Washing machine, apparatus and method of controlling the same

Abstract

A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a driver, an electrode sensor, and a controller. The driver operates each part of the washing machine. The electrode sensor detects bubble generation using a voltage change between the electrodes when the bubbles contact the electrodes during the washing cycle. The controller controls the driver using a bubble detection signal from the electrode sensor to allow a bubble-removal cycle to be performed. Therefore, when the bubbles are excessively generated during the operation of the washing machine, the bubble generation can be swiftly detected and the relevant operation is performed thereto.

1 . A washing machine comprising: 
 an outcase;    a tub disposed within the outcase, for storing washing water;    a drum for rotating in the tub and receiving a laundry; and    an electrode sensor having at least one part disposed in an inner side of the tub, for detecting a voltage change when a bubble contacts the sensor.    
   
   
       2 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrode sensor is disposed in a pipe for connecting an inside and an outside of the tub.  
   
   
       3 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrode sensor is disposed in a water pipe connected with the tub and to which water is supplied.  
   
   
       4 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrode sensor is disposed in a communication pipe through which air flowing from an inside to an outside of the tub.  
   
   
       5 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrode sensor comprises a pair of electrodes.  
   
   
       6 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrode sensor comprises a bar-type electrode protruded into the tub.  
   
   
       7 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrode sensor comprises a plate-shaped electrode spread widely in an inside of the tub.  
   
   
       8 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrode sensor is hooked at an edge of a pipe extending from the tub.  
   
   
       9 . The washing machine according to  claim 8 , wherein the electrode sensor comprises: 
 an electrode put in an inside of the tub;    a stand bent and extended from the electrode and which contacts an edge surface of the pipe; and    a guide bent from the stand and which extends in parallel with the electrode.    
   
   
       10 . A washing machine comprising: 
 an outcase;    a tub disposed within the outcase, for storing washing water;    a drum for rotating in the tub and receiving a laundry;    a pipe for communication of an inside of the tub with an outside of the tub;    an electrode sensor having at least one part disposed in an inner side of the tub, for changing a detected voltage when a bubble contacts the sensor; and    a controller for controlling to perform a bubble-removal cycle when a voltage of the electrode sensor changes to a predetermined level.    
   
   
       11 . The washing machine according to  claim 10 , wherein the pipe is integrally formed in the tub.  
   
   
       12 . The washing machine according to  claim 10 , wherein the bubble-removal cycle supplies washing water additionally.  
   
   
       13 . The washing machine according to  claim 10 , wherein the bubble-removal cycle suspends rotation of the drum.  
   
   
       14 . The washing machine according to  claim 10 , wherein the electrode sensor detects a bubble generation using a drop of a voltage applied to a pair of electrodes.  
   
   
       15 . An apparatus of controlling a washing machine, comprising: 
 a driver for driving each part of the washing machine;    an electrode sensor for detecting a bubble generation using a voltage change between electrodes when a bubble generated during a washing cycle contacts the electrodes; and    a controller for controlling to perform a bubble-removal cycle of the washing machine by controlling the driver using a bubble detection signal from the electrode sensor.    
   
   
       16 . A method of controlling a washing machine, comprising: 
 when conductive bubble generated during a washing cycle contacts an electrode sensor, judging that a bubble has been generated using a voltage change detected by the electrode sensor and performing a bubble-removal cycle.    
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the bubble-removal cycle performs a water supply cycle additionally.  
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the bubble-removal cycle is a suspense cycle of the washing machine.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the electrode sensor comprises a pair of electrodes spaced apart.  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the voltage change is a voltage drop.