Washing machine and controlling method thereof

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2012-0027994, filed on Mar. 19, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]One or more embodiments relate to a washing machine in which a washing cycle is automatically set according to a material of laundry, contaminants of the laundry and a contamination level of the laundry, and a controlling method thereof.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]In general, a washing machine is an apparatus including a water tank for storing water (wash water or rinse water), a drum rotatably installed in the water tank to accommodate laundry, and a motor for generating a driving force to rotate the drum. When the cylindrical drum rotates, the laundry in the drum is washed through motion of rising and falling along the inner wall of the drum.[0006]Such a washing machine proceeds with ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a washing machine that can automatically set washing cycles based on the wearing environment of laundry and the user's characteristics. This means that the machine can automatically determine the type of detergent and the contamination level of the laundry based on information provided by the user. The user can also input information on the type of detergent and the contamination level of the laundry. The controller then determines the factors needed for a washing cycle, such as the washing temperature, washing time, whether bubble washing is performed, soaking, detergent amount, and additional rinsing. The user can also receive information on the age, occupation, and life pattern of the user and the information on the laundry. Overall, this technology allows for a more efficient and effective washing machine that can automatically adjust to the specific needs of different laundry loads.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, the conventional washing machine increases or decreases only the washing time of a predetermined interval in the washing cycle according to the contamination level of the laundry, so it is difficult to provide different washing strengths according to the contamination level of the laundry.

However, if the laundry is made of synthetic fibers or processed materials which can be deformed easily at high temperatures, damage could be incurred to the laundry.

Therefore, a conventional washing machine cannot cope with various contaminants and contamination levels just by increasing or decreasing the washing time or raising the washing temperature.

Further, a conventional washing machine has an inconvenience that the user must set various factors of a washing cycle personally and separately to increase the washing force.

In addition, since the washing efficiency due to various factors is different according to the characteristics of the major contaminants, it is not easy for the user to personally set an efficient washing cycle.

Images