KR100762266B1 - Washing machine and method for preventing freezing thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine and a method for preventing freezing thereof is provided to prevent remaining water in a water tank and a water supply path from being frozen during winter by sensing temperature around the washing machine and supplying predetermined amount of water to a water supply path if the surrounding temperature of the washing machine is in freezing temperature range. A method for preventing freezing a washing machine comprises the steps of judging whether the washing process is finished or not(S200), sensing surrounding temperature of the washing machine if the washing process is finished(S210), and comparing the sensed surrounding temperature of the washing machine to set standard temperature, and supplying water or operating a drainage unit for predetermined time if the surrounding temperature of the washing machine is below the set standard temperature(S240).

Description

Washing machine and method for preventing freezing

1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a washing machine according to the present invention;

2 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is an operation flowchart of a freezing prevention method of a washing machine according to the present invention;

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

11: tank 19: drainage

19a: drain pipe 19b: drain valve

19c: drainage pump 20: water supply

21: water supply pipe 22: water supply valve

23: connector 24: water supply nozzle

30: temperature sensor 90: power supply

120: control unit 140: display unit

The present invention relates to a washing machine and a method for preventing freezing thereof, and more particularly, to a washing machine and a method for preventing freezing of water remaining in the washing machine in winter.

In general, a washing machine (typically, a drum washing machine) is a device that allows washing to be performed by a force that pulls up and washes laundry inside thereof when the cylindrical rotating drum rotates, and is compared with a conventional pulsator type washing machine. The washing time is long, but the demand is increasing due to less damage to the fabric and less water consumption.

The washing machine supplies water into the tank for washing and rinsing, and after washing and rinsing, the washing machine performs a washing operation through a series of water supply or draining operations for draining the water inside the tank.

However, due to its structure, a washing machine has a considerable amount of water (hereinafter referred to as residual water) in the water tank, the water supply path (water supply device including a water supply valve or water supply pipe), and the drainage path (drainage device including a drainage pump or a drainage pipe) after completion of washing. Will remain.

As such, the remaining water inside the washing machine in the water tank, the water supply path, and the drainage path does not usually have a problem, but freezes during the winter season, making it difficult for the washing machine to operate normally. This will shorten the life of the washing machine, of course.

In order to prevent this, conventionally, when indoor and outdoor temperature drops rapidly in winter, such as winter, or when it is not used for a long time, cold water is supplied to the washing machine and drained to detect freezing conditions. This is disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 1999-026391.

The washing machine control method disclosed in the publication prevents excessive operation of the washing machine due to freezing through a thawing mode in which the hot water is dehydrated for a predetermined time when the ice is detected in winter, such as winter, and then drained when the hot water is dehydrated. However, it was not possible to prevent the problem of freezing of water remaining in the water supply path, the drainage path or the washing machine remaining in the tank.

Accordingly, the present invention is to solve the conventional problems as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a freezing prevention method for preventing the remaining water inside the washing machine remaining in the water tank, water supply path, drainage path, etc. frozen in winter. To provide.

Another object of the present invention, the washing machine and the freezing to prevent the freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine by flowing a certain amount of water in the water supply and drainage path when the temperature is possible to detect the washing machine ambient temperature after the end of washing To provide a prevention method.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for preventing freezing of a washing machine, and determining whether the washing is finished, detecting washing machine ambient temperature, and comparing the detected washing machine ambient temperature with a predetermined reference temperature. Is less than the reference temperature is characterized in that to prevent the freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine through water supply or drainage control.

In addition, the present invention, in the freezing prevention method of the washing machine, it is determined whether the end of the washing, if the end of the washing to detect the ambient temperature of the washing machine to calculate the temperature change slope, and compare the calculated temperature change slope with a predetermined reference temperature change slope When the temperature change slope is equal to or greater than the reference temperature change slope, it is characterized in that the freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine is prevented through water supply or drainage control.

In addition, the water supply or drainage control is characterized in that for operating the water supply or drainage device for a predetermined time.

In addition, the predetermined time period is characterized in that the variable time determined in accordance with the ambient temperature change of the washing machine or the washing machine.

In addition, the present invention provides a washing machine having a water supply device and a drainage device, comprising: a temperature sensor configured to sense an ambient temperature of the washing machine after the end of washing; And a controller for comparing the sensed ambient temperature of the washing machine with a predetermined reference temperature to prevent freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine by operating a water supply or a drainage device when the ambient temperature of the washing machine is less than or equal to the reference temperature.

In addition, the control unit calculates the temperature change slope according to the detected ambient temperature change of the washing machine and compares it with a predetermined reference temperature change slope, and if the temperature change slope is equal to or greater than the reference temperature change slope, the water supply or drainage device is operated. It is characterized by preventing the freezing of the flow path.

In addition, the flow path inside the washing machine is characterized in that any one of the water tank, the water supply path, the drainage path remaining after the end of the washing.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a washing machine according to the present invention.

In Figure 1, the washing machine of the present invention is for the fresh water of the wash water drum type water tank 11 is installed inside the main body 10, and a rotating drum rotatably installed in the water tank 11 ( 12).

The water tank 11 is installed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle α with respect to the installation surface of the washing machine as a whole so that the front portion 11a on which the inlet 11b is formed is higher than the rear portion 11c. The rotating drum 12 installed therein is inclined so that the front portion 12a having the inlet 12b formed in the same shape as the water tank 11 is positioned higher than the rear portion 12c.

That is, the rotating drum 12 is provided such that the front portion 12a on which the inlet 12b is formed faces the front upper portion so that the center of rotation of the rotating drum 12A is inclined at a predetermined angle α with respect to the installation surface of the washing machine. At this time, the rotating drum 12 is rotatably supported in the center of the rear of the water tank 11 by the rotating shaft 13 coupled to the center of the rear portion 12c is rotatable inside the water tank 11.

In addition, a plurality of through holes 12d are formed around the rotating drum 12, and a plurality of lifters are formed on the inner surface of the rotating drum 12 to allow the laundry to rise and fall when the rotating drum 12 rotates. 14) is installed.

On the outside of the rear portion 11c of the water tank 11, a motor 15 is installed as a driving device for rotating the rotating shaft 13 connected to the rotating drum 12 to perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration operations. In the lower side of the washing machine 16 is installed a washing heater 16 for heating the wash water supplied into the tank (11).

The motor 15 includes a stator 15a fixed to the rear portion 11c of the water tank 11, a rotor 15b disposed in a rotatable state outside the stator 15a, and a rotor 15b. It consists of a rotating plate 15c which connects the rotating shaft 13.

In addition, the front part of the main body 10 corresponds to the inlet 12b of the rotating drum 12 and the inlet 11b of the water tank 11 so that laundry can be put into the inside of the rotating drum 12 or the laundry can be taken out. An inlet 17b is formed at an open position, and the door 17b is provided at the inlet 17b to open and close the inlet 17b.

A detergent supply device 18 for supplying detergent and a water supply device 20 for supplying washing water are installed at an upper portion of the water tank 11, and water in the water tank 11 is provided at a lower portion of the water tank 11. In order to drain the water, a drain 19 including a drain pipe 19a, a drain valve 19b, and a drain pump 19c is provided.

The detergent supply device 18 is divided into a plurality of spaces inside, and is installed on the front side of the main body 10 so that the user can easily put detergent and softener into each space.

The water supply device 20 includes a water supply pipe 21 for supplying water toward the water tank 11 and a water supply valve 22 installed in the water supply pipe 21 to control the water supply by opening and closing the flow path of the water supply pipe 21. . At this time, the water supply pipe 21 is connected to the detergent supply device 18 so that water supplied from the outside can be supplied toward the detergent supply device 18. And a separate connecting pipe 23 is installed between the detergent supply device 18 and the water tank 11 so that the water passing through the detergent supply device 18 can be supplied to the water tank 11, the connection pipe 23 At the outlet of the water supply nozzle 24 is installed.

This allows the water supplied into the water tank 11 to pass through the detergent supply device 18 so that the detergent in the detergent supply device 18 can be supplied to the water tank 11 in a state in which the detergent is dissolved in water.

In addition, the upper side of the main body 10 is provided with a temperature sensor 30 for detecting the external temperature of the location where the washing machine is installed, that is, the ambient temperature, so that the water supply pipe 21, the water supply valve 22, and the winter season are connected. The water supply path including the pipe 23 and the water supply nozzle 24 and the drain path including the drain pipe 19a, the drain valve 19b, and the drain pump 19c or the water remaining in the water tank 11 can be frozen. Detect whether temperature is in condition.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 30 is installed on the upper side of the main body 10 as an example, but the position of the temperature sensor 30 is not limited thereto, and may sense the washing machine ambient temperature. It can be installed in any position, it is possible to use a temperature sensor (usually installed inside the washing heater) installed in the existing washing machine without installing a separate temperature sensor 30 separately.

2 is a control configuration diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the power supply unit 90, the signal input unit 100, the water level detection unit 110, the control unit 120, and the driving unit ( 130 and the display unit 140 is configured.

The power supply unit 90 supplies power required for the washing machine operation, and may separately supply or cut off standby power as necessary.

The signal input unit 100 inputs operation information such as a washing course and washing temperature, dehydration rpm, and rinsing addition, which the user selects according to the material of the laundry, to the control unit 120, the water tank 11, the water supply path, and the drainage. To prevent the freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine, including the path, the freezing prevention stroke is automatically set according to the washing machine's ambient temperature or a separate option key is provided to prevent freezing only when the user presses the option key. Administration can be performed.

The water level detection unit 110 detects the water level of the wash water supplied to the water tank 11, and the water level data inside the water tank 11 that changes according to the amount of the water to be supplied or drained during the water supply or drainage operation of the washing machine. Detects the input to the control unit 120.

The control unit 120 is a microcomputer that controls the washing machine according to the driving information input from the signal input unit 100, and after the end of the washing senses the ambient temperature of the washing machine for a predetermined time (minimum time to detect the freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine). To calculate the temperature change slope falling with time, and compare the calculated temperature change slope with a predetermined reference temperature change slope (change in ambient temperature of the washing machine where freezing can occur). It is determined that the freezing of the flow path is possible, and the water supply device 20 and the drainage device 19 are provided for a predetermined time (to prevent a certain amount of water from flowing into the water supply path including the water tank and the drainage path to prevent the freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine). Time) to allow a certain amount of water to flow through the water supply and drainage To prevent the water tank 11, the flow passage inside the freezing of the washing machine including a water supply path and a drainage path until the luer.

In addition, the controller 120 compares the ambient temperature of the washing machine detected by the temperature sensor 30 with a predetermined reference temperature (a washing machine ambient temperature at which freezing may occur) and freezes the flow path inside the washing machine when the washing machine ambient temperature is lower than the reference temperature. The water supply device 20 and the drainage device 19 are judged to be capable of being generated, and the water supply device 20 and the drainage device 19 are held for a predetermined time (time for flowing a certain amount of water into the water supply path including the water tank and the drainage path to prevent freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine). By operating it prevents freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine.

In addition, the control unit 120 has a built-in timer for counting the time during the operation of the water supply device 20 and the drainage device 19, the reference temperature (freezing can occur during the winter can freeze the flow path inside the washing machine) Storage data such as the ambient temperature of the washing machine or the reference temperature change slope (change of the ambient temperature of the washing machine in which the flow path inside the washing machine can be frozen during the winter) are stored in a ROM table.

In addition, the controller 120 variably controls the operation time of the water supply device 20 and the drainage device 19 using accumulated data and changes in the washing machine ambient temperature or the washing machine ambient temperature, thereby minimizing the minimum resources necessary for preventing freezing ( Water, electricity, time, etc.).

The driving unit 130 drives the motor 15, the washing heater 16, the drain valve 19b, the drain pump 19c, the water supply valve 22, and the like according to the drive control signal of the controller 120.

The display unit 140 displays the operating state of the washing machine according to the anti-freezing stroke according to the display control signal of the control unit 120, and also displays the ambient temperature of the washing machine so that consumers can know that the washing machine is not a malfunction.

In addition, the washing machine operation according to the anti-freezing administration may be displayed through a user manual or a caution label so that the consumer may know.

Hereinafter, the operation process and the effect of the washing machine and the freezing prevention method configured as described above will be described.

3 is an operation flowchart of a method for preventing freezing of a washing machine according to the present invention.

Put the laundry inside the rotating drum 12, and when the consumer selects the driving information, such as washing course and washing temperature, dehydration rpm, rinse addition according to the material of the laundry, the operation information selected by the consumer through the signal input unit 100 It is input to the control unit 120.

Therefore, the control unit 120 operates the water supply device 20 for washing and rinsing according to the operation information input from the signal input unit 100, so that the water (washing water or rinsing water) is opened while the water supply valve 22 is opened. After passing through the detergent supply device 18 via the water supply pipe 21, the water supply is supplied to the water tank 11 through the water supply nozzle 24 while passing through the connection pipe 23 again.

After washing and rinsing, the drain valve 19b is opened according to the operation of the drainage device 19, and the drain pump 19c is driven so that the water (washing water or rinsing water) inside the water tank 11 passes through the drain pipe 19a. Drain the discharged water.

In the process of executing the washing machine through the series of water supply or drainage operation, the inside of the water tank 11, the water supply path (water supply device including a water supply valve or a water supply pipe), and a drainage path (drainage pump or drain pipe, etc.) Such as drainage) and a large amount of residual water remains.

Therefore, the controller 120 determines whether the washing is finished by completing the last stroke of the washing machine (for example, in the case of a dehydrating stroke or a dry washing machine) (S200), and in the case of the washing, the controller 120 Shut off all power to the washing machine except for the washing machine, and allow the consumer to take out the laundry after the washing is completed.

At this time, the controller 120 is supplied with standby power to detect the ambient temperature T of the position where the washing machine is installed through the temperature sensor 30 for a predetermined time (minimum time for detecting the freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine) ( S210).

Accordingly, the control unit 120 calculates the gradient of the washing machine ambient temperature change (Ta) falling over time (S220), and the calculated temperature change slope Ta is a predetermined reference temperature change slope (Tas). It is determined whether to shut down the power of the final control unit 120 by comparing the ambient temperature change) or more (S230).

When the temperature change slope Ta is equal to or greater than the reference temperature change slope Ta, the controller 120 determines that the residual water remaining in the washing machine internal flow path (water tank, water supply path, drainage path) is freezing temperature, and continues to control the controller 120. By operating the water supply device 20 and the drainage device 19 while supplying power to the water), a predetermined amount of water flows in the water supply path including the water tank 11 and the drainage path (S240).

Thereafter, the operation time of the water supply device 20 and the drainage device 19 is countered, and the controller 120 supplies a predetermined amount of water to the water supply path including the water tank and the drainage path to prevent freezing inside the washing machine. It is determined whether the time for shedding) has elapsed (S250).

If a predetermined time has not elapsed, the water supply device 20 and the drainage device 19 are operated until a predetermined time elapses so that a predetermined amount (a small amount) of water flows through the water supply path including the water tank 11 and the drainage path. Prevent freezing of the flow path inside.

At this time, the amount of water flowing in the flow path inside the washing machine and the operation time of the water supply device 20 and the drainage device 19 are variably applied using the data accumulated in the control unit 120 or the measured temperature data.

When a certain time elapses, in order to check the possibility of freezing the flow path inside the washing machine, the temperature sensor 30 senses the ambient temperature T at the position where the washing machine is installed (S260).

The controller 120 determines whether the detected washing machine ambient temperature T is less than or equal to a predetermined reference temperature Ts (the washing machine ambient temperature at which the washing machine internal flow path can be frozen during winter) (S270), and the washing machine ambient temperature (T). Is less than or equal to the reference temperature Ts, the remaining water remaining in the flow path (water tank, water supply path, drainage path) inside the washing machine is determined to be freezing temperature, and the flow proceeds to S240 to operate the water supply device 20 and the drainage device 19. By passing a certain amount of water to the water supply path and the drainage path including the water tank 11 to prevent the freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine until the next washing machine operation.

Meanwhile, as a result of the comparison in S230, when the temperature change slope Ta is not greater than or equal to the reference temperature change slope Ta, the controller 120 determines that the residual water remaining in the flow path inside the washing machine does not freeze. By shutting off the power of the 120 to implement the standby power zero (S280).

Then, when the consumer applies the main power again, the washing machine returns to the same state as the initial mode of the washing machine and implements the same washing administration.

As described above, according to the washing machine and the freezing prevention method according to the present invention, in order to prevent the remaining water inside the washing machine remaining in the water tank, the water supply path, the drainage path, etc. to freeze in winter, the ambient temperature or ambient after the washing If the temperature can be detected by freezing temperature, a certain amount of water can be flowed into the water supply and drainage paths to prevent freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine. have.

What has been described above is just one embodiment for implementing the washing machine and the freezing prevention method according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, it is within the technical spirit of the present invention Of course, various modifications are possible by those who have knowledge.

Claims (7)

In the freezing prevention method of the washing machine, Judging whether it is the end of washing, When washing is finished, the ambient temperature of the washing machine is detected. When the ambient temperature of the washing machine is compared with a predetermined reference temperature, if the ambient temperature of the washing machine is lower than the reference temperature, the freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine is prevented through water supply or drainage control that operates the water supply or drainage device for a predetermined time. How to prevent freezing of the washing machine. In the freezing prevention method of the washing machine, Judging whether it is the end of washing, When washing is finished, calculate the temperature change slope by detecting the ambient temperature of the washing machine, Comparing the calculated temperature change slope with a predetermined reference temperature change slope, if the temperature change slope is equal to or more than the reference temperature change slope, the freezing prevention method of the washing machine, characterized in that freezing the flow path inside the washing machine through water supply or drainage control. The method of claim 2, The water supply or drainage control is freezing prevention method of the washing machine, characterized in that for operating the water supply or drainage for a predetermined time. The method according to claim 1 or 3, The predetermined time is a freezing prevention method of a washing machine, characterized in that the variable time according to the washing machine ambient temperature or changes in the washing machine ambient temperature. A washing machine having a water supply and a drainage device, A temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the washing machine after washing; And Calculate the temperature change slope according to the detected ambient temperature change and compare it with a predetermined reference temperature change slope, and if the temperature change slope is more than the reference temperature change slope, operate water supply or drainage to prevent freezing of the flow path inside the washing machine. A control unit; Washing machine comprising a. delete The method of claim 5, The washing machine characterized in that the flow path inside the washing machine is any one of a water tank, a water supply path, and a drainage path in which residual water remains after the end of washing.

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