the washer dryer combo may include a heat pump device. The washing machine 1000 according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a washing machine using a washing method other than the above-described washing method.
The washing machine 1000 according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a housing accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry loading portion at one side.
The washing machine 1000 may include a door for opening or closing the laundry loading portion. The door may be rotatably mounted on the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or semi-transparent such that the inside of the housing is visible.
The washing machine 1000 may include a tub provided inside the housing to store water. The tub may have approximately a cylindrical shape with a tub opening at one side and may be arranged inside the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry loading portion.
The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may attenuate vibration transmitted to the housing by absorbing the vibration generated when the drum is rotated.
The washing machine 1000 may include the drum provided to accommodate laundry.
The drum may be arranged inside the tub such that a drum opening provided at one side corresponds to the laundry loading portion and the tub opening. The laundry may be loaded into the drum by sequentially passing through the laundry loading portion, the tub opening, and the drum opening, or may be taken out from the drum.
The drum may rotate inside the tub to perform operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying cycles. A plurality of holes may be formed on a cylindrical wall of the drum such that water stored in the tub may flow into or out of the drum.
The processor 1100 controls all operations of the washing machine 1000. The processor 1100 may control the components of the washing machine 1000 by executing a program stored in the memory 1400.
The processor 1100 may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) configured to perform operations of a machine learning model. In addition, the processor 1100 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like.
The memory 1400 stores various types of information, data, instructions, programs, and the like required for operations of the washing machine 1000. The memory 1400 may include at least one of a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory 1400 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, a secure digital (SD) or an extreme digital (XD) memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Also, the washing machine 1000 may operate a web storage or cloud server (not shown) configured to perform a storage function on the Internet.
The at least one processor 1100 and the at least one memory 1400 may be included in one controller. For example, the at least one processor 1100 and the at least one memory 1400 may be included in one micro controller unit (MCU).
The washing components 1800 may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum. The driving device may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft transmitting driving force generated in the driving motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum through the tub.
The driving device may rotate the drum forward or backward to perform operations according to each of the washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying, or drying cycles.
The washing components 1800 may include a feed device configured to supply water to the tub. The feed device may include a feed pipe and a feed valve provided at the feed pipe. The feed pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The feed pipe may extend from the 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. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.
The feed valve may open or close the feed pipe in response to an electrical signal of the controller. The feed valve may allow or prevent water from being supplied from the external water supply source to the tub. The feed valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that is opened or closed in response to an electrical signal.
The washing components 1800 may include the detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device to which the user needs to put detergent to be used during each washing and an automatic detergent supply device in which a large quantity of detergent is stored and a specific amount of detergent is automatically discharged during each washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent storage device for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a feeding process. Water supplied through the feed pipe may be mixed with detergent through the detergent supply device. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a term encompassing pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, and bleach, and the detergent supply device may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage region, a main wash detergent storage region, a fabric softener storage region, and a bleach storage region.
The washing components 1800 may include a drainage device configured to drain water accommodated in the tub. The drainage device may include a draining pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a draining valve provided at the draining pipe to open or close the draining pipe, and a pump provided on the draining pipe. The pump may pump water of the draining pipe to the outside of the housing.
The drying components 1900 may include at least one of the heat pump configured to remove moisture of laundry by circulating a refrigerant or the heater configured to remove moisture of the laundry by heating the air. Also, the drying components 1900 may include a blowing motor and a blowing fan.
The washing machine 1000 may include the control panel 1510 of
The at least one input interface 1500 may convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal. The input interface 1500 may receive a user input for controlling the washing machine 1000.
The input interface 1500 may include a user input device including a touch panel detecting the user's touch, a button receiving a push operation of the user, a wheel receiving a rotation operation of the user, a keyboard, and a dome switch, but is not limited thereto.
Also, the input interface 1500 may include a motion detection sensor (not shown). For example, the motion detection sensor may be configured to detect movement of the user and receive the detected movement as a user input.
The input interface 1500 is configured to receive a user input and transmit the same to the processor 1100.
The at least one input interface 1500 may include the power button, the operation button, the course selecting dial (or the course selecting button), and the washing/rinsing/spin-drying/drying setting button. The at least one input interface 1500 may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or the microphone 1200.
The at least one output module 1600 may visually or auditorily transmit, to the user, information related to an operation of the washing machine 1000.
For example, the at least one output module 1600 may transmit, to the user, a washing course and information related to an operating time, washing settings/rinsing settings/spin-drying settings/drying settings of the washing machine 1000. The information related to an operation of the washing machine 1000 may be output through a screen, an indicator, or speech. The at least one output module 1600 may include the display 1610 and a sound output module 1620.
The display 1610 may output, through a display panel (not shown), image data that has been processed by an image processor (not shown), according to control by the processor 1100. The display panel may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin-film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, or an electrophoretic display.
The sound output module 1620 may output a sound signal to the outside of the washing machine 1000. The sound output module 1620 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for a general purpose, such as multimedia reproduction or recording reproduction.
The microphone 1200 may receive a speech command or speech request of the user. Accordingly, the processor 1100 may control an operation corresponding to the speech command or speech request to be performed. Also, the microphone 1200 may receive sound around the washing machine 1000.
The communication module 1300 may transmit or receive, to or from an external device (not shown) or the server 3000, information according to a protocol under control by the processor 1100. The communication module 1300 may include at least one communication module and at least one port, which transmit or receive data to or from the external device or the server 3000.
Also, the communication module 1300 may communicate with the external device through at least one wired or wireless communication network. The communication module 1300 may include at least one or a combination of a short-range wireless communication module 1310 or a long-range communication module 1320. The communication module 1300 may include at least one antenna for communicating with another device wirelessly.
The communication module 1300 may transmit data to the 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 1300 may establish communication with the server 3000 and/or the user device 2000 and/or another home appliance, and transmit or receive various types of data.
In this regard, the communication module 1300 may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel with the external device, and communication through an established communication channel. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 1300 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). The communication module 1300 may communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network, such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, 5th generation (5G) network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or computer network (e.g., an LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). Various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., a plurality of chips).
The short-range wireless communication module 1310 may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, or a microwave (uWave) communication module, but is not limited thereto.
The long-range communication module 1320 may include a communication module performing various types of long-range communication, and may include a mobile communicator. The mobile communicator may transmit or receive a wireless signal to or from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or the server 3000, on a mobile communication network.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 1300 may communicate with the external device, such as the server 3000, the user device 2000, or another home appliance, through an access point (AP) around the communication module 1300. The AP may connect an LAN to which the washing machine 1000 or the user device 2000 is connected to a WAN to which the server 3000 is connected. The washing machine 1000 or the user device 2000 may be connected to the server 3000 through the WAN.
The controller may control various components (e.g., the driving motor and the feed valve) of the washing machine 1000. The controller may be referred to as an MCU. The controller may control various components of the washing machine 1000 to perform at least one cycle including feeding, washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying, according to a user input. For example, the controller may control the driving motor of the washing components 1800 to adjust a rotating speed of the drum or control the feed valve of the feeding device of the washing components 1800 to supply water to the tub.
The controller may include the processor 1100, a hardware such as the memory 1400, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include at least one memory storing data in the form of an algorithm or program to control operations of the components in the washing machine 1000 and at least one processor configured to perform the above-described operations by using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may be implemented in separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or 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 in a single chip.
The sensor 1700 may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a water level sensor.
The tag reader 1750 may include an RFID reader, a QR code recognition device, and a barcode recognition device, but is not limited thereto.
The at least one processor 1100 may receive, through the input interface 1500, a user input of setting a desired time for washing and drying of laundry to be completed.
The at least one processor 1100 may calculate a minimum time required for the washing and drying of the laundry to be completed.
The at least one processor 1100 may, based on determining that the desired time is less than the minimum time required, display, through the display 1610, guide information for completing the washing and drying of the laundry within the desired time.
Based on a user input according to the guide information, the at least one processor 1100 may drive the washing components 1800 and the drying components 1900 to wash and dry the laundry within the desired time.
The at least one processor 1100 may display, through the display 1610, information for guiding the user to take out some of the laundry.
The at least one processor 1100 may display, through the display 1610, information for guiding the user to increase a drying temperature.
The at least one processor 1100 may display, through the display 1610, information for guiding the user to lower a drying level.
The at least one processor 1100 may display, through the display 1610, information for guiding the user to change a washing and drying course of the washing machine 1000 to a hot air-drying course that does not include water washing of the laundry.
The at least one processor 1100 may calculate the minimum time required for the washing and drying of the laundry to be completed, based on a weight of the laundry.
The at least one processor 1100 may display the minimum time required through the display 1610.
The at least one processor 1100 may re-calculate the minimum time required for the washing and drying of the laundry to be completed, based on a user input according to the guide information.
Based on determining that the desired time is the re-calculated minimum time required or greater, the at least one processor 1100 may drive the washing components 1800 and the drying components 1900 to wash and dry the laundry within the desired time.
The at least one processor 1100 may receive, through the input interface 1500, a user input of selecting a quick washing and drying course of the washing machine 1000. Based on receiving the user input of selecting the quick washing and drying course of the washing machine 1000, the at least one processor 1100 may display a plurality of duration options through the display 1610.
Based on receiving a user input of selecting one of the plurality of duration options, the at least one processor 1100 may perform the washing and drying according to a washing setting value and a drying setting value, which correspond to the selected duration option, without measuring the weight of the laundry.
The at least one processor 1100 may determine whether the laundry is dryable.
Based on determining that the laundry is not dryable, the at least one processor 1100 may output a notification indicating that the laundry is not dryable through the output module 1600 without performing the drying.
The at least one processor 1100 may store the washing setting value and the drying setting value of the laundry, according to a tag ID of the laundry, when the washing and drying of the laundry are completed.
The at least one processor 1100 may set the washing setting value and the drying setting value, which are stored according to the tag ID, based on the tag ID being detected again through the tag reader 1750 of the washing machine 1000, when a next washing starts.
A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the “non-transitory storage medium” only denotes a tangible device and does not contain a signal (for example, electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish a case where data is stored in the storage medium semi-permanently and a case where the data is stored in the storage medium temporarily. For example, the “non-transitory storage medium” may include a buffer where data is temporarily stored.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method according to various embodiments of the disclosure in the present specification may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program products are products that can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of machine-readable storage medium (for example, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed (for example, downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly or online between two user devices (for example, smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product (for example, a downloadable application) may be at least temporarily generated or temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a memory of a relay server.
Although the present disclosure has been described with various embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2023-0112282 | Aug 2023 | KR | national |
| 10-2023-0188789 | Dec 2023 | KR | national |
This application is a Bypass Continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2024/007403, filed May 30, 2024, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0112282, filed Aug. 25, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0188789, filed Dec. 21, 2023, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/KR2024/007403 | May 2024 | WO |
| Child | 18747978 | US |
