Abstract: A method of operating a drain pump in a laundry washing machine during the drain phase of the wash cycle to reduce pump blockages is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) starting the pump and running it for a first period of time to produce a discharge of a given flow rate, (b) stopping the pump and leaving the pump stopped for a second period of time, and repeating steps (a) and (b) for the duration of said drain phase, said second period of time being such that the flow rate reduces substantially to zero.

Abstract: A controller for a washing machine including an agitation element operable at a plurality of speeds during an agitation phase of a wash cycle is provided. The controller comprises a microcomputer configured to adjust an actuation of the agitation element in response to at least one input, said at least one input indicative of a characteristic of a laundry load.

Abstract: An automatically controlled washing machine includes a washing liquid circulation system which drains washing liquid from the bottom of a laundry treatment space and, via a supply orifice, supplies the washing liquid again to the laundry treatment space. The supply orifice is configured such that a dynamic pressure is present in the circulating line during a pumping operation. The washing liquid circulation system has a sensor device which is sensitive to the dynamic pressure and transmits a signal for controlling a supply valve for fresh water as a function of the dynamic pressure. The sensor device also detects a static pressure present in the laundry treatment space and in the circulating line, when the circulating pump is switched off. The sensor device transmits a signal for executing safety measures when the static pressure exceeds a given safety level so that the washing machine is protected against overflowing.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling the same by braking a spin-drying tub after interrupting the power of a motor for the spin-drying tub is disclosed. The washing machine comprises a mode selection unit for selecting a spin-drying mode, and a spin-drying timer for selecting a spin-drying time. The spin-drying timer includes a spin-drying switch and a motor control switch each having a different operation time. When the spin-drying mode is selected by the mode selection unit, the spin-drying switch of the spin-drying timer is connected to the solenoid of a drain motor and the motor control switch is connected to a motor driving circuit via a starting switch of the drain motor. As the motor control switch is turned off (the spin-drying switch is turned on) at a time earlier than a selected spin-drying time to interrupt power for the motor, the rotation speed of the spin-drying tub is reduced.

Abstract: Object of the present invention lies on improving a system stability by reducing an allowable eccentricity of laundry below a preset value when a spinning speed reaches to a maximum even if a voltage higher than a rated voltage is applied, by varying a maximum limit of a lead angle with a voltage applied to a drum type washing machine. For achieving the object of the present invention, in a method for controlling a spinning speed of the present invention, a maximum value of a lead angle is set to vary with an applied voltage after detection of the applied voltage.

Abstract: A washing machine has a laundry drum and a tub and defines an outflow orifice at a lowest point and a second orifice at a point higher. An outflow line fluidically connects to the outflow orifice. A liquid line fluidically connects the outflow line to the second orifice. A turbidity sensor is disposed at the liquid line and responds to a turbidity of liquid flowing therethrough. A pressure controller includes a pressure line connection at the outflow line, a pressure sensor connected to the pressure line connection, a pressure of liquid in the outflow line dependent on a level of liquid in the tub being transmitted from the outflow line to the pressure sensor through the pressure line connection, and the pressure sensor responding to the liquid pressure and controlling a liquid filling level in the tub dependent upon the liquid pressure. In the configuration, the outflow hose has both a connection for a turbidity sensor and a connection for a pressure sensor.

Abstract: Device for controlling a motor in a washing machine and a method for controlling a process of a washing machine by using the same, the device including a motor, a power source part for supplying a voltage to the motor, a plurality of torque varying parts parallel to each other and electrically connected to the motor for varying a rotation torque of the motor, a plurality of switching part connected to the torque varying parts respectively and electrically connected to the power source part, a driving part for switching the switching parts, and a controlling part for controlling the driving part so as to vary the rotation torque of the motor according to a mode of user's selection.

Abstract: An appliance is provided with a display system for use in connection with leveling the appliance. The system includes an accelerometer used in connection with an electronic controller to sense the degree to which the appliance is not level. Signals from the accelerometer are sent to a CPU which regulates a visual depiction on a display provided on the appliance. Adjustments made to alter the leveling condition of the appliance are also relayed to CPU, thereby updating the display and conveying when the appliance is suitably level. The system components can also be used to regulate other appliance operations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved clothes rollover in automatic washer cycles using time-varying rotor oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and a rotor being rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The rotor is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.

Abstract: A laundry treatment machine, in particular, a washing machine and/or drier, includes an electronic controller, an information output device, and an input device. The electronic controller automatically implements laundry programs and has a decision-maker identifying each laundry item placed therein. The decision-maker makes decisions to create an optimized treatment program for treating the combination of identified laundry items placed into the machine. An information output device presents to a user the optimized program as a proposal. An input device is connected to the electronic controller and is to be actuated by a user for confirming the laundry treatment program determined by the decision-maker.

Abstract: Full automatic washing machine, and method for controlling the same, the full automatic washing machine including a spinning tub 2 movably fitted in an outer tub 1, a pulsator 3 rotatably fitted in the spinning tub 2 to be rotatable independent from the spinning tub 2, a spinning shaft 5 rotatably supported on a shaft bearing case 20 for transmission of a rotating power to the spinning tub 2, a washing shaft 4 for transmission of the rotating power to the pulsator 3, a BLDC motor 7 having a rotor 7b and a stator 7a for rotating the rotor 7b as power is applied to the stator 7a, and a clutch mechanism for switching a power transmission path of the BLDC motor 7 either to the washing shaft 4 or to the spinning shaft 5 in correspondence to a washing cycle, or a spinning cycle, thereby permitting noiseless, and stable switching of the rotation power within a short time when the rotating power is transmitted to the pulsator or the spinning tub from a driving part having the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: An engaging groove part 25 is provided at the outer circumferential edge of a rotor 20b of an outer-rotor type motor directly connected to the main shaft 14 of a drum 13, and on the other hand, a drum locking device 21 is provided directly below the shaft. The drum locking device 21 is constructed so that a lock pin moves up and down in response to rotation of a torque motor, and when the lock pin advances and fits into the groove of the engaging groove pan 25, the position of the drum 13 is fixed. Thereby, the stopping position of the drum can be fixed with a simple construction.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method for guiding use of the same are disclosed. The method for guiding use of a washing machine having an LCD includes the steps of displaying at least one or more washing strokes on the LCD if a user selects a washing following menu displayed in the LCD by applying a power source, selecting a desired washing stroke from the displayed washing strokes, and displaying a guide message for processing the selected washing stroke. The method provides the user with convenience for use and processes the exact washing stroke.

Abstract: A drain pump of a washing machine is cyclically activated during a drain operation conducted as part of a spin cycle in a manner which reduces the run time of the pump. At least one dynamic operating parameter of the washing machine is sensed and used to control the operation of the drain pump. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotational speed of the wash tub is sensed and, when a predetermined spin speed is maintained for a prescribed period of time, the drain operation is initiated. Water level, pump power and/or drive motor torque can also be utilized as pump cycling control parameters.

Abstract: This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.

Abstract: A method for the washing of laundry in a motor-driver washing machine. The laundry method is intended to optimize the washing procedure with respect to the amount of mechanical energy which is needed in order to achieve the desired cleaning effect on the laundry.

Abstract: A horizontally oriented laundry washing machine which includes automatic balancers is operated at a speed below the stick speed for the laundry load to redistribute portions of the load in the wash basket. By monitoring a condition of the machine indicative of the level of balance of the load, and selectively accelerating and decelerating the wash basket about the stick speed, the load can be redistributed so that the load imbalance is sufficient low to speed up the wash basket through its natural resonant frequencies.

Abstract: A washing machine (10) includes a one part sensor (60, 70) mounted to detect passage of a component normally associated with, and rotatable with, the drive shaft (25) of the machine (10) to detect speed of rotation of the shaft (25) and, in turn, speed of rotation of the clothes basket (22) without the need for a second, additional component not normally required for proper rotational operation of basket (22).

Abstract: A control system for measuring load imbalance in a laundry washing machine having a non-vertical axis of drum rotation, and then using the value obtained for the load imbalance to calculate a maximum permissible angular velocity for the drum during the water extraction cycle.

Abstract: A communication-controlled washing system and a method for operating the same, wherein at least one washing machine is remotely controllable through a communication unit. A service provider controls the use, operation completion, operation progress and fault diagnosis of a plurality of washing machines individually over a communication network, resulting in a significant reduction in time and effort required for users or managers to limit the use of machines, upgrade programs or repair faults. Further, the optimum washing mode can be performed according to a use history and environmental conditions of each machine.

Abstract: A drain pump of a washing machine is cyclically activated during a drain operation conducted as part of a spin cycle in a manner which reduces the run time of the pump. At least one dynamic operating parameter of the washing machine is sensed and used to control the operation of the drain pump. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotational speed of the wash tub is sensed and, when a predetermined spin speed is maintained for a prescribed period of time, the drain operation is initiated. Water level, pump power and/or drive motor torque can also be utilized as pump cycling control parameters.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes an outer cabinet, a water tub mounted in the outer cabinet and having a rear wall, a generally drum-like rotating tub rotatably mounted in the water tub and having a rear wall, and a turbidity sensor sensing a turbidity of wash liquid in the water tub and disposed on a lower inside face of the rear wall of the water tub, the turbidity sensor including a light emitting element and a light detecting element.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting mass transfer in a rotating device or rotating system, such as a washing machine or dishwasher. Mass may be transferred from the stationary member to the rotating member. The transfer of the mass from the stationary member to the rotating member may be detected utilizing a sensor. A controller linked to the rotating system thereafter may receive a signal that the transfer of mass has been detected, in response to detecting the transfer of mass, thereby permitting the controller to compensate future mass placements in the rotating system according to measured latencies. The mass may comprise a fluid. The fluid itself may be conductive. A gap is generally configured between the stationary member and the rotating member. At least one wire connected to the sensor may be inserted into a stream of such fluid that is created when injectors are activated.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided with a noise reduction and control system which can sense out of balance and pump starvation conditions. More specifically, a microphone is used in connection with an electronic controller to sense an unbalance or pump starvation condition and alter a washing operation of the machine to counteract the unbalance or pump starvation condition. Additionally, the microphone and controller can respond to voice commands to establish the washing operation for the washing machine.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine is automatically responsive to indications of high suds level conditions during washing operations to, not only counteract the high level of suds, but effectively educate the user on avoiding the reoccurrence of the conditions. A display, such as an LCD touch screen which is also preferably used to input desired cycle parameters, is integrated into the washing machine for both alerting the user to the occurrence of a high suds level condition and conveying information on how to avoid the development of the situation in the future. In order to avoid prematurely alarming the user, it is preferable to instruct the user only after a predetermined number of high level suds cycles are detected.

Abstract: Method of checking the aseptic nature of washing before opening at least one door of the washing machine. A washing machine (10) is fitted with at least one door (14) capable of being opened into a clean room (20) at the end of each washing-rinsing-spin drying cycle. So as to avoid this opening operation being performed if the conditions for asepsis of the washing are not ensured, opening is conditional on an opening authorization signal being emitted by a control unit (36). This unit checks, successively, the introduction of water into the tank (22) of the machine, the presence in the tank of detergent products, heating of the water to a minimum temperature and the maintainence of this temperature for a predetermined time interval. If any one of these conditions is not fulfilled, the automatic opening signal is not emitted.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical sensor for measuring the property of a gaseous or liquid medium, particularly the opaqueness of a washing or rinsing liquid in a washing or rinsing machine, with at least one radiation source, a radiation receiver and a light-transmitting sensor body, with an optical boundary surface, which, depending on the nature of the medium present outside the boundary surface of the sensor body, to a greater or lesser degree transmits to the radiation receiver and/or reflects the radiation directed on to it, resulting at the radiation receiver in different measurement signals which characterise the reflectivity and the refractive index conditions at the boundary surface. Unambiguous measurement signals for process control of a washing or rinsing machine are obtained through separate sensing of the transparency and reflection of the medium.

Abstract: In a method of measuring the loading of a washing drum 1, drivable by a motor 2, of a washing machine or a washer-drier, in a first phase A the washing drum 1 is accelerated by way of an electronic control system 3 to a first speed of rotation nb which is above the laundry-application speed of rotation na. In order to provide that removal of water from the laundry and machine friction are involved in the measurement result to the minimum possible degree, in a subsequent second phase B the washing drum 1 is braked to a second speed of rotation nc by electrical braking of the motor 2. The electronic control system 3 detects the variation in the braking procedure in regard to speed of rotation and/or braking moment to ascertain the mass moment of inertia of the loaded washing drum.

Abstract: A washing machine includes an electric motor developing torque used for wash, rinse and dehydration operations, a current detector detecting current flowing into the motor, and a torque controller performing a vector control for the motor on the basis of the current detected by the current detector so that the torque developed by the motor is optimum for at least each of the wash and dehydration operations.

Abstract: The air pressure sensor of the present invention functions to control the water level in a washing machine tub and to vary the fill volume relative to the clothes load. The sensor or switch is mounted on the drain pump on the base of the washing machine cabinet, so as to be independent from the washing machine tub. An air dome extends between the switch and the water inlet line of the pump. The switch is set to be actuated at a predetermined pressure. As the water level increases in the tub, the air pressure within the air dome increases, until eventually the switch is actuated. The switch is mounted directly to the air dome in an angular orientation, thereby minimizing or eliminating condensation problems in the switch. The switch will also be activated by water pressure, in the event of an air leak in the air dome, so as to preclude water overflow of the tub.

Abstract: A washing machine (10) includes a motor cut-off circuit (70) which includes a fuse (100) and a blow switch (110) responsive to a brake failure signal (BFS) to blow the fuse (100) and prevent the motor (40) from thereafter being energized until the fuse (100) is reset or replaced.

Abstract: A control system for measuring load imbalance in a laundry washing machine having a non-vertical axis of drum rotation, and then using the value obtained for the load imbalance to calculate a maximum permissible angular velocity for the drum during the water extraction cycle.

Abstract: A washing machine having improved cleaning efficiency by adding a generator of functional water such as ozone water or electrolyzed water to a full-automatic washing machine, and a washing method thereof, are provided. The washing machine includes a water supplier for supplying washing water, a washing tub containing the washing water supplied from the water supplier and a laundry, a functional water generator installed inside the washing tub, and an agitator for agitating the washing water and the laundry contained in the washing tub. When the washing water supplied to the washing tub reaches a predetermined level, the functional water generator is operated to generate ozone water or electrolyzed water, which is then mixed by the agitator. Thus, partial decolorization or damage of the laundry can be prevented.

Abstract: A process and system for controlling respective agitator motion patterns in a washing machine having a motor drive coupled to energize a motor that drives the agitator is provided. The process allows for selecting a desired agitator motion pattern based on one or more pattern selection signals. The process further allows measuring one or more parameters indicative of the actual agitator motion pattern. A comparing step allows for comparing the actual agitator motion pattern against the desired agitator motion pattern, and an adjusting step allows for adjusting one or more control signals supplied to the motor drive for correcting deviations between the actual agitator motion pattern and the desired motion pattern.

Abstract: In a linen or clothes washing machine having a drum (12) with a substantially horizontal axis, which is internally subdivided into two compartments (14a, 14b) by a partition (16) passing through the axis thereof, the drum (12) is rotated at an angular velocity or speed such that the linen (24a, 24b) is subject to a substantially constant radial acceleration with a mean value between approximately 0.70 and 0.95 g, in which g represents the gravitational acceleration. To this end, the system controlling the rotation of the drum (12) preferably includes a closed loop speed control device. An efficient washing is ensured by making the two linen loads (24a, 24b) drop whenever the drum performs a half-turn.

Abstract: This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.

Abstract: A water supply safety valve kit for an appliance in which the kit includes an individual solenoid actuated normally closed valve unit for each water supply line to the appliance and a control unit that plugs into a conventional electrical female household outlet. The control unit has a first outlet at the household line voltage and into which the power cord of the appliance plugs and a second lower voltage outlet responsive to current flow to the first outlet. A count down timer circuit and a low voltage output are activated by the current flow to the first outlet and lines connect that low voltage output to the solenoid valve unit to open the same. The count down timer terminates the low voltage output after a preselected time period.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the rotation speed of a washing machine tub includes receiving an indication of the actual tub rotation speed and comparing the actual tub rotation speed to a set point speed to calculate a speed error. One or more gain factors are applied to the speed error to calculate a correction factor. Adaptive gain control is used, wherein the gain factors are adjusted in response to system parameters, including the actual or desired tub rotation speed, speed error, average torque demand, average power, etc.

Abstract: Detergent solution is discharged by means of a pump (10) at the bottom of a washing handling space (1) and is fed back to the handling space (1) via a pipeline (9) above the washing (3) located in the handling space. The washing machine is also connected to a fresh-water supply line (5) which can be opened and closed by a valve (7) which is controllable by a sensor device (12) suitable for establishing a volumetric flow present in the pumping direction of the pump (10). It is possible to dispense with a separate sensor element for controlling the fresh-water supply by a body (13) which can be actuated by the volumetric flow prevailing in the pipeline (9) being arranged along the pipeline (9) and, depending on the presence or absence of volumetric flow, protruding into or releasing the measuring section (18) of a turbidity sensor (17). Finally, the valve (7) is controlled by the turbidity sensor (17) so as to assume its opening or closed position.

Abstract: A method and system for providing washing machine operation information.

Abstract: A drawer-type washing machine and process of washing laundry using the washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine has a housing opened at its front to form a cavity. A cabinet, opened at its top, is received in the cavity of the housing such that the cabinet is movable forward or backward relative to the housing. A washing tub unit, consisting of an outer tub and an inner tub, is set within the cabinet. This washing tub unit contains washing water therein, and carries out both a washing operation and a spin-drying operation for laundry contained therein. A drive unit is installed at a position under the outer tub of the washing tub unit, and rotates the inner tub of the washing tub unit. A suspension unit supports the washing tub unit within the cabinet while performing a damping function of attenuating operational vibrations of the washing tub unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for braking a washing machine comprising the steps of: determining whether or not a motor is braking; transmitting a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control signal by setting up the initial phase and the duty ratio according to the voltage flows in the system when an operation mode determined by the previous step as a braking mode; comparing a capacity and a variance of the detected voltage with a reference voltage predetermined during the previous step; and controlling a motor driver by re-establishing the control phase and the duty ratio are re-established until the motor is stopped when the comparison result of the previous step indicates that the capacity and the variance of the voltage are lower than the predetermined reference level.

Abstract: An automatic washer includes a control which allows the user to observe the operation of the washer under a set condition or conditions. When these conditions are met, the user may open the door or lid of the washer and observe, for a predetermined period of time, the wash activity. After reclosing the door or lid, the washer may be restarted to continue the wash cycle.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine includes a water tub having a bottom with a through hole, a rotating tub rotatably mounted in the water tub, an electric motor including a rotor and mounted on an underside of the water tub, a hollow tub shaft rotatably mounted on the bottom of the water tub so as to extend through the hole of the water tub, the tub shaft having an upper end connected to the rotating tub and a lower end with an outer circumferential face formed with a sliding guide, a boss mounted on a central portion of the rotor so as to be located below the tub shaft, the boss including an upper portion formed with an annular connecting portion having a diameter larger than a diameter of the tub shaft, an agitator shaft rotatably mounted inside the tub shaft and having an upper end connected to the agitator and a lower end connected to the boss, a cylindrical clutch having an inner circumferential face formed with an annular engaging portion engaging the sliding guide, the clutch being fitted with the lower end

Abstract: This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.

Abstract: This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.

Abstract: This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.

Abstract: A laundry treatment machine, in particular, a washing machine and/or drier, includes an electronic controller, an information output device, and an input device. The electronic controller automatically implements laundry programs and has a decision-maker identifying each laundry item placed therein. The decision-maker makes decisions to create an optimized treatment program for treating the combination of identified laundry items placed into the machine. An information output device presents to a user the optimized program as a proposal. An input device is connected to the electronic controller and is to be actuated by a user for confirming the laundry treatment program determined by the decision-maker.

Abstract: A communication-controlled washing system and a method for operating the same, wherein at least one washing machine is remotely controllable through a communication unit. A service provider controls the use, operation completion, operation progress and fault diagnosis of a plurality of washing machines individually over a communication network, resulting in a significant reduction in time and effort required for users or managers to limit the use of machines, upgrade programs or repair faults. Further, the optimum washing mode can be performed according to a use history and environmental conditions of each machine.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for computer-assisted determination of clusters recognizes foaming in a washing machine. The following quantities are measured during a washing process in the washing machine; a pressure in the washing machine, a temperature in the washing machine, and an amount of water in the washing machine. Application vectors are formed from the measured quantities, and fuzzy affiliation values for predetermined clusters are identified for the application vectors. A foam formation is recognized based on the fuzzy affiliation values.