Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

A washing machine capable of performing washing by increasing a water level when an overload of a motor is detected, and a control method thereof. The washing is performed by detecting an overload of the motor using a load detecting circuit and changing a water level to a highest water level when the overload is detected. Thus, a burning smell may not be caused from the motor by preventing stalling of the motor, and washing performance may be maintained since the motor is continuously operated without stopping.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0134435, filed on Nov. 6, 2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a washing machine that performs washing by increasing a water level when an overload of a motor is detected, and a control method thereof.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]A washing machine (e.g., an electric washing machine) generally includes a tub to retain water (wash water or rinse water), a washing tub rotatably installed in the tub to accommodate laundry, a pulsator rotatably installed in the washing tub to generate a water stream, and a motor to generate driving force to rotate the washing tub and the pulsator. The washing machine removes contaminants from laundry using the water stream and the surfactant action of a detergent.[0006]Th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present disclosure describes a washing machine that can detect when the motor is overloaded and increase the water level to prevent damage to the motor. This prevents burning smells and maintains effective washing performance while the motor continues to operate.

Problems solved by technology

However, the motor is stalled by a heavy weight (load) of laundry, and thus it is difficult to achieve a desired speed as instructed.

Thus, when a heavy weight of laundry is washed at a low water level, the motor is excessively driven due to a control operation by which available current or voltage limit of the motor is used to raise the motor RPM to a target RPM.

Therefore, the motor is overloaded so that temperature of the motor increase to cause burning smell thereof.

As a result, operation of the motor may be ceased, thereby deteriorating washing performance.

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