KR101940531B1 - laundry machine including an air discharge device and controlling method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine capable of improving washing efficiency while reducing energy consumption.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cabinet comprising: a cabinet; A tub disposed inside the cabinet for storing wash water; A drum rotatably installed in the tub; A motor for driving the drum; An active species feeding device for discharging air to produce active species and supplying said active species to said drum; And controlling the driving of the drum through a motor for washing or rinsing after the washing water is supplied to the tub and controlling the air discharge device to be driven in parallel with the driving of the drum, And a control unit for controlling the washing unit to perform the washing operation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a laundry machine having an air discharge device,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine capable of improving washing efficiency while reducing energy consumption.

The washing machine is a device for washing clothes using detergent and water (washing water). The mechanism of washing can be divided into chemical action and mechanical action.

First, the detergent is dissolved in water and the contaminants can be separated by the chemical action between the detergent and the contaminants. Then, the contaminants can be separated by the mechanical action between the clothes and the washing water or by the mechanical action between the clothes and the drum.

In the case of a vertical load washing machine, the laundry is immersed in the washing water to be washed. Therefore, in the vertical axis washing device, the mechanical action between the clothes and the washing water, that is, the mechanical action by the water flow, is achieved. On the other hand, in the case of a front loader, the laundry is tumbled inside the drum to perform washing, so that mechanical action such as friction or impact between the drum and the laundry is performed.

In order to increase the washing effect, such mechanical action and chemical action can be more actively performed. However, the increase of the mechanical action is associated with the damage of the laundry, and the increase is limited.

On the other hand, in order to further activate the chemical action, it is necessary to heat the washing water at a temperature at which the detergent is activated. That is, it is possible to increase the washing effect by using hot water instead of washing water at room temperature. Of course, it is possible to further increase the temperature of the washing water to improve the washing effect and the sterilizing effect.

In many cases, a heater is provided in the washing machine to heat the washing water. That is, a heater is provided in a lower portion of the tub for storing wash water to heat the wash water. Of course, when the hot water supply environment is supported outside, hot water may be supplied from the outside to the washing machine.

Here, the energy consumption through the heater driving occupies a very large portion in the washing apparatus. Therefore, it is a reality that the amount of energy required to achieve the laundry efficiency improvement and sterilization effect is much larger than that of general laundry.

In addition, since it takes a long time to heat the washing water, there is a problem that the time required for washing as a whole increases.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a washing machine capable of improving the washing effect and the sterilizing effect while reducing energy consumption. In addition, there is a need to provide a washing machine capable of reducing the time required for washing.

The present invention basically aims at solving the problem of the conventional washing apparatus.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing apparatus and a control method thereof that can improve cleaning power through less energy without generating hot water through a heater.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can effectively remove contaminants which are difficult to clean, such as oil stains and coloring stains.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can solve the hygiene problem by improving the sterilizing effect with less energy.

The present invention provides a washing device and a control method thereof that can reduce the washing time compared to the same washing performance. Also, the present invention provides a washing apparatus and a control method thereof capable of improving washing performance over the same washing time.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cabinet comprising: a cabinet; A tub disposed inside the cabinet for storing wash water; A drum rotatably installed in the tub; A motor for driving the drum; An active species feeding device for discharging air to produce active species and supplying said active species to said drum; And controlling the driving of the drum through a motor for washing or rinsing after the washing water is supplied to the tub and controlling the air discharge device to be driven in parallel with the driving of the drum, And a control unit for controlling the washing unit to perform the washing operation.

The active species supplying device may include an air discharging device for discharging air to generate active species, and an air flow passage for supplying active species into the drum. In addition, the active species supplying device may include a blowing device for smoothly supplying the active species into the drum.

The control unit may control the motor, the air discharge device, and the blower to be simultaneously driven.

The air discharge device and the air blowing device may be provided in the air flow passage.

The inflow port (inflow path) of the airflow path communicates with the rear upper side of the tub and the discharge port (outflow path) of the airflow path may communicate with the upper side of the front side of the drum. The inflow channel may be provided on the upstream side of the air discharge device, and the outflow channel may be provided on the downstream side of the air discharge device. Preferably, the air discharge device is biased toward the front side of the drum. Thus, the discharged air can be rapidly supplied into the drum.

The active species supplying device may perform discharging in any one of a colona discharge, a streamer discharge, and a dielectric barrier discharge.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of a horizontal axis washing apparatus for performing washing through a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle and a dewatering cycle, ; A drum driving step of driving the drum to wet laundry, wash or rinse laundry; And an active species supplying step of discharging air during the drum driving step to generate active species and supplying the active species to the interior of the drum.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine, comprising: a washing machine for washing laundry with washing water and a detergent; A washing step of driving the drum in accordance with the driving operation rate of the predetermined drum and the drum driving pattern after the drying step; And a washing step having an active species supplying step of discharging air to generate active species and supplying the active species into the drum during the washing step.

The active species supplying step may be performed when the drum is driven. The active species feeding step may also be performed during the seeding step.

The washing apparatus is a horizontal axis washing apparatus, and the driving pattern of the drum may be tumbling in which the drum rotates so that the laundry is lifted from the inside of the drum and then dropped.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an intermediate dewatering step of draining laundry and spinning a drum after the washing cycle is completed, And a rinsing step of rinsing the drum by driving the drum in accordance with the driving operation rate of the predetermined drum and the drum driving pattern, and performing the active species supplying step during the rinsing step A control method of the washing machine can be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an intermediate dewatering step of draining laundry and spinning the drum after a washing cycle is completed. A rinsing step of rinsing the drum by driving the drum in accordance with the driving operation rate of the predetermined drum and the drum driving pattern; And a rinsing step having an active species supplying step of discharging air to generate active species and supplying the active species into the drum during the rinsing step.

The steps in the rinsing cycle may be performed a plurality of times in sequence. One rinse cycle is performed, and during the subsequent intermediate dewatering step, except for the initial intermediate dewatering step, the active species feeding step can be performed.

The intermediate dewatering may include low speed spinning dewatering and high speed spinning dewatering. The rapid spin dehydration can be performed for a relatively short period of time.

Further comprising a dehydrating step performed after completion of the rinsing step, wherein the dehydrating step includes an initial dehydrating step and a main dehydrating step of dehydrating by a normal dehydrating RPM after the initial dehydrating step, Can be performed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising: a course selection unit configured to select any one of a plurality of washing courses having a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle; An option selection unit arranged to select an option associated with the course; An active species feeding device for discharging air to produce active species and supplying said active species to said drum; An air discharge selecting unit provided to select the driving of the active species supplying device; A rinsing cycle and a dewatering cycle under predetermined conditions according to a result selected through the course selection unit and the option selection unit; and when the air discharge selection unit is selected, the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, And a controller for controlling the generation and supply of the active species concurrently while at least one of the active species is being performed.

The option selection unit may include a temperature selection unit configured to select any one of a plurality of wash water temperatures, and at least one of the plurality of wash water temperatures may be exclusively selectable from the air discharge selection unit.

The default wash water temperature is determined by selecting a course through the course selection unit and the default wash water temperature can be changed to a low temperature due to the additional selection of the air discharge selection unit.

The default washing time is determined by selecting a course through the course selection unit or selecting the course and the washing option through the option selection unit, and the default washing time can be changed to be decreased by the additional selection of the air discharge selection unit.

After the washing water is supplied in the washing or rinsing cycle, the drum is tumbled, and the tumbling driving and the active species generation and supply can be performed in parallel.

It is possible to provide a washing apparatus and a control method thereof capable of improving cleaning power through less energy without generating hot water through a heater through embodiments of the present invention.

It is possible to provide a washing apparatus and a control method thereof capable of effectively removing contaminants which are difficult to clean such as oil spots and pigment spots through the embodiments of the present invention.

The embodiments of the present invention can provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can solve the hygiene problem by improving the sterilizing effect with less energy.

The present invention provides a washing device and a control method thereof that can reduce the washing time compared to the same washing performance. Similarly, it is possible to provide a washing apparatus and a control method thereof that can improve washing performance over the same washing time.

1 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;
5 and 6 are graphs showing washing effects of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a washing machine and a controlling method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet 100 forming an outer shape, and a tub 110 for storing wash water may be provided in the cabinet. In addition, the drum 120 may be rotatably installed in the tub 110.

The washing machine may be provided with a door 140 for loading laundry into the drum 120 or for taking laundry out of the drum 120.

In a state where the door 140 is closed, washing, rinsing and dewatering can be performed together with the rotation of the drum in the drum 120.

A motor 160 may be provided to drive the drum 120. The rotational force of the motor 160 is transmitted to the drum 120 so that the drum can drive various patterns. The driving pattern of such a drum can be varied in washing, rinsing, and dehydration.

Meanwhile, the tub 110 may be provided with a tub heater 180 for heating the washing water. That is, the washing water supplied from the water supply can be heated to raise the temperature of the washing water. Of course, hot water may be supplied to the inside of the washing machine from the outside of the washing machine depending on the hot water supply environment.

A gasket 150 may be provided between the cabinet 100 and the tub 110. The water inside the tub 110 is prevented from leaking to the outside through the gasket 150.

The structure of the washing machine may be the same as that of a general washing machine, and its function, structure or shape may be variously modified.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a washing apparatus including the active species supplying device 130 may be provided. That is, it may include an active species supplying device 130 for discharging air to generate active species and supplying the active species to the drum 120.

The active species supply device 130 may include an air discharge device 131 that discharges air to generate active species.

When a discharge is caused by using the air discharge device 131, various active species such as a high-energy plasma (plasma), oxygen radical, ozone, and UV are produced. The air containing the active species is put into the drum to come into contact with the laundry to decompose the laundry stains into smaller molecules to make them hydrophilic and improve the removal of stains. That is, the washing performance can be improved.

On the other hand, since the air discharge device 131 uses electric energy, it needs to be isolated from detergent solution, foam, and washing water. That is, it is necessary to prevent such washing water or the like from penetrating the air discharge device 131. Therefore, it is preferable to supply the discharged air to the drum 120. [

To this end, the active species feeder 130 preferably includes an air flow path 134.

The air discharge device 131 generates active species from the outside of the drum 120 and the tub 110. The air supply device 132 and the air flow passage 134 supply the discharged air to the inside of the drum 120 .

It is preferable that the air flow path 134 is provided to supply discharged air to the drum 120 and to discharge air by sucking air again inside the drum. In addition, it is preferable that the air flow passage 134 is provided so as to be able to effectively contact the wet laundry of active paper. That is, it is preferable that the direction and position of the active species supply are determined so that the contact area with the wet laundry is increased. In addition, it is preferable that the air discharge device 131 does not penetrate the washing water or the like.

For this purpose, the active species feeder 130 is preferably located above the tub 110.

The air flow path 134 may include an outflow path 136 connected to the front end of the air discharge device 131 and an inflow path 135 connected to the rear end.

The outflow channel 136 may be connected to the top of the drum 120 to supply active paper. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, it may be installed through the gasket 150. Due to the installation position of the outflow channel 136 and the shape of the door 140, the active paper discharged from the outflow channel 136 can be uniformly supplied to the rear of the drum bottom through the upper portion of the drum.

Likewise, for this purpose, the inflow channel 135 may be provided to be in communication with the rear upper portion of the tub. Therefore, air is sucked in the rear upper portion of the tub. Therefore, due to the relationship between the direction in which air is introduced into the drum and the direction in which the air flows out from the inside of the drum, the active paper can be uniformly supplied into the drum.

In addition, the inflow of washing water or the like through the inflow channel 135 can be effectively prevented.

Meanwhile, the inflow channel 135 may be connected to the direct tub 110 or may communicate with the tub 110 through the exhaust channel 137. That is, the inflow passage 135 may be branched from the exhaust passage 137 or connected to the exhaust passage 137. The exhaust passage 137 may be an oil passage for preventing the inside of the tub from being sealed. That is, even when the door 140 is closed, the inside of the tub 110 and the outside of the washing machine can communicate with each other through the exhaust passage 137 at least.

Due to the installation of the inflow channel 135, the inflow channel 135 can communicate with the inside of the tub 110 through the exhaust channel 137. Therefore, penetration of washing water or the like in addition to air through the inflow channel 135 can be further prevented.

As described above, the larger the contact area of the active species is, the more effective it is. Therefore, it is necessary to supply the laundry in the drum within a short time after the air discharge is generated. Therefore, it is preferable that the air discharge device 131 is positioned so as to be closer to the front of the drum 120 on the airflow passage 134. Although not shown, a nozzle may be provided at the end of the outflow channel 136 so that the direction of ejection from the nozzle may be directed toward the inside of the drum 120. [ This will allow for direct contact with the laundry in the active paper drum.

The active species supplying device 130 may further include a blowing device 132 to appropriately control the timing of supplying the active species together with the generation of the active species. The air blowing device may be provided at a rear end of the air discharge device 131, that is, at an upstream side. Therefore, the air supplied through the air blowing device 132 can be discharged by the air discharge device 131. [ In addition, the discharged air can be supplied from the air blowing device 132 to the drum 120.

Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately control the blowing time point through the blowing device 132.

The air discharge device 131 and the air blowing device 132 may be formed of one assembly. That is, the air discharge device 131 and the air blowing device 132 are installed inside the discharge box 133, so that assembly, installation and handling can be very convenient. The discharge box 133 is connected to the air passage 134 so that the active paper can be smoothly supplied to the drum.

On the other hand, although not shown, the blower unit 132 can be replaced in various ways. For example, it is possible to connect the jet of washing water or the steam jetting passage with the airflow passage 134. Therefore, the active paper may be supplied into the drum through pressure difference by washing water or steam jet.

The air discharge device may be a variety of discharge methods such as a colona discharge, a streamer discharge, and a dielectric barrier discharge. It is necessary to select a device that efficiently produces radical species such as plasma ions, negative ions, and hydroxy radicals, which are high energy ionizations. They exert a high effect mainly when decomposing polymers such as triolein.

Also, active species such as neutral ozone can be generated at the same time. They are highly effective in decolorizing. In addition, these series of active species have antibacterial and deodorizing ability and can realize sanitary function.

Accordingly, it is possible to select an appropriate air discharge device by setting the type of the blot to be removed and the target value of the decomposition ability.

Hereinafter, a washing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown, the present embodiment relates to a washing machine capable of washing and drying, and may also include an active species supplying device 174. [

Generally, a washing machine capable of washing and drying is provided with a device for generating and supplying dry hot air. That is, a device for heating the air to blow air and for removing moisture in the air is provided. To this end, a drying duct 176 may be provided and a condensing duct 175 may be provided.

In this embodiment, it is proposed that an active species supplying device 174 is provided in a duct for circulating air into the drum 120. Therefore, by additionally providing the air discharge device 131 in the conventional duct structure, the active species supplying device 174 can be easily implemented. The blowing device 172 may use the blowing device for supplying hot air as it is.

On the other hand, in many cases, the condensing duct 172 communicates with the lower portion of the tub 110. However, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the condensing duct 172 is connected to the upper rear side of the tub. Of course, the condensing duct 172 may not be a duct for performing a condensing function but may be a duct for allowing air to flow into the air discharge device 131 from the upper rear side of the tub. In this case, although not shown, a separate condensing duct may be provided so as to communicate with the lower portion of the tub.

Therefore, a damper or the like for switching the flow path at the time of hot air supply and at the time of supplying the active species may be additionally constituted.

Hereinafter, the control logic of the configurations of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In general, a control panel for a user interface may be provided on a front surface of a cabinet, and input means for allowing a user to input various inputs may be provided on the control panel.

A course selector 21 can be provided for the user to select various courses such as a laundry course or a drying course. The term " course " includes a plurality of manners, which means that the start and the end are automatically performed. The washing course may be provided to finish the washing by sequentially performing the washing, rinsing and dewatering steps. Therefore, the user can select any one of the plurality of laundry courses through the course selection unit 21. [ The plurality of laundry courses may each include a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle and a dewatering cycle, and the conditions in each cycle may be set differently. For example, the time required or the drum driven RP or patterns may be set differently for each course.

And an option selecting unit 22 that allows the user to select various options. Through the option selection unit 22, various options associated with the course can be selected. The option selection unit 22 may include at least one of a wash 22a, a rinse 22b, a temperature 22c, and a dewatering 22d, for example.

The laundry 22a may be provided to be able to select the degree of washing. For example, the washing time and the washing strength may be selected according to the degree of contamination. Washing intensity can be increased by increasing the time at which the drum is driven, that is, by increasing the actual rate.

The rinsing 22b may be provided to select the number of times of rinsing.

The temperature 22c may be provided to select the temperature of the wash water. For example, the user can select a variety of wash water temperatures such as cold water (about 20 degrees Celsius), 30 degrees Celsius, 40 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Celsius, and 90 degrees Celsius. Such a selectable temperature type may vary depending on the use environment of the washing machine.

The dehydration 22d may be provided so as to select a normal dehydration RPM at the time of dehydration. For example, no RPM, 600 RPM, 800 RPM and 1000 RPM can be selected to select various RPMs.

A course selection unit 21, an option selection unit 22, and an air discharge selection unit 23. This can be provided so that the user can select whether to discharge air.

There is a user's input through the course selection unit 21, the option selection unit 22, the air discharge selection unit 23, and the like, and the control unit 10 drives the washing device according to the inputted information.

The motor 11 is driven to rotate the drum 120, and the water supply valve 12 is driven to supply water. Then, the tub heat 16 may be driven to heat the washing water.

In addition, the active species supplying device 130 may be driven to perform air discharge to supply the active paper into the drum 120. Specifically, the air discharge device 131 may be driven to generate active species, and the air supply device 132 may be driven to supply the active paper into the drum.

The control of the washing machine through the control unit 10 according to whether or not the air discharge selecting unit 23 is input may be performed in a different manner. The characteristics of the user interface associated with the air discharge selection unit 23 will be described later.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

According to the control method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the washing cycle S100, the rinsing cycle 200, and the dewatering cycle S300 may be sequentially performed to complete the washing process. And, active paper can be supplied in each stroke.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the active paper is supplied in the washing cycle S100. That is, the active paper can be supplied along with the washing process.

The washing step S100 may be performed in the order of water supply, seeding step S10 and washing step S20. That is, after the laundry is loaded, the washing device can start operating after the course selection through the course selection part 21 or the option selection through the course selection part 21 and the option selection part 22.

First, the washing water and the detergent may be mixed and supplied into the tub 110, and a drying step may be performed so that the washing water and the detergent are uniformly wetted on the laundry. The water supply and the spraying are the initial stages of the washing cycle (S100). If the laundry is sufficiently wetted in the initial stage, the laundry may be fully washed (S20).

On the other hand, the amount of water can be sensed in the water supply and sedimentation (S10), and the time required for the course can be increased or decreased according to the detected amount of water. For example, if the amount is large, the time required may increase.

Generally, before the washing (S20) starts, the tub heater (180) is driven to heat the washing water, and when the washing water is heated to the target temperature, full washing (S20) is performed.

The laundry (S20) is usually carried out through tumbling. That is, as the drum rotates, the laundry falls and then falls, so that the laundry can be washed.

In this embodiment, the active paper can be supplied in the washing step S100. That is, the chemical action of the active species generated from the air discharge device can be utilized, not the supply of hot water from the outside or the heating by the driving of the tub heater 180. Therefore, the energy-saving washing can be realized by lowering the oil smear, discoloring the coloring matter stain, etc. and realizing the improvement of the washing power, which is an essential function, without raising the water temperature.

In order to allow the active species to act more on the stains on the laundry, it is necessary to increase the active species supply time as much as possible. Therefore, active species can be supplied from the time of initial water supply and detergent input. That is, it is preferable that the active paper is supplied from the time when the laundry is wetted. It is also preferable that the active paper be fed from the time when the drum starts to be driven. This is because, as the laundry laid on the bottom of the drum is lifted and dropped, the surface area that can be in contact with the air can be widened.

Also, it is better for the wet garment to act on the active species than to contact it in the dry garment. This is because, from the viewpoint of the microenvironment, the possibility of chemical decomposition reaction is higher when water is interposed. Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the generation and supply of active species are performed after the washing water is supplied to the tub 110. In addition, it is preferable that generation and supply of active species are performed in parallel with driving of the drum.

Of course, there is a possibility that the supply of the active species may cause a loss of decomposing the surfactant component of the detergent. Therefore, it is possible to control the water supply channel so that the detergent is not supplied during the water supply and the water supply process. That is, it is possible to decompose the stain by supplying the active species during the watering and seeding process, and then to improve the washing effect by supplying the detergent.

However, detergent losses can be neglected due to the active species, as it is generally the case that more detergent is added than needed. Therefore, the active paper can be supplied in the washing step S100 regardless of the detergent supply.

In the washing (S20), the drum 120 is driven in earnest to wash the laundry. Then, the active paper can be supplied into the drum 120 (S21). That is, the washing performance can be further improved due to the mechanical action, the chemical action of the detergent, and the chemical action through the active species.

The drum 120 is typically driven in a tumbling pattern to perform the wash (S20). In the tumbling pattern, the laundry in the drum is lifted and then dropped repeatedly. When tumbling is completed in one direction, tumbling is performed again in the other direction.

The rotation and the stop of the drum are generally made in a predetermined pattern according to the actual rate of the drum. The actual rate of the drum is the ratio of the drum drive to the drum stop. The greater the actual rate, the greater the washing intensity, which means that the mechanical action is greater. In addition to the tumbling, the driving pattern of the drum can be modified in various ways such as spin, scrub, swing, squeegee, and step. This drum drive pattern is well known for six motions.

Here, the generation and supply of the active species may be interlocked with drum driving. That is, the air discharge device can be driven in parallel with the driving of the drum. For example, it is possible to control the air discharge apparatus to be driven when the drum is driven with a constant drum drive pattern (including the actual flow rate). In addition, the air discharge device can be driven when the drum rotates without stopping. This means that the air discharge device is controlled to be operated in conjunction with the actual discharge rate.

For example, when supplying the active species while the drum is running, more efficient active species effects can be expected than when the drum supplies the active species when the drum is stopped, because the laundry in the drum flows.

Therefore, the motor 160, the air discharge device 131, and the air blowing device 132 can be controlled to be driven simultaneously.

Generally, in a vertical axis washing machine, laundry is rinsed and rinsed while the laundry is immersed in the washing water. On the other hand, in the horizontal axis washing machine, the laundry wetted by the washing water flows in the drum while being washed or rinsed. That is, in the horizontal axis washing machine, laundry is hardly immersed in washing water. This means that the probability of contact between the laundry and the active species fed into the drum is very high in the horizontal washing machine.

Therefore, the washing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is preferably a horizontal axis washing apparatus.

Hereinafter, the effect due to the supply of the active species during the washing cycle will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a comparison of the washing performance in cold water (20 degrees Celsius) for normal laundry, active species feeding in cold water, and normal laundry in 30 degree C wash water. The washing time is 20.5 minutes, which is the same. Contaminants include sebum, carbon black, blood, cocoa, and red wine.

Assuming that the amount of washing water for performing the washing cycle once is 22 liters, 255.7 Wh is consumed to raise the washing water by 10 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, 30 Wh was consumed for the generation and supply of active species. Therefore, energy savings of about 94% can be expected from the energy itself.

As shown in FIG. 5, it can be seen that washing with the active species in the same cold water condition can improve the washing effect to six contaminants. Therefore, it can be seen that the washing effect is further enhanced by only supplying the active species.

Further, it can be seen that by supplying the active species except for sebum, a further enhanced washing effect can be obtained even at a low temperature. This is because the washing effect when the temperature of the washing water is 30 degrees centigrade and when the active species is supplied and the washing water is 20 degrees centigrade is better except for sebum. It can also be seen that the washing effect on sebum does not differ greatly between the two.

According to these experimental results, it can be seen that the supply of active species reduces the energy consumption by 96% and substantially improves the washing effect substantially.

Fig. 6 shows the washing effect in comparison with the case where the washing time is increased to 51 minutes, not the temperature of the washing water, though it is the same condition as Fig.

It can be seen that, in the case of the red wine pollutants, the improvement of the washing effect due to the active species increases irrespective of the washing time. It can be seen that most of the pollutants have a greater washing effect as the washing time is increased even though the active species are supplied.

However, it can be seen from FIG. 6 that supplying the active species under the same conditions improves the washing effect much more. This means that even if the washing time is less than 51 minutes by supplying the active species, the same washing effect can be expected.

Increasing the washing time means that there is a lot of time that energy can be consumed as well as drum driving. Therefore, the washing time can be reduced to obtain the same washing effect. This means that the energy required for the generation and supply of active species can be less than the energy required by the increase in washing time.

The effect of feeding the active species via FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 shows that an increase in wash water temperature and an increase in wash time are not always necessary. That is, the increase of the washing water temperature and the increase of the washing time can be suppressed to some extent due to the supply of active species.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the washing cycle S100 ends, the rinsing cycle S200 can be performed.

The rinsing cycle (S200) may include drainage, interception (S30), water supply (S40), and rinsing (S50). These steps can be repeated many times.

The insidium S30 is a process of separating the detergent and the washing water from the laundry through the spin driving. It is possible to separate the detergent component as much as possible by performing a high rotation for a short time after the spin driving.

In the low rotation process at the time of the interruption immediately after the washing, the clothes coming out from the clothes may be generated. As a result, the waste can be introduced into the air discharge device 131. Therefore, it is necessary for the active species supply to be avoided at the time of the interruption immediately after washing. In addition, the active species supply can be similarly avoided in the high turnover process at the time of the intervention. This is because the high rotation process can be performed for a short time, and it is difficult to expect a great effect by the supply of active species.

When the drainage (S30) is finished, a water supply (S40) for rinsing is performed, and a rinsing (S50) is performed full-blown through drum driving after water supply. Active paper may also be fed to the feed water (S40) and active feed (S51) during rinsing (S50).

The drum can be tumbled during the rinsing (S50). Therefore, as in the case of the laundry (S20), the active paper can be supplied to the laundry evenly.

The washing effect can be enhanced with the detergent component remaining in the rinsing (S50) process. In this case, the decomposition of the contaminants through the active species can be further sustained, thereby improving the washing effect.

On the other hand, the rinsing (S50) process separates the detergent component from the laundry as much as possible. In the rinsing (S50), the supply of the active species decomposes the remaining detergent component, for example, the surfactant component, so that the rinsing performance can be improved.

The rinsing cycle S200 may be repeated several times in sequence of the step of draining water S30, the water supply S40 and the rinsing step S50. The rinsing cycle (S200) can be set three times by selecting one course, and the number of rinsing cycles can be increased by four times through the rinsing (22b) described above.

For example, in the first rinse cycle (S200) the active species supply can be avoided and the active species can be supplied in the subsequent rinse cycle. In addition, it is also possible to supply the active species during the first drainage and to supply the active species in the subsequent drainage.

When the rinsing step (S200) is finished, the drainage (S60) is performed, and then the centrifugal dehydration is performed by the rotation of the drum. That is, the washing water contained in the laundry is discharged to the outside through the tub by the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the drum.

Therefore, the dehydration step (S300) may include dehydration (S70, S80) after draining (S60).

Dewatering is performed through high-speed rotation. Therefore, the initial dewatering (S70) for high-speed rotation entry is performed and the main dewatering (S80) can be performed after the initial dewatering (S70). The dehydration (S80) can be performed, for example, with the drum rotating for a predetermined time at 1000 RPM.

The main dewatering (S80) can be performed for a relatively long time compared to the above-described interstitial (S30) and initial dewatering (S70). Therefore, the active paper can be supplied (S81) even in the main dehydration (S80) process.

As in the above-described rinsing step (S200), when the active species is supplied in the dewatering step (S300), a sanitizing effect can be expected. This is because it is possible to reduce the number of bacteria while reducing contamination to be fed to bacteria and the like. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the possibility of bacterial growth and mold formation in the tub after washing.

As described above, active species can be supplied into the drum during at least one of the steps from the washing step S100 to the rinsing step S200 and the dewatering step S300.

Here, the supply of the active species may be performed while proceeding with other processes than the additional process. That is, it can proceed in parallel with other administration. This is because the air discharge does not use an overload in the entire washing machine because it uses very little energy.

This concurrent progress means that there is less possibility of change or addition of the initial set washing time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing time from being increased due to the supply of the active species, and to expect a further enhanced washing effect.

Hereinafter, the cleaning mechanism by active species will be described in detail.

When air discharge occurs, a variety of active species such as high-energy electrolytes (plasma), oxygen radicals, ozone, and UV are produced. It is possible to generate air containing the active species and supply it to the inside of the drum together with the circulating air. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, active species can be supplied to the wet laundry. In addition, the active species can be supplied during driving of the drum, thereby further improving the contact efficiency. Therefore, by supplying the active species, it is possible to decompose the stains on the laundry into smaller molecules and to make them hydrophilic, which is more effective for washing with water.

Degradation by active species is more preferred for relatively large pest spots. For example, it is very effective for sebum secreted from the human body. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, it can be seen that the supply of active species is very effective for removing sebum stains. This is merely a washing effect through the laundry administration. Therefore, if the active paper is also supplied to the rinsing step or the like, the effect can be further enhanced.

In general, triolein, which is the main component of sebum stains, is a part that is decomposed and low molecular weight in a washing process, and is hardly removed by washing with water. If the clothing is old, it may become discolored. The cause of such discoloration may be that the unevenness of sebum remaining after washing has been oxidized for aging. When the sebum dirt is not attached to dust, mud, or the like at the same time, it is difficult to recognize the dirt because it is invisible to the naked eye, and residual sebum stains may not be seen even after washing.

Therefore, the active species supply according to the present embodiment can more effectively eliminate sebum speckles. This makes it possible to greatly reduce the possibility that the garment may be discolored.

The approach for smear disintegration in wet clothing by active species can be particularly effective for such oil stains over conventional cleaning.

Hereinafter, the control flow or the user interface characteristic according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, when the course is selected through the selection of the user's course selection unit 21, the control unit S10 controls the washing apparatus to be driven according to a preset course condition. Likewise, when the course is executed through the selection of the user's course selection unit 21 and the option selection unit S22, the control unit S10 controls the washing apparatus to be driven according to the predetermined course condition and the optional condition.

That is, according to the selection of the course selection unit 21 and the option selection unit 22, many conditions are set as a default, and the washing machine can be driven.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the active paper can be supplied in parallel with the washing, rinsing and dewatering operations performed in accordance with the default condition (preset condition) according to the selection of the course selector 21 and the option selector 22 . That is, when there is a selection of the air discharge selection unit 23, the control unit 10 determines whether the generation and supply of the active species are performed concurrently during at least one of washing, rinsing, Can be controlled so as to be performed.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing time from being changed or increased due to the selection of the air discharge selection 23. [

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, it was found that a more effective washing effect can be obtained even with a low washing water temperature or a small washing time due to the supply of active species. Therefore, the selection of the air discharge selecting unit 23 can lower the washing water temperature and reduce the washing time.

From the viewpoint of the user interface, it is desirable to allow the user to clearly understand what the air discharge selection is and what the result is.

In general, when the course is selected through the course selection unit 21, the temperature of the wash water and the degree of wash (wash time) may be determined as defaults. For example, in the case of a standard course, the temperature of the wash water may be set at a default of 30 degrees Celsius and the degree of washing is normal (normal, for example, washing time of 21 minutes). The user can change these default conditions by selecting the temperature 22c of the option selection unit 22 and the laundry 22a.

In this embodiment, it is possible to suggest that the default conditions can be varied if there is a selection of the air discharge selection unit 23 after course selection through the course selection unit 21.

For example, the temperature of the washing water determined by default can be changed to a low temperature. For example, although the wash water temperature of 30 degrees Celsius is determined as the default, the default temperature can be changed to cold water (20 degrees Celsius, unheated) by the selection of the air discharge selection unit 23. [

In addition, the washing time determined by default can be reduced. For example, the wash time of 40 minutes may be reduced to 30 minutes.

The user can easily know that the default condition is changed by selection of the air discharge selection part 23 through various display parts. Through such a change, the user can easily recognize that effective washing can be performed even when the washing water is not heated or the washing time is reduced.

On the other hand, the driving of the tub heater 180 may not be completely excluded in the present embodiments. For example, when the temperature of the wash water is selected to be 60 degrees or 90 degrees Celsius, the tub heater 180 may be driven. However, it can be avoided to heat the selected wash water at 60 or 90 degrees and to supply the active species. That is, even if the temperature of the selected washing water is not heated, the desired washing effect can be obtained due to the supply of the active species.

Therefore, when the air discharge selection unit 23 is selected, at least one of the plurality of wash water temperatures (which can be selected by the user as an option) can be selected exclusively from the selection of the air discharge selection unit 23 .

For example, when the air discharge selection unit 23 is selected, the wash water temperature for 30 degrees Celsius can be prevented from being selected. This is because, as described above, a further enhanced washing effect can be expected in air discharge and cold water (20 degrees Celsius).

Likewise, when the air discharge selecting section 23 is selected, the washing water temperature for 60 degrees Celsius can be prevented from being selected. In this case, the washing water can be heated to a temperature lower than 60 deg. C together with the supply of the active species, so that the washing effect equal to or greater than that can be obtained.

Therefore, the temperature of the wash water that can be selected can be lowered by one step. Likewise, the selectable degree of washing (washing time) can be lowered by one step.

Heating of the washing water may mean not only energy consumption by heating but also an increase in washing time by the time required for heating. Likewise, increasing the degree of washing by itself can mean an increase in the washing time.

According to the embodiments, the washing time can be relatively reduced even though only a small amount of energy is used. In addition, through the user interface described above, it is possible to clearly recognize the energy saving and the reduction in the washing time.

100: cabinet 110: tub
120: drum 130: active species feeder
131: air discharge device 132: blower

Claims (20)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete A step of spraying the laundry with water and soaking the laundry with washing water and detergent; And,
And a washing step of driving the drum in accordance with the drum driving pattern and the driving operation rate of the predetermined drum after the drying step,
The seeding step
Watering washing water;
An active species supplying step of discharging air to generate active species and supplying the active species into the drum; And,
And stopping the supply of the active species and supplying the detergent. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the active species supplying step is performed when the drum is driven. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the active species supplying step is performed during the washing step. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the washing machine is a horizontal axis washing machine, and the driving pattern of the drum is tumbling in which the drum rotates so that the laundry is lifted from the inside of the drum and then dropped. 9. The method of claim 8,
An intermediate dewatering step of draining washing water after the washing cycle is completed and spinning the drum; And
And a rinsing step of rinsing the drum by driving the drum in accordance with the driving operation rate of the predetermined drum and the drum driving pattern, and performing the active species supplying step during the rinsing step Wherein the washing machine is a washing machine. delete delete delete A course selecting unit provided to select any one of a plurality of washing courses having a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle and a dewatering cycle;
An option selection unit arranged to select an option associated with the course;
An active species feeding device for discharging air to generate active species and supplying the active species to the drum;
An air discharge selecting unit provided to select the driving of the active species supplying device; And
A rinsing cycle and a dewatering cycle under predetermined conditions according to a result selected through the course selection unit and the option selection unit,
When the air discharge selecting section is selected, at least one of the washing stroke, the rinsing stroke, and the dehydrating stroke is changed in accordance with the changed preset condition, And controlling the generation and supply of the active species to be performed concurrently while being performed. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the option selection unit includes a temperature selection unit configured to select any one of a plurality of wash water temperatures and at least one of the plurality of wash water temperatures can be exclusively selected from the air discharge selection unit Washing machine. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the default wash water temperature is determined by selecting a course through the course selection unit, and the default wash water temperature is changed to a low temperature due to the additional selection of the air discharge selection unit. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the default washing time is determined by selecting a course through the course selection unit or selecting a course through the course selection and the option selection unit and changing the default washing time by the additional selection of the air discharge selection unit. . 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the drum is tumbled after the washing water is supplied in the washing or rinsing cycle, and the tumbling driving and the active species generation and supply are performed in parallel.

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