Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Description
Title of Invention: WASHING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR
CONTROLLING THE SAME
Technical Field
[11 The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a method for
controlling the
same.
Background Art
[2] A washing machine is an electronic appliance that washes laundry, such
as clothing,
bedding, towels, fabrics, and the like. The washing machine may include one or
more
washing tubs configured to store laundry and wash water therein, and may wash
laundry by rotation of the washing tub.
131 The washing tub of the washing machine may include a rotary pulsator
installed at a
bottom surface thereof, or may include a rotary rod having wings installed at
the center
thereof, such that the washing machine may wash laundry by rotating the
pulsator or
the rotary rod.
[4] The washing machine provided with the pulsator may wash laundry stored
in the
washing tub using eddy currents produced by rotating the pulsator disposed at
the
bottom surface of the washing tub at a high speed. The washing machine may
agitate
laundry by periodically rotating the pulsator in different directions within
the range of
a predetermined angle, such that the laundry may be washed.
[51 The washing machine may include a laundry inlet (or opening) provided
at a front
thereof, and may include a drum that rotates while being tilted at a
predetermined
angle with respect to a line perpendicular to the ground. In this case,
laundry may be
washed using a head of water obtained by rotation of the drum.
[6] The washing machine may perform a washing process using various
methods as
described above. Upon completion of the washing process, the washing machine
may
wash laundry by further performing at least one of a rinsing process and a
dehydration
process in order of precedence.
171 The above information is presented as background information only to
assist with an
understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and
no
assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior
art with
regard to the present disclosure.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
[81 Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-
mentioned
problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described
below.
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Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing
machine
having a plurality of washing tubs, which reduces or removes excessive
vibration
caused by simultaneous operation of the plurality of washing tubs, and a
method for
controlling the same.
[91 Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing
machine for solving
unbalance caused by eccentricity of laundry when the laundry is washed using
one or
more washing tubs, and a method for controlling the same.
[10] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the
description which
follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned
by
practice of the disclosure.
Solution to Problem
[11] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a washing
machine is
provided. The washing machine includes a first rotary tub, a first driver
configured to
rotate the first rotary tub, a second rotary tub, a second driver configured
to rotate the
second rotary tub, and at least one processor configured to control the first
driver and
the second driver in a manner that the first rotary tub and the second rotary
tub rotate,
wherein the at least one processor, if a rotation speed of the first rotary
tub is equal to
or higher than a first reference speed, controls the second driver such that a
rotation
speed of the second rotary tub increases to a target speed and then decreases.
[12] If the rotation speed of the first rotary tub is equal to or higher
than the first reference
speed and if the rotation speed of the second rotary tub is equal to or higher
than the
target speed, the at least one processor may control the second driver in a
manner that
the rotation speed of the second rotary tub decreases.
[13] The at least one processor may shut off power applied to the second
driver when the
rotation speed of the second rotary tub reaches the target speed.
[14] The rotation speed of the first rotary tub and the rotation speed of
the second rotary
tub may include a rotation speed to be generated in a dehydration process.
[15] One of the first rotary tub and the second rotary tub may rotate about
a vertical axis,
and the other one of the first rotary tub and the second rotary tub may rotate
about a
horizontal axis.
[16] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a washing
machine is
provided. The washing machine includes a first rotary tub, a first driver
configured to
rotate the first rotary tub, a second rotary tub, a second driver configured
to rotate the
second rotary tub, and at least one processor configured to control the first
driver and
the second driver in a manner that the first rotary tub and the second rotary
tub rotate,
wherein the at least one processor controls the first driver and the second
driver in a
manner that, according to a rotation speed of one of the first rotary tub or
the second
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rotary tub, a rotation speed of the other one of the first rotary tub or the
second rotary
tub is adjusted.
[17] If the second rotary tub is kept at a predetermined rotation speed and
if the rotation
speed of the first rotary tub is less than a third reference speed, the at
least one
processor may control the second driver in a manner that the rotation speed of
the
second rotary tub is higher than the predetermined rotation speed. If the
second rotary
tub is kept at a predetermined rotation speed and if the rotation speed of the
first rotary
tub is higher than the third reference speed, the at least one processor may
control the
second driver in a manner that the rotation speed of the second rotary tub is
kept at the
predetermined rotation speed.
[18] If the rotation speed of the second rotary tub increases, the at least
one processor may
control the second driver in a manner that an increased rotation speed of the
second
rotary tub is maintained for a predetermined time.
[19] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method
for controlling
a washing machine is provided. The method includes measuring a rotation speed
of a
first rotary tub, comparing a rotation speed of the first rotary tub with a
first reference
speed, and if the rotation speed of the first rotary tub is equal to or higher
than the first
reference speed, controlling the second driver in a manner that a rotation
speed of the
second rotary tub increases to a target speed and then decreases.
[20] If the rotation speed of the first rotary tub is equal to or higher
than the first reference
speed and if the rotation speed of the second rotary tub is equal to or higher
than the
target speed, the method may further include controlling the second driver in
a manner
that the rotation speed of the second rotary tub decreases.
[21] The controlling the second driver in a manner that the rotation speed
of the second
rotary tub increases to the target speed and then decreases may include: if
the rotation
speed of the second rotary tub reaches the target speed, shutting off power
applied to
the second driver.
[22] The rotation speed of the first rotary tub and the rotation speed of
the second rotary
tub may include a rotation speed to be generated in a dehydration process.
[23] One of the first rotary tub or the second rotary tub may rotate about
a vertical axis,
and the other one of the first rotary tub or the second rotary tub may rotate
about a
horizontal axis.
[24] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a washing
machine is
provided. The washing machine includes a first rotary tub, a first driver
configured to
rotate the first rotary tub, a second rotary tub installed adjacent to the
first rotary tub, a
second driver configured to rotate the second rotary tub, an operation sensing
portion
configured to detect operation of at least one of the second rotary tub or the
second
driver, and at least one processor configured to determine whether unbalance
occurs in
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the second rotary tub on the basis of the detection result, and when the
unbalance
occurs in the second rotary tub in a washing process or a dehydration process,
configured to increase an amount of wash water stored in the second rotary tub
or to
change operation of the second driver.
[25] The operation sensing portion may include at least one of: a rotary-
tub operation
sensing portion configured to detect vibration of the second rotary tub, or a
driver
operation sensing portion configured to detect at least one of a rotation
speed of the
second driver, a voltage applied to the second driver, or a current applied to
the second
driver.
[26] The at least one processor may change the operation of the second
driver by reducing
a target rotation speed of the driver, by reducing an operation rate of the
driver, by
changing at least one of rotation acceleration or rotation deceleration of the
driver, or
by reducing at least one of an operation period or a stopped period of the
driver.
[27] After the at least one processor increases the amount of wash water
stored in the
second rotary tub or changes the operation of the second driver, if a
predetermined
time has elapsed, the at least one processor may reduce the amount of wash
water
stored in the rotary tub or controls the driver to re-execute a legacy
operation.
[28] After unbalance occurs in the second rotary tub several times, the at
least one
processor may increase the amount of wash water stored in the second rotary
tub or
may change an operation profile of the second driver.
[29] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will
become apparent
to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which,
taken in con-
junction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the
present
disclosure.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[30] As is apparent from the above description, a washing machine including
a plurality
of washing tubs and a method for controlling the same according to the
embodiments
of the present disclosure may reduce or remove excessive vibration caused by
si-
multaneous operation of the plurality of washing tubs, and a method for
controlling the
same.
[31] In accordance with the above-mentioned washing machine and method for
con-
trolling the same, when one washing tub includes a plurality of washing tubs,
the re-
spective washing tubs may be controlled according to operations of different
washing
tubs, resulting in increased operation efficiency of each washing tub.
[32] In accordance with the above-mentioned washing machine and method for
con-
trolling the same, in order to reduce or mitigate vibration encountered when
one of the
plurality of washing tubs operates at a high rotation frequency of a motor, at
least
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another one of the plurality of washing tubs need not always stop operation.
[33] In accordance with the above-mentioned washing machine and method for
con-
trolling the same, although one of the plurality of washing tubs operates, at
least
another one of the plurality of washing tubs need not always stop operation,
such that a
standby time of the at least one other washing tub may be minimized or
removed,
resulting in reduction of a consumption time needed for washing and
dehydration
processes.
[34] In accordance with the above-mentioned washing machine and method for
con-
trolling the same, when unbalance occurs in the washing tub by eccentricity of
laundry
stored in the washing tub, the washing machine may untangle and disperse
tangled
laundry, such that unbalance in the washing tub is removed.
[35] In accordance with the above-mentioned washing machine and method for
con-
trolling the same, since unbalance in the washing tub is removed, unnecessary
vibration is prevented from being applied to the washing tub, resulting in
prevention of
wear and damage to the washing tub.
[36] In accordance with the above-mentioned washing machine and method for
con-
trolling the same, since unbalance in the washing tub is removed, washing
efficiency in
at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration
process is more
improved.
Brief Description of Drawings
[37] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a washing machine according to
an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure;
[38] FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a drive speed
of a first washing
portion or a second washing portion in washing and dehydration processes of
the
washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[39] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for controlling a
rotation speed
of a second washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[40] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a rotation
speed of a first
washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[41] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating an example of a method for controlling
a rotation speed
of a second washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[42] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a rotation
speed of a first
washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[43] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating an example of a method for controlling
a rotation speed
of a second washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[44] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a rotation
speed of a first
washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
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[45] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating an example of a method for controlling
a rotation speed
of a first washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[46] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a rotation
speed of a second
washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[47] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a washing machine according to
an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure;
[48] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an example of a sensing portion mounted
to a washing
tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[49] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a situation in which an unbalance
occurs in a washing
tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[50] FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a rotation
speed of a driver
when unbalance occurs in a washing tub according to an embodiment of the
present
disclosure;
[51] FIG. 15 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a method for
changing a water
level of wash water stored in a washing tub according to an embodiment of the
present
disclosure;
[52] FIG. 16 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a method for
changing a water
level of wash water stored in a washing tub according to an embodiment of the
present
disclosure;
[53] FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a first example of change in a rotation
speed of a driver
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[54] FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a second example of change in a
rotation speed of a
driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[55] FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating an example of change in an operation
rate of a driver
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[56] FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a method
for changing an
operation start time and an operation end time of a driver according to an
embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[57] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a first example of a method for
controlling rotation of a
washing tub when unbalance occurs in the washing tub according to an
embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[58] FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a second example of a method for
controlling rotation
of a washing tub when unbalance occurs in the washing tub according to an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure;
[59] FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a third example of a method for
controlling rotation of a
washing tub when unbalance occurs in the washing tub according to an
embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[60] FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a fourth example of a method for
controlling rotation of
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a washing tub when unbalance occurs in the washing tub according to an
embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[61] FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according
to an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure;
[62] FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a first housing and a second housing of
the washing
machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[63] FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the washing
machine according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[64] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the second
housing according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[65] FIG. 29 is a view illustrating a fixed bracket and some parts of a
front housing of the
washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[66] FIG. 30 is a side view illustrating a coupling position between the
fixed frame and
the front housing of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the
present
disclosure;
[67] FIG. 31 is a control block diagram illustrating a washing machine
according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[68] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing
machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[69] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing
machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[70] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing
machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[71] FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing
machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[72] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing
machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[73] FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing
machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[74] FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing
machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[75] FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing
machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[76] FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing
machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[77] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to
refer to like
parts, components, and structures.
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Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention
[78] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings
is provided
to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the
present
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 present disclosure. In addition,
descriptions
of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and
conciseness.
[79] 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 present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be
apparent
to those skilled in the art that the following description of various
embodiments of the
present disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the
purpose of
limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[80] 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.
[81] Throughout the specification of the present disclosure, terms
"..part", "..module",
µ`..member", "..block", and the like mean an element capable of being
implemented by
hardware, software, or a combination thereof. As used in the specification and
appended claims, the term "..parts", "..modules", "..members", or "..blocks"
may be
implemented by a single constituent element, or the term "..part", "..module",
µ`..member", or "..block" may include a plurality of constituent elements.
[82] Throughout the specification of the present disclosure, if it is
assumed that a certain
part is connected (or coupled) to another part, the term "connection or
coupling" means
that the certain part is directly connected (or coupled) to another part
and/or is in-
directly connected (or coupled) to another part. Here, direct connection may
refer to
physical connection, and indirect connection may refer to electrical
connection.
[83] Throughout the specification of the present disclosure, if it is
assumed that a certain
part includes a certain component, the term "comprising or including" means
that a
corresponding component may further include other components unless context
clearly
indicates otherwise.
[84] In description of the present disclosure, the terms "first" and
"second" may be used
to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the
terms.
These terms may be used to distinguish one component from another component.
[85]
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[86] Various embodiments of a washing machine including a first washing
portion and a
second washing portion according to the present disclosure will hereinafter be
described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
[87] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a washing machine according to
an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure.
[88] Referring to FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 according to an embodiment
of the
present disclosure may include a first washing portion 10 to wash laundry, and
a
second washing portion 20 that washes laundry and is operable with the first
washing
portion 10 at the same time or at different times.
[89] The first washing portion 10 may be provided to perform at least one
of a washing
process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process. The second washing
portion 20
may be provided to perform at least one of a washing process, a rinsing
process, and a
dehydration process. In this case, processes operable by the first washing
portion 10
may be identical to processes operable by the second washing portion 20. Alter-
natively, some of the processes operable by the first washing portion 10 may
be
identical to some of the processes operable by the second washing portion 20,
and
some other processes operable by the first washing portion 10 may be different
from
some other processes operable by the second washing portion 20. In addition,
processes operable by the first washing portion 10 may also be different from
processes operable by the second washing portion 20.
[90] Processes to be respectively performed by the first washing portion 10
and the
second washing portion 20 may be identical to or different from each other.
For
example, when the first washing portion 10 performs a dehydration process, the
second
washing portion 20 may perform another process different from the dehydration
process, for example, a washing process or a rinsing process. Alternatively,
the second
washing portion 20 may also perform the dehydration as in the first washing
portion
10.
[91] The first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may
start a prede-
termined process at the same time or at different times. For example, the
first washing
portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may simultaneously start the de-
hydration process, or the dehydration process of the first washing portion 10
and the
dehydration process of the second washing portion 20 may be almost
simultaneously
started. In another example, one of the first washing portion 10 and the
second washing
portion 20 may first start the dehydration process, and the other washing
portion may
then start the dehydration process after lapse of a predetermined time from
the de-
hydration start time of the first-driven washing portion as necessary.
[92] Upon completion of one (e.g., a washing process) of the processes, at
least one of the
first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may sequentially
perform
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other processes, for example, a dehydration process. In this case, at least
one of the
first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may be provided to
auto-
matically or manually perform other processes.
[93] In addition, when the first washing portion 10 and the second washing
portion 20
start the same process (e.g., a washing process) at the same time or at almost
the same
time, the first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may end
or finish
the above-mentioned same process at the same time or at different times. When
the
first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 end the above-
mentioned
same process at different times, one of the first washing portion 10 and the
second
washing portion 20 may start another process that is sequentially scheduled,
for
example, a dehydration process, prior to execution of still another process.
[94] In accordance with an embodiment, the first washing portion 10 and the
second
washing portion 20 may be implemented using different schemes. For example,
the
first washing portion 10 may be implemented as a drum-type washing machine,
and
the second washing portion 20 may be implemented as an eddy-current type
washing
machine or an agitation-type washing machine. In another example, the first
washing
portion 10 may be implemented as an eddy-current type washing machine or an
agitation-type washing machine, and the second washing portion 20 may be im-
plemented as a drum-type washing machine.
[95] In another embodiment, the first washing portion 10 and the second
washing portion
may also be implemented using homogeneous schemes. For example, both the first
washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may also be implemented
using
one of the drum-type washing machine, the eddy-current type washing machine,
and
the agitation-type washing machine. For example, both the first washing
portion 10
and the second washing portion 20 may also be provided to perform at least one
of the
washing, rising, and dehydration processes using a drum.
[96] The above-mentioned implementation of the first washing portion 10 and
the second
washing portion 20 is only the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is
not limited
thereto, and various schemes may also be applied to the first washing portion
10 and
the second washing portion 20 according to selection of a designer.
[97] The first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may be
implemented
in various ways according to selection of the designer.
[98] In accordance with an embodiment, the first washing portion 10 and the
second
washing portion 20 may be stacked in a vertical direction. In other words, one
of the
first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may be disposed on
the
other washing machine, such that the first washing portion 10 and the second
washing
portion 20 may be stacked vertically. In more detail, for example, the second
washing
portion 20 may be disposed at an upper end of the first washing portion 10. Of
course,
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it should be noted that the first washing portion 10 may also be disposed at
an upper
end of the second washing portion 20 as necessary. In this case, the first
washing
portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may be in contact with each
other, or
may be adjacent to each other. In addition, according to other embodiments,
another
device, for example, a drying machine or the like, may be disposed between the
first
washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 as necessary.
[99] In accordance with another embodiment, the first washing portion 10
and the second
washing portion 20 may be arranged parallel to each other. In other words, the
second
washing portion 20 may also be disposed at the right or left side of the first
washing
portion 10.
[100] The first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may be
integrated
into one body such that it is impossible to separate the first washing portion
10 and the
second washing portion 20 from each other. The first washing portion 10 and
the
second washing portion 20 may be implemented using different washing modules,
and
may then be coupled and assembled with each other as necessary. In the latter
case, the
first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may be detachably
coupled
to each other.
[101] The first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may be
operable at
predetermined drive speeds R1 and R2, respectively. The first washing portion
10 may
remain or change the changeable predetermined drive speed (hereinafter
referred to as
a first drive speed R1), and may perform at least one of the washing, rinsing,
and de-
hydration processes. The second washing portion 20 may remain or change the
changeable predetermined drive speed (hereinafter referred to as a second
drive speed
R2), and may perform at least one of the washing, rinsing, and dehydration
processes.
[102] At least one of the first drive speed R1 and the second drive speed
D2 may be fixed
within a specific time period, or may be changeable within a specific time
period as
necessary. The first drive speed R1 and the second drive speed R2 may be
identical to
or different from each other according to time points. If the first washing
portion 10
and the second washing portion 20 perform the same process at the same time,
the first
drive speed R1 and the second drive speed R2 may be substantially identical to
each
other or may be changed in similar ways to each other.
[103] As described later, the first drive speed R1 may include at least one
of a rotation
speed of a first washing tub 11, a rotation speed of a first pulsator (not
shown)
rotatably movable at a bottom surface of the first washing tub 11, a rotation
speed of a
first washing rod (not shown) formed in a rod shape within the first washing
tub 11,
and a rotation-shaft's rotation speed (hereinafter referred to as a rotation
speed of a
first driver 13) produced by a first driver 13. The second drive speed R2 may
include at
least one of a rotation speed of a second washing tub 21, a rotation speed of
a second
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pulsator (not shown) rotatably movable at a bottom surface of the second
washing tub
21, a rotation speed of a second washing rod (not shown) formed in a rod shape
within
the second washing tub 21, and/or a rotation-shaft's rotation speed
(hereinafter referred
to as a rotation speed of a second driver 23) produced by a second driver 23.
Although
the above-mentioned embodiment has disclosed one example including two washing
portions 10 and 20 for convenience of description and better understanding of
the
present disclosure, the number of the washing portions 10 and 20 is not
limited thereto.
If necessary, it should be noted that the present disclosure may further
include three or
more washing portions. At least two of the three or four washing portions may
be
disposed vertically and/or may be disposed parallel to each other.
[104] The respective washing portions 10 and 20 will hereinafter be
described with
reference to the attached drawings.
[105] In accordance with an embodiment, the first washing portion 10 may
include a first
washing tub 11 in which laundry is introduced and washed, and a first driver
13
configured to supply necessary rotational force either to the first washing
tub 11 or to
various kinds of components installed in the first washing tub 11.
[106] The first washing tub 11 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical
shape, and may
be provided to allow laundry to be introduced therein and washed.
[107] The first washing tub 11 may be provided to be rotatable at a fixed
rotation speed or
a variable rotation speed with respect to a predetermined shaft. In this case,
the first
washing tub 11 may also be implemented using a drum rotatable with respect to
a
rotation shaft that faces in a lateral direction (e.g., a transverse
direction), in a vertical
direction (e.g., a longitudinal direction), or in an upper direction. In
accordance with an
embodiment, the first washing tub 11 may include a fixed tub (not shown) and a
rotary
tub (not shown). In response to rotation of the rotary tub, laundry stored in
the first
washing tub 11 may be washed.
[108] And, a pulsator and/or rotary rod rotatable at a fixed or variable
rotation speed may
be installed in the first washing tub 11. By rotation of the pulsator and/or
the rotary
rod, laundry introduced in the first washing tub 11 may also be washed.
[109] The first driver 13 may be provided to supply rotational force needed
for the first
washing tub 11. In this case, the first driver 13 may directly transmit
rotational force to
the rotary tub, the pulsator, the rotary rod, the drum, or the like, or may
indirectly
transmit rotational force to the rotary tub, the pulsator, the rotary rod, the
drum, or the
like using various devices such as a gear and the like.
[110] The first driver 13 may be implemented using a first motor. The first
motor may
generate rotational force needed to rotate the rotary tub, pulsator, rotary
rod, drum, or
the like. In this case, the motor may be implemented as a predetermined motor,
for
example, an alternating current (AC) motor or a brushless direct current
(BLDC)
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motor, generally used in washing machines.
[111] The first driver 13 may operate to maintain or change a rotation
speed under control
of the controller 30. Therefore, rotational movement of the first washing tub
11 or con-
stituent components (e.g., a rotary tub, a pulsator, a rotary rod, etc.)
installed in the first
washing tub 11 may be carried out under control of the controller 30. In
accordance
with structure types of the washing machine, the rotation speed of the first
driver 13
may be identical to or different from that of the rotary tub, the pulsator,
the rotary rod,
the drum, or the like. In accordance with an embodiment, the first washing
portion 10
may further include at least one of a first feedback signal generator 19-1 to
generate a
feedback signal to a control signal received from the controller 30, a first-
driver
operation sensing portion 19-2 to detect a rotation speed of the first driver
13, and a
first-washing-tub operation sensing portion 19-3 to detect an internal
operation of the
first washing tub 11.
[112] The first feedback signal generator 19-1 may detect and measure a
control signal
generated from the controller 30, and may generate a feedback signal
corresponding to
the control signal generated from the controller 30. In this case, the control
signal from
the controller 30 may include information regarding a rotation speed of the
first driver
13. The first feedback signal generator 19-1 may generate a feedback signal in
the
same manner as in the control signal, or may generate a feedback signal by
amplifying
the control signal or by performing predefined filtering of the control
signal. The
feedback signal generated by the first feedback signal generator 19-1 may be
transmitted to the controller 30. The controller 30 may determine a rotation
speed
designated for the first driver 13 on the basis of the feedback signal, and
may thus
determine a first drive speed of the first washing portion 10.
[113] The first-driver operation sensing portion 19-2 may detect a rotation
speed of the first
driver 13, may convert the detection result into an electrical signal, and may
transmit
the resultant electrical signal to the controller 30. The first-driver
operation sensing
portion 19-2 may be implemented using a rotation speed sensor. The rotation
speed
sensor may include a tachometer, an encoder, a toothed-wheel sensor, etc. The
tachometer may include, for example, an electrical tachometer and/or a
photoelectric
tachometer. The encoder may include, for example, an optical incremental
encoder, an
optical absolute encoder, a magnetic encoder, and/or a resolver. The first-
driver
operation sensing portion 19-2 may be implemented using various sensors
capable of
detecting a rotation speed of the first driver 13.
[114] The first-washing-tub operation sensing portion 19-3 may detect a
rotation speed of
the first washing tub 11, and may output an electrical signal corresponding to
the
detection result to the controller 30. The first-washing-tub operation sensing
portion
19-3 may be implemented using a predetermined rotation speed sensor in the
same
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manner as in the first-driver operation sensing portion 19-2. The rotation
speed sensor
may include, for example, a tachometer, an encoder, a toothed-wheel sensor,
etc.
[115] In accordance with an embodiment, the first washing portion 10 may
include one of
the first feedback signal generator 19-1, the first-driver operation sensing
portion 19-2,
and the first-washing-tub operation sensing portion 19-3, or may include at
least two of
the first feedback signal generator 19-1, the first-driver operation sensing
portion 19-2,
and the first-washing-tub operation sensing portion 19-3.
[116] The controller 30 may properly acquire information (e.g., the first
drive speed R1)
related to the operation of the first washing portion 10 using at least one of
the first
feedback signal generator 19-1, the first-driver operation sensing portion 19-
2, and the
first-washing-tub operation sensing portion 19-3.
[117] In accordance with an embodiment, the second washing portion 20 may
include the
second washing tub 21 in which laundry is introduced and washed, and a second
driver
23 configured to supply necessary rotational force either to the second
washing tub 21
or to various kinds of components installed in the second washing tub 21.
[118] The second washing tub 21 may be formed in a substantially
cylindrical shape that is
substantially identical to or different from the first washing tub 11, and may
be
provided to receive and wash laundry.
[119] The second washing tub 21 may be provided to be rotatable at a fixed
rotation speed
or a variable rotation speed with respect to a predetermined shaft. In this
case, the
second washing tub 21 may also be implemented using a drum rotatable with
respect to
a rotation shaft that faces in a lateral direction (e.g., a transverse
direction), in a vertical
direction (e.g., a longitudinal direction), or in an upper direction.
[120] In accordance with an embodiment, the second washing tub 21 may
include a fixed
tub (not shown) and a rotary tub (not shown). In response to rotation of the
rotary tub,
laundry stored in the second washing tub 21 may be washed.
[121] In accordance with an embodiment, a pulsator may be installed in the
second
washing tub 21, or the rotary rod may be installed in the second washing tub
21. By
rotation of the pulsator and/or the rotary rod, laundry introduced to the
second washing
tub 21 may be washed.
[122] The second driver 23 may be provided to supply power needed for the
second
washing tub 21. In detail, the second driver 23 may directly or indirectly
transmit ro-
tational force to the rotary tub, the pulsator, the rotary rod, the drum, or
the like.
[123] The second driver 23 may be implemented using a second motor in the
same manner
as in the first driver 13. The second motor of the second driver 23 may be
implemented
using a motor generally used in washing machines.
[124] The second driver 23 may operate to maintain or change a rotation
speed under
control of the controller 30. Therefore, operation of the second washing tub
21 may be
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controlled by the second driver 23. In this case, the rotation speed of the
second driver
23 may be identical to or different from that of the rotary tub, the pulsator,
the rotary
rod, or the drum.
[125] In accordance with an embodiment, the second washing portion 20 may
include a
second feedback signal generator 29-1 to generate a feedback signal to a
control signal
received from the controller 30, a second-driver operation sensing portion 29-
2 to
detect a rotation speed of the second driver 23, and a second-driver operation
sensing
portion 29-3 to detect an internal operation of the second washing tub 21.
[126] The controller 30 may acquire information (e.g., the second drive
speed R2) related
to the operation of the second washing portion 20 using at least one of the
second
feedback signal generator 29-1, the second-driver operation sensing portion 29-
2, and
the second-washing-tub operation sensing portion 29-3.
[127] The second feedback signal generator 29-1, the second-driver
operation sensing
portion 29-2, and the second-washing-tub operation sensing portion 29-3 may be
sub-
stantially identical to the first feedback signal generator 19-1, the first-
driver operation
sensing portion 19-2, and the first-washing-tub operation sensing portion 19-3
of the
first washing portion 10, respectively, and as such a detailed description
thereof will
herein be omitted for convenience of description.
[128] In accordance with an embodiment, the second washing portion 20 may
include one
of the second feedback signal generator 29-1, the second-driver operation
sensing
portion 29-2, and the second-washing-tub operation sensing portion 29-3, or
may
include at least two of the second feedback signal generator 29-1, the second-
driver
operation sensing portion 29-2, and the second-washing-tub operation sensing
portion
29-3.
[129] In order to detect or measure the respective drive speeds (i.e., the
first drive speed R1
and the second drive speed R2), the first washing portion 10 and the second
washing
portion 20 may be implemented either using homogeneous signal generators or
sensors
or using heterogeneous signal generators or sensors. For example, the first
washing
portion 10 may include the first-driver operation sensing portion 19-2 to
detect the
operation of the first driver 13, and the second washing portion 20 may
include the
second-driver operation sensing portion 29-2 to detect the operation of the
second
driver 23 in the same manner as in the first washing portion 10. In another
example,
the first washing portion 10 may include the first-driver operation sensing
portion 19-2
to detect the operation of the first driver 13, and the second washing portion
20 may
include the second feedback signal generator 29-1 to generate a feedback
signal to the
control signal generated from the controller 30 in a different way from the
first
washing portion 10.
[130] The controller 30 may perform a variety of operations related to the
washing machine
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1, and may control the washing machine 1 or overall operation of constituent
components of the washing machine 1. The controller 30 may include at least
one
processor implemented by at least one or two semiconductor chips or associated
con-
stituent components. The at least one processor may be implemented using a
central
processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a microprocessor
(Micom), an
application processor (AP), an electronic control unit (ECU), and/or other
electronic
devices capable of processing a variety of operations and generating various
control
signals.
[131] The controller 30 may perform predetermined operation, processing,
and control
operation by driving an application (referred to as a program or application
(App))
stored in a storage portion 40, or may also perform predetermined operation,
processing, and control operation using a predefined application. Here, the
application
may be pre-written by a designer and then stored in the storage portion 40, or
may be
acquired or updated through an electronic software distribution (ESD) network
that is
accessible by the washing machine 1 over a wired or wireless communication
network.
[132] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller 30 may generate at
least one of a
control signal of the first driver 13 and a control signal of the second
driver 23, may
transmit the generated control signal to at least one of the first driver 13
and the second
driver 23, and may thus control at least one of the first driver 13 and the
second driver
23. In accordance with an embodiment, the controller 30 may transmit a control
signal
for controlling at least one of the first driver 13 and the second driver 23
to at least one
switch (not shown) for connecting at least one of the first driver 13 and the
second
driver 23 to a power-supply portion 49, such that at least one switch may
electrically
connect the power-supply portion 49 to at least one of the first driver 13 and
the second
driver 23, or may sever electrical connection between the power-supply portion
49 and
at least one of the first driver 13 and the second driver 23, thereby
controlling at least
one of the first driver 13 and the second driver 23.
[133] By the above-mentioned scheme, at least one of the first washing
portion 10 corre-
sponding to the first driver 13 and the second washing portion 20
corresponding to the
second driver 23 may operate under control of the controller 30.
[134] In other words, at least one of the first washing portion 10 and the
second washing
portion 20 may perform at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process,
and a de-
hydration process upon receiving a control signal from the controller 30. The
controller
30 may transmit the above-mentioned control signal to at least one of the
first driver 13
and the second driver 23 through a circuit, a conductive wire, and/or a
wireless com-
munication network.
[135] The controller 30 may receive information (i.e., the first drive
speed R1 of the first
washing portion 10) related to the operation of the first washing portion 10
from at
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least one of the first feedback signal generator 19-1, the first-driver
operation sensing
portion 19-2, and the first-washing-tub operation sensing portion 19-3, and
may also
receive information (i.e., the second drive speed R2 of the second washing
portion 20)
related to the operation of the second washing portion 20 from at least one of
the
second feedback signal generator 29-1, the second-driver operation sensing
portion
29-2, and the second-washing-tub operation sensing portion 29-3. The
controller 30
may receive the above-mentioned information through a circuit, a conductive
wire,
and/or a wireless communication network.
[136] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller 30 may generate a
control signal of
the second washing portion 20 on the basis of information related to the
operation of
the first washing portion 10, or may generate a control signal of the first
washing
portion 10 on the basis of information related to the operation of the second
washing
portion 20. In detail, the controller 30 may control maintenance or adjustment
of the
second drive speed R2 of the second washing portion 20 on the basis of the
first drive
speed R1 of the first washing portion 10, or may control maintenance or
adjustment of
the first drive speed R1 of the first washing portion 10 on the basis of the
second drive
speed R2 of the second washing portion 20. A detailed description thereof will
hereinafter be given.
[137] The storage portion 40 may store a program or information needed to
operate the
controller 30 therein. In detail, the storage portion 40 may store
applications related to
operation, processing, and control action of the controller 30, may store
various kinds
of information needed for the above-mentioned operation, processing, and
control
action, or may store various kinds of information acquired by the operation
processing
result or the control result. For example, the storage portion 40 may store a
first target
speed, a second target speed, and first to seventh reference speeds as
electrical signal
formats or various other available formats.
[138] The storage portion 40 may be implemented using magnetic disk storage
media, such
as a hard disk or a floppy disk, may be implemented using optical media, such
as a
magnetic tape, a compact disk (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD), may be
im-
plemented using magneto-optical media such as a floptical disk, or may be im-
plemented using semiconductor storage devices, such as a read only memory
(ROM), a
random access memory (RAM), a secure digital (SD) card, a flash memory, and a
solid
state drive (SSD).
[139] A user interface (UI) 45 may receive various kinds of commands or
information
related to the washing machine 1 from a user, and may visually or audibly
provide
various kinds of information related to the washing machine 1. For example,
the UI 45
may receive a command for starting operation of the first washing portion 10,
a
command for starting operation of the second washing portion 20, a command for
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starting a predetermined process (e.g., a dehydration process) executable by
the first
washing portion 10, or a command for starting a predetermined process (e.g., a
de-
hydration process) executable by the second washing portion 20. The UI 45 may
inde-
pendently display a current operation state of the first washing portion 10 or
a current
operation state of the second washing portion 20, or may audibly output the
current
operation state of the first washing portion 10 or the current operation state
of the
second washing portion 20.
[140] The power-supply portion 49 may supply necessary power to constituent
components
of the washing machine 1. The power-supply portion 49 may be a commercial
power
source, or may be implemented using at least one battery embedded in the
washing
machine 1.
[141] A method for allowing the first washing portion 10 or the second
washing portion 20
to sequentially perform a washing process, a rinsing process, and a
dehydration process
will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 2.
[142] FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a drive speed
of the first
washing portion or the second washing portion in the washing and dehydration
processes of the washing machine. In FIG. 2, an X axis may denote a time, and
a Y
axis may denote a rotation speed, for example, revolutions per minute (RPM).
[143] Referring to FIG. 2, the first washing portion 10 or the second
washing portion 20
may sequentially perform a washing process Pl, a rinsing process P2, and a de-
hydration process P3 according to a control signal of the controller 30.
[144] In more detail, when the user inputs an operation start command of
the first washing
portion 10 or the second washing portion 20 by manipulating the UI 45, the
first
washing portion 10 or the second washing portion 20 may start operation and
then
perform the washing process Pl. In this case, the first washing portion 10 or
the second
washing portion 20 may be controlled in a manner that the first drive speed or
the
second drive speed is changed according to a predefined pattern, is identical
to a prede-
termined speed (Rd 1), or closely approximates the predetermined speed (Rd 1).
[145] Upon completion of the washing process Pl, the first washing portion
10 or the
second washing portion 20 may sequentially perform the rinsing process P2. The
rinsing process P2 may be omitted as necessary.
[146] Upon completion of the rinsing process P2, the first washing portion
10 or the second
washing portion 20 may sequentially perform the dehydration process P3. During
the
dehydration process P3, the first drive speed of the first washing portion 10
or the
second drive speed of the second washing portion 20 may abruptly increase
(P31), may
increase to a drive speed Rd2 needed for dehydration, and may be kept at the
drive
speed Rd2 (P32). Upon completion of the dehydration process P3, the first
drive speed
or the second drive speed may be reduced and arrive at zero '0' (P33).
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[147] If the above-mentioned processes P1 to P3 are carried out, an average
rpm RM2 in
the dehydration process P3 may be generally higher than an average rpm RM1 in
the
washing process Pl. In other words, during the dehydration process P3, the
first
washing tub 11, the pulsator, the rotary rod, etc. of the first washing
portion 10, or the
second washing tub 21, the pulsator, the rotary tub, etc. of the second
washing portion
20 may rotate at a higher speed than in the washing process Pl. As a result,
overall
vibration of the washing machine 1 may occur according to situations.
Specifically,
when the first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20
simultaneously
perform the dehydration process P3, both the first washing portion 10 and the
second
washing portion 20 operate at a high drive speed, such that vibration of the
washing
machine 1 is greatly increased, resulting in greater inconvenience of use.
[148] In order to prevent such vibration, the controller 30 may control the
drive speed of at
least one of the first washing portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 on
the
basis of the drive speed of the other washing portion 10 or 20.
[149] A method for allowing the controller 30 to control the washing
machine 1 will
hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10. For convenience of
de-
scription and better understanding of the present disclosure, a method for
controlling
the washing machine 1 on the basis of the situation in which the first washing
portion
and the second washing portion 20 simultaneously perform the dehydration
process
will hereinafter be described with reference to the attached drawings.
However, the
scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the
control method to
be described later may also be applied to other situations in which vibration
may occur
according to operations of the first washing portion 10 and the second washing
portion
20. For example, in a first case in which the first washing portion 10
performs the
washing process or the rinsing process or the second washing portion 20
performs the
dehydration process, or in a second case in which the first washing portion 10
performs
the dehydration process or the second washing portion 20 performs the washing
process or the rinsing process, the control method to be described later may
be equally
applied to the first case and the second case, or may be partially modified
and then
applied to the first case and the second case as necessary.
[150] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for controlling
a rotation speed
of the second washing tub according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[151] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a rotation
speed of the first
washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 3
and 4,
an X axis may denote a time, and a Y axis may denote a rotation speed, for
example,
RPM.
[152] Referring to FIG. 3, after the second washing portion 20 performs the
washing
process at a variable or fixed second drive speed R2 having a predefined
pattern (G10),
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the second washing portion 20 may perform the rinsing process under control of
the
controller 30 as necessary, and may start the dehydration process at a first
dehydration
start time t10.
[153] If the dehydration process starts operation, the second drive speed
R2 of the second
washing portion 20 may gradually increase.
[154] Referring to FIG. 4, the first washing portion 10 may lead or lag the
operation start
time of the second washing portion 20, or may start operation at the same time
that the
second washing portion 20 starts operation. The first washing portion 10 may
perform
the washing process at a variable or fixed first drive speed R1 having a
predefined
pattern (G20). Thereafter, the first washing portion may start the dehydration
processes
at a second dehydration start time t20 (G21 and G22). Here, the second
dehydration
start time t20 may be identical to or different from the first dehydration
start time t10.
In the latter case, the second dehydration start time t20 may lead or lag the
first de-
hydration start time t20 as necessary.
[155] At one time point (t1 1 of FIG. 3 and t21 of FIG. 4) in a time
section in which the
second drive speed R2 of the second washing portion 20 increases, the first
drive speed
R1 of the first washing portion 10 may be identical to a predefined first
reference
speed F10 (G21), or may be higher than the first reference speed F10 (G22).
The first
reference speed F10 may be arbitrarily defined by a designer or user. The
first
reference speed F10 may be defined by, for example, an arbitrary value that is
equal to
or higher than a half of the second reference speed F20. In detail, for
example,
although the first reference speed F10 may be set to 500 rpm or an approximate
value
thereto, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[156] Upon receiving a signal from at least one of the first feedback
signal generator 19-1,
the first-driver operation sensing portion 19-2, and the first-washing-tub
operation
sensing portion 19-3, the controller 30 may determine whether the first drive
speed R1
of the first washing portion 10 is identical to the first reference speed F10
(G21) or
may be higher than the first reference speed F10 (G22).
[157] When the first drive speed R1 of the first washing portion 10 is
identical to the first
reference speed F10 (G21) or is higher than the first reference speed F10
(G22), the
controller 30 may compare the second drive speed R2 of the second washing
portion
20 with the second reference speed F20. The second reference speed F20 may be
ar-
bitrarily defined according to selection of the designer or user. For example,
the second
reference speed F20 may also be defined as a maximum drive speed executable by
the
second washing portion 20 or an approximate value thereto. For example,
although the
second reference speed F20 may be set to 800rpm or an approximate value
thereto, the
scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second
reference
speed F20 may be set not only to 800rpm or an approximate value thereto, but
also to
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an arbitrary value selectable by the designer or user.
[158] If the first drive speed R10 at a specific time tl 1 or t21 is less
than the second
reference speed F20 as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 30 may increase the
second
drive speed R2 of the second washing portion 20 to a first target speed E10.
In other
words, until the second washing tub 21, the rotary tub, the pulsator, or the
rotary rod of
the second washing portion 20 rotates at the first target speed E10, a
rotation speed of
the second washing tub 21, the rotary tub, the pulsator, or the rotary rod may
increase.
[159] Upon receiving an electrical signal from at least one of the second
feedback signal
generator 29-1, the second-driver operation sensing portion 29-2, and the
second-
washing-tub operation sensing portion 29-3, the controller 30 may determine
whether
the second drive speed R2 reaches the first target speed E10.
[160] Although the first target speed El0 is higher than the second
reference speed F20 as
shown in FIG. 2, the scope or spirit of the first target speed El is not
limited thereto.
In accordance with an embodiment, the first target speed El may be identical
to the
second reference speed F20 or may be less than the second reference speed F20.
The
first target speed El may be set to a maximum drive speed executable by the
second
washing portion 20 according to selection of the designer or user, or may be
set to an
approximate value less than the maximum drive speed. In accordance with an em-
bodiment, the first target speed El may be set to 800 rpm or an approximate
value
thereto, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[161] When the second drive speed R2 reaches the first target speed E10,
the controller 30
may control the second driver 23 in a manner that the second drive speed R2 is
gently
or abruptly reduced. In this case, the second drive speed R2 may be reduced to
zero '0'
or an approximate value thereto (G11).
[162] For example, when the second drive speed R2 reaches the first target
speed E10, the
controller 30 may shut off the power applied to the second driver 23 and/or
may
control a brake system (not shown) coupled to a rotation shaft of the second
driver 23,
such that the controller 30 may reduce the second drive speed R2.
[163] As described above, the above-mentioned method for increasing the
second drive
speed R2 to the first target speed E 10, and reducing the second drive speed
R2 to zero
'0' either as soon as the second drive speed R2 reaches the first target speed
El or
within a predetermined time from the time at which second drive speed R2
reaches the
first target speed El may be referred to as a touch-spin scheme.
[164] While the second washing portion 20 is controlled according to the
touch-spin
scheme, the first washing portion 10 may remain at the same speed as the first
reference speed F10 or may continuously operate at a speed P21 higher than the
first
reference speed F10. As described above, since the second drive speed R2 of
the
second washing portion 20 reaches zero '0' by the touch-spin scheme at a time
t13,
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only the first washing portion 10 may operate at a predetermined speed during
a prede-
termined time. As a result, vibration encountered when the first washing
portion 10
and the second washing portion simultaneously operate at a high drive speed
may be
removed or reduced.
[165] In accordance with an embodiment, after completion of the dehydration
process of
the first washing portion 10 at a time t22, if the first drive speed R1 starts
decreasing at
a specific time t22-1 or t22-2, if the first drive speed R1 is currently
decreasing, or if
the first drive speed R1 reaches zero '0' or an approximate value thereto at a
specific
time t22-3 (G21 and G22), the second washing portion 20 starts operation under
control of the controller 30, such that the second drive speed R2 may increase
again
(G13). An increase start time t13-1 of the second drive speed R2 may include
de-
celeration start times t22-1 and t22-2 of the first drive speed R1, a specific
time t22-3
at which the first drive speed R2 reaches zero '0' or an approximate value
thereto, or
an arbitrary time in the range t22 including the times t22-1, t22-2, and t22-
3. Ac-
cordingly, the second washing portion 20 may perform a necessary dehydration
process.
[166] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating an example of a method for controlling
a rotation speed
of the second washing tub according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[167] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a rotation
speed of the first
washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the same
manner
as described above, in FIGS. 5 and 6, an X axis may denote a time, and a Y
axis may
denote a rotation speed, for example, RPM.
[168] Referring to FIG. 5, the second washing portion 20 may perform the
washing process
at a variable or fixed second drive speed R2 having a predefined pattern
(G10). The
second washing portion 20 may start the dehydration process at a first
dehydration start
time t10. If the dehydration process starts at the first dehydration start
time t10, the
second drive speed R2 may increase a predefined speed, for example, a first
target
speed E10, and the second washing portion 20 may remain the first target speed
El or
may operate at an approximate speed to the first target speed E10. Although
the first
target speed El is set to 800 rpm or an approximate value thereto as
described above,
the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[169] Referring to FIG. 6, the first washing portion 10 may also perform
the washing
process G20 along with the second washing portion 20. In this case, the
washing
process G20 of the first washing portion 10 may lead or lag a start time of
the washing
process G10 of the second washing portion 20, or may start at the same time
that the
washing process G10 of the second washing portion 20 starts operation. The
first
washing portion 10 may start the dehydration process G23 or G24 at a second de-
hydration start time t20. As described above, the second dehydration start
time t20 may
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be identical to or different from the first dehydration start time t10.
[170] Upon receiving an electrical signal from at least one of the first
feedback signal
generator 19-1, the first-driver operation sensing portion 19-2, and the first-
washing-tub operation sensing portion 19-3, the controller 30 may decide the
first
drive speed Rl. Upon receiving an electrical signal by at least one of the
second
feedback signal generator 29-1, the second-driver operation sensing portion 29-
2, and
the second-washing-tub operation sensing portion 29-3, the controller 30 may
decide
the second drive speed R2 of the second washing portion 20.
[171] As can be seen from FIG. 6, the controller 30 may determine whether
the first drive
speed R1 of the first washing machine 10 is identical to a predefined third
reference
speed F21 (G23) or is higher than the third reference speed F21 (G24). In this
case, the
third reference speed F21 may be defined by the user or designer. For example,
although the third reference speed F21 may be set to 500 rpm or an approximate
value
thereto, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto,
and the third
reference speed F21 may be defined in various ways according to selection of
the
designer or user. The third reference speed F21 may also be set to a speed
identical to
the first reference speed F10.
[172] At a specific time t23, if the first drive speed R1 is identical to
the third reference
speed F21 (G23) or is higher than the third reference speed F21 (G24), the
controller
30 may compare the second drive speed R2 with a second reference speed F20.
[173] If the second drive speed R2 is identical to the second reference
speed F20 or is
higher than the second reference speed F20, the controller 30 may control the
second
washing portion 20 to temporarily stop the dehydration process (G15). Stoppage
of the
dehydration process of the second washing portion 20 may be achieved by
shutting off
the power supplied to the first driver 13 of the second washing portion 20.
Upon
completion of the dehydration process, the second drive speed R2 may decrease
(G15).
Here, although the second reference speed F20 is set to 800 rpm or an
approximate
value thereto as described above, the scope or spirit of the present
disclosure is not
limited thereto. The second reference speed F20 may be set to a speed
identical to the
first target speed E10.
[174] In accordance with an embodiment, the second drive speed R2 may be
reduced from
a specific time t14 identical to a time point t23 at which the first drive
speed R1 of the
first washing portion 10 is identical to a third reference speed F21 (G23) or
is higher
than the third reference speed F21, or may also be reduced from a time t14-1
after
lapse of a predetermined time At14 from the specific time t14.
[175] Accordingly, the second drive speed R2 of the second washing portion
20 is reduced
(G15).
11761 During stoppage of the operation of the second washing portion 20,
the first washing
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portion 10 may continuously perform the dehydration process (G23 and G24).
Therefore, vibration encountered when both the first washing portion and the
second
washing portion 20 perform the dehydration process may be removed or reduced.
As
shown in FIG. 6, the second washing portion 20 may finish or end the
dehydration
process at a specific time t24-3.
[177] In accordance with an embodiment, the second washing portion 20 may
start
operation under control of the controller 30. In this case, the second washing
portion
20 may start operation either at an deceleration start time t24-1 or t24-2 of
the first
drive speed R1, at a time t24-3 at which the first drive speed R1 reaches zero
'0' or an
approximate value thereto, or at an arbitrary time in the range t24 including
the times
t24-1, t24-2, and t24-3. Therefore, the second drive speed R2 may increase
(G16), and
the second washing portion 20 may perform the residual dehydration process.
[178] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating an example of a method for controlling
a rotation speed
of the second washing tub according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[179] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a rotation
speed of the first
washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the same
manner
as described above, in FIGS. 7 and 8, an X axis may denote a time, and a Y
axis may
denote a rotation speed, for example, RPM.
[180] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second washing portion 20 and the
first washing
portion 10 may perform the dehydration process at a first dehydration start
time t10
and a second dehydration start time t20, respectively. As described above, the
first de-
hydration start time t10 may be identical to or different from the second
dehydration
start time t20.
[181] When the dehydration process starts operation, the second drive speed
R2 of the
second washing portion 20 may increase to a fourth reference speed F12, and
may
maintain the fourth reference speed F12. The fourth reference speed F12 may be
ar-
bitrarily defined by the designer or user. For example, the fourth reference
speed F12
may be set to 500 rpm or an approximate value thereto. However, the scope or
spirit of
the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the fourth reference speed
F12 may be
defined in various ways according to selection of the designer or user. The
first drive
speed R1 of the first washing portion 10 may also increase in response to
beginning of
the dehydration process.
[182] After the second drive speed R2 is kept at the fourth reference speed
F12, the
controller 30 may decide the first drive speed R1 of the first washing portion
10 upon
receiving an electrical signal from at least one of the first feedback signal
generator
19-1, the first-driver operation sensing portion 19-2, and the first-washing-
tub
operation sensing portion 19-3.
11831 Sequentially, the controller 30 may compare the first drive speed R1
with a
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predefined fifth reference speed F22. Here, the fifth reference speed F22 may
be ar-
bitrarily defined by the user or designer. For example, the fifth reference
speed F22
may be set to 500 rpm or an approximate value thereto. However, the scope or
spirit of
the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In accordance with an
embodiment, the
fifth reference speed F22 may also be identical to the fourth reference speed
F12.
[184] As shown in FIG. 8, if the first drive speed R1 is equal to or less
than the fifth
reference speed F22 at a time t25 (G26), the second drive speed R2 may
increase to a
second target speed Eli or an approximate speed thereto (G17). Here, the
second
target speed El 1 may be set to a maximum drive speed executable by the second
washing portion 20 according to selection of the designer or user, or may also
be set to
a speed that is less than the maximum drive speed or an approximate speed
thereto. For
example, the second target speed El 1 may be set to 800 rpm or an approximate
speed
thereto. However, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited
thereto.
The second target speed Eli may be identical to the first target speed E10.
[185] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller 30 may control the
first driver 13
in a manner that the second drive speed R2 maintains the second target speed
El 1
during a predefined maintenance time. Here, the predefined maintenance time
may be
arbitrarily defined by the user or designer, and may include, for example, 1
minute, 2
minutes, or other arbitrary times. The controller 30 may determine whether the
predefined maintenance time elapses using a separate clock embedded in the
washing
machine.
[186] After lapse of the predefined maintenance time, the controller 30 may
control the
second drive speed R2 to decrease. In this case, the controller 30 may also
control the
second driver 23 in a manner that the second drive speed R2 is set to the
fourth
reference speed F12 or an approximate value thereto.
[187] As can be seen from FIG. 8, when the first drive speed R2 is higher
than the fifth
reference speed F22 at the time t25 (G25), the second washing portion 20 may
be
controlled to maintain the second drive speed R2 (G18).
[188] After lapse of a predefined decision pending period At16 from a
specific time at
which the second drive speed R2 is kept at the fourth reference speed F12, the
controller 30 may re-determine the first drive speed R1 of the first washing
portion 10
on the basis of an electrical signal received from at least one of the first
feedback
signal generator 19-1, the first-driver operation sensing portion 19-2, and
the first-
washing-tub operation sensing portion 19-3. Here, the decision pending period
At16
may be arbitrarily defined either by the user or designer or by the controller
30. The
decision pending period At16 may include, for example, 3 seconds, 10 seconds,
1
minute, or other arbitrary times. The decision pending period At16 may be
changeable
or may be fixed.
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[189] In accordance with an embodiment, at an arbitrary time after the
second drive speed
R2 maintains the fourth reference speed F12, the controller 30 may also re-
determine
the first drive speed R1 of the first washing portion 10 on the basis of an
electrical
signal received from at least one of the first feedback signal generator 19-1,
the first-
driver operation sensing portion 19-2, and the first-washing-tub operation
sensing
portion 19-3.
[190] The controller 30 may re-compare the newly-decided first drive speed
R1 with the
fifth reference speed F22. If the first drive speed R1 is still higher than
the fifth
reference speed F22 even at a time t16-1 or t25-1 where the decision pending
period
At16 elapses (G25), the second washing portion 20 may be controlled to
maintain the
second drive speed R2 (G18-1).
[191] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 8, if the first drive speed R1 is equal
to or higher than
the fifth reference speed F22 at the time t16-1 or t25-1 (G25-1) where the
decision
pending period At16 elapses due to completion of the dehydration process or
the like,
the second drive speed R2 may increase to the second target speed El 1 as
shown in
FIG. 7 (G17-1). As described above, the controller 30 may control the second
washing
portion 20 in a manner that the second drive speed R2 maintains the second
target
speed El 1 during the predefined time period. After lapse of the predefined
time period,
the second drive speed R2 may be decreased. In this case, the second drive
speed R2
may also be reduced to the fourth reference speed F12 or an approximate value
thereto.
[192] As described above, the controller 30 may periodically or arbitrarily
perform
decision of the first drive speed R1 and adjustment of the second drive speed
R2 in
response to the decided first drive speed R1, and may also continuously
perform the
above-mentioned decision and adjustment operations during the dehydration
process.
[193] As described above, the speed R2 of the second washing portion 20 may
be
controlled in response to the speed R1 of the first washing portion 10. In
detail, when
the first drive speed R1 is higher than a predetermined reference (i.e., the
fifth
reference speed), the controller 30 may control the second drive speed R2 to
be
relatively reduced. When the first drive speed R1 is less than the
predetermined
reference, the controller 30 may control the second drive speed R2 to be
relatively
increased. As a result, vibration caused by simultaneous operation of the
first washing
portion 10 and the second washing portion 20 may be relatively reduced.
[194] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating an example of a method for controlling
a rotation speed
of the first washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[195] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a rotation
speed of the second
washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the same
manner
as described above, in FIGS. 9 and 10, an X axis may denote a time, and a Y
axis may
denote a rotation speed, for example, RPM.
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[196] The above-mentioned operations may also be applied to a method for
adjusting the
first drive speed R1 of the first washing portion 10 on the basis of the
second drive
speed R2 of the second washing portion 20.
[197] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the second washing portion 20 and the
first washing
portion 10 may perform the dehydration process at the dehydration start time
t10 and
another dehydration start time t20, respectively.
[198] In accordance with an embodiment, when the dehydration process
starts, the second
drive speed R2 of the second washing portion 20 may increase according to a
prede-
termined pattern according to beginning of the dehydration process as shown in
FIG.
10, the first drive speed R1 of the first washing portion 10 may increase to a
sixth
reference speed F23 and be kept at the sixth reference speed F23 as shown in
FIG. 9.
The sixth reference speed F23 may be arbitrarily defined by the designer or
user, and
may be set to, for example, 500 rpm or an approximate value thereto. The sixth
reference speed F23 may also be identical to the fourth reference speed F12 as
necessary.
[199] While the first drive speed R2 maintains the sixth reference speed
F23, the controller
30 may determine the second drive speed R2 of the second washing portion 20
using
an electrical signal received from at least one of the second feedback signal
generator
29-1, the second-driver operation sensing portion 29-2, and the second-washing-
tub
operation sensing portion 29-3.
[200] Sequentially, the controller 30 may compare the second drive speed R2
with the
seventh reference speed F13.
[201] As shown in FIG. 10, if the second drive speed R2 is identical to the
seventh
reference speed F13 or is less than the seventh reference speed F13 at a time
t17 or t26
(G19-2), the controller 30 may control the first washing portion 10 in a
manner that the
first drive speed R1 increases to a third target speed E21 or an approximate
value
thereto (G27). In this case, the third target speed E21 may be arbitrarily
defined
according to selection of the designer or user. For example, the third target
speed E21
may be set to a maximum drive speed executable by the first washing portion 10
according to selection of the designer or user, or may also be set to a speed
that is less
than the maximum drive speed or an approximate speed thereto. For example,
although
the third target speed E21 may be set to 800 rpm or an approximate value
thereto, the
scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The third
target speed
E21 may also be identical to at least one of the first target speed E10 and
the second
target speed Eli.
[202] In accordance with an embodiment, the first drive speed R1 may be
controlled to
maintain the third target speed E21 during a predefined maintenance time. As
described above, the predefined maintenance time may be arbitrarily defined by
the
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user or designer, and may include, for example, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or other
arbitrary
times.
[203] After lapse of the predefined maintenance time, the first drive speed
R1 may be
controlled to decrease in the same manner as described above. In this case,
the first
drive speed R1 may also be reduced to a sixth reference speed F23 or an
approximate
value thereto.
[204] As can be seen from FIG. 10, if the second drive speed R2 is higher
than a seventh
reference speed F22 at the time t17 or t26 (G19), the first drive speed R1 of
the first
washing portion 10 may be controlled to maintain the seventh reference speed
F23
(G28).
[205] After lapse of a decision pending period At26 from a specific time at
which the first
drive speed R1 maintains the sixth reference speed F22, the controller 30 may
re-
determine the second drive speed R2 of the second washing portion 20 on the
basis of
an electrical signal received from at least one of the second feedback signal
generator
29-1, the second-driver operation sensing portion 29-2, and the second-washing-
tub
operation sensing portion 29-3, and may re-compare the re-determined second
drive
speed R2 with the seventh reference speed F13. Here, the decision pending
period
At26 may be arbitrarily defined by the user or designer.
[206] If the second drive speed R2 is higher than the seventh reference
speed F13 at a time
t17-1 or t26-1 where the decision pending period At26 elapses (G19) the first
drive
speed R1 of the first washing portion 10 may continuously maintain the seventh
reference speed F23 (G28-1).
[207] In contrast, if the second drive speed R2 is identical to the seventh
reference speed
F13 or is less than the seventh reference speed F13 at the time t17-1 or t26-1
where the
decision pending period At26 elapses (G19-1), the first drive speed R1 may
increase to
the third target speed E21 (G27-1). In this case, the first drive speed R1
maintains the
third target speed E21 during a predefined maintenance time. After lapse of
the
predefined maintenance time, the first drive speed R1 may be reduced to a
predefined
speed, for example, a seventh reference speed F23.
[208] The above-mentioned operations may be periodically carried out or may
be carried
out at an arbitrary time. During the dehydration process, the above-mentioned
op-
erations may be continuously repeated.
[209] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller 30 may be provided
to selectively
perform the control process of the second drive speed R2 as shown in FIGS. 7
and 8,
or the control process of the first drive speed R1 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
In this
case, the controller 30 may persistently monitor a change (or variation) in
the first
drive speed R1 and the second drive speed R2, and may decide which one of the
first
drive speed R1 and the second drive speed R2 first reaches a reference speed,
such that
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the controller 30 may determine which one of the control process of the second
drive
speed R2 of FIGS. 7 and 8 and the control process of the first drive speed R1
of FIGS.
9 and 10 will be carried out on the basis of the decision result. For example,
if the
second drive speed R2 first reaches the fourth reference speed F12 at a time
earlier
than the first drive speed R1, the controller 30 may decide to adjust the
second drive
speed R2 on the basis of the first drive speed Rl. In contrast, if the first
drive speed R2
first reaches the sixth reference speed F23 at a time earlier than the second
drive speed
R2, the controller 30 may decide to adjust the first drive speed R1 on the
basis of the
second drive speed R2, and may control one of the first washing portion 10 and
the
second washing portion 20 according to the decision result.
[210] A washing machine according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure will
hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 24.
[211] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a washing machine according
to an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure.
[212] Referring to FIG. 11, a washing machine 2 may include a third washing
portion 50 to
wash laundry, and a fourth washing portion 60 to wash laundry. The third
washing
portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 may operate independently from
each
other, or may operate in a cooperative manner. The third washing portion 50
and the
fourth washing portion 60 may operate at the same time or at different times.
[213] As described above, the third washing portion 50 and the fourth
washing portion 60
may be provided to perform at least one of a washing process, a rising
process, and a
dehydration process. All or some of the washing process, the rinsing process,
and the
dehydration process may be carried out according to selection of the designer
or user.
The respective processes may also be sequentially carried out as necessary.
[214] The processes executable by the third washing portion 50 may be
identical to or
different from the processes executable by the fourth washing portion 60.
Alter-
natively, some parts of the processes executable by the third washing portion
50 may
be identical to or those of the fourth washing portion 60, and some other
parts of the
processes executable by the third washing portion 50 may be different from
those of
the fourth washing portion 60. At a specific time, processes executable by the
third
washing portion 50 may be identical to or different from processes executable
by the
fourth washing portion 60. Further, when the third washing portion 50 and the
fourth
washing portion 60 start the same process at substantially the same time, the
third
washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 may end the started
process at
the same time or at different times.
[215] In accordance with an embodiment, as described above, the third
washing portion 50
and the fourth washing portion 60 may be implemented using heterogeneous
schemes
or using homogeneous schemes.
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[216] Although each of the third washing portion 50 and the fourth washing
portion 60
may be implemented using one of a drum-type washing machine, an eddy-current
type
washing machine, and an agitation-type washing machine, the scope or spirit of
the
present disclosure is not limited thereto, various schemes may be applied to
the third
washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion according to selection of
the
designer.
[217] The third washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 may be
arranged in
various ways. For example, the third washing portion 50 and the fourth washing
portion 60 may be vertically arranged in a line in a manner that one of the
third
washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 is arranged in an upward
direction of the other one, or may be arranged in parallel to each other. The
third
washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 may also be arranged in
various
ways considerable by the designer.
[218] The third washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 may be
integrated
into one body such that it is impossible to disconnect the third washing
portion 50 and
the fourth washing portion 60 from each other. The third washing portion 50
and the
fourth washing portion 60 may be manufactured independently from each other,
and
then coupled to each other or assembled with each other.
[219] The third washing portion 50 may be operable at a third drive speed
R1, and the
fourth washing portion 60 may be operable at a fourth drive speed R2. In this
case,
each drive speed R1 or R2 may include at least one of a rotation speed of the
washing
tub 51 or 61, a rotation speed of a pulsator (not shown) rotatably installed
at the bottom
surface of the washing tub 51 or 61, a rotation speed of a rotary rod (not
shown)
installed in the washing tub 51 or 61 and formed in a rod shape, and a
rotation speed
generated by the driver 53 or 63.
[220] As described above, although the washing machine 2 of FIG. 11
includes only two
washing portions 50 and 60 for convenience of description and better
understanding of
the present disclosure, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not
limited
thereto, the number of washing portions 50 and 60 may be only one or at least
three
according to selection of the designer.
[221] In accordance with an embodiment, the third washing portion 50 may
include a third
washing tub 51 in which laundry is introduced and washed, and a third driver
53
configured to supply necessary rotational force either to the third washing
tub 51 or to
various kinds of components installed in the third washing tub 51. The fourth
washing
portion 60 may include a fourth washing tub 61 in which laundry is introduced
and
washed, and a fourth driver 63 configured to supply necessary rotational force
either to
the fourth washing tub 61 or to various kinds of components installed in the
fourth
washing tub 61. The third driver 53 and the fourth driver 63 may be
implemented using
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a predetermined motor in the same manner as in the first driver 13 and the
second
driver 23.
[222] Detailed structures and operations of the third washing tub 51, the
fourth washing tub
61, the third driver 53, and the fourth driver 63 shown in FIG. 11 may be
substantially
identical to those of the first washing tub 11, the second washing tub 21, the
first driver
13, and the second driver 23 shown in FIG. 1, and as such a detailed
description
thereof will herein be omitted for convenience of description.
[223] The third washing portion 50 may further include at least one of a
third-driver
operation sensing portion 59-1 to acquire information related to the operation
of the
third driver 53, and a third-washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 to
detect an
internal operation of the third washing tub Si. The third washing portion 50
may
further include a first water supply portion 58 to supply wash water and/or
rinse water
to the third washing tub Si.
[224] Likewise, the fourth washing portion 60 may further include at least
one of a fourth-
driver operation sensing portion 69-1 to acquire information related to the
operation of
the fourth driver 63, and a fourth-washing-tub operation sensing portion 69-2
to detect
an internal operation of the fourth washing tub 61. The fourth washing portion
60 may
further include a second water supply portion 68 to supply wash water and/or
rinse
water to the fourth washing tub 61.
[225] The third-driver operation sensing portion 59-1 may detect the
operation of the third
driver 53, may output the detection result as an electrical signal, and may
output the
electrical signal to the controller 70.
[226] In accordance with an embodiment, the third-driver operation sensing
portion 59-1
may include at least one of a rotation speed sensor to detect a rotation speed
of the
third driver 53, a voltage measurement device to measure the magnitude of
voltage
applied to the third driver 53, and a current measurement device to measure
the
magnitude of current applied to the third driver 53.
[227] The rotation speed sensor may include a tachometer, an encoder, a
toothed-wheel
sensor, etc. The rotation speed sensor may detect a rotation speed of the
drive shaft
(e.g., 241 of FIG. 27) of the third driver 53, and may output the detection
result.
[228] The voltage measurement device may be implemented either using a
voltage mea-
surement circuit designed to measure a direct current (DC) or AC voltage or
using an
electronic component such as a voltmeter. The voltage measurement device may
be
installed in a circuit or conductive line for electrically interconnecting the
power-
supply portion 89 and the third driver 53, may output an electrical signal
corresponding
to the magnitude of voltage applied to the third driver 53, and may output the
electrical
signal to the controller 70. In accordance with an embodiment, the voltage mea-
surement device may measure a voltage of a feedback signal corresponding to
the
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electrical signal applied to the third driver 53, and may measure the
magnitude of
voltage applied to the third driver 53. In accordance with an embodiment, the
voltage
measurement device may also be provided to measure a voltage applied to a DC
link
circuit.
[229] The current measurement device may be implemented either using a
predetermined
current measurement circuit designed to measure the magnitude of a DC or AC
current
or using an electronic component such as an amperemeter. The current
measurement
device may be installed in a circuit or conductive line for electrically
interconnecting
the power-supply portion 89 and the third driver 53, and may measure the
current
applied to the third driver 53. The measurement result may be configured as an
electrical signal and then applied to the controller 70. In accordance with an
em-
bodiment, the current measurement device may measure a feedback current corre-
sponding to the current applied to the third driver 53 such that it may be
possible to
measure the current applied to the third driver 53.
[230] The fourth-driver operation sensing portion 69-1 may detect the
operation of the
fourth driver 63, may output the detection result as an electrical signal, and
may output
the electrical signal to the controller 70. In the same manner as in the third-
driver
operation sensing portion 59-1, in accordance with an embodiment, the fourth-
driver
operation sensing portion 69-1 may include at least one of a rotation speed
sensor to
detect a rotation speed of the fourth driver 63, a voltage measurement device
to
measure the magnitude of voltage applied to the fourth driver 63, and a
current mea-
surement device to measure the magnitude of current applied to the fourth
driver 63.
[231] At least one of the third-driver operation sensing portion 59-1 and
the fourth-driver
operation sensing portion 69-1 may be omitted as necessary. In other words,
the
washing machine may include only the third-driver operation sensing portion 59-
1 or
may include only the fourth-driver operation sensing portion 69-1.
[232] The third-washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 may detect
vibration of the
third washing tub 51. In detail, when vibration occurs in the third washing
tub 51
during rotation or agitation operation of the third washing tub 51, the third-
washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 may detect the vibration, may
output the
detection result as an electrical signal, and may output the electrical signal
to the
controller 70.
[233] The third-washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 may include, for
example, a
micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) sensor. The MEMS sensor may be im-
plemented using a piezoresistive scheme or using a capacitive scheme. The
third-
washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 may also be implemented using a
vibration
sensor based on a piezoelectric acceleration scheme or using a vibration
sensor based
on a cantilever vibration scheme. A variety of vibration sensors considerable
by the
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designer may be applied to the third-washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-
2.
[234] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an example of a sensing portion
mounted to a washing
tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[235] Referring to FIG. 12, a third-washing-tub operation sensing portion
59-2 may be in
contact with a third washing tub 51 or may be adjacent to the third washing
tub 51. In
this case, the third-washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 may be
installed, for
example, at a side surface or bottom surface of the third washing tub 51. The
third-
washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 may be installed at an inner
surface of the
third washing tub 51 having a washing space therein, or may be installed at an
outer
surface of the third washing tub 51 as shown in FIG. 16. In accordance with an
em-
bodiment, the third-washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 may be spaced
apart
from the third driver 53 by a predetermined distance either at a boundary of
the third
washing tub 51 or at a peripheral region of the boundary, such that the third-
washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 may not detect vibration directly
received
from the third driver 53 due to operation of the third driver 53 or may detect
a
relatively smaller number of vibrations and at the same time more properly
detect
vertical vibrations of the third washing tub 51.
[236] The fourth-washing-tub operation sensing portion 69-2 may detect
vibration of the
fourth washing tub 61. In detail, the fourth-washing-tub operation sensing
portion 69-2
may detect vibration generated by the fourth washing tub 61 during rotation or
agitation of the fourth washing tub 61, may output the detection result as an
electrical
signal, and may output the electrical signal to the controller 70.
[237] In the same manner as in the third-washing-tub operation sensing
portion 59-2, the
fourth-washing-tub operation sensing portion 69-2 may include a MEMS sensor, a
vibration sensor based on a piezoelectric acceleration scheme, or a vibration
sensor
based on a cantilever vibration scheme. As shown in FIG. 12, the fourth-
washing-tub
operation sensing portion 69-2 may be in contact with the fourth washing tub
61 or
may be located adjacent to the fourth washing tub 61. For example, the fourth-
washing-tub operation sensing portion 69-2 may be installed in an inner
direction or an
outer direction of either a side surface or a bottom surface of the third
washing tub 51.
[238] The third-washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 and the fourth-
washing-tub
operation sensing portion 69-2 may be implemented using homogeneous vibration
detection sensors or heterogeneous vibration detection sensors.
[239] In accordance with an embodiment, one of the third-washing-tub
operation sensing
portion 59-2 and the fourth-washing-tub operation sensing portion 69-2 may be
omitted as necessary.
[240] Upon receiving a control signal from the controller 70, the first
water supply portion
58 may supply wash water and/or rinse water to a washing space provided in the
third
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washing tub 51. Upon receiving a control signal from the controller 70, the
second
water supply portion 68 may be provided to supply a necessary amount of wash
water
and/or rinse water to the washing space provided in the fourth washing tub 61.
[241] For example, the water supply portion 58 or 68 may include a pipe
connected to an
external water source, a storage space to temporarily or non-temporarily store
water
supplied from the water source, a pump to pump the water stored in the storage
space
to the washing tub 51 or 61, a pipe to connect the storage space to the
washing tub 51
or 61 in a manner that wash water may flow through the pipe, and a valve
formed in
the pipe so as to supply wash water to the washing tub 51 or 61 or to prevent
wash
water from being supplied to the wash tub 51 or 61. Some parts of the above-
mentioned constituent components may be omitted by the designer. The water
supply
portion 58 or 68 may further include not only the above-mentioned components
but
also various other components as necessary.
[242] In accordance with an embodiment, the washing machine 2 may include a
water
supply portion 58 in the washing tub 51, and may include a water supply
portion 68 in
the washing tub 61. In this case, the water supply portion 58 may supply wash
water to
the washing tub 51, and the water supply portion 68 may supply wash water to
the
washing tub 61.
[243] In accordance with another embodiment, the washing machine 2 may
include a
single water supply portion (not shown) capable of selectively supplying wash
water to
the washing tub 51 or 61. In this case, a component, such as a valve, is
installed in a
pipe that is disposed between the wash water supply portion and each washing
tub 51
or 61 so as to allow wash water to flow therethrough, such that the wash water
may be
supplied to at least one washing tub 51 and 61.
[244] The controller 70 may be provided to perform various processes needed
to operate
the washing machine 2 as well as to control operations of various components
installed
in the washing machine 2. The controller 70 may include at least one processor
im-
plemented by at least one or two semiconductor chips and associated
components. The
at least one processor may be implemented using a CPU, a MCU, a Micom, an AP,
an
ECU, and/or other electronic devices capable of processing a variety of
operations and
generating various control signals.
[245] The controller 70 may also perform predefined operation, processing,
and control
operation by driving an application (called 'App') stored in a storage portion
80. Here,
the application may be pre-written by the designer and then stored in the
storage
portion 80, or may be acquired or updated through an ESD network that is
accessible
by the washing machine 2 over a wired or wireless communication network.
[246] The controller 70 may acquire information regarding the presence or
absence of
vibration in the third washing tub 51 from at least one of the third-driver
operation
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sensing portion 59-1 and the third-washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2,
or may
acquire information regarding the presence or absence of vibration in the
fourth
washing tub 61 from at least one of the fourth-driver operation sensing
portion 69-1
and the fourth-washing-tub operation sensing portion 69-2.
[247] The controller 70 may generate at least one of a control signal of
the third driver 53
and a control signal of the fourth driver 63, and may transmit the generated
control
signal to the corresponding component, i.e., at least one of the third driver
53 and the
fourth driver 63. Therefore, at least one of the third driver 53 and the
fourth driver 63
may operate by a control signal of the controller 70. Therefore, at least one
of the third
washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 may perform at least one
of the
washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydration process upon
receiving a
control signal from the controller 70.
[248] The controller 70 may transmit and/or receive data or control signals
to and from the
aforementioned components through a circuit, a conductive line, or a wireless
commu-
nication network.
[249] The controller 70 may decide the presence or absence of vibration on
the basis of an
electrical signal received from the driver operation sensing portion 59-1 or
69-1 and/or
the washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 or 69-2, such that the
controller 70 may
decide the presence or absence of unbalance in the washing tub 51 or 61 as
described
later, and may control the third driver 53 and/or the fourth driver 63 on the
basis of the
decision result. A detailed description thereof will be given later.
[250] The storage portion 80 may be provided to store programs or
information needed to
operate the controller 70. In detail, the storage portion 80 may store an
application
related to operation, processing, and control operation, various kinds of
information
needed for the aforementioned operation, processing, and control operation, or
various
kinds of information acquired from the aforementioned operation, processing or
control operation. For example, the storage portion 80 may store a reference
value in-
dicating the number of detected vibrations to be described later.
[251] The storage portion 80 may be implemented using a magnetic disk
storage medium, a
magnetic tape, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording
medium, a
semiconductor storage medium, or the like.
[252] A UI 85 may receive various commands or information related to the
washing
machine 2 from a user, and may visually or audibly provide the user with
various kinds
of information related to the washing machine 2. For example, the UI 85 may
receive
various commands related to operations of the third washing portion 50 and/or
the
fourth washing portion 60, and may visually and/or audibly output the
information
related to the third washing portion 50 and/or the fourth washing portion 60.
[253] A power-supply portion 89 may supply necessary power to respective
components of
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the washing machine 2, for example, the third driver 53 or the fourth driver
63. The
power-supply portion 89 may include a commercial power source and/or at least
one
battery embedded in the washing machine 2.
[254] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a situation in which unbalance occurs
in a washing tub
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[255] Referring to FIG. 13, the third washing tub 51 and a fourth washing
tub 61 may be
rotatably movable by a third driver 53 and a fourth driver 63, respectively,
such that
laundry introduced into the third washing tub 51 and laundry introduced into
the fourth
washing tub 61 may be washed, rinsed, and/or dehydrated by the third washing
tub 51
and the fourth washing tub 61, respectively. While the third washing tub 51 or
the
fourth washing tub 61 performs the washing or rinsing process, laundry C10
(C11,
C12, and C13) introduced into the third washing tub 51 or the fourth washing
tub 61
may be movable in the third washing tub 51 or the fourth washing tub 61. In
detail,
while the third washing tub 51 or the fourth washing tub 61 performs rotation
or
agitation action, a water current may occur in wash water or rinse water
stored in the
third washing tub 51 or the fourth washing tub 61, and laundry C10 (C11, C12,
and
C13) moves by the water current and collides with each other. As a result, the
laundry
C10 (C11, C12, and C13) may be washed. However, the laundry C10 (C11, C12, and
C13) moving in the washing tub may be entangled or lumped for various reasons,
such
that a considerably large amount of laundry C10 (C11, C12, and C13) may be con-
centrated at a specific zone or position as shown in FIG. 13. As described
above, when
laundry C10 (C11, C12, and C13) is concentrated at a specific zone or
position,
unbalance may occur in the washing tub. The unbalance may cause excessive
vibration
of the third washing tub 51 or the fourth washing tub 61 in which laundry C10
(C11,
C12, and C13) is introduced, resulting in occurrence of noise and damage of
internal
components. If such unbalance continuously occurs, efficiency of the washing
process,
the rinsing process, and/or the dehydration process may be deteriorated.
[256] This unbalance may be detected by the driver operation sensing
portion 59-1 or 69-1
and/or the washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2 or 69-2. The controller
70 may
determine the presence or absence of unbalance in the washing tub on the basis
of the
detection result, and may control the washing machine 2 such that unbalance is
removed from the washing machine 2.
[257] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller 70 may determine the
presence or
absence of unbalance on the basis of not only a rotation speed of the driver
53 or 63
detected by the driver operation sensing portion 59-1 or 69-1, but also the
magnitude
of voltage or current applied to the driver 53 or 63.
[258] FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating an example of change in a rotation
speed of the driver
when unbalance occurs in the washing tub according to an embodiment of the
present
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disclosure.
[259] Referring to FIG. 14, under a general situation, a rotation speed of
the driver 53 or 63
may increase to a target rotation speed R11, may be kept at the target
rotation speed
R11 during a predetermined time (t10 to ti 1, t12 to t13, and t14 to t15), may
be
reduced to zero '0' or an approximate value thereto, and may then be kept at
zero '0'
or an approximate value thereto during a predetermined time (t1 1 to t12, and
t13 to
t14), such that the aforementioned operations are repeatedly carried out (L11,
L11-1,
and L11-2).
[260] If an unbalance occurs in the washing tub Si or 61 as shown in FIG.
13, load applied
to the driver 53 or 63 by the concentrated laundry C10 (C11, C12, and C13) un-
avoidably increases. As a result, although the same voltage or current is
applied to the
driver 53 or 63, a rotation speed of the driver 53 or 63 may increase only to
a rotation
speed R12 relatively lower than the target rotation speed R11 (L12, L12-1, and
L12-3).
In other words, a rotation speed of the driver 53 or 63 may be relatively
lower than an
expected speed.
[261] The controller 70 may determine the presence or absence of unbalance
in the
washing tub Si or 61 using the aforementioned fact that the rotation speed of
the driver
53 or 63 is relatively deteriorated by occurrence of such unbalance.
[262] For example, if the third-driver operation sensing portion 59-1
corresponding to the
third driver 53 includes a rotation speed sensor, the controller 70 may
compare the
rotation speed of the third driver 53, that is received from the third-driver
operation
sensing portion 59-1, with a predefined reference rotation speed (e.g., a
target rotation
speed R11). For example, the predefined reference rotation speed may refer to
a target
rotation speed R11, an approximate rotation speed thereto, or a rotation speed
that is
theoretically or experimentally/empirically defined by the designer to
determine the
presence or absence of unbalance. If the rotation speed of the third driver 53
is equal to
the reference rotation speed and/or is less than the reference rotation speed,
the
controller 70 may determine the presence of unbalance in the third washing tub
Si cor-
responding to the third driver 53. In contrast, if the rotation speed of the
third driver 53
is higher than the reference rotation speed, the controller 70 may determine
the absence
of unbalance in the third washing tub Si corresponding to the third driver 53.
[263] Likewise, if the fourth-driver operation sensing portion 69-1
corresponding to the
fourth driver 63 is implemented as a rotation speed sensor, the controller 70
may
compare the rotation speed of the fourth driver 63, that is received from the
fourth-
driver operation sensing portion 69-1, with a predefined reference rotation
speed, and
may determine the presence or absence of unbalance in a fourth washing tub 61
corre-
sponding to the fourth driver 63 according to the result of comparison.
[264] In accordance with another embodiment, if the third-driver operation
sensing portion
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59-1 includes a voltage measurement device, the controller 70 may determine
the
presence or absence of unbalance on the basis of the measured voltage received
from
the third-driver operation sensing portion 59-1. In detail, if unbalance
occurs in the
third washing tub 51, load applied to a motor unavoidably increases, such that
a
voltage applied to the motor may relatively increase. Therefore, the
controller 70 may
compare the voltage measured by the voltage measured by the third-driver
operation
sensing portion 59-1 with a reference voltage. If the measured voltage is
higher than a
reference voltage, the controller 70 may determine the presence or absence of
unbalance in the third tub 51. In contrast, if the measured voltage is less
than the
reference voltage, the controller 70 may determine the absence of unbalance in
the
third washing tub 51.
[265] Likewise, if the fourth-driver operation sensing portion 69-1
includes a voltage mea-
surement device, the controller 70 may compare a measured voltage received
from the
fourth-driver operation sensing portion 69-1 with a reference voltage, and may
determine the presence or absence of unbalance in a fourth washing tub 61
according
to the result of comparison.
[266] In accordance with another embodiment, if the third-driver operation
sensing portion
59-1 includes a current measurement device, the controller 70 may determine
the
presence or absence of unbalance on the basis of a measured current received
from the
third-driver operation sensing portion 59-1. In the same manner as in the
above voltage
measurement case, if unbalance occurs in the third washing tub 51, a current
applied to
a motor may relatively increase, such that the controller 70 may determine the
presence
or absence of unbalance on the basis of the resultant current. For example,
the
controller 70 may compare the current measured by the third-driver operation
sensing
portion 59-1 with a reference current, and may determine the presence of
unbalance in
the third washing tub 51 when the measured current is higher than the
reference
current. In contrast, if the measured current is not higher than the reference
current, the
controller 70 may determine the absence of unbalance in the third washing tub
51.
[267] Likewise, if the fourth-driver operation sensing portion 69-1
includes a current mea-
surement device, the controller 70 may compare the measured current received
from
the fourth-driver operation sensing portion 69-1 with a reference current, and
may
determine the presence or absence of unbalance in the fourth washing tub 61.
[268] In accordance with another embodiment, the controller 70 may
determine the
presence or absence of unbalance in the washing tub 51 or 61 using vibration
of the
washing tub 51 or 61, that are detected by the washing-tub operation sensing
portion
59-2 or 69-2. If unbalance occurs in the washing machine as shown in FIG. 13,
the
number of vibrations of the washing tub 51 or 61 is increased more than in a
general
case. The controller 70 may determine the presence or absence of unbalance on
the
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basis of the increased number of vibrations of the washing tub 51 or 61.
[269] For example, the controller 70 may determine whether the magnitude of
vibration
(e.g., the number of vibrations) detected by the washing-tub operation sensing
portion
59-2 or 69-2 is higher than the magnitude of predefined reference vibration
(e.g., a
reference number of vibrations). Here, the reference vibration may be
theoretically or
empirically/experimentally defined. In this case, the controller 70 may
compare the
magnitude of vibration received from the third-washing-tub operation sensing
portion
59-2 with the magnitude of reference vibration so as to determine the presence
or
absence of unbalance in the third washing tub 51 according to the result of
comparison,
and/or may compare the magnitude of vibration received from the fourth-washing-
tub
operation sensing portion 69-2 with the magnitude of reference vibration so as
to
determine the presence or absence of unbalance in the fourth washing tub 61.
The
operation for deciding the presence or absence of unbalance in the third
washing tub 51
and the operation for deciding the presence or absence of unbalance in the
fourth
washing tub 61 may be carried out independently from each other. If it is
determined
that the detected vibration magnitude is identical to and/or higher than the
reference
vibration magnitude, the controller 70 may determine the presence or absence
of
unbalance in response to the determination result. In other words, if the
detected
vibration magnitude is less than the predefined reference vibration magnitude,
the
controller 70 may determine the absence of unbalance in the washing tub 51 or
61.
Here, the predefined reference vibration may be experimentally defined in
various
ways. The predefined reference vibration may also be defined in different ways
according to the washing-tub operation sensing portions 59-2 and 69-2.
[270] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment, the controller 70 may
also
determine the presence or absence of unbalance not only using the result of
first
comparison in which the vibration magnitude detected by the washing-tub
operation
sensing portion 59-2 or 69-2 is compared with a predefined reference
vibration, but
also using the result of second comparison in which the detected rotation
speed of the
driver 53 or 63 is compared with a predefined reference rotation speed. In
this case,
according to selection of the designer, the controller 70 may also be designed
to
determine the presence or absence of unbalance by further using the magnitude
of
voltage applied to the driver 53 or 63 and/or the magnitude of current applied
to the
driver 53 or 63, instead of using the rotation speed of the driver 53 or 63.
[271] If the presence of unbalance is decided as described above, the
controller 70 may
change an operation scheme (hereinafter referred to as a first operation
profile) that has
already been carried out by the washing portion 50 or 60 having unbalance to
another
predefined operation scheme (hereinafter referred to as a second operation
profile). For
example, the controller 70 may control the water supply portion 58 or 68 in a
manner
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that additional wash water is supplied to the washing tub 51 or 61 having
unbalance, or
may change an operation pattern of either the washing tub 51 or 61 having
unbalance
or the driver 53 or 63 such that the washing portion 50 or 60 having unbalance
may
operate using the second operation profile.
[272] A detailed example of the second operation profile will hereinafter
be described in
detail.
[273] FIG. 15 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a method for
changing a water
level of wash water stored in a washing tub according to an embodiment of the
present
disclosure.
[274] FIG. 16 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a method for
changing a water
level of wash water stored in a washing tub according to an embodiment of the
present
disclosure.
[275] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the second operation profile may
include relatively in-
creasing a water level WL1 or WL2 of the washing tub 51 or 61.
[276] In detail, when at least one of the washing portions 50 and 60
operates using the first
operation profile, the controller 70 may control at least one of the water
supply
portions 58 and 68 in a manner that wash water having a predetermined water
level
WL1 (hereinafter referred to as a first water level) is supplied to the at
least one of the
washing tubs 51 and 61. After laundry C21 is concentrated at one zone of the
washing
tub 51 or 61 as shown in FIG. 15 and unbalance occurs in the washing tub 51 or
61, if
a water level WL2 (hereinafter referred to as a second water level) relatively
increases
as shown in FIG. 16, the laundry C21 may move in response to the increasing
wash
water and the distance between a plurality of laundries C21a, C21b, and C21c
may
relatively increase. Accordingly, cohesive force among the laundries C21a,
C21b, and
C21c may be reduced and unbalance of the washing tub may be removed.
[277] Therefore, when the presence of unbalance in the washing tub 51 or 61
is decided,
the controller 70 may control the washing portion 50 or 60 to operate using
the second
operation profile such that a first water level WL1 of the washing tub is
relatively
increased and then changed to a second water level WL2, resulting in removal
of
unbalance generated in the washing tub 51 or 61. The second water level WL2
may
include a water level that is considered proper, by the designer, to remove
unbalance
generated in the washing tub 51 or 61. The second water level WL2 may include
a full
water level.
[278] FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a third example of change in a
rotation speed of the
driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[279] The second operation profile may include a change in target rotation
speed of the
washing tub 51 or 61 having unbalance or a change in target rotation speed of
the
driver 53 or 63 corresponding to the washing tub 51 or 61.
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[280] Referring to FIG. 17, if the first operation profile operates at a
predefined target
rotation speed R21 (hereinafter referred to as a first target rotation speed)
(L21, L21-1,
and L21-2), the second operation profile controls a target rotation speed R22
(hereinafter referred to as a second target rotation speed) to be lower than
the first
target rotation speed R21 such that the washing tubs 51 and 61 or the drivers
53 and 63
may operate at the second target rotation speed R22 (L22, L22-1, and L22-2).
[281] In more detail, the rotation speed of the washing tubs 51 and 61 or
the rotation speed
of the drivers 53 and 63 may increase to the second target rotation speed R22
(t20 to
t21, t26 to t27, and a period since t29). If the rotation speed increases at
the same ac-
celeration, the rotation speed of the washing tubs 51 and 61 or the rotation
speed of the
drivers 53 and 63 may more rapidly reach the second target rotation speed R22
than
the first target rotation speed R21 at times t21 and t22. After the washing
tubs 51 and
61 or the drivers 53 and 63 rotate at a constant speed until reaching a
predetermined
time t23 or t28, the washing tubs 51 and 61 or the drivers 53 and 63 are
decelerated to
zero '0' or an approximate value thereto at times t23 and t24. If deceleration
of the
washing tub or the driver is started at the same time t23 as in the case L21
based on the
first target rotation speed R21, the rotation speed of the washing tub or the
driver may
more rapidly reach zero '0' or an approximate value thereto at times t24 and
t25 in the
other case L22 based on the second target rotation speed R22. The above
operation for
increasing the rotation speed to the second target rotation speed R22 or the
above
operation for reducing the rotation speed to zero '0' or an approximate value
thereto
may be repeated for each predefined time section t26 to t26 (L22, L22-1, and
L22-2).
Centrifugal force is proportional to a square of angular speed. If the second
target
rotation speed R2 is relatively less than the first target rotation speed R21,
centrifugal
force may be relatively reduced. As a result, entanglement of laundry C10
(C11, C12,
and C13) is removed such that unbalance may also be removed.
[282] FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a fourth example of change in a
rotation speed of a
driver according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[283] In accordance with an embodiment, the second operation profile may
include
changing rotation acceleration and/or rotation deceleration of the washing
tubs 51 and
61 having unbalance or the drivers 53 and 63 corresponding to the washing tubs
51 and
61.
[284] Referring to FIG. 18, for example, the first operation profile may
include increasing
the rotation speed of the washing tubs 51 and 61 or the rotation speed of the
drivers 53
and 63 to a target rotation speed R31 according to a predefined rotation
acceleration
all (hereinafter referred to as a first rotation acceleration), and/or
reducing the rotation
speed of the washing tubs 51 and 61 or the rotation speed of the drivers 53
and 63 to
zero '0' or an approximate value thereto according to a predefined rotation de-
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celeration dl 1 (hereinafter referred to as a first rotation deceleration).
[285] In this case, the second operation profile may include increasing the
rotation speed of
the washing tubs 51 and 61 or the rotation speed of the drivers 53 and 63 to a
target
rotation speed R31 according to a rotation acceleration a12 (hereinafter
referred to as a
second rotation acceleration) relatively less than the first rotation speed
all, and/or
reducing the rotation speed of the washing tubs 51 and 61 or the rotation
speed of the
drivers 53 and 63 to zero '0' or an approximate value thereto according to a
rotation
deceleration d12 (hereinafter referred to as a second rotation deceleration)
relatively
higher than the first rotation deceleration dll (L31, L31-1, and L31-2). Here,
the
relatively high rotation deceleration d12 may refer to a rotation deceleration
having a
relatively low absolute value.
[286] In detail, in one case in which the washing machine operates based on
the second
operation profile, the rotation speed of the washing tubs 51 and 61 or the
rotation speed
of the drivers 53 and 63 may increase to a target rotation speed R31 at times
t30 to t32
more slowly than in the other case in which the washing machine operates based
on the
first operation profile at times t30 to t31. The washing tubs 51 and 61 or the
drivers 53
and 63 may rotate at a constant speed for a predetermined time section t32 to
t33.
Thereafter, the rotation speed of the washing tubs 51 and 61 or the rotation
speed of
the drivers 53 and 63 may be reduced to zero '0' or an approximate value
thereto at a
time t33 more slowly than in the case in which the washing machine operates
based on
the first operation profile at a time t34. Even in the case in which the
washing machine
operates based on the second operation profile, the above operation for
increasing the
rotation speed to the target rotation speed R31 or the above operation for
reducing the
rotation speed to zero '0' or an approximate value thereto may be repeated(
(L32,
L32-1, L32-2). Centrifugal force is proportional to angular speed (or angular
velocity).
Thus, if acceleration is reduced or deceleration is increased, centrifugal
force may be
reduced, such that unbalance caused by entanglement of laundry C10 (C11, C12,
and
C13) may be removed.
[287] Although FIG. 18 illustrates a method for changing both rotation
acceleration and
rotation deceleration for convenience of description and better understanding
of the
present disclosure, the second operation profile may include only changing
rotation ac-
celeration according to selection of the designer (i.e., a first rotation
deceleration is
identical to a second rotation deceleration), or may also include only
changing rotation
deceleration according to selection of the designer (i.e., a first rotation
acceleration is
identical to a second rotation acceleration).
[288] FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating an example of change in an operation
rate of the driver
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[289] The second operation profile may include changing an operation rate
of the washing
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tubs 51 and 61 having unbalance or an operation rate of the drivers 53 and 63
corre-
sponding to the washing tubs 51 and 61.
[290] The operation rate may refer to a ratio of a total operation time to
an active operation
time of each driver 53 or 63. Referring to FIG. 19, the operation rate may be
defined as
a specific value Pon1/(Ponl+Poffl) or Pon2/(Pon2+Poff2) obtained when the
active
operation period Ponl or Pon2 is divided by a total operation period
Ponl+Poffl or
Pon2+Poff2.
[291] Referring to FIG. 19, the second operation profile may include
allowing each driver
53 or 63 to operate at a relatively lower operation rate Pon2/(Pon2+Poff2)
than the
operation rate Pon1/(Ponl+Poffl) of the first operation profile. In other
words, in the
case in which the washing machine operates based on the first operation
profile,
increase and maintenance of the rotation speed may be achieved during a
relatively
long time (t40 to t44 and t46 to t48) (L41 and L41-1). In the other case in
which the
washing machine operates based on the second operation profile, increase and
maintenance of the rotation speed may be achieved in a relatively short time
(t40 to t42
and t46 to t47) (L42 and L42-1). In this case, the target rotation speed based
on the
first operation profile and the target rotation speed based on the second
operation
profile (R41) may be identical to each other (R41) or may be different from
each other.
When the washing machine operates based on the first operation profile,
reduction and
maintenance (i.e., a substantially stopped state) of the rotation speed may be
achieved
in a relatively short time (t44 to r46 and t48 to t49) (L41 and L41-1). In
contrast, when
the washing machine operates based on the second operation profile, reduction
and
maintenance of the rotation speed may be achieved during a relatively long
time (t42 to
t46 and t47 and t49) (L42 and L42-1).
[292] As described above, although the operation rate is reduced to a
relatively lower
value, less centrifugal force may be applied to laundry C10 (C11, C12, and
C13), en-
tanglement of the laundry C10 (C11, C12, and C13) may be removed such that
unbalance of the washing tub 51 or 61 may also be removed.
[293] FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a method
for changing an
operation start time and an operation end time of the driver according to an
em-
bodiment of the present disclosure.
[294] If necessary, the second operation profile may include changing an
operation period
(i.e., ON period) and/or a stoppage period (i.e., OFF time) of the washing tub
51 or 61
having unbalance or an operation period (i.e., ON period) and/or a stoppage
period
(i.e., OFF time) of the driver 53 or 63 corresponding to the washing tub 51 or
61.
[295] Referring to FIG. 20, for example, the first operation profile may
include a
predefined operation period Pon 11 or Pon12 (hereinafter referred to as a
first operation
period), and/or a predefined stoppage period Poffll or Poff12 (hereinafter
referred to
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as a first stoppage period) (L51). During the first stoppage period Ponll or
Pon12, the
driver 53 or 63 may actively operate (i.e., the driver 53 or 63 may be
accelerated and
maintained at a high rotation speed R51). During the first stoppage period
Poffll or
Poff12, the driver 53 or 63 may stop operation (i.e., the driver 53 or 63 may
be de-
celerated and maintained at a low rotation speed, for example, zero '0' or an
ap-
proximate value thereto).
[296] An ON period Pon21, Pon22, or Pon23 (hereinafter referred to as a
second operation
period) may be relatively shorter than the first operation period Pon 11 or
Pon12 of the
first operation profile, and/or an OFF period Poff21, Poff22, or Poff23
(hereinafter
referred to as a second stoppage period) of the second operation profile may
be
relatively shorter than the first stoppage period Poffll or Poff12 of the
first operation
profile (L52). In other words, when the washing machine operates based on the
second
operation profile, the driver 53 or 63 may actively operate during a
relatively short
period Pon21, Pon22, or Pon23, or may stop operation during a relatively short
period
Poff21, Poff22, or Poff23. As described above, when the driver 53 or 63
operates
based on the second operation period and/or the second stoppage period,
starting and
stopping of the driver 53 or 63 may be more frequently repeated than in the
case in
which the washing machine operates based on the first operation profile, such
that the
laundry C10 (C11, C12, and C13) may be relatively less tangled. As a result,
en-
tanglement of the laundry C10 (C11, C12, and C13) may be removed such that
unbalance of the washing tub 51 or 61 may also be removed.
[297] FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 illustrate various embodiments
of the operations
capable of being contained in the second operation profile. According to
selection of
the designer, the second operation profile may independently include only one
of the
various embodiments, may include only some of the various embodiments, or may
include all of the various embodiments. For example, the second operation
profile may
include not only increasing a water level of wash water stored in the washing
tub, and
reducing a water level of wash water stored in the washing tub. Further, the
second
operation profile may also include at least one of various combinations of the
above-
mentioned embodiments considerable by the designer.
[298] Various embodiments of the present disclosure in which, when
unbalance occurs in
the washing tub while the washing machine 2 operates based on the first
operation
profile, the operation profile is changed to another so that the washing
machine 2 is
controlled based on the second operation profile, will hereinafter be
described with
reference to the attached drawings.
[299] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a first example of a method for
controlling rotation of
the washing tub when unbalance occurs in the washing tub according to an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure.
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[300] Referring to FIG. 21, at least one of a third washing portion 50 and
a fourth washing
portion 60 may operate based on a first operation profile S10. The first
operation
profile S10 may include at least one operation pattern S11, S12, and S13. The
at least
one operation pattern S11, S12, and S13 may be arbitrarily defined by the
designer.
For example, the at least one operation pattern S11, S12, and S13 may include
in-
creasing a rotation speed at least once, maintaining the rotation speed at
least once,
and/or reducing the rotation speed at least once.
[301] By the aforementioned method for detecting vibration of the washing
tub 51 or 61, if
unbalance occurs in at least one of the third washing tub 51 of the third
washing
portion 50 and the fourth washing tub 61 of the fourth washing portion 60
(V1), the
controller 70 may change the first operation profile S10 to the second
operation profile
S20. The second operation profile S20 may include at least one operation
pattern S21
to S24. Here, each operation pattern S21, S22, S23, or S24 may be defined by
changing at least one operation pattern S11, S12, and S13 of the first
operation profile
S10 on the basis of at least one of changing of the water level, changing of
the second
target rotation speed, changing of the operation rate, changing of the
rotation ac-
celeration, changing of the rotation deceleration, and changing of the
operation period
and/or the stoppage period. In this case, when the first operation profile of
at least one
of the third washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 is changed
to a
second operation profile, the controller 70 may continuously control at least
one of the
third washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 on the basis of the
changed
second operation profile until the washing process, the rinsing process,
and/or the de-
hydration process are ended.
[302] FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a second example of a method for
controlling rotation
of the washing tub when unbalance occurs in the washing tub according to an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure.
[303] Referring to FIG. 22, while at least one of the third washing portion
50 and the fourth
washing portion 60 of the washing machine 2 operates based on the first
operation
profile S30, the controller 70 may determine the presence or absence of
unbalance in at
least one of the third washing tub 51 of the third washing portion 50 and the
fourth
washing tub 61 of the fourth washing portion 60 using a vibration detection
method
such as the aforementioned method for detecting vibration of the washing tub
51 or 61
(V2). In this case, the controller 70 may change a first operation profile S30
to a
second operation profile S40 at a predetermined time or at a time (ts) at
which a
predefined time elapses from the predetermined time. In the same manner as
described
above, the first operation profile S30 may include at least one predefined
operation
pattern S31 and S32. The second operation profile S40 may include at least one
operation pattern S41 to S44 defined based on at least one of changing of the
water
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level, changing of the second target rotation speed, changing of the operation
rate,
changing of the rotation acceleration, changing of the rotation deceleration,
and
changing of the operation period and/or the stoppage period.
[304] After the first operation profile S30 is changed to the second
operation profile S40, if
at least one of the third washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60
is
controlled according to the second operation profile S40, and if a predefined
reference
period (ts ¨ tr) finally elapses, the controller 70 may stop the control
process based on
the second operation profile S40, and may then control at least one of the
third washing
portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 on the basis of a new operation
profile
S50. Here, the predefined reference period (ts ¨ tr) may include a specific
period in
which unbalance is considerably or sufficiently removed by the operation based
on the
second operation profile S40. The specific period in which unbalance is
considerably
or sufficiently removed may be theoretically or empirically/experimentally
decided,
and may be decided in various ways according to a method for defining the
second
operation profile S40. In accordance with an embodiment, the new operation
profile
S50 may include the first operation profile S30. In accordance with an
embodiment,
the new operation profile S50 may include at least one predefined operation
pattern
S51 and S52.
[305] If the washing machine 2 is controlled as described above, at least
one of the third
washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 is not controlled
according to the
second operation profile although unbalance is removed from the washing
machine 2,
efficiency of the washing process, the rinsing process and/or the dehydration
process
may be improved.
[306] FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a third example of a method for
controlling rotation of
the washing tub when unbalance occurs in the washing tub according to an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure.
[307] Referring to FIG. 23, the controller 70 may control at least one of
the third washing
portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60 according to a first operation
profile S60.
If unbalance occurs in at least one of the third washing tub 51 of the third
washing
portion 50 and the fourth washing tub 61 of the fourth washing portion 60
because
vibration of the washing tub 51 or 61 is detected (V3), the controller 70 may
change
the first operation profile S60 to a second operation profile S70. As
described above,
the first operation profile S60 may include at least one predefined operation
pattern
S61 and S62, and may include at least one operation pattern S71 to S74 defined
based
on at least one of changing of the water level, changing of the second target
rotation
speed, changing of the operation rate, changing of the rotation acceleration,
changing
of the rotation deceleration, and changing of the operation period and/or the
stoppage
period. Although the first operation profile S60 is changed to the second
operation
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profile S70, the controller 70 may continuously receive signals from at least
one of the
third-driver operation sensing portion 59-1, the third-washing-tub operation
sensing
portion 59-2, the fourth-driver operation sensing portion 69-1, and the fourth-
washing-tub operation sensing portion 69-2.
[308] If the controller 70 determines that unbalance generated in at least
one of the third
washing tub 51 and the fourth washing tub 61 is removed on the basis of the
signals
received from at least one of the third-driver operation sensing portion 59-1,
the third-
washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2, the fourth-driver operation
sensing portion
69-1, and the fourth-washing-tub operation sensing portion 69-2, the
controller 70 may
stop the control process based on the second operation profile S70, and may
then
control at least one of the third washing portion 50 and the fourth washing
portion 60
on the basis of a new operation profile S80. In the same manner as described
above,
the new operation profile S80 may also include the existing first operation
profile S60.
In accordance with an embodiment, the new operation profile S80 may include at
least
one predefined operation pattern S81 and S82.
[309] In this case, upon completion of removal of unbalance, the controller
70 may control
at least one of the third washing portion 50 and the fourth washing portion 60
using a
relatively more efficient operation profile instead of using the second
operation profile,
such that efficiency of the washing process, the rinsing process and/or the
dehydration
process may be further improved.
[310] FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a fourth example of a method for
controlling rotation of
the washing tub when unbalance occurs in the washing tub according to an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure.
[311] Referring to FIG. 24, if the controller 70 determines that unbalance
is generated in
the washing tub 51 or 61 several times (V11, V12, and V13), the controller 70
may
change a first operation profile S100, S110, or S120 to a second operation
profile
S130.
[312] In detail, at least one washing tub 51 and 61 may operate using the
first operation
profile S110. In the same manner as described above, the first operation
profile S110
may include at least one pattern S101 to S103.
[313] Vibration of at least one washing tub Si and 61 is detected by the
third-washing-tub
operation sensing portion 59-2 and the fourth-washing-tub operation sensing
portion
69-2, a target rotation speed of at least one driver 53 and 63 corresponding
to at least
one washing tub Si and 61 is less than a requested target rotation speed, a
current
applied to at least one driver 53 and 63 is measured as a relatively high
current value,
and/or a voltage applied to at least one driver 53 and 63 or a DC link circuit
is
measured as a relatively high voltage value (V11). In this case, the
controller 70 may
determine (or count) the presence or absence of unbalance without directly
retrieving
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the second operation profile in a different way from the above-mentioned
example, and
may continuously control the washing machine based on the first operation
profiles
S110 and S120 in the same manner as in the situation prior to detection or mea-
surement of the washing tub 51 or 61. In accordance with an embodiment, the
controller 70 may further use a count variable for counting the number of
occurrence
times of unbalance so as to count the presence or absence of unbalance. In
this case,
the first operation profile S110 may include at least one operation pattern
S111 to
S113, and the first operation profile S120 may include at least one operation
pattern
S121 to S123.
[314] If the result of unbalance generated in the process for controlling
at least one washing
tub 51 and 61 based on the first operation profile 5110 and S120 is received
from at
least one of the third-driver operation sensing portion 59-1, the fourth-
driver operation
sensing portion 60-1, the third-washing-tub operation sensing portion 59-2,
and the
fourth-washing-tub operation sensing portion 69-2, the controller 70 may
continuously
count the presence or absence of unbalance in response to the above reception
result,
and may determine whether the counted result is higher than a predefined
value.
[315] In more detail, for example, the controller 70 may add a value of 1
to a count
variable, and may compare the resultant count variable to which the value of 1
is added
with a count reference value. For example, although the count reference value
is set to
3, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and
the count
reference value may be arbitrarily defined by selection of the designer.
[316] If the count variable is equal to or higher than the count reference
value, the
controller 70 may determine the presence of unbalance, may change the first
operation
profile S120 to the second operation profile S130, and may control at least
one
washing tub 51 and 61 according to the second operation profile S130. The
second
operation profile S130 may include at least one operation pattern S131 to S134
as
described above. In contrast, if the count variable is less than the count
reference value,
the controller 70 determines that unbalance was not yet generated or
determines that
unbalance was not yet needed, such that the controller 70 controls at least
one washing
tub 51 and 61 according to the existing first operation profile S120.
[317] In the case of using at least one washing tub 51 and 61 on the basis
of the second
operation profile S130, the controller 70 may control at least one washing tub
51 and
61 on the basis of the second operation profile S130 until the washing
process, the
rinsing process, and/or the dehydration process are/is ended as shown in FIG.
21. As
shown in FIG. 22, the controller 70 may control at least one washing tub 51
and 61 on
the basis of the second operation profile S130 until expiration of a
predetermined time.
As shown in FIG. 23, if the controller 70 receives a signal indicating no
unbalance, the
controller 70 may interrupt the control process based on the second operation
profile
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S130, and may control at least one washing tub 51 and 61 based on a new
operation
profile.
[318] Until information indicating that the number of generated unbalances
is equal to or
higher than a reference number of unbalances is received, the controller 70
may con-
tinuously control at least one washing tub 51 and 61 on the basis of the first
operation
profiles S100 to S120. As a result, when an error occurs in the operation
sensing
portion 59-1, 59-2, 69-1, or 69-2, when vibration occurs in the washing
machine due to
other reasons than unbalance, or when a rotation speed does not reach a target
rotation
speed, the controller 70 may prevent the washing machine 2 from being
controlled by
the second operation profile S130.
[319] One example of a washing machine including a plurality of washing
tubs to which
the aforementioned embodiments are applicable will hereinafter be described
with
reference to FIGS. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31.
[320] FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine
according to an em-
bodiment of the present disclosure.
[321] FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a first housing and a second housing
of the washing
machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[322] FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the washing
machine according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[323] Referring to FIGS. 25, 26, and 27, the washing machine 100 may
include a plurality
of washing portions 110 and 120. For example, the washing machine 100 may
include
a first washing portion 110 having a first washing space 215 and a second
washing
portion 120 having a second washing space 315. Although FIGS. 25, 26, and 27
il-
lustrate the washing machine 100 as including only two washing portions 110
and 120
for convenience of description and better understanding of the present
disclosure, the
scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the only
one washing
machine 100 may also include three or more washing portions according to
selection
of the designer.
[324] The first washing portion 110 and the second washing portion 120 may
be im-
plemented by the washing portions configured to operate in the same way, or
may be
implemented by different washing portions configured to operate in different
ways. For
example, the first washing portion 110 may be implemented as a top loading
washing
machine in which a laundry inlet is provided at an upper part of the first
washing space
215, and the second washing portion 120 may be implemented as a front loading
washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provide at the front of the second
washing
space 315. However, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not
limited thereto.
In accordance with selection of the designer, the first washing portion 110
may be im-
plemented as a front loading washing machine, the second washing portion 120
may be
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implemented as a top loading washing machine, or each of the first washing
portion
110 and the second washing portion 120 may also be implemented as a front
loading
washing machine or a top loading washing machine as necessary.
[325] The first washing portion 110 and the second washing portion may be
disposed per-
pendicular to each other as shown in FIGS. 25, 26, and 27, or may be disposed
parallel
to each other.
[326] In accordance with an embodiment, the first washing portion 110 and
the second
washing portion 120 may also be integrated into one body such that it is
impossible to
separate the first washing portion 110 from the second washing portion 120. In
ac-
cordance with another embodiment, the first washing portion 110 and the second
washing portion 120 may be detachably coupled to each other. In the latter
case, the
first washing portion 110 and the second washing portion 120 may be
manufactured
independently, and may also be coupled and assembled with each other by a
designer,
a manufacturer, a supplier, a consumer, or a user of another washing machine
100.
[327] The first washing portion 110 may include a first washing tub 210
having a first
washing space 215 therein. The first washing tub 210 may be formed in a
cylindrical
shape, at least a part of one surface of which is opened. In this case, the
open surface of
the first washing tub 210 is arranged to face forward. Therefore, an inlet (or
an
opening) 215 through which laundry is introduced into the first washing tub
210 may
be provided at the front of the first washing tub 210. The aforementioned
first washing
tub 210 may be referred to as a drum, and a washing machine including the
first
washing tub 210 may be referred to as a drum washing machine.
[328] In accordance with an embodiment, a plurality of first through-holes
211 through
which wash water passes may be further formed at an outer circumferential
surface of
the first washing tub 210. A plurality of lifters 213 may be installed at an
inner circum-
ferential surface of the first washing tub 210 so that laundry may be raised
or dropped
during rotation of the first washing tub 210. A first balancer 212 may also be
mounted
to a front portion of the first washing tub 210 so that the first washing tub
210 stably
rotates at a high speed.
[329] The first washing portion 110 may include a first washing tub 210,
and may further
include a first tub 220 to store wash water to be used in a washing process or
rinse
water to be used in a rinsing process. The first tub 220 may be formed in a
cylindrical
shape, at least a part of one surface of which is opened. In this case, the
open surface of
the first tub 220 may be arranged to face in the same direction as the inlet
214. For
example, the open surface of the first tub 220 may be arranged to face
forward.
Therefore, an inlet 223 through which laundry is introduced into the first tub
220 may
be formed at a front of the first tub 220.
[330] The first washing portion 110 may include a first housing 230 that
includes the first
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washing tub 210 and the first tub 220. In accordance with an embodiment, the
first
housing 230 may be provided with an open upper part, and may include one pair
of
first side panels 231 forming a side surface of the first housing 230, a first
back panel
234 forming a back surface of the first housing 230, and a bottom panel 232
forming a
bottom surface of the first housing 230. In this case, the first side panels
231 and the
first back panel 234 may be integrated into one body.
[331] The first washing portion 110 may further include a spring 251 and a
damper 250 to
allow the first tub 220 to be supported by the first housing 230. The damper
250 may
connect an outer surface of the first tub 220 to the bottom panel 232 such
that the first
tub 220 is supported by a lower portion of the first washing portion 110. The
spring
251 may connect an outer surface of the first tub 220 to a spring coupling
portion 233
provided at an upper portion of the side panel 231 such that the first tub 220
is
supported by an upper portion of the first washing portion 110. The spring 251
and the
damper 250 may mitigate vibration, noise, and impact encountered by movement
of
the first tub 220.
[332] Installation positions of the spring 251 and the damper 250 are not
limited to the
upper end of the side panel 231 and the bottom panel 232. If necessary, the
spring 251
and the damper 250 may support the first tub 220 by connecting one surface of
the first
tub 220 to some parts of the first housing 230.
[333] The first washing portion 110 may include a first driver 240 that is
disposed at a rear
of the first tub 220 to rotate the first washing tub 210. The first driver 240
may be im-
plemented using, for example, a motor. Although the motor may be implemented
using
at least one of a DC motor, an AC motor, a DC/AC motor, and a BLDC motor, the
scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first
driver 240 may
be directly or indirectly coupled to the first drive shaft 241, and may supply
driving
force to the first washing tub 210.
[334] The first driver 240 may receive a control signal from a separate
controller (400 of
FIG. 31) using at least one of a circuit, a conductive line, and a wireless
commu-
nication network, and may start driving, temporarily stop driving, or finish
driving
according to a received control signal.
[335] A first drive shaft 241 may be disposed between the first washing tub
210 and the
first driver 240. One end of the first drive shaft 241 may be connected to a
back panel
of the first washing tub 210, and the other end of the first drive shaft 241
may be
connected to the first driver 240 by extending outside of a rear wall of the
first tub 220.
Therefore, driving power generated by the first driver 240 may be transferred
to the
first washing tub 210, and the first washing tub 210 may also operate in
response to
beginning of the first driver 240. If the first driver 240 starts operation in
response to a
received current, the first drive shaft 241 may start rotation in at least one
direction in
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response to the beginning of operation of the first driver 240, and the first
washing tub
210 connected to the first drive shaft 241 may rotate in at least one
direction with
respect to the first drive shaft 241.
[336] In this case, the drive shaft 241 may be provided with a rotation
shaft disposed to
face in substantially all directions, such that the first washing tub 210 may
rotate about
an omnidirectional shaft.
[337] In accordance with an embodiment, a conductive line or circuit
connected to the first
driver 240 may be provided with at least one of a voltage measurement portion
(413 of
FIG. 31) to measure voltage applied to the first driver 240 and a current
measurement
portion (414 of FIG. 31) to measure current applied to the first driver 240.
At least one
of the voltage measurement portion 423 and the current measurement portion 424
may
measure at least one of voltage and current using a feedback current.
[338] In accordance with an embodiment, the first washing tub 210 may
include a vibration
sensor (411 of FIG. 31) to detect vibration of the first washing tub 210. For
example,
the vibration sensor 411 may be installed on a side surface of the first
washing tub 210,
and may be installed on at least one of an inner side and an outer side of the
first
washing tub 210. The vibration sensor 411 may be implemented using a MEMS
sensor. The MEMS sensor may include piezoresistive sensor or a capacitive
sensor.
[339] In accordance with an embodiment, a rotation speed of the first
washing tub 210 and
a rotation speed of at least one of the first drive shafts 241 of the first
driver 240 may
be detected by a rotation speed sensor (412 of FIG. 31). A rotation speed
sensor 412
may be installed around, for example, the first driver 240 or the first
washing tub 210.
[340] The rotation speed sensor 413 may be implemented using, for example,
a tachometer,
an encoder, a toothed-wheel sensor, etc. The tachometer may include, for
example, an
electrical tachometer and/or a photoelectric tachometer. The encoder may
include, for
example, an optical incremental encoder, an optical absolute encoder, a
magnetic
encoder, and/or a resolver.
[341] In accordance with an embodiment, a rear wall of the first tub 220 is
provided with a
bearing housing 242 to rotatably support the first drive shaft 241. The
bearing housing
242 may be formed of an aluminum alloy, and may be inserted into the rear wall
of the
first tub 220 during injection molding of the first tub 220. At least one
bearing 243 to
support the first drive shaft 241 may be installed between the bearing housing
242 and
the first drive shaft 241 so that the first drive shaft 241 is smoothly
rotated.
[342] The first washing portion 110 may be provided with a heater 280
configured to heat
wash water or rinse water stored in the first tub 220. For example, the heater
280 may
be disposed at a bottom or side surface of the first tub 220. Wash water or
rinse water
is heated by the heater 280, such that the first washing portion 110 may
perform the
washing process or the rinsing process with hot water.
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[343] The first washing portion 110 may further include a second water
supply portion
(550 of FIG. 31) to supply wash water and/or rinse water to the first tub 220.
The first
water supply portion 550 may be disposed in the first housing 230. For
example, the
first water supply portion 550 may be disposed at a rear upper end of the
first tub 220.
However, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto,
and the
first water supply portion 550 may also be installed at a predetermined
position con-
siderable by the designer. The first water supply portion 550 may be connected
to an
external water supply device, such that the first water supply portion 550 may
provide
water supplied from the external water supply device to the inside of the
first tub 220
and/or may store water therein until a command requesting water is received.
Wash
water and/or rinse water supplied from the first water supply portion 550 may
be in-
troduced into the first tub 220 through a discharge portion (e.g., a plurality
of drain
holes (not shown)) formed around the first tub 220.
[344] In accordance with an embodiment, the first washing portion 110 may
include a drain
device to discharge water stored in the first tub 220 to the outside of the
washing
machine. The drain device may include a first drain pump 270, a first
connection hose
271, a circulation hose 274, and a first drain hose 272. The first drain pump
270 is
provided at a lower portion of the first tub 220 to discharge water in the
first tub 220 to
the outside of the washing machine 100. The first connection hose 271 connects
a first
drain hole 273 of the first tub 220 to the first drain pump 270 such that
water in the
first tub 220 is introduced into the first drain pump 270. The circulation
hose 274
connects the first drain pump 270 to the first tub 220 such that water
introduced into
the first drain pump 270 may circulate in the first tub 220. The first drain
hose 272 may
guide water pumped by the first drain pump 270 to the outside of the washing
machine
100.
[345] The washing machine 100 may include a front housing 140 having a
first inlet 141
through which laundry is introduced into a first washing space 215. The front
housing
140 may be coupled to or fixed to one pair of first side panels 231 forming a
side
surface of the first housing 230. The first housing 140 may be coupled to a
first door
260 configured to open or close a first inlet 141.
[346] The first door 260 may be formed at a position corresponding to the
first inlet 141,
and may be configured to relatively pivot with respect to the front housing
140. The
first door 260 may include a first door frame 261, a first door cover 262, and
a door
glass 263.
[347] The first door frame 261 may be formed in a predetermined shape
according to
selection of the designer. For example, although the first door frame 261 is
formed in a
substantially ring shape as shown in FIG. 1, the first door frame 261 may also
be
formed in a substantially triangular or rectangular shape without departing
from the
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scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The first door cover 262 and the
door glass
263 may be formed of transparent material such that a user who is located
outside the
washing machine 100 may view an inner space of the first washing tub 210 even
when
the first door 260 closes the first inlet 141. The door glass 263 may be
provided to
convexly protrude from the first door frame 261 toward the interior of the
first washing
tub 210. Through the above structure, when the first door 260 is closed, the
door glass
263 may be inserted into the first inlet 141.
[348] A first hinge (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the first
inlet 141 to allow the
first door 260 to pivot with respect to the front housing 140, and is
rotatably coupled to
a first hinge coupling portion (not shown) formed at one side of the first
door frame
261.
[349] A first hook 266 may be provided at the other side of the first door
frame 261, and
the front housing 140 may include a first hook container 142 formed at a
position cor-
responding to the first hook 266, such that the first door 260 closes the
first inlet 141
and is kept locked. If the first door 260 is kept closed, the first hook 266
is inserted into
the first hook container 142 to prevent the first door 260 from being randomly
opened.
[350] The first door 260 may further include an auxiliary laundry inlet 267
such that, even
when the first door 260 is closed, the user may put laundry into the first
washing space
215. If necessary, the first door 260 may further include an auxiliary door
264 to open
or close the auxiliary laundry inlet 267. In this case, the auxiliary door 264
may be
hinged to or slidably coupled to the first door cover 262 such that the
auxiliary door
264 may be pivotable or movable with respect to the first door 260.
[351] In accordance with an embodiment, the door glass 263 may further
include a glass
through-hole 268. The glass through-hole 268 may provide a route through which
laundry received through the auxiliary laundry inlet 267 is introduced into
the first
washing space 215. In order to connect the auxiliary laundry inlet 267 of the
first door
260 to the glass through-hole 268 of the door glass 263, the first door 260
may include
a connection guide portion 265. Both ends of the connection guide portion 265
may be
opened, such that the connection guide portion 265 may be formed to have a
hollow
cylindrical pipe shape. In detail, one end of the connection guide portion 265
may be
connected to the auxiliary laundry inlet 267, and the other end of the
connection guide
portion 265 may be connected to the glass through-hole 268. In this
embodiment, the
connection guide portion 265 may be tilted downward in a direction from the
front side
to the rear side of the washing machine. That is, one end of the connection
guide
portion 265 connected to the auxiliary laundry inlet 267 may be located at a
higher
position than the other end of the connection guide portion 265. Through the
above
structure, the user may easily put laundry into the first washing tub 210
through the
auxiliary laundry inlet 267. If necessary, the connection guide portion may be
omitted.
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[352] In accordance with another embodiment, an upper portion of the door
glass 263 may
include a collapsed or indented region (not shown) formed at a position
corresponding
to the auxiliary laundry inlet 267. By formation of the collapsed region, the
door glass
is not located at a rear of the auxiliary laundry inlet 267. Therefore,
laundry received
through the auxiliary laundry inlet 267 may be introduced into the first
washing space
215 without intervention.
[353] Although the above-mentioned embodiment has disclosed the first door
260 provided
with the auxiliary door 264 for convenience of description and better
understanding of
the present disclosure, the installation position of the auxiliary door 264 is
not limited
thereto, and the auxiliary door 264 may also be installed at other positions
other than
the first door 260 as necessary.
[354] The washing machine 100 may further include a diaphragm 221 disposed
between
the first inlet 141 of the front housing 140 and the inlet 223 (or opening) of
the first tub
220. The diaphragm 221 may form a passage from the first inlet 141 to the
inlet 214 of
the first washing tub 210. During rotation of the first washing tub 210, the
diaphragm
221 may reduce vibration delivered to the front housing 140. Some parts of the
diaphragm 221 may be disposed between the first door 260 and the front housing
140
so as to prevent wash water of the first tub 220 from leaking outside the
washing
machine 100.
[355] In accordance with an embodiment, the second washing portion 120 may
include a
second washing tub 310 having a second washing space 315 therein. At least one
portion of one surface of the second washing tub 310 may be formed in a
cylindrical
shape, at least a part of one surface of which is opened. The open surface is
arranged to
face forward.
[356] The second washing tub 310 may be disposed to be rotatable in the
second tub 320.
[357] A plurality of second through-holes 311 through which wash water
passes may be
formed at a side surface and a bottom surface of the second washing tub 310. A
second
balancer 312 may be mounted to an upper portion of the second washing tub 310
so
that the second washing tub 310 may stably rotate at a high speed. A filter
316 may be
attached to an inner side surface of the second washing tub 310 so that the
filter 316
may filter out contaminants generated in a washing process. A bent portion 313
producing a water current may be formed at a bottom surface of the second
washing
tub 310. In accordance with an embodiment, the second washing tub 310 may
further
include a pulsator or rotary rod that is disposed in the second washing tub
310 to
produce a water current.
[358] The second washing portion 120 may include a second washing tub 310,
and may
further include a second tub 320 to store wash water to be used in a washing
process or
rinse water to be used in a rinsing process. The second tub 320 may be formed
in a
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three-dimensional (3D) shape, at least a part of one surface of which is
opened. For
example, the second tub 320 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In this
case, the
open surface of the second 320 may be arranged to face upward in the same
manner as
the open surface of the second washing tub 310. The second tub 320 may be
supported
by a lower frame 331 via a suspension device 350. For example, the second tub
320
may be supported while being suspended from the lower frame 331 by four
suspension
devices 350. A third inlet 314 may be provided to correspond to the second
inlet 334 at
a top surface of the second tub 320.
[359] The second washing portion 120 may further include a third door 380
to open or
close the third inlet 314. In this case, the third door 380 may include a
third door frame
381, and may further include a third door cover 382. The third door cover 382
may be
formed of a transparent material such that a user who is located outside the
second tub
320 may view an inner space of the second washing tub 310 even when the third
door
380 closes the third inlet 314.
[360] A third hinge (not shown) may be provided in the vicinity of the
third inlet 314 so as
to pivot the third door 380 with respect to the second tub 320, and may be
pivotably
coupled to a third hinge coupling portion (not shown) formed at one side of
the third
door frame 381. A knob 383 capable of opening the third door 380 may be
provided at
the other side of the third door frame 381, and the knob 383 may include a
second
hook 384. The second tub 320 may include a second hook container formed at a
position corresponding to the second hook 384. When the third door 380 closes
the
third inlet 314, the second hook 384 may be coupled to a second hook
container. When
the second hook 384 is coupled to the second hook container, the closed state
in which
the third door 380 closes the third inlet 314 may be stably maintained. If a
user ma-
nipulates the knob 383, the second hook 384 is released from the second hook
container so that the third door 380 is opened.
[361] The second washing portion 120 may include a second housing 330 that
includes the
second washing tub 310 and the second tub 320. A lower portion of the second
housing 330 is opened or closed. In detail, the second housing 330 may include
a lower
frame 331 supporting the second tub 320, a second inlet 334 through which
laundry is
introduced into a second washing space 315, and an upper frame 332 seated on
the
lower frame 331. An upper portion and a lower portion of the lower frame 331
may be
opened. Further, the second housing 330 may include a side cover 333 forming
the
external appearance of a left side surface and a right-side surface of the
second
washing portion 120.
[362] The second washing portion 120 may be disposed in the second housing
330, and
may include a second door 360 to open or close the second inlet 334. The
second door
360 may be provided to correspond to the second inlet 334, and may be
pivotably
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movable with respect to the upper frame 332. The second door 360 may include a
second door frame 361 and a second door cover 362. The second door cover 362
may
be formed of a transparent material such that a user who is located outside
the washing
machine 100 may view inner spaces of the second tub 320 and the second washing
tub
310 even when the second door 360 closes the second inlet 334.
[363] A second hinge is provided at right and left sides of the second door
frame 361 to
allow the second door 360 to pivot with respect to the upper frame 332, and is
coupled
to a second hinge coupling portion formed in the vicinity of the second inlet
334. A
latch container 363 is provided at a front side of the second door frame 361,
and the
upper frame 332 is provided with a latch device formed at a position
corresponding to
the latch container 363 of the second door frame 361, such that the second
door 360
closes the second inlet 334 and is kept locked during operation of the second
washing
portion 120.
[364] In accordance with an embodiment, the second washing portion 120 may
include a
second driver 340 that is disposed outside a lower side of the second tub 320
and
rotates the second washing tub 310. A second drive shaft 341 for carrying
power of the
second driver 340 may be connected to a bottom surface of the second washing
tub
310. One end of the second drive shaft 341 may be connected to a bottom panel
of the
second washing tub 310, and the other end of the second drive shaft 341 may
extend
outside a lower sidewall of the second tub 320. When the second driver 340
drives the
second drive shaft 341, the second washing tub 310 connected to the second
drive shaft
341 may rotate about the second drive shaft 341. The second drive shaft 341
may be
provided with a rotation shaft disposed to face in a substantially upward
direction, such
that the second washing tub 310 may rotate about the rotation shaft disposed
in the
substantially upward direction.
[365] In accordance with an embodiment, a conductive line or circuit
connected to the
second driver 340 may be provided with at least one of a voltage measurement
portion
(423 of FIG. 31) to measure voltage applied to the second driver 340 and a
current
measurement portion (424 of FIG. 31) to measure current applied to the second
driver
340. At least one of the voltage measurement portion 423 and the current
measurement
portion 424 may also be disposed close to the second driver 340 according to a
system
design of the designer. If necessary, another conductive line or circuit to
which the
current applied to the conductive line or circuit connected to the second
driver 340 is
fed back may be further installed in the vicinity of the conductive line or
circuit
connected to the second driver 340. At least one of the voltage measurement
portion
423 and the current measurement portion 424 may also be disposed at a
conductive
line to which a current is fed back. In this case, at least one of the voltage
measurement
portion 423 and the current measurement portion 424 may measure at least one
of
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voltage and current using a feedback current.
[366] In accordance with an embodiment, when the pulsator is disposed at
the bottom
surface of the second washing tub 310, the washing machine may further include
a
power switching device that is capable of simultaneously or selectively
transmitting
drive power generated by the second driver 340 to the second washing tub 310
and/or
the pulsator.
[367] In accordance with an embodiment, the second washing tub 310 may
further include
a vibration sensor (421 of FIG. 31) to detect vibration of the second washing
tub 310.
For example, the vibration sensor 421 may be installed at an inner side
surface or an
outer side surface of the second washing tub 310. In more detail, the
vibration sensor
421 may also be installed at an outer bottom surface of the second washing tub
310.
The vibration sensor 421 may be implemented using, for example, a vibration
sensor
based on a piezoelectric acceleration scheme or a vibration sensor based on a
cantilever vibration scheme. The vibration sensor 421 may also be implemented
using
a MEMS sensor as necessary.
[368] In accordance with an embodiment, a rotation speed of the second
washing tub 310
and a rotation speed of at least one of the second drive shafts 341 of the
second driver
340 may be detected by a rotation speed sensor (422 of FIG. 31). A rotation
speed
sensor 423 may be installed around, for example, the second driver 340 or the
second
washing tub 310. The rotation speed sensor 423 may be implemented using, for
example, a tachometer, an encoder, a toothed-wheel sensor, etc.
[369] The second washing portion 120 may further include a second drain
pump and a
second drain hose 372. The second drain pump 370 for discharging water in the
second
tub 320 to the outside of the washing machine 100 may be disposed at a lower
portion
of the second tub 320. The second drain hose 372 may guide water pumped by the
second drain pump 370 to the outside of the washing machine 100. In detail,
the
second drain pump 370 may be mounted at an upper portion of the first housing
230.
[370] A second drain hole 373 to discharge water in the second tub 320 may
be formed at
the bottom surface of the second tub 320. The second drain hole 373 may be
connected
to the second drain pump 370 by a second connection hose 371 so as to allow
water in
the second tub 320 to be introduced into the second drain pump 370.
[371] The second washing portion 120 may further include a second water
supply portion
(520 of FIG. 31) to supply wash water and/or rinse water to the second tub
320. The
second water supply portion 520 may be disposed in the second housing 330. For
example, the second water supply portion 520 may be disposed in the upper
frame 332.
However, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto,
and the
second water supply portion 520 may also be disposed at the rear of the second
inlet
334. The second water supply portion 520 may be connected to an external water
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supply device, such that the second water supply portion 520 may provide water
supplied from the external water supply device to the second tub 320 and/or
may store
water therein until receiving a command requesting water. Wash water and/or
rinse
water supplied from the second water supply portion 520 may be introduced into
the
second tub 320 through a discharge portion (e.g., a plurality of drain holes
509) formed
around the second tub 320.
[372] The first water supply portion 510 and the second water supply
portion 520 may also
be integrated into one body. In this case, the integrated water supply portion
may
receive water from a water supply device, and may selectively supply wash
water and/
or rinse water to at least one of the first tub 220 and the second tub 320 as
necessary. In
order to supply wash water and/or rinse water to at least one of the first tub
220 and the
second tub 320, the integrated water supply portion may also include a
plurality of
valves formed in pipes through which the water supply portion is connected to
each of
the first tub 220 and the second tub 320.
[373] In accordance with an embodiment, the washing machine 100 may include
a
detergent supply device 600 configured to supply detergent to the first tub
220. The
detergent supply device 600 may be disposed in at least one of the first
housing 230
and the second housing 330. For example, the detergent supply device 600 may
be
disposed in the upper frame 332 of the second housing 330. Preferably, the
detergent
supply device 600 may also be disposed at a front of the second inlet 334
provided in
the second housing 330.
[374] In accordance with an embodiment, the washing machine 100 may include
a fixed
bracket 130 through which the first housing 230 and the second housing 330 are
coupled to each other so that the first housing 230 is not separated from the
second
housing 330. For example, the fixed bracket 130 may be coupled to a front part
of the
first housing 230 and a front part of the second housing 330. The fixed
bracket 130
may be coupled to a side part of the first housing 230 and a side part of the
second
housing 330 according to selection of the designer, or may also be coupled to
a rear
part of the first housing 230 and a rear part of the second housing 330.
[375] The washing machine 100 may further include a control panel 150. The
control panel
150 may be disposed at, for example, an upper portion of the front housing 140
of the
washing machine 100 such that the user may easily manipulate and confirm
necessary
information through the control panel 150. However, the installation position
of the
control panel 150 is not limited thereto. In detail, the control panel 150 may
be
installed at various positions considerable by the designer, for example, at
one surface
of the upper frame 332 or at a top surface of the detergent supply device 600.
[376] The control panel 150 may include a UI (151 of FIG. 1, FIG. 11 or
FIG. 24) to
receive various commands related to various operations of the washing machine
100 as
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well as to visually and/or audibly provide the user with information related
to the
washing machine 100.
[377] The UI 151 may include at least one input device and/or at least one
output device.
Here, the input device may be implemented using, for example, at least one of
a
physical button, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a knob, a stick-type manipulator,
a
trackball, and a track pad. The input device may also be implemented using
various
devices considerable by the designer. The output device may include at least
one of a
display device configured to visually output information and a sound output
device
configured to audibly output information.
[378] The display device may be implemented using a cathode ray tube (CRT)
or various
display panels, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light
emitting diode
(LED) panel, an organic LED (OLED) panel, a quantum dot (QD) display panel,
etc.
The sound output device may be implemented using a speaker device or the like.
[379] In accordance with an embodiment, the UI 151 may be installed not
only at the
control panel 150, but also at various positions considerable by the designer.
A
substrate having circuit(s) and at least one semiconductor chip mounted to the
substrate
may be disposed and installed in the control panel 150. The at least one
semiconductor
chip and the substrate may be provided to perform operations of the controller
400 to
be described later.
[380] The coupling state between the first housing 230 and the second
housing 330 will
hereinafter be described with reference to the attached drawings.
[381] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the second
housing according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[382] FIG. 29 is a view illustrating a fixed bracket and some parts of a
front housing of the
washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[383] FIG. 30 is a side view illustrating a coupling position between the
fixed frame and
the front housing of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the
present
disclosure.
[384] Referring to FIG. 28, the lower frame 331 of the second housing 330
may include a
first support portion 338 coupled to the suspension device 350. The second tub
320
may be provided with a second support portion 321 located at a lower part of
an outer
side surface thereof such that the second support portion 321 is connected to
the
suspension device 350. The suspension device 350 may be configured to connect
the
first support portion 338 of the lower frame 331 to the second support portion
321 of
the second tub 320.
[385] The lower frame 331 may be formed in a manner that a front wall 398,
a rear wall
397, and one pair of sidewalls 396 are connected to one another so as to
surround a
front part, a rear part, and side parts of the second tub 320. The first
support portion
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338 may be provided at an upper end of each corner of the lower frame 331. As
a
result, the lower frame 331 may have sufficient rigidity to support the second
tub 320
via four suspension devices 350.
[386] The upper frame 332 may include a first coupling portion 335 capable
of being
coupled to the lower frame 331. The first coupling portion 335 may be disposed
at
lower ends of right and left sides of the upper frame 332. The lower frame 331
may
include a second coupling portion 337 capable of being coupled to the upper
frame
332. The second coupling portion 337 may be disposed at a position
corresponding to
the first coupling portion 335 of the upper frame 332 located at an upper end
of the
lower frame 331.
[387] A side cover 333 may be connected to the upper frame 332 and the
lower frame 331
to cover a side surface of the upper frame 332 and a side surface of the lower
frame
331. The side cover 333 may include an upper flange 393 capable of being
coupled to
the upper frame 332, and the upper frame 332 may include a coupling groove 336
into
which the upper flange 393 of the side cover 333 is inserted. The upper flange
393 of
the side cover 333 may be provided with a fastening portion 339 that is
capable of
being coupled to the upper frame 332 in the coupling groove 336 of the upper
frame
332. The fastening portion 339 may be coupled to the upper frame 332 by a
fastening
member such as a screw.
[388] The side cover 333 may be provided with a lower flange 395 formed at
a lower end
thereof such that the bottom surface of the lower frame 331 is partially
surrounded by
the lower flange 395. A rear flange 394 may be provided at a rear end of the
side cover
333 so that the rear flange 394 may partially surround back surfaces of the
upper frame
332 and the lower frame 331.
[389] After the lower frame 331 is coupled to the upper frame 332, the
upper flange 393 of
the side cover 333 is inserted into the coupling groove 336 of the upper frame
332, and
the side cover 333 is rotated and coupled to the lower frame 331 in a manner
that the
lower flange 395 of the side cover 333 is located at the bottom surface of the
lower
frame 331.
[390] After the side cover 333 is coupled to the lower frame 331, the rear
flange 394 of the
side cover 333 may be fixed to back surfaces of the upper frame 332 and the
lower
frame 331 through a fastening member such as a screw.
[391] Vibration may occur in the lower frame 331 by the second tub 320
supported by the
lower frame 331. By coupling the lower frame 331 to the upper frame 332,
vibration of
the lower frame 331 may be transmitted to the upper frame 332.
[392] When the lower frame 331 and the upper frame 332 are about to be
separated from
each other by vibration or the like, the side cover 333 may prevent the lower
frame 331
and the upper frame 332 from being released from each other, thereby
guaranteeing
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user safety. The side cover 333 may allow a left surface and a right side
surface of the
lower frame 331 and the upper frame 332 to be covered with a single member,
such
that a side surface of the second housing 330 is simplified. When the second
housing
330 is coupled to the first housing 230, the side cover 333 may allow the
first housing
230 and the second housing 330 to look like a single unified body so that the
first
housing 230 and the second housing 330 may have an aesthetically pleasing ap-
pearance.
[393] The second housing 330 of the washing machine 100 may include one
pair of second
side panels 235 forming a side surface of the second housing 330. That is, the
second
side panels 235 of the second housing 330 may include sidewalls 396 of the
lower
frame 331, sidewalls 399 of the upper frame 332, and at least one portion of
the side
cover 333.
[394] Referring to FIG. 26, the washing machine 100 may further include a
first guide
protrusion 390 that is disposed at an upper end of the first housing 230 and
guides a
seating position of the second housing 330. In detail, the first guide
protrusion 390 may
protrude upward from one pair of the side panels 231. The first guide
protrusion 390
may be formed of an additional member, may be coupled to the first side panel
231,
and may be integrated with the first side panel 231 as one body.
[395] Referring to FIG. 28, the washing machine 100 may include a guide
protrusion
insertion portion disposed at a lower portion of one pair of the second side
panels 235
of the second housing 330, such that the first guide protrusion 390 is
inserted into the
guide protrusion insertion portion. In detail, the lower flange 395 of the
side cover 333
forming the second side panels 235 may be provided with a through-hole 392
through
which the first guide protrusion 390 passes, and a guide protrusion container
391
capable of containing the first guide protrusion 390 may be provided at the
bottom
surface of the sidewall 396 of the lower frame 331 forming the second side
panels 235.
[396] Four first guide protrusions 390 may be disposed at an upper end of a
left side of the
first side panel 231 of the first housing 230, and four first guide
protrusions 390 may
be disposed at an upper end of a right side of the first side panel 231 of the
first
housing 230. By the first guide protrusions 390, the side surface of the first
housing
230 and the side surface of the second housing 330 may be arranged without any
operation difference therebetween.
[397] Although not shown in the drawings, the guide protrusions for guiding
the seating
position of the second housing 330 may protrude downward from one pair of the
second side panels 235 of the second housing 330. The guide protrusion
insertion
portions into which the guide protrusions are inserted may be formed at upper
portions
of one pair of the first side panels 231 of the first housing 230.
[398] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, the front housing 140 may be provided
to cover at
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least one portion of the front surface of the first housing 230 and at least
one portion of
the front surface of the second housing 330. Although the front housing 140
formed to
cover the entirety of the front surface of the first housing 230 is shown in
FIGS. 29 and
30, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and
the front
housing 140 may be provided to cover at least one portion of the front surface
of the
first housing 230 and at least one portion of the front surface of the second
housing
330.
[399] The fixed bracket 130 may be disposed in the front housing 140 such
that the fixed
bracket 130 allows the first housing 230 to be fixed at the front of the first
housing 230
and allows the second housing 330 to be fixed at the front of the second
housing 330.
In detail, the fixed bracket 130 may connect one pair of the first side panels
231 of the
first housing 230 to one pair of the second side panels 235 of the second
housing 330.
[400] The fixed bracket 130 may have a length corresponding to a horizontal
width of each
of the first housing 230 and the second housing 330, and may include a
rectangular
parallelepiped shape that has a thickness corresponding to a thickness of the
front
housing 140. The fixed bracket 130 may have a front surface 134, a top surface
131, a
left side surface and a right side surface, and a back surface and a bottom
surface of the
fixed bracket 130 may be open.
[401] The fixed bracket 130 may include a coupling flange 135 capable of
being coupled to
the front of the first housing 230 and the front of the second housing 330. In
detail, the
coupling flange 135 of the fixed bracket 130 may be coupled to front ends of
one pair
of the first side panels 231 of the first housing 230 and front ends of one
pair of the
second side panels 235 of the second housing 330 by a fastening member such as
a
screw.
[402] The fixed bracket 130 may include a second guide protrusion 132 that
is provided at
the top surface 131 of the fixed bracket 130 and guides the coupling position
of the
front housing 140. The front housing 140 may include a guide hole 143 that is
provided at an upper side of the front housing 140 and is coupled to the
second guide
protrusion 132 of the fixed bracket 130.
[403] The fixed bracket 130 may include a third coupling portion 133 that
is be provided at
the front surface 134 of the fixed bracket 130 and is connected to the front
housing
140. The front housing 140 may include a fourth coupling portion 144 that is
provided
at an upper side of the front housing 140 and corresponds to the third
coupling portion
133 of the fixed bracket 130.
[404] In the assembly process of the front housing 140, after the front
housing 140 is tem-
porarily coupled to the fixed bracket 130 in a manner that the second guide
protrusion
132 of the fixed bracket 130 passes through the guide hole 143 of the front
housing
140, the third coupling portion 133 of the fixed bracket 130 may be coupled to
the
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fourth coupling portion 144 of the front housing 140 through a fastening
member such
as a screw.
[405] Referring to FIG. 26 and FIG. 30, the first tub 220 may be supported
by the first
housing 230 through the spring 251. In detail, one end of the spring 251 may
be
coupled to the first spring coupling portion 233 provided at an upper portion
of the first
side panel 231 of the first housing 230, and the other end of the spring 251
may be
coupled to the second spring coupling portion 222 formed at an outer side
surface of
the first tub 220. Although the spring 251 reduces vibration and noise of the
first tub
220, the vibration of the first tub 220 may be transmitted to the first
housing 230
through the spring 251.
[406] The front housing 140 may be disposed in a manner that a height A of
an upper end
of the front housing 140 is longer than a height B of an upper end of the
first housing
230, such that the front housing may guarantee rigidity needed to support the
front
surface of the washing machine 100 and may effectively prevent forward
transmission
of vibration of the first housing 230 and the second housing 330. The front
surface of
the washing machine 100 is composed of only the front housing 140 and a
control
panel 150 disposed at an upper side of the front housing 140, resulting in
better
aesthetics.
[407] Preferably, the fixed bracket 130 may be disposed in a manner that a
height C of the
upper end of the fixed bracket 130 is identical to or longer than a height D
of the upper
end of the second driver 340. The fixed bracket 130 may include a fire-
resistant
material such as metal, and may be disposed at a higher position than the
second driver
340. As a result, when a fire breaks out due to overheating of the second
driver 340,
the fixed bracket 130 may prevent the fire from spreading to a front housing
140 or the
control panel 150.
[408] FIG. 31 is a control block diagram illustrating a washing machine
according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[409] Referring to FIG. 31, the washing machine 100 may include a UI 151, a
first washing
tub 210, a first driver 240, a first sensing portion 410, a second washing tub
310, a
second driver 340, a second sensing portion 420, a controller 400, and a
storage
portion 450.
[410] The first sensing portion 410 may detect an operation of at least one
of the first
washing tub 210 and the first driver 240, and may acquire information related
to the
detected operation. Likewise, the second sensing portion 420 may detect an
operation
of at least one of the second washing tub 310 and the second driver 340, and
may
acquire information related to the detected operation. Information acquired by
at least
one of the first sensing portion 410 and the second sensing portion 420 may be
transmitted to the controller 400 through a conductive line, a circuit, or a
wireless com-
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munication network. The controller 400 may generate a predetermined control
signal
on the basis of the information received from at least one of the first
sensing portion
410 and the second sensing portion 420, and may transmit the generated control
signal
to an associated component, thereby controlling the operation of the washing
machine
100.
[411] The first sensing portion 410 may include a vibration sensor 411, a
rotation speed
sensor 412, a voltage measurement portion 413, and/or a current measurement
portion
414 according to selection of the designer.
[412] The vibration sensor 411 may detect vibration of the first washing
tub 210 or as-
sociated peripheral components (e.g., the first tub 220) on the basis of
rotation of the
first washing tub 210, and may output an electrical signal corresponding to
the detected
vibration.
[413] The rotation speed sensor 412 may be provided to detect a rotation
speed of the first
washing tub 210. In accordance with an embodiment, the rotation speed sensor
412
may detect a rotation speed of the first drive shaft 241 of the first driver
240, and may
thus acquire information related to the rotation speed of the first washing
tub 210.
[414] The voltage measurement portion 413 may measure the magnitude of
voltage applied
to the first driver 240, and the current measurement portion 414 may measure
the
magnitude of current applied to the first driver 240. Voltage measured by the
voltage
measurement portion 413 or current measured by the current measurement portion
414
may be transmitted to the controller 400. In detail, if the controller 400
controls the
first driver 240, a control signal of the controller 400 may be transmitted as
an
electrical signal to the first driver 240, and the electrical signal may then
be transmitted
to the first driver 240. The voltage measurement portion 413 may measure a
voltage of
the resultant electrical signal, and the current measurement portion 414 may
measure a
current of the resultant electrical signal.
[415] The second sensing portion 420 may include a vibration sensor 421, a
rotation speed
sensor 422, a voltage measurement portion 423, and/or a current measurement
portion
424 according to selection of the designer. The substantial functions,
operations, or
functions of vibration sensor 421, the rotation speed sensor 422, the voltage
mea-
surement portion 423, and the current measurement portion 424 are
substantially
identical to those of the vibration sensor 411, the rotation sensor 412, the
voltage mea-
surement portion 413, and the current measurement portion 414 of the first
sensing
portion 410, and as such a detailed description thereof will herein be omitted
for con-
venience of description.
[416] Although FIG. 31 illustrates that the first sensing portion 410 of
the washing machine
100 includes the vibration sensor 411, the rotation speed sensor 412, the
voltage mea-
surement portion 413, and the current measurement portion 414, and the second
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sensing portion 420 of the washing machine 100 includes the voltage sensor
421, the
rotation speed sensor 422, the voltage measurement portion 423, and the
current mea-
surement portion 424, the scope or spirit of the present disclosure is not
limited thereto,
and the first sensing portion 410 need not always include all the above-
mentioned
components 411, 412, 413, and 414 and the second sensing portion 420 need not
always include all the above-mentioned components 421, 422, 423, and 424. At
least
one of the above-mentioned components will be omitted according to selection
of the
designer. For example, at least one of the first sensing portion 410 and the
second
sensing portion 420 may include only one of the above-mentioned components as
necessary.
[417] The controller 400 may communicate with various components (e.g., the
UI 151, the
first driver 240, the second driver 340, and the storage portion 450) located
inside or
outside the washing machine 100 through a circuit, a conductive line, and/or a
wireless
communication network, and may transmit control signals to the above-mentioned
components such that the controller 400 controls overall operation of the
washing
machine 100.
[418] For example, the controller 400 may transmit a control signal
corresponding to at
least one of the first driver 240 and the second driver 340, such that the at
least one of
the first driver 240 and the second driver 340 starts operation, performs a
predefined
operation, or stops operation in response to the control signal. In response
to the
operation of the first driver 240, the first washing tub 210 may rotate. In
response to
the operation of the second driver 340, the second washing tub 310 may rotate.
[419] The controller 400 may include, for example, a CPU, a MCU, a Micom,
an AP, an
ECU, and/or other electronic devices capable of processing a variety of
operations and
generating various control signals. The controller 400 may be implemented
using only
one device or using a plurality of devices.
[420] The controller 400 may perform predetermined operation, processing,
and control
operation by driving a program stored in a storage portion 450. Here, the
program may
be pre-written by a designer and then stored in the storage portion 450, or
may be
acquired or updated through an ESD network.
[421] In accordance with an embodiment, the controller 400 may be provided
to perform
the operation of the controller 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, or may also be
provided to
perform the operation of the controller 70 shown in FIGS. 11 to 24.
[422] In other words, the controller 400 may adjust drive speeds of the
washing portions 10
and 20 on the basis of the result of comparison between the first drive speed
and the
second drive speed, and/or may control the operation of the washing portions
50 and
60 using the second operation profile instead of the first operation profile,
according to
the presence or absence of unbalance. Since the above-mentioned components
have
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already been disclosed above, a detailed description thereof will herein be
omitted for
convenience of description.
[423] The storage portion 450 may store various kinds of information needed
to operate the
washing machine 100. For example, the storage portion 450 may store
applications
related to operation, processing, and control operation of the controller 400
or in-
formation needed for the aforementioned operation, processing, and control
operation.
[424] The storage portion 450 may be implemented using magnetic disk
storage media,
such as a hard disk or a floppy disk, may be implemented using optical media,
such as
a magnetic tape, a CD or a DVD, may be implemented using magneto-optical media
such as a floptical disk, or may be implemented using semiconductor storage
devices,
such as a ROM, a RAM, a SD card, a flash memory, and a SSD.
[425] The UI 151, the first washing tub 210, the first driver 240, the
second washing tub
310, and the second driver 340 have already been disclosed and, as such, a
detailed de-
scription thereof will herein be omitted for convenience of description.
[426] Various embodiments of the method for controlling the washing machine
will
hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,
39, and 40.
[427] FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a
washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[428] Referring to FIG. 32, the first washing portion and the second
washing portion may
simultaneously or sequentially start operation (1000). The operation of the
first
washing portion may include at least one of a washing process, a rinsing
process, and a
dehydration process. Likewise, the operation of the second washing portion may
include at least one of the washing process, the rinsing process, and the
dehydration
process. The first washing portion and the second washing operation may also
perform
the same process. For example, the first washing portion and the second
washing
portion may perform the dehydration process.
[429] Subsequently, the drive speed (i.e., the second drive speed) of the
second washing
portion may be compared with a predetermined reference speed, for example, a
second
reference speed (1001). In this case, the second reference speed may be
arbitrarily
defined according to selection of the user. For example, the second reference
speed
may be defined as a maximum drive speed executable by the first washing
portion or
an approximate value thereto. Although the second reference speed may be set
to 800
rpm or an approximate value thereto, the scope or spirit of the present
disclosure is not
limited thereto. The operation (1001) of comparing the drive speed of the
second
washing portion with a predetermined reference speed may be omitted as
necessary.
[430] The drive speed (i.e., the first drive speed) of the first washing
portion may be
compared with a first reference speed (1002). The operation 1002 of comparing
the
drive speed (i.e., the first drive speed) of the first washing portion with
the first
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reference speed may also be carried out when the drive speed of the second
washing
portion is identical to or higher than the first reference speed (`Yes' in
1001). In this
case, the first reference speed may be arbitrarily defined according to
selection of the
designer or user. For example, the first reference speed may be set to 500 rpm
or an ap-
proximate value thereto.
[431] If the drive speed of the first washing portion is identical to or
higher than the first
reference speed (`Yes' in 1003), the drive speed of the second washing portion
may
increase to a first target speed (1003). The first target speed may be defined
by the
designer or user. In accordance with an embodiment, the first target speed may
be
identical to the second reference speed. The first target speed may include
the highest
drive speed executable by the first washing portion.
[432] When the drive speed of the second washing portion reaches a first
target speed
(`Yes' in 1004), the drive speed of the second washing portion may be reduced
in
response to arrival at the first target speed (1005). Reduction of the second
drive speed
may be initiated as soon as the second drive speed reaches the first target
speed, or
may be initiated after lapse of a predetermined time from the time at which
the second
drive speed reaches the first target speed. Reduction of the second drive
speed may be
carried out when the second driver of the second washing portion is powered
off, and/
or may also be carried out using a separate braking system.
[433] The second drive speed may be reduced to zero '0' or an approximate
value thereto.
[434] If the first drive speed of the first washing portion is less than
the first reference
speed (`No' in 1002), the drive speed of the second washing portion may be con-
tinuously maintained according to selection of the designer, or may be changed
by in-
creasing and/or decreasing according to a predefined pattern (1007).
[435] The above-mentioned operations 1001 to 1007 may be periodically or
aperiodically
repeated according to selection of the designer or user (`Yes' in 1008). Of
course, in
accordance with an embodiment, each of the above-mentioned operations 1001 to
1007
may also be carried out only once.
[436] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the
washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[437] Referring to FIG. 33, when the drive speed of the second washing
portion is equal to
or higher than the second reference speed (`No' in 1010), for example, when
the drive
speed of the second washing portion is identical to the first target speed
(1010), the
drive speed of the first washing portion may be compared with a third
reference speed.
Here, the third reference speed may be arbitrarily defined by the designer or
user. For
example, the third reference speed may be set to 500 rpm or an approximate
value
thereto. The third reference speed may also be identical to the second
reference speed
of the operation 1002.
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[438] If the first drive speed is equal to or higher than the third
reference speed, the second
drive speed may be reduced to zero '0' or an approximate value thereto (1011),
and the
second washing portion may temporarily or non-temporarily stop operation
(1012).
[439] In contrast, if the first drive speed is less than the third
reference speed, the second
drive speed of the second washing portion may be maintained at a speed that is
equal
to or higher than the second reference speed, or may be changed by increasing
and/or
decreasing according to a predefined pattern (1013).
[440] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the
washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[441] Referring to FIG. 34, the first washing portion and the second
washing portion may
start operation at the same time or at different times (1100). Each of the
first washing
portion and the second washing portion may perform one of the washing process,
the
rinsing process, and the dehydration process. In this case, the first washing
portion and
the second washing portion may perform the same process, for example, the de-
hydration process.
[442] The second drive speed of the second washing portion is compared with
a fourth
reference speed. If the second drive speed reaches the fourth reference speed
according
to lapse of time (1101) (i.e., if the second drive speed is identical to the
fourth
reference speed), the first drive speed of the first washing portion is
compared with a
fifth reference speed of the first washing portion (1102). In this case, the
fourth
reference speed and the fifth reference speed may be arbitrarily defined by
the designer
or user. For example, the fourth reference speed may be set to 500 rpm or an
ap-
proximate value thereto. The fifth reference speed may also be set to 500 rpm
or an ap-
proximate value thereto in the same manner as in the fourth reference speed.
[443] If the first drive speed of the first washing portion is identical to
or less than the fifth
reference speed (`Yes' in 1102), the second washing portion may be controlled
until
the second drive speed reaches a second target speed (1103). The second target
speed
may be arbitrarily defined by the designer or user. For example, the second
target
speed may be 800 rpm or an approximate value thereto.
[444] If the second drive speed is equal or approximates to the second
target speed
according to the increasing result of the second drive speed, the second drive
speed
may be kept at the second target speed (1104).
[445] It is determined whether a predefined period, for example, 1 minute,
2 minutes, or
other arbitrary times, has sequentially elapsed (1105). If the predefined
maintenance
period has elapsed (`Yes' in 1105), the operation of maintaining the drive
speed of the
second washing portion at the second target speed may be ended. If the
predefined
period has elapsed (`Yes' in 1105), and if the above-mentioned operations 1102
to
1103 need to be repeated (`Yes' in 1106), the second drive speed of the second
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washing portion may be reduced to a predefined speed (e.g., a fourth reference
speed)
(1107), and the operation for comparing the first drive speed of the first
washing
portion with the fifth reference speed is carried out again (1102).
[446] If the first drive speed of the first washing portion is higher than
the fifth reference
speed (`No' in 1102), the second drive speed of the second washing portion is
kept at
the fourth reference speed (1108). After lapse of the predefined period (i.e.,
the afore-
mentioned decision pending period) (`Yes' in 1109), the operation of comparing
the
first speed of the first washing portion with the fifth reference speed of the
first
washing portion is performed (1102). Therefore, when the second drive speed is
kept
at the fourth reference speed, the operation 1102 of periodically or
aperiodically
comparing the first drive speed with the fifth reference speed may be carried
out.
[447] FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the
washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[448] The control method of FIG. 34 may also be equally applied to a method
for con-
trolling the first drive speed of the second washing portion shown in FIG. 35,
or the
control method of FIG. 34 may be partially modified and then applied to the
method
for controlling the first drive speed of the second washing portion shown in
FIG. 35.
[449] Referring to FIG. 35, the first washing portion and the second
washing portion may
start operation at the same time or at different times (1200).
[450] The first drive speed of the first washing portion is compared with
the sixth reference
speed (1201). As soon as the first drive speed is identical to the sixth
reference speed,
or after lapse of a predetermined time when the first drive speed is identical
to the sixth
reference speed, the second drive speed of the second washing portion is
compared
with the seventh reference speed (1202). In this case, the sixth reference
speed and the
seventh reference speed may be arbitrarily defined by the designer or user.
For
example, each of the sixth reference speed and the seventh reference speed may
be set
to 500 rpm or an approximate value thereto. However, the scope or spirit of
the sixth
reference speed and the seventh reference speed is not limited thereto.
[451] If the second drive speed of the second washing portion is identical
to or less than the
seventh reference speed (`Yes' in 1202), the drive speed of the first washing
portion
may increase to the third target speed (1203), and is kept at the third target
speed
(1204). In this case, the third target speed may be arbitrarily defined by the
user or
designer. In accordance with an embodiment, the third target speed may also be
identical to the second target speed.
[452] After the first drive speed reaches the third target speed,
information regarding ex-
piration of a predefined maintenance period may be decided using a clock or
the like
(1205). If the predefined maintenance period has elapsed (`Yes' in 1205),
maintenance
of the first drive speed is interrupted.
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[453] If the above-mentioned operations 1202 to 1205 need to be repeated
(`Yes' in 1206),
the first drive speed may be reduced to a predefined speed, for example, the
sixth
reference speed (1207). As described above, the second drive speed of the
second
washing portion may be compared again with the seventh reference speed (1202).
[454] In contrast, when the second drive speed of the second washing
portion is higher than
the seventh reference speed (No' in 1202), the first drive speed of the first
washing
portion is kept at the existing sixth reference speed (1208). After lapse of
the decision
pending period (`Yes' in 1209), the operation of comparing the second drive
speed of
the second washing portion with the seventh reference speed may be performed
again
(1202). In accordance with the result of comparison, the first drive speed may
increase
(1203 to 1205) or may be maintained (1208 and 1209).
[455] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the
washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[456] The washing machine control methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 may be
combined
with each other as shown in FIG. 36, and then carried out.
[457] Referring to FIG. 36, the first washing portion and the second
washing portion may
start operation at the same time or at different times (1300). When a
predetermined
process is performed, it is determined whether the second drive speed of the
second
washing portion reaches the fourth reference speed (1301).
[458] If the second drive speed of the second washing portion reaches the
fourth reference
speed (`Yes' in 1301), i.e., if the second drive speed of the second washing
portion is
equal to or higher than the fourth reference speed, the second drive speed of
the second
washing portion is adjusted as shown in FIG. 34 (1302). In other words, if the
second
drive speed of the second washing portion reaches the fourth reference speed
(`Yes' in
1301), the above-mentioned operations 1102 to 1109 may be carried out by the
washing machine.
[459] In contrast, if the second drive speed of the second washing portion
does not reach
the fourth reference speed (No' in 1301), it is determined whether the first
drive speed
of the first washing portion reaches the sixth reference speed (1302).
[460] If the first drive speed of the first washing portion reaches the
sixth reference speed
(`Yes' in 1303), i.e., if the first drive speed is equal to or higher than the
sixth
reference speed, the first drive speed of the first washing portion may be
adjusted as
shown in FIG. 35 (1304). In other words, if the first drive speed of the first
washing
portion reaches the sixth reference speed (`Yes' in 1302), the above-mentioned
op-
erations 1202 to 1209 may be carried out by the washing machine.
[461] If the second drive speed of the second washing portion does not
reach the fourth
reference speed, and if the first drive speed of the first washing portion
does not reach
the sixth reference speed (No' in 1303), the operations 1102 to 1109 or the
other op-
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erations 1202 to 1209 may not be carried out until one of the drive speeds
reaches the
predefined reference speed.
[462] In other words, according to which one of the washing portions
reaches a reference
speed, one of the control method shown in FIG. 34 and the control method shown
in
FIG. 35 may be selectively carried out.
[463] The above-mentioned operations 1300 to 1305 may be repeatedly carried
out
according to embodiments of the present disclosure (1305).
[464] FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the
washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[465] Referring to FIG. 37, laundry is introduced into the washing tub, and
the washing
machine starts driving according to user manipulation or predefined setting
(1400). In
this case, the washing machine may include only one washing tub or may include
at
least two washing tubs.
[466] In response to beginning of the operation of the washing machine, a
user-selected
washing tub or a predefined washing tub may begin to rotate in at least one
direction
according to a predefined pattern (1402), after the driver starts operation.
If the
washing machine includes a plurality of washing tubs, one of the plurality of
washing
tubs may begin to rotate, or all or some of the plurality of washing tubs may
begin to
rotate.
[467] During operation of the washing tub, laundry stored in the washing
tub is con-
centrated at one region, such that unbalance may occur in the washing tub.
Such
unbalance may be detected by the operation sensing portion, and/or may be
decided by
the controller (1404). In accordance with an embodiment, the operation sensing
portion
may include a washing-tub operation sensing portion capable of detecting
vibration of
the washing tub, and/or may include a driver operation sensing portion that
detects a
rotation speed of the driver and measures voltage or current applied to the
driver. If the
driver operation sensing portion includes a voltage measurement device
configured to
measure a voltage, the driver operation sensing portion may also be installed
at a DC
link circuit.
[468] If unbalance occurrence is detected and/or decided, the washing
machine may be
controlled according to a predefined series of operations (1406). For example,
in order
to reduce the number of vibrations of the washing tub caused by unbalance, the
washing machine may operate using a predefined vibration reduction method. The
predefined vibration reduction method may be defined to include a method for
in-
creasing a water level of water stored in the washing tub, a method for
changing ac-
celeration or deceleration of the driver, a method for changing an operation
rate of the
driver, a method for adjusting an operation period and a stopped period of the
driver,
and/or a combination of at least two of the above-mentioned methods.
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[469] The method for controlling operation of the washing machine according
to unbalance
may be carried out by the controller, or may also be carried out without using
the
controller. For example, signals output from the operation sensing portion may
be
transmitted to the driver, and the driver may perform the operation for
removing
unbalance on the basis of the output signals.
[470] A method for controlling the washing machine will hereinafter be
described with
reference to FIG. 38.
[471] FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the
washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[472] Referring to FIG. 38, if the washing machine starts driving (1410),
at least one of the
washing tubs contained in the washing machine may start operation according to
a first
operation profile (1412). The first operation profile may be defined to
include at least
one of information regarding a series of operation patterns (hereinafter
referred to as a
first pattern) of the washing tub, and information regarding a water level
(hereinafter
referred to as a first water level) of the washing tub.
[473] During operation of the washing tub, the number of vibrations of the
washing tub
may be higher than a predetermined reference number of vibrations, a target
rotation
speed of the driver may be less than a reference target rotation speed, a
voltage applied
to the driver or the DC link circuit may be higher than a reference voltage,
and/or a
current applied to the driver may be higher than the reference voltage (1414).
The
above-mentioned operations may be caused by unbalance generated in the washing
tub.
[474] As described above, if the controller or the like detects or
determines the presence of
unbalance in the washing tub, the unbalanced washing tub may operate according
to
the second operation profile (1416). The second operation profile may include
at least
one of information regarding a series of washing-machine operation patterns
different
from the first pattern and information regarding a washing-tub water level
(hereinafter
referred to as a second water level) different from the first water level.
[475] In accordance with an embodiment, the second operation profile may be
defined to
include, according to selection of the designer, at least one of a method for
supplying
wash water to the second water level higher than the first water level, a
method for
reducing a target rotation speed, a method for reducing an operation rate of
the driver,
a method for increasing rotation acceleration, a method for increasing
rotation de-
celeration, and/or a method for reducing an operation period or a stopped
period of the
driver.
[476] In accordance with an embodiment, the washing tub may also be
continuously
controlled on the basis of the second operation profile.
[477] In accordance with another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 38, after the
washing tub
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is controlled by the second operation profile, it is determined whether a
predefined
time has elapsed (1418). If the predefined time has not elapsed (No' in 1418),
the
washing tub may be continuously controlled by the second operation profile. In
contrast, if the predefined time has elapsed (`Yes' in 1418), the washing tub
may be
controlled by a new operation profile, for example, the first operation
profile. For
example, the washing tub may be controlled to re-operate according to the
first pattern,
and/or the drain device may be controlled in a manner that wash water stored
in the
washing tub is discharged outside until residual wash water reaches the first
water
level 1420.
[478] In accordance with an embodiment, the operations 1414 to 1420 for
determining the
presence or absence of unbalance and changing the operation profile may be con-
tinuously repeated until washing of the laundry is completed (1422).
[479] FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the
washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[480] Referring to FIG. 39, the washing machine starts driving (1430), and
at least one of
the washing tubs contained in the washing machine may be controlled based on
the
first operation profile (1432).
[481] During operation of the washing tub, due to unbalance generated in
the washing tub,
it is determined whether the number of vibrations of the washing tub is higher
than a
predetermined reference number of vibrations, it is determined whether a
target
rotation speed of the driver is less than a reference target rotation speed,
it is de-
termined whether a voltage applied to the driver or the DC link circuit is
higher than a
reference voltage, and/or it is determined whether a current applied to the
driver is
higher than the reference voltage (1434).
[482] As described above, if the controller or the like detects or
determines the presence of
unbalance in the washing tub, the unbalanced washing tub may operate according
to
the second operation profile (1436). As described above, the second operation
profile
may be defined to include, according to selection of the designer, at least
one of a
method for supplying wash water to the second water level, which is higher
than the
first water level, a method for reducing a target rotation speed, a method for
reducing
an operation rate of the driver, a method for increasing rotation
acceleration, a method
for increasing rotation deceleration, and/or a method for reducing an
operation period
or a stopped period of the driver.
[483] Information as to whether unbalance occurs in the washing tub may be
continuously
detected or decided (1438).
[484] If the number of vibrations of the washing tub is higher than a
predefined reference
number of vibrations, if the target rotation speed of the driver is less than
a reference
target rotation speed, if voltage applied to the driver or the DC link circuit
is higher
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than a reference voltage, and/or if current applied to the driver is higher
than a
reference current ('No' in 1438), the washing tub having unbalance may be con-
tinuously controlled according to the second operation profile (1434).
[485] In contrast, If the number of vibrations of the washing tub is less
than the predefined
reference number of vibrations, if the target rotation speed of the driver is
higher than
the reference target rotation speed, if voltage applied to the driver or the
DC link
circuit is less than the reference voltage, and/or if current applied to the
driver is higher
than the reference current (`Yes' in 1438), it is determined that unbalance of
laundry is
removed in the washing tub. The washing tub having unbalance may be re-
controlled
based on a new operation profile, for example, the first operation profile. In
more
detail, for example, the washing tub may operate according to a first pattern,
and/or
constituent components of the washing machine may be controlled in a manner
that
wash water stored in the washing tub is reduced to the first water level.
[486] In accordance with an embodiment, the operations 1434 to 1440 for
determining the
presence or absence of unbalance and changing the operation profile may be con-
tinuously repeated until the washing process, the rinsing process, and/or the
de-
hydration process are/is completed (1442).
[487] FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the
washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[488] Referring to FIG. 40, the washing machine may start driving according
to user ma-
nipulation or predefined setting (1450). In this case, a count variable (i)
for counting
the number of generated unbalances may be set to, for example, zero '0',
without being
limited thereto. The count variable (i) may also be set to '1' or other
numbers
according to selection of the designer.
[489] If the washing machine starts driving, at least one of the washing
tubs contained in
the washing machine is controlled by the first operation profile, such that at
least one
of the washing process, the rinsing process, and/or the dehydration process is
started
(1452). In this case, the washing tub may operate based on the first pattern,
and/or the
water level of the washing tub may be adjusted to the first level.
[490] As described above, during operation of the washing tub, due to
unbalance generated
in the washing tub, if the number of vibrations generated in the washing tub
is higher
than the predefined reference number of vibrations, if a target rotation speed
of the
driver is less than the reference target rotation speed, if voltage applied to
the driver or
the DC link circuit is higher than the reference voltage, and/or if current
applied to the
driver is higher than the reference current, information as to whether
unbalance occurs
in the washing tub may be detected or decided on the basis of the above-
mentioned
results (1454).
[491] If no unbalance occurs in the washing tub (`No' in 1454), the washing
tub may con-
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tinuously operate according to the first operation profile. If no unbalance
occurs in the
washing tub until washing of laundry is completed (`Yes' in 1462), the washing
tub
may operate based on the first operation profile until washing of laundry is
completed.
In contrast, prior to completion of laundry washing (`No' in 1462), if
unbalance occurs
in the washing tub (`Yes' in 1454), the washing machine may operate as
described
later (1454 to 1460).
[492] If the presence of unbalance of the washing tub is decided (`Yes' in
1454), a prede-
termined value (for example, a value of 1) may be added to the count variable
(i)
(1455), and the resultant count variable (i) to which the predetermined value
is added
may be compared with a predefined count reference value (1456). The count
reference
value may include, for example, a value of 3, without being limited thereto.
[493] If the count variable (i) is equal to or higher than a count
reference value (`Yes' in
1456), the washing machine may be controlled using a predefined method capable
of
removing unbalance of the washing tub (1460). For example, the washing tub may
be
controlled based on the second operation profile. In this case, according to
an em-
bodiment, the washing tub may be controlled by the second operation profile
until
washing of laundry is completed, may be controlled by the second operation
profile
only during a predefined time as shown in FIG. 38, or may be controlled by the
second
operation profile until the result of decision of indicating removal of
unbalance is
acquired as shown in FIG. 39.
[494] If the count variable (i) is less than the count reference value, the
washing machine
may continuously perform a current operation process (1458). In other words,
the
washing tub from which unbalance information is acquired may operate according
to
the existing operation profile (i.e., the first operation profile).
[495] The operations 1454 to 1460 for determining the presence or absence
of unbalance
and changing the operation profile may be continuously repeated until the
washing
process, the rinsing process, and/or the dehydration process are/is completed
(1462).
[496] The above-mentioned washing machine control method(s) disclosed in
the em-
bodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of programs
ex-
ecutable by a variety of computer means. In this case, the program may include
program commands, data files, data structures, etc. individually or in
combination.
Here, the program may include, for example, high-level language codes
executable by
a computer using an interpreter as well as machine language codes generated by
a
complier. In addition, the program may be particularly designed and configured
to
implement the above-mentioned washing machine control method, or may also be
im-
plemented using various functions or definitions well known to those skilled
in the art
related to computer software.
[497] The program for implementing the above-mentioned washing machine
control
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method according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be written in
computer readable media. Examples of the computer readable media may include
magnetic disk storage media, such as a hard disk or a floppy disk, and a
magnetic tape,
optical media, such as a CD and a DVD, magneto-optical media, such as a
floptical
disk, and hardware devices, such as semiconductor storage units (e.g., a ROM,
a RAM,
and a flash memory), which are particularly configured to store and execute
specific
programs executed by computers or the like.
[498] Although the washing machine and the method for controlling the same
according to
embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed herein merely for il-
lustrative purposes, the scope or spirit of the embodiments is not limited
thereto, and
those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions
and sub-
stitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the
disclosure as
disclosed in the accompanying claims. For example, adequate effects of the
present
disclosure may be achieved even if the foregoing processes and methods may be
carried out in different order than described above, and/or the aforementioned
elements, such as systems, structures, devices, or circuits, may be combined
or coupled
in different forms and modes than as described above or be substituted or
switched
with other components or equivalents.
[499] While the present 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 form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and
scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[500]
