Washing machine and control method for same

A washing machine may include a drum that is rotatably provided inside a tub, a first water supply unit that directly jets water into the drum, a second water supply unit that supplies water to the tub via an automatic detergent supply unit, an input unit that receives selection of any one of detergent supply through the automatic detergent supply unit and detergent supply through a detergent container, and a control unit that jets water into the drum using the first water supply unit so that a detergent accommodated in the detergent container flows out, when the detergent supply through the detergent container is selected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 365 to International Patent Application No. PCT/KR2014/008318 filed Sep. 4, 2014, entitled “WASHING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR SAME”, and, through International Patent Application No. PCT/KR2014/007077, to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0106432 filed Sep. 5, 2013 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0015762 filed Feb. 11, 2014, each of which are incorporated herein by reference into the present disclosure as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine in which a user directly feeds a detergent into a drum.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a washing machine is an apparatus including a tub that accommodates water and a drum that is rotatably installed inside the tub, and the drum rotates with laundry loaded inside the tub to wash the laundry.

A user may feed a detergent to a washing machine detergent container or use a detergent directly fed into the drum, but a conventional washing machine does not provide a function of setting a detergent use environment by the user or a function of varying operations of the washing machine in both cases in which the detergent is fed to the detergent container and the detergent is directly fed into the drum.

Meanwhile, the liquid detergent market has increased recently, and there is a trend that a washing machine equipped with an automatic detergent feeder that automatically feeds a detergent is being released in order to solve inconvenience in measuring the liquid detergent. Thus, a role of the detergent container is reduced. In addition, a user may use at least two kinds of detergents such as a delicate washing detergent, a general washing detergent, and the like in the home, and therefore there is inconvenience that the detergent container should be replaced when using the automatic detergent feeder.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a washing machine that configures a user interface through which users can select a condition of directly feeding a detergent into a drum when using a separate detergent other than a detergent stored for automatic feeding of detergent, that is, when using a separate detergent feeding container through which a user can directly feed a detergent into the drum or when using a packed detergent that is dissolved in water together with a solid detergent or an outer packing material, and that is variably operated so that a corresponding detergent can be effectively dissolved when directly feeding the detergent into the drum together with laundry.

Technical Solution

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a washing machine includes a tub that accommodates water; a drum that is rotatably provided inside the tub; a first water supply unit that jets water into the drum; and a control unit that controls the first water supply unit so that water is jetted into the drum in which a detergent feeding container is fed when a washing step starts.

Here, the washing machine may further include a second water supply unit that supplies water via a connection pipe provided in the tub.

Also, when the washing step starts, the control unit may control the first water supply unit and the second water supply unit so that water is supplied to the tub until a water level of water accommodated in the tub reaches a rinsing water level.

Also, when a rinsing step starts, the control unit may control the first water supply unit so that water is jetted into the drum until the water level of water accommodated in the tub reaches the rinsing water level.

Also, the washing machine may further include a detergent feeder that automatically feeds a detergent to the tub and a user interface that receives information about whether the detergent is automatically fed.

Also, when the automatic feeding of the detergent is input, the control unit may control the detergent feeder so that the detergent is automatically fed while the water is supplied.

Also, the user interface may include a display that displays a washing setting screen which receives a washing setting and an additional setting screen receiving the information about whether the detergent is automatically fed.

Also, the display unit may display the additional setting screen overlapped on the washing setting screen.

Also, the first water supply unit may include a jet nozzle that is disposed in an inlet of the tub and jets water into the drum.

Also, the jet nozzle may obliquely jet water toward a side surface of the drum.

Also, the first water supply unit may include a jet nozzle that jets water into the drum, a first water supply pipe that guides water to the jet nozzle from an external water supply source, and a first water supply valve that opens and closes the first water supply pipe.

Also, the second water supply unit may include a second water supply pipe that guides water from the external water supply source to the connection pipe and a second water supply valve that opens and closes the second water supply pipe.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a control method of a washing machine including a tub that accommodates water and a drum that is rotatably provided inside the tub, includes jetting water into the drum in which a detergent feeding container is positioned when a washing step starts; and stopping jetting of the water when a water level of the water accommodated in the tub reaches a washing water level.

Here, the jetting of the water into the drum may include jetting water from an inlet of the tub toward a side surface of the drum.

Also, the control method of the washing machine may further include supplying water via a connection pipe provided in the tub when the washing step starts.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a washing machine includes: a drum that is rotatably provided inside a tub; a drum driving unit that rotatably drives the drum, a water supply unit that supplies water to the tub; a user interface that receives information about whether a detergent feeding container is fed in the drum; and a control unit that controls the drum driving unit and the water supply unit to supply water to the tub in a state in which the drum is stopped and to rotate the drum in a state in which supplying of the water is stopped, when the detergent feeding container is fed in the drum.

Here, the control unit may control the water supply unit to stop supplying of the water when a water level of the water is a detergent dissolution water level or higher.

Also, the control unit may control the drum driving unit to stop rotation of the drum when a rotation time of the drum is a detergent outflow time or longer.

Also, the control unit may control the drum driving unit to rotate the drum at a rotational speed of 40 rpm or less.

Also, the control unit may control the drum driving unit to rotate the drum for 4 to 5 seconds and to stop rotation of the drum for 4 to 5 seconds.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a control method of a washing machine including a tub that accommodates water and a drum that is rotatably provided inside the tub, includes: receiving information about whether a detergent feeding container is fed in the drum, performing a first water supply when the detergent feeding container is fed; stopping the first water supply and then rotating the drum; and stopping rotation of the drum and then performing the second water supply.

Here, the rotating of the drum may include rotating the drum at a rotational speed of 40 rpm or less.

Also, the rotating of the drum may include rotating the drum for 4 to 5 seconds and stopping rotation of the drum for 4 to 5 seconds.

Advantageous Effects

According to the disclosed one aspect of the present invention, the detergent may be directly fed into the drum, and the detergent may be fully dissolved even though the detergent is directly fed into the drum.

BEST MODE

Embodiments described in the present specification and configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention, and various modified embodiments that are capable of substituting the embodiments and the drawings of the present specification may exist at the time of applying the present application.

Embodiments described in the present specification and configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention, and various modified embodiments that are capable of substituting the embodiments and the drawings of the present specification may exist at the time of applying the present application.

In addition, the same reference numerals or marks shown in the accompanying drawings may represent a part or an element performing substantially the same function.

In addition, the terms including ordinals such as “first,” “second,” and the like used in the present specification may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used to only distinguish one element from another element.

In addition, the terms such as “include” or “have” used in the present specification are to designate that a characteristic, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a part, described in the specification or combinations thereof exist, and do not exclude in advance the existence of or the possibility of adding one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

In addition, “Touch” is input as the touch may be caused by the finger including the thumb or a unit (for example, a stylus, etc.).

Hereinafter, a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and a control method for the same will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1illustrates the appearance of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 2is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine100includes a cabinet101that forms an appearance, a tub120that is disposed inside the cabinet101, a drum130that is rotatably disposed inside the tub120, a driving motor140that drives the drum130, a water supply unit150that supplies water to the tub120, a water discharge unit160that discharges water accommodated in the tub120, a detergent supply unit180that supplies a detergent, and a detergent feeding container200that directly feeds a detergent into the drum130.

Other than these, the washing machine100may include a heater171that heats water accommodated in the tub120, a water temperature sensor173that detects a temperature of the water accommodated in the tub120, and a water level sensor175that detects a water level of the water accommodated in the tub120.

A feeding port for taking in or taking out laundry is provided at a center of a front surface of the cabinet101, and a door105is provided for opening and closing the feeding port of the cabinet101.

In addition, a control panel110for receiving a control command for the washing machine100from a user and displaying operation information of the washing machine100is provided on an upper side of the front surface of the cabinet101.

The control panel110will be described in detail below.

The door105is rotatably mounted in the cabinet101to open and close the feeding port formed at the center of the front surface of the cabinet101.

The tub120includes a cylindrical tub body121which is provided inside the cabinet101and whose rear surface is closed, and a tub front plate122which is provided on a front side of the tub body121.

A bearing125for rotatably fixing the driving motor140to be described later and a bearing housing124are provided on a rear surface of the tub body121, and an opening122afor taking in and out laundry to and from a washing chamber103is provided on the tub front plate122.

In addition, the tub120is connected to the water supply unit150and the detergent supply unit180through a connection pipe153provided on an upper side of the tub120, and connected to the water discharge unit160through a water discharge pipe161provided on a lower side of the tub120.

The drum130is rotatably provided inside the tub120, and includes a cylindrical drum body131, a drum front plate132provided on a front side of the drum body131, and a drum rear plate133provided on a rear side of the drum body131.

A through hole131athrough which water accommodated in the tub120flows into the washing chamber103formed inside the drum130and a lifter131bfor lifting laundry upward are provided in the drum body131.

In addition, an opening132afor taking in and out laundry to and from the washing chamber103is provided in the drum front plate132, and a shaft flange134to which the driving motor140to be described later is connected is provided in the drum rear plate133.

The driving motor140includes a stator141that is fixed on a rear surface of the tub120, a rotor142that rotates through magnetic interaction with the stator141, and a rotary shaft143whose one side is connected to the rotor142and the other side passes through the rear surface of the tub120to be connected to the shaft flange134provided on a rear surface of the drum130.

The rotary shaft143is rotatably fixed to the tub120by the bearing125provided on the rear surface of the tub120as described above. Such a driving motor140may adopt a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor capable of easily controlling a rotation speed or a synchronous alternation current (AC) motor.

The water supply unit150is provided on an upper side of the tub120, and includes a water supply pipe151that connects an external water supply source (not shown) and the detergent supply unit180and a water supply valve152that is provided on the water supply pipe151to open and close the water supply pipe151.

The water discharge unit160is provided on a lower side of the tub120, and includes a water discharge pipe161that guides water of the tub120to be discharged to the outside of the main body101and a water discharge pump162that is disposed in the water discharge pipe161to allow water to be discharged through the water discharge pipe161.

The detergent feeding container200and the detergent supply unit180are provided in order to supply a detergent used in washing into the drum130.

The detergent feeding container200and the detergent supply unit180will be described in detail below.

FIGS. 3aand 3billustrate a detergent supply unit included in a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 4illustrates a detergent feeding container included in a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 3aand 3b, the detergent supply unit180includes a detergent storage container183that stores large amounts of detergent and rinse agent, a detergent storage container housing182that accommodates the detergent storage container183, and an automatic detergent feeding module184that feeds the detergent or rinse agent stored in the detergent storage container183into the washing chamber103.

The detergent storage container housing182is fixed and mounted inside the cabinet101of the washing machine100, a water supply port182bthat receives water from the water supply unit150is provided on a rear surface of the detergent storage container housing182, and a connection port182athrough which a detergent discharged by a detergent feeding pump184to be described later and the water supplied through the water supply port182bare mixed and discharged is provided on a bottom surface of the detergent storage container housing182. The water and detergent discharged through the connection port182aare supplied to the tub120through the connection pipe153.

The detergent storage container183is movably installed inside the detergent storage container housing183. Thus, when the detergent or the rinse agent stored in the detergent storage container183is all consumed, a user may take out the detergent storage container183from the detergent storage container housing182, and additionally feed the detergent or the rinse agent to the detergent storage container183.

In addition, the inside of the detergent storage container183may be partitioned into a detergent storage space (not shown) for storing a detergent and a rinse agent storage space (not shown) for storing a rinse agent.

On an upper surface of the detergent storage container183, a detergent feeding port183afor supplying a detergent into the detergent storage container183and a rinse agent feeding port183bfor supplying a rinse agent into the detergent storage container183when the detergent and rinse agent stored in the detergent storage container183are all consumed are provided.

In addition, on a rear surface of the detergent storage container183, a detergent outflow hole183cand a rinse agent outflow hole183dthrough which the detergent and rinse agent stored in each of the detergent storage space and the rinse agent storage space are supplied to the detergent supply pump184to be described later are provided.

The detergent supply pump184may be provided on the rear surface of the detergent storage container183, and include a detergent pump (not shown) for feeding the detergent stored in the detergent storage space into the washing chamber103and a rinse agent pump (not shown) for feeding the rinse agent stored in the rinse agent storage space into the washing chamber103.

In addition, on a front surface of the detergent supply pump184, a detergent inflow hole184athat is formed so as to correspond to the detergent outflow hole183cprovided on the rear surface of the detergent storage container183to allow the detergent stored in the detergent storage space (not shown) to flow into the detergent supply pump184and a rinse agent inflow hole184bthat is formed so as to correspond to the rinse agent outflow hole183dto allow the rinse agent to flow into the detergent supply pump184are provided.

In addition, on a rear surface of the detergent supply pump184, a detergent discharge port through which a detergent is discharged and a rinse agent discharge port through which a rinse agent is discharged may be provided.

Such a detergent supply unit180may supply the detergent to the washing chamber103when supplying washing water for a washing step, and supply the rinse agent to the washing chamber103when supplying rinsing water for a rinsing step.

The detergent feeding container200includes a feeding container main body201that accommodates a detergent as shown inFIG. 4, and a detergent feeding port202for feeding the detergent is formed on an upper portion of the feeding container main body201.

The detergent feeding container200is positioned in the drum130together with laundry even when performing the rinsing step and a spin-drying step as well as the washing step, and therefore the feeding container main body201may have a shape of a sphere or an ellipsoid, and the detergent feeding port202through which a user feeds a detergent and the detergent flows out when performing the washing step is provided on the upper portion of the feeding container main body201.

In addition, on the surface of the feeding container main body201, a pattern for improving washing power when performing the washing step may be formed. For example, in order to improve frictional force between the surface of the feeding container main body201and laundry, a striped pattern or a lattice pattern may be formed on the surface of the feeding container main body201.

A user may desire to wash laundry using a variety of detergents according to the type of the laundry, particularly, a material or color of the laundry.

For example, when desiring to wash white cotton clothing, a user may use a detergent containing bleach, but when desiring to wash colored silk clothing, the user may use a detergent without bleach.

As another example, when desiring to wash wool clothing, a user may use a detergent for the exclusive use of wool material for laundry protection.

As described above, in the case of the washing machine100including the detergent supply unit180, a user may have difficulties in feeding a separate detergent other than the detergent stored in the detergent supply unit180. This is because a large amount of detergent has been already stored in the detergent supply unit180and therefore it is difficult to store a new detergent in the detergent supply unit.

In this case, a user may accessarily use the detergent feeding container200. In other words, when desiring to use a detergent different from the detergent stored in the detergent supply unit180, a user may put the corresponding detergent in the detergent feeding container200and directly feed the corresponding detergent into the drum130.

When a user feeds the detergent feeding container200with the corresponding detergent accommodated therein into the drum130together with laundry, and then operates the washing machine100, the detergent accommodated in the detergent feeding container200flows into the drum130while the drum130is rotating.

In this manner, basically, the detergent may be supplied automatically through the detergent supply unit180by the washing machine100, but may be directly fed into the drum130through the detergent feeding container200by a user according to the user's selection. In other words, the user may supply the detergent in such a manner as to put the detergent in the detergent feeding container200and to position the detergent feeding container200with the detergent accommodated therein into the drum130.

In this manner, when the user directly feeds the detergent into the drum130through the detergent feeding container200and activates a detergent dissolution operation through the control panel110to be described later, the washing machine100performs a detergent dissolution operation for dissolving the detergent directly fed into the drum130.

The detergent dissolution operation will be described in detail below.

In addition, when the detergent dissolution operation is activated, the washing machine100may deactivate the detergent supply unit180. In other words, the washing machine100prevents the detergent from being doubly supplied by preventing the detergent supply unit180from being operated.

Basically, the above-described washing machine100automatically feeds the detergent through the detergent supply unit180. In other words, the washing machine100performs washing while the detergent dissolution operation is activated, and deactivates the detergent dissolution operation again when the washing is completed.

In addition, when the detergent dissolution operation is not activated by a user in next washing, the washing machine100supplies the detergent through the detergent supply unit180and does not perform the detergent dissolution operation.

FIG. 5illustrates a control panel provided in a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 5, the control panel110may include a power button112afor turning ON/OFF power of the washing machine100, a washing start button112bfor operating or stopping the washing machine100, a dial113for selecting a washing course in which detailed settings of a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step are stored in advance according to the type of laundry, a detailed setting button114for setting a detailed item of the washing course selected by the dial112, and a display panel115for displaying operation information of the washing machine100.

The detailed setting button114may include a water temperature setting button114afor setting a temperature of water used in washing, a rinsing setting button114bfor setting rinsing frequency, a spin-drying setting button114cfor setting the strength of spin-drying, and a detergent direct feeding button114dfor fully dissolving the directly fed detergent when a user directly feeds the detergent into the drum130.

Specifically, when a user directly feeds the detergent into the drum130and then pushes the detergent direct feeding button114d, the washing machine100activates the detergent dissolution operation, and when the user pushes the detergent direct feeding button114dagain while the detergent dissolution operation is activated, the washing machine100deactivates the detergent dissolution operation.

When the user inputs a washing start command through the washing start button112bin a state in which the detergent dissolution operation is activated, the washing machine100checks whether the detergent is directly fed into the drum130through the display panel115. This is because there is a possibility that the user does not feed the detergent into the drum130by mistake after activating the detergent dissolution operation.

When it is checked that the detergent is directly fed into the drum130, the washing machine100performs the detergent dissolution operation in order to dissolve the directly fed detergent.

The power button112a, the washing start button112b, and the detailed setting button114may adopt a micro switch or membrane switch for detecting the pressure by a user, a touch pad for detecting the touch by a user, and the like.

The display panel115may display the washing course selected by the dial113, the detailed setting selected by the detailed setting button114, information about operations performed by the washing machine100, information related to operations of the washing machine100such as the remaining time until the termination of washing.

The display panel116may adopt a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel.

In addition, the control panel110may include a touch screen panel (TSP) in which a touch pad that receives a control command from a user and a display panel that displays operation information of the washing machine100are integrated.

The washing machine100shown inFIGS. 1 and 2includes the detergent supply unit180that automatically supplies the detergent into the drum, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when a user feeds a dose of detergent into an openable drawer-type detergent container (not shown), the detergent in the detergent container may be supplied into the drum during water supply.

Even in a case of including the drawer-type detergent container, when a user activates the detergent dissolution operation, the washing machine performs the detergent dissolution operation in order to dissolve the detergent directly fed into the drum by the user.

In addition, when including the drawer-type detergent container (not shown), the washing machine may select any one of detergent supply through the detergent container and detergent direct supply through the detergent feeding container200.

In other words, when the washing machine includes the detergent supply unit, detergent supply through the detergent supply unit is performed by default and detergent direct supply through the detergent feeding container200is possible by a user's selection. In addition, when the washing machine does not include the detergent supply unit, a user may select any one of detergent supply through the detergent container and detergent direct supply through the detergent feeding container200.

FIG. 6illustrates a control flow of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 6, the washing machine100includes the above-described control panel110, the tub120, the drum130, the driving motor140, the water supply unit150, the water discharge unit160, the detergent supply unit180, the heater171, a driving unit191that drives various components included in the washing machine100together with the water temperature sensor173and the water level sensor175, a storage unit192that stores programs and data related to operations of the washing machine100, and a control unit190that controls operations of the washing machine100.

The driving unit191may drive the driving motor140, the water supply valve152(seeFIG. 3) included in the water supply unit150, the water discharge pump162(seeFIG. 3) included in the water discharge unit160, the automatic detergent feeding module184(seeFIG. 3) included in the detergent supply unit180, and the heater171according to control signals of the control unit190. In particular, the driving unit191may include an inverter for controlling a rotation speed and a rotation direction of the driving motor140.

The storage unit192may include a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disc or a solid state disk for permanently storing programs and data for controlling operations of the washing machine100and a volatile memory such as a D-RAM or an S-RAM for temporarily storing temporary data generated in a process of controlling the operations of the washing machine100.

The control unit190generates control signals for controlling the driving motor140, the water supply unit150, the water discharge unit160, the detergent supply unit180, and the heater171in accordance with a user's control commands input through the control panel110and the detection results of the water temperature sensor173and the water level sensor175, and transmits the generated control signals to the driving unit191.

In particular, when the detergent dissolution operation is activated through the detergent direct feeding button114d, the control unit190performs the detergent dissolution operation for dissolving the detergent directly fed into the drum130by the user as will be described later.

The configuration of the washing machine100has been described above, and operations

of the washing machine100in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention will be herein described. In particular, the detergent dissolution operation for dissolving the detergent directly fed into the drum will be described.

Referring again toFIG. 2, the washing machine100performs a washing step that supplies a detergent and water into the drum130and then rotates the drum130to separate foreign substances attached to laundry, a rinsing step that supplies a rinse agent and water into the drum130and then rotates the drum130to rinse the foreign substances separated from the laundry and detergent residues, and a spin-drying step that rotates the drum130at a high speed to separate water from the laundry.

In addition, the washing machine100may perform a water supply operation that supplies water to the washing chamber103before performing the washing step and the rinsing step, and perform an intermediate spin-drying step after completing the washing step and the rinsing step.

The washing machine100rotates the drum130at a speed of 45 to 60 rpm in clockwise and counterclockwise directions when performing the washing step and the rinsing step. In addition, the washing machine100may repeatedly perform processes of rotating the drum130for approximately 20 seconds (ON time) clockwise and then stopping the drum130for 4 to 5 seconds (OFF time), and rotating the drum130for approximately 20 seconds (ON time) counterclockwise and then stopping the drum130for 4 to 5 seconds (OFF time).

The washing machine100may rotate the drum130in any one of clockwise and counterclockwise directions at a speed of several hundreds to thousands of rpm when performing the spin-drying step, so that water absorbed in the laundry is discharged to the outside of the drum130by a centrifugal force.

Particularly, the washing machine100according to an embodiment of the present invention automatically feeds the detergent into the drum130through the detergent supply unit180by default in relation to a detergent feeding method, but a user may directly feed the detergent into the drum130in accordance with selection of the user.

When the user directly feeds the detergent into the drum130, the washing machine100performs the detergent dissolution operation for dissolving the detergent directly fed into the drum130.

FIGS. 7aand 7billustrate a method of dissolving a detergent of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 8illustrates a detergent dissolution operation of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention when a detergent is automatically supplied by the washing machine, andFIGS. 9aand 9billustrate a detergent dissolution operation of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention when a user directly feeds a detergent.

Referring toFIGS. 7ato 9b, in operation1010, the washing machine100determines whether a user inputs an operation command.

A user may feed laundry to the washing chamber103, select a washing course through the dial113provided in the control panel110, and select detailed setting through the detailed setting button114in accordance with the selected washing course.

In this instance, the user may activate the detergent dissolution operation for dissolving the detergent directly fed into the drum130using the detergent direct feeding button114d.

Specifically, when feeding the detergent feeding container200with the detergent accommodated therein, a detergent pack with a liquid detergent accommodated therein, a solid detergent, or the like into the drum130together with laundry, the user may activate the detergent dissolution operation. In addition, when not directly feeding the detergent into the drum130, the user may deactivate the detergent dissolution operation.

In addition, the user may determine whether the detergent dissolution operation is activated through the control panel110.

The user having selected the washing course and the detailed setting may input an operation command through the washing start button112bprovided in the control panel110. The operation command is a control command for allowing the washing machine to start the washing operation with respect to the laundry.

In other words, the user may select the washing course and the detailed setting, feed the detergent feeding container200into the washing chamber, and activate the detergent dissolution operation. Next, the user may input the operation command for the washing machine100.

In operation1015, when the operation command is input (YES of510), the washing machine100determines whether the detergent is directly fed.

When the user inputs whether the detergent dissolution operation is activated, the washing machine100may store, in the storage unit192, whether the detergent is directly fed in accordance with whether the detergent dissolution operation is activated. Thereafter, when the user inputs the operation command, the washing machine100may determine whether a direct detergent feeding function is activated based on values stored in the storage unit192.

When it is determined that the direct detergent feeding function is deactivated (NO of1015), the washing machine100supplies water to the washing chamber103as shown in (a) ofFIG. 8. The washing machine100may allow water to be supplied to the washing chamber103via the detergent supply unit180by opening the water supply valve152of the water supply unit150.

At the same time, in operation1075, the washing machine100automatically supplies the detergent into the washing chamber103. The washing machine100may allow the detergent to be supplied to the washing chamber103together with water by operating the detergent supply pump184of the detergent supply unit180.

In this instance, the amount of the supplied detergent may be changed according to the washing course and the amount of washing water. That is, the washing machine100supplies the detergent for an amount to exhibit optimal washing power in accordance with the washing course and the amount of laundry.

In addition, in operation1080, the washing machine100rotates the drum in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction at a low speed.

When the washing machine100supplies the detergent and water, the detergent and water may stay in a lower portion of the tub120. In this case, the washing machine100rotates the drum130in clockwise and counterclockwise directions at a low speed as shown in (a) ofFIG. 8so that the detergent and water can be fully mixed.

When the drum130is rotated at the low speed, a water flow is generated in the water and detergent of the low portion of the tub120by rotational force of the drum130, and therefore the water and detergent are mixed.

In addition, the rotation of the drum130may be the same as rotation of the drum130at the time of washing step. That is, the washing machine100may repeatedly perform processes of rotating the drum130for approximately 20 seconds (ON time) in the clockwise direction and then stopping the drum130for 4 to 5 seconds (OFF time), and rotating the drum130for approximately 20 seconds (ON time) in the counterclockwise direction and then stopping the drum130for 4 to 5 seconds (OFF time), while rotating the drum130at a rotation speed of 45 to 60 rpm.

Next, in operation1060, the washing machine100determines whether a water level of water reaches a washing water level. The washing water level is a water level that can exhibit sufficient washing power by the rotation of the drum130and the detergent, and may be changed according to the washing course and the amount of laundry.

When the water level of water does not reach the washing water level (NO of1060), the washing machine100continues to supply water, and when the water level of water reaches the washing water level (YES of1060), the washing machine100stops the supply of water in operation1065.

Next, the washing machine100performs a washing step that rotates the drum130in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions as shown in (b) ofFIG. 8.

Next, in operation1020, when it is determined that the direct detergent feeding function is activated (YES of1015), the washing machine100performs first water supply as shown in (a) ofFIG. 9a. Specifically, the washing machine100supplies water to the washing chamber103by opening the water supply valve152of the water supply unit150. In addition, during the first water supply, the washing machine100may not rotate the drum130as shown in (a) ofFIG. 9a.

When directly feeding the detergent feeding container200with the detergent accommodated therein, a detergent pack with a liquid detergent accommodated therein, or a solid detergent into the drum130, a user may feed laundry into the drum130, and then feed the detergent feeding container200with the detergent accommodated therein, the detergent pack with the liquid detergent accommodated therein, or the solid detergent into the washing chamber103.

As a result, the detergent feeding container200with the detergent accommodated therein, the detergent pack with the liquid detergent accommodated therein, or the solid detergent may be positioned on the laundry. In addition, water stays only in the lower portion of the tub120at the initial time of water supply, and is not yet supplied in the washing chamber103in which the detergent and the laundry are accommodated.

In this manner, when the washing machine100rotates the drum130in a state in which the detergent feeding container200with the detergent accommodated therein, the detergent pack with the liquid detergent accommodated therein, or the solid detergent is fed into the drum130and water is not fed into the drum130, the detergent within the detergent feeding container200or the detergent within the detergent pack flows out to the laundry, and therefore the flowing detergent is brought into contact with the laundry.

In this case, the detergent may damage the laundry. For example, when the washing machine100operates in a state in which the detergent undissolved in water is attached to the laundry, the detergent may remain in the laundry even though a rinsing step for removing the detergent remaining in the laundry is performed, and the detergent remaining in the laundry may damage the laundry.

In particular, in a case of cold water washing or high-speed washing in which a time for performing a washing step and a rinsing step is short, a large amount of detergent may remain in the laundry without being washed away during the rinsing step.

In addition, when the drum130is rotated before water is supplied into the drum130, the laundry may surround the detergent feeding container200, the detergent pack, or the solid detergent due to the rotation of the drum130.

In this manner, when the laundry surrounds the detergent feeding container200, the detergent pack, or the solid detergent, the detergent accommodated in the detergent feeding container200or the detergent pack or the solid detergent may be densely attached to only a part of the laundry, and in this case, the detergent is highly likely to remain in the laundry after washing.

Due to the above-described reason, the drum130may not be rotated until the water level of water reaches a water level for detergent dissolution, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, water may be supplied until the lower portion of the drum130is submerged, and then the drum130may be rotated at a low speed during the first water supply.

Next, in operation1025, the washing machine100determines whether the water level of water reaches the water level for detergent dissolution. The water level for detergent dissolution may be determined as a water level in which the detergent within the detergent feeding container200, the detergent within the detergent pack, or the solid detergent can be sufficiently brought into contact with water when the drum130is rotated.

When the water level of water does not reach the water level for detergent dissolution (NO of1025), the washing machine100continues to perform the first water supply, and when the water level of water reaches the water level for detergent dissolution (YES of1025), the washing machine100stops the first water supply as shown in (b) ofFIG. 9ain operation1030.

Next, in operation1035, as shown in (c) ofFIG. 9a, the washing machine100rotates the drum130in clockwise and counterclockwise directions at a low speed.

When the water level of supplied water reaches the water level for detergent dissolution, the washing machine100rotates the drum130at a low speed so that the detergent accommodated in the detergent feeding container200or the detergent accommodated in the detergent pack gradually flow out to be brought into contact with water.

In this instance, when rotating the drum at a high speed, the detergent accommodated in the detergent feeding container200or the detergent accommodated in the detergent pack rapidly flows out, and therefore there is a possibility that a large amount of detergent is attached to a part of the laundry.

Thus, the washing machine100repeatedly performs processes of rotating the drum130for 4 to 5 seconds in the clockwise direction and then stopping the drum130for 4 to 5 seconds, and rotating the drum130for 4 to 5 seconds in the counterclockwise direction and then stopping the drum130for 4 to 5 seconds, while rotating the drum130at a speed of 40 rpm or less. In other words, the rotation speed of the drum130may be made slower and the rotation time of the drum130, that is, ON time may be made shorter compared to in an automatic detergent supply mode.

In operation1040, the washing machine100determines whether a detergent outflow time has elapsed while the drum130is rotated at a low speed. The detergent outflow time may be determined as a time during which the detergent accommodated in the detergent feeding container200or the detergent accommodated in the detergent pack sufficiently flows out to the outside. In other words, the detergent outflow time may be determined as a time during which most of the detergent may flow out from the detergent feeding container200or the detergent packet.

When the detergent outflow time has not elapsed (NO of540), the washing machine100continues to rotate the drum130at a low speed, and when the detergent outflow time has elapsed (YES of540), the washing machine100stops the rotation of the drum130as shown in (d) ofFIG. 9ain operation1045. In this manner, stopping the rotation of the drum130is to fully dissolve, in water, the detergent flowing out from the detergent feeding container200or the detergent pack.

For example, in a case of the detergent feeding container200, even though the drum130is rotated at a low speed to allow the detergent accommodated in the detergent feeding container200to flow out, a part of the detergent may be still attached to the inner surface of the detergent feeding container200. In this manner, in order to dissolve even the detergent attached to the inner surface of the detergent feeding container200in water, the drum130may not be rotated in a state in which the detergent feeding container200is submerged in water.

In operation1050, after stopping the drum130, the washing machine100determines whether a detergent dissolution time has elapsed. The detergent dissolution time may be determined as a time during which the detergent flowing out from the detergent feeding container200or the detergent pack or the pulverized solid detergent can be fully dissolved in water. In other words, the detergent dissolution time may be determined as a time during which the detergent can be dissolved in water.

In operation1055, when the detergent dissolution time has elapsed (YES of550), the washing machine100performs second water supply as shown in (a) ofFIG. 9b. The washing machine100may stop the drum130while performing the second water supply. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the washing machine100may rotate the drum130so that the detergent is dissolved better in water.

In operation1060, the washing machine100determines whether a water level of water reaches a washing water level during the second water supply. The washing water level may be a water level to exhibit sufficient washing power by the rotation of the drum130and the detergent, and changed in accordance with the washing course and the amount of laundry.

When the water level of water does not reach the washing water level (NO of560), the washing machine100continues to supply water, and when the water level of water reaches the washing water level (YES of560), the washing machine100stops water supply as shown in (b) ofFIG. 9bin operation1065.

Next, the washing machine100performs a washing step that rotates the drum130in clockwise and counterclockwise directions as shown in (c) ofFIG. 9b.

When a user directly feeds the detergent into the washing chamber103, the washing machine100may smoothly dissolve the directly fed detergent by performing the detergent dissolution operation.

Hereinafter, a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and a control method for the same will be described in detail with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 10illustrates the appearance of a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 11is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS. 12 and 13illustrate a path of water jetted by a jet nozzle included in a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 10 to 13, a washing machine300includes a cabinet101that forms the appearance of the washing machine300, a tub320that is disposed inside the cabinet101, a drum330that is rotatably disposed inside the tub320, and a drum driving unit340that rotatably drives the drum330.

In addition, the washing machine300includes a water supply unit350that supplies water to the tub320, a circulation unit360that circulates and drains water accommodated in the tub320, a detergent supply unit380that supplies a detergent, and a water level detection unit370that detects a water level of water accommodated in the tub320.

Other than these, the washing machine300may include a detergent feeding container400that selectively and directly supplies the detergent into the drum330.

A feeding port for taking in and out laundry is provided at the center of a front surface of the cabinet301, and a door305for opening and closing the feeding port is provided in the feeding port. The door305may be rotatably mounted in the cabinet301, and enable the feeding port for laundry not to be opened while the washing machine300is operated.

A user interface310for interacting with a user is provided on an upper portion of the front surface of the cabinet301.

The user interface310will be described in more detail below.

The tub320is provided inside the cabinet301, and includes a tub front member321and a tub rear member322.

An opening for feeding laundry into the drum330is provided on a front surface of the tub front member321, and a diaphragm321athat protrudes forward from the tub320is provided along an outer edge of the opening.

A bearing325for rotatably fixing a driving motor341to be described later and a bearing housing324are provided on a rear surface of the tub rear member322.

The drum330is rotatably provided inside the tub320, and includes a cylindrical drum body331, a drum front plate332provided on a front side of the drum body331, and a drum rear plate333provided on a rear side of the drum body332.

A through hole331afor allowing water accommodated in the tub320to flow into the drum330and a lifter331bfor lifting laundry upward are provided on an inner surface of the drum body331.

An opening for taking in and out laundry into the drum330is provided on the drum front plate332, and a flange334to which the driving motor341for rotating the drum330is coupled is provided on the drum rear plate333.

The drum driving unit340includes the driving motor341that generates a rotational force for rotating the drum330and a shaft342that transfers the rotational force generated by the driving motor341to the drum330.

The driving motor341includes a stator341bthat is fixed on a rear surface of the tub330and a rotor342athat rotates through magnetic interaction with the stator341b.

The driving motor341may include a BLDG motor capable of easily controlling a rotation speed or a synchronous AC motor.

The shaft342is connected at its one end to the rotor341aof the driving motor341and connected at the other end thereof to the flange334that passes through the rear surface of the tub320to be provided on the rear surface of the drum330. In addition, the shaft342is rotatably fixed to the tub320by the bearing325and the bearing housing324which are provided on the rear surface of the tub320as described above.

In addition, although not shown, the drum driving unit340may further include an inverter circuit (not shown) that generates a driving current for driving the driving motor341and a speed control circuit (not shown) that controls a rotation speed of the driving motor341.

The water supply unit350is provided on an upper side of the tub320, and includes a first water supply module351that jets water into the drum330and a second water supply module352that supplies water through an inner surface of the tub320.

The first water supply module351includes a first water supply pipe351a, a first water supply valve351b, and a jet nozzle351c.

The first water supply pipe351asupplies water from an external water supply source (not shown), and one end of the first water supply pipe351ais connected to the external water supply source and the other end thereof is connected to the jet nozzle351c.

The first water supply valve351bis provided on the first water supply pipe351aand opens and closes the first water supply pipe351a.

The jet nozzle351cjets water received from the first water supply pipe351ainto the drum330. In other words, the jet nozzle351cdirectly jets water received from the external water supply source into the drum330.

The jet nozzle351cmay be provided on the inner side of the diaphragm321a, and as shown inFIG. 12, the jet nozzle351cjets water from the diaphragm321atoward the inside of the drum330.

In addition, the jet nozzle351cmay obliquely jet water toward the inside of the drum330. Specifically, the jet nozzle351cjets water toward an inner side surface of the drum330as shown inFIG. 13. In this manner, the jet nozzle351cobliquely jets water, and therefore water is jet to an inner surface of the diaphragm321a as well as the inner side of the drum330.

The second water supply module352includes a second water supply pipe352a, a second water supply valve352b, a connection container352c, and a connection pipe352d.

The second water supply pipe352asupplies water from the external water supply source (not shown), and one end of the second water supply pipe352ais connected to the external water supply source and the other end thereof is connected to the connection container352c.

The second water supply valve352bis provided on the second water supply pipe352a, and opens and closes the second water supply pipe352a.

The connection container352cmay be provided on an upper portion of the tub320. A water pressure of water supplied to the connection container352cis reduced inside the connection container352c. In other words, when water supplied from the external water supply source through the second water supply pipe352ahas a high water pressure, the water pressure of the water is reduced while the water passes through the connection container352c.

In addition, when cold water and hot water are supplied from the external water supply source, the cold water and the hot water may be mixed in the connection container352c.

The connection pipe352dsupplies water from the connection container352cinto the tub320, and one end of the connection pipe352dis connected to the connection container352cand the other end thereof is connected to the tub320. In addition, a diameter of the connection pipe352dmay be larger than a diameter of the second water supply pipe352aso that water accommodated in the connection container352dis smoothly supplied to the tub320.

The water supplied into the tub320through the connection container352cand the connection pipe352dmay be supplied along the inner surface of the tub320. In other words, the water supplied through the connection container352cand the connection pipe352dmay be supplied starting from a bottom surface of the tub330without being directly jetted into the drum330.

The circulation unit360is provided on a lower side of the tub320, and drains water accommodated in the tub320as well as circulating the water accommodated in the tub320.

The circulation unit360includes an outflow pipe361that guides water accommodated in the tub320to the outside of the tub320, a water circulation pump362that circulates or drains water, an inflow pipe363that guides water into the tub320, and a discharge pipe364that guides water to the outside of the washing machine300.

The outflow pipe361is connected at its one end to a lower portion of the tub320and connected at the other end thereof to the water circulation pump362, so that water accommodated in the tub320is guided to the water circulation pump362.

The water circulation pump362allows the water flowing out to the outside of the tub320through the outflow pipe361to selectively flow into the tub320or be drained to the outside of the washing machine300.

Specifically, the water circulation pump362circulates water accommodated in the tub320while a washing step or a rinsing step is performed, and when the washing step or the rinsing step is terminated, the water circulation pump362drains the water accommodated in the tub320to the outside of the washing machine300.

One end of the inflow pipe363is connected to the water circulation pump362and the other end thereof is connected to the tub320, so that water flowing out to the outside of the tub320through the outflow pipe361is guided into the tub320again.

One end of the discharge pipe364is connected to the water circulation pump362and the other end thereof is connected to the outside of the washing machine300, so that water flowing out to the outside of the tub320through the outflow pipe361is guided to the outside of the washing machine300.

The detergent supply unit380automatically supplies a detergent or a rinsing agent into the tub320.

The detergent supply unit380includes a detergent storage container381that stores a detergent and a rinsing agent, a detergent storage container housing382that accommodates the detergent storage container381, a detergent supply pump383that supplies a detergent or a rinsing agent into the tub320, and a detergent supply pipe384that guides a detergent or a rinsing agent to the tub320.

The detergent storage container housing382is fixed and provided inside the cabinet301of the washing machine300. For example, the detergent storage container housing382may be provided on a lower side of a feeding port provided on a front surface of the cabinet301in order to take in and out laundry.

The detergent storage container381may be movably installed inside the detergent storage container housing382. Thus, when the detergent or the rinsing agent stored in the detergent storage container381is all consumed, a user may enable the detergent storage container381to protrude from the detergent storage container housing382, and additionally feed the detergent or the rinsing agent to the detergent storage container381.

In addition, the inside of the detergent storage container381may be partitioned into a detergent storage unit (not shown) that stores a detergent and a rinsing agent storage unit (not shown) that stores a rinsing agent.

The detergent supply pump384is provided on a rear surface of the detergent storage container housing182, and may include a detergent pump (not shown) for feeding the detergent stored in the detergent storage space (not shown) into the tub330and a rinsing agent pump (not shown) for feeding the rinsing agent stored in the rinsing agent storage unit (not shown) into the tub330.

The detergent supply pipe384allows the detergent or the rinsing agent to be supplied into the tub320, and one end of the detergent supply pipe384is connected to the detergent supply pump383and the other end thereof is connected to the outflow pipe361.

Specifically, the detergent or the rinsing agent is fed to the circulation unit360through the detergent supply pipe384, and the detergent or the rinsing agent fed into the circulation unit360is fed into the tub320through the water circulation pump362.

However, the other end of the detergent supply pipe384is not limited to be connected to the outflow pipe361of the circulation unit360.

For example, the other end of the detergent supply pipe384may be connected to the connection container353of the water supply unit350, and in this case, the detergent or the rinsing agent may be supplied into the tub330together with water at the time of water supply.

As another example, the other end of the detergent supply pipe384may be directly connected to the tub330, so that the detergent supply unit380may directly supply the detergent or the rinsing agent into the tub330.

InFIG. 11, the detergent supply unit380is provided on a front lower portion of the washing machine300, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detergent supply unit380may be provided on an upper portion of the washing machine or on a rear side of the washing machine300.

In addition, the washing machine300shown inFIGS. 10 and 11includes the detergent supply unit380that automatically supplies the detergent into the drum, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when a user feeds a dose of detergent into an openable drawer-type detergent container, the detergent in the detergent container may be supplied into the drum during water supply.

Even in a case of including the drawer-type detergent container, when the user deactivates detergent automatic supply, the washing machine performs a detergent dissolution operation in order to dissolve the detergent directly fed into the drum330by the user.

In addition, when including the drawer-type detergent container, the washing machine may select any one of detergent supply through the detergent container and detergent direct supply through the detergent feeding container.

In other words, when the washing machine300includes the detergent supply unit380, detergent supply through the detergent supply unit380is performed by default and detergent direct supply through the detergent feeding container400is possible by a user's selection. In addition, when the washing machine does not include the detergent supply unit380, the user may select any one of detergent supply through the detergent container and detergent direct supply through the detergent feeding container400.

The water level detection unit370includes a water level sensor371that detects a water level of water accommodated in the tub320and a water level detection pipe372that is connected to the lower portion of the tub320.

One end of the water level detection pipe372is connected to the lower portion of the tub320, and the other end thereof is connected to the water level sensor371. When water is supplied to the tub320, the water level detection pipe372has the same water level as that of the inside of the tub320.

The water level sensor371is provided on one end of the water level detection pipe372, and detects a pressure inside the water level detection pipe372to detect a water level of the tub320.

Specifically, when the water level inside the tub320becomes higher, the water level of the water level detection pipe372also becomes higher, and when the water level of the water level detection pipe372becomes higher, the pressure inside the water level detection pipe372is increased. The water level sensor371may calculate the water level inside the tub320by detecting the pressure inside the water level detection pipe372.

FIG. 14illustrates a user interface included in a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 14, the user interface310includes a plurality of buttons312that receive control commands from a user and a touch screen311that receives the control commands from the user and displays operation information according to the control commands.

The plurality of buttons312may include a power button for turning ON and OFF power of the washing machine300, a washing start button for starting operations of the washing machine300, and the like.

The plurality of buttons312may adopt a micro button for detecting pressurization by a user, a membrane button, a touch detection button for detecting touch by a user, or the like.

The touch screen311includes a display panel311athat visually outputs setting information, operation information, and the like of the washing machine300and a touch panel311bthat is provided on the display panel311ato detect a touch contact with the user's body.

The touch panel311bmay adopt a capacitive touch panel that can acquire position information of a user's contact as well as detecting the user's contact, a resistive touch panel, or the like. In addition, the display panel311amay adopt a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, or the like.

The touch screen311displays control commands that can be input by a user through the display panel311a, and detects touch position information through the touch panel311bwhen the user touches the touch screen311in accordance with the displayed control commands.

The washing machine300may receive setting information related to operations of the washing machine300such as a washing course, a temperature of water, the number of times of rinsing step, strength of spin-drying step, and the like, and receive control commands related to operations of the washing machine300such as a washing start command, a washing stop command, and the like.

Specifically, the washing machine300recognizes the setting information and control commands which are input by a user based on the position information of the control command displayed on the touch screen311and the touch position information detected by the touch screen311.

A specific process in which the washing machine300receives the setting information and the control commands through the touch screen311will be described in detail below.

FIG. 15illustrates a detergent feeding container included in a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 15, the detergent feeding container400includes a feeding container main body401that receives a detergent, and a detergent feeding port402for feeding a detergent into the feeding container main body401is provided on an upper portion of the feeding container main body401.

The detergent feeding container400is positioned in the drum330together with laundry even at the time of a rinsing step and a spin-drying step as well as a washing step, and therefore the feeding container main body401may have a streamlined shape in order to prevent the laundry inside the drum330from being damaged. In addition, the detergent feeding port402through which a detergent is fed by a user and the detergent flows out at the time of washing step is provided on the upper portion of the feeding container main body401.

In addition, a detergent capacity scale403for displaying the capacity of the detergent accommodated in the feeding container main body401may be provided inside the feeding container main body401.

When a user desires to feed a separate detergent other than the detergent stored in the detergent supply unit380, there may be difficulties in feeding of the detergent. In other words, since a large amount of detergent has been already stored in the detergent supply unit380, it is difficult to feed other detergents through the detergent supply unit.

In this case, the user may accessarily use the detergent feeding container400. In other words, the user may put the detergent in the detergent feeding container400and directly feed the detergent into the drum330.

When the user feeds the detergent feeding container400with the detergent accommodated therein into the drum330together with laundry and then operates the washing machine300, the detergent accommodated in the detergent feeding container400flows out to the drum330.

The washing machine300automatically supplies the detergent through the detergent supply unit380by default, but a user may directly feed the detergent into the drum330through the detergent feeding container400according to the user's selection.

The user may deactivate detergent automatic supply, and when the detergent automatic supply is deactivated, the washing machine1does not operate the detergent supply unit380.

FIG. 16illustrates a control flow of a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 16, the washing machine300further includes a control unit390and a storage unit391in addition to the above-described drum driving unit340, water supply unit350, circulation unit360, detergent supply unit380, and water level detection unit370.

The storage unit391stores a program and data for controlling the washing machine300.

The storage unit391may include a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disc or a solid state disk for permanently storing programs and data for controlling operations of the washing machine300and a volatile memory such as a D-RAM or an S-RAM for temporarily storing temporary data generated in a process of controlling the operations of the washing machine300.

The control unit390controls operations of the washing machine300according to control commands of the user input through the user interface310, a water level output by the water level detection unit370, and data stored in the storage unit430.

Specifically, when a user feeds laundry into the drum330and starts a washing start command, the control unit390controls the water supply unit350so that water is fed into the tub320. In addition, the control unit390controls the detergent supply unit380and the circulation unit360so that the detergent is supplied into the tub320.

Next, in order to perform a washing step, the control unit390controls the water supply unit350to enable water to be supplied into the tub320, controls the detergent supply unit380to enable a detergent to be supplied to the tub320, controls the drum driving unit340to enable the drum330to be rotated, and controls the circulation unit360to enable water accommodated in the tub320to be discharged.

In addition, when the washing step is completed, the control unit390controls the water supply unit350, the detergent supply unit380, the drum driving unit340, and the circulation unit360in order to perform a rinsing step.

In addition, when the rinsing step is completed, the control unit390controls the drum driving unit340to enable the drum to be rotated at a high speed in order to perform a spin-drying step.

In this manner, the control unit390controls overall operations of the washing machine300which will be described below.

As above, the configuration of the washing machine300according to another embodiment of the present invention has been described.

Hereinafter, operations of the washing machine300according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 17illustrates an operation of a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS. 18 to 21illustrate an example of a washing setting screen displayed by a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

In operations of the washing machine300, the washing machine300performs at least one of the washing step, the rinsing step, and the spin-drying step in accordance with control commands of a user.

The washing machine300separates foreign substances from laundry using a chemical action by a detergent and a mechanical action by rotation of the drum330during the washing step, and removes the foreign substances separated from the laundry and the detergent using clean water and rotation of the drum330during the rinsing step. In addition, the washing machine300removes water from the laundry using rotation of the drum330during the spin-drying step.

Referring toFIGS. 17 to 21, operation1100of the washing machine300, particularly, an operation in which the washing machine300receives a washing course and a detailed setting value from a user will be described in detail.

In operation1110, the washing machine300receives a washing course, a detailed setting value, and an additional setting value from a user.

For example, the washing machine300may receive the washing course and the detailed setting value through the above-described touch screen311.

The washing course means a washing method that is stored in advance in order to exhibit optimal washing power in accordance with the type and material of the laundry. Such a washing course may include a standard course, a wool course, a blanket course, an underwear course, and the like.

The detailed setting value means a variable that can be changed by a user other than the washing course such as a temperature of water, rinsing frequency, strength of spin-drying, and the like.

The washing machine300may display a washing setting screen500shown inFIG. 18on the touch screen311so that the user can change the washing course and the detailed setting value.

The washing setting screen500may include a detergent supply display region511, a rinsing agent supply display region513, a washing course setting region521, a washing time display region523, a washing start command region525, a washing temperature setting region531, a rinsing frequency setting region533, and a spin-drying strength setting region535.

The detergent supply display region511displays whether the washing machine300supplies the detergent through the detergent supply unit380.

For example, when “detergent” is displayed on the detergent supply display region511, the washing machine300automatically supplies the detergent, and when there is no sign on the detergent supply display region511, the washing machine300does not supply the detergent.

The rinsing agent supply display region513displays whether the washing machine300supplies the rinsing agent through the detergent supply unit380.

For example, when “rinsing agent” is displayed on the rinsing agent supply display region513, the washing machine300automatically supplies the rinsing agent, and when there is no sign on the rinsing agent supply display region513, the washing machine300does not supply the rinsing agent.

The washing course setting region521receives a washing course from a user and displays the washing course selected by the user.

For example, when the user touches the washing course setting region521, the washing machine300may display the washing course that can be selected by the user, and receive selection of the washing course from the user. In addition, when the user selects the washing course, the washing machine300may display the selected washing course on the selected washing course setting region521.

The washing time display region523displays a washing time which can be predicted until washing is completed before operation of the washing machine300. The washing time may be changed according to the washing course, rinsing frequency, and the like which are selected by the user.

The washing start command region525receives a washing start command from the user. The user may input the washing course and the detailed setting value, and then input the washing start command through the washing start command region525. When the washing start command is input, the washing machine300starts an operation for washing laundry accommodated in the drum330.

Each of the washing temperature setting region531, the rinsing frequency setting region533, and the spin-drying strength setting region535receives a washing temperature, a rinsing frequency, and strength of spin-drying from the user, and displays the washing temperature, the rinsing frequency, and the strength of spin-drying which are input by the user.

In addition, when the user touches an upper end of the washing setting screen500, the washing machine300displays an additional setting screen540for inputting additional setting values other than the above-described detailed setting. For example, the additional setting screen540may be additionally displayed on the washing setting screen500as shown inFIG. 19.

The additional setting screen540may include a detergent supply setting region541for receiving whether detergent automatic supply is activated from the user and a rinsing agent supply setting region543for receiving whether rinsing agent automatic supply is activated from the user.

As described above, the user may allow the washing machine300to automatically supply a detergent, or directly feed the detergent into the drum330using the detergent feeding container400. In order for the washing machine300to automatically supply the detergent, the user may activate detergent automatic supply. In addition, in order to directly feed the detergent into the drum330, the user may deactivate detergent automatic supply.

The washing machine300may toggle whether detergent automatic supply is activated in accordance with the user's manipulation.

For example, when the user touches the detergent supply setting region541in a case in which detergent automatic supply is activated, the washing machine300deactivates detergent automatic supply. In addition, when the user touches the detergent supply setting region541in a case in which detergent automatic supply is deactivated, the washing machine300activates detergent automatic supply.

In other words, the washing machine300alternately sets activation and deactivation of detergent automatic supply in accordance with the user's manipulation (touch on detergent supply setting region).

In addition, the washing machine300toggles whether rinsing agent automatic supply is activated in accordance with the user's manipulation.

For example, when the user touches the rinsing agent supply setting region543in a case in which rinsing agent automatic supply is activated, the washing machine300deactivates rinsing agent automatic supply. In addition, when the user touches the rinsing agent supply setting region543in a case in which rinsing agent automatic supply is deactivated, the washing machine300activates rinsing agent automatic supply.

In other words, the washing machine300alternatively sets activation and deactivation of rinsing agent automatic supply in accordance with the user's manipulation (touch on rinsing agent supply setting region).

When the washing machine300displays the additional setting screen540and then the user does not input a control command for a predetermined waiting time or the user touches a region other than the additional setting screen540, the washing machine300removes the additional setting screen540and displays the washing setting screen500.

In addition, when detergent automatic supply is deactivated, the washing machine300removes the additional setting screen540and then immediately displays a detergent feeding guidance screen550shown inFIG. 20.

The detergent feeding guidance screen550may include a message display region551that displays a message indicating that detergent automatic supply is deactivated and a message for requesting to directly feed the detergent into the drum.

In addition, the detergent feeding guidance screen550may include a detergent feeding check region553for transmitting detergent feeding to the washing machine300after the user directly feeds the detergent into the drum330. In other words, when the user touches the detergent feeding check region553, the washing machine300may recognize that the user directly feeds the detergent into the drum330.

When the user deactivates detergent automatic supply, the washing machine300may display the washing setting screen500as shown inFIG. 21.

Specifically, the washing machine300may remove a mark displayed on the detergent supply display region511of the washing setting screen500as shown inFIG. 21in order to display that detergent automatic supply is deactivated.

When the mark displayed on the detergent supply display region511is removed, the user may recognize that detergent automatic supply is deactivated.

The washing machine300may receive the washing course, the detailed setting value, and the additional setting value from the user in the above-described method.

In operation1120, after receiving the washing course, the detailed setting value, and the additional setting value, the washing machine300determines whether the washing start command is input from the user.

For example, when the user presses the washing start button among the plurality of buttons312or touches the washing start command region525displayed on the touch screen311, the washing machine300may determine that the washing start command is input.

When the washing start command is not input (NO of1120), the washing machine300additionally receives the washing course, the detailed setting value, and the additional setting value from the user.

In operation1130, when the washing start command is input (YES of1120), the washing machine300detects an amount of laundry accommodated in the drum330.

The washing machine300may detect the amount of laundry in various methods.

For example, the drum330may be rotated at a predetermined rotation speed, and the amount of laundry may be detected through a driving current value supplied to the driving motor341that rotates the drum330. As another example, the drum330may be accelerated from a first rotation speed to a second rotation speed, and the amount of laundry may be detected using a sum of the driving current values supplied to the driving motor341.

In addition, the washing machine300may additionally install a component that can directly detect a weight of the drum330, and detect the amount of laundry from the detected weight of the drum330.

When the amount of laundry is detected, the washing machine300may sequentially perform a washing step1200, a rinsing step1300, and a spin-drying step1400.

The washing step may include a washing water supply operation, a washing operation, and an intermediate spin-drying operation, and the rinsing step may include a rinsing water supply operation, a rinsing operation, and an intermediate spin-drying operation.

In addition, as described above, one or two steps of the washing step1200, the rinsing step1300, and the spin-drying step1400may be performed in accordance with the user's selection.

For example, when the user commands only the washing step1200to be performed through the user interface310, the washing machine300may perform only the washing step1200and then complete the corresponding step, and when the user commands only the rinsing step1300and the spin-drying step1400to be performed through the user interface310, the washing machine300may perform the rinsing step1300and the spin-drying step1400and then complete the corresponding steps.

The washing step1200and the rinsing step1300will be described in detail below.

FIG. 22illustrates an example of a washing step performed by a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 23illustrates a washing water supply operation of a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 22 and 23, the washing step1200and washing water supply operation of the washing machine300will be described.

In operation1210, when the washing step1200starts, the washing machine300determines whether detergent automatic supply is activated.

As described above, the user may select whether detergent automatic supply is activated. Specifically, the user may select whether detergent automatic supply is activated using the washing setting screen (see500ofFIGS. 18 and 19) displayed on the touch screen (see311ofFIG. 14).

In operation1220, when detergent automatic supply is activated (YES of1210), the washing machine300performs a main washing water supply operation and a detergent supply operation.

Specifically, the washing machine300performs water supply through the first water supply module351and water supply through the second water supply module352as shown in (a) ofFIG. 23during a washing water supply time calculated according to an amount of laundry. For example, the washing machine300may open the first water supply valve (see351bofFIG. 11) and the second water supply valve (see352bofFIG. 11) during the washing water supply time, and close the first water supply valve (see351bofFIG. 11) and the second water supply valve (see352bofFIG. 11) when the washing water supply time has elapsed.

In this manner, by feeding water through the first water supply module351and the second water supply module352, water may be rapidly fed into the tub320.

In addition, the washing machine300supplies a detergent during the main washing water supply operation. Specifically, the washing machine300may allow the detergent to be fed into the tub320by activating the detergent supply pump383during a detergent supply time calculated according to the amount of laundry.

In operation1230, when detergent automatic supply is deactivated (NO of1210), the washing machine300performs the main washing water supply operation.

The washing machine300performs water supply through the first water supply module351and the second water supply module352as shown in (a) ofFIG. 23during a washing water supply time calculated according to the amount of laundry.

When detergent automatic supply is deactivated, the user may directly feed the detergent into the drum330using the detergent feeding container400. In this manner, when the user puts the detergent in the detergent feeding container400and feeds the detergent feeding container400into the drum330, the washing machine300may allow the detergent accommodated in the detergent feeding container400to be smoothly dissolved in water by jetting water into the drum330through the first water supply module351.

Specifically, the water jetted through the first water supply module351hits the detergent accommodated in the detergent feeding container400, and therefore the detergent may be separated from the detergent feeding container400. In addition, the detergent separated from the detergent feeding container400is dissolved faster in water compared to a case in which the detergent is accommodated in the detergent feeding container400.

In this manner, by feeding water through the first water supply module351and the second water supply module352, the washing machine300may rapidly supply water into the tub320, and allow the detergent accommodated in the detergent feeding container400to be smoothly dissolved in water.

In operation1240, when the washing water supply time has elapsed, the washing machine300rotates the drum330at a predetermined first rotation speed, and circulates water accommodated in the tub320.

Specifically, in order to dissolve the detergent, the washing machine300controls the drum driving unit340so that the drum330is rotated at the first rotation speed during the washing water supply time, and activates the water circulation pump362so that water is circulated inside and outside the tub320.

For example, the washing machine300may rotate the drum330at a speed of 40 rpm or less. In addition, during the washing water supply time, the washing machine300may repeatedly perform processes of rotating the drum330in the clockwise direction for 4 to 5 seconds and then stopping the drum330for 4 to 5 seconds, and rotating the drum330in the counterclockwise direction for 4 to 5 seconds and then stopping the drum330for 4 to 5 seconds.

In this manner, by rotating the drum330at a low speed, the detergent may be smoothly dissolved in water, and the detergent may be prevented from being agglomerated.

In operation1250, when the main washing water supply operation is completed, the washing machine300determines whether a water level of water accommodated in the tub320is a predetermined washing water level or higher.

The above-described main washing water supply operation is performed for a predetermined time according to the amount of laundry. As a result, the water level of water after termination of the main washing water supply operation may be changed according to a degree in which laundry absorbs water. For example, when the laundry absorbs a large amount of water, the water level of water accommodated in the tub320may not reach the washing water level.

The washing machine300may determine whether the water level of water accommodated in the tub320is the washing water level or higher in order to exhibit optimal washing power.

In operation1260, when the water level of water accommodated in the tub320is less than the washing water level (NO of1250), the washing machine300performs a supplemental washing water supply operation.

The washing machine300performs water supply through the second water supply module352as shown in (b) ofFIG. 23during the supplemental washing water supply operation.

When water supply is performed through the second water supply module352as described above, water rises from the bottom surface of the tub320, and therefore the washing machine300may accurately detect the water level inside the tub320. For this reason, the supplemental washing water supply operation may be performed through the second water supply module352.

While the supplemental washing water supply operation is performed, the washing machine300detects the water level of water accommodated in the tub320, and when the detected water level of water reaches the washing water level, the washing machine300completes the supplemental washing water supply operation.

In operation1270, when the supplemental washing water supply operation is completed, the washing machine300rotates the drum330at a predetermined second rotation speed, and circulates water.

Specifically, the washing machine300controls the drum driving unit340so as to rotate the drum330at the second rotation speed during a washing step time so that washing is performed on laundry during the washing step time, and activates the water circulation pump362of the circulation unit360so that water accommodated in the tub320is circulated.

For example, the washing machine300may rotate the drum330at the speed of 45 to 60 rpm in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In addition, during the washing step time, the washing machine300may repeatedly perform processes of rotating the drum330for approximately 20 seconds (ON time) in the clockwise direction and then stopping the drum330for 4 to 5 seconds (OFF time), and rotating the drum330for approximately 20 seconds (ON time) in the counterclockwise direction and then stopping the drum330for 4 to 5 seconds (OFF time).

In operation1280, when the washing step time has elapsed, the washing machine300performs a drainage operation and an intermediate spin-drying operation.

Specifically, the washing machine300activates the water circulation pump362so that water accommodated in the tub320is discharged to the outside of the washing machine300, and rotates the drum330at a high speed so that the laundry and water are separated from each other by a centrifugal force.

For example, the washing machine300may rotate the drum330in any one of clockwise and counterclockwise directions at a speed of several hundreds to thousands of rpm. In this manner, water of the laundry is separated from the laundry by the centrifugal force while the drum330is being rotated.

In this manner, the washing machine300jets water into the drum330using the first water supply module351in the washing water supply operation of the washing step1200, and therefore the washing machine300may smoothly dissolve the detergent in water even when the user feeds the detergent using the detergent feeding container400.

FIG. 24illustrates an example of a rinsing step performed by a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 25illustrates a rinsing water supply operation of a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 24 and 25, the rinsing step1300and the rinsing water supply operation of the washing machine300will be described.

In operation1310, when the rinsing step1300starts, the washing machine300determines whether a rinsing agent automatic supply is activated.

As described above, the user may select whether rinsing agent automatic supply is activated. Specifically, the user may select whether rinsing agent automatic supply is activated using the washing setting screen (see500ofFIGS. 18 and 19) displayed on the touch screen (see311ofFIG. 14).

In operation1320, when rinsing agent automatic supply is activated (YES OF1310), the washing machine300performs a rinsing water supply operation and a rinsing agent supply operation.

Specifically, the washing machine300performs water supply through the first water supply module351as shown inFIG. 25during a rinsing water supply time calculated according to the amount of laundry. For example, the washing machine300may open the first water supply valve (see351bofFIG. 11) during the rinsing water supply time, and when the rinsing water supply time has elapsed, the washing machine300may close the first water supply valve (see351bofFIG. 11).

By jetting water into the drum330through the first water supply module351, the washing machine300may improve rinsing efficiency.

When jetting water into the drum330through the first water supply module351, the jetted water passes through the laundry and is stored in the tub320. In this manner, while water passes through the laundry, the foreign substances and detergent attached to the laundry may be separated from the laundry. In other words, when jetting water into the drum330through the first water supply module351, the washing machine300may obtain a rinsing effect through rinsing water supply.

In operation1320, when rinsing agent automatic supply is deactivated (NO of1310), the washing machine300performs the rinsing water supply operation.

In operation1340, when the rinsing water supply time has elapsed, the washing machine300rotates the drum330at a predetermined third rotation speed, and circulates water accommodated in the tub320.

Specifically, the washing machine300controls the drum driving unit340so as to rotate the drum330at the third rotation speed during a rinsing step time so that rinsing is performed on the laundry, and activates the water circulation pump362of the circulation unit360so that water accommodated in the tub320is circulated.

For example, the washing machine300may rotate the drum330in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions at the speed of 45 to 60 rpm. In addition, during the rinsing step time, the washing machine300may repeatedly perform processes of rotating the drum330for approximately 20 seconds (ON time) in the clockwise direction and then stopping the drum330for 4 to 5 seconds (OFF time), and rotating the drum330for approximately 20 seconds (ON time) in the counterclockwise direction and then stopping the drum330for 4 to 5 seconds (OFF time).

In operation1350, when the rinsing step time has elapsed, the washing machine300performs a drainage operation and an intermediate spin-drying operation.

Specifically, the washing machine300activates the water circulation pump362so that water accommodated in the tub320is discharged to the outside of the washing machine300, and rotates the drum330at a high speed so that the laundry and water are separated from each other by a centrifugal force.

For example, the washing machine300may rotate the drum330in any one of clockwise and counterclockwise directions at a speed of several hundreds to thousands of rpm. In this manner, water of the laundry is separated from the laundry by the centrifugal force while the drum330is being rotated.

In this manner, the washing machine300jets water into the drum330using the first water supply module351in the rinsing water supply operation of the rinsing step1300, thereby improving a rinsing efficiency.

The spin-drying step1400is performed in such a manner that the washing machine300rotates the drum330in any one of clockwise and counterclockwise directions at a speed of several hundreds to thousands of rpm. In this manner, water of the laundry is separated from the laundry by the centrifugal force while the drum330is rotated at the speed of several hundreds to thousands of rpm.