JP2007195943A - Washing machine and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To favorably wash delicate fibers without being affected by a previous washing operation, and wash the delicate fibers under appropriate conditions, when the inside temperature of a drum becomes high. <P>SOLUTION: The washing machine which includes a drying device 50 generating an air flow to dry laundry comprises the drum 30 forming a washing space, a first temperature sensor 23 sensing the temperature of wash water, a second temperature sensor 62 sensing the inside temperature of the drum 30, and a control part 63 determining whether or not satisfying the washing conditions for washing the delicate fibers based on the inside temperature of the drum 30 and the temperature of the wash water, consequently when determining that it does not satisfy the washing conditions, controlling the drying device 50 to satisfy the washing conditions and then executing the washing operation of the delicate fibers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing delicate fibers such as wool and silk, and a control method thereof.

  In a drum washing machine, a horizontally disposed drum rotates alternately in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, and the laundry is moved up and down along the inner peripheral surface of the drum together with the washing water. Laundry.

  Generally, a drum washing machine has a drying function. Thus, the drum washing machine having a drying function includes an electric heater for heating the air and a duct for circulating the heated air. Such a drum washing machine is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (published on October 25, 2005).

  As a conventional washing machine, a machine for washing using washing water heated by a heater has been developed.

  In addition, a drum washing machine that performs washing using washing water heated to high temperature within a short time by supplying high-temperature steam to the inside of the washing tub in order to enhance washing power is disclosed in Patent Document 2 (2004/10). Published on May 8).

  In a washing machine having at least one of a function of drying laundry using an electric heater, a function of heating washing water to raise the temperature of the washing water, and a function of supplying high-temperature steam, Even after the end of each washing operation, the internal temperature of the drum is considerably high. Therefore, a long cooling time is required until the internal temperature of the drum becomes similar to the temperature of the outside air.

  However, existing washing machines do not take into account the internal temperature of the drum after completing the previous washing operation.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when washing wool fibers with an existing washing machine, when a user selects a wool course through an input unit provided in the main body of the washing machine with the laundry being put into the drum ( 1) Rotate the drum to sense the weight of the laundry (2), consider the weight of the laundry, supply the washing water to the drum (3), rotate the drum and wash the laundry inside the drum (4).

  As described above, in the existing washing machine, the internal temperature of the drum is not taken into consideration even though the internal temperature of the drum is increased immediately after completing the previous washing operation. Therefore, when washing water is supplied to the drum from the outside immediately after the delicate fibers such as wool and silk are put into the drum while the internal temperature of the drum is high, the delicate fibers heated by the high-temperature air inside the drum When it comes into contact with cold washing water and the delicate fibers are mechanically washed by the rotation of the drum in this state, the fine fibers shrink or deform. Since the size and characteristics of the fibers change due to the shrinkage and deformation of the delicate fibers, the existing washing machine has a restriction on the operation of washing the delicate fibers such as wool and silk.

Recently, the frequency of using a drying function has increased by applying a drying function for stretching wrinkles of clothes to a washing machine. When washing wool fibers after performing the drying function described above, the wool fibers should be washed after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed until the internal temperature of the drum is sufficiently lowered. However, it is difficult for general consumers to comply with the precautions of washing operations, and general consumers, depending on their own experience, decide when to perform a new washing operation after the completion of the previous washing operation. Therefore, washing of wool fibers is performed under inappropriate conditions, and measures for solving such problems are required.
Republic of Korea Patent No. 2005-101788 Republic of Korea Open Patent Publication No. 10-2004-85507

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can satisfactorily wash delicate fibers without being affected by the previous washing operation. It is in.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of washing delicate fibers under appropriate conditions when the internal temperature of the drum becomes high, and a control method therefor.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a washing machine having a drying device for generating airflow to dry laundry, and a drum forming a washing space; A first temperature sensor; a second temperature sensor for sensing an internal temperature of the drum; and satisfying a washing condition for washing delicate fibers based on the internal temperature of the drum and the temperature of the washing water A controller that performs a washing operation of delicate fibers after satisfying the washing condition by controlling the drying device when it is determined that the washing condition is not satisfied. It is characterized by that.

  The controller determines that the washing condition is satisfied when the difference between the internal temperature of the drum and the temperature of the washing water is equal to or lower than a set temperature.

  The controller performs a cooling operation for reducing the internal temperature of the drum when the internal temperature of the drum is higher than a reference temperature when determining the washing condition.

  The drying apparatus includes a blower fan for generating an airflow, a duct for guiding the airflow into the drum, a flow path for supplying air discharged from the drum to the duct, and the flow path A cooling water injection device for injecting cooling water to the cooling water, and when the cooling operation is required, the control unit operates the blower fan and supplies the cooling water through the cooling water injection device. To do.

  The control unit includes a counter for performing a cooling operation for a set time.

  The controller performs the washing operation of the delicate fibers when the washing condition is satisfied by the cooling operation.

  The heater further includes a heater for heating the washing water, and the controller controls the heater so that the washing water is heated by the heater when the washing condition is not satisfied by the cooling operation.

  The controller performs the washing operation of the delicate fibers when the difference between the internal temperature of the drum and the temperature of the washing water is equal to or lower than a set temperature.

  The delicate fibers include wool and silk.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for controlling a washing machine having a drying device for generating airflow to dry laundry, and selecting a washing course for washing delicate fibers. Detecting the internal temperature of the drum in which the washing space is formed and the temperature of the washing water, determining whether the washing condition for the delicate fibers is satisfied, and determining that the washing condition is not satisfied If it is, the drying apparatus is controlled to perform the washing operation of the delicate fibers after satisfying the washing condition.

  When determining the washing conditions, if the internal temperature of the drum is higher than a reference temperature, a cooling operation for decreasing the internal temperature of the drum by circulating an air flow generated by the drying device inside the drum for a set time. To do.

  The reference temperature is 35 ° C.

  When the difference between the internal temperature of the drum and the temperature of the washing water is equal to or lower than a set temperature, it is determined that the washing condition is satisfied.

  The set temperature is 2 ° C.

  When the washing condition is satisfied during the cooling operation, the washing operation of delicate fibers is performed.

  If the washing condition is not satisfied even after the cooling operation, the preliminary washing water is supplied and heated.

  The preliminary washing water is supplied to a heater safe water level that immerses a heater for heating the washing water.

  Whether the washing condition is satisfied is determined based on the temperature of the heated washing water and the internal temperature of the drum. If the washing condition is satisfied, a washing operation of delicate fibers is performed.

  In the washing machine according to the present invention, the internal temperature of the drum is increased due to the drying function performed in the previous washing operation, and the internal temperature of the drum is not suitable for washing delicate fibers such as wool and silk. If the cooling operation is performed to lower the difference between the internal temperature of the drum and the temperature of the washing water below the set temperature, and the washing conditions are not satisfied even after the cooling operation, the preliminary washing water The washing condition is satisfied by supplying water and heating. Therefore, since the washing machine according to the present invention performs the washing operation only when the washing condition for the delicate fibers is satisfied, it is possible to prevent the delicate fibers from being damaged due to shrinkage and deformation.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

 As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine according to the present invention has a main body 10 that makes an appearance, a water tank 20 that is installed inside the main body 10 and stores washing water, and is rotatably installed inside the water tank 20. And a drum 30 for storing the laundry. A door 11 that opens and closes an opening for loading laundry is hinged to the front surface of the main body 10.

  First and second water supply pipes 12 a and 12 b that supply washing water to the water tank 20 and a detergent supply device 13 that supplies detergent to the water tank 20 are installed on the inner upper portion of the main body 10. The first water supply pipe 12a supplies hot water, and the second water supply pipe 12b supplies cold water. The first and second water supply pipes 12a and 12b are provided with first and second water supply valves 16 and 17 for controlling the water supply through the first and second water supply pipes 12a and 12b. Here, the first water supply valve 16 is an open / close valve, and the second water supply valve 17 is an electric three-way valve that selectively supplies cold water from the detergent supply device 13 or the connecting pipe 55.

  A heater 22 for heating the washing water and a first temperature sensor 23 for sensing the temperature of the washing water are installed at the bottom of the water tank 20.

  A drain pump motor 14 and a drain pipe 15 for discharging the wash water stored in the water tank 20 to the outside of the main body 10 are installed in the lower part inside the main body 10.

  A washing motor 40 for rotating the drum 30 in the forward direction or the reverse direction is installed outside the rear plate 21 that forms the rear surface of the water tank 20, and the washing motor 40 is interposed between the drum 30 and the washing motor 40. A rotating shaft 41 for transmitting the rotational force to the drum 30 is installed.

  In addition, the drum washing machine according to the present invention further includes a drying device 50 for drying the laundry stored in the drum 30 by supplying warm air to the drum 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the drying device 50 includes a blower fan 51, a fan motor 51 a, a drying heater 52, a heating duct 53, and a condensation channel 54.

  The blower fan 51 is installed in the upper part of the water tank 20 and provides a driving force for air circulation. The heating duct 53 connects the discharge side of the blower fan 51 and the front opening of the drum 30 to blow air. The airflow generated by the fan 51 is guided into the drum 30. A drying heater 52 that heats air for effective drying of the laundry is mounted inside the heating duct 53. The condensing channel 54 removes moisture in the air discharged from the drum 30 after the laundry has been dried. One end of the condensing channel 54 is connected to the rear surface side of the drum 30 and the other end is sucked by the blower fan 51. Connected to the side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rear surface plate 21 of the water tank 20 is provided with a flow path forming portion 21 a that is recessed by a predetermined depth toward the rear surface plate 21 in order to form a condensing flow path 54. Inside the condensing channel 54, a cooling water ejecting device 56 that injects cooling water for cooling the air passing through the condensing channel 54 is installed, and this cooling water ejecting device 56 is connected to the second through the connecting pipe 55. Connected to the water supply valve 17.

  Although not shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine according to the present invention is installed in the water tank 20, and a water level sensor 61 for sensing the water level of the washing water, and for sensing the internal temperature of the drum 30. And a second temperature sensor 62.

  In addition, the washing machine according to the present invention further includes a control unit for controlling general operations including a washing operation of delicate fibers, and the control unit will be described below with reference to FIG.

  On the input side of the control unit 63, an input unit 60 for inputting a user's setting command, a water level sensor 61 for sensing the level of the washing water, and a first temperature for sensing the temperature of the washing water. The sensor 23 and the second temperature sensor 62 for sensing the internal temperature of the drum 30 are electrically connected.

  Further, on the output side of the control unit 63, a valve driving unit 64 for controlling the operation of the first water supply valve 16 and the second water supply valve 17, and a heater for controlling the operation of the heater 22 and the drying heater 52 are provided. The driving unit 65 is electrically connected to the motor driving unit 66 for controlling the operations of the washing motor 40, the drainage pump motor 14 and the fan motor 51a.

  The control unit 63 includes a counter 63-1 for measuring the cooling time.

  When a wool course for washing delicate fibers such as wool is selected, the control unit 63 determines whether or not the washing conditions for washing the wool fibers are satisfied without shrinkage and damage, and satisfies the washing conditions. If it is determined that it is not, the washing conditions suitable for washing the wool fibers are reset. That is, the control unit 63 can wash delicate fibers only when the washing conditions for washing the wool fibers are satisfied.

  When the difference between the internal temperature of the drum 30 and the temperature of the washing water is not large, the control unit 63 determines that the washing condition for washing the wool fiber is set. At this time, a water supply operation for sensing the temperature of the washing water is required. However, as shown in FIG. 5, the water is supplied to a minimum water level so that the first temperature sensor 23 is immersed.

  When the internal temperature of the drum becomes very high and is not suitable for satisfying the washing condition of the wool fiber, the control unit 63 turns off the drying heater 52 and drives the blower fan 51. Thereafter, the control unit 63 circulates an air flow generated from the blower fan 51 inside the drum 30 and performs a cooling operation for lowering the internal temperature of the drum 30.

  Thereafter, the controller 63 senses the temperature of the wash water using the first temperature sensor 23 and senses the internal temperature of the drum 30 using the second temperature sensor 62. Thereafter, the control unit 63 determines whether or not the difference between the detected temperatures is within the set range, and as a result, when it is determined that the detected temperature difference is not within the set range, Is heated to a high temperature to reduce the difference between the internal temperature of the drum 30 and the temperature of the washing water. At this time, the water supplied to heat the washing water is the preliminary washing water, and an appropriate amount of the preliminary washing water is supplied prior to the supply of the main washing water for washing the delicate fibers. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the preliminary washing water is supplied to a heater safety water level that immerses the heater 22.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the difference between the detected temperatures is within the set range, the wool fibers are washed.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the washing machine according to the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the wool fiber is put into the drum 30 of the washing machine, and the user selects the wool course through the input unit 60 provided in the main body 10 (101).

  Next, the control unit 63 senses the internal temperature of the drum 30 through the second temperature sensor 62 (103), and determines whether the internal temperature of the drum 30 is higher than a set temperature Tr (for example, 35 ° C.) (105). . As a result, when it is determined that the internal temperature of the drum 30 is not higher than the set temperature Tr, it is recognized that the condition suitable for washing the wool fiber is satisfied, and the control unit 63 thereby recognizes that , The weight of the laundry stored in the drum 30 is sensed (107), a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied according to the sensed weight of the laundry (109), and the washing motor 40 is turned on. Drive to wash the wool fibers (111).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the internal temperature of the drum 30 is higher than the set temperature Tr, the control unit 63 operates the blower fan 51 by driving the fan motor 51a with the drying heater 52 turned off. The airflow formed from the fan 51 passes through the heating duct 53 and the drum 20 and circulates in the condensation channel 54. At this time, the control unit 63 controls the second water supply valve 17 so that the cold water passes through the connecting pipe 55 and is injected into the condensing channel 54 through the cooling water injection device 56. As a result, the circulating airflow is cooled by heat exchange with cold water and turned into cold air, and the internal temperature of the drum 30 is rapidly cooled by this cold air (108). During the above cooling operation, the counter 63-1 measures the cooling time (110).

  Next, the control unit 63 supplies cold water to the water tank 20 through the second water supply valve 17 by a minimum water level (112). Thereafter, the controller 63 senses the temperature of the washing water through the first temperature sensor 23 (114), calculates the difference between the internal temperature of the drum 30 and the temperature of the washing water (116), and the temperature difference is the set temperature. It is determined whether or not Td or less (118). As a result, if it is determined that the difference between these temperatures is less than or equal to the set temperature Td, the wool fibers are washed in steps 107, 109 and 111.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the difference between the temperatures is not less than the set temperature Td, the control unit 63 determines whether the measured cooling time has exceeded the set time ta (120), and as a result, the measured cooling time is determined. If it is determined that the set time ta has not been exceeded, the routine proceeds to step 108 in order to continue the cooling operation.

  When it is determined that the measured cooling time has exceeded the set time ta, the control unit 63 supplies cold water as preliminary washing water into the water tank 20 through the second water supply valve 17 by the heater safety water level (122). Thereafter, the control unit 63 heats the wash water using the heater 22 (124), senses the temperature of the wash water through the first temperature sensor 23 (126), and determines the internal temperature of the drum and the temperature of the wash water. The difference is calculated (128), and it is determined whether the difference between these temperatures is equal to or lower than the set temperature Td (130). As a result, when it is determined that the difference between the temperatures is not equal to or lower than the set temperature Td, the process proceeds to step 124 in order to heat the washing water.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference between the temperatures is equal to or lower than the set temperature Td, the wool fibers are washed in steps 107, 109, and 111.

It is the flowchart which showed the washing method of the laundry in the existing wool course. It is sectional drawing which showed the washing machine which concerns on this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the water tank of the washing machine which concerns on this invention. 1 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the water tank for showing the minimum water level and heater safe water level which concern on this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the washing method of the wool fiber which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Main body 11 Door 13 Detergent supply apparatus 14 Drain pump motor 15 Drain pipe 16, 17 1st and 2nd water supply valve 20 Water tank 21 Rear plate 22 Heating heater 23 1st temperature sensor 30 Drum 40 Drive motor 41 Rotating shaft 50 Drying apparatus 55 Connecting pipe 56 Cooling water injection device

Claims (20)

In a washing machine equipped with a drying device for generating airflow to dry laundry,
With a drum forming a washing space;
A first temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the wash water;
A second temperature sensor for sensing the internal temperature of the drum;
Based on the internal temperature of the drum and the temperature of the washing water, it is determined whether to satisfy washing conditions for washing delicate fibers, and as a result, when it is determined that the washing conditions are not satisfied, A controller that performs a washing operation of delicate fibers after satisfying the washing conditions by controlling the drying device;
A washing machine comprising:   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the washing condition is satisfied when a difference between an internal temperature of the drum and a temperature of the washing water is equal to or lower than a set temperature. .   The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the controller performs a cooling operation to lower the internal temperature of the drum when the internal temperature of the drum is higher than a reference temperature when determining the washing condition. The drying device includes a blower fan for generating an airflow, a duct for guiding the airflow into the drum, a flow path for supplying air discharged from the drum to the duct, and the flow path A cooling water injection device for injecting cooling water into
4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein when the cooling operation is requested, the control unit operates the blower fan and supplies cooling water through the cooling water injection device.   The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the controller includes a counter for performing a cooling operation for a set time.   The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the controller performs a washing operation of the delicate fibers when the washing condition is satisfied by the cooling operation.   The heater further includes a heater for heating the washing water, and the controller controls the heater so that the washing water is heated by the heater when the washing condition is not satisfied by the cooling operation. The washing machine according to claim 3.   The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the controller performs a washing operation of the delicate fibers when a difference between an internal temperature of the drum and a temperature of the washing water is equal to or lower than a set temperature.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the delicate fibers include wool and silk. In a method for controlling a washing machine equipped with a drying device for generating airflow to dry laundry,
Selecting a washing course for washing delicate fibers;
Sensing the internal temperature of the drum in which the washing space is formed and the temperature of the washing water;
Determining whether the washing conditions for delicate fibers are satisfied;
If it is determined that the washing condition is not satisfied, the drying apparatus is controlled to perform a washing operation of the delicate fiber after satisfying the washing condition. How to control the washing machine.   When determining the washing conditions, if the internal temperature of the drum is higher than a reference temperature, a cooling operation for decreasing the internal temperature of the drum by circulating an air flow generated by the drying device inside the drum for a set time. The method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the method is performed during   The method of controlling a washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the reference temperature is 35 ° C.   The method of controlling a washing machine according to claim 10, wherein when the difference between the internal temperature of the drum and the temperature of the washing water is equal to or lower than a set temperature, it is determined that the washing condition is satisfied.   The method of controlling a washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the set temperature is 2 ° C.   The method of controlling a washing machine according to claim 11, wherein when the washing condition is satisfied during the cooling operation, a washing operation of delicate fibers is performed.   The method of controlling a washing machine according to claim 15, wherein if the washing condition is not satisfied even after the cooling operation is performed, preliminary washing water is supplied and heated.   The method of controlling a washing machine according to claim 16, wherein the preliminary washing water is supplied to a heater safe water level enough to immerse a heater for heating the washing water.   It is determined whether washing conditions are satisfied based on the temperature of the heated washing water and the internal temperature of the drum, and if the washing conditions are satisfied, a washing operation of delicate fibers is performed. The method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 16. In the method for washing delicate fibers of a drum washing machine equipped with a drying device for generating airflow to dry laundry,
Selecting a delicate fiber course;
Sensing the internal temperature of the drum;
When the internal temperature of the drum is equal to or higher than a reference temperature, circulating cold air inside the drum;
Supplying wash water to the drum at a predetermined minimum water level;
Sensing the temperature of the wash water;
Calculating the difference between the internal temperature of the drum and the temperature of the wash water;
And a step of washing delicate fibers when a temperature difference between the drum and the washing water is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature difference. When the temperature difference between the drum and the washing water is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature difference, supplying warm water to the drum;
Calculating the difference between the internal temperature of the drum and the temperature of the wash water;
The method of controlling a washing machine according to claim 19, further comprising: washing delicate fibers when a difference between the drum and the washing water is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature difference.

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