KR100930891B1 - Washing method of washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for detecting and cleaning the contamination in the tank by microorganisms, the present invention is to detect the contamination of the tank before or after the start of washing through the light transmittance in the space between the inner tank and the outer tank When the pollution level of the tank exceeds the set standard, washing and washing can be performed automatically so that high cleaning performance is always exhibited in terms of hygiene and prevents deterioration of washing performance due to residual microorganisms. .

Washing machine, microorganism, detection, contamination, cleaning, sterilization

Description

Method for cleaning tub in washing machine

1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating a general type of washing machine,

1a is a perspective view of a vertical washing machine

1B is a perspective view showing a drum type washing machine

2A and 2B are diagrams showing the main parts of FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate a water supply and drainage structure for washing and washing of each washing machine.

3a and 3b is a configuration diagram showing an installation example of the pollution degree detection device of the present invention for each washing machine type

4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation principle of the pollution degree detecting apparatus of the present invention.

5 is a flow chart showing a washing machine cleaning method using a contamination detection device of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

1: outer shell 1a: transparent window

2: inner 2a: transparent window

3: pulsator 4: water supply valve                 

5: Detergent Bottle 6: Detergent Bottle

13a: light emitting element 13b: light receiving element

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to detect contamination by microorganisms in the inner and outer tanks of the washing machine by measuring light transmittance in the space between the inner and outer tanks, so that the washing may be automatically performed when the pollution degree exceeds the set reference value. It would be.

Generally, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, the washing machine rotates the pulsator 3 or the inner tank 2 in a state in which the outer tank 1, which is a water tank, and the inner tank 2, which is a washing tank, are installed in a direction perpendicular to the ground. Vertical washing machine in which washing is performed according to the present invention, a so-called drum washing machine in which an outer tub 1 and an inner tub 2 (ie, a drum) are installed in a direction horizontal to the ground as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B, and the inner tub ( 2) the inclination type washing machine (not shown) which is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground.

The conventional water supply form in such washing machines is that water (ie, washing water) drawn through the water pipe is supplied into the outer tub 1 as the water supply valve 4 is opened.

On the other hand, the washing machine is a washing, rinsing, dehydration process for the contaminated laundry in order to clean the washing sequentially. That is, the conventional household washing machine puts laundry into the inner tank 2, which is a washing tank, and at the same time supplies a predetermined amount of detergent and washing water (usually tap water), and agitates and washes the washing performance with respect to general dirt of the laundry. It is taking a way to secure.

However, during washing, calcium powder in tap water and surfactant in detergent react with each other to form insoluble metal soap, which is easily attached to the peripheral wall of the inner tank 2, and this tendency is due to the powder of the detergent, in particular, sodium fatty acid. It occurred more remarkably when a detergent etc. were used.

In addition, the deposits of the fibers separated from the laundry are easily attached to the deposits of the metal soap thus generated, and the dirts or deposits absorb moisture to cause the growth of microorganisms (bacteria), and decayed surface deposits ( flock), which in turn causes mold. This fungus causes odors by its metabolites, or, if developed further, causes it to peel off and adhere to the laundry in subsequent washing operations, and to obtain hygienic cleaning performance apart from general laundry dirt. It was insufficient.

In addition, in the general dehydration combined-use washing machine, a double tank structure is basically formed, and an outer tank 1 which is a water storage tank is disposed on the outside, and an inner tank 2 is provided therein and on the bottom surface of the inner tank 2 inside. It is a configuration with a pulsator installed. As is well known, the laundry put into the inner tank 2 is washed and rinsed by stirring and driving the pulsator 3 or the inner tank 2, and centrifugal dehydration is performed by rotating the inner tank 2 in one direction at high speed. Is carried out.

Therefore, in this type of washing machine, since there is no frictional contact by laundry between the inner tank 2 and the outer tank 1, metal soap, fiber waste, etc. are provided on the outer surface of the inner tank 2 and the inner surface of the outer tank 1. It is easy to attach. In addition, the inner part of the washing machine is not only difficult to disassemble and clean for the general user, but also the inner tub (2) and the outer tub (1) have a concave-convex shape mainly made of reinforcing ribs, etc., to improve strength. It is a condition that is easy to accumulate, and is easy to accumulate in the structure which is easy to accumulate.

In addition, laundry (clothing) is easily worn, and many bacteria are easily attached from the human body or the outside air. For example, it is generally known that many bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Cereus bacteria, and atypical anti-acid bacteria are attached. One bacterium remains in the laundry even after washing, and in particular, when the laundry is poorly dried, the remaining germs multiply again to cause odors and yellowing.

Moreover, since the skin is susceptible to infection from bacteria attached to clothing in families with infants or infants who are vulnerable to sickness or pathogens, more clean and hygienic cleaning performance is required for laundry.

In short, contaminants generated during washing may be discharged to the outside along with the washing water when drained, but some of them may be buried on the inner and outer surfaces of the inner tank 2 or the inner surface of the outer tank 1, and the inner tank 2 Pollutants buried on the outer surface of the outer surface or the inner tank 1 does not occur because it does not collide with the laundry, it does not fall easily, and will cause crude contamination.

As a result, microorganisms are parasitic in the pollutant, and as the microorganisms adhere to the inner and outer surfaces of the inner tank 2 and the inner surface of the outer tank 1, a problem of recontaminating laundry occurs.

Accordingly, in the past, the user arbitrarily determined the timing of the tax cleaning and introduced the tax cleaning system to perform the tax cleaning.

That is, when the user determines that the cleaning is necessary, the washing agent is operated after diluting the separately sold detergent with water in the inner tank 2 to operate the washing machine, so that the outer tank 1 and the inner tank ( Contaminants were released from 2) to be discharged to the outside with the wash water when draining, to keep the outer tank (1) and the inner tank (2) clean.

However, in the prior art, since the user arbitrarily judges and performs the cleaning, there is a problem that the washing is performed even when the actual cleaning is not necessary, resulting in the waste of the detergent, and since the input of water and the operation of the washing machine must be performed, There was also a problem of waste.

Prior to this, first of all, even if the pollution becomes serious enough to be actually washed, if the washing is performed without the user is difficult to grasp the contamination, the cleaning performance on the sanitary surface is not only reduced. In addition, there are many problems such as the re-contamination of the laundry by the pollutant, such as microorganisms that have been dropped, such that the washing performance is also reduced.

The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, by detecting the washing tank tank pollution by microorganisms through the measurement of the transmittance of light in the space between the inner and outer tank, so that the tank cleaning is automatically performed when the tank pollution exceeds the set reference value In addition, the object of the present invention is to ensure that washing performance is always exerted in terms of hygiene (衛生) and prevents the washing performance from being lowered.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vertical washing machine in which the inner and outer tubs are installed perpendicular to the ground, a drum washing machine in which the inner and outer tubs are installed horizontally with respect to the ground, or a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. In the inclined washing machine installed inclined; A light emitting element is installed on the inner side of the outer tank, and a light receiving element is disposed on the outer side of the inner tank, and transmittance is transmitted through an amount of light that is such that light emitted from the light emitting element on the inner side of the outer tank reaches the light receiving element on the outer side of the inner tank. Provided is a contamination detection device for cleaning and washing the washing machine, characterized in that the detection.

According to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, in the washing machine is provided with a light emitting element on the inner tank inner surface, the light receiving element is installed on the inner tank outer surface; Measuring the transmittance of light in the space between the inner and outer tank, determining whether the measured transmittance is more than the set reference value, and if the measured transmittance is less than the reference value is determined as a contaminated state water supply and detergent for cleaning A washing machine washing / cleaning method is provided which includes a step of putting in, a step of performing soaking for a predetermined time, a step of washing and washing according to an algorithm for washing and washing, and a step of draining water.                     

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

Figure 3a and Figure 3b is a configuration diagram showing an installation example of the pollution degree detection apparatus of the present invention for each washing machine type, Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation principle of the pollution degree detection apparatus of the present invention, Figure 5 is a pollution degree of the present invention It is a flowchart which shows the washing machine washing method using a detection apparatus.

The present invention is a vertical washing machine in which the inner and outer tanks 2 and 1 are installed perpendicular to the ground, or a drum washing machine in which the inner and outer tanks 2 and 1 are installed horizontally with respect to the ground, or an inner and outer tank 2 (1) inclined type washing machine installed at an angle with respect to the ground; The light emitting element 14a is provided on the inner surface of the outer tank 1, and the light receiving element 14b is disposed on the outer surface of the inner tank 2, and the light irradiated from the light emitting element 14a on the inner surface of the outer tank 1 The transmittance is configured to detect the amount of light through the amount of light that reaches the light receiving element 14b on the outer surface of the inner tank 2.

On the other hand, the cleaning process using the present invention is as follows.

First, the transmittance of light in the space between the inner and outer tanks is measured to detect the pollution level of the tank.

That is, the transmittance is measured by the degree to which the light irradiated from the light emitting element 14a of the inner surface of the outer tank 1 reaches the light receiving element 14b of the outer surface of the inner tank 2.

At this time, the transmittance will vary depending on the degree of contamination of the surface of the inner tank (2) and the outer tank (1).                     

For example, when there are many pollutants such as microorganisms on the surface of the inner tank 2, and there is a large amount of gas generation such as carbon dioxide due to breathing of microorganisms, the transmittance is lowered, and the cleaner the surface, the higher the transmittance.

Therefore, the transmittance of light in the space between the inner and the outer tank is measured by the amount of light received by the light receiving element 13b, and based on this, the micro-contamination state due to microorganisms is determined by the microcomputer (not shown). .

That is, in the microcomputer, the actual measured transmittance in the space between the inner and outer tanks is compared with the set transmittance. When the measured transmittance is less than the set transmittance value in the microcomputer, it is determined as a contaminated state, and the washing process is performed by appropriate method for each washing machine type. This is carried out.

In this case, the user may be notified to the user through various methods such as an alarm sound or a letter, a symbol, or a synthesized sound displayed on the display window of the display through detecting and comparing the transmittance prior to the actual cleaning operation. to be.

On the other hand, when the actual cleaning is performed first, the water supply for cleaning is carried out, at this time the input of the detergent is made at the same time. Therefore, for this purpose, it is preferable that the detergent cleaning tank 6 is provided separately from the detergent container 5 on the water supply passage.

In general, after watering, soaking is performed for a predetermined time. Going through the soaking step increases the activity of the contaminant, which has the advantage that the contaminant can be easily removed from the laundry.

After the predetermined time call is performed, the washing and washing process is performed for a predetermined time according to the washing method for each washing machine type, that is, pulsator agitation, passage, permeation washing, and the like.                     

In this manner, after the tax administration is performed, the tax administration is completed by performing drainage.

On the other hand, even if it is determined that the cleansing is necessary and the cleansing stroke is performed according to the cleansing algorithm, the cleansing condition may not be eliminated. In addition, the step of determining the coarse contamination state may be additionally performed, and the coarse cleaning step according to the cleaning algorithm that is determined as coarse contamination is repeatedly performed until the transmittance of light measured in the space between the inner and outer tanks is higher than the reference value. Can be.

However, the step of re-measurement and comparison of the transmittance of light measured in the space between the inner and outer shells is performed within a set number of times, and the step of remeasurement and comparison of the transmittance of light measured in the space between the inner and outer shells reaches a set number of times. Even if the measured transmittance is still less than the reference value is determined as the abnormality of the washing machine to complete the detection of the contaminated pollution to inform the user.

In short, the washing machine washing and cleaning method provides a washing and cleaning method in case the transmittance measured in the space between the inner and outer tanks does not recover beyond the reference value even if the washing and washing process is performed according to the above-described embodiment.

On the other hand, when washing the water in accordance with each embodiment of the present invention, a disinfectant or anti-fungal agent may be added together with the detergent, at this time, a halogenated hydantoin compound that releases hypohalogenic acid is used as the disinfectant do.

To this end, a solid made of a halogenated hydantoin compound, which is in contact with water and releases halogenated acid, is provided on a water supply line for supplying water to the outer tank 1 so that the hypohalogenated acid is supplied in a water supply process. The included water is generated to be introduced into the outer tank (1) together with the detergent.

In the above water supply, hot water is supplied as necessary, because sterilization water of different sterilization concentrations is generated according to the water temperature. For example, even when hypochlorous acid is difficult to elute due to the slow dissolution rate of solids at low water temperatures, such as winter, stable sterilization water can be obtained at a constant concentration. Effective sterilization can be performed at any time.

On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.

That is, FIGS. 3A to 3B illustrate a state in which a transmittance detection device is installed on each type of washing machine configuration for convenience of description, and thus, the transmittance detection device is not necessarily limited to the position on the drawing. .

As described above, the present invention is to detect the contamination of the inside and outside of the washing machine by the microorganisms before or after washing, so that when the pollution degree exceeds the set standard value, the washing and cleaning is automatically performed to effectively remove the source of contamination such as microorganisms.                     

Accordingly, the present invention exhibits a high cleaning performance in terms of hygiene, and prevents a decrease in washing performance during washing, thereby improving the reliability of the washing machine.

Claims (8)

delete A washing machine cleaning method comprising: a light emitting element disposed on an inner side of an outer tank, and a light receiving element disposed on an outer side of an inner tank; Measuring the transmittance of light in the space between the inner and outer tanks, Determining whether the measured transmittance is equal to or greater than a set reference value; If the measured transmittance is less than the reference value is determined as a contaminated state and the step of supplying water and detergent for washing and performing Performing a soak for a predetermined time; Performing tax administration according to an algorithm for tax administration, It comprises a step of draining, Hot water is supplied at the time of water supply, After the tax administration is performed according to the tax cleaning algorithm, Redetecting the transmittance of the bath surface, The step of determining whether the transmittance of the surface of the bath is above the set reference value is additionally performed, Re-detection of the surface of the bath and comparison with the reference value, and washing step according to the cleaning algorithm is repeatedly performed until the transmittance of the surface of the bath is restored to the reference value or more, unless a predetermined number of times is reached. Tax cleaning method. The method of claim 2, The tax cleaning algorithm, For each washing machine type, the washing step is performed by the permeate flow by stirring the pulsator or the stirring rotation of the inner tank, or the high speed rotation of the inner tank, or the washing step is performed by a combination thereof. How to clean the washing machine. delete delete delete The method of claim 2, Washing water washing method, characterized in that the disinfectant or anti-mold is added together when the washing water supply. The method of claim 2, The tank cleaning step according to the measurement and comparison of the transmittance of the surface of the tank, The washing and cleaning method of the washing machine, characterized in that the laundry is carried out before the laundry is put in or after the final dehydration is completed.

Images