KR102573776B1 - Washing apparutus and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine performing a washing cycle by heating water, detergent or washing liquid using dielectric heating and a control method thereof.
A washing machine according to an embodiment includes a water supply unit configured to supply water and a washing liquid including detergent; a power supply unit supplying AC power; and an electric field forming unit for forming an electric field between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit according to the AC power so as to heat the supplied washing liquid. can include

Description

Washing machine and its control method {WASHING APPARUTUS AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF}

It relates to a washing machine that removes stains from laundry using washing liquid and a method for controlling the same.

In general, a means for removing dirt attached to laundry is referred to as a washing machine, and a device for performing a washing operation is referred to as a washing machine.

Since the gravitational force acts between the laundry and the laundry, it is difficult to remove the laundry from the laundry. Accordingly, in order to separate the soiled objects from the laundry, the washing machine may supply water and detergent to the laundry. Detergent can help facilitate the removal of stains from laundry.

In addition, the diffusion rate of the false sphere itself is slow, so it takes a lot of time to remove the false sphere. Accordingly, the washing machine may heat the wash water in order to increase the speed at which the taint spreads. When the temperature of the wash water increases, ions and spheres in the wash water are activated, so the kinetic energy of the spheres increases and they can be easily separated from the laundry.

To this end, the washing machine may heat the wash water in various ways and may include a separate means for heating the wash water. For example, the washing machine may adopt a dielectric heating method in which a high-frequency electric field is applied to the washing liquid and heat loss due to friction generated by vibration of polar water molecules and ions of the detergent included in the washing liquid is used. At this time, since the detergent containing detergent has a high permittivity and a high loss tangent, it has good electromagnetic energy absorption and excellent heating performance.

According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, there is provided a washing machine and a control method for performing a washing cycle by heating water, detergent, or washing liquid using a dielectric heating method.

A washing machine according to an embodiment includes a water supply unit configured to supply water and a washing liquid including detergent; a power supply unit supplying AC power; and an electric field forming unit for forming an electric field between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit according to the AC power so as to heat the supplied washing liquid. can include

In addition, the electric field forming unit may alternately form the electric field according to the frequency of the supplied AC power so as to heat the washing solution by vibrating ions of the washing solution supplied with the water.

In addition, the first electrode part and the second electrode part may be disposed in parallel to form an electric field in a first direction in the electric field generator.

In addition, the electric field forming unit may have a planar shape perpendicular to the first direction of the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit.

In addition, when the electric field generator has a plurality of first electrode parts and a plurality of second electrode parts, the plurality of first electrode parts and the plurality of second electrode parts may be alternately disposed.

In addition, the first electrode unit may include a plurality of first electrodes, and the second electrode unit may include a plurality of second electrodes.

In addition, the first electrode unit includes the plurality of first electrodes arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the second electrode unit includes the plurality of second electrodes arranged in the second direction. can include

In addition, a housing provided with a washing space in which the electric field is formed; may further include.

In addition, in the electric field forming part, one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the housing, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided in the washing machine of the housing. can be provided in space.

In addition, the housing, the inner surface of the lifter is formed to protrude in the center direction; Including, in the electric field forming unit, one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the lifter, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is an inner surface of the housing. can be provided in

In addition, the housing may include an opening opening one side of the laundry space; and a door rotatably provided to open and close the opening. Including, in the electric field forming unit, one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the door, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the housing It may be provided on the inner side of.

In addition, the electric field generator, the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit may be provided in a pattern form on the inner surface of the housing.

Also, the housing may include at least one of a cabinet, a rotating tub, an auxiliary washing unit, and a drum.

Also, the sensor unit detects a state of at least one of the washing liquid supplied to the washing space and the laundry containing the washing liquid; and a control unit controlling the power supply unit to supply the AC power having a size corresponding to a result detected by the sensor unit. may further include.

In addition, the sensor unit may sense at least one of the weight, temperature, and volume of the supplied washing liquid and the weight, temperature, and volume of laundry including the washing liquid.

In addition, an impedance matching unit for performing impedance matching based on the load impedance of the laundry determined according to a result detected by the sensor unit; may further include.

In addition, an electrode moving unit for moving the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit; Further, the control unit may control the electrode moving unit so that the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to a result detected by the sensor unit.

In addition, the electric field forming unit may include an insulating unit blocking contact between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit with the water supply liquid; may further include.

A washing machine according to another embodiment includes a water supply unit supplying water; a power supply unit supplying AC power; and an electric field forming unit configured to form an electric field between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit according to the AC power to heat the supplied water. can include

The electric field forming unit may alternately form the electric field according to the frequency of the supplied AC power to heat the water by vibrating ions of the supplied water.

In addition, the first electrode part and the second electrode part may be disposed in parallel to form an electric field in a first direction in the electric field generator.

In addition, a housing provided with a washing space in which the electric field is formed; may further include.

In addition, in the electric field forming part, one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the housing, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided in the washing machine of the housing. can be provided in space.

In addition, the housing, the inner surface of the lifter is formed to protrude in the center direction; Including, in the electric field forming unit, one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the lifter, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is an inner surface of the housing. can be provided in

In addition, the housing may include an opening opening one side of the laundry space; and a door rotatably provided to open and close the opening. Including, in the electric field forming unit, one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the door, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the housing It may be provided on the inner side of.

In addition, the electric field generator, the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit may be provided in a pattern form on the inner surface of the housing.

A washing machine according to another embodiment includes a detergent supply unit supplying detergent; a power supply unit supplying AC power; and an electric field forming unit configured to form an electric field between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit according to the AC power so as to heat the supplied detergent. can include

In addition, the electric field forming unit may alternately form the electric field according to the frequency of the supplied AC power to heat the detergent by vibrating ions of the supplied detergent.

In addition, the first electrode part and the second electrode part may be disposed in parallel to form an electric field in a first direction in the electric field generator.

In addition, a housing provided with a washing space in which the electric field is formed; may further include.

In addition, in the electric field forming part, one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the housing, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided in the washing machine of the housing. can be provided in space.

In addition, the housing, the inner surface of the lifter is formed to protrude in the center direction; Including, in the electric field forming unit, one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the lifter, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is an inner surface of the housing. can be provided in

In addition, the housing may include an opening opening one side of the laundry space; and a door rotatably provided to open and close the opening. Including, in the electric field forming unit, one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the door, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the housing It may be provided on the inner side of.

In addition, the electric field generator, the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit may be provided in a pattern form on the inner surface of the housing.

A method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment includes, in a washing machine in which an electric field is formed in a washing space inside a housing using a first electrode part and a second electrode part, water is supplied to the washing space and a washing liquid containing detergent is supplied. step; detecting a state of at least one of the supplied washing liquid and laundry containing the washing liquid; and supplying AC power having an intensity corresponding to the detection result to the second electrode to form an electric field in the washing space. can include

In addition, the detecting of the state of at least one of the washing liquid and the laundry may include detecting at least one of the weight, temperature, and volume of the supplied washing liquid and the weight, temperature, and volume of the laundry including the washing liquid. there is.

The forming of the electric field in the laundry space may include performing impedance matching based on the load impedance of the laundry determined according to the sensing result; can include

In addition, separating the first electrode part and the second electrode part by a distance corresponding to the result of the detection; may further include.

Also, heating the washing liquid supplied to the laundry space by the electric field; may further include.

In the step of forming an electric field in the laundry space, the electric field is alternately formed in the laundry space according to the frequency of the supplied AC power, and in the step of heating the washing liquid supplied to the laundry space, the electric field is alternately formed. The washing liquid may be heated by vibrating ions included in the washing liquid according to the electric field.

According to the washing machine and the control method according to one aspect, water, detergent, or washing liquid may be uniformly heated by adopting a dielectric heating method. As a result, the efficiency of energy used by the washing machine to heat water, detergent, or washing liquid may be improved, and washing performance by activating detergent ions may be improved.

1 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
2A to 2D are views for explaining a fully automatic washing machine employing a dielectric heating method according to an exemplary embodiment.
3A and 3B are views for explaining a drum washing machine employing a dielectric heating method according to another embodiment.
4A and 4B are views for explaining a cabinet-type washing machine employing a dielectric heating method according to another embodiment.
5 is a cross-sectional view of a cabinet-type washing machine employing a dielectric heating method according to another embodiment.
6 is a view for explaining a washing method using a dielectric heating method.
7 is a perspective view of a pulsator in the washing machine of FIGS. 2a and 2b.
8 is a cross-sectional view of a drum in the washing machine of FIGS. 3A and 3B.
9A to 9F are views for explaining various embodiments in which an electric field forming unit is installed in the washing machine of FIGS. 4A and 4B.
10A to 10C are views for explaining various embodiments in which an electric field forming unit is installed in the washing machine of FIGS. 3A and 3B.
11A and 11B are views for explaining various embodiments in which an electric field forming unit is installed in the washing machine of FIG. 2A.
12 is a diagram for explaining a pattern-shaped electric field forming unit according to an exemplary embodiment.
13A to 13D are views for explaining various embodiments in which the electric field forming unit of FIG. 12 is installed in a washing machine according to various embodiments.
14 is a diagram for explaining a pattern-shaped electric field forming unit according to another embodiment.
15 is a diagram for explaining an electrolysis device according to an embodiment.
16 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a washing cycle in a washing machine control method according to an embodiment. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a rinsing process in a washing machine control method according to an embodiment.
18 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a spin-drying process in a washing machine control method according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols presented in the accompanying drawings may indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

1 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment, FIGS. 2A to 2D are views for explaining a fully automatic washing machine employing a dielectric heating method according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 3A and 3B are views according to another embodiment. 4A and 4B are views for explaining a cabinet-type washing machine employing a dielectric heating method according to another embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a view for explaining another embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of a cabinet-type washing machine adopting a dielectric heating method according to FIG. Also, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a washing method using an induction heating method. Washing refers to a series of processes of removing stains attached to laundry, and a device that performs such a washing process is called a washing machine. Washing machines may be classified according to their shapes and methods of performing washing cycles. Hereinafter, washing machines according to various embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 .

2A to 2D illustrate a case in which the washing machines 1 and 2 are implemented in the form of fully automatic washing machines.

Referring to FIG. 2A , a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment includes a cabinet 10 forming an exterior; a water tank 20 provided inside the cabinet 10 and accommodating water; a rotating tub 30 rotatably disposed inside the tub 20 to accommodate laundry; A pulsator 40 rotatably provided on the bottom of the rotating tub 30 to generate water current; a main motor 50 disposed under the rotating tub 30 to rotate the rotating tub 30 and the pulsator 40; Clutch 100 provided below the rotating tub 30 and selectively transmitting rotational force generated by the main motor 50 to the rotating tub 30; includes

A laundry inlet 11 is formed on the top of the cabinet 10 so that laundry can be put into the rotary tub 30, and a door 13 for opening and closing the laundry inlet 11 may be provided.

The water tank 20 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open top, and may contain water, detergent, or a mixture thereof therein. In addition, the water tank 20 may be supported while hanging from the cabinet 10 by the suspension device 21, and the suspension device 21 is disposed between the inner surface of the cabinet 10 and the outer surface of the water tank 20 Vibrations generated in the cabinet 10 or the water tank 20 during washing or spin-drying are attenuated.

The rotating tub 30 may be provided with an open top so that laundry can be put therein, and is rotatably disposed inside the tub 20 . A plurality of through-holes 31 may be provided on the side of the rotating tub 30 to allow washing water to pass through the inside and outside of the rotating tub 30, and the bottom of the rotating tub 30 is connected to the main motor 50. A flange shaft 33 that transmits the rotational force of the main motor 50 to the rotating tub 30 may be coupled.

The pulsator 40 is rotatably installed on the bottom of the rotating tub 30 and serves to agitate the laundry put into the rotating tub 30 together with water, detergent, or a mixture thereof. The pulsator 40 is connected to the main motor 50 by the washing shaft 60, and when the rotational force generated by the main motor 50 is transmitted to the washing shaft 60 and the washing shaft 60 rotates, the pulsator 40 may rotate counterclockwise or clockwise together with the washing shaft 60. When a water flow is generated by the rotation of the pulsator 40, the laundry in the rotating tub 30 is stirred with water, detergent, or a mixture thereof, and washing is performed by friction between the laundry and water, detergent, or a mixture thereof. can The rotating tub 30 is connected to the main motor 50 by the dewatering shaft 70, and the rotational force generated by the main motor 50 is transmitted to the dehydrating shaft 70 so that the dewatering shaft 70 rotates. (30) can rotate counterclockwise or clockwise together with the dewatering shaft (70).

The water supply unit 80 is provided above the water tank 20 and supplies water from an external water supply source to the inside of the water tank 20 . The water supply unit 80 includes a water supply pipe 81 for guiding water from an external water supply source to the water tank 20 and a water supply valve 83 provided in the water supply pipe 81 to open and close the water supply pipe 81 .

One end of the water supply pipe 81 is connected to the detergent supply unit 85, and water supplied through the water supply pipe 81 may flow into the water tank 20 via the detergent supply unit 85.

The detergent supply unit 85 may include a detergent box 86 accommodating detergent, and the detergent box 86 may be connected to one end of the aforementioned water supply pipe 81. The water supplied through the water supply unit 80 is mixed with the detergent while passing through the detergent box 86, and the water mixed with the detergent enters the water tank 20 through the outlet 87 provided on the bottom of the detergent box 86. can be emitted as Hereinafter, the water mixed with the detergent via the detergent supply unit 85 is referred to as a detergent solution.

The drainage unit 90 may be provided on the lower side of the water tank 20 and discharges the water contained in the water tank 20 to the outside of the cabinet 10 . The drainage unit 90 includes a first drain pipe 91 for guiding the water contained in the tank 20 to the outside of the tank 20, a drain valve 92 for opening and closing the first drain pipe 91, and a drain valve 92. A second drain pipe 93 for guiding the passing water to the outside of the cabinet 10 may be included.

One end of the first drain pipe 91 may be connected to the drain hole 20a provided on the bottom of the water tank 20, and the other end may be connected to the drain valve 92.

The drain valve 92 is provided at one end of the first drain pipe 91 to open and close the first drain pipe 91 . When the drain valve 92 is opened, water in the water tank 20 may be discharged to the outside through the first drain pipe 91 and the second drain pipe 93 .

The second drain pipe 93 has one end connected to the drain valve 92 and the other end extending to the outside of the cabinet 10, and guides water discharged through the first drain pipe 91 to the outside of the cabinet 10. can

Meanwhile, the fully automatic washing machine may further include a configuration for forming a separate washing space in addition to the washing space formed by the water tank. Referring to FIG. 2B , the washing machine 2 according to another embodiment may further include an auxiliary laundry unit 15 providing a laundry space in which simple laundry such as hand washing can be performed.

The auxiliary washing unit 15 may form a washing space by the bottom part 15b and the side part 15c. The bottom part 15b is an element that determines the depth of the auxiliary laundry space 15, and the bottom part 15b may be provided flat or formed to have a curved surface. The side portion 15c is formed to be inclined toward the bottom portion 15b, and is formed to be inclined toward the bottom portion 15b.

The bottom part 15b and the side part 15c are provided to have a substantially concave washing space, and are provided to receive water, detergent, or washing liquid in the auxiliary washing space 15 to perform separate washing.

The auxiliary washing unit 15 may include friction protrusions 15d. In addition, the auxiliary washing unit 15 may include an auxiliary drain port 15e.

The auxiliary drain hole 15e is provided to drain the wash water used in the washing space formed by the auxiliary washing unit 15 . Auxiliary drain (15e) may be provided in the shape of a hole on the side portion (15c). When the auxiliary washing unit 15 rotates, the auxiliary drain hole 15e is provided so that water, detergent, or washing liquid stored in the washing space inside the auxiliary washing unit 15 can be discharged at an angle.

In addition, an auxiliary water supply pipe 15f may be provided to supply water to the laundry space formed by the auxiliary washing unit 15 . The auxiliary water supply pipe 15f may have one end connected to the auxiliary water supply port 15a and the other end connected to the water supply valve 83.

So far, the case where the washing machines 1 and 2 are implemented in the form of fully automatic washing machines has been described. Hereinafter, a case in which the washing machine is implemented in the form of a drum washing machine will be described.

3a and 3b, the washing machine 3 includes a cabinet 110 forming an exterior; a tub 120 accommodating water, detergent, or washing liquid to be used in a washing or rinsing operation; a drum 130 accommodating laundry; and a drive motor 107 for rotating the drum 130.

A control panel 180 including input units 181a and 181b for receiving operation commands of the washing machine 3 from a user and a display unit 183 displaying operation information of the washing machine 3 may be provided in the cabinet 110. there is.

In addition, the cabinet 110 includes frames 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d, and the frames 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d include an upper frame 110a constituting an upper surface of the cabinet and a front surface of the cabinet 110, respectively. , The front frame 110b and the rear frame 110c constituting the rear side, the side frame (not shown) and the lower frame connecting the front frame 110b and the rear frame 110c and forming the side and bottom surfaces of the cabinet 110 ( 110d).

An inlet 102a is formed in the front frame 110b of the cabinet 110 so that laundry can be put into the drum 130 . The inlet 102a is opened and closed by a door 170 installed on the front frame 110b of the cabinet 110.

A spring 117 may be provided between the tub 120 and the cabinet 110 to support the tub 120 from an upper side. The spring 117 serves to alleviate vibration and noise generated by the flow of the tub 120 due to its elastic force.

A water supply pipe 113 for supplying wash water to the tub 120 is installed above the tub 120 . A water supply valve 114 is installed on one side of the water supply pipe 113.

The detergent supply unit 190 is connected to the tub 120 through a connection pipe 116. Water supplied through the water supply pipe 113 is supplied into the tub 120 together with the detergent via the detergent supply unit 190 .

The tub 120 is supported by the damper 150 . The damper 150 connects the inner bottom surface of the cabinet 110 and the outer surface of the tub 20 . In addition, the damper 150 may be positioned on the top, left and right sides of the cabinet 110 in addition to the inner bottom surface to support the tub 120 . The damper 150 or the spring 117 can alleviate vibration and shock generated from the up and down movement of the tub 120 in the top and bottom of the tub 120 .

The tub 120 may be supported by at least one damper 150 .

A drive shaft 111 for transmitting power of the motor 107 is connected to the rear surface of the drum 130 . A plurality of through holes 127 are formed around the drum 130 for the circulation of water, detergent, or washing liquid. A plurality of lifters 126 are installed on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 130 to allow laundry to rise and fall when the drum 130 rotates.

A driving shaft 111 is disposed between the drum 130 and the motor 107 . One end of the driving shaft 111 is connected to the rear plate of the drum 130 , and the other end of the driving shaft 111 extends to the outside of the rear wall of the tub 120 . When the motor 107 drives the drive shaft 111 , the drum 130 connected to the drive shaft 111 rotates around the drive shaft 111 .

A bearing housing 108 is installed on the rear wall of the tub 120 to rotatably support the driving shaft 111 . The bearing housing 108 may be made of an aluminum alloy, and may be inserted into the rear wall of the tub 120 when the tub 120 is injection molded. Bearings 109 are installed between the bearing housing 108 and the driving shaft 111 so that the driving shaft 111 can rotate smoothly.

At the bottom of the tub 120, a drain pump 104 for discharging water, detergent or detergent inside the tub 120 to the outside of the cabinet 110, and a drain pump 104 for discharging water, detergent or detergent inside the tub 120 to the outside of the cabinet 110. A connection hose 103 that connects the tub 120 and the drain pump 104 so that the tub 120 and the drain pump 104 can be introduced into the cabinet 110, and the water, detergent, or liquid pumped by the drain pump 104 is directed to the outside of the cabinet 110. A drain hose 105 for guiding is provided.

The drain hose 105 passes through a through hole installed in the rear frame 110c of the cabinet 110 and is discharged to the rear side of the cabinet 110 . The drain hose 105 discharged to the rear of the cabinet 110 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the rear frame 110c by a holder 106.

In addition to the above-described embodiments, the washing machine may be implemented in various ways within the technical concept of separating laundry from laundry. For example, a washing machine may be implemented to perform a washing operation by spraying water, detergent, or washing liquid onto laundry placed in an internal washing space.

4A to 4C, a washing machine 4 according to another embodiment includes a cabinet 210 forming an exterior and forming a laundry space therein; a door 220 opening and closing one side of the cabinet 210; a water supply unit 230 supplying water through an upper surface of the inside of the cabinet 210; and a drainage unit 240 for draining wash water through a lower surface of the inside of the cabinet 210 . a control panel 250 that receives a control command from a user; Detergent supply unit 260 for providing detergent to the water supply unit; and a compressed air supply unit 270 providing compressed air for dehydration; can include

Laundry may be placed in the laundry space formed inside the cabinet 210 . To this end, the cabinet 210 may further include a mounting means for fixing all or part of the laundry.

One surface of the cabinet 210 may be opened, and laundry may be put into the cabinet 210 through the open surface. The door may open one side of the cabinet 210 when laundry is input, and may close one side of the cabinet 210 when a laundry operation is performed. Although FIG. 4A illustrates a case in which two doors are rotatably installed on one open side of the cabinet 210, it is also possible for one door to open and close one side of the cabinet 210, and the cabinet 210 slides in a sliding manner. One side of the can be opened and closed.

The water supply unit 230 is installed on the upper surface of the inside of the cabinet 210 to supply water to laundry mounted on the lower side. To this end, the water supply unit 230 includes a water supply pipe 231 for guiding water from an external water supply source; A water supply valve 232 provided in the water supply pipe to open and close the water supply pipe; A first water reservoir 233 connected to one end of the water supply pipe to temporarily store water; a plurality of spraying units 234 spraying the stored wash water to the laundry; and an injection pump 235 that transmits a spraying force to the water, detergent, or washing liquid stored in the first reservoir so that the water, detergent, or washing liquid is sprayed through the spraying unit. can include

Referring to Figure 4c, the injection unit 234 is a spray surface (234a); and a plurality of spray nozzles 234b provided on the spray surface 234b; can include At this time, the spraying surface 234a may be implemented as the first electrode unit 1110 or the second electrode unit 1120 capable of forming an electric field, which will be described later.

The detergent supply unit 260 may supply detergent to the first reservoir 233 . To this end, the detergent supply unit 260 includes a detergent storage unit 261 in which detergent is stored; and a detergent injection valve 262 determining whether to supply detergent; can include As a result, the water temporarily stored in the first reservoir 233 is mixed with the detergent, so that the detergent solution can be supplied to the laundry.

The drainage unit 240 is installed on the lower surface of the inside of the cabinet 210, and can discharge water, detergent, or liquid used to wash laundry mounted on the top to the outside. To this end, the drainage unit 240 includes an absorption unit 241 for absorbing water, detergent, or washing liquid used in the washing process; a second reservoir 242 for temporarily storing absorbed water, detergent, or washing liquid; a drain pipe 243 for guiding the water stored in the second water storage unit, the detergent or the washing liquid to the outside; A drain valve 244 for opening and closing the drain pipe; and a holder 245 fixing one end of the drain pipe to the cabinet 210; can include

The cabinet 210 may include a control panel 180 including an input unit for receiving a control command of the washing machine 4 from a user and a display unit for displaying operation information of the washing machine 4 .

Also, the dewatering unit 270 may spray compressed air to the laundry to separate water, detergent, or detergent from the laundry. To this end, the dewatering unit 270 includes a compressed air storage unit 271 in which compressed air is stored; and a compressed air injection valve 272 for determining whether compressed air is injected. can include

In addition, the washing machine 4 may further include a separate means for applying mechanical force to the laundry to separate the laundry from the laundry. For example, the washing machine 4 may include a pressure means for periodically or non-periodically applying pressure to the laundry, and/or a rotation means for periodically or non-periodically rotating the laundry.

A washing machine according to another embodiment may be implemented to transfer laundry in a predetermined direction and perform a washing operation corresponding to a position of the laundry.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a washing machine 5 according to another embodiment includes a cabinet 270 forming an exterior capable of putting in and discharging laundry; a transport belt 271 for transporting laundry; a first water supply unit 272 supplying a washing liquid including water and detergent to the laundry located in the first section; a second water supply unit 273 providing water to the laundry located in the second section; a dehydration unit 274 providing air for dehydration to the laundry located in the third section; a first pipe 275 for delivering water supplied from the outside to the first water supply unit; a second pipe 276 for delivering water supplied from the outside to the second water supply unit; A valve 277 for controlling water delivered to the first pipe and the second pipe; and a detergent supply unit 278 supplying detergent to the first water supply unit. can include

The cabinet 270 may include a laundry inlet into which laundry is input and a laundry outlet provided opposite to the laundry inlet, and an internal laundry space connecting the laundry inlet and the laundry outlet may be formed.

The transport belt 271 may transport laundry in the direction of an arrow. In FIG. 5 , the transfer belt 271 may discharge laundry input from the left to the right, and all cycles for washing may be performed from the laundry being put into the washing machine 5 until the laundry is discharged.

The first water supply unit 272 may provide washing liquid to laundry located in the first section (A). When the laundry transported by the transfer belt 271 is positioned in the first section (A), the first water supply unit 272 positioned at the upper end of the first section (A) may spray the washing liquid downward. Through this, the washing machine 5 may perform a washing cycle.

The second water supply unit 273 may provide water to laundry located in the second section (C). When the laundry transported by the transfer belt 271 is positioned in the second section C, the second water supply unit 273 positioned at the upper end of the second section C may spray water downward. As described above, the laundry may include the washing liquid through the washing process in the first section (A). Accordingly, the laundry located in the second section C can be washed by the water supplied from the second water supply unit 273 . Through this, the washing machine 5 may perform a rinsing cycle.

The dewatering unit 274 may provide compressed air to laundry located in the third section. When the laundry transported by the transfer belt 271 is positioned in the third section (E), the dewatering unit 274 positioned at the upper end of the third section (E) may supply compressed air downward. As described above, as the laundry is rinsed through the rinse cycle in the second section (C), it may include water from which detergent is removed. Accordingly, water may be removed from laundry located in the third section E by compressed air supplied by the dewatering unit 274 . Through this, the washing machine 5 may perform a spin-drying process.

The washing machines of FIGS. 2 to 5 may heat water, detergent, or washing liquid supplied to the laundry using a dielectric heating method in order to increase the efficiency of the washing cycle. As shown in FIG. 6 , when the washing liquid is supplied to the laundry, the detergent exists in the form of ions in the washing liquid. Accordingly, the washing liquid may include a plurality of cations (Ip) and anions (Im).

When the washing liquid is supplied, the surfaces of the laundry F and the laundry S are negatively charged. At this time, the ionic components of the detergent may be adsorbed by penetrating into the surface of the laundry F and the laundry material S, especially between the laundry F and the laundry material S. As a result, the binding force between the laundry F and the laundry F may be weakened, and the laundry F may be easily separated from the laundry F by the electrical repulsive force of the adsorbed ions. When performing the washing process using wash water containing detergent, the washing machine may heat the washing liquid to remove the dirty laundry (S) from the laundry (F). To this end, the washing machine may apply an electric field (EW) to the washing liquid to induce movement of water molecules of polarity included in the washing liquid and ionic components of the detergent. According to the heat loss generated by such a movement, a chemical reaction between the detergent and the detergent (S) is promoted, and ultimately, washing performance can be improved.

So far, only the tax solution has been described, but the tax solution may be replaced with water or detergent.

Hereinafter, a washing machine that heats water, detergent, or washing liquid through a dielectric heating method will be described in detail.

As described above, the washing machine may heat wash water supplied to the heating space W through dielectric heating. Here, dielectric heating refers to a method of heating a dielectric through friction of molecules constituting the dielectric by applying a high-frequency electric field between both electrodes.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a washing machine according to an embodiment forms an electric field including a first electrode part that is grounded and a second electrode part 1120 spaced apart from the first electrode part 1110 to form a heating space W. section 1100; a power supply unit 500 supplying AC power to the second electrode unit 1120 to form an electric field in the heating space W; an electrode moving unit 600 for adjusting a distance between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120; a sensor for detecting conditions of laundry accommodated in the heating space (W) and supplied water, detergent or detergent; The power supply unit is controlled so that power having a magnitude corresponding to the detection result is supplied to the second electrode unit 1120, and the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are separated from each other by a distance corresponding to the detection result. a controller 400 controlling the electrode moving unit 600; an impedance matching unit 1000 that performs impedance matching based on the load impedance of laundry; a water supply unit 700 supplying water, detergent or washing liquid to the washing space; a drainage unit 800 for draining water, detergent or washing solution used for washing to the outside; a drive unit 900 that applies mechanical force to laundry; can include

The water supply unit 700 including the detergent supply unit and the drain unit 800 supply or drain water to the laundry space including the heating space W under the control of the controller 400, which is illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5 As described through In addition, the driving unit 900 generates mechanical force for removing dirty laundry from the laundry accommodated in the heating space W under the control of the controller 400. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the main motor 50 and FIGS. 3A and In 3b, it may be implemented in the form of a driving motor 107.

The electric field generator 1100 may include a first electrode unit 1110 and a second electrode unit 1120 formed to be spaced apart from each other. A heating space W for heating wash water may be formed between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 .

The electric field generator 1100 may be provided in a laundry space inside the housing, wherein the housing includes the rotating tub 30 of FIG. 2A, the rotating tub 30 and auxiliary laundry space of FIG. 2B, and the drum of FIGS. 3A and 3B. 130 , the cabinet 210 of FIGS. 4A and 4B , and the cabinet 270 of FIG. 5 .

The electric field generator 1100 may be installed in the washing machine of FIGS. 2 to 5 described above in various ways.

According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, the washing machines 1 and 2 of FIGS. 2A to 2D may provide a pulsator 40 including a first electrode unit 1110 and a second electrode unit 1120 .

Referring to FIGS. 2C and 2D , the pulsator 40 may be connected to the power supply 500 directly or through the impedance matching unit 1000 . When power is supplied from the power supply unit 500, the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 provided in the pulsator 40 may form an electric field.

Referring to FIG. 2D , the plurality of wings of the pulsator 40 may be configured as the second electrode unit 1120, and the bottom area of the pulsator 40 may be configured as the first electrode unit 1110. However, since this is only an embodiment of the pulsator 40 including the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120, it is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, another embodiment of the pulsator 40 including the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 .

7 is a perspective view of a pulsator in the washing machine of FIGS. 2a and 2b.

Referring to FIG. 7 , each of the plurality of wings of the pulsator 40 may include a first electrode unit 1110 or a second electrode unit 1120 . Specifically, the plurality of wings of the pulsator 40 may be configured to include the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 alternately. As a result, the space between adjacent blades of the pulsator 40 may become a heating space W in which an electric field is formed.

In addition, the washing machine 3 of FIGS. 3A and 3B may include a lifter including one of a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit.

8 is a cross-sectional view of a drum in the washing machine of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

As described above, a plurality of lifters 126 may be provided on an inner surface of the drum 130 to lift and drop laundry when the drum 130 rotates. In this case, all or part of the plurality of lifters 126 may be formed to include the first electrode unit 1110 or the second electrode unit 1120 . The embodiment of FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which the second electrode unit 1120 is included inside one of the three lifters 126 provided on the inner surface of the drum 130 . At this time, the first electrode unit 1110 may be formed on all or part of the inner surface of the drum 130 except for the portion where the lifter 126 is formed. As a result, a heating space W in which an electric field is formed may be formed between the lifter 126 including the second electrode unit 1120 and the inner surface of the drum 130 in the washing space inside the drum 130 .

Since the position of the lifter 126 changes according to the rotation of the drum 130, when the lifter 126 reaches a predetermined position, the second electrode unit 1120 inside the lifter 126 is connected to the power supply unit 500 to be described later. ) may be provided to be connected with. For example, when the drum 130 rotates and the lifter 126 including the second electrode unit 1120 is positioned at the bottom, the second electrode unit 1120 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 500 AC power can be supplied. As a result, when the lifter 126 including the second electrode unit 1120 is placed at the bottom to heat water, detergent, or washing liquid, and then the drum 130 is rotated for the washing cycle, the washing machine 3 has power. efficiency can be increased.

Also, in the washing machine 4 of FIGS. 4A and 4B , the flat first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 may be disposed in parallel.

Referring to FIG. 4B , the cabinet 210 of the washing machine 4 may form an internal laundry space, and a planar second electrode unit 1120 may be disposed at the center thereof. In addition, planar first electrode units 1110 may be disposed parallel to both sides of the second electrode unit 1120 . As a result, the washing machine 4 can form two heating spaces (W).

Also, as in 4c, the spraying surface 234a of the spraying unit 234 of the washing machine 4 may be implemented as a first electrode unit 1110 or a second electrode unit 1120 capable of forming an electric field. As a result, there is a gap between the spraying surface 234a implemented by the first electrode unit 1110 or the second electrode unit 1120 and the first electrode unit 1110 or the second electrode unit 1120 inside the cabinet 210. An electric field can be formed.

In addition, the washing machine 5 of FIG. 5 may include a first electrode unit 1110 and a second electrode unit 1120 that are spaced apart and face each other to form a path along which laundry is transported.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the first electrode unit 1110 may be provided on the upper side of the laundry transport path, and the second electrode unit 1120 may be provided on the lower side of the laundry transport path. Specifically, with respect to the section B between the first section A and the second section C, the first electrode unit 1110 may be provided on the upper side and the second electrode unit 1120 may be provided on the lower side. there is. As a result, the laundry supplied with the wash in the first section (A) may be exposed to the electric field formed by the electric field generator 1100 before entering the second section (C). The washing liquid included in the laundry is heated by the exposed electric field, so that the laundry and the laundry can be separated more actively.

In addition, with respect to the section D between the second section C and the third section E, the first electrode unit 1110 may be provided on the upper side and the second electrode unit 1120 may be provided on the lower side. . As a result, the wash water supplied with water in the second section (C) may be exposed to the electric field formed by the electric field generator 1100 again before entering the third section (E). Even in this case, the efficiency of the rinsing process can be increased by heating the water included in the laundry by the exposed electric field.

In particular, when the laundry is exposed to an electric field and a mechanical force is applied to the laundry, it is possible to more easily separate the laundry from the laundry.

As such, the electric field forming unit 1100 that can be installed in various ways with respect to the washing machine may further include an insulating unit that blocks contact between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 with water, detergent, or washing liquid. . Since the contact of the first electrode part 1110 and the second electrode part 1120 with water, detergent, or washing liquid becomes an obstacle to dielectric heating, the insulation part is the first electrode part 1110 and the second electrode part ( 1120) can be physically shielded from water, detergent or washing liquid.

The first electrode unit 1110 may be grounded to have a ground potential, and the second electrode unit 1120 may be connected to the power supply unit 500 .

The power supply unit 500 may supply AC power to the second electrode unit 1120 . When the power supply 500 supplies power to the second electrode unit 1120 , an electric field may be formed between the second electrode unit 1120 and the first electrode unit 1110 . At this time, since the power supplied by the power supply unit 500 is AC, an electric field formed between the second electrode unit 1120 and the first electrode unit 1110 may be alternately formed. As a result, ions of the water, detergent, or washing liquid supplied to the heating space W may vibrate by the alternating electric field, so that the water, detergent or washing liquid may be heated.

The power supply unit 500 may supply high-frequency AC power of 30 kHz to 300 MHz to the first electrode unit 1110 in general, and may preferably provide an RF signal. Since the alternating electric field formed corresponds to the frequency of supplied AC power, the power supply 500 may induce water, detergent, or detergent ions to vibrate more actively by supplying high-frequency AC power.

The sensor unit 300 may detect water supplied to the heating space W, detergent or washing liquid, and conditions of laundry accommodated in the heating space W. Here, the state of water, detergent, or washing means a physical quantity such as the weight, temperature, volume, and electrical signal transmitted to the electrode, and the state of laundry means the weight, temperature, volume, and electrode of the laundry. It may refer to a physical quantity such as a transmitted electrical signal.

To this end, the sensor unit 300 includes a weight detection sensor for detecting the weight of water, detergent, or washing liquid and laundry including the same; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water, detergent, or washing liquid and laundry including the same; a volume sensor for detecting a volume of water, detergent, or washing liquid and laundry containing the same; and a signal detection sensor that detects a change in an electrical signal transmitted to the electrode. can include

The control unit 400 may determine the amount of AC power to be supplied based on the state of water, detergent, or detergent detected by the sensor unit 300 and laundry including the same. In detail, the controller 400 may determine the level of AC power that satisfies the maximum power supply condition based on the detected state of water, detergent, or laundry liquid and laundry including the same, and the distance between the electrodes. The control unit 400 may control the power supply unit 500 according to the size of the AC power determined in this way.

The control unit 400 may be implemented in the form of hardware such as a microprocessor or in the form of software operating on hardware.

After measuring the load impedance of the laundry, the impedance matching unit 1000 may perform impedance matching so that maximum power can be transmitted to the load based on the measured load impedance. Since the power of the receiving end varies according to the load impedance of the laundry, the impedance matching unit 1000 may transmit the maximum power to the receiving end by matching the difference between the load impedance of the laundry and the impedance of the transmitting end. As a result, the washing machine can increase the heating efficiency of the laundry.

In order to determine the difference between the load impedance of the laundry and the impedance of the transmitter, the impedance matching unit 1000 may perform a predetermined operation. Alternatively, the impedance matching unit 1000 may check the load impedance corresponding to the impedance of the transmitter according to a predetermined parameter table.

The impedance matching unit 1000 may be provided as a separate component in the washing machine, or alternatively, may be provided to be included as one component of the controller 400.

So far, washing machines that heat water, detergent, or washing liquid through dielectric heating have been described. Hereinafter, various embodiments in which an electric field forming unit is installed in a washing machine employing a dielectric heating method will be described.

9a to 9f are views for explaining various embodiments in which an electric field forming unit is installed in the washing machine of FIGS. 4a and 4b.

9A to 9C show front views of the washing machine 4 of FIGS. 4A and 4B having an electric field forming unit 1100 according to various embodiments, in particular, a first electrode unit 1110 and a second electrode unit 1120. A case in which is implemented in a planar shape is exemplified.

Referring to FIG. 9A , the cabinet 210 of the washing machine 4 may form an internal laundry space, and a planar second electrode unit 1120 may be disposed at the center thereof. In addition, planar first electrode units 1110 may be disposed parallel to both sides of the second electrode unit 1120 . As a result, the washing machine 4 can form two heating spaces (W).

Unlike FIG. 9A , the electric field generator 1100 may include a plurality of first electrode parts 1110 and a plurality of second electrode parts 1120 . Specifically, in the laundry space inside the cabinet 210 of the washing machine 4, the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 may be alternately disposed in parallel. In the case of FIG. 9B , three second electrode units 1120 and four first electrode units 1110 are alternately arranged to form six heating spaces (W).

In FIGS. 9A and 9B , a case in which the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are disposed in the vertical direction is illustrated. Alternatively, the heating space W may be formed by horizontally dividing the washing space inside the cabinet 210 by horizontally disposing the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 .

Referring to FIG. 9C , the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are formed in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 of FIGS. 9A and 9B. placement can be verified. As a result, the heating space W may be formed inside the cabinet 210 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are disposed.

As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the washing machine 4 provided with the electric field generator 1100 is an electrode moving unit that adjusts the distance between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 of the electric field generator 1100. (600); may further include. The electrode moving unit 600 may adjust the distance between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 . To this end, the electrode moving unit 600 includes a rail 620 extending in a direction in which the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are arranged; and a transfer unit 610 coupled to the rail 620 and movable; can include

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B , rails 620 may be installed on upper and lower surfaces of the cabinet, and a transfer unit 610 may be coupled to the rails 620 and move along the rails 620 . In addition, since the transfer unit 610 is fixed to the first electrode unit 1110 or the second electrode unit 1120, the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are also movable along the rail 620. can

In the case of the washing machine 4 of FIG. 9C, the rails 620 may be installed on the left and right sides of the cabinet, and the transfer unit 610 moves the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 to the side. It can be moved along the rail 620 installed on.

The control unit 400 may determine the distance between the electrodes based on the state of water, detergent, or washing liquid detected by the sensor unit 300 and laundry including the same. Specifically, the controller 400 may determine a distance between electrodes that satisfies a maximum power supply condition based on the detected state of water, detergent, or detergent and laundry including the same, and AC power corresponding to the determined distance between electrodes. size can be determined.

Accordingly, the control unit 400 controls the electrode moving unit 600 so that the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are spaced apart from each other by the determined distance between the electrodes and supplies AC power of the determined size. The supply unit 500 may be controlled.

Unlike FIGS. 9A to 9C , a cylindrical washing machine 4 may also be possible. Referring to FIG. 9D , the cabinet 210 of the washing machine 4 may be provided in a cylindrical shape to form a laundry space therein. In this case, the second electrode unit 1120 may be disposed in a cylindrical shape at the center of the laundry space, and the entire inner surface of the cabinet 210 may be formed as the first electrode unit 1110 . As a result, the entire washing space surrounding the second electrode unit 1120 may become the heating space (W).

So far, the case where each of the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 is provided in a single electrode shape has been exemplified. However, it may also be possible for each of the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 to be implemented as a plurality of first electrodes 1111 and a plurality of second electrodes 1121 .

9E and 9F show perspective views of the washing machine 4 of FIGS. 4A and 4B having an electric field generator 1100 according to various embodiments, in particular, a first electrode unit 1110 and a second electrode unit 1120 A case in which each is composed of a plurality of first electrodes 1111 and a plurality of second electrodes 1121 is exemplified.

Referring to FIGS. 9E and 9F , the first electrode part 1110 composed of a plurality of first electrodes 1111 and the second electrode part 1120 composed of a plurality of second electrodes 1121 are inside the laundry space. can be placed in parallel. That is, the plurality of first electrodes 1111 and the plurality of second electrodes 1121 may be arranged side by side along the same second direction d2.

The washing machine 4 according to the embodiment of FIG. 9E illustrates a case in which a plurality of second electrodes positioned at the same height as each of the plurality of first electrodes 1111 are provided. On the other hand, in the washing machine 4 according to the embodiment of FIG. 9F , the second electrode 1121 having the same height as each of the plurality of first electrodes 1111 does not exist. That is, the plurality of second electrodes 1121 may be arranged alternately with the arrangement of the plurality of first electrodes 1111 based on the height.

Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9C , when the planar first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are disposed in parallel, the electric field is the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 It may be formed in the heating space (W) in a first direction d1 perpendicular to .

On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 9D , since the first electrode part 1110 is disposed in a shape surrounding the cylindrical second electrode part 1120, the electric field may be formed in a radial direction.

Unlike this, in the washing machine 4 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 9E to 9F , since the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are disposed in parallel, the electric field is applied in the first direction as in FIGS. 9A to 9C. It can be formed as d1. In this case, the first direction d1 may be perpendicular to the second direction d2 in which the plurality of first electrodes 1111 and the plurality of second electrodes 1121 are arranged.

So far, the case where the washing machine 4 of FIGS. 4A and 4B includes the electric field generator 1100 has been described. Unlike this, the electric field forming unit 1100 may also be provided in a washing machine having a different form from the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, and this will be described below.

10A to 10C are views for explaining various embodiments in which an electric field forming unit is installed in the washing machine of FIGS. 3A and 3B. As described in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the washing machine 3 of FIGS. 3A and 3B includes a plurality of lifters. 126 may be formed to include all or part of the first electrode unit 1110 or the second electrode unit 1120 . In addition, the remaining electrode parts may be formed on all or part of the inner surface of the drum 130 except for the part where the lifter 126 is formed. As a result, a heating space W in which an electric field is formed may be formed between the lifter 126 including the second electrode unit 1120 and the inner surface of the drum 130 in the washing space inside the drum 130 .

Unlike this, the washing machine 3 of FIGS. 3A and 3B may include the electric field generator 1100 installed in various ways.

10A illustrates a case in which the cylindrical second electrode unit 1120 is provided on the inner surface of the door 170 and the entire inner surface of the drum 130 is formed as the first electrode unit 1110. When the door rotates to close the open portion of the drum 130, the second electrode unit 1120 provided on the inner surface of the door 170 may be inserted into the washing space inside the drum 130. When power is supplied to the second electrode unit 1120 inserted into the laundry space, an electric field is formed in the relationship between the second electrode unit 1120 in the center of the laundry space and the first electrode unit 1110 on the inner surface of the drum 130. It can be. Therefore, the washing space inside the drum 130 may become a heating space W in which an electric field is formed.

In addition, FIG. 10B illustrates a case in which the cylindrical first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are provided together on the inner surface of the door 170 . When the door 170 rotates to close the open portion of the drum 130, the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 provided on the inner surface of the door 170 are connected to the drum 130. It can be inserted into the laundry space inside. When power is supplied to the second electrode unit 1120 inserted into the laundry space, an electric field may be formed between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 located in the laundry space. Accordingly, a heating space W may be formed between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 in the washing space inside the drum 130 .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10C, a cylindrical second electrode unit 1120 may be provided in the washing space inside the drum 130, and the first electrode unit 1110 may be formed on the inner surface of the drum 130. there is. As a result, a heating space may be formed between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 in the laundry space inside the drum 130 .

In addition, the electric field generator 1100 may be provided in the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 2A. Hereinafter, various embodiments in which the washing machine of FIG. 2A provides the electric field generator 1100 will be described.

11A and 11B are views for explaining various embodiments in which an electric field forming unit is installed in the washing machine of FIG. 2A.

In FIG. 2A, a case in which the pulsator 40 includes a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit is illustrated.

11A illustrates a case in which the cylindrical second electrode unit 1120 is disposed at the center of the rotating tub 30 and the inner surface of the rotating tub 30 is formed as the first electrode unit 1110. do. Specifically, a cylindrical second electrode part 1120 extending from the rotation center of the pulsator 40 in the direction in which the rotating tub 30 is opened is provided at the center of the rotating tub 30, and surrounds the rotating tub The entire inner surface of (30) may be provided as the first electrode part (1110). As a result, the washing space of the rotating tub 30 may be a heating space W in which an electric field is formed by the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 .

In addition, the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 may be provided on the bottom surface of the rotating tub 30 . 10B is a plan view of the bottom of the rotating tub 30 according to an embodiment, illustrating that the pulsator 40 rotatably installed at the bottom of the rotating tub 30 is provided. At this time, the second electrode unit 1120 is provided to surround the periphery of the pulsator 40, and the first electrode unit 1110 may be provided to surround the periphery of the second electrode unit 1120. As a result, a heating space (W) in which an electric field is formed may be formed between the first electrode part 1110 and the second electrode part 1120, and water, detergent or washing liquid existing in the heating space (W) is heated. It can be.

So far, the case where the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are provided with a specific shape has been described. Alternatively, the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 may be formed in a pattern on the surface of one component of the washing machine. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the electric field generator 1100 having a pattern shape will be described.

12 is a view for explaining a pattern-shaped electric field generator according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 13A to 13D are views for explaining various embodiments in which the electric field generator of FIG. 12 is installed in a washing machine according to various embodiments. am.

The electric field generator 1100 may include a first electrode unit 1110 and a second electrode unit 1120 forming a predetermined pattern. Referring to FIG. 12 , a pattern may be formed by separating a first electrode unit 1110 that is grounded and a second electrode unit 1120 receiving AC power from a power supply unit. An electric field may be formed in a space formed by separating the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 to heat water, detergent, or washing liquid.

The washing machine may provide one pattern-shaped electric field forming unit 1100, and may also provide a plurality of them as needed.

The pattern-shaped electric field generator 1100 of FIG. 12 may be applied to washing machines of various embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B , the pattern-shaped electric field generator 1100 of FIG. 12 may be applied to the washing machine 3 of FIGS. 3A and 3B .

As shown in FIG. 13A , the pattern-shaped electric field generator 1100 may be provided on the inner surface of the door 170 . As a result, when the door 170 is rotated to close the open portion of the drum 130, the pattern-shaped electric field forming unit 1100 is water, detergent, or The washing liquid and the laundry containing it may be heated.

Alternatively, the pattern-shaped electric field generator 1100 may be provided on the inner surface of the drum 130 . Referring to FIG. 13B , an electric field forming unit 1100 forming the pattern of FIG. 12 by the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 may be provided on the inner surface of the door 170 . In FIG. 13B , hatched areas may mean the pattern-shaped electric field generator 1100 .

The washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 2A may also include a pattern-shaped electric field generator 1100 . Referring to FIG. 13C , a pattern-shaped electric field generator 1100 may be provided on the inner surface of the rotating tub 30 . As a result, water, detergent, or washing liquid located in the region where the pattern-shaped electric field forming unit 1100 forms an electric field and laundry including the same may be heated.

In addition, the washing machine 2 of FIG. 2B including the auxiliary washing unit 15 may also include a pattern-shaped electric field generator 1100 . In the washing machine 2 of FIG. 2B, as in FIG. 13C, the pattern-shaped electric field generator 1100 may be provided in the rotating tub 30, and a pattern-shaped electric field may be formed on the inner surface of the auxiliary washing unit 15. A unit 1100 may be provided. Referring to FIG. 13D , water, detergent, or washing liquid supplied to the auxiliary washing unit 15 and laundry containing the same are heated by the pattern-shaped electric field generator 1100 formed on the inner surface of the auxiliary washing unit 15. It can be.

In addition to the above-described pattern shape, the electric field generator 1100 may be implemented in various types of pattern shapes.

14 is a diagram for explaining a pattern-shaped electric field forming unit according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the first electrode unit 1110 may extend from the center in a spiral structure, and the second electrode unit 1120 may extend in a spiral structure surrounding the first electrode unit 1110 . As a result, an electric field is formed in the heating space W formed by separating the first electrode part 1110 and the second electrode part 1120, and the electric field heats water, detergent or washing liquid and laundry including the same. It can be done.

The washing machine of various embodiments described above may also have a function of drying laundry in the laundry space. For example, a washing machine equipped with a drying function includes a dry air inlet duct for supplying dry air to a laundry space; an exhaust duct for exhausting air into the laundry space; and a moisture removing unit removing moisture inside the laundry space. may further include.

In addition, the above-described electric field forming unit may be applicable not only to washing machines, but also to various cleaning devices such as dishwashers, medical device cleaners, and wet vacuum cleaners.

Meanwhile, the washing machines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 according to the above-described embodiment may further include a separate means for supplying alkaline water and acidic water by electrolyzing water supplied from an external water supply source.

15 is a diagram for explaining an electrolysis device 2000 according to an embodiment.

One side of the electrolysis device 2000 may be provided on a water supply pipe (81, 113, 231, etc.) connected to an external water supply source. Referring to FIG. 15, an electrolysis device 2000 according to an embodiment includes a driving unit 2200 for electrolyzing water supplied from an external water supply source; and an electrolyte supply unit 2100 supplying electrolyte for electrolysis; can include

The driver 2200 may electrolyze water delivered from the water supply source using the electrolyte supplied from the electrolyte supply unit 2100 . As a result, the driving unit 2200 may generate acidic water and alkaline water.

In addition, the electrolysis device 2000 includes an alkaline water supply pipe 2300 provided at one end of the driving unit 2200 to supply acidic water or alkaline water as needed; and an acidic water supply pipe 2400; may further include. An alkaline water supply valve 2310 and an acidic water supply valve 2410 are provided in the alkaline water supply pipe 2300 and the acidic water supply pipe 2400, respectively, so that the supply of alkaline water and acidic water can be controlled.

The electrolysis device 2000 according to an embodiment may provide acidic water by opening the acidic water supply valve 2410 and blocking the alkaline water supply valve 2310 during the washing cycle. In addition, the electrolysis device 2000 may provide alkaline water by blocking the acidic water supply valve 2410 and opening the alkaline water supply valve 2310 during the sterilization process.

Through this, the electrolysis device 2000 may provide water for optimal efficiency during each cycle.

16 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a washing operation in a washing machine control method according to an embodiment.

First, the washing machine may open the water supply valve 232 to store water in the first water reservoir 233 (S100). Then, the washing machine opens the detergent injection valve 262 to dispense detergent into the first water reservoir 233. (S101), and water and detergent in the first reservoir 233 are stirred to generate a washing liquid. (S102)

When the washing liquid is generated, the water supply unit of the washing machine operates the injection pump 235 to spray the washing liquid to the heating space W of the washing space of the housing (S103). Here, the housing is the rotating tub 30 of FIG. 2A , the rotary tub 30 and the auxiliary laundry space of FIG. 2B, the drum 130 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cabinet 210 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, and the cabinet 270 of FIG. It may include detergents present in the form of silver ions. In addition, the heating space (W) is a space between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 and may mean a region in which an electric field is formed.

After supplying the washing liquid, the sensor unit of the washing machine may detect the washing liquid located in the heating space (W) and the state of the laundry (S110). Here, the state of the washing liquid detected by the sensor unit includes weight, temperature, volume, and The state of the laundry detected by the sensor unit may include at least one of the weight, temperature, and volume of the laundry, and an electrical signal transmitted to the electrode.

Next, the control unit 400 may determine the size of the AC power to be supplied based on the detection result (S120). In addition, the control unit 400 may determine the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1110 based on the detection result. A distance between the electrode units 1120 may be determined. (S130) After determining the distance between the electrode units, the control unit 400 separates the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 by the determined distance from the electrode units. The moving unit 600 may be controlled. (S140) Also, the controller 400 may control the power supply unit to supply AC power having a determined size to the second electrode unit 1120. (S150)

When AC power is supplied to the second electrode unit 1120 , an electric field may be formed in the heating space W provided between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 . The washing liquid may be heated by alternating electric fields corresponding to the frequency of the AC power, and as a result, ions of the washing liquid located in the heating space W vibrate.

Next, the controller 400 may check whether the tax solution has reached the target temperature (S160). If the tax solution does not reach the target temperature, the control unit 400 controls the power supply unit again to supply AC power to the second electrode unit 1120. can

On the other hand, if the washing liquid reaches the target temperature, the controller 400 may control the electrode moving unit 600 to move the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 to their initial positions. ( S170)

After the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 are moved to their initial positions, the control unit 400 may control the driving unit 900 to apply mechanical force to the laundry. (S180) At this time, The driving unit 900 may include a pressure unit that periodically or non-periodically applies pressure to the laundry, and/or a rotation unit that periodically or non-periodically rotates the laundry.

Next, the controller 400 may check whether the application of the mechanical force has been completed (S190). If the application of the mechanical force has not yet been completed, the controller 400 may control the driving unit 900 to continue to apply the mechanical force to the laundry. there is.

On the other hand, if the application of the mechanical force is completed, the controller 400 may determine whether the washing process is completed (S195). If the washing process is not yet completed, the process may return to step S110. On the other hand, if the washing process is completed, it ends.

The washing machine according to an embodiment may heat water used in the rinsing process as well as washing liquid including ionic type detergent.

17 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a rinsing process in a washing machine control method according to an embodiment.

First, the washing machine may open the water supply valve 232 to store water in the first water reservoir 233 (S201).

When water is stored in the first water reservoir, the water supply unit of the washing machine can supply water to the heating space (W) of the washing space of the housing (S202). At least one of the rotary tub 30 and the auxiliary laundry space, the drum 130 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cabinet 210 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, and the cabinet 270 of FIG. may not include In addition, the heating space (W) is a space between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 and may mean a region in which an electric field is formed.

After supplying water, the sensor unit of the washing machine may detect the water and laundry conditions in the heating space (W) (S210). In addition, the state of the laundry sensed by the sensor unit may include at least one of weight, temperature, and volume of the laundry.

Next, the control unit 400 may determine the size of AC power to be supplied based on the detection result (S220). In addition, the control unit 400 may determine the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1110 and the second A distance between the electrode units 1120 may be determined. (S230) After determining the distance between the electrode units, the controller 400 separates the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 by the determined distance from the electrode units. The moving unit 600 may be controlled. (S240) Also, the controller 400 may control the power supply unit to supply AC power having a determined size to the second electrode unit 1120. (S250)

When AC power is supplied to the second electrode unit 1120 , an electric field may be formed in the heating space W provided between the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 . The electric field alternates in response to the frequency of the AC power, and as a result, water molecules of polarity located in the heating space W vibrate, thereby heating the water.

Next, the controller 400 may check whether the water has reached the target temperature (S260). If the water does not reach the target temperature, the control unit 400 controls the power supply unit again to supply AC power to the second electrode unit 1120. can

On the other hand, if the water reaches the target temperature, the controller 400 may control the electrode moving unit 600 to move the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 to their initial positions. ( S270)

After the first electrode unit 1110 and the second electrode unit 1120 move to their initial positions, the control unit 400 may control the driving unit 900 to apply mechanical force to the laundry. (S280) At this time, The driving unit 900 may include a pressure unit that periodically or non-periodically applies pressure to the laundry, and/or a rotation unit that periodically or non-periodically rotates the laundry.

Next, the controller 400 may check whether the application of the mechanical force has been completed (S290). If the application of the mechanical force has not yet been completed, the controller 400 may control the driving unit 900 to continue to apply the mechanical force to the laundry. there is.

On the other hand, if the application of the mechanical force is completed, the controller 400 may check whether the rinsing process is completed (S295). If the rinsing process is not yet completed, the process may return to step S210. On the other hand, if the rinsing cycle is completed, it ends.

18 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a spin-drying process in a washing machine control method according to an embodiment.

First, the washing machine may open the compressed air injection valve and inject compressed air into the heating space through the injection unit (S300). Through this, water, detergent, or detergent may be separated from the laundry.

Then, the control unit 400 may check whether the dehydration process is completed (S310). If the dehydration process is not yet completed, it may return to step S300. On the other hand, if the dehydration process is completed, it ends.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5: washing machine
300: sensor unit
400: control unit
500: power supply
600: electrode moving unit
1000: impedance matching unit
1100: electric field forming unit
1110: first electrode part
1120: second electrode part

Claims (40)

A housing in which a laundry space is provided;
A water supply unit for supplying water and detergent containing water;
a power supply unit supplying AC power;
an electric field forming unit configured to generate an electric field between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit according to the AC power so as to heat the supplied washing liquid inside the washing space and expose the laundry to the electric field;
a sensor unit sensing a state of at least one of the washing liquid supplied to the laundry space and the laundry including the washing liquid; and
A control unit controlling the power supply unit so that the AC power having a size corresponding to the result detected by the sensor unit is supplied,
The control unit,
The washing machine controls the supply of the AC power based on the state of the laundry sensed through the sensor unit. According to claim 1,
The electric field generator,
The washing machine alternately forms the electric field according to the frequency of the supplied AC power to heat the washing liquid by vibrating ions of the washing liquid supplied with water. According to claim 1,
The electric field generator,
A washing machine in which the first electrode part and the second electrode part are disposed in parallel to form an electric field in a first direction. According to claim 3,
The electric field generator,
The washing machine wherein the first electrode part and the second electrode part are provided in a planar shape perpendicular to a first direction. According to claim 4,
The electric field generator,
When the first electrode part and the second electrode part are plural, the plurality of first electrode parts and the plurality of second electrode parts are alternately disposed. According to claim 3,
The first electrode part,
Including a plurality of first electrodes,
The second electrode part,
A washing machine comprising a plurality of second electrodes. According to claim 6,
The first electrode part,
Including the plurality of first electrodes arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
The second electrode part,
A washing machine including the plurality of second electrodes arranged in the second direction. delete According to claim 1,
The electric field generator,
A washing machine wherein one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on an inner surface of the housing, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided in a washing space of the housing. According to claim 1,
the housing,
a lifter whose inner surface protrudes toward the center; including,
The electric field generator,
One of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the lifter, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the housing. According to claim 1,
the housing,
an opening opening one side of the laundry space; and
a door rotatably provided to open and close the opening; including,
The electric field generator,
One of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the door, and the other of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the housing. According to claim 1,
The electric field generator,
The washing machine wherein the first electrode part and the second electrode part are provided in a pattern on the inner surface of the housing. According to claim 1,
the housing,
A washing machine comprising at least one of a cabinet, a rotary tub, an auxiliary washing unit, and a drum. delete According to claim 1,
The sensor unit,
A washing machine that detects at least one of the weight, temperature, and volume of the supplied washing liquid and the weight, temperature, and volume of laundry including the washing liquid. According to claim 1,
an impedance matching unit performing impedance matching based on the load impedance of the laundry determined according to a result detected by the sensor unit; A washing machine further comprising a. According to claim 1,
an electrode moving unit for moving the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit; Including more,
The control unit,
The washing machine controls the electrode moving part so that the first electrode part and the second electrode part are spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to a result detected by the sensor part. According to claim 1,
The electric field generator,
an insulating unit blocking contact between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit with the water supply; A washing machine further comprising a. A housing in which a laundry space is provided;
a water supply unit for supplying water;
a power supply unit supplying AC power;
an electric field forming unit configured to generate an electric field between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit according to the AC power to heat the supplied water in the laundry space and expose the laundry to the electric field;
a sensor unit sensing a state of at least one of the washing liquid supplied to the laundry space and the laundry including the washing liquid; and
A control unit controlling the power supply unit so that the AC power having a size corresponding to the result detected by the sensor unit is supplied,
The control unit,
The washing machine controls the supply of the AC power based on the state of the laundry sensed through the sensor unit. According to claim 19,
The electric field generator,
The washing machine alternately forms the electric field according to the frequency of the supplied AC power to heat the water by vibrating ions of the supplied water. ◈Claim 21 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 19,
The electric field generator,
A washing machine in which the first electrode part and the second electrode part are disposed in parallel to form an electric field in a first direction. delete ◈Claim 23 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 19,
The electric field generator,
A washing machine wherein one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on an inner surface of the housing, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided in a washing space of the housing. ◈Claim 24 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 19,
the housing,
a lifter whose inner surface protrudes toward the center; including,
The electric field generator,
One of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the lifter, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the housing. ◈Claim 25 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ According to claim 19,
the housing,
an opening opening one side of the laundry space; and
a door rotatably provided to open and close the opening; including,
The electric field generator,
One of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the door, and the other of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the housing. ◈Claim 26 was abandoned upon payment of the setup registration fee.◈ According to claim 19,
The electric field generator,
The washing machine wherein the first electrode part and the second electrode part are provided in a pattern on the inner surface of the housing. A housing in which a laundry space is provided;
Detergent supply unit for supplying detergent;
a power supply unit supplying AC power;
an electric field forming unit configured to generate an electric field between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit according to the AC power so as to heat the supplied detergent in the laundry space and expose the laundry to the electric field;
a sensor unit sensing a state of at least one of the washing liquid supplied to the laundry space and the laundry including the washing liquid; and
A control unit controlling the power supply unit so that the AC power having a size corresponding to the result detected by the sensor unit is supplied,
The control unit,
The washing machine controls the supply of the AC power based on the state of the laundry sensed through the sensor unit. ◈Claim 28 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 28. The method of claim 27,
The electric field generator,
The washing machine alternately forms the electric field according to the frequency of the supplied AC power to heat the detergent by vibrating ions of the supplied detergent. ◈Claim 29 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 28. The method of claim 27,
The electric field generator,
A washing machine in which the first electrode part and the second electrode part are disposed in parallel to form an electric field in a first direction. delete ◈Claim 31 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 28. The method of claim 27,
The electric field generator,
A washing machine wherein one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on an inner surface of the housing, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided in a washing space of the housing. ◈Claim 32 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 28. The method of claim 27,
the housing,
a lifter whose inner surface protrudes toward the center; including,
The electric field generator,
One of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the lifter, and the other one of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the housing. ◈Claim 33 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 28. The method of claim 27,
the housing,
an opening opening one side of the washing space; and
a door rotatably provided to open and close the opening; including,
The electric field generator,
One of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the door, and the other of the first electrode part and the second electrode part is provided on the inner surface of the housing. ◈Claim 34 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 28. The method of claim 27,
The electric field generator,
The washing machine wherein the first electrode part and the second electrode part are provided in a pattern on the inner surface of the housing. A washing machine forming an electric field in a washing space inside a housing using a first electrode part and a second electrode part,
supplying water to the washing space with a washing liquid including water and detergent;
detecting a state of at least one of the supplied washing liquid and laundry containing the washing liquid; and
supplying AC power having an intensity corresponding to a result of the detection to the second electrode unit to heat the supplied washing liquid inside the laundry space and to form an electric field in the laundry space so that the laundry is exposed to the electric field; including,
Supplying the AC power,
and controlling supply of the AC power based on the detected state of the laundry. ◈Claim 36 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 36. The method of claim 35,
The step of detecting a state of at least one of the washing liquid and the laundry,
A control method for a washing machine, wherein at least one of the weight, temperature, and volume of the supplied washing liquid and the weight, temperature, and volume of laundry containing the washing liquid are sensed. ◈Claim 37 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 36. The method of claim 35,
Forming an electric field in the laundry space,
performing impedance matching based on the load impedance of the laundry determined according to the detected result; Control method of a washing machine comprising a. ◈Claim 38 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 36. The method of claim 35,
separating the first electrode part and the second electrode part by a distance corresponding to the result of the detection; A control method of a washing machine further comprising a. delete ◈Claim 40 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid.◈ 36. The method of claim 35,
Forming an electric field in the laundry space,
Alternately forming an electric field in the laundry space according to the frequency of the supplied AC power,
The step of heating the washing liquid supplied to the laundry space,
A control method for a washing machine in which the washing liquid is heated by vibrating ions included in the washing liquid according to the alternating electric field.

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