WASHING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a), of International Application No. PCT/KR2025/021874, filed on Dec. 16, 2025, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0199127, filed on Dec. 27, 2024, in the Ministry of Intellectual Property, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments disclosed in the disclosure relate to a washing machine and a control method thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

A washing machine may include a tub for holding water (washing water or rinsing water), a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub and receiving laundry, and a motor generating a driving force for rotating the drum.

The washing machine may perform washing by repeating an operation (e.g., a drop effect) in which laundry inside the drum rises along an inner wall of the drum and then falls due to rotation of the drum. Alternatively, the washing machine may perform washing by friction between a water flow formed by rotation of the drum and laundry inside the drum.

The washing machine may perform washing through a series of operations, such as a washing cycle for separating dirt from the laundry using detergent-dissolution water (e.g., washing water), a rinsing cycle for rinsing away foam or remaining detergent from the laundry using water free of the detergent, and a spin-drying cycle for spinning the drum at high speed to remove water from the laundry.

To perform various steps for washing of such a washing machine, water supply into the washing machine is required. The washing machine may include a water supply pipe connected to an external water supply source and a water supply valve installed in the water supply pipe for controlling an amount of water to be supplied. Generally, the washing machine may estimate water usage of the washing machine based on an operation time of the water supply valve. However, water usage of the washing machine estimated based on the operation time of the water supply valve is a value that does not consider water pressure of supplied water, and accuracy may be decreased compared to actually measured water usage.

The above-described information may be provided as related art for the purpose of helping understanding of the disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing is applicable as background art in relation to the disclosure.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Solution to Problems

A washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a detergent supply device, a tub, a water supply device for supplying water to the detergent supply device and the tub, the water supply device including a plurality of water supply pipes connected to the detergent supply device and the tub, and a water supply valve for controlling opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes. The washing machine may further include a flow rate sensor disposed in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes and configured to measure a flow rate of water in the one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes in which the flow rate sensor is disposed, and a processor for controlling the water supply device. The processor may be configured to obtain the flow rate of the water in the one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes in which the flow rate sensor is disposed, calculate a flow velocity of the water in the one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes based on the obtained flow rate, and estimate a total flow rate of the water in the plurality of water supply pipes based on the calculated flow velocity.

A method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure including a detergent supply device, a tub, a water supply device, and a flow rate sensor, wherein the water supply device includes a plurality of water supply pipes connected to the detergent supply device and the tub, and a water supply valve for controlling opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes, and wherein the flow rate sensor is disposed in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes, may include: detecting a flow velocity of water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes having the flow rate sensor therein from the flow rate sensor in response to an initiation of a washing cycle, obtaining a total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes during the washing cycle, and estimating a water usage of the washing machine based on the detected flow velocity of the water in the one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes and the obtained total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes.

The disclosure is not limited to the foregoing embodiments but various modifications or changes may rather be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a water supply flow path connecting a water supply device, a detergent supply device, and a tub according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a flow rate sensor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

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

FIG. 6 is a control flowchart regarding estimation of water usage of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a control flowchart regarding calculation of a flow velocity of a water supply flow path in which a flow rate sensor is installed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a detection value of a flow rate sensor according to an operation time of a water supply valve according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart regarding a method for estimating water usage of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a control flowchart regarding a method for compensating for water usage of a washing machine by reflecting characteristics of a water supply flow path according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a control flowchart regarding a method for compensating washing time of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in the following description, and specific examples that may be practiced are shown as examples within the drawings. Other examples may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

The terms as used herein are provided merely to describe some embodiments thereof, but are not intended to limit the technical features of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, the term ‘and/or’ should be understood as encompassing any and all possible combinations by one or more of the enumerated items. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

When a (e.g., first) component is mentioned as “coupled to,” “connected to,” “supported by,” or “contacting” another (e.g., second) component with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” the component may be directly or indirectly coupled to, connected to, supported by, or contact the other component.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” and/or “have,” as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Throughout the specification, when one component is positioned “on” another component, the first component may be positioned directly on the second component, or other component(s) may be positioned between the first and second component.

As used herein, the terms “configured to” may be interchangeably used with the terms “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of” depending on circumstances. The term “configured to” does not essentially mean “specifically designed in hardware to.” Rather, the term “configured to” may mean that a device can perform an operation together with another device or parts. For example, a ‘device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C’ may be a dedicated device to perform the corresponding operation or may mean a general-purpose device capable of various operations including the corresponding in operation.

The terms “upper side”, “lower side”, and “front and rear directions” used in the disclosure are defined with respect to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

In the disclosure, the above-described description has been made mainly of specific embodiments, but the disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but should rather be appreciated as covering all various modifications, equivalents, and/or substitutes of various embodiments. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 1 may include a main body 10 for receiving various components therein. The main body 10 may have an overall hexahedral shape. The main body 10 may include an opening 11 formed in one surface (e.g., front surface). Two or more of the surfaces of the main body 10 may be integrally formed. Each surface of the main body may be separately manufactured and assembled. The main body 10 may be, e.g., press-molded with an iron plate material or injection-molded with a resin material.

According to an embodiment, a door 20 for opening 11 and closing the corresponding opening 11 may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening 11 of the main body 10. The door 20 may be rotatably coupled to a hinge fixed to one surface of the main body 10. For example, at least a portion of the door 20 may be provided to be transparent or translucent so as to be visible inside. The user may open and close the door 20 to put the laundry into the drum 40 positioned inside the main body 10 or withdraw the laundry from the drum 40. For example, the door 20 may be locked by a locking device (not illustrated) so as not to be opened while the washing machine 1 is running.

According to an embodiment, the door 20 may include a door frame 21 and a glass member 22. The glass member 22 may be formed of, e.g., a transparent tempered glass material to see through the inside of the main body 10, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may include a tub 30 fixedly disposed inside the main body 10. The tub 30 may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening 31 may be provided in the front surface of the tub 30 at a position corresponding to the opening of the main body 10. The tub 30 may store washing water. A drain port 32 for draining washing water may be provided under the tub 30. The drain port 32 may be connected to, e.g., the drain device 80.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may include a damper 12. The damper 12 may be provided to connect the main body 10 and the tub 30. One side of the damper 12 may be fixed to the inner surface of the main body 10 and the other side of the damper 12 may be fixed to the tub 30. The damper 12 may be provided to attenuate vibration by absorbing vibration energy transferred to the tub 30 and/or the main body 10 in case that the drum 40 rotates.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may include a drum 40 provided inside the tub 30. The drum 40 may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open. A front plate 43 and a rear plate 44 may be disposed on the front surface and the rear surface, respectively, of the drum 40. The front plate 43 may be provided with a drum opening at a position corresponding to the opening of the main body 10 and the tub opening 31 of the tub 30. The drum may receive laundry. The drum 40 may be disposed to receive rotational power from the driving device 60 and rotate inside the tub 30. The drum 40 may perform washing, rinsing, and/or spinning while rotating inside the tub 30.

According to an embodiment, the drum 40 may include a lifter 41 and/or a plurality of through holes 42. For example, the lifter 41 may lift the laundry while the drum 40 rotates so that the laundry repeatedly rises and falls, thereby evenly washing laundry on several surfaces thereof. The through hole 42 may be, e.g., a passage formed so that the washing water received in the tub 30 flows into the drum 40 or the washing water inside the drum 40 is discharged to the outside. In an example, the lifter 41 or the through hole 42 may be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may include a control panel 50 that supports interaction between the user and the washing machine 1. In an example, the control panel 50 may be disposed at an upper end of the front surface of the main body 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an example, the control panel 50 may include an input device 51 and a display module 52.

According to an embodiment, the input device 51 may include, e.g., any type of user input means for obtaining a user input for controlling the washing machine 1. The user may input power on/off, washing setting information (e.g., operation start/stop, course selection, time selection, etc.) of the washing machine 1 through the input device 51. For example, the input device 51 may be a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the input device 51 may be in the form of a jog shuttle that the user may grip and rotate. In an example, the input device 51 may include an infrared sensor. The user may remotely input the setting information through the remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input device 51 as an infrared signal. In an example, the input device 51 may include a microphone. Setting information by the user's voice may be obtained through a microphone.

According to an embodiment, The display module 52 may display various washing setting information and/or operation state information about the washing machine 1 input from the user. The display module 52 may include various types of display panels such as an LCD, an LED, an OLED, a QLED, and a micro LED. For example, the display module 52 may be implemented as a touch screen with a touch pad provided on the front surface thereof, but the disclosure is not limited to a specific type of display means. In an example, the display module 52 may include any type of audio display means including a speaker, and may display each of the above-described information as an auditory signal through the audio display means. In an example, the display module 52 may operate to audibly provide the user with information for guiding the user's input and/or information related to the ongoing process.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may include a driving device 60 for rotating the drum 40. The driving device 60 may include a driving motor 61 and a driving shaft 62 for transferring the driving force generated by the driving motor 61 to the drum 40. The driving motor 61 may include a fixed stator 61a and a rotor 61b that rotates by electromagnetically interacting with the stator 61a to convert an electric force into a mechanical rotational force. The rotational force generated by the driving motor 61 may be transferred to the drum 40 through the driving shaft 62. The driving shaft 62 may be press-fitted into the rotor 61b of the driving motor 61 to rotate together with the rotor 61b. The driving shaft 62 may, e.g., partially penetrate the rear wall of the tub 30 to connect the drum 40 and the driving motor 61. The driving device 60 may rotate the drum 40 forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and/or spinning operations.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may include a water supply device 70 for supplying washing water to the drum 40 and/or the tub 30. The water supply device 70 may include at least one water supply pipe 71 and at least one water supply valve 72. The at least one water supply pipe 71 may be provided to supply washing water into the tub 30 using an external water supply source. One of the at least one water supply pipe 71 may be connected to a detergent supply device 13 provided in the main body 10. Here, the detergent supply device 13 may be divided into a plurality of spaces, and each space may be provided with a detergent, a rinsing agent, or the like. The washing water passing through the detergent supply device 13 may be supplied to the tub 30 together with the detergent (or rinsing agent) through the detergent supply pipe 14. Another one of the at least one water supply pipe 71 may be directly connected to the tub 30. For example, the washing water supplied through the water supply pipe 71 directly connected to the tub 30 may be directly supplied to the tub 30 without going through an intermediate component such as the detergent supply device 13.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may include a drain device 80 for draining the washing water received in the drum 40 and/or the tub 30. The drain device 80 may include a drain valve 81, a first drain pipe 82, a second drain pipe 83, or a pump chamber 84. The drain device 80 may be disposed, e.g., under the tub 30 to discharge the washing water discharged from the tub 30 to the outside of the washing machine 1.

According to an embodiment, the drain valve 81 may be provided to open and close the drain port 32. In case that the drain valve 81 is opened, the washing water received in the tub may flow through the drain port 32 to the drain device 80.

According to an embodiment, the first drain pipe 82 and the second drain pipe 83 may form a flow path that guides washing water to be discharged to the outside. For convenience of description, the upper stream of the pump chamber 84 is referred to as the first drain pipe 82 and the lower stream is referred to as the second drain pipe 83. The first drain pipe 82 and the second drain pipe 83 may be integrally formed. The first drain pipe 82 may have, e.g., one end connected to the drain port 32 and the other end connected to the pump chamber 84. The washing water may move into the pump chamber 84 along the first drain pipe 82. The second drain pipe 83 may have, e.g., one end connected to the pump chamber 84 and the other end connected to the outside of the washing machine 1. Accordingly, the washing water passing through the pump chamber 84 may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1 along the second drain pipe 83.

According to an embodiment, the pump chamber 84 may be provided under the tub 30 to store washing water drained from the tub 30. Inside the pump chamber 84, e.g., a drain pump 85 for discharging the stored washing water to the outside may be provided. The washing water pumped by the drain pump 85 may be guided to the outside of the main body 10 through the second drain pipe 83.

According to an embodiment, a washing machine 1 may include one or more flow rate sensors 100 for measuring an amount of water supplied into the washing machine 1. The flow rate sensor 100 may be installed in one or more water supply pipes 71.

A washing machine 1 to be described in the disclosure may detect a flow velocity and/or flow rate flowing along the corresponding water supply pipe 71 through a flow rate sensor 100 installed in any one water supply pipe 71 in case that a water supply flow path of the washing machine 1 is configured with multiple paths (e.g., in case that the water supply pipes 71 are provided in plurality), and estimate a total flow rate supplied into the washing machine 1 based on the detected flow velocity and/or flow rate.

FIG. 3 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a water supply flow path connecting a water supply device, a detergent supply device, and a tub according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

This drawing describes an embodiment in which water supply to a detergent supply device 13 and/or a tub 30 is controlled through one water supply valve 72, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, unlike this drawing, water supply to the detergent supply device 13 and/or the tub 30 may be controlled through a water supply valve 72 provided in each of the water supply pipes 71.

Referring to FIG. 3, according to an embodiment, a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine 1 of FIG. 1) may include a detergent supply device 13, a tub 30, a water supply device 70, and a flow rate sensor 100.

According to an embodiment, the water supply device 70 may be provided to supply water for washing from outside to the inside of the washing machine 1 to the detergent supply device 13 or the tub 30.

According to an embodiment, the water supply device 70 may include one or more water supply pipes 71 and one or more water supply valves 72.

According to an embodiment, the one or more water supply pipes 71 may include

a first water supply pipe 711 and a second water supply pipe 712. The first water supply pipe 711 may be a pipe connecting the water supply valve 72 and the detergent supply device 13. The first water supply pipe 711 may configure a water supply flow path for supplying water dissolved with detergent (e.g., washing water) to the tub 30 in a washing step. The first water supply pipe 711 may be named a main water supply flow path. The second water supply pipe 712 may be a pipe connecting the water supply valve 72 and the tub 30. The second water supply pipe 712 may configure a water supply flow path for supplying water (e.g., rinsing water) to the tub 30 in steps other than the washing step (e.g., foam quality sensing step, rinsing step, spin-drying step, etc.). The second water supply pipe 712 may be named a direct water flow path.

According to an embodiment, the water supply valve 72 may be configured to control an amount (or flow rate) of water supplied to the detergent supply device 13 and/or the tub 30. For example, the water supply valve 72 may be implemented as a solenoid valve. To help understanding of the disclosure, the water supply valve 72 is described based on a 3-way solenoid valve as illustrated in this drawing, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the water supply valve 72 may include an inlet 721, a first outlet 722, and a second outlet 723. Further, the water supply valve 72 may include a solenoid unit (not illustrated) for independently controlling opening and closing of each of the inlet and outlets 721, 722, 723, although not specified in this drawing.

According to an embodiment, the flow rate sensor 100 may be configured to measure a flow rate of water flowing along the water supply pipe 71. The flow rate sensor 100 may be disposed (or installed) in one or more water supply pipes 71. For example, the flow rate sensor 100 may be disposed in the second water supply pipe 712 as illustrated in this drawing. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and unlike this drawing, the flow rate sensor 100 may be disposed in each of the first water supply pipe 711 and the second water supply pipe 712 to enhance sensing accuracy. The flow rate sensor 100 may be disposed at a rear end of the water supply valve 72. Here, based on the water supply valve 72, the inlet 721 side of the water supply valve 72 may be understood as an front end of the water supply valve 72, and the outlet 722, 723 side of the water supply valve 72 may be understood as a rear end of the water supply valve 72. A detailed structure of the flow rate sensor 100 is described below with reference to FIG. 4.

In the disclosure, in case that the flow rate sensor 100 is installed in some water supply flow paths (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712) among multiple water supply flow paths (e.g., the water supply pipes 711, 712) as illustrated in this drawing, a flow rate of the some water supply flow paths may be measured through the flow rate sensor 100, and a flow rate of all water supply flow paths (or water usage of the washing machine) may be estimated based on the measured flow rate.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a flow rate sensor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the disclosure, the flow rate sensor 100 is described based on an impeller type flow rate sensor as illustrated in this drawing, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the flow rate sensor 100 may be implemented as a Coriolis mass flow rate sensor, an electromagnetic flow rate sensor, a vortex flow rate sensor, a turbine flow rate sensor, a differential pressure flow rate sensor, or an ultrasonic flow rate sensor.

Referring to FIG. 4, a flow rate sensor 100 according to an embodiment may include a sensor housing 110, a sensor cover 120, an impeller 130, and a shaft 133.

According to an embodiment, the sensor housing 110 may form an overall appearance of the flow rate sensor 100. The sensor housing 110 may serve as a passage through which water for washing passes.

According to an embodiment, the sensor housing 110 may include a sensor body 111, an inlet 112, and an outlet 113.

According to an embodiment, the sensor body 111 has an open upper side and may form a space 111a for receiving the impeller 130 or the shaft 133.

According to an embodiment, the inlet 112 may be provided on one side of the sensor body 111. The inlet 112 is connected to an inner space 111a of the sensor body 111 and may configure a flow path through which water for washing flows. The inlet 112 is connected to an front end of a water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712 of FIG. 3) and may guide water introduced into the water supply pipe 712 to the inside of the body 111.

According to an embodiment, the outlet 113 may be provided on the other side of the sensor body 112 opposite to the one side. The outlet 113 is connected to the inner space 111a of the sensor body 111 and may configure a flow path through which water for washing flows. The outlet 113 is connected to a rear end of the water supply pipe 712 and may guide water introduced into the sensor body 111 to the rear end of the water supply pipe 712.

Here, the front end and rear end of the water supply pipe 712 may be defined with respect to a direction in which water flows. For example, water flows from the front end to the rear end of the water supply pipe 712, and the front end of the water supply pipe 712 may be understood as a portion corresponding to upstream, and the rear end of the water supply pipe 712 may be understood as a portion corresponding to downstream.

According to an embodiment, the sensor cover 120 may be coupled to an upper side of the sensor housing 110. For example, the sensor cover 120 is coupled to the sensor body 111 and may cover and/or seal the open inner space 111a of the sensor body 111. The sensor cover 120 may include a Hall sensor (not illustrated) for detecting a change in magnetic field generated from a magnet (not illustrated) of the impeller 130 to be described below by rotation of the impeller 130.

According to an embodiment, the impeller 130 may be a component rotatable by a flow (or power) of water introduced into the flow rate sensor 100. The impeller 130 may include an impeller body 131, a blade unit 132, and a shaft 133. The impeller body 131 may be a component capable of being axially coupled with the shaft 133. For example, the impeller body 131 may have a cylindrical shape. The blade unit 132 may include one or more blades spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the impeller body 131 and extending in a radial direction of the impeller body 131. The shaft 133 is fixed to the sensor body 111 and may support rotation of the impeller body 131 and/or the blade unit 132. The impeller 130 may include a magnet (not illustrated) provided in the impeller body 131 and/or the blade unit 132. The magnet (not illustrated) rotates by rotation of the impeller 130 and may cause a change in magnetic field.

Describing a flow rate measurement method of the flow rate sensor 100, in case that a fluid (e.g., water for washing) is introduced into the flow rate sensor 100, the impeller 130 rotates due to the flow of the introduced fluid. During rotation of the impeller 130, the magnet (not illustrated) provided in the impeller 130 passes near the Hall sensor (not illustrated) of the sensor cover 120, and the Hall sensor detects a change in magnetic field. The Hall sensor generates a digital signal (e.g., a pulse value) according to a position change of the magnet, and the flow rate sensor 100 may measure a flow rate based on the digital signal.

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

The components illustrated in FIG. 5 may be understood as schematically illustrating the components of the washing machine 1 from the perspective of function and control.

Referring to FIG. 5, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may include an input device 51, a sensor 100, 200, 300, a transceiver 53, a controller 90, a water supply valve 72, and a display module 52.

According to an embodiment, the input device 51 may include any type of user input means for obtaining setting information from a user for operation control of the washing machine 1. Various user inputs obtained through the input device 51 may be transferred to the controller 90. In an example, various user inputs obtained through the input device 51 may be transmitted to the outside through the transceiver 53, and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the sensor 100, 200, 300 may be a component for detecting an operation state and/or internal environment of the washing machine 1. As an example, the sensor 100, 200, 300 may include a flow rate sensor 100, a weight detection sensor 200, and/or a foam quality detection sensor 300, but this is exemplary and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the flow rate sensor 100 may be provided to measure a flow rate of water flowing along a water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712 of FIG. 3) in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed. A flow rate of the water supply pipe 712 measured by the flow rate sensor 100 may be transferred to the controller 90.

According to an embodiment, the weight detection sensor 200 may be provided to detect a weight (or amount) of laundry received in a drum (e.g., the drum 40 of FIG. 2). For example, the weight detection sensor 200 may include a current sensor for measuring a load (e.g., current) generated during rotation of the drum 40. For example, the weight detection sensor 200 may include a load cell for converting a load (or pressure) applied to the drum 40 into an electrical signal. For example, the weight detection sensor 200 may include a water level sensor for detecting a water level of a tub (e.g., the tub 30 of FIG. 2) and/or the drum 40.

According to an embodiment, the foam quality detection sensor 300 may be provided to detect the foam quality of washing water stored in the tub 30. Here, foam quality of washing water may mean the amount, density, persistence, etc. of foam generated by mixing detergent and water. For example, the foam quality detection sensor 300 may include a water level sensor for detecting a water level of the tub 30 and/or the drum 40. For example, the foam quality detection sensor 300 may include a current sensor for measuring rotation resistance (e.g., current) of the drum 40. For example, the foam quality detection sensor 300 may include an optical sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor) for measuring reflectance of foam.

According to an embodiment, the transceiver 53 may receive and/or transmit a wired/wireless signal to/from an external wired/wireless communication system, an external server, and/or other devices according to a predetermined wired/wireless communication protocol. In an example, the transceiver 53 may include one or more modules to connect the washing machine 1 to one or more networks. In an example, the transceiver 53 may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wired/wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, and/or a location information module.

According to an embodiment, the mobile communication module may transmit/receive wireless signals with at least one of an external base station, an external UE, and an external server through the mobile communication network according to any communication protocol among various communication protocols for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include various types of data signals. In an example, the wireless signal may include a voice call signal, a video call signal, and a text/multimedia message signal, and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the wired/wireless Internet module may support wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi direct, digital living network alliance (DLNA), wireless broadband (WiBro), world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), long term evolution (LTE), or long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A), but is not limited thereto. In an example, the wired/wireless Internet module of the transceiver 53 may transmit/receive data according to at least one wired/wireless Internet technology among Internet technologies not listed above.

According to an embodiment, the short-range communication module may be intended for, e.g., short-range communication and may support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), ZigBee, near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or wireless universal serial bus (USB) technology. The short-range communication module may support, e.g., wireless communication between the washing machine 1 and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine 1 and another device, or between the washing machine 1 and a network in which the other device is positioned through a short-range wireless communication network.

According to an embodiment, the location information module may be, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) module or a Wi-Fi module as a module for obtaining the location of the washing machine 1. In case that the washing machine 1 utilizes the GPS module, the washing machine 1 may receive information about the location of the washing machine 1 using the signal transmitted from the GPS satellite. In case that the washing machine 1 utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the washing machine 1 may receive information about the location of the washing machine 1 based on information about a wireless access point (AP) that transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from the Wi-Fi module.

According to an embodiment, the transceiver 53 may receive the configuration data signal input by the user on the mobile terminal of the user in the form of a wireless signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. In an example, the transceiver 53 may receive information and/or a command for controlling the operation of the washing machine 1 from an external server in the form of a signal according to a predetermined wired/wireless communication protocol. The transceiver 53 may transfer various received signals to the controller 90 to be described below. In an example, the transceiver 53 may transmit various data generated or obtained on the washing machine 1 in the form of a wired/wireless signal according to a predetermined wired/wireless communication protocol, e.g., to a mobile terminal of the user or an external server.

According to an embodiment, the controller 90 may be a component for controlling the overall operation of the washing machine 1. The controller 90 may include a memory 93 for storing or recording a program and/or data for controlling each component of the washing machine 1, and a processor 91 for generating a control signal for controlling each component of the washing machine 1 according to the program and/or data stored in the memory 93 and information obtained from each of the other components.

According to an embodiment, the memory 93 may store various data that may be used to control the operation of each component of the washing machine 1. The memory 93 may store, e.g., a plurality of application programs used in the washing machine 1, data for controlling the operation of the washing machine 1, and instructions. At least some of the application programs stored in the memory 93 may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. At least some of the application programs stored in the memory 93 may be stored in the memory 93 from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine 1.

According to an embodiment, data regarding water usage of the washing machine 1 may be stored in the memory 93. For example, a flow velocity V_flow in a water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712) in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed, calculated by a processor 91, may be stored in the memory 93. For example, data regarding a unit constant of the flow rate sensor 100 may be stored in the memory 93. For example, data regarding a characteristic constant for each of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 may be stored in the memory 93. For example, data regarding washing time according to an amount of laundry may be stored in the memory 93.

According to an embodiment, the processor 91 may receive various input/setting information (e.g., power on/off of the washing machine 1), washing machine operation setting information (e.g., operation start/stop, course selection, time selection, etc.), or other various control information from the input device 51 and/or the transceiver 53.

According to an embodiment, the processor 91 may obtain detection information from the sensor 100, 200, 300. For example, the processor 91 may obtain information regarding a flow rate of a water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712) in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed from the flow rate sensor 100. For example, the processor 91 may obtain information regarding a weight of laundry received inside the washing machine 1 from the weight detection sensor 200. For example, the processor 91 may obtain information regarding foam quality of washing water from the foam quality detection sensor 300.

According to an embodiment, the processor 91 may calculate a predicted value (or estimated value) based on information obtained from the sensor 100, 200, 300.

For example, the processor 91 may estimate water usage of the washing machine 1 based on information regarding a flow velocity and/or flow rate of a water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712) in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed obtained from the flow rate sensor 100.

According to an embodiment, the processor 91 may generate an operation control command for each component of the washing machine 1 based on various information received from the input device 51, the transceiver 53, and/or the sensor 100, 200, 300. In an example, the processor 91 may control each related component to perform at least one of a washing step, a rinsing step, or a spin-drying step. For example, the processor 91 may control operations of a driving device 60, a water supply device 70, and/or a drain device 80 to control performance of at least one of a washing step, a rinsing step, or a spin-drying step.

According to an embodiment, the processor 91 may generate a command for controlling whether and how to display information through the display module 52 based on various information received from the input device 51, the transceiver 53, and/or the sensor 100, 200, 300.

According to an embodiment, the controller 90 is disclosed as one comprehensive component that controls all components included in the washing machine 1, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an example, the washing machine 1 may be configured to include a plurality of controller components that individually control some of the components of the washing machine 1. In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a separate controller having a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the driving device 60, e.g., the driving motor 61. In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a separate controller having a processor and memory for controlling operation of a user interface according to a user input. The processor 91 of the controller 90 may include a plurality of processors, and the memory 93 may include a plurality of memory devices.

FIG. 6 is a control flowchart regarding estimation of water usage of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may initiate a washing cycle in operation 610 in response to a user input (or command) regarding the washing cycle. For example, the washing machine 1 may receive a user input through the input device 51 and initiate a step regarding the washing cycle in response to the received user input. For example, the washing machine 1 may receive a user input by an external device (e.g., a user terminal device) through a transceiver 53 and initiate a step regarding the washing cycle in response to the received user input. The washing machine 1 may control operations of components of the washing machine 1 (e.g., the driving device 60, the water supply device 70, the drain device 80) so that a step regarding the washing cycle is performed in response to an initiation command of the washing cycle.

The washing cycle may include one or more of a foam quality detection step, a weight detection step, a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step. Each step included in the washing cycle may be performed repeatedly, or some steps may be omitted according to a preset course or a user input.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may detect a flow velocity (or flow rate) of one or more water supply pipes 71 in operation 620. For example, the washing machine 1 may detect a flow velocity (or flow rate) of a water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712 of FIG. 2) in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed through the flow rate sensor 100. Operation 620 may be performed in a step in which the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed operates. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in case that the flow rate sensor 100 is installed in the second water supply pipe 712, operation 620 may be performed in a foam quality detection step, a rinsing step, or a spin-drying step in which the second water supply pipe 712 operates (or is opened). A method for detecting a flow velocity in the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed is described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may obtain and store in the memory 93 a total operation time of the water supply valve 72 (or total opening time of the water supply pipe 71) during execution of the washing cycle in operation 630. The washing machine 1 may control opening and closing of the outlets 722, 723 of the water supply valve 72 according to each step included in the washing cycle. In this case, the washing machine 1 may obtain and/or store in the memory 93 an opening time of each of the outlets 722, 723 of the water supply valve 72 in each step, and obtain a total operation time of the water supply valve 72 by summing the opening times of each of the outlets 722, 723 of the water supply valve 72.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may estimate water usage of the washing machine 1 based on a flow velocity of one or more water supply pipes (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712) detected by the flow rate sensor 100 in operation 640. The estimated water usage of the washing machine 1 may be understood as a total usage of water used during the washing cycle for washing. A method for estimating water usage of the washing machine 1 is described below with reference to FIG. 9.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may output the water usage of the washing machine 1 estimated according to operation 640 to a display module 52 (e.g., a display) in operation 650. Alternatively, the washing machine 1 may transfer the water usage of the washing machine 1 estimated according to operation 640 to an external device (e.g., a user terminal device) through a transceiver 53.

FIG. 7 is a control flowchart regarding calculation of a flow velocity of a water supply flow path in which a flow rate sensor is installed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a detection value of a flow rate sensor according to an operation time of a water supply valve according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating a pulse value of the flow rate sensor 100 accumulated according to an opening time (or operation time) t_diff of an outlet (e.g., the second outlet 723) of the water supply valve 72 connected to the water supply pipe 712 in one or more water supply pipes (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712) in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed.

The embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8 may be selectively combined with the embodiment of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may initiate detection of a flow velocity of a water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712) in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed in operation 710 in response to the above-described washing cycle initiation command (operation 610).

The washing machine 1 may initiate a step related to operation of a water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712) in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed during the washing cycle process. The step may correspond to a foam quality detection step, a rinsing step, or a spin-drying step as described above. Further, within the step, a flow velocity of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed may be calculated.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may control opening and closing of an outlet (e.g., the second outlet 723) of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed in the step. For example, the washing machine 1 may open the water supply pipe 712 for a predetermined time t_diff in the step, so that water for washing may flow along the water supply pipe 712. The predetermined time t_diff during which the water supply pipe 712 is opened may vary according to an amount of laundry determined in a weight detection step or a user input.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may obtain a detection value from the flow rate sensor 100 during the predetermined time t_diff during which the water supply pipe 712 is opened in operation 720. The detection value is a cumulative pulse value p and may mean a cumulative number of pulses generated by a flow of water flowing along the water supply pipe 712 during the predetermined time t_diff.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may obtain a flow rate coefficient of the flow rate sensor 100 from the memory 93 in operation 730. The flow rate coefficient of the flow rate sensor 100 may be a unit constant for converting a detection value (e.g., pulse) of the flow rate sensor 100 into a flow rate as a characteristic value of the flow rate sensor 100. A unit of the flow rate coefficient may be liter/pulse. The flow rate coefficient may indicate a corresponding flow rate based on the flow rate sensor 100 generating one pulse.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may calculate a flow rate Q₀ of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed based on the obtained detection value and flow rate coefficient of the flow rate sensor 100 in operation 740. The flow rate Q₀ of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed may be calculated through the following equation.

Q 0 = K * p [ Equation ⁢ 1 ]

(where Q₀ is the flow rate of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed, K is the unit constant of the flow rate sensor 100, and p may be the cumulative pulse value of the flow rate sensor 100 detected while the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed is open.)

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may calculate a flow velocity V_flow of the corresponding water supply pipe 712 based on the calculated flow rate Q₀ of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed in operation 750. The flow velocity V_flow of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed may be calculated through the following equation.

V flow = Q 0 / t diff [ Equation ⁢ 2 ]

(where V_flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed, Q₀ is the flow rate of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed, and t_diff may be the opening time of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed.)

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may store the calculated flow velocity V_flow in the memory 93 in operation 760.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart regarding a method for estimating water usage of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 may be selectively combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may obtain a flow velocity V_flow of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed, calculated in the above-described operation 750, from the memory 93 in operation 910.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may obtain a total operation time t_{valve_on} of the water supply valve 72 during the washing cycle, obtained in the above-described operation 630, from the memory 93 in operation 920.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may estimate water usage Q_total of the washing machine 1 based on the flow velocity V_flow of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed and the total operation time t_{valve_on} of the water supply valve 72 in operation 930. The water usage of the washing machine 1 may be calculated through the following equation.

Q total = V flow · t valve ⁢ _ ⁢ on [ Equation ⁢ 3 ]

(where Q_total is the water usage of the washing machine 1, V_flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed, and t_{valve_on} is the total operation time of the water supply valve 72.)

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may store the estimated water usage of the washing machine 1 in the memory 93 in operation 940.

According to an embodiment, in case that the washing machine 1 includes a plurality of water supply flow paths (or water supply pipes 71), the washing machine 1 may calculate a flow velocity and/or flow rate of some water supply flow paths (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712) in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed, and estimate water usage of the washing machine 1 used within the washing cycle based on the calculated flow velocity and/or flow rate. Accordingly, in case that the flow rate sensor 100 is installed in some of multiple water supply flow paths, it may be possible to estimate a flow rate in other water supply flow paths in which the flow rate sensor 100 is not installed using the calculated flow velocity of the corresponding water supply flow path. Further, by estimating water usage of the washing machine 1 based on an actual detection value through the flow rate sensor 100, accuracy may be enhanced compared to water usage of an existing washing machine estimated based on an operation time of a water supply valve.

FIG. 10 is a control flowchart regarding a method for compensating for water usage of a washing machine by reflecting characteristics of a water supply flow path according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The embodiment of FIG. 10 may be selectively combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 9.

Referring to FIG. 10, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may obtain a characteristic constant for each water supply pipe 71 from the memory 93 in operation 1010. The characteristic constant of the water supply pipe 71 is a constant considering flow path resistance of each of the water supply pipes 711, 712, and may be a constant for compensating for a flow rate estimated for each of the water supply pipes 711, 712.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may obtain an operation time of each of the water supply pipes 711, 712 stored in operation 630 from the memory 93 in operation 1020.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may compensate for water usage Q_c of the washing machine 1 based on the obtained characteristic constant K_v1, K_v2, . . . and operation time t_v1, t_v2, . . . for each of the water supply pipes 711, 712 in operation 1030. Water usage of the washing machine 1 compensated by reflecting flow path characteristics for each of the water supply pipes 711, 712 may be calculated through the following equation. The following equation is formulated based on a case where the water supply pipe 71 is composed of two water supply pipes, the first water supply pipe 711 and the second water supply pipe 712, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Q c = V flow * ( K v ⁢ 1 * ⁢ t v ⁢ 1 + K v ⁢ 2 * ⁢ t v ⁢ 2 ) [ Equation ⁢ 4 ]

(where Q_c is water usage of the washing machine 1 compensated for characteristics (e.g., flow path resistance) of each water supply pipe 71, K_v1 is the characteristic constant of the first water supply pipe 711, t_v1 is the opening time of the first water supply pipe 711 (or operation time of the first outlet 722 of the water supply valve 72), K_v2 is the characteristic constant of the second water supply pipe 712, and t_v2 is the opening time of the second water supply pipe 712 (or operation time of the second outlet 723 of the water supply valve 72).)

FIG. 11 is a control flowchart regarding a method for compensating for washing time of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The embodiment of FIG. 11 may be selectively combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 10.

Referring to FIG. 11, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may initiate a washing cycle in operation 1110 in response to a user input (or command) regarding the washing cycle. Operation 1110 is substantially the same as the above-described operation 610, so the description of operation 610 may be applied.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may detect an amount (or weight of laundry) of laundry received in the drum 40 through the weight detection sensor 200 in operation 1120.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may obtain a reference water supply time, an expected flow rate, and a reference flow velocity corresponding to the detected amount of laundry from the memory 93 in operation 1130. Here, the reference water supply time is time required for water supply according to the expected flow rate, the expected flow rate is water usage of the washing machine required during washing according to the detected amount of laundry, and the reference flow velocity may mean a preset flow velocity during water supply (e.g., about 11 LPM).

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may detect a flow velocity (or flow rate) of one or more water supply pipes 71 in operation 1140. Operation 1140 is substantially the same as the above-described operation 620, so the description of operation 620 may be applied.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may estimate water usage of the washing machine 1 based on a flow velocity of one or more water supply pipes (e.g., the second water supply pipe 712) detected by the flow rate sensor 100 in operation 1150. Operation 1150 is substantially the same as the above-described operation 640, so the description of operation 640 may be applied.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may compensate for washing time required until completion of washing based on the calculated flow velocity of the water supply pipe 712 and the estimated water usage of the washing machine 1 in operation 1160. Here, the washing time may be, e.g., time obtained by summing weight detection time, foam quality detection time, water supply time (e.g., reference water supply time), washing time, drainage time, rinsing time, and spin-drying time. For example, the washing machine 1 may compensate for water supply time among washing time based on the calculated flow velocity of the water supply pipe 712 and the estimated water usage of the washing machine 1. Based on the flow velocity of the water supply pipe 712 and water usage of the washing machine 1 obtained through the flow rate sensor 100, the compensated water supply time may be calculated through the following equation.

T c = T s * ( Q total / Q s ) * ( V s / V flow ) [ Equation ⁢ 5 ]

(where T_c is the compensated water supply time, T_s is the reference water supply time stored in the memory 93, Q_total is the estimated water usage of the washing machine 1, Q_s is the expected flow rate stored in the memory 93, V_s is the reference flow velocity stored in the memory 93, and V_flow is the calculated flow velocity of the water supply pipe 712.)

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may output a final washing time to the display module 52 by reflecting the compensated water supply time in the washing time in operation 1170. Alternatively, the washing machine 1 may transfer the final washing time to an external device (e.g., a user terminal device) through the transceiver 53.

According to an embodiment, there may be provided a washing machine 1 capable of estimating water usage of the washing machine 1 through one flow rate sensor 100.

According to an embodiment, as the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed at a rear end of the water supply valve 72, stable flow rate measurement is possible with less influence from water pressure fluctuation, and a risk of damage due to high water pressure may be decreased.

According to an embodiment, in case that the flow rate sensor 100 is not installed in all water supply pipes 71, a flow rate of remaining water supply pipes 711 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is not installed may be estimated based on a flow velocity of some water supply pipes 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is installed, so total water usage of the washing machine 1 may be estimated.

A washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a detergent supply device 13, a tub 30, a water supply device 70 for supplying water to the detergent supply device 13 and the tub 30, the water supply device 70 including a plurality of water supply pipes 71 connected to the detergent supply device 13 and the tub 30 and a water supply valve 72 for controlling opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes 71, a flow rate sensor 100 disposed in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 and configured to measure a flow rate of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor is disposed, and a processor 91 for controlling the water supply device 70. The processor 91 may be configured to obtain the flow rate of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed from the flow rate sensor 100, calculate a flow velocity of the water supply pipe 71 based on the obtained flow rate of the water supply pipe 71, and estimate a total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 based on the calculated flow velocity of the water supply pipe 71.

According to an embodiment, the processor 91 may be configured to obtain a cumulative pulse value from the flow rate sensor 100, obtain a flow rate coefficient of the flow rate sensor 100 from a memory 93, and calculate the flow rate of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed through the following equation:

Q 0 = K * p

(where Q₀ is the flow rate of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed, K is the unit constant of the flow rate sensor 100, and p is the cumulative pulse value of the flow rate sensor 100 detected while the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed is open.)

According to an embodiment, the processor 91 may be configured to obtain the flow rate of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed and an opening time of the water supply pipe 71, and calculate the flow velocity in the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed through the following equation:

V flow = Q 0 / t diff

(where V_flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed, Q₀ is the flow rate of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed, and t_diff may be the opening time of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed.)

According to an embodiment, the processor 91 may be configured to obtain a total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes 71, and estimate a total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 through the following equation:

Q total = V flow * t valve ⁢ _ ⁢ on

(where Q_total is the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71, V_flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed, and t_{valve_on} is the total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes 71.)

According to an embodiment, the processor 91 may be configured to obtain a characteristic constant of each water supply pipe 71 from a memory 93, and estimate the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 considering the obtained characteristic constant of each water supply pipe 71. The characteristic constant may relate to flow path resistance of each water supply pipe 71.

According to an embodiment, the processor 91 may be configured to obtain a preset washing time from a memory 93 in response to initiation of a washing cycle, and compensate for the washing time based on the estimated total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may further include a display module 52. The processor 91 may be configured to output the estimated total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 to the display module 52.

According to an embodiment, the flow rate sensor 100 may be disposed at a rear end of the water supply valve 72.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of water supply pipes 71 may include a first water supply pipe 711 connected to the detergent supply device 13 and a second water supply pipe 712 connected to the tub 30. The flow rate sensor 100 may be disposed in the second water supply pipe 712.

According to an embodiment, the flow rate sensor 100 may include a sensor housing 110 provided with an inlet 112 and an outlet 113, a sensor cover 120 coupled to an upper side of the sensor housing 110 and including a Hall sensor disposed thereon, and an impeller 130 rotatably disposed inside the sensor housing 110 and including a magnet disposed thereon.

A method for controlling a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure including a detergent supply device 13, a tub 30, a water supply device 70 including a plurality of water supply pipes 71 connected to the detergent supply device 13 and the tub 30 and a water supply valve 72 for controlling opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes 71, and a flow rate sensor 100 disposed in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 may include detecting 620 a flow velocity of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed from the flow rate sensor 100 in response to initiation 610 of a washing cycle, obtaining 630 a total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 during the washing cycle, and estimating 640 water usage of the washing machine 1 based on the detected flow velocity of the water supply pipe 712 and the obtained total opening time of the water supply pipes 71.

According to an embodiment, the control method of the washing machine 1 may include obtaining 720 a cumulative pulse value from the flow rate sensor 100, obtaining 730 a flow rate coefficient of the flow rate sensor 100 from a memory 93, and calculating 740 the flow rate of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed through the following equation:

Q 0 = K * p

(where Q₀ is the flow rate of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed, K is the unit constant of the flow rate sensor 100, and p is the cumulative pulse value of the flow rate sensor 100 detected while the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed is open)

According to an embodiment, the control method of the washing machine 1 may include obtaining the flow rate of the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed and an opening time of the water supply pipe 712, and calculating 750 the flow velocity in the water supply pipe 712 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed through the following equation:

V flow = Q 0 / t diff

(where V_flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed, Q₀ is the flow rate of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed, and t_diff may be the opening time of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed.)

According to an embodiment, the control method of the washing machine 1 may include obtaining 910 the flow velocity of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed, obtaining 920 a total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes 71, and estimating 930 a total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 through the following equation:

Q total = V flow * t valve ⁢ _ ⁢ on

(where Q_total is the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71, V_flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe 71 in which the flow rate sensor 100 is disposed, and t_{valve_on} is the total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes 71.)

According to an embodiment, the control method of the washing machine 1 may include obtaining 1010 a characteristic constant of each water supply pipe 71 from a memory 93, obtaining 1020 an opening time for each water supply pipe 71, and estimating 1030 a total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 considering the obtained characteristic constant of each water supply pipe 71. The characteristic constant may relate to flow path resistance of each water supply pipe 71.

According to an embodiment, the control method of the washing machine 1 may include obtaining 1130 a preset washing time from a memory 93 in response to initiation of a washing cycle, and compensating 1160 the washing time based on the estimated total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71.

According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may further include a display module 52, and the control method of the washing machine 1 may further include outputting the estimated total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes 71 to the display module 52.

According to an embodiment, the flow rate sensor 100 may be disposed at a rear end of the water supply valve 72.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of water supply pipes 71 may include a first water supply pipe 711 connected to the detergent supply device 13 and a second water supply pipe 712 connected to the tub 30. The flow rate sensor 100 may be disposed in the second water supply pipe 712.

According to an embodiment, the flow rate sensor 100 may include a sensor housing 110 provided with an inlet 112 and an outlet 113, a sensor cover 120 coupled to an upper side of the sensor housing 110 and including a Hall sensor disposed thereon, and an impeller 130 rotatably disposed inside the sensor housing 110 and including a magnet disposed thereon.