Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2025-08-19)

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS
1\. A washing machine, comprising: a tub to accommodate wash water; a drum inside the tub; a driving device configured to rotate the drum, the driving device including: a coupler configured to move between a first position and a second position to adjust a rotational speed of the drum, and a solenoid configured to move the coupler between the first position and the second position in response to an electric current flowing through the solenoid; a circulation pump configured to operate to circulate the wash water in the tub; and a controller configured to determine when the circulation pump is operating and to control the electric current flowing through the solenoid to move the coupler between the first position and the second position while the circulation pump is determined to be operating.
2\. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the electric current flowing through the solenoid to move the coupler between the first position and the second position by changing a direction that the electric current is supplied to the solenoid between a first direction and a second direction.
3\. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the driving device to rotate the drum for a plurality of rotation periods, and control the electric current flowing through the solenoid to move the coupler between the first position and the second position before a last rotation period of the plurality of rotation periods of the drum starts while the circulation pump is operating in a wash process or a rinse process.
4\. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to start operating the circulation pump before controlling the electric current flowing through the solenoid to move the coupler between the first position and the second position, and stop operating the circulation pump after controlling the electric current flowing through the solenoid to move the coupler between the first position and the second position.
5\. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to operate the circulation pump during the wash process or the rinse process.
6\. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the plurality of rotation periods of the drum include a period in which the drum alternately rotates clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW).
7\. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the controller configured to control the driving device to rotate the drum for a plurality of rotation periods, and is configured to control the electric current flowing through the solenoid to move the coupler between the first position and the second position after a first rotation period of the plurality of rotation periods of the drum is completed while the circulation pump is determined to be operating in a wash process or a rinse process.
8\. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to start operating the circulation pump before controlling the electric current flowing through the solenoid to move the coupler between the first position and the second position, and stop operating the circulation pump after controlling the electric current flowing through the solenoid to move the coupler between the first position and the second position.
9\. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to operate the circulation pump during the wash process or the rinse process.
10\. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the plurality of rotation periods of the drum include a period in which the drum alternately rotates clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW).
11\. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to change the direction that electric current is supplied to the solenoid to move the coupler from the second position to the first position, in response to switching a wash process or a rinse process to a spin-dry process, and change the direction that electric current is supplied to the solenoid to move the coupler from the first position to the second position, in response to switching the spin-dry process to the wash process or the rinse process.
12\. The washing machine of claim 11, wherein when the driving device rotates the drum, the drum is configured to: rotate at a first speed when the coupler is located in the first position, and rotate at a second speed when the coupler is located in the second position, and wherein the first speed is higher than the second speed.
13\. A control method of a washing machine including a tub to accommodate wash water, a drum inside the tub, a circulation pump configured to operate to circulate the wash water in the tub, and a driving device configured to rotate the drum, the driving device including a coupler configured to move between a first position and a second position to adjust a rotational speed of the drum, and a solenoid configured to move the coupler between the first position and the second position in response to an electric current flowing through the solenoid, the control method comprising: determining when the circulation pump is operating; and controlling the electric current flowing through the solenoid to move the coupler between the first position and the second position while the circulation pump is determined to be operating.
14\. The control method of claim 13, wherein the controlling includes changing a direction that the electric current is supplied to the solenoid.
15\. The control method of claim 13, further comprising: rotating the drum with the driving device for a plurality of rotation periods; and wherein the controlling includes controlling the electric current flowing through the solenoid to move the coupler between the first position and the second position before a last rotation period of the plurality of rotation periods of the drum starts while the circulation pump is determined to be operating in a wash process or a rinse process.

OFFICE ACTION:
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The prior art does not appear to teach or make obvious the claimed washing machine, including the solenoid, coupler, circulation pump, and controller as claimed.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US9752268B2: Claims:
A control method of a washing machine comprising an inner tub, a pulsator rotatable in the inner tub, a main motor configured to rotate the pulsator, and a clutch configured to engage the inner tub with the main motor or disengage the inner tub from the main motor, the control method comprising: (a) executing a spin mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is engaged with the main motor to rotate both the inner tub and the pulsator; (b) operating the clutch for execution of an agitation mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is disengaged from the main motor to rotate the pulsator; (c) applying current to the main motor such that the main motor can be rotated at a predetermined target speed; (d) comparing a value of the current applied to the main motor with a predetermined reference value to determine whether the agitation mode can be executed; and (e) executing the agitation mode when a comparison result at step (d) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is equal to or greater than the reference value, wherein step (b) is re-executed when the comparison result at step (d) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is less than the reference value.
(a) executing a spin mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is engaged with the main motor to rotate both the inner tub and the pulsator;
(b) operating the clutch for execution of an agitation mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is disengaged from the main motor to rotate the pulsator;
(c) applying current to the main motor such that the main motor can be rotated at a predetermined target speed;
(d) comparing a value of the current applied to the main motor with a predetermined reference value to determine whether the agitation mode can be executed; and
(e) executing the agitation mode when a comparison result at step (d) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is equal to or greater than the reference value,
wherein step (b) is re-executed when the comparison result at step (d) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is less than the reference value.
The control method according to claim 1 , wherein steps (c), (d), and (e) are sequentially executed after step (b) is re-executed.
The control method according to claim 2 , wherein steps (b), (c), (d), and (e) are repeatedly executed until the comparison result at step (d) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is equal to or greater than the reference value, the control method further comprising outputting an error message through an error message output unit when the number of times of execution of step (b) exceeds a predetermined number of times.
The control method according to claim 1 , wherein step (d) comprises comparing an average value of the current applied to the main motor with the reference value while a rotation of the main motor is maintained at a target speed.
The control method according to claim 1 , wherein step (d) comprises comparing a maximum value of the current applied to the main motor with the reference value while a rotation of the main motor is maintained at a target speed.
The control method according to claim 1 , wherein the reference value is set within a prescribed range equal to or greater than an average current value when a current is applied to the main motor for maintaining a rotation of the main motor at the target speed in a state in which the inner tub is engaged with the main motor and equal to or less than an average current value when the current is applied to the main motor for maintaining the rotation of the main motor at the target speed in a state in which the inner tub is disengaged from the main motor.
The control method according to claim 1 , further comprising: sensing laundry weight; and setting the reference value based on the sensed laundry weight.
sensing laundry weight; and
setting the reference value based on the sensed laundry weight.
The control method according to claim 7 , wherein the reference value is set to have a higher value as the laundry weight is increased.
A control method of a washing machine comprising an inner tub, a pulsator rotatable in the inner tub, a main motor configured to rotate the pulsator, and a clutch configured to engage the inner tub with the main motor or disengage the inner tub from the main motor, the control method comprising: (a) executing an agitation mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is disengaged from the main motor to rotate the pulsator; (b) operating the clutch for execution of a spin ode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is engaged with the main motor to rotate both the inner tub and the pulsator; (c) applying current to the main motor such that the main motor can be rotated at a predetermined target speed; (d) comparing a value of the current applied to the main motor with a predetermined reference value to determine whether the spin mode can be executed; and (e) executing the spin mode when a comparison result at step (d) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is less than the reference value, wherein step (b) is re-executed when the comparison result at step (d) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is equal to or greater than the reference value.
(a) executing an agitation mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is disengaged from the main motor to rotate the pulsator;
(b) operating the clutch for execution of a spin ode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is engaged with the main motor to rotate both the inner tub and the pulsator;
(d) comparing a value of the current applied to the main motor with a predetermined reference value to determine whether the spin mode can be executed; and
(e) executing the spin mode when a comparison result at step (d) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is less than the reference value,
wherein step (b) is re-executed when the comparison result at step (d) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is equal to or greater than the reference value.
The control method according to claim 9 , wherein steps (c), (d), and (e) are sequentially executed after step (b) is re-executed.
The control method according to claim 10 , wherein steps (b), (c), (d), and (e) are repeatedly executed until the comparison result at step (d) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is less than the reference value, the control method further comprising outputting an error message through an error message output unit when the number of times of execution of step (b) exceeds a predetermined number of times.
The control method according to claim 9 , wherein step (d) comprises comparing an average value of the current applied to the main motor with the reference value while a rotation of the main motor is maintained at the target speed.
The control method according to claim 9 , wherein step (d) comprises comparing a maximum value of the current applied to the main motor with the reference value while a rotation of the main motor is maintained at a target speed.
The control method according to claim 9 , wherein the reference value is set within a prescribed range equal to or greater than an average current value when a current is applied to the main motor for maintaining a rotation of the main motor at the target speed in a state in which the inner tub is engaged with the main motor and equal to or less than an average current value when the current is applied to the main motor for maintaining the rotation of the main motor at the target speed in a state in which the inner tub is disengaged from the main motor.
A control method of a washing machine comprising an inner tub, a pulsator rotatable in the inner tub, a main motor configured to rotate the pulsator, and a clutch configured to engage the inner tub with the main motor or disengage the inner tub from the main motor, the control method comprising: (a) executing a spin mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is engaged with the main motor to rotate both the inner tub and the pulsator; (b) stopping the main motor; (c) operating the clutch for execution of an agitation mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is disengaged from the main motor to rotate the pulsator; (d) accelerating the main motor until the main motor reaches a predetermined target speed and then stopping the main motor; (e) comparing a maximum value of current applied to the main motor during execution of step (d) with a predetermined reference value to determine whether the agitation mode can be executed; and (f) executing the agitation mode when a comparison result at step (e) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is equal to or greater than the reference value, wherein step (b) is re-executed when the comparison result at step (e) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is less than the reference value.
(b) stopping the main motor;
(c) operating the clutch for execution of an agitation mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is disengaged from the main motor to rotate the pulsator;
(d) accelerating the main motor until the main motor reaches a predetermined target speed and then stopping the main motor;
(e) comparing a maximum value of current applied to the main motor during execution of step (d) with a predetermined reference value to determine whether the agitation mode can be executed; and
(f) executing the agitation mode when a comparison result at step (e) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is equal to or greater than the reference value,
wherein step (b) is re-executed when the comparison result at step (e) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is less than the reference value.
The control method according to claim 15 , further comprising: sensing laundry weight; and setting the reference value based on the sensed laundry weight.
The control method according to claim 15 , wherein step (d) comprises maintaining a rotation of the main motor at the target speed.
A control method of a washing machine comprising an inner tub, a pulsator rotatable in the inner tub, a main motor configured to rotate the pulsator, and a clutch configured to engage the inner tub with the main motor or disengage the inner tub from the main motor, the control method comprising: (a) executing an agitation mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is disengaged from the main motor to rotate the pulsator; (b) stopping the main motor; (c) operating the clutch for execution of a spin mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is engaged with the main motor to rotate both the inner tub and the pulsator; (d) accelerating the main motor until the main motor reaches a predetermined target speed and then stopping the main motor; (e) comparing a maximum value of current applied to the main motor during execution of step (d) with a predetermined reference value to determine whether the agitation mode can be executed; and (f) executing the spin mode when a comparison result at step (e) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is less than the reference value, wherein step (b) is re-executed when the comparison result at step (e) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is equal to or greater than the reference value.
(c) operating the clutch for execution of a spin mode for driving the main motor in a state in which the inner tub is engaged with the main motor to rotate both the inner tub and the pulsator;
(f) executing the spin mode when a comparison result at step (e) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is less than the reference value,
wherein step (b) is re-executed when the comparison result at step (e) indicates that the current value applied to the main motor is equal to or greater than the reference value.
The control method according to claim 18 , further comprising: sensing laundry weight; and setting the reference value based on the sensed laundry weight.
The control method according to claim 18 , wherein step (d) comprises maintaining a rotation of the main motor at the target speed.
Ref US8561437B2: Claims:
A sound control method for a washing machine, the sound control method comprising: a washing operation, a rinsing operation and a spin-drying operation for cleaning a laundry, wherein the washing operation further comprises a water supply cycle, a washing cycle, a drainage cycle, and an intermediate spin-drying cycle, the rinsing operation further comprises a water supply cycle, a rinsing cycle, a drainage cycle, and an intermediate spin-drying cycle, and the spin-drying operation further comprises a final spin-drying cycle, wherein the sound control method comprises: sensing which one is a current operation cycle of the washing machine among the water supply cycle, the washing cycle, the drainage cycle, and the intermediate spin-drying cycle of the washing operation; the water supply cycle, the rinsing cycle, the drainage cycle, and the intermediate spin-drying cycle of the rinsing operation; and the final spin-drying cycle of the spin-drying operation; sensing noise generated during the sensed operation cycle of the washing machine; analyzing the sensed noise; selecting a canceling sound corresponding to the analyzed noise from a storage unit configured to store a plurality of pieces of canceling sound; outputting the selected canceling sound; and masking the noise by mapping the output canceling sound to the noise generated during the operation cycle of the washing machine.
a washing operation, a rinsing operation and a spin-drying operation for cleaning a laundry,
wherein the washing operation further comprises a water supply cycle, a washing cycle, a drainage cycle, and an intermediate spin-drying cycle,
the rinsing operation further comprises a water supply cycle, a rinsing cycle, a drainage cycle, and an intermediate spin-drying cycle, and
the spin-drying operation further comprises a final spin-drying cycle,
wherein the sound control method comprises:
sensing which one is a current operation cycle of the washing machine among the water supply cycle, the washing cycle, the drainage cycle, and the intermediate spin-drying cycle of the washing operation; the water supply cycle, the rinsing cycle, the drainage cycle, and the intermediate spin-drying cycle of the rinsing operation; and the final spin-drying cycle of the spin-drying operation;
sensing noise generated during the sensed operation cycle of the washing machine;
analyzing the sensed noise;
selecting a canceling sound corresponding to the analyzed noise from a storage unit configured to store a plurality of pieces of canceling sound;
outputting the selected canceling sound; and
masking the noise by mapping the output canceling sound to the noise generated during the operation cycle of the washing machine.
The sound control method according to claim 1 , wherein the operation of the washing machine further comprises a drying cycle or a wrinkle removal cycle, and wherein the sensing of the noise includes sensing noise generated during the drying cycle or the wrinkle removal cycle.
wherein the sensing of the noise includes sensing noise generated during the drying cycle or the wrinkle removal cycle.
The sound control method according to claim 2 , wherein the sensing of the noise includes sensing a pattern of the noise generated during each operation cycle of the washing machine.
The sound control method according to claim 3 , wherein the sensed noise pattern is specific to each operation cycle.
The sound control method according to claim 3 , wherein the selecting of the canceling sound includes reading information of the canceling sound previously stored in the storage unit according to the noise pattern.
The sound control method according to claim 5 , wherein the canceling sound is a background sound or melody having an amplitude greater than that of the noise.
The sound control method according to claim 5 , wherein the outputting of the canceling sound includes reading a canceling sound corresponding to the noise pattern from the storage unit and outputting the read canceling sound.
The sound control method according to claim 5 , further comprising: sensing whether abnormal noise is generated according to the noise pattern, wherein the outputting of the canceling sound includes reading or creating a canceling sound corresponding to the noise pattern from the storage unit and outputting the read or created canceling sound when sensed that abnormal noise is generated.
sensing whether abnormal noise is generated according to the noise pattern, wherein
the outputting of the canceling sound includes reading or creating a canceling sound corresponding to the noise pattern from the storage unit and outputting the read or created canceling sound when sensed that abnormal noise is generated.
The sound control method according to claim 8 , wherein the created sound is obtained by adjusting the magnitude of the canceling sound according to the magnitude of the abnormal noise.
The sound control method according to claim 1 , further comprising outputting a feedback sound having a frequency band different from a frequency band of the read canceling sound.
The sound control method according to claim 10 , further comprising: sensing access of a user to a vicinity of the washing machine; and outputting the feedback sound to inform of a progress state of the operation cycle when the access of the user is sensed.
sensing access of a user to a vicinity of the washing machine; and
outputting the feedback sound to inform of a progress state of the operation cycle when the access of the user is sensed.
The sound control method according to claim 10 , wherein the feedback sound is an event effect sound or melody.
The sound control method according to claim 10 , wherein the feedback sound is outputted at one of a start of the operation cycle, an end of the operation cycle, and a change in the operation to inform a user of one of the start of an operation cycle, the end of the operation cycle, and the change in the operation cycle.
A washing machine, comprising: a washing operation, a rinsing operation and a spin-drying operation for cleaning a laundry, wherein the washing operation further comprises a water supply cycle, a washing cycle, a drainage cycle, and an intermediate spin-drying cycle, the rinsing operation further comprises a water supply cycle, a rinsing cycle, a drainage cycle, and an intermediate spin-drying cycle, and the spin-drying operation further comprises a final spin-drying cycle, wherein the washing machine further comprises: a noise sensing unit configured to sense noise generated during the operation cycle of the washing machine; a storage unit configured to analyze the noise generated during the operation cycle of the washing machine and select a canceling sound corresponding to the analyzed noise from a plurality of pieces of canceling sound stored in the storage unit; a sound output unit configured to output the selected canceling sound; and a control unit configured to mask the noise by mapping the output canceling sound to the sensed noise.
wherein the washing machine further comprises:
a noise sensing unit configured to sense noise generated during the operation cycle of the washing machine;
a storage unit configured to analyze the noise generated during the operation cycle of the washing machine and select a canceling sound corresponding to the analyzed noise from a plurality of pieces of canceling sound stored in the storage unit;
a sound output unit configur
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