Method and apparatus for monitoring load imbalance in a washing machine
US7296445B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F2103/46
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method of determining an imbalance condition in a horizontal axis washing machine comprises several steps, including establishing a speed profile for the washing machine, having at least three increasing speed steps, operating a motor to rotate the washing machine drum sequentially through the three speed steps, measuring the power output of the motor at each speed step, calculating an average power output by averaging the power output at the first and second speed steps, calculating the difference between the power output at the third step and the average power output, comparing the difference to a predetermined threshold difference value, and sending a signal indicative of an imbalance condition if the difference exceeds the threshold difference value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.