WASHING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME

Disclosed are a washing machine and a method for controlling same. A washing machine according to the present invention comprises: a drum for accommodating laundry; an additive input unit which inputs an additive into the drum so as to coat the laundry with fragrant particles; a temperature adjustment unit which generates a hot wind and a cold wind to adjust the temperature inside the drum; and a control unit that controls the temperature adjustment unit so that the temperature inside the drum is set to a first threshold temperature, controls the additive input unit so that the additive is input into the drum when the temperature is set to the first threshold temperature, and controls the temperature adjustment unit so that the temperature inside the drum is set to a second threshold temperature lower than the first threshold temperature when the additive is input into the drum. Accordingly, the washing machine can provide the same effect as a piece of laundry being washed in a normal washing cycle when laundry is washed through a refresh cycle.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly to, a washing machine for sterilizing laundry through a refresh cycle and a method for controlling the same.

2. Description of Related Art

In general, a drum type washing machine may provide a washing cycle for washing laundry and a drying cycle for drying the washed laundry.

In addition, a recent drum type washing machine may provide a refresh cycle function in addition to the cycles described above. The refresh cycle function may wash the laundry without water washing the laundry by using a detergent as in the washing cycle.

That is, the refresh cycle function may sterilize and dry the laundry at a high temperature to deodorize a smell permeating the laundry. The laundry may be prevented from being damaged by having a reduced number of water washings due to this refresh cycle.

However, the recently developed refresh cycle function may simply sterilize and dry the laundry. Therefore, even though washed through the refresh cycle function, the laundry may have a limit in having the same effect as the laundry washed using additives such as a fabric softener in a normal washing cycle.

The disclosure provides laundry washed in a refresh cycle with the same effect as laundry washed in a normal washing cycle.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a washing machine includes: a drum configured to contain laundry; an additive input unit configured to put an additive into the drum to coat the laundry with fragrant particles; a temperature adjustment unit configured to adjust a temperature inside the drum by generating hot air and cold air; and a control unit configured to: control the temperature adjustment unit to set the temperature inside the drum to a first threshold temperature, control the additive input unit to put the additive into the drum in case that the temperature inside the drum is set to the first threshold temperature, and control the temperature adjustment unit to set the temperature inside the drum to a second threshold temperature lower than the first threshold temperature in case that the additive is put into the drum.

In addition, the control unit may be configured to rotate the drum at a first threshold speed while the temperature inside the drum is set and maintained at the first threshold temperature or the second threshold temperature.

In addition, the control unit may be configured to rotate the drum at a second threshold speed faster than the first threshold speed before the additive is put into the drum, and control the additive input unit to put the additive into the drum in case that a rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed.

In addition, the washing machine may further include a detection unit configured to detect vibration of the washing machine, wherein the control unit may be configured to end the rotation of the drum and then rotate the drum again at the second threshold speed in case that vibration intensity detected by the detection unit is equal to or greater than predetermined threshold intensity before the rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed.

In addition, the control unit may be configured to control the additive input unit not to put the additive into the drum in case that the vibration intensity detected by the detection unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold intensity after the drum is rotated again for a predetermined threshold number of times.

In addition, the control unit may be configured to control the additive input unit to put the additive into the drum in case that the rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed within a predetermined threshold time.

In addition, the control unit may be configured to control the temperature adjustment unit to maintain the first threshold temperature for a first threshold time and rotate the drum at the second threshold speed faster than the first threshold speed after the first threshold time.

In addition, the control unit may be configured to control the temperature adjustment unit to maintain the second threshold temperature for the second threshold time less than the first threshold time after all the additive is put into the drum.

In addition, the control unit may be configured to control the temperature adjustment unit to set the temperature inside the drum to a third threshold temperature lower than the second threshold temperature after the second threshold time, and rotate the drum at the first threshold speed while the temperature inside the drum is set and maintained at the third threshold temperature.

In addition, the washing machine may further include a drainage unit, wherein the control unit may be configured to control the drainage unit to discharge the additive contained in the drum to an outside before the temperature inside the drum is set to the third threshold temperature.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the disclosure, a method for controlling a washing machine includes: setting a temperature inside a drum to a first threshold temperature through a temperature adjustment unit configured to adjust the temperature inside the drum accommodating laundry by generating hot air and cold air; putting an additive into the drum to coat the laundry with fragrant particles in case that the temperature inside the drum is set to the first threshold temperature; and setting the temperature inside the drum to a second threshold temperature lower than the first threshold temperature through the temperature adjustment unit in case that the additive is put into the drum.

In addition, the drum may be rotated at a first threshold speed while the temperature inside the drum is set and maintained at the first threshold temperature or the second threshold temperature.

In addition, the method for controlling a washing machine may further include rotating the drum at a second threshold speed faster than the first threshold speed before the additive is put into the drum, wherein in the putting of the additive into the drum, the additive is put into the drum in case that a rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed.

In addition, in the rotating of the drum at the second threshold speed, the rotation of the drum may be ended and the drum may be rotated again at the second threshold speed in case that vibration intensity due to the rotation of the drum is equal to or greater than predetermined threshold intensity before the rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed.

In addition, in the putting of the additive into the drum, the additive may not be put into the drum in case that the detected vibration intensity is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold intensity after the drum is rotated again for a predetermined threshold number of times.

In addition, in the putting of the additive into the drum, the additive may be put into the drum in case that the rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed within a predetermined threshold time.

In addition, in the setting of the temperature inside the drum to the first threshold temperature, the temperature inside the drum may be set to be maintained at the first threshold temperature for a first threshold time, and in the rotating of the drum at the second threshold speed, the drum may be rotated at the second threshold speed faster than the first threshold speed after the first threshold time.

In addition, in the setting of the temperature inside the drum to the second threshold temperature, the temperature inside the drum may be set to be maintained at the second threshold temperature for a second threshold time less than the first threshold time.

In addition, the method for controlling a washing machine may further include setting the temperature inside the drum to a third threshold temperature lower than the second threshold temperature through the temperature adjustment unit after the second threshold time, wherein the drum may be rotated at the first threshold speed while the temperature inside the drum is set and maintained at the third threshold temperature.

In addition, the method for controlling a washing machine may further include discharging the additive contained in the drum to an outside through a drainage unit before the temperature inside the drum is set to the third threshold temperature.

As set forth above, according to the disclosure, the washing machine may provide the laundry washed in the refresh cycle with the same effect as the laundry washed in the normal washing cycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that technologies mentioned in the disclosure are not limited to specific embodiments, but include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives according to embodiments of the disclosure. Throughout the accompanying drawings, similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals.

In addition, expressions, “first”, “second” or the like, used in the disclosure may indicate various components regardless of a sequence and/or importance of the components, are used only to distinguish one component from the other components, and do not limit the corresponding components. For example, a ‘first portion’ and a ‘second portion’ may indicate different portions regardless of a sequence or importance. For example, a first component may be named a second component and the second component may also be similarly named the first component, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In addition, terms used in the disclosure may be used only to describe specific embodiments rather than restricting the scope of other embodiments. Singular forms may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used in the specification including technical and scientific terms have the same meanings as those that are generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Terms defined by a general dictionary among terms used in the disclosure may be interpreted as meanings that are the same as or similar to meanings within a context of the related art, and are not interpreted as ideal or excessively formal means unless clearly defined in the disclosure. In some cases, terms may not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the disclosure even though they are defined in the disclosure.

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing an appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure; andFIG. 2is a side cross-sectional view showing an inside of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a washing machine100may include: a main body10forming its appearance; a tub15configured to contain water used for washing; a drum20configured to accommodate laundry and wash the laundry through rotation; a drive unit30configured to rotate the drum20; a water supply unit40configured to supply the water to the tub15; a drainage unit50configured to discharge the water contained in the tub15to an outside of the washing machine100; an additive input unit60configured to put an additive into the drum; a temperature adjustment unit70configured to adjust a temperature of air inside the drum20to dry the laundry accommodated in the drum20; and a filter unit80configured to filter lint occurring from the laundry accommodated in the drum20.

In addition, the washing machine100may include a control unit120. The control unit120, as described above, may control an overall operation of each component for washing, drying and refresh cycles of the laundry accommodated in the drum20. Here, the refresh cycle is a cycle for sterilizing and deodorizing the laundry accommodated in the drum20without performing the washing cycle.

Meanwhile, an inlet11may be formed in a center of a front surface of the main body10to put into or take the laundry out of the drum20, and a door13may be provided to the inlet11for opening and closing the inlet11. The door13may be pivotally mounted to the main body10by a hinge, and may be formed not to be easily opened by a hook in case that the inlet11is closed.

In addition, a control panel5may be disposed on an upper portion of the front surface on which the inlet11is formed, and the control panel5may include an input unit110receiving a user instruction for the washing, drying and refresh cycles and a display unit130displaying information on operation of each cycle. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the control panel5including the input unit110and the display unit130may be disposed on a side portion or a lower portion of the front surface or on one region of upper, left or right surface of the main body10.

In detail, the input unit110may be an input device receiving the user instruction on an operation of the washing machine100, such as washing time, rinsing number of times, dehydration time, drying time, time and operation related to the refresh cycle, pause and the like. The input unit110may include a touch input unit111receiving a touch instruction from a user and an operation unit112receiving an operation instruction from the user.

The display unit130may display amount of the laundry, the washing and drying cycles, water temperature information, rinsing information, dehydration intensity, washing time information, refresh cycle progress information and the like. The display unit130may be implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel or the like.

Meanwhile, the above-described touch input unit111may be implemented as a touch pad forming a mutual layer structure along with the display unit130, and in this case, the touch input unit111and the display unit130may be implemented in a form of a touch screen.

The tub15may be provided inside the main body10, and may include a tub rear member15bformed in a shape of a cylinder having a closed rear end and a tub front member15adisposed in front of the tub rear member15b. In addition, a drive unit30rotating the drum20may be provided at a rear surface of the tub rear member15b.

According to an embodiment, the drive unit30may connect a drive motor rotating the drum20and the drum20, and may include a drive shaft rotated by the drive motor and a bearing housing supporting the drive shaft to be rotated. Therefore, the drum20may be rotated around the drive shaft rotated by the drive motor.

According to an embodiment, the drive motor may be implemented as a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor with easy control of its rotational speed, an alternation current (AC) motor or the like.

Meanwhile, a guide tube15cmay be provided on an upper portion of the tub rear member15bto guide the air inside a drying unit70, the filter unit80, the tub15and the drum20toward the drying unit70. In addition, the drying unit70may be provided above the opening15dto deliver the air introduced through the guide tube15cinto the tub15and the drum20.

In addition, a temperature sensor16may be provided in the tub15to detect a temperature inside the tub15. In addition, the tub15may be connected to the water supply unit40and the additive input unit60through a connection tube74provided on an upper portion of the tub15, and may receive the additive diluted in washing water. Here, the additive may be a material in which a detergent for washing the laundry or a fabric softener for coating the laundry with fragrant particles is diluted in the washing water.

In addition, the tub15may be connected to the drainage unit50through a drainage tube51provided at a lower portion of the tub15to discharge the washing water contained in the tub15to the outside of the washing machine100.

The drum20may be rotatably provided in the tub15, and may include a plurality of through holes20aintroducing the washing water contained in the tub15into the drum20, a lifter20blifting the washing water introduced into the drum20upwards and an opening20cdischarging the washing water introduced into the drum20.

The water supply unit40may be provided above the tub15and deliver the washing water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) to the additive input unit60through a water supply tube. That is, the water supply unit40may receive the washing water supplied from the water supply source (not shown) through the water supply tube by opening a water supply valve provided on one side of the water supply tube based on a control instruction of the control unit120to be described below. Here, the water supply valve may be implemented as a solenoid valve according to an embodiment. The washing water supplied through the water supply unit40may be introduced into the additive input unit60, and the detergent or the fabric softener supplied to the additive supply unit60may be supplied into the tub15through the connection tube74together with the washing water introduced into the additive input unit60.

The drainage unit50may be provided below the tub15, and pump the washing water in the tub15through a drainage pump and discharge the pumped washing water to an outside of the main body10through a drainage hose.

The temperature adjustment unit70may be provided above the tub15to adjust a temperature inside the drum20by generating hot air and cold air to dry the laundry accommodated in the drum20during the drying cycle. In addition, the temperature adjustment unit70may adjust the temperature inside the drum20by generating the hot air and the cold air to sterilize and deodorize the laundry accommodated in the drum20during the refresh cycle.

Here, the refresh cycle may be a washing process to provide the same effect as a water washing, in which the laundry accommodated in the drum20may be sterilized by the hot air and the cold air generated inside the drum20through the temperature adjustment unit70instead of being washed by the washing water.

Meanwhile, the temperature adjustment unit70may draw the air inside the tub15and the drum20, heat the drawn air, and discharge the heated air to the tub15and the drum20.

The filter unit80may be provided between the temperature adjustment unit70and the tub15. The filter unit80may filter out a foreign material including lint to prevent the foreign material including the lint occurring in the laundry accommodated in drum20from being drawn into the temperature adjustment unit70in a process in which the air inside the tub15and the drum20is drawn into the temperature adjustment unit70during the drying cycle or the refresh cycle.

The filter unit80may include a cleaning unit (not shown) for removing the foreign material including the lint filtered from the filter unit80. Therefore, the foreign material filtered from the filter unit80may be periodically removed by the cleaning unit (not shown). It is thus possible to improve deterioration in drying and sterilization efficiency of the laundry, which occurs in case that the air inside the tub15and the drum20fails to be delivered into the temperature adjustment unit70due to the foreign material filtered by the filter unit80.

FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of a temperature adjustment unit according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 3, the temperature adjustment unit70may include a drying duct71, an intake unit72and a heater unit73.

The drying duct71may heat the air introduced from the tub15and the drum20and deliver the heated air to the tub15. In detail, the drying duct71may include an upper duct plate71aand a lower duct plate71b. One end of the drying duct71in which the upper duct plate71aand the lower duct plate71bare coupled to each other may be connected to the tub front member15a, and the other end of the drying duct71may be connected to the tub rear member15b. Therefore, the drying duct71may deliver the air introduced from the tub rear member15bto the tub front member15athrough a passage formed by the coupling of the upper duct plate71aand the lower duct plate71b.

The intake unit72may draw the air inside the tub15and the drum20and deliver the drawn air to the drying duct71. The intake unit72may include an intake fan72aand an intake motor72brotating the intake fan72a. The intake pan72amay be disposed in a lower plate opening (not shown) formed in the lower duct plate71bof the drying duct71, and the intake motor72bmay be disposed in an upper plate opening (not shown) formed in the upper duct plate71aof the drying duct71.

In addition, the heater unit73may heat the air drawn from the inside of the tub15and the drum20through the intake unit72. The heater unit73may be formed in the passage formed by the coupling of the upper duct plate71aand the lower duct plate71b. Therefore, the heater unit73may heat the air introduced from the inside of the tub15and the drum20into the drying duct71through the intake unit72, and the drying duct71may deliver the air heated through the heater unit73to the tub front member15a.

In addition, a temperature sensor (not shown) may be provided in the passage formed by the coupling of the upper duct plate71aand the lower duct plate71b. In detail, the temperature sensor (not shown) may be disposed in a direction connected to the tub front member15a. Accordingly, the temperature sensor (not shown) may measure a temperature of the air heated through the heater unit73.

As such, in case that the air, which is drawn from the inside of the tub15and the drum20through the intake unit72, is introduced into the drying duct71, the drying duct71may heat the air through the heater unit73and deliver the heated air into the tub15and the drum20. Therefore, during the drying cycle or the refresh cycle, the air inside the tub15and the drum20may be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

As above, the description schematically describes each component of the washing machine100according to the disclosure. Hereinafter, the description specifically focuses on each component of the washing machine100performing the refresh cycle of the laundry according to the disclosure.

FIG. 4is a block diagram showing the washing machine performing a refresh cycle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As described above, the washing machine100is a washing device capable of performing the washing cycle, the drying cycle and the refresh cycle, and may be, for example, a drum washing machine. In case of performing the refresh cycle, the washing machine100may not only sterilize the laundry accommodated in the drum20, but also coat the laundry with the fragrant particles by the additive such as the fabric softener.

To this end, the washing machine100may include the drum20, the drive unit30, the temperature adjustment unit70and the additive input unit60, as shown inFIG. 4.

As described above, the drum20may accommodate the laundry, and the drive unit30may rotate the drum20accommodating the laundry. In detail, the drive unit30may drive the drive motor to rotate the drum20accommodating the laundry. In addition, the drive unit30may drive the water supply unit40to supply the washing water into the tub15or may drive the drainage unit50to discharge the washing water contained in the tub15to the outside of the washing machine100.

The temperature adjustment unit70may adjust the temperature inside the drum20by generating the hot air and the cold air. Accordingly, the laundry accommodated in the drum20may be sterilized by the hot air and the cold air generated by the temperature adjustment unit70.

The additive input unit60may put the additive into the drum20to coat the laundry with the fragrant particles. In detail, in case of receiving a material such as the fabric softener by the user, the additive input unit60may dilute the material in the washing water and put the additive obtained by diluting the material in the washing water into the drum20.

The control unit120may control the overall operation of the each component of the washing machine100. In particular, in case of receiving an instruction on the refresh cycle from the user, the control unit120may perform a first refresh cycle in which the temperature adjustment unit70is controlled to set the temperature inside the drum20to a first threshold temperature. Here, the control unit120may control the temperature adjustment unit70to maintain the temperature inside the drum20at the first threshold temperature for a first threshold time. Accordingly, the temperature adjustment unit70may generate the hot air until the temperature inside the drum20is set to the first threshold temperature. In case that the temperature inside the drum20is set to the first threshold temperature, the temperature adjustment unit70may adjust the temperature inside the drum20to be maintained at the first threshold temperature for the first threshold time from a time point at which the temperature inside the drum20is set to the first threshold temperature.

According to an embodiment, the first threshold temperature may be an appropriate temperature advantageous for sterilizing and deodorizing the laundry accommodated in the drum20and for coating the laundry with the fragrant particles by the additive put into the drum20, and may be, for example, 65° C. to 70° C.

In addition, the first threshold time may be half of a total time to perform the refresh cycle. For example, in case that the total time to perform the refresh cycle is 29 minutes, the first threshold time may be about 14 to 15 minutes.

As such, in case that the predetermined first threshold time passes after the temperature inside the drum20is set to the first threshold temperature, the control unit120may control the additive input unit60to put the additive into the drum20. Accordingly, the additive input unit60may dilute the material such as the fabric softener contained at the additive input unit60in the washing water and put the diluted material into the drum20.

Then, after all the additive is put into the drum20, the control unit120may perform a second refresh cycle in which the temperature adjustment unit70is controlled to set the temperature inside the drum20to a second threshold temperature which is lower than the first threshold temperature. Here, the control unit120may control the temperature adjustment unit70to maintain the temperature inside the drum20at the second threshold temperature for a second threshold time.

Accordingly, the temperature adjustment unit70may generate the hot air to set the temperature inside the drum20to the second threshold temperature. In case that the temperature inside the drum20is set to the second threshold temperature, the temperature adjustment unit70may adjust the temperature inside the drum20to be maintained at the second threshold temperature for the second threshold time.

According to an embodiment, the second threshold temperature may be an appropriate temperature advantageous for preventing the fragrant particles of the additive coated on the laundry from disappearing from the laundry during the sterilization of the laundry put into the drum20, and may be, for example, 55° C. to 60° C.

The second threshold time may be less than the first threshold time described above, and may be, for example, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, the control unit120may rotate the drum20at a first threshold speed while the temperature inside the drum20is set to the first threshold temperature or the second threshold temperature. In detail, the control unit120may control the drive unit30to rotate the drum20at the first threshold speed during a period of the first refresh cycle in which the temperature inside the drum20is set and maintained at the first threshold temperature or during a period of the second refresh cycle in which the temperature inside the drum20is set and maintained at the second threshold temperature. According to an embodiment, the first threshold speed may be 40 rpm. Accordingly, the drive unit30may rotate the drum20at the speed of 40 rpm.

Therefore, the drum20accommodating the laundry may be rotated at the speed of 40 rpm by the drive unit30during the periods of the first and second refresh cycles.

According to an additional aspect of the disclosure, the control unit120may rotate the drum20in predetermined time unit during the period of the second refresh cycle. That is, the control unit120may control the drive unit30to rotate the drum20in time unit during the period of the second refresh cycle. For example, the control unit120may control the drive unit30to rotate and stop the drum20in a unit of 5 seconds during the period of the second refresh cycle. Accordingly, the drive unit30may rotate the drum20at the speed of 40 rpm at an interval of 5 seconds during the period of the second refresh cycle.

Meanwhile, the control unit120may rotate the drum20at a second threshold speed which is faster than the first threshold speed before the additive is put into the drum20, and control the additive input unit60to put the additive into the drum20in case that a rotational speed of the drum20reaches the second threshold speed.

That is, as described above, the control unit120may control the drive unit30to rotate the drum20at the second threshold speed after the first refresh cycle is ended. Here, the second threshold speed may be 400 rpm. Accordingly, the drive unit30may rotate the drum20at the speed of 400 rpm.

As such, in case that the rotational speed of the drum20reaches the second threshold speed by the drive unit30, the control unit120may control the additive input unit60to put the additive into the drum20. Accordingly, the additive input unit60may put the additive into the drum20. Meanwhile, the drive unit30may rotate the drum20at the second threshold speed while all the additive is put into the drum20through the additive input unit60. As such, as the drum20is rotated at the second threshold speed while the additive is put thereinto, the laundry accommodated in the drum20may be coated with the fragrant particles by the additive without being wetted by the additive.

Meanwhile, according to an additional aspect of the disclosure, the control unit120may determine whether to put the additive into the drum20through the following embodiments.

According to an embodiment, the control unit120may determine whether to put the additive into the drum20based on a vibration state of the drum20accommodating the laundry.

In detail, the control unit120may periodically obtain vibration intensity of the drum20while the drum20is rotated based on detection information detected by the detection unit170to be described below. Therefore, the control unit120may compare predetermined threshold intensity with the vibration intensity obtained based on the detection information detected by the detection unit170from a time point at which the drive unit30is controlled to rotate the drum20at the second threshold speed after the first refresh cycle is ended.

That is, the control unit120may compare the predetermined threshold intensity with the vibration intensity obtained based on the detection information detected by the detection unit170until the rotational speed of the drum20reaches the second threshold speed. As a result of the comparison, if the vibration intensity is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold intensity, the control unit120may end the rotation of the drum20and then rotate the drum20again at the second threshold speed. That is, in case that the drum20has the vibration intensity equal to or greater than the threshold intensity before the rotational speed of the drum20reaches the second threshold speed, the control unit120may control the drive unit30to end the rotation of the drum20and then rotate the drum20again at the second threshold speed. Accordingly, the drive unit30may stop the rotation of the drum20and then rotate the drum20again.

Then, in case that the predetermined threshold intensity is compared with the vibration intensity of the drum20rotated again, if the vibration intensity is less than the predetermined threshold intensity until the rotational speed of the drum20reaches the second threshold speed, the control unit120may control the additive input unit60to put the additive into the drum20. Accordingly, the additive input unit60may put the additive into the drum20while the drum20is rotated at the second threshold speed.

Meanwhile, in case that the predetermined threshold intensity is compared with the vibration intensity of the drum20rotated again, if the vibration intensity is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold intensity until the rotational speed of the drum20reaches the second threshold speed, the control unit120may control the drive unit30to end the rotation of the drum20and then rotate the drum20again at the second threshold speed.

Meanwhile, in case that the vibration intensity detected by the detection unit170is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold intensity after the drum20is rotated again for a predetermined threshold number of times, the control unit120may control the additive input unit60not to put the additive into the drum20.

That is, after the drum20is rotated again for the predetermined threshold number of times, if the vibration intensity detected by the detection unit170is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold intensity, the control unit120may control the temperature adjustment unit70to proceed with the second refresh cycle after the first refresh cycle. Accordingly, the laundry accommodated in the drum20may only be sterilized and deodorized without being coated with the fragrant particles by the additive.

According to another embodiment, the control unit120may determine whether to put the additive into the drum20based on whether the rotational speed of the drum20reaches the second threshold speed within a predetermined threshold time after the first refresh cycle is ended.

In detail, the control unit120may determine whether the rotational speed of the drum20is the second threshold speed for the predetermined threshold time from the time point at which the drive unit30is controlled to rotate the drum20at the second threshold speed after the first refresh cycle is ended. As a result of the determination, in case that the rotational speed of the drum20reaches the second rotational speed within the second threshold time, the control unit120may control the additive input unit60to put the additive into the drum20. Accordingly, the additive input unit60may put the additive into the drum20while the drum20is rotated at the second threshold speed.

Meanwhile, in case that the rotational speed of the drum20does not reach the second threshold speed within the predetermined threshold time, the control unit120may control the additive input unit60not to put the additive into the drum20.

That is, in case that the rotational speed of the drum20does not reach the second threshold speed within the predetermined threshold time, the control unit120may control the temperature adjustment unit70to proceed with the second refresh cycle after the first refresh cycle. Accordingly, the laundry accommodated in the drum20may only be sterilized and deodorized without being coated with the fragrant particles by the additive.

According to an additional aspect of the disclosure, the control unit120may perform a third refresh cycle in which the temperature adjustment unit70is controlled to set the temperature inside the drum20to a third threshold temperature which is lower than the above-described second threshold temperature after the second refresh cycle is ended.

In detail, the control unit120may control the temperature adjustment unit70to set the temperature inside the drum20to the third threshold temperature which is lower than the second threshold temperature after the second threshold time at which the second refresh cycle is performed. Accordingly, the temperature adjustment unit70may generate the hot air until the temperature inside the drum20is set to the third threshold temperature.

Meanwhile, in case that the temperature inside the drum20is set to the third threshold temperature by the temperature adjustment unit70, the control unit120may control the temperature adjustment unit70to maintain the temperature inside the drum20at the third threshold temperature for a predetermined third threshold time. Accordingly, as the temperature inside the drum20is set to be maintained at the third threshold temperature, the temperature adjustment unit70may adjust the temperature inside the drum20to maintain the temperature inside the drum20at the third threshold temperature for the predetermined third threshold time.

According to an embodiment, the predetermined third threshold temperature may be lower than the above-described first and second threshold temperatures, and may be, for example, 55° C., and the predetermined third threshold time may be the same time as the above-described second threshold time.

Meanwhile, the control unit120may control the drive unit30to rotate the drum20at the first threshold speed while the temperature inside the drum20is set and maintained at the third threshold temperature. According to an embodiment, the first threshold speed may be 40 rpm. Accordingly, the drive unit30may rotate the drum20at the speed of 40 rpm, as described above.

Meanwhile, according to an additional aspect of the disclosure, the control unit120may control the drainage unit50to discharge the additive contained in the drum20to the outside before the temperature inside the drum20is set to the third threshold temperature. That is, the control unit120may control the drainage unit50to discharge the additive contained in the drum20to the outside in case that the second refresh cycle is ended. Based on this control instruction, the drainage unit50may discharge the additive contained in the drum20to the outside.

FIG. 5is a detailed block diagram of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 5, the washing machine100may further include the input unit110, the display unit130, a storage unit140, an audio output unit150, a communication unit160and the detection unit170in addition to the above-described components.

The input unit110and the display unit130are described in detail above, and detailed descriptions thereof are thus omitted hereinafter.

The storage unit140may store control information and an operation program for executing operations of the washing, drying and refresh cycles of the washing machine100. Here, as described above, the control information may include driving information for rotating the drum20for each cycle, information for setting the temperature inside the drum20and the like. In addition, the operation program may be a program which is read from the storage unit140, compiled and operated to operate each component of the washing machine100in case that the washing machine100is turned on. The storage unit140may be implemented as at least one of: a memory card (e.g. secure digital (SD) card or memory stick) attachable to/detachable from a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM) or the washing machine100; a nonvolatile memory; a volatile memory; a hard disk drive (HDD); or a solid state drive (SSD).

The audio output unit150may output each operation state of the washing, drying and the refresh cycles of the washing machine100in a form of an audible sound of a speaker (not shown).

The communication unit160may perform wireless communication with at least one user terminal device (not shown). According to an embodiment, the communication unit160may perform data communication with the user terminal device (not shown) through a local area communication module, such as a bluetooth module, a near field communication (NFC) module, a wi-fi module or a zigbee module, to transfer information on the states of the washing cycle, the drying cycle and the refresh cycle to the user terminal device (not shown) or receive an instruction to control each of the cycles from the user terminal device (not shown).

In addition, the communication unit160may be connected to an external network according to a wireless communication protocol such as Institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) to perform the communication, such as a wireless LAN module.

The detection unit170may detect the operation states of the washing, drying and refresh cycles of the washing machine100. According to an embodiment, the detection unit170may include a sensor detecting the vibration intensity based on the rotation of the drum20accommodating the laundry during the refresh cycle. In addition, the detection unit170may further include the temperature sensor detecting temperatures of the air inside the tub15and the drum20or a temperature of the air heated by the drying unit70, a sensor measuring a weight of the drum20accommodating the laundry and the like.

FIG. 6is an exemplary view showing processes of the washing machine performing the refresh cycle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 6, in case that a refresh cycle instruction is input while the laundry is accommodated in the drum20, the washing machine100may perform a first refresh process (first direction process,610) generating the hot air to maintain the temperature inside the drum20at the first threshold temperature for the first threshold time. Here, the first threshold time may be about half of the total time to perform the refresh cycle, and the first threshold temperature may be 65° C. to 70° C.

Through the first refresh process610, the washing machine100may sterilize the laundry accommodated in the drum20to deodorize a smell permeating the laundry. In addition, through the first refresh process610, the washing machine100may allow the fragrant particles of the additive put into the drum20to be diffused in the drum20in a process to be described below.

After the first refresh process610, the washing machine100may perform a water supply process620for putting the additive to coat the fragrant particles on the laundry accommodated in the drum20. That is, in the water supply process620, the washing machine100may put into the drum20, the additive obtained by diluting the material such as the fabric softener in the washing water.

After the water supply process620, the washing machine100may perform a second refresh process (second direction process,630) generating the hot air to maintain the temperature inside the drum20at the second threshold temperature for the second threshold time. Here, the second threshold time may be less than the above-described first refresh process time, and the second threshold temperature may be 55° C. to 60° C.

Through the second refresh process630, the washing machine100may allow the fragrant particles of the additive put into the drum20to be attached to the laundry accommodated in the drum20.

After the second refresh process630, the washing machine100may perform a drainage process640discharging the additive contained in the drum20to the outside.

After the drainage process640, the washing machine100may perform a third refresh process (third direction process,650) generating the cold air to lower the temperature inside the drum20to the third threshold temperature for the third threshold time. Here, the third threshold time may be the same time as the time for which the temperature inside the drum20is maintained at the second threshold temperature in the above-described second refresh process630, and the third threshold temperature may be 55° C.

Through the third refresh process650, the washing machine100may allow the fragrant particles of the additive attached to the laundry accommodated in the drum20to be fixed to the laundry.

FIG. 7is an exemplary view showing an operation of each component for each process of the refresh cycle performed in the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 7, the washing machine100may circulate the air inside the drum20through the temperature adjustment unit70to dry the laundry accommodated in the drum20during the refresh cycle. That is, the washing machine100may dry the laundry accommodated in the drum20by circulating the air inside the drum20through the intake unit72included in the temperature adjustment unit70during the refresh cycle.

Meanwhile, the washing machine100may turn on the temperature adjustment unit70during the first refresh process610of all the processes included in the refresh cycle. Accordingly, as the respective components configuring the temperature adjustment unit70are activated, the washing machine100may set and maintain the temperature inside the drum20at the predetermined first threshold temperature by the hot air generated through the temperature adjustment unit70. In addition, the washing machine100may drive the drive unit30to rotate the drum20at the speed of 40 rpm during the first refresh process610.

During the water supply process620after the first refresh process610, the washing machine100may turn off the heater unit73of all the components configuring the temperature adjustment unit70, and drive the drive unit30to rotate the drum20at the speed of 400 rpm. As such, as the drum20is rotated at the speed of 400 rpm, the laundry accommodated in the drum20may be prevented from being wet by the additive put into the drum20. In case that the drum20is rotated at the speed of 400 rpm, the washing machine100may put the additive into the drum20through the additive input unit60. According to an embodiment, the washing machine100may put about 1.5 liters (L) of the additive into the drum20through the additive input unit60.

During the second refresh process630after the water supply process620, the washing machine100may turn on the temperature adjustment unit70. Accordingly, as the respective components configuring the temperature adjustment unit70are activated, the washing machine100may set and maintain the temperature inside the drum20at the predetermined second threshold temperature by the hot air generated through the temperature adjustment unit70. In addition, the washing machine100may drive the drive unit30to rotate the drum20at the speed of 40 rpm during the second refresh process630.

During the drainage process640after the second refresh process630, the washing machine100may turn off the heater unit73configuring the temperature adjustment unit70and the drive unit30rotating the drum20, and turn on the drainage unit50to discharge the additive contained in the drum20to the outside. Accordingly, as the drainage unit50is opened, the additive contained in the drum20may be discharged to the outside.

During the third refresh process650after the drainage process640, the washing machine100may drive the drive unit30to rotate the drum20at the speed of 40 rpm. Here, the washing machine100may turn off the drainage unit50as the drainage process640is ended and the third refresh process650is started. Here, the heater unit73configuring the temperature adjustment unit70may also be maintained off.

FIG. 8is an exemplary view showing that the washing machine provides a user interface (UI) based on occurrence of an event according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The washing machine100may determine whether to put the additive into the drum20through the above-described embodiments.

As described above, in case that the water supply process620is started, the washing machine100may compare the predetermined threshold intensity with the detected vibration intensity of the drum20until the rotational speed of the drum20reaches the second threshold speed. As a result of the comparison, if the vibration intensity is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold intensity, the washing machine100may end the rotation of the drum20and then rotate the drum20again at the second threshold speed.

Then, in case that the detected vibration intensity of the drum20is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold intensity after the washing machine100rotates the drum20again for the predetermined threshold number of times, the washing machine100may display a user interface (UI)810, which is read, “Please put the laundry again” through the display unit113.

In addition, in case that the water supply process620is started, the washing machine100may determine whether the rotational speed of the drum20reaches the second threshold speed within the predetermined threshold time. As a result of the determination, if the rotational speed of the drum20does not reach the second threshold speed within the predetermined threshold time, the washing machine100may display the UI810, which is read, “Please put the laundry again” through the display unit113.

Accordingly, the user may put the laundry again into the drum20according to the UI810displayed through the display unit113.

In case that the water supply process620is performed again after the laundry is accommodated in the drum20again, the washing machine100may determine whether the drum20normally reaches the second threshold speed through the above-described embodiment. As a result of the determination, if the drum20does not reach the second threshold speed, the washing machine100may end the water supply process620for putting the additive into the drum20. In addition, the washing machine100may omit the second refresh process630and the drainage process640, and perform the third refresh process650.

As above, the description specifically focuses on each component of the washing machine100performing the refresh cycle according to the disclosure. Hereinafter, the description specifically focuses on a method of performing the refresh cycle in the washing machine100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9is a flowchart showing a method of a washing machine to perform a refresh cycle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 9, in case that a user instruction for the refresh cycle is input while laundry is accommodated in a drum, a washing machine100may set a temperature inside the drum to a first threshold temperature and rotate the drum at a first threshold speed (S910).

In detail, the washing machine100may set the temperature inside the drum to the first threshold temperature through a temperature adjustment unit adjusting the temperature inside the drum accommodating the laundry by generating hot air and cold air. In addition, in case that the temperature inside the drum is set to the first threshold temperature, the washing machine100may maintain the temperature inside the drum at the first threshold temperature for a predetermined first threshold time. In addition, the washing machine100may rotate the drum at a first threshold speed while the temperature inside the drum is set and maintained at the first threshold temperature.

Here, the first threshold temperature may be an appropriate temperature advantageous for sterilizing and deodorizing the laundry accommodated in the drum and for coating the laundry with fragrant particles using an additive put into the drum, and may be, for example, 65° C. to 70° C.

In addition, the first threshold time may be half of a total time to perform the refresh cycle. For example, in case that the total time to perform the refresh cycle is 29 minutes, the first threshold time may be about 14 to 15 minutes.

In addition, the first threshold speed may be 40 rpm.

Then, the washing machine100may rotate the drum at a second threshold speed (S920), and put the additive into the drum in case that a rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed (S930). Here, the second threshold speed may be faster than the first threshold speed. For example, the second threshold speed may be 400 rpm. In addition, the additive may be a material in which a detergent for washing the laundry or a fabric softener for coating the laundry with the fragrant particles is diluted in washing water.

That is, in case that the drum is rotated at the second threshold speed, the washing machine100may put the additive into the drum while the drum is rotated at the second threshold speed. Accordingly, the laundry accommodated in the drum may be coated with the fragrant particles by the additive without being wetted by the additive.

In case that all the additive is put into the drum, the washing machine100may set the temperature inside the drum to a predetermined second threshold temperature, and rotate the drum at the first threshold speed (S940). Here, the washing machine100may maintain the temperature inside the drum at the predetermined second threshold temperature for a predetermined second threshold time.

Here, the second threshold temperature may be an appropriate temperature advantageous for preventing the fragrant particles of the additive coated on the laundry from disappearing from the laundry during the sterilization of the laundry put into the drum, and may be, for example, 55° C. to 60° C. In addition, the second threshold time may be less than the first threshold time described above, and may be, for example, about 2 to 3 minutes. In addition, the first threshold speed may be 40 rpm, as described above.

Then, the washing machine100may discharge the additive contained in the drum to the outside through the drainage unit (S950).

Then, the washing machine100may set the temperature inside the drum to a predetermined third threshold temperature, and rotate the drum at the first threshold speed (S960). Here, in case that the temperature inside the drum reaches the predetermined third threshold temperature, the washing machine100may maintain the temperature inside the drum at the third threshold temperature for a predetermined third threshold time.

Here, the predetermined third threshold temperature may be lower than the above-described first and second threshold temperatures, and may be, for example, 55° C., and the predetermined third threshold time may be the same time as the above-described second threshold time. In addition, the first threshold speed may be 40 rpm, as described above.

Meanwhile, the washing machine100may determine whether to put the additive into the drum through the following embodiments.

FIG. 10is a first flowchart showing a method of the washing machine to determine whether to put an additive into a drum according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 10, in case that a water supply cycle process is started to put the additive into the drum, the washing machine100may rotate the drum at the second threshold speed.

Therefore, the washing machine100may periodically detect vibration intensity of the drum until the rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed, and compare the detected vibration intensity with predetermined threshold intensity (S1010).

As a result of the comparison, if the detected vibration intensity is less than the predetermined threshold intensity while the rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed, the washing machine100may put the additive into the drum through the above-described process S930after the rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed.

Meanwhile, in case that the detected vibration intensity is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold intensity until the rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed, the washing machine100may end the rotation of the drum and then rotate the drum again at the second threshold speed (S1020).

Then, the washing machine100may determine whether a number of times in which the drum is rotated again at the second threshold speed is greater than a predetermined threshold number of times (S1030); and in case of determining that the drum has the number of times of the rotation greater than the predetermined threshold number of times, the washing machine100may not put the additive into the drum (S1040). That is, in case of determining that the number of times in which the drum is rotated again at the second threshold speed is greater than the predetermined threshold number of times, the washing machine100may perform none of the above-described processes S930and S950, and perform the above-described process S960.

FIG. 11is a second flowchart showing a method of the washing machine to determine whether to put an additive into a drum according to according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 11, in case that the water supply cycle process is started to put the additive into the drum, the washing machine100may rotate the drum at the second threshold speed.

Therefore, the washing machine100may determine whether the rotational speed of the drum reaches the second threshold speed within a predetermined threshold time (S1110). As a result of the determination, if the drum is rotated at the second threshold speed within the predetermined threshold time, the washing machine100may perform the process S930described above to put the additive into the drum.

Meanwhile, as a result of the determination, if the drum is not rotated at the second threshold speed within the predetermined threshold time, the washing machine100may not put the additive into the drum (S1120). That is, in case of determining that the number of times in which the drum is rotated again is greater than the predetermined threshold number of times, the washing machine100may perform none of the above-described processes S930and S950, and perform the above-described process S960.

Hereinabove, the disclosure is described with reference to embodiments.

Although the embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and described hereinabove, the disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and may be variously modified by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as disclosed in the accompanying claims. These modifications also need to be understood to fall within the scope of the disclosure.