Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine that may effectively remove residual water remaining at the bottom of a tub after completion of washing, and a control method thereof. A drainage motor is driven to remove residual water remaining at the bottom of a tub when a predetermined time elapses after all washing operations are completed. Thereby, the residual water may be prevented from freezing and thus blocking the drain. Further, the residual water may be removed through a control algorithm, without adding a separate device. Thereby, manufacturing costs may be reduced.

Abstract: Example methods of determining the degree of satellization of laundry articles against an inner wall of a drum of a laundry treating appliance are disclosed. An example method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment, and a motor rotating the drum includes increasing the rotational speed of the drum by increasing the rotational speed of the motor, and detecting when a parameter signal representing the rotation of the drum reaches substantially a minimum to determine the speed at which substantially all of the laundry is satellized.

Abstract: A reception (RX) node using mutual resonance includes a target resonator configured to receive power via mutual resonance with a source resonator; a controller configured to wake up in response to the received power, determine a point in time at which the controller woke up to be a point in time at which synchronization with other RX nodes is performed, and generate a data packet, and a sensor configured to wake up in response to the received power, sense information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a control method of the same. The control method includes detecting a position of a coupler coupled to a rotor of a drive motor in a first mode in which power from the drive motor is transmitted to a washing shaft and a spin-drying shaft and coupled to a rotation prevention unit of a water tub in a second mode in which the power from the drive motor is transmitted to the washing shaft, determining based on the position of the coupler whether the coupling of the coupler is abnormal, shaking the coupler at a present position or moving the coupler to a position before mode switching and shaking the coupler such that the coupler is moved to a position where the mode switching is to be performed.

Abstract: Devices and methods to adjust the operation of a washing machine based on system modeling include a motor, a control board, a heater, a number of sensors, and an electronic controller. The controller receives a selected wash cycle program and determines an operating condition of the selected wash cycle program, using data from the sensors. The motor may be used as a sensor. Based on the operating condition, the controller predicts an operational parameter of the washing machine using a system model. The controller may adjust the wash cycle program to keep the operational parameter in bounds or increase efficiency. The operational parameter may be temperature, electrical current consumption, wash efficiency, or energy consumption. The wash cycle program may be adjusted by modifying the duty cycle of the motor or the heater. The system model may be recalibrated upon use to adapt to the particular characteristics of the washing machine.

Abstract: A water-conducting appliance, including a compartment for receiving items therein for washing; and a cleaning agent dosing system having a dosing device for dosing at least one cleaning agent, in particular a liquid cleaning agent, into the washing compartment, the dosing device including a dosing chamber for holding a cleaning agent, an outlet, a gate for opening and closing the dosing chamber, and an actuator system for actuating the gate to move between an opening position and a closing position, the actuator system including transfer means operably connected to the gate such that a predetermined movement of the transfer means moves the gate, opening means for moving the transfer means in a first direction operable to open the gate, and return means for moving the transfer means in a second direction to close the gate.

Abstract: A washing system and to a method for washing clothing is disclosed. In some embodiments, the washing system comprises: a washing unit for washing clothing items, a tag connected to a clothing item (the tag being configured for transmitting one or more predetermined parameters associated with the clothing item), and a computing unit for receiving the one or more predetermined parameters transmitted from the tag. The computing unit is configured to send to the washing unit an instruction in dependence on the parameters received from tags attached to clothing situated in the washing unit such that a setting of the washing unit is adjusted for washing the clothing items situated in the washing unit. In this way, a possibility is provided for automatically getting the information about whether correct colours are combined, whether the washing temperature and other parameters are correct, and how many clothes are inside the washing unit.

Abstract: A method for determining a target rotational speed below an application rotational speed of a washing drum of a laundry treatment device having a drive and a vibrating system, wherein a dependence of a mechanical effect on items to be washed located in the washing drum on the respective nominal speed of the washing drum is used to ascertain the target rotational speed at which the mechanical effect is at the greatest. The mechanical effect at a respective target rotational speed is ascertained by measuring vibrating system movements of the vibrating system which exhibit greater frequency than the respective target rotational speed. The rotational speed at which the maximum vibrating system movement was measured is selected for carrying out the washing care procedure. The advantage of such a method is that the washing mechanics can be increased, thus improving the cleaning efficiency.

Abstract: A laundry treatment machine includes a device driving unit configured to control a lock device including a lock element, and a lead, which moves along with the lock element. If the lock element is moved to a lock position, a device controller determines whether the lead is moved from its initial position to a predetermined position and outputs a first detection signal as the result of the determination. The device controller outputs lock information if the first detection signal is received, and determines that the lid assembly and the top cover are not locked and outputs lock error information if the first detection signal is not received. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether laundry is stuck between the lid assembly and the top cover and whether the motor is broken by locking or unlocking the lid assembly and the top cover with the use of the lock element.

Abstract: An inverter device provided on a washing machine for controlling a permanent magnet motor being provided with a rotor magnet including a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet having a level of coercivity smaller than the first permanent magnet. An excitation current is produced to vary the amount of magnetism of the second permanent magnet to execute a dehydrate operation with a magnetic flux of the rotor magnet reduced and to execute an operation being specified to operate at a lower maximum rotation count compared to the dehydrate operation with the magnetic flux of the rotor magnet increased. When the amount of magnetism of the second permanent magnet is varied while rotation of the permanent magnet motor is stopped, a phase of the excitation current for varying the amount of magnetism is switched depending on a rotation stop position of the rotor.

Abstract: A household appliance for treating at least one item according to at least one cycle of operation, includes a treating chamber for receiving the at least one item for treatment according to the at least one cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser receiving a unit dose container having an optically sensible element, a physical alteration element located proximate to the treating chemistry dispenser and operable to physically alter at least a portion of the optically sensible element, and a sensor to sense the physical alteration.

Abstract: A household washing machine that includes a foam-promoting agent dispenser that adds a predetermined amount of a foam-promoting agent during a washing cycle, and a foam-inhibiting agent dispenser that adds a predetermined amount of a foam-inhibiting agent before the end of a rinsing cycle.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and a method for operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum defining a chamber for receiving laundry. The operation of the laundry treating appliance may be based on the mechanical energy due to the falling action of the laundry.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for stain removing, washing, drying and ironing treatment of garments and/or washing of dishes in pre-existing plumbing fixtures like showers, bathtubs, combined shower—bathtub and shower—sauna, each provided with a protective stall. The system comprises a frame, composed of at least two posts (15) connected by a top crossbeam (16), placed inside the stall; collapsible or foldable hangers or models (18), assembled on the frame for hanging garments thereon; means (19, 20) for supplying and delivering a washing and rinsing fluid for garments supported by hangers or models (18); and means per supplying airflow in the stall for drying and ironing said garments, while the latter are hung up on said hangers or models. Alternatively to hangers or models, the system comprises plate-rack for dishes to be washed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and fabric items during a wash process, and a method for setting the liquid level in the automatic washer based on the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and the fabric items.

Abstract: A laundry treatment machine and a washing method therefor are provided. The laundry treatment machine may discharge fluid by driving a drainage device, while rotating a drum during a time period between a plurality of rinsing operations. The rotation speed of the drum may be controlled to be lower than a reference speed, which is the rotation speed of the drum when laundry is not uniformly distributed in the drum, and thus, eccentricity of the laundry is high.

Abstract: A laundry appliance having a perforated rotatable drum for spin dehydrating a wet textile load, an electric motor for providing an accelerating force which in use causes the drum to rotate, load sensors for detecting any static dynamic imbalance in the rotation of the drum, and a controller which receives inputs from the load sensors and is programmed to, in a spin-up phase, energize said electric motor so as to evenly distribute the load within the drum and thereby minimize any static or dynamic imbalance when the drum rotates.

Abstract: A washing machine or washer-dryer (1) includes a washing tub (2), a laundry drum (3) within the washing tub (2) and a circulation pump (14) for pumping up water from a bottom region of the washing tub (2) into a higher region of the washing tub (2). A method of operation includes the step of detecting, determining and/or inputting the amount of laundry (4) in the laundry drum (3). The circulation pump (14) is deactivated, if the amount of the laundry (4) in the laundry drum (3) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The washing machine or washer-dryer (1) may further include a control device (7) for controlling the circulation pump (14), and means for detecting, determining and/or inputting the amount of laundry (4) in the laundry drum (3). The circulation pump (14) is automatically switched off by the control device (7) if the amount of the laundry (4) in the laundry drum (3) exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and a method for operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum defining a chamber for receiving laundry. The operation of the laundry treating appliance may be based on the mechanical energy due to the falling action of the laundry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine and a sound control method thereof that are capable of canceling noise generated during an operation of the washing machine and, at the same time, informing a user of information related to the operation of the washing machine using a sound. The sound control method includes operating the washing machine according to an inputted operation command, sensing noise generated during the operation of the washing machine, reading a sound to cancel the sensed noise, and outputting the read sound in a state in which the read sound is mapped with the noise. Consequently, it is possible mask the noise, thereby minimizing the noise. Also, it is possible to sense a start and an end of each operation and a change of the operation based on the noise pattern, sense a user's access to the washing machine, and output a feedback sound, thereby informing of the progress information of the washing machine.

Abstract: A method for controlling a filling process of a water-bearing household appliance. The method includes opening a locking arrangement to fill the water-bearing household appliance with water, wherein the locking arrangement is controlled by the water-bearing household appliance; monitoring a fill sensor that detects the water flowing into the water-bearing household appliance; activating a pump to convey the water that flowed into the water-bearing household appliance as a result of the absence of at least one signal from the fill sensor; and analyzing a performance characteristic of the pump.

Abstract: A washing machine and a controlling method thereof may automatically set a customized washing cycle according to a wearing environment of laundry. The washing machine includes a user input configured to receive wearing environment information of the laundry from a user, and a controller configured to determine washing characteristics of the laundry based on the wearing environment information of the laundry and automatically set a washing cycle based on the washing characteristics of the laundry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laundry treating appliance having a drum and a torsionally flexible drive mechanism. The drum simultaneously rotates in a first rotational direction and oscillates about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat pump clothes dryer operating on a mechanical refrigeration cycle is disclosed. The method includes partitioning all energy available in the heat pump clothes dryer into a first amount of energy and a second amount of energy; using the first amount of energy to attain a standard parameter performance for the heat pump clothes dryer; and using the second amount of energy to accelerate a dry cycle of the heat pump clothes dryer, wherein using the second amount of energy to accelerate a dry cycle of the heat pump clothes dryer comprises using the second amount of energy to energize an auxiliary heater during a start transient phase of the dry cycle to decrease the start transient phase.

Abstract: A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. In the case of a water heating clothes washer containing a heater assembly, the controller is configured to change the power consuming characteristics of the heater assembly to reduce power consumption of the clothes washer in an energy savings mode.

Abstract: A drum-type washing machine that includes a program controller, a drum rotatably mounted in a detergent solution tub, a detergent solution discharge system disposed at a base of the detergent solution tub having a detergent solution drain pump, a sensor for determining a foam level and/or a negative time gradient of a liquid/air mixture contained in the detergent solution tub, a drive motor for the drum that adjusts a rotation of the drum to eliminate foam in the drum-type washing machine, and a water supply system that adds a small volume of water continuously or discontinuously if foam is detected by the sensor during the run-up to spin speed of the drum with the detergent solution drain pump switched on continuously or discontinuously.

Abstract: An existing water recirculation system of a laundry washer may be activated to circulate air in a way that can reduce the moisture in the tub and drum of the washer. Also included is a system whereby an existing drain pump of the washer may be selectively activated to cause air to vent through the washer and out the drain hose of the washer. These systems may be used individually or in conjunction with each other, and with drum rotation. Supplemental venting may also be provided by a dedicated fan, to provide an effective multi-action washing machine venting solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an out of balance condition for a washing machine are disclosed. The wash basket of the washing machine is rotated at a constant predetermined rotational speed. If the washing machine has an unbalanced load, the wash tub will strike the cabinet as the basket rotates in the wash tub. The tub strikes cause the wash basket to lose momentum. The inverter drive control system causes the inverter to provide more current through the motor phases to the motor to maintain constant speed. From the value of the current, the severity of the tub strikes during a test period can be determined. An out of balance condition can be detected and measured based at least in part on the severity of the tub strikes.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for determining loads in clothes washing machines which comprises the following steps: (E1) Acceleration of the mobile assembly of the washing machine until the mobile assembly reaches a low rotation speed; (E2) Acceleration of the mobile assembly until the mobile assembly reaches a medium rotation speed faster than the speed in the first step (E1); (E3) Deceleration; (E4) Acceleration of the mobile assembly and measurement of the engine current; (E5) Measurement, whereby parameters regarding the engine are measured; (E6) Shutdown of the engine and measurement of the deceleration time; (E7) Repetition, whereby the forth (E4), fifth (E5) and sixth (E6) steps are repeated at least once before the performance of the eighth step (E8); (E8) Calculation of the average of each one of the parameters measured in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh steps; and (E9) Obtainment of clothes load value.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance has a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment according to at least one cycle of operation and operated such that the extraction of liquid from the laundry load is controlled based on the inertia of the laundry load so that the total energy usage by the laundry treating appliance and a laundry drying appliance with which it is operably coupled may be minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a tub, a rotatable drum within the tub, and a rotatable drive shaft supported in a bearing assembly and mounted to the drum, with the bending moment acting on the bearing assembly being determined and used as an input to control the operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance for treating a laundry load according to at least one cycle of operation including a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber in which a laundry load is received for treatment, a motor rotatably driving the drum in response to a motor control signal, and a controller outputting a motor control signal to rotate the drum according to a speed profile having at least a constant speed phase, where the drum is rotated at a constant speed, and an acceleration phase, where the drum is accelerated to the constant speed and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance to determine an inertia of the laundry load.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance may include a rotatable treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment, and a motor for rotating the treating chamber, and may be operated such that during the acceleration of the laundry load toward a satellizing speed, the satellizing of the laundry load may be detected, whereby subsequent operation of the laundry treating appliance may be controlled based on the detection.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance has a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment according to at least one cycle of operation and operated such that the extraction of liquid from the laundry load is controlled based on the inertia of the laundry load.

Abstract: A washing machine capable of optimizing the rinsing time and the amount of rinsing water by using a conductivity sensor, and a method of controlling a rinsing cycle thereof. When the amount of detergent remaining in the rinsing water is determined to be small according to the measured conductivity, the amount of rinsing water and the rinsing time are minimized, that is, the rinsing water is alternately supplied in stages of times, the conductivity of the rinsing water is measured at the stop of the supply of rinsing water, and if the measured conductivity is below a reference value, the rinsing cycle is stopped and enters to a final-spin dry cycle, so that the water and energy is saved and the rinsing is achieved with the optimum algorithm when laundry having a little contamination and a small amount of detergent is input.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a domestic appliance connected to an electric grid so as to allow smart metering, wherein electric power consumed according to different consumption tariffs is measured and the domestic appliance receives information about the availability of a currently applicable consumption tariff or a switch-off condition for preventing peak loads in the grid. The domestic appliance is operated as follows: a) when an inexpensive consumption tariff is available, the appliance is put into operation as intended, and the history of the cleaning process is continuously recorded; b) when an inexpensive consumption tariff is not available or the switch-off condition is met, the appliance is not put into operation or a previously started operation is interrupted; and c) when information about an inexpensive consumption tariff is available, the domestic appliance resumes operation, and a component of a detergent is added based on the recorded history.

Abstract: A removable storage container that may be stored inside an appliance when the appliance is not in use or when the appliance is operated in a freshening mode, a laundry appliance that incorporates such storage container, and a method for freshening the clothes and/or other articles.

Abstract: A washing machine that calculates a temperature of a balancer to effectively control a motor and a method of controlling the washing machine are provided. The washing machine comprises a rotatable drum that receives laundry, a motor that rotates the drum, a balancer that is connected to the drum, the balancer changing a center of gravity of the drum, and a controller that rotates the motor at a constant rotational speed and then calculates a temperature of the balancer based on a period of a variation in rotational speed of the motor.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine can be operated in accordance with a selected wash cycle by determining a concentration of a wash aid prior to a dispensing of the wash aid into at least one of a tub and a drum, and selecting an operating parameter of the automatic washing machine in response to the determined concentration.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of laundry in a laundry treating appliance comprises a drum defining a treating chamber for receiving the laundry and a motor for rotating the drum that may be operated to simulate a spring to oscillate the drum relative to a predetermined rotational position. The angular decay of the drum relative to the predetermined position may be determined and used to determine the amount of laundry.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes at least one reservoir for storing a plurality of flowable preparations, at least one dispenser, which is couplable with a reservoir and which does not include any connection to a water-conveying line of the water-conveying domestic appliance, at least one sensor, which at least detects the presence of water in the water-conveying domestic appliance and/or the operation of the water-conveying domestic appliance, at least one pump or vibratory atomizer for delivering or releasing preparation from the reservoir or dispenser, at least one control unit, which cooperates with the sensor and the pump or vibratory atomizer such that, if a defined sensor signal is present, at least one preparation is delivered from the reservoir or dispenser, and at least one fluid line, which connects the reservoir or the dispenser with the treatment compartment of the water-conveying domestic appliance, such that a preparation may be supplied from the dispenser positioned outside the treatment compartme

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a laundry treating appliance includes determining an amount of laundry load during loading of the laundry treating appliance and provides indications to a user regarding the monitored amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing fluid from laundry articles employs a receiving vessel that holds a batch of articles that are wetted with fluid. Fabric articles are compressed with a press to discharge fluid from the articles. The press includes a diaphragm that can be pressured with fluid. The diaphragm flexibly conforms to an upper surface portion of the batch of fabric articles. After the fabric articles are pressed of fluid, the diaphragm elevates with the press and is rotated. A specially configured linkage rotates the diaphragm and the press as the diaphragm moves from a lower position to an upper position.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine are provided. According to the washing machine and method of controlling the washing machine, the drum is operated at a first speed so that part of laundry within the drum tumbles and another part of the laundry adheres to the drum. When an unbalance amount of the drum operating at the first speed is a first specific value or less, the speed of the drum is increased to a second speed so that all of the laundry adheres to the drum. When an unbalance amount of the drum detected during the increasing to the second speed is a second specific value or more, the rotation of the drum is decelerated. Accordingly, at a time of a dehydration cycle, stability of the washing machine and laundry balancing can be ensured.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and method for increasing chemical action in a load of laundry associated with the supplying water and treating chemistry to the load of laundry.

Abstract: A control system for a fabric treatment appliance configured to control the operation of the fabric treatment appliance as a function of a user-selected system input weighting.

Abstract: An appliance having a drain pump with a motor adapted to be supplied with an alternating supply voltage. A controller is adapted to monitor a current value supplied to the motor and to control the frequency of the supply voltage among a plurality of predetermined frequencies when the drain pump is operated in a full drainage mode. A storage medium associated with the controller stores for each predetermined frequency a maximum current value, a minimum current value and an optimal current value. The controller may stores computer implemented instructions for (a) determining if the monitored current value is between the maximum current value and the minimum current value, (b) comparing the monitored current value with the optimal current value, and (c) adjusting the frequency of the alternating supply voltage among the plurality of predetermined frequencies to cause the monitored current to more closely match the optimal current value.

Abstract: A motor controller including a vector controller that controls a permanent magnet motor including a rotor being provided with a permanent magnet having a coercivity low enough to allow modification in amount of magnetization and that executes a vector control by detecting current flowing at the permanent magnet motor; a speed/position detector that detects a rotational speed and a rotational position of the permanent magnet motor; a magnetization controller that increases or decreases the magnetization of the permanent magnet depending on the rotational position of the permanent magnet motor through adjustment in status of the magnetization of the permanent magnet by way of armature counteraction; and a demagnetization detector that detects a decrease in the magnetization of the permanent magnet magnetized by the magnetization controller during operation of the permanent magnet motor.

Abstract: Automatic refresh of a completed load of articles (e.g., laundry) left in a washing machine or dryer that has been idle for a period of time is provided. After a certain amount of time has elapsed following completion of a laundry cycle, the laundry is refreshed by restarting the appliance. All or a portion of a cycle of the appliance may be repeated in order to refresh the articles. User adjustable options can be provided for e.g., the length of the idle time, when the refresh is executed, and other options as well.

Abstract: A washing machine that senses whether a door is opened or closed, vibration of a washing tub or weight of the washing tub. The washing machine includes an optical sensor mounted at a predetermined position in the washing machine and a controller to analyze an output value of the optical sensor to determine whether a door is opened or closed, vibration of a washing tub or weight of the washing tub. Whether the door is opened or closed, vibration of the washing tub or weight of the washing tub may be determined using a single infrared sensor in a noncontact manner.