KR101320671B1 - Pedestal washing machine and comtrolling for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pedestal washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine of a new concept that serves as a pedestal of a washing machine or a dryer and washes. Such a pedestal washing machine is usefully used to wash small laundry while supporting the washing apparatus as a pedestal, unlike a conventional large washing machine. In addition, by providing a leak detection device inside the pedestal washing machine, when a leak occurs in the pedestal washing machine, the leak is detected and discharged to prevent a washing error due to the leak.

Washing Machine, Pedestal, Pedestal, Washing Machine, Pedestal Washing Machine

Description

Pedestal washing machine and control method {PEDESTAL WASHING MACHINE AND COMTROLLING FOR THE SAME}

1 is a perspective view showing a conventional laundry machine and a pedestal,

2 is a perspective view of a pedestal washing machine according to the present invention;

3 is a cross-sectional view showing a pedestal washing machine according to the present invention;

4 is a control block diagram of a schematic leak detection apparatus used in the present invention,

5 is a flowchart illustrating a leak detection method according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

100: pedestal washing machine 110: case

120: drawer 121: upper frame

122: gasket 123: control panel

124: handle 130: case body

140: outer 141: outer door

142: door frame 143: hook

144: door sealing material 150: inner tub

160, 162: damping device 170: drainage pipe

171: corrugated pipe 172: drainage pump

180: water supply pipe 181: corrugated pipe

182: water supply valve 190: motor

191: rotation axis 200: leak detection device

210: catcher

The present invention relates to a laundry machine comprising a washing machine and a pedestal washing machine, and more particularly, to a laundry machine comprising a water supply device capable of simultaneously or selectively supplying a washing machine and a pedestal washing machine from a single external water source.

In general, the laundry machine refers to a device capable of washing, drying or washing or drying clothes. Here, one washing apparatus may perform only washing or drying functions, or both washing and drying. In addition, recently, a steam supply device is provided, and a washing device having a refresh function such as wrinkle removal, odor removal, and static electricity removal of clothes, etc., has been widely used.

On the other hand, conventional washing apparatuses are classified into a front loading type or a top loading type according to a drawing direction of clothes. And there is a vertical type in which the pulsator or the washing tank is rotated and the horizontal type in which the drum rotates depending on how the washing is performed. Representative examples of this horizontal type are drum washing machines or drum dryers.

These washing machines are gradually becoming larger in size in response to recent user acceptance. That is, the external size of washing machines used for domestic use is becoming larger and larger.

Generally, each household is equipped with one large capacity washing machine. So, if you want to wash according to the type of laundry to wash the washing machine to use several times. For example, when a laundry such as adult clothing and laundry such as underwear or baby clothes are to be divided and washed, the washing machine is used again for the latter after the former laundry is completed. As a result, the washing time is long and the energy consumed is also large.

Further, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of energy saving to use a large washing machine like the conventional one in washing a small amount of clothes. The washing course provided in the large washing machine is expected to be large in the amount of laundry, so the amount of water consumed is large. And because a large drum or inner tub must be rotated, a lot of power is consumed. Also, since the laundry course is intended for mass laundry, the washing time is relatively long.

In addition, large washing machines may be suitable for washing delicate clothes, such as underwear or baby clothes, because a washing course is provided mainly for general clothes.

In addition, large washing machines are not suitable even when a small amount of laundry needs to be frequently washed. Consumers collect laundry for a few days or longer to collect the laundry at once.

Underwear and baby clothes are not clean for long periods of time. And if such laundry is left for a long time, there is a problem that the laundry is not made clean because the time is stuck to the cloth.

Therefore, a compact washing machine smaller in capacity than a conventional large washing machine is required. By the way, even if it is small, it is not preferable to use the space to install two side-by-side side by side washing machine in one home, not good for aesthetics.

1 is a perspective view showing a conventional washing machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional laundry machine 1 includes a main body 10 forming an appearance and a control panel 11 positioned on the front or upper surface of the main body. Here, the control panel may include a main control unit for controlling the operation of the clothes processing apparatus. Therefore, the user performs a process such as washing or drying by operating the control panel.

Here, the washing apparatus may be a washing machine, a dryer, or a washing machine and a dryer.

On the other hand, the conventional washing machine may include a pedestal 20, that is, a pedestal for supporting the body 10 against the floor. Here, the main body 10 is installed above the pedestal 20.

Such a pedestal has not been utilized for other purposes than the conventional use only to support a washing machine or a dryer.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, and provides a new concept pedestal washing machine capable of washing a small amount of laundry, etc. without driving a large washing machine, and can also serve as a pedestal of a dryer or a washing machine.

In addition, the present invention provides a pedestal washer that can prevent the washing error due to the leak by detecting the discharge to leak.

Pedestal washing machine according to the present invention supports the other washing apparatus on the outer upper surface and a case in which a washable space is formed inside; It is configured to include a leak detection device to detect the leak when the leakage occurs in the laundry space inside the case to collect and discharge.

The case is made structurally strong to support the conventional washing machine or dryer. Thus, the role of the pedestal 20 of FIG. 1 may be substituted.

The leak detection device includes a water collecting unit for collecting water leaks generated in the washing space inside the case. Here, the water collecting part is slid from the bottom of the case to be separated. Thus, when water leaks into the water collecting unit, the user separates the water collecting unit to discharge the collected water.

In addition, the leak detection device includes a sensor that can detect the amount of leaks collected in the water collecting unit. Accordingly, when a leak occurs in the laundry space inside the case, the water is collected in the water collecting unit, and the sensor detects a water leak above a predetermined level.

The pedestal washing machine includes a main controller to control the driving of the pedestal washing machine when a leak occurs in the washing space in the case. Thus, when water leaks above the designated water level is collected in the water collecting unit, the washing machine is automatically stopped to prevent the washing error.

In addition, the pedestal washer includes a display means for displaying the leakage state on the outer surface of the case so that the user can recognize the leakage state when the leakage occurs in the laundry space in the case. That is, when leakage occurs above a designated level in the water collecting unit, it is preferable to provide an LCD window and an LED lamp on the outer surface of the case as display means for displaying washing information.

In addition, the pedestal washer includes an alarm means for providing a notification sound so that the user can recognize when a leak occurs in the laundry space in the case. Thus, the notification sound, the display means, or the notification sound and the display means to operate at the same time that the leak occurred so that the user recognizes it and discharges the collected leak.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail through preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pedestal washing machine includes a case 110 and a leak detection device 200.

The case 110 includes a case body 130 and a drawer 120. The drawer 120 may be pulled out from the case body 130 to the front.

The case body 130 has a suitable size and structurally strong to place a conventional laundry machine thereon.

The drawer 120 is fixed to the outer tub 140 is installed.

The drawer 120 has an upper frame 121 covering the upper portion thereof, and the outer tub 140 is made of a single body with the upper frame 121.

The outer door 141 is installed in the upper opening of the outer tub 140. A door frame 142 protrudes from the inner wall of the outer tub 140 in the circumferential direction, and a door sealing material 144 is installed in the outer tub 141. Thus, when the outer door 141 is closed, the door sealing material 144 contacts the door frame 142 to seal the upper portion of the outer tub 140.

In addition, a hook 143 is installed at the outer door 141. The hook 143 is inserted into a hook groove (not shown) formed on the inner wall surface of the outer tub 140. The hook 143 is supported by a spring (not shown) installed therein. And the end of the hook 143 is gentle and can be removed or inserted from the hook groove when a suitable force is applied to open or close the door 141.

Such a hook device can be used as it is a form commonly used in other conventional devices. Instead of the hook device, it is also possible to provide a locking means by another method.

Since the pedestal washing machine 100 is relatively low in height, the wash water in the outer tub 140 may be protruded, and if the outer door 141 is present, it is prevented.

The inner tub 150 is located in the outer tub 140. The inner tub 150 is formed with a plurality of through grooves for the inflow and outflow of the wash water. In another embodiment, the inner tub 150 may be a pulsator.

An opening is formed in the center of the bottom plate of the outer tub 140. And the bearing housing 192 is located in the opening. A gasket 122, which is a flexible sealing material, is installed between the bearing housing 192 and the bottom plate of the outer tub.

The stator of the motor 190 is fixedly installed in the bearing housing 192. The motor 190 is an outer rotor type motor. The rotor shaft 191 is supported by the bearing housing 192 and directly connected to the bottom of the inner tub 150.

In addition, the motor 190 is wound in a concentrated zone, the diameter of which is larger than the height.

Damping devices 160 and 162 are connected to support the bearing housing 192.

And the drain pipe 170 for drainage is connected to the lower portion of the outer tub 140. One end of the drain pipe 170 is fixed to the case body 130 to communicate with the outside, and the other end is connected to the lower portion of the outtub 140 to communicate. The drain pipe 170 is connected to the drain pump 172 is installed.

A portion of the drain pipe 170 is made of a corrugated pipe 171 that is stretchable in the longitudinal direction. Thus, when the drawer 120 is pulled forward, the corrugated pipe 171 is extended.

A telescopic structure may be used instead of the above-mentioned corrugated pipe shape.

A water supply pipe 180 for supplying water is connected to an upper portion of the outtub 140. The other end of the water supply pipe 180 is connected to the water supply valve 182. The water supply pipe 180 also includes a corrugated pipe 181.

In addition, a steam generator 185 is installed to supply steam into the outer tub 140. The steam generator 185 has a water supply pipe 186 is connected to the water supply valve 182 to receive water. And the steam is supplied into the outer tub 140 through the steam pipe (187).

The steam pipe 187 is likewise made of a variable length structure, such as corrugated pipe.

The steam outlet of the steam pipe 187 is positioned above the inner tub 150 so that steam may be supplied to the inner tub 150.

The steam generator as described above may be made in the same structure as the steam generator used in the conventional washing machine.

And the steam generator is preferably located in the upper corner of the case (110).

3 illustrates a case in which the motor is an inner rotor type. The rotating shaft 191 of the motor is similarly connected to the inner tub 150. A bracket 192 is installed at an outer circumference of the motor, and damping devices 160 and 162 are connected to the bracket 192.

Meanwhile, the control panel 123 is installed at the front of the drawer 120. The control panel 123 is provided with various buttons and knobs as an input unit for inputting a command related to washing such as a washing course. In addition, the control panel 123 is provided with an LCD window and an LED lamp as display means for displaying washing information.

In addition, a main controller for controlling the motor 190, the water supply valve 182, the drain pump 172, and the like is also provided in the control panel 123.

However, when there is a space limitation, the control panel 123 may be provided with only an input unit and a display unit, and a main control unit with a microcomputer may be located at one corner.

In addition, the drawer 120 may further include a locking device (not shown) for maintaining the drawer 120 is inserted into the case body 130. Preferably, the locking device is an electronic locking device controlled by the main controller.

Thus, the locking device is controlled such that the drawer 120 is not drawn out while the inner tub 150 is being rotated as washing is in progress. If the drawer 120 is pulled out while the inner tub 150 is rotating, vibration may occur. Therefore, the main controller detects the rotation state of the inner tub 150 to control the locking device. Such an electronic locking device can also be used in the conventional home appliances.

Here, the rotation state of the inner tub 150 may be detected through the rotation state of the motor 190.

When the washing is in progress, the user may want to draw the drawer 120. At this time, the main control unit is preferably provided to release the locking device after stopping the operation of the inner tub 150. In this case, the main control unit may display the display unit to inform the time when the drawer 120 may be withdrawn after the operation of the inner tub 150 is stopped.

In order to determine when the user wants to withdraw the drawer 120, a 'pause' button may be provided on the control panel. Alternatively, it may be determined that the drawer 120 is to be drawn out using a sensor such as a force sensor. For example, when a user applies a force to draw the drawer 120, the force is sensed by the load sensor and the main controller compares the sensed result with a reference value. Thus, when the reference value is higher than or equal to the user, it is determined that the drawer 120 is to be withdrawn.

The load sensor as described above may be installed in the locker groove to which the locker of the locking device is caught. Thus, when the user pulls to draw the drawer, the load sensor installed in the locker groove is applied by the locker to transmit a signal to the main control unit.

The leak detection apparatus 200 includes a water collecting part 210 to collect water leaks generated in the washing space inside the case. Therefore, when a leak occurs in the pedestal washing machine, the leak is collected by the water collecting unit 210. Therefore, the water collecting unit 310 is preferably located on the lower surface of the case body 130 and the drawer 120.

In addition, the case 110 includes a through hole 111 penetrating the case body 130 and the drawer 120 so that water leaks generated in the case 110 are collected by the water collecting unit 210. . That is, the through hole 111 is formed on the bottom surface of the case 110 corresponding to the water collecting part 210. Therefore, leaks generated in the case 110 are collected in the water collecting part 210 through the through hole 111.

In addition, the water collecting part 210 is slidable and detachable. That is, the water leakage in the water collecting part 210 is formed so as to be withdrawn by sliding forward and side so that the user can directly discharge.

The water collecting unit 210 to include a sensor (not shown). Accordingly, the water level in the water collecting unit 210 is sensed so that the user recognizes it when the water level is higher than the designated water level so as to discharge the collected water leakage.

In addition, when the leaked water collected in the water collecting unit 210 is detected to be above the designated water level, the operation of the pedestal washing machine 100 is stopped to prevent the washing error due to the leak.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the washing of the pedestal washing machine is started, the microcomputer 320 detects the water level through the sensor 310 for leaks collected by the water collecting unit, and the sensor 310 has a predetermined level or more. If a leak is detected, an error signal is output.

Therefore, when the error signal is output from the sensor 310, the microcomputer 320 determines that the amount of leakage collected in the water collecting unit exceeds the specified level, and controls the driving unit 330 to stop the washing operation.

In addition, the display means 340 and the alarm means 350 is operated to recognize that a leak has occurred.

In addition, the microcomputer 320 causes the sensor 310 to continuously detect the water level, and then stops the operation of the driving unit 330, and if the error signal does not occur in the sensor 310, the operation of the driving unit 330 again. Rerun

Hereinafter, a method of controlling a pedestal washing machine as illustrated in FIG. 5 will be described.

First, when the washing machine of the pedestal washing machine 100 starts, the microcomputer 320 detects the water level of the water collecting unit 210 collecting water leaks generated in the pedestal washing machine through the sensor 310. (S1 )

Subsequently, the microcomputer 320 determines whether the amount of leakage is greater than or equal to the designated level, and outputs an error when it is determined that the leakage is greater than or equal to the designated level.

In this case, if an error does not occur, the washing operation is continuously performed, and if an error occurs, the operation of the driving unit 330 is controlled to stop the operation of the pedestal washing machine 100.

In addition, the leakage information is output through the display means 340 and the alarm means 350 so that the user can recognize the occurrence of the leakage (S4).

Preferably, the display unit provided in the control panel 123 includes the display means 340 and the alarm means 350. That is, the display unit provided in the control panel 123 to display the leak information.

In addition, the microcomputer 320 causes the sensor 310 to continuously detect the water level even after the operation of the pedestal washing machine 100 is stopped (S5).

At this time, the sensor 310 continues to determine whether or not the specified water level or more (S6).

In addition, if an error more than a predetermined level is continuously output from the sensor 310, the user may recognize the error and output the leak information through the display means 340 and the alarm means 350, and the sensor 310 If it is determined that the specified water level or less, the driving unit 330 is controlled so that the washing operation of the pedestal washing machine 100 is subsequently executed.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to implement another embodiment of a modified form within the essential technical scope of the present invention. .

The pedestal washing machine according to the present invention can support the washing machine upwards and is suitable for washing a small amount of laundry.

Instead of using a large washing machine, you can save a small amount of laundry while saving energy. And because it can support a large washing machine or dryer, it is not limited by the installation space.

When used with a large washing machine it can be made at the same time washing according to the type of laundry.

In addition, the pedestal washing machine according to the present invention is provided with a leak detection device, when the leak occurs inside the pedestal washing machine, it detects this and stops the operation of the washing machine to notify the user to prevent the washing error due to the leak.

Claims (13)

A case for supporting another washing apparatus on an outer upper surface thereof and having a washable space formed therein; Pedestal washing machine characterized in that it comprises a leak detection device to detect the leak when the leakage occurs in the laundry space inside the case to collect and discharge. According to claim 1, wherein the leak detection device Pedestal washing machine characterized in that it comprises a water collecting unit for collecting the water leakage generated in the washing space inside the case. The method of claim 2, wherein the water collecting unit Pedestal washing machine, characterized in that the slide under the case to be detachable. The method of claim 2, wherein the leak detection device Pedestal washing machine comprising a sensor for sensing the amount of leakage collected in the water collecting unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the pedestal washing machine Pedestal washing machine characterized in that it comprises a main control unit to control the drive of the pedestal washing machine when the leak occurs in the washing space in the case. The method of claim 1, wherein the pedestal washing machine Pedestal washing machine comprising a display means for displaying the leakage state on the outer surface of the case so that the user can recognize the leakage state in the laundry space in the case. The method of claim 1, wherein the pedestal washing machine Pedestal washing machine characterized in that it comprises an alarm means for providing a notification sound so that the user can recognize when a leak occurs in the laundry space in the case. Pedestal washing machine is configured with a leak detection device, A leak amount detecting step of detecting a leak amount collected in the catch part; A control step of controlling the operation according to whether there is a leak; Control method of the pedestal washer comprising a. The method of claim 8, wherein the controlling step The control method of the pedestal washer characterized in that the operation stop step of stopping the operation when the water level is collected in the water collecting unit is determined to be above the designated water level. The method of claim 9, wherein the controlling step And a re-executing step of re-executing the operation of the pedestal washer when the leak is discharged and the amount of leakage in the water collecting part is less than the designated water level. 9. The method of claim 8, The control method of the pedestal washer characterized in that it further comprises a notification step so that the user recognizes the leak state when the leak in the water collecting unit is above the specified level. The method of claim 11, wherein the notification step A control method of a pedestal washer characterized in that the display step for displaying the leak state so that the user visually recognizes the leak state. The method of claim 11, wherein the notification step The control method of the pedestal washer characterized in that the user is made to the alarm step to recognize the state of leakage through the notification sound.

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