EP1734170B1 - Washing machine and control method thereof - Google Patents
Washing machine and control method thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1734170B1 EP1734170B1 EP05025456A EP05025456A EP1734170B1 EP 1734170 B1 EP1734170 B1 EP 1734170B1 EP 05025456 A EP05025456 A EP 05025456A EP 05025456 A EP05025456 A EP 05025456A EP 1734170 B1 EP1734170 B1 EP 1734170B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- condensed water
- level
- steam
- tank
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 75
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 20
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 253
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims description 29
- 238000010981 drying operation Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000012153 distilled water Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000008400 supply water Substances 0.000 description 2
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007791 dehumidification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037303 wrinkles Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/40—Steam generating arrangements
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/04—Heating arrangements
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
- D06F2103/08—Humidity
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/60—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to auxiliary conditioning or finishing agents, e.g. filling level of perfume tanks
- D06F2103/62—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to auxiliary conditioning or finishing agents, e.g. filling level of perfume tanks related to systems for water or steam used for conditioning or finishing
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/02—Water supply
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/08—Draining of washing liquids
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/28—Electric heating
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/30—Blowers
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/36—Condensing arrangements, e.g. control of water injection therefor
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F25/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers
- D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F33/52—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
- D06F33/65—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of conditioning or finishing phases, e.g. for smoothing or removing creases
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/24—Condensing arrangements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof, and, more particularly, to a washing machine with a laundry drying function and a steam supplying function and a control method thereof.
- Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-43771 discloses a washing machine having a drying unit that dries laundry.
- the drying unit includes: a drying duct to circulate air in a water tub; a blowing fan to blow air in the drying duct; a heater to heat air supplied to the water tub through the drying duct; and a cooler to cool air passing through the drying duct such that moisture contained in the air is condensed to dehumidify air.
- Hot air is supplied into the water tub by the operation of the blowing fan and the heater, and high-humidity air is circulated in a closed circuit formed by the water tub and the drying duct.
- the cooler dehumidifies the air such that laundry is dried.
- the condensed water generated by the dehumidification of the cooler is usually drained out of the washing machine through a water draining pipe.
- Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-88884 discloses a washing machine having a steam generating unit to supply high-temperature steam into a drum such that laundry is more efficiently washed and sterilized.
- the steam generating unit includes: a pressure container to receive water; a heater to heat the water received in the pressure container such that steam is generated; and a steam channel to supply steam generated in the pressure container into the drum.
- the pressure container is connected a water supply channel, through which water is supplied from an external water supply source to the pressure container.
- Patent document US 5 827 329 A discloses an apparatus and method for the industrial cleaning of fabrics and clothes in a liquid medium, especially solvents, which can be toxic. It is disclosed that steam is used during the drying process to clear the solvent out of the fabrics. The steam is then condensed and collected to be fed again to the steam generator to avoid rejection of the potentially harmful solvent to the environment.
- the present invention provides a washing machine according to claim 1, a subassembly of a washing machine according to claim 3, and a control method of a washing machine according to claim 4.
- FIG. 1 is a view showing the structure of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the drum type washing machine includes: a drum type washing tub 11 mounted in a machine body 10 to receive wash water; and a rotary drum 12 rotatably mounted in the washing tub 11.
- the rotary drum 12 is rotatably connected to the rear center part of the washing tub 11 via a rotary shaft 13, which is attached to the rear center part of the rotary drum 12.
- a drive motor 14 At the outer rear part of the washing tub 11 is mounted a drive motor 14 to rotate the rotary drum 12.
- the rotary drum 12 has a plurality of through-holes 12a formed at the circumference thereof to allow wash water to be introduced into the rotary drum therethrough, and a plurality of lifters 12b mounted at the inner surface thereof to lift laundry when the rotary drum 12 is rotated.
- an inlet/outlet hole 15 is opened or closed by a door 16 mounted to the front surface of the machine body 10.
- the drum type washing machine further includes: a water supplying unit 20 to supply wash water into the washing tub 11; a detergent supplying unit 17 to supply detergent into the washing tub 11; a water draining unit 18 to drain water out of the washing tub 11; a drying unit 30 to dry laundry in the rotary drum 12; and a steam generating unit 50 to supply steam into the washing tub 11.
- the water supplying unit 20 includes: a first water supplying valve 21 to control water supply from an external water supply source to the detergent supplying unit 17; a first water supplying pipe 22 connected between the first water supplying valve 21 and the detergent supplying unit 17; and a second water supplying pipe 23 connected between the detergent supplying unit 17 and the washing tub 11.
- Water supplied through the first water supplying unit 22 is introduced into the washing tub 11 through the detergent supplying unit 17.
- detergent in the detergent supplying unit 17 is supplied into the washing tub 17 together with the water supplied through the first water supplying unit 22.
- the water supplying unit 20 further includes: a second water supplying valve 24 and a third water supplying pipe 25, which are used to supply water to a condensed water tank 60, which will be described below.
- the water draining unit 18 includes: a water draining pipe 18a connected to the bottom part of the washing tub 11; and a first water draining valve 18b to open and close the water draining pipe 18a. After a washing operation is completed or when a rinsing or spin-drying operation is performed, the first water draining valve 18b is opened such that water is drained out of the washing tub 11.
- the drying unit 30 blows heated air into the rotary drum 12 to dry laundry.
- the drying unit 30 includes: first and second ducts 31 and 32 disposed at the rear of the washing tub 11; third and fourth ducts 33 and 34 disposed above the washing tub 11; a condensation-purpose heat exchanger 35 mounted in the second duct 32; a blower 36 mounted in the connection part between the third duct 33 and the fourth duct 34; and a first heater 37 mounted in the fourth duct 34.
- the inlet of the first duct 31 is connected to the lower part of the rear surface of the washing tub 11, the outlet of the fourth duct 34 is connected to the inlet side of the washing tub 11.
- the first to fourth ducts 31 to 34 are connected to one another to from a continuous air circulating channel such that air is circulated in a closed circuit formed by the washing tub 11 and the first to fourth ducts 31 to 34.
- the blower 36 includes: a blowing fan 36a to suction air guided through the third duct 33 and blow the suctioned air to the fourth duct 34; and a blowing motor 36b mounted at the outside of the fourth duct 34 to rotate the blowing fan 36a.
- the first heater 37 serves to heat air supplied into the washing tub 11 through the fourth duct 34 such that the heater air can dry the laundry in the washing tub 11.
- the condensation-purpose heat exchanger 35 is a cylindrical sensible heat exchanger having first air channels 35a, through which air from the washing tub 11 passes, and second air channels 35b, through which outside air passes.
- the first air channels 35a intersect the second air channels 35b.
- the second duct 32 in which the heat exchanger 35 is mounted, includes: a first lower inlet 32a connected to the first duct 31; a first upper outlet 32b connected to the third duct 33; a second inlet 32c, through which outside air is introduced; and a second outlet 32d, through which the outside air is discharged.
- the direction in which the first inlet and outlet 32a and 32b are arranged intersects the direction in which the second inlet and outlet 32c and 32d are arranged.
- an outside air blowing fan 38 (see FIG. 1 ) to blow the outside air.
- the second inlet and outlet 32c and 32d of the second duct 32 communicate with the outside of the machine body 10 through additional ducts to accomplish circulation of outside air.
- High-humidity air is introduced into the second duct 32 through the first inlet 32a from the washing tub 11, passes through the first air channels 35a of the heat exchanger 35, and flows to the third duct 33 through the first outlet 32b.
- Cold outside air is introduced into the second duct 32 through the second inlet 32c, passes through the second air channels 35b of the heat exchanger 35 such that heat exchange is performed, and is discharged out of the second duct 32 through the second outlet 32d.
- Moisture contained in the air passing through the first air channels 35a of the heat exchanger 35 is condensed to dehumidify the air.
- the above-described air circulation is repeated to dry the laundry.
- condensed water generated while drying the laundry is collected and supplied to the steam generating unit 50 to generate steam.
- the condensed water has nearly the same purity as distilled water. Consequently, formation of scale in the steam generating unit 50 is minimized when steam is generated using the condensed water.
- the condensed water tank 60 to receive a predetermined amount of water is disposed below the second duct 32.
- the condensed water tank 60 is connected to the lower end of second duct 32 through a condensed water guide pipe 39. Consequently, water condensed in the heat exchanger 35 flows down the condensed water guide pipe 39, and is then collected in the condensed water tank 60.
- the steam generating unit 50 includes: a metallic unit body 52 having a channel 51 defined therein; and a second heater 53 embedded in the unit body 52 to heat water passing through the channel 51 of the unit body 52 such that steam is generated.
- a steam-purpose water supplying unit 40 to supply water from the condensed water tank 60 to the steam generating unit 50 and a steam supplying pipe 44 to supply steam generated in the steam generating unit 50 to the washing tub 11.
- the steam-purpose water supplying unit 40 includes: a steam-purpose water supplying pipe 41 connected between the condensed water tank 60 and the steam generating unit 50; a water supplying pump 42 mounted on the water supplying pipe 41; and a third water supplying valve 43 to open and close the water supplying pipe 41.
- a water level sensor 61 to sense predetermined highest level H and predetermined lowest level L in the condensed water tank 60.
- a water draining pipe 62 is connected to the condensed water tank 60 to drain condensed water when the water level of the condensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined highest level H.
- a second water draining valve 63 On the water draining pipe 62 is mounted a second water draining valve 63 to open and close the water draining pipe 62.
- a third water supplying pipe 25 which is connected to the water supplying unit 20, such that water is supplied to the condensed water tank 60 when the water level of the condensed water tank 60 is below the predetermined lowest level L.
- the third water supplying pipe 25 is opened and closed by the second water supplying valve 24.
- FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the method to control the operation of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the washing machine further includes a signal input unit 71, a temperature sensor 73, a drying sensor 72, a water level sensor 61, and a control unit 70 to control the operation of the washing machine.
- the signal input unit 71 allows a user to input various operation information, such as washing course, water level, washing temperature, spin-drying time, drying, steam supply, etc., to the control unit 70.
- the temperature sensor 73 senses temperature in the washing tub 11 and transmits the sensed temperature to the control unit 70.
- the drying sensor 72 senses the drying degree of laundry.
- the water level sensor 61 senses water level of the condensed water tank 60 and transmits the sensed water level to the control unit 70.
- the control unit 70 controls the operations of the motor 14, the first and second water supplying valves 21 and 24, the first water draining valve 18b, the blower 36, the outside air blowing fan 38, the first heater 37, the second heater 53, the water supplying pump 42, the third water supplying valve 43, and the second water draining valve 63 based on the inputted operation information and the second information.
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process of controlling a drying operation of the washing machine according an embodiment of the present invention.
- the control unit 70 controls the motor 14 to be driven based on a drying signal inputted through the signal input unit 71 to rotate the rotary drum 11.
- the control unit 70 controls the first heater 37 and the blower 36 of the drying unit 30 and the outside air blowing fan 38 to be operated to dry laundry (81).
- hot air is circulated in a closed circuit formed by the washing tub 11 and the first to fourth ducts 31, 32, 33, and 34 to dry the laundry.
- water is condensed in the heat exchanger 35, and the condensed water flows down the condensed water guide pipe 39, and is then collected in the condensed water tank 60.
- the water level of the condensed water tank 60 is sensed by the water level sensor 61 (82), the water level sensor determines whether the water level of the condensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined highest level H (83). If the water level of the condensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined highest level H, the second water draining valve 63 is opened to drain the condensed water out of the condensed water tank 60 (84). If the water level sensor determines that the water level of the condensed water tank 60 is lower than the predetermined highest level H, the second water draining valve 63 is closed (85).
- the second water draining valve 63 is opened to drain the condensed water out of the condensed water tank when the water level of the condensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined highest level H while the laundry is dried, and the second water draining valve 63 is closed to collect the condensed water in the condensed water tank 60 when the water level of the condensed water tank 60 is lower than the predetermined highest level H while the laundry is dried.
- the degree of dryness of the laundry is sensed by the drying sensor 72 (86), and it is determined whether dryness is sufficient (87). If the drying sensor 72 determines that the dryness is sufficient, the drying operation is finished. When it is determined that the dryness of the laundry is not sufficient, the above drying operation controlling process is repeated.
- the steam supply of the washing tub 11 may be selectively used to heat the wash water and the laundry before the washing operation is performed or during the washing operation or to reduce wrinkles of the laundry after the drying operation is completed.
- FIG 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process of controlling a steam supplying operation of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the control unit 70 controls the water level sensor 61 of the condensed water tank 60 to sense the level of the condensed water collected while the laundry is being dried based on a steam supplying signal inputted through the signal input unit 71 (91), and determines whether the water level of the condensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined lowest level L (92).
- the predetermined lowest level L is not a level that indicates that there is no water in the condensed water tank 60.
- the predetermined lowest level L is a level indicating that there is a minimum amount of water sufficient to generate steam in the condensed water tank 60.
- the second water supplying valve 24 is closed such that water is not supplied to the condensed water tank 60 (93).
- the control unit 70 determines that the water level of the condensed water tank 60 is lower than the predetermined lowest level L, the second water supplying valve 24 is opened such that water is supplied from the external water supply source to the condensed water tank 60 (94).
- the second heater 53 of the steam generating unit 50 When the water in the condensed water tank 60 exceeds the predetermined lowest level L, the second heater 53 of the steam generating unit 50 operates (95). Also, the water supplying pump 42 of the steam-purpose water supplying unit 40 operates and the third water supplying valve 43 is opened such that the condensed water is supplied from the condensed water tank 60 to the steam generating unit 50 to generate steam (96). As described above, only the condensed water, which has nearly the same purity as distilled water, is supplied to the steam generating unit 50 when the water in the condensed water tank 60 exceeds the predetermined lowest level L. Consequently, the formation of scale in the steam generating unit 50 is minimized.
- the second water supplying valve 24 is opened such that external water is supplied into the condensed water tank 60, and thus, the condensed water tank 60 supplies the water to the steam generating unit 50.
- the steam generating unit 50 supplies steam into the washing tub 11 through the steam supplying pipe 44. While the steam is supplied, the control unit 70 controls the temperature sensor 73 of the washing tub 11 to sense the temperature of the washing tub 11 (97), and determines whether the interior of the washing tub 11 is sufficiently heated to a temperature predetermined by a user or when steam supplying time predetermined by the user elapses (98). This determination depends on the steam supplying condition selectively inputted by the user (for example, the temperature of the washing tub or steam supplying time).
- the steam supply is stopped. In the event that the temperature of the washing tub 11 does not exceed the predetermined level, or the predetermined steam supplying time does not elapse, the above steam supplying operation controlling process is repeated.
- the condensed water generated while drying laundry is supplied to the steam generating unit to generate steam, whereby the formation of scale in the steam generating unit is minimized.
- the external water supply source supplies water into the condensed water tank when the condensed water is not sufficient in the condensed water tank, whereby water is easily supplemented in the condensed water tank.
- the condensed water is reused in a steam supplying operation that can heat the water, steam the wet laundry and steam dry wrinkled laundry. It is also possible to use and reuse the condensed water, with almost the purity of distilled water, as a supply of water, heated or unheated, to the washing operation, such as during washing or rinsing, using the steam supply system and controlling heat supplied to the water by the steam unit.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
- Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof, and, more particularly, to a washing machine with a laundry drying function and a steam supplying function and a control method thereof.
-
Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-43771 -
Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-88884 - In the steam generating unit of the washing machine, however, water is supplied from the external water supply source to the pressure container, and therefore, scale is formed on the inner surface of the pressure container or the outer surface of the heater due to calcium and magnesium that is contained in the water after the steam generating unit is used for a long period of time.
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Patent document US 5 827 329 A discloses an apparatus and method for the industrial cleaning of fabrics and clothes in a liquid medium, especially solvents, which can be toxic. It is disclosed that steam is used during the drying process to clear the solvent out of the fabrics. The steam is then condensed and collected to be fed again to the steam generator to avoid rejection of the potentially harmful solvent to the environment. - Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
- Therefore, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that is capable of supplying condensed water generated while laundry is drying to a steam generating unit to generate steam, thereby minimizing the formation of scale in the steam generating unit.
- The present invention provides a washing machine according to claim 1, a subassembly of a washing machine according to claim 3, and a control method of a washing machine according to claim 4.
- Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
- Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
- These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:
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FIG. 1 is a view showing the structure of a washing machine according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger of the washing machine according to the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram to control the operation of the washing machine according to the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process of controlling a drying operation of the washing machine according to the present invention; and -
FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process of controlling a steam supplying operation of the washing machine according to the present invention. - Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiment is described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.
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FIG. 1 is a view showing the structure of a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1 , the drum type washing machine includes: a drumtype washing tub 11 mounted in amachine body 10 to receive wash water; and arotary drum 12 rotatably mounted in thewashing tub 11. - The
rotary drum 12 is rotatably connected to the rear center part of thewashing tub 11 via arotary shaft 13, which is attached to the rear center part of therotary drum 12. At the outer rear part of thewashing tub 11 is mounted adrive motor 14 to rotate therotary drum 12. Therotary drum 12 has a plurality of through-holes 12a formed at the circumference thereof to allow wash water to be introduced into the rotary drum therethrough, and a plurality oflifters 12b mounted at the inner surface thereof to lift laundry when therotary drum 12 is rotated. At the front surface of themachine body 10 is formed an inlet/outlet hole 15, through which laundry is put into or removed from therotary drum 12. The inlet/outlet hole 15 is opened or closed by adoor 16 mounted to the front surface of themachine body 10. - The drum type washing machine further includes: a
water supplying unit 20 to supply wash water into thewashing tub 11; adetergent supplying unit 17 to supply detergent into thewashing tub 11; awater draining unit 18 to drain water out of thewashing tub 11; adrying unit 30 to dry laundry in therotary drum 12; and asteam generating unit 50 to supply steam into thewashing tub 11. - The
water supplying unit 20 includes: a firstwater supplying valve 21 to control water supply from an external water supply source to thedetergent supplying unit 17; a firstwater supplying pipe 22 connected between the firstwater supplying valve 21 and thedetergent supplying unit 17; and a secondwater supplying pipe 23 connected between thedetergent supplying unit 17 and thewashing tub 11. Water supplied through the firstwater supplying unit 22 is introduced into thewashing tub 11 through thedetergent supplying unit 17. As a result, detergent in thedetergent supplying unit 17 is supplied into thewashing tub 17 together with the water supplied through the firstwater supplying unit 22. Thewater supplying unit 20 further includes: a secondwater supplying valve 24 and a thirdwater supplying pipe 25, which are used to supply water to a condensedwater tank 60, which will be described below. - The water draining
unit 18 includes: a water drainingpipe 18a connected to the bottom part of thewashing tub 11; and a firstwater draining valve 18b to open and close thewater draining pipe 18a. After a washing operation is completed or when a rinsing or spin-drying operation is performed, the firstwater draining valve 18b is opened such that water is drained out of thewashing tub 11. - The
drying unit 30 blows heated air into therotary drum 12 to dry laundry. Thedrying unit 30 includes: first andsecond ducts washing tub 11; third andfourth ducts washing tub 11; a condensation-purpose heat exchanger 35 mounted in thesecond duct 32; ablower 36 mounted in the connection part between thethird duct 33 and thefourth duct 34; and afirst heater 37 mounted in thefourth duct 34. - The inlet of the
first duct 31 is connected to the lower part of the rear surface of thewashing tub 11, the outlet of thefourth duct 34 is connected to the inlet side of thewashing tub 11. The first tofourth ducts 31 to 34 are connected to one another to from a continuous air circulating channel such that air is circulated in a closed circuit formed by thewashing tub 11 and the first tofourth ducts 31 to 34. - The
blower 36 includes: a blowingfan 36a to suction air guided through thethird duct 33 and blow the suctioned air to thefourth duct 34; and a blowingmotor 36b mounted at the outside of thefourth duct 34 to rotate the blowingfan 36a. Thefirst heater 37 serves to heat air supplied into thewashing tub 11 through thefourth duct 34 such that the heater air can dry the laundry in thewashing tub 11. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and2 , the condensation-purpose heat exchanger 35 is a cylindrical sensible heat exchanger havingfirst air channels 35a, through which air from thewashing tub 11 passes, andsecond air channels 35b, through which outside air passes. Thefirst air channels 35a intersect thesecond air channels 35b. Thesecond duct 32, in which theheat exchanger 35 is mounted, includes: a firstlower inlet 32a connected to thefirst duct 31; a firstupper outlet 32b connected to thethird duct 33; asecond inlet 32c, through which outside air is introduced; and asecond outlet 32d, through which the outside air is discharged. The direction in which the first inlet andoutlet outlet second inlet 32c is mounted an outside air blowing fan 38 (seeFIG. 1 ) to blow the outside air. Although not shown in the drawings, the second inlet andoutlet second duct 32 communicate with the outside of themachine body 10 through additional ducts to accomplish circulation of outside air. - High-humidity air is introduced into the
second duct 32 through thefirst inlet 32a from thewashing tub 11, passes through thefirst air channels 35a of theheat exchanger 35, and flows to thethird duct 33 through thefirst outlet 32b. Cold outside air is introduced into thesecond duct 32 through thesecond inlet 32c, passes through thesecond air channels 35b of theheat exchanger 35 such that heat exchange is performed, and is discharged out of thesecond duct 32 through thesecond outlet 32d. Moisture contained in the air passing through thefirst air channels 35a of theheat exchanger 35 is condensed to dehumidify the air. The above-described air circulation is repeated to dry the laundry. - According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 1 , condensed water generated while drying the laundry is collected and supplied to thesteam generating unit 50 to generate steam. The condensed water has nearly the same purity as distilled water. Consequently, formation of scale in thesteam generating unit 50 is minimized when steam is generated using the condensed water. Thecondensed water tank 60 to receive a predetermined amount of water is disposed below thesecond duct 32. Thecondensed water tank 60 is connected to the lower end ofsecond duct 32 through a condensedwater guide pipe 39. Consequently, water condensed in theheat exchanger 35 flows down the condensedwater guide pipe 39, and is then collected in thecondensed water tank 60. - The
steam generating unit 50 includes: ametallic unit body 52 having achannel 51 defined therein; and asecond heater 53 embedded in theunit body 52 to heat water passing through thechannel 51 of theunit body 52 such that steam is generated. To thesteam generating unit 50 are connected a steam-purpose water supplying unit 40 to supply water from thecondensed water tank 60 to thesteam generating unit 50 and asteam supplying pipe 44 to supply steam generated in thesteam generating unit 50 to thewashing tub 11. The steam-purpose water supplying unit 40 includes: a steam-purposewater supplying pipe 41 connected between thecondensed water tank 60 and thesteam generating unit 50; awater supplying pump 42 mounted on thewater supplying pipe 41; and a thirdwater supplying valve 43 to open and close thewater supplying pipe 41. When thewater supplying pump 42 is operated while the thirdwater supplying valve 43 is opened, water is supplied from thecondensed water tank 60 to thesteam generating unit 50. - At the
condensed water tank 60 is mounted awater level sensor 61 to sense predetermined highest level H and predetermined lowest level L in thecondensed water tank 60. Also, awater draining pipe 62 is connected to thecondensed water tank 60 to drain condensed water when the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined highest level H. On thewater draining pipe 62 is mounted a secondwater draining valve 63 to open and close thewater draining pipe 62. To the top part of thecondensed water tank 60 is connected a thirdwater supplying pipe 25, which is connected to thewater supplying unit 20, such that water is supplied to thecondensed water tank 60 when the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is below the predetermined lowest level L. The thirdwater supplying pipe 25 is opened and closed by the secondwater supplying valve 24. -
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the method to control the operation of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 3 , the washing machine further includes asignal input unit 71, atemperature sensor 73, a dryingsensor 72, awater level sensor 61, and acontrol unit 70 to control the operation of the washing machine. Thesignal input unit 71 allows a user to input various operation information, such as washing course, water level, washing temperature, spin-drying time, drying, steam supply, etc., to thecontrol unit 70. Thetemperature sensor 73 senses temperature in thewashing tub 11 and transmits the sensed temperature to thecontrol unit 70. The dryingsensor 72 senses the drying degree of laundry. Thewater level sensor 61 senses water level of thecondensed water tank 60 and transmits the sensed water level to thecontrol unit 70. - The
control unit 70 controls the operations of themotor 14, the first and secondwater supplying valves water draining valve 18b, theblower 36, the outsideair blowing fan 38, thefirst heater 37, thesecond heater 53, thewater supplying pump 42, the thirdwater supplying valve 43, and the secondwater draining valve 63 based on the inputted operation information and the second information. - Now, a drying control method and a steam supplying control method of the washing machine will be described in detail.
-
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process of controlling a drying operation of the washing machine according an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated inFIG. 4 , thecontrol unit 70 controls themotor 14 to be driven based on a drying signal inputted through thesignal input unit 71 to rotate therotary drum 11. At the same time, thecontrol unit 70 controls thefirst heater 37 and theblower 36 of the dryingunit 30 and the outsideair blowing fan 38 to be operated to dry laundry (81). Specifically, hot air is circulated in a closed circuit formed by thewashing tub 11 and the first tofourth ducts heat exchanger 35, and the condensed water flows down the condensedwater guide pipe 39, and is then collected in thecondensed water tank 60. - While drying the laundry, the water level of the
condensed water tank 60 is sensed by the water level sensor 61 (82), the water level sensor determines whether the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined highest level H (83). If the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined highest level H, the secondwater draining valve 63 is opened to drain the condensed water out of the condensed water tank 60 (84). If the water level sensor determines that the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is lower than the predetermined highest level H, the secondwater draining valve 63 is closed (85). Specifically, the secondwater draining valve 63 is opened to drain the condensed water out of the condensed water tank when the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined highest level H while the laundry is dried, and the secondwater draining valve 63 is closed to collect the condensed water in thecondensed water tank 60 when the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is lower than the predetermined highest level H while the laundry is dried. - While the laundry is drying, the degree of dryness of the laundry is sensed by the drying sensor 72 (86), and it is determined whether dryness is sufficient (87). If the drying
sensor 72 determines that the dryness is sufficient, the drying operation is finished. When it is determined that the dryness of the laundry is not sufficient, the above drying operation controlling process is repeated. - Meanwhile, the steam supply of the
washing tub 11 may be selectively used to heat the wash water and the laundry before the washing operation is performed or during the washing operation or to reduce wrinkles of the laundry after the drying operation is completed. -
FIG 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process of controlling a steam supplying operation of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated inFIG 5 , thecontrol unit 70 controls thewater level sensor 61 of thecondensed water tank 60 to sense the level of the condensed water collected while the laundry is being dried based on a steam supplying signal inputted through the signal input unit 71 (91), and determines whether the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined lowest level L (92). It should be noted that the predetermined lowest level L is not a level that indicates that there is no water in thecondensed water tank 60. The predetermined lowest level L is a level indicating that there is a minimum amount of water sufficient to generate steam in thecondensed water tank 60. - When the
control unit 70 determines that the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is higher than the predetermined lowest level L, that indicates that there is a minimum amount of water sufficient to generate steam in thecondensed water tank 60, the secondwater supplying valve 24 is closed such that water is not supplied to the condensed water tank 60 (93). On the other hand, when thecontrol unit 70 determines that the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is lower than the predetermined lowest level L, the secondwater supplying valve 24 is opened such that water is supplied from the external water supply source to the condensed water tank 60 (94). - When the water in the
condensed water tank 60 exceeds the predetermined lowest level L, thesecond heater 53 of thesteam generating unit 50 operates (95). Also, thewater supplying pump 42 of the steam-purpose water supplying unit 40 operates and the thirdwater supplying valve 43 is opened such that the condensed water is supplied from thecondensed water tank 60 to thesteam generating unit 50 to generate steam (96). As described above, only the condensed water, which has nearly the same purity as distilled water, is supplied to thesteam generating unit 50 when the water in thecondensed water tank 60 exceeds the predetermined lowest level L. Consequently, the formation of scale in thesteam generating unit 50 is minimized. When the water level of thecondensed water tank 60 is lower than the predetermined lowest level L, on the other hand, the secondwater supplying valve 24 is opened such that external water is supplied into thecondensed water tank 60, and thus, thecondensed water tank 60 supplies the water to thesteam generating unit 50. - The
steam generating unit 50 supplies steam into thewashing tub 11 through thesteam supplying pipe 44. While the steam is supplied, thecontrol unit 70 controls thetemperature sensor 73 of thewashing tub 11 to sense the temperature of the washing tub 11 (97), and determines whether the interior of thewashing tub 11 is sufficiently heated to a temperature predetermined by a user or when steam supplying time predetermined by the user elapses (98). This determination depends on the steam supplying condition selectively inputted by the user (for example, the temperature of the washing tub or steam supplying time). - When the temperature of the
washing tub 11 exceeds the predetermined level, or the predetermined steam supplying time elapses, the steam supply is stopped. In the event that the temperature of thewashing tub 11 does not exceed the predetermined level, or the predetermined steam supplying time does not elapse, the above steam supplying operation controlling process is repeated. - As apparent from the above description, the condensed water generated while drying laundry is supplied to the steam generating unit to generate steam, whereby the formation of scale in the steam generating unit is minimized.
- Furthermore, the external water supply source supplies water into the condensed water tank when the condensed water is not sufficient in the condensed water tank, whereby water is easily supplemented in the condensed water tank.
- In the above-described embodiments, the condensed water is reused in a steam supplying operation that can heat the water, steam the wet laundry and steam dry wrinkled laundry. It is also possible to use and reuse the condensed water, with almost the purity of distilled water, as a supply of water, heated or unheated, to the washing operation, such as during washing or rinsing, using the steam supply system and controlling heat supplied to the water by the steam unit.
- Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in this embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims.
Claims (7)
- A subassembly for a washing machine, comprising:a condensed water tank (60) to collect condensed water for the operation of the washing machine;characterized bya water level sensor (61) to sense a water level of the tank (60);a water supplying unit (20) to supply external water to the tank (60) when the water level sensor (61) detects that the water level of the tank (60) is below a predetermined lowest level; anda water draining unit (62) to drain excess water out of the tank (60) when the water level sensor (61) detects when the water level of the tank (60) is above a predetermined highest water level.
- A washing machine, comprising:a drying unit (30) having a heat exchanger (35) to dehumidify air in a washing tub (11);a steam generating unit (50) to supply steam to the washing tub (11);a subassembly according to claim 1, wherein said condensed water tank (60) collects condensed water from the heat exchanger (35); anda steam-purpose water supplying unit (40) to supply the water from the condensed water tank (60) to the steam generating unit (50)characterized bya water level sensor (61) to sense the water level of the condensed water tank (60);a water supplying unit (20) to supply external water to the condensed water tank (60) when the water level of the condensed water tank (60) is below a predetermined lowest water level; anda water draining unit (62) to drain the water out of the condensed water tank (60) when the water level of the condensed water tank (60) is above a predetermined highest water level.
- The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the steam-purpose water supplying unit (40) comprises:a steam-purpose water supplying pipe (41) connected between the condensed water tank (60) and the steam generating unit (50);a water supplying pump (42) mounted on the steam-purpose water supplying pipe (41); anda water supplying valve (43) to open and close the steam-purpose water supplying pipe (41).
- A control method of a washing machine comprising: a drying unit (30) having a heat exchanger (35) to dehumidify air in a washing tub (11); a steam generating unit (50) to supply steam to the washing tub (11); and a condensed water tank (60) to collect condensed water from the heat exchanger (35), wherein the control method comprises:sensing the water level of the condensed water tank (60) when a drying operation is performed, whereina water draining pipe (62) of the condensed water tank (60) is opened, when the water level of the condensed water tank (60) is higher than a predetermined highest level, to drain water out of the condensed water tank (60), andsensing the water level of the condensed water tank (60) when steam is supplied to the washing tub (11), whereinthe steam generating unit (50) is operated and supplies water from the condensed water tank (60) to the steam generating unit (50) through a steam-purpose water supplying unit (40) when the water level of the condensed water tank (60) is higher than a predetermined lowest level.
- The control method according to claim 4, further comprising:closing the water draining pipe (62) of the condensed water tank (60) when the water level of the condensed water tank (60) is lower than the predetermined highest level.
- The control method according to claim 4, further comprising:supplying water to the condensed water tank (60) from an external water supply source (20) when the water level of the condensed water tank (60) is lower than the predetermined lowest level.
- The control method according to claim 6, further comprising:stopping water supply to the condensed water tank (60) from an external water supply source (20) when the water level of the condensed water tank (60) is higher than the predetermined lowest level.
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KR1020050050538A KR101235193B1 (en) | 2005-06-13 | 2005-06-13 | Washing machine and control method thereof |
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EP1734170A1 EP1734170A1 (en) | 2006-12-20 |
EP1734170B1 true EP1734170B1 (en) | 2009-01-14 |
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EP05025456A Not-in-force EP1734170B1 (en) | 2005-06-13 | 2005-11-22 | Washing machine and control method thereof |
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US (1) | US20060277690A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1734170B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101235193B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602005012372D1 (en) |
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- 2005-06-13 KR KR1020050050538A patent/KR101235193B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-11-17 US US11/280,290 patent/US20060277690A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-11-22 EP EP05025456A patent/EP1734170B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-11-22 DE DE602005012372T patent/DE602005012372D1/en active Active
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP1734170A1 (en) | 2006-12-20 |
KR20060129849A (en) | 2006-12-18 |
KR101235193B1 (en) | 2013-02-20 |
US20060277690A1 (en) | 2006-12-14 |
DE602005012372D1 (en) | 2009-03-05 |
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