Abstract: A laundry machine and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. A method for controlling a laundry machine includes steps of receiving a selected course selected by a user; and supplying the predetermined small amount of steam (a steam supply amount) into a drum in case that the selected course is a refresh course. Also, a laundry machine includes a course select part for a user selecting a course thereon; and a controller for controlling to supply the predetermined amount of steam (steam supply amount) in case that the selected course is a refresh course. An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine of which washing efficiency is improved and wash water and energy are economized. Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine which can remove wrinkles of laundry more efficiently.

Abstract: Implementations and techniques for sensing hydroxyl radicals in ozone washing systems are generally disclosed.

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 washing machine and a method of controlling the same include a motor to rotate a rotary tub including laundry, a heater to heat water contained in the rotary tub, a communication unit to receive an energy saving signal having information regarding an energy saving start time from an energy management system (EMS), and a controller, upon receiving the energy saving signal, to determine which one of the motor and the heater is a load having highest power consumption in a process to be executed at the energy saving start time, and reduce the operation rate of the determined load. Before current power rates exceed reference power rates, the load operation rate of the washing machine is changed so that power consumption is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A laundry treatment appliance includes: a drum defining a laundry treatment chamber configured to hold laundry; a motor coupled to the drum and configured to rotate the drum; and a controller coupled to the motor and configured to determine a parameter representative of a rotational speed of the laundry in the drum and determine a laundry load size based on the parameter.

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 detergent module for dispensing detergent during a wash-cycle is presented in which a sensor senses and indicates or a user via control input indicates whether the detergent in the module is a solid-type detergent or a liquid-type detergent, and the detergent-type indication is used by a dishwashing machine or a laundry washing machine to select a washing algorithm tailored to exploit the cleaning efficiency of the detergent.

Abstract: An apparatus and techniques for automatic self-washing of a clothes washing machine are provided. The clothes washing machine includes one or more storage tanks, and a user interface, wherein the user interface enables a user to schedule an automatic recurring self-cleaning wash cycle. The techniques include enabling the washing machine to automatically run the self-cleaning wash cycle according to schedule, wherein enabling the washing machine to automatically run the self-cleaning wash cycle comprises automatically dispensing an amount of self-cleaning additive from one of the one or more storage tanks into the cycle.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber and configured to determine the presence of an over-sudsing condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a characteristic of the motor for use in determining the duration of the extraction phase of the cycle of operation in a laundry treating appliance.

Abstract: A household appliance for performing a useful cycle of operation on a physical article may have a treating chamber for holding the physical article during performance of the useful cycle of operation. The household appliance may include a temporary controllable device located within the treating chamber where the temporary controllable device may be communicated with.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for operating a washer, and in preferred embodiments to a washer having a water tank that is integrally, preferably detachably, formed with the washer, wherein the washer comprises a washing chamber for accommodating goods to be cleaned, said washing chamber having in its lower portion a sump for collecting water during operation of the washer, a water inlet, a circulating pump for circulating water through the washing chamber, and a control unit for controlling a washing cycle carried out by the washer. In accordance with the invention, in this method water is fed via the water inlet into the sump; the pressure within an inlet or outlet conduit of the circulating pump is measured; and based on the pressure measurement the washing cycle is controlled and/or indicator signals are issued to a user of the washer.

Abstract: A washing machine that is capable of providing a stable washing mode even when a washing-related device is abnormal during a washing operation is disclosed. When a steam generation unit, which generates high-temperature steam into a drum, is abnormal, the operation of the steam generation unit is interrupted, and an operation for driving a washing heater mounted in a tub is performed, or an operation for driving a drying unit, which supplies high-temperature dry hot air into the drum, is performed. A steam substituting algorithm is provided when the steam generation unit is abnormal during the operation using the high-temperature steam. Consequently, the interruption of the washing operation due to the abnormal steam injection function is prevented, and therefore, the reliability of the product is improved while the inconvenience of use is minimized.

Abstract: An automatic dry control method is disclosed, enabling exact drying by stabilizing a detection value of a temperature sensor and performing an additional drying according to a first dryness achieving point at an automatic drying washer and a drum type dryer that determines dryness by using the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A display system for an appliance incorporates an electronic interface screen, such as an LCD touch screen, through which a wide range of information concerning operational, diagnostic and other data concerning the appliance can be displayed. The screen is divided into a number of panels for displaying different sets of information. Selecting one of the panels results in the panel becoming enlarged so as to fill the entire LCD screen while, at the same time, displaying an additional layer of detailed information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry machines, and, more particularly, to a safe laundry machine which enables a user to open/close a door easily, and can prevent an accident caused by opening/closing of the door from taking place. The laundry machine includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, a door having a latch for being opened/closed selectively to expose an inside of the drum to an outside of the laundry machine, and a door switch assembly provided for enabling opening/closing of the door, wherein the door switch assembly includes a switch unit for making selective connection to the latch, and an opening operation unit spaced from the switch unit for the user to enable to disconnect the connection between the latch and the switch unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printed circuit board assembly of an electronic appliance including a plurality of boards on which electrical parts to perform functions necessary for the electronic appliance are separately arranged according to the specification of the electronic appliance. The printed circuit board assembly is divided into a plurality of boards, such that electrical parts having a common specification and electrical parts having different specifications are arranged on different boards, thereby optimizing the printed circuit board assembly and configuring the boards according to the specification of the electronic appliance without loss. Microprocessors are arranged on the boards, and the boards are connected to each other in a serial communication, thereby reducing the number of wiring harnesses (W/H) and thus configuring the printed circuit board assembly with high reliability.

Abstract: A washing machine including a wash tub, a basket rotatably coupled within the wash tub, an agitator coupled within the basket, and a controller is provided. The controller is configured to receive user defined settings for a wash cycle, send a signal to add, to the wash tub, a first quantity of water based on the user defined settings, send a signal to execute a wash agitation for a predefined period of time based on the user defined settings, send a signal to drain water from the wash tub, and initiate a rinse cycle by sending a signal to add, to the wash tub, a second predefined quantity of water that is less than the first predefined quantity of water.

Abstract: A washing machine and a controlling method of the same are disclosed. A washing machine includes a cabinet (10) defining an exterior appearance thereof, a tub (20) provided in the cabinet (10), the tub (20) receiving wash water therein, a drum (30) rotatable inside the tub (20), the drum (30) receiving laundry therein, a plurality of sensor members (100,102,104,112,116,120,130) installed in at least one of the drum (30) and tub (20), each of the sensor members (100,102,104,112,116,120,130) sensing the distance between the drum (30) and the tub (20), and a control part controlling the drum (30) based on a sensing value sensed by the sensor members (100,102,104,112,116,120,130). An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having a secured tub (20) that is able to prevent collision between a drum (30) and the tub (20), and a controlling method thereof.

Abstract: A vibration isolation system for a front-loading clothes washing machine and the like which provides isolation of intermittent or continuous vibration of a rotating basket from support feet which support the washing machine. The vibration isolation system includes a plurality of vibration isolation assemblies each including a flexible member or rod which is supported by a pair of opposing bearing supports. The vibration assemblies can be located between a cabinet enclosing the basket and the support feet, a drum generally enclosing the basket and the cabinet, or any other suitable location between the basket and the support feet. The configuration of the flexible members relative to one another and the spinning axis of the basket may vary depending upon the design of the washing machine components.

Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a washing tub, a motor to rotate the washing tub, and a driving unit that drives the motor using a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme, mixes a three-phase PWM scheme and a two-phase PWM scheme in a common operation mode, and drives the motor using the mixed PWM scheme. Therefore, the washing machine can reduce increase of temperature of an inverter controlling the motor during the operation time of the washing machine.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for indicating satisfactory times for titrating a chemical solution, e.g., cleaning product, used by a utility device to clean and/or sanitize various types of articles. The utility device is described in an exemplary embodiment as being a warewashing machine that applies the chemical solution to articles provided to the machine on racks. The chemical solution is formed in a solution tank from a combination of at least one chemical product and at least one rinse agent. Whereas the chemical product is described as a detergent, the rinse agent is described as water. Over a time period including multiple wash cycles, the chemical product and the rinse agent are added to the solution tank, thereby changing conductivity of the chemical solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controller effectively controlling the power for a washing machine and a drier, and a method of doing the same. More particularly, it relates to a controller for a washing machine or a dryer, and a method for supplying the power so that a washing machine and a drier as a one body may perform an optimal efficiency in a range of a current limit, when supplied the power by the same power source. A controller for a washing machine comprising a micom; and communication means for communicating with a controller of a dryer. A controller for a dryer comprising a micom; and communication means for communicating with the controller of the washing machine.

Abstract: A method for spin-drying textiles being subjected to a method for the production of a hydrophobic effect in a washing machine. Textiles located within the drum are brought into contact with hydrophobing substances dissolved in the washing liquid. The drum is accelerated for a first number of spin pulses to reach a speed in a first spinning block when the washing liquid is removed from the outer tub, the speed being below a critical speed of rotation. The drum is accelerated in a second spinning block for a second number of spin pulses to reach a speed that is above the critical speed of rotation. The drum is accelerated in a third and final spinning block for a third number of spinning pulses to reach a maximum speed of rotation that is compatible with the washing.

Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof in which a tub washing course is safely performed using a sensor to measure vibration of a tub. Since whether or not laundry is present in s drum is sensed while performing the tub washing course, consumption of separate time, water, and energy to sense whether or not laundry is present is not required, and operation of the washing machine is controlled by diagnosing malfunction of the sensor. If plural sensors are installed, a micro-computer is connected to the plural sensors in common through a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication method or an Inter Integrated circuit (I2C) communication method, thereby reducing costs and volume of wire-harness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a control unit (2) which provides the amount of energy consumption in the stand-by mode to be reduced.

Abstract: A control method of a washing machine is capable of safely achieving a tub washing operation control with low power consumption. At the time of performing tub washing, water of which the amount is decided depending on a volume inside a drum and a volume inside a water tub is supplied to the water tub, and the rotation speed of the drum is controlled to be inversely proportional to the volume of the supplied water, thereby efficiently controlling a tub washing operation with low power consumption. Also, the rotation state of the drum is controlled, at the time of performing the tub washing, to maintain the temperature of a motor or a printed circuit board (PCB) to be a predetermined level or less, thereby safely controlling a tub washing operation with low power consumption.

Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is provided. The method includes setting a washing pattern in a present operation of the washing machine in consideration of a hardness of water calculated in a previous operation of the washing machine, operating the washing machine based on the set washing pattern, and calculating and storing a hardness of the water in the present operation of the washing machine to set a next washing pattern in the next operation of the washing machine, thereby having the optimum washing or rinsing capacity of the washing machine in consideration of different characteristics of water by regional groups.

Abstract: A dishwasher and associated control method are provided wherein a water supply manifold supplies a wash chamber with wash liquid. The supply manifold includes a hot water inlet from an external hot water source and a separate inlet from a storage tank, and is configured to be selectively actuated between the hot water inlet or storage tank inlet. A controller is in communication with the supply manifold and is configured to act on a signal that is indicative of an actual or pre-defined high electricity demand period on a power supply to the hot water source. The controller is configured to generate an output control signal to the supply manifold to cause the manifold to direct substantially only water from the storage tank to the wash chamber during the high electricity demand period.

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 variable pressure water delivery device having an inlet valve fluidly connected to a reservoir, and connectable to a water supply, the inlet valve is at least operable between an open and closed position. The reservoir has a volume that increases elastically with increasing pressure. At least one outlet valve is fluidly connected to the reservoir and a pressure sensor is actuated by the fluid pressure in the reservoir. A controller receives an output of said pressure sensor and provides control signals to operate said inlet valve according to the output of said pressure sensor, and a desired reservoir pressure parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of a washing machine having a tub (21) for holding washing water, a drum (31) rotatably mounted in the tub (21), and a stem generator (51) for generating and supplying steam to the tub (21), for washing laundry with steam, and a washing machine thereof. The method includes a washing water supply step (S 10) for supplying washing water to the tub (21), a steam supply step (S80) for supplying the steam to the tub (21), and a main washing step (S110) for washing the laundry.

Abstract: When an operation for washing is completed and door is unlocked, water level in a water tank is monitored only for a prescribed time period. When there is no water leakage, monitoring is stopped after the prescribed time period and the power is turned off. When there is a water leakage, water level in the water tank increases. When it is detected that a first water level is reached, the door is locked to prevent opening. After a prescribed time period, the power is turned off while the door is kept locked. If the door cannot be locked, the door lock error is notified and the water collected in the water tank is drained.

Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine, in which substances stuck to the surface of a heater are washed off to minimize the generation of scale on the heater, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a tub; a heater installed in the tub for heating washing water; and a washing device for washing the heater. The washing device includes a spray nozzle for spraying the washing water to the heater, and a washing pump for supplying the washing water in the tub to the spray nozzle. The washing of the heater is performed in the first rinsing operation.

Abstract: A method of determining static and dynamic imbalance conditions in a horizontal axis washing machine utilizes a number of dynamic algorithms to automatically determine the total load size, the magnitude of any static load imbalance, and the magnitude of any dynamic load imbalance for any given load in a given washing machine based on power measurements from the washing machine motor obtained in predetermined speed profiles.

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 washing appliance, particularly a laundry washer or a dishwasher, comprises a tank (2) for loading washing liquor and items to be washed and control means adapted to carry out a predetermined washing program. It further comprises an inclined drain surface (2a) for collecting a portion of the washing liquor and means (6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) for assessing properties of such liquid on the basis of the drainage behavior thereof.

Abstract: A commercial laundry system is disclosed. The commercial laundry system includes a plurality of laundry machines that independently perform washing and/or drying, a plurality of receiving devices provided at the respective laundry machines for receiving a signal, and a single payment device for transmitting a signal for use permission to the receiving device of any one of the laundry machines and separately controlling authorities to use the laundry machines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a drum type washing machine and a control program therefore. The washing machine includes a control mechanism to control a motor. The control mechanism includes a torque control unit to perform torque addition processes of adding pulse type torque during only a period for which a drum makes one rotation in a uniform torque control state in which torque of the motor is uniformly controlled at least two times and to perform the second torque addition process after n+0.5 rotations of the drum (n is an integer not less than 1) on the basis of the first torque addition process, and a weight calculation unit to calculate an average value of rotational accelerations of the motor at the respective torque addition processes and to calculate a weight of laundry received in the drum based on the average value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for washing a washing tub and a washing machine having the same applied thereto, and more particularly, a method for washing a washing tub including the step of washing a washing tub with powder detergent and a step for washing the washing tub with bleaching agent; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. A method for cleaning a tub in a washing machine includes a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to the washing tub, a powder detergent supply step for supplying powder detergent to the washing tub, a powder detergent washing step for washing the washing tub with the powder detergent, a bleaching agent supply step for supplying bleaching agent to the washing tub, and a bleaching agent washing step for washing the washing tub with bleaching agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for washing a washing tub and a washing machine having the same applied thereto, and more particularly, a method for washing a washing tub including a detergent removing step, a laundry amount detecting step, and a soaking step; and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. The method includes a detergent removing step for removing detergent from the washing tub, a washing water supply step for supplying washing water to the washing tub, a laundry amount sensing step for sensing a laundry amount in the washing tub for determining whether the method proceeds to the next step or not, a soaking step for soaking dirt on a surface of the washing tub after applying the washing water to the dirt by moving the washing tub, and a washing step for washing the washing tub, if it is determined in the laundry amount sensing step that the method proceeds to the next step.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a door lock control device and method of a washing machine which sense opening or closing of a door using a door lock switch. Since the door is locked or unlocked and the closing or opening of the door is sensed using one door lock switch without adding a separate switch to sense the closing or opening of the door, cost may be decreased.

Abstract: An internal unit of a washing machine or spin-dryer normally includes a washing container, which has a laundry drum mounted in the container such that it can rotate, and an electric motor for driving the laundry drum via a reduction gear, a transmission, or direct drive. The internal unit is suspended in a machine housing such that it can vibrate and constitutes an overall system which can vibrate in a damped manner and which is subject to unbalance-dependent resonance phenomena in specific regions of the rotational speed of the laundry drum. The causes of these resonance phenomena are vibratory movements due to momentary unbalances in the load in the laundry drum.

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. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by changing the duty cycling profile of the heater and/or mechanical action of the basket in the energy savings mode.

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. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by modifying the spin cycle to achieve a lower remaining moisture content in the clothes load prior to going into a dryer, thus reducing overall total energy consumption to completely wash and dry a clothes load.

Abstract: A washing machine having a steam generator, which prevents the accumulation of scale in the steam generator due to the long-term use thereof, and a method for controlling the same. The washing machine includes a water supply valve for supplying water to the inside of the steam generator therethrough so as to cool the steam generator when the operating time of the steam generator exceeds a predetermined time, and a controller for controlling the operation of a heater for heating the water supplied through the water supply valve.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine system including a method of detecting a load unbalance. The washing machine system includes a cabinet having a drum rotatably mounted therein. A motor is coupled to the drum for rotating the drum within the cabinet. A memory device is accessible by a processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP). The memory contains program code for implementing a method that includes determining the motor torque ripple, determining the motor speed, and determining the load unbalance mass based on the motor torque and speed.

Abstract: A laundry machine and a control method thereof are provided in which laundering ability may be improved while also improving efficiency and noise/vibration. The laundry machine employs a plurality of drum motions by varying drum rotational speed, drum rotational direction, and drum starting and stopping point, to provide different motion of laundry items in the drum.

Abstract: A washing machine with a single input hose for both hot and cold water. The solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly has a direct attachment to the hot and cold water supply valves. A flexible hose connects the washing machine to the solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly. When the washing machine fill cycle begins, the solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly is turned on and the water is output to the flexible hose. When the washing machine fill cycle ends, the water supply is turned off. The hot and cold water are mixed prior to input to the flexible hose, and as a result, only one flexible hose is required to supply water to the washing machine. The flexible hose is attached to the output of the solenoid-operated water mixing valve assembly and therefore is not under water pressure unless the washing machine is in a fill cycle.

Abstract: A laundry treatment machine and a control method thereof are provided.