Apparatus and method for controlling motor in washing machine
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling a motor in a washing machine, the apparatus comprising:
- a speed sensor which measures a speed of the motor; and
a controller which determines an estimated motor power applied to the motor by comparing a measured speed of the motor and a target speed of the motor, determines an adjusted running rate of the motor by adjusting a running rate of the motor according to the estimated motor power, and controls the motor according to the adjusted running rate.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling a motor in a washing machine, which includes a speed sensor for measuring speed of the motor, and a controller that compares the measured speed with a target speed to estimate a motor power applied to the motor, adjusts a running rate of the motor according to the comparison, and controls the motor according to the adjusted running rate. The motor power is estimated based on the motor speed, and the running rate is adjusted down if the estimated motor power is too high, thereby preventing overheating of the motor and an inverter, which may be caused in wash or rinse cycles. The apparatus can be implemented without using a temperature sensor, thereby reducing economic burden. Further, the motor does not stop due to an increase in the temperature of the motor, thereby preventing an unnecessary increase in the time required to complete washing.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. An apparatus for controlling a motor in a washing machine, the apparatus comprising:
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a speed sensor which measures a speed of the motor; and
a controller which determines an estimated motor power applied to the motor by comparing a measured speed of the motor and a target speed of the motor, determines an adjusted running rate of the motor by adjusting a running rate of the motor according to the estimated motor power, and controls the motor according to the adjusted running rate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for controlling a motor in a washing machine, the method comprising:
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setting a running rate of the motor according to an operating cycle of the washing machine;
measuring a speed of the motor during an on time according to the running rate;
determining an estimated motor power applied to the motor by comparing the measured speed with a target speed of the motor;
adjusting the running rate of the motor according to the estimated motor power; and
controlling the motor according to an adjusted running rate. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification