KR19980067491A - Filter replacement time alarm device and washing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter replacement time notification device for visually alerting an exchange time of a filter for removing a foreign substance from water circulated for the occurrence of a waterfall flow in a waterfall type washing machine. In order to achieve the present invention, a sensor for detecting the water pressure in the front end of the water circulated through the circulation pump to be filtered through a filter in the foreign matter filtering device to generate a waterfall flow; A control block for generating a drive control signal for alerting the filter replacement time in the foreign matter filtering device based on the hydraulic pressure detection signal provided from the detection sensor; An LED driving block for switching power supply from the outside in response to the driving control signal provided from the control block; And an LED that emits light by a power supply supplied through the LED drive block when the pressure of the filter exceeds a predetermined level.

Description

Filter replacement time alarm device and washing method

The present invention relates to a device for alerting the filter replacement time for removing foreign matters from a washing machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for mounting a waterfall washing machine, wherein the foreign matters are scattered in circulated water when water is circulated to generate a waterfall. The present invention relates to a filter replacement time alarm device and an alarm method suitable for alarming the replacement time of the filter used in the screen for detecting foreign substances.

As is well known, conventional washing machines are mechanically produced by alternating sequential rotation of the stirrer (located in the washing tub (or basket)) clockwise or counterclockwise by means of a transmission driven by a motor during the washing stroke. Apply a moderate impact on the laundry to remove dirt or foreign substances between the wool of the laundry.

On the contrary, the waterfall type washing machine drains water in the washing tank as well as mechanical water generated by alternating sequential rotation by the stirrer, and circulates the drained water to the upper end of the washing tank by using a circulation pump. The circulated water is sprayed in the lower direction, that is, a waterfall flow is formed to give a constant impact on the laundry (impacted by hitting the water), thereby having a method of washing laundry more effectively. The waterfall type washing machine of this type can improve water-saving and washing power compared with the general washing machine.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a typical waterfall type washing machine having a washing method as described above.

Referring to FIG. 1, for example, a tub 20 is positioned inside a cabinet 10 having a rectangular cylinder shape, and a tub or watch is placed in the tub 20 by a basket 30 and a transmission not shown in particular. The stirrer 40 which rotates clockwise alternately is built.

In addition, between the tub 20 and the drain hose 50 to form a circulating operation, that is, recycling to improve the water saving and washing power, the circulation pump 60 and the upper end of the tub 20 are formed. The circulation hose 70 is provided.

On the other hand, in circulating the water drained from the tub 20 to the drain hose 50 in this way, since the circulated water is circulated, such a circulator may include various foreign matters, such as water containing foreign matters If it is supplied to circulate as it may be rather deteriorated washing power.

Therefore, in view of this point, a detailed illustration of FIG. 1 is omitted, but a foreign material filtering device is provided between the drain hose 50 and the circulation pump 60 to filter foreign matter in the water circulated.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view conceptually illustrating a foreign matter filtering device employing a filter installed in the waterfall type washing machine of FIG. 1.

Referring to Figure 2, the foreign matter filtering device has a substantially cylindrical filter case 81, one end of the filter case 81, the inlet hose 81a and the circulation pump (connected to the above-described drain hose 50) ( The discharge hoses 81b connected to 60, that is, connected to the circulation hose 70, are respectively extended.

On the other hand, in the foreign matter filtering device, a plurality of regularly arranged filtering holes 82a and 83a for filtering substantially foreign matter, that is, foreign matter such as lint and the like, from the water flowing through the inlet hose 81a and discharged through the discharge hose 81b. Two upper and lower filters 82 and 83 are respectively provided, and the upper and lower filters 82 and 83 are installed parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction along the inner surface of the filter case 81.

At this time, the diameters of the filtering holes 82a and 83a formed at regular intervals on the upper and lower filters 82 and 83 are relatively smaller than those of the filtering holes 82a formed in the upper filter 82 as compared with the lower filter 83. It is desirable to have a larger diameter, which allows for more smooth flow of water, that is, for smoother recycling operation, as well as more foreign matter through the filter holes 82a, 83a of each filter 82,83. To filter.

As a result, as described above, by installing a foreign matter filtering device having two filters between the drain hose and the circulation pump, the foreign matter (for example, lint, etc.) contained in the water at the time of washing the laundry is filtered (that is, Can be removed.

At this time, the user periodically accumulates the foreign matter accumulated in the upper and lower filters in the foreign matter trapping device in order to generate a smooth waterfall flow for securing excellent washing power because the foreign matter accumulates in the circulation of water as described above. Or it must be removed before washing. Therefore, if the user can recognize the filter cleaning time by notifying that the filter has accumulated a large amount of foreign matter (for example, cumulative amount enough to interfere with the smooth generation of Mokpo water flow), the convenience of using the Mokpo type washing machine This will be further enhanced.

That is, the waterfall type washing machine doubles the washing power of the laundry compared to the general washing machine by generating the waterfall water using the circulation pump and the drainage hose. For example, if the filter is neglected due to lack of recognition of the user, many foreign matters accumulate in the filter, and the circulation pump and the drain hose do not function again.

In addition, even if the smooth occurrence of the waterfall flow is inhibited due to the accumulation of a large amount of foreign matter in the filter, since the user cannot check whether the waterfall flow occurs during washing, this is not desirable until the user almost senses it and cleans the filter. The phenomenon (decrease in washing power) may continue.

However, in the conventional Mokpo type washing machine, when a large amount of foreign matter accumulates in the filter to prevent the occurrence of a smooth waterfall, there is no means for the user to be alerted, that is, the user may not be alerted when the filter is cleaned. As a result (decrease in washing power due to the weakening of the waterfall stream), there was a problem that is often caused.

Accordingly, the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above, in the waterfall type washing machine, filter replacement time that can visually alert the replacement time of the filter for removing the foreign matter from the water circulated for the generation of waterfall water flow The purpose is to provide an alarm device.

Another object of the present invention is a waterfall type washing machine, which visually alerts to the replacement time of the filter for removing foreign matter from the water circulated for the generation of the waterfall, and at the same time can control the washing operation according to whether the filter is replaced. It is to provide an alarm method for filter replacement time.

The present invention according to the consistent point to achieve the above object is included in the water circulated through the circulation pump in a waterfall type washing machine for generating a waterfall flow for washing power enhancement by using the circulation pump and drainage hose in the washing administration A device for alerting the filter replacement time of a foreign matter trapping device having a filter for removing foreign matters, the accumulation degree of foreign matter accumulated in the filter based on the quantity of water passing through the filter when water is circulated through the circulation pump. Detection sensor for detecting; On the basis of the detection signal provided from the detection sensor, the driving control signal for the filter replacement timing alarm in the foreign matter trapping device is generated and at the same time the washing stroke and the circulation pump until the power switch after cleaning the filter is input again. A control block to temporarily stop operation; An LED driving block for switching power supply from the outside in response to the driving control signal provided from the control block; And when the water flowing through the filter is a predetermined amount or less, provides a filter replacement time alarm device of the washing machine consisting of LEDs that emit light by the power supply provided through the LED drive block.

The present invention according to another aspect for achieving the above object is included in the water circulated through the circulation pump in a waterfall type washing machine for generating a waterfall flow for washing power enhancement using the circulation pump and the drainage hose in the washing administration A method for alarming the filter replacement time of a foreign matter trapping device having a filter for removing foreign matters, the method comprising: operating a circulation pump for generating a waterfall flow while executing a washing stroke when a predetermined amount of water is filled in a washing tank. First step; A second step of detecting a cumulative amount of foreign matter accumulated in the filter based on the amount of water passing through the filter when the waterfall flow is generated through the foreign matter filtering device by the operation of the circulation pump; On the basis of the result of detecting the accumulation degree of foreign matter accumulated in the filter, when the amount of water passing through the filter is less than a predetermined level, the alarm lamp for notifying the replacement time of the filter is activated and the washing stroke and the circulation pump A third step of temporarily stopping operation; A fourth step of checking a re-input of the power switch for retrying the washing administration for a predetermined time by operating a timer; And stopping the power supply to each driving circuit for driving the washing operation by completely stopping the washing operation of the washing machine when there is no re-input of the power switch for the predetermined time as a result of the check in the fourth step. It provides a filter replacement time alarm method of the washing machine consisting of five steps.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a typical waterfall type washing machine

2 is a perspective view conceptually showing a foreign matter filtering device employing a filter mounted in the waterfall type washing machine of FIG.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of a filter replacement time notification device of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process of warning the filter replacement time of the washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention

<Description of the code | symbol about the principal part of drawing>

110: detection sensor 130: control block

150: LED drive block 170: LED

The above and other objects and various advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the preferred embodiments of the present invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings by those skilled in the art.

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

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a filter replacement time notification device of a washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the filter replacement time notification device of the present invention includes a sensor 110, a control block 130, a timer 140, LED drive block 150 and LED lamp 170.

Referring to FIG. 3, the detection sensor 110 may include a water pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a flow rate sensor, or the like. The sensor 110 may be mounted at a predetermined portion of the lower side of the lower filter 83 in the foreign matter filtering device shown in FIG. 2. Detects the water pressure (or flow rate, flow rate) of the lower end portion of the lower filter 83, that is, on / off depending on the water pressure (or flow rate) of the lower end side of the lower filter 83 (part before passing through the catch hole 83a). It detects the water pressure (or flow rate) by turning off, and the detected water pressure (or flow rate, flow rate) signal is provided to the next control block 130 as a detection signal (high level signal) to alert the timing of replacement of the filter. do.

Here, in the case of using a pressure sensor that is pressed in accordance with the water pressure and automatically switched on / off as the detection sensor 110, as the foreign matter accumulates in the filter, the pressure of the front end to pass through the filter is relatively increased, When the water pressure that rises when the water pressure rises due to the accumulation of such foreign matter reaches a predetermined level, the water pressure sensor is automatically switched to the on state. At this time, the level that is automatically switched to the on state of the pressure sensor is a level that inhibits the occurrence of a smooth waterfall for improving the washing power, such a level can be effectively set through many experiments.

In addition, in the case of using a flow rate sensor that is automatically switched on / off through the contact switching according to the flow rate, as the foreign matter accumulates in the filter, the flow rate of the passage becomes smaller, when the flow rate of the supply side is normal When the flow rate falls below a predetermined level due to the accumulation of foreign matter, the flow rate sensor switches its contact (for example, from a short state to a ground state). , Switching to a cumulative detection state of a large amount of foreign matter). In this case, the level at which the hydraulic sensor is automatically switched to the ground state is a level that inhibits the occurrence of a smooth waterfall for improving the washing power, as in the above-described pressure sensor, and this level can be effectively set through many experiments.

On the other hand, as the detection sensor 110, using the flow sensor for detecting the inflow flow rate of the foreign matter trapping device inlet side (for example, to detect the current inflow flow rate by changing the resistance value according to the flow rate flowing into the inlet side) In this case, the control block 130, which will be described later, removes foreign matter accumulated in the filter through a comparison between the current detection flow rate provided by the flow sensor and a predetermined reference flow rate in consideration of the occurrence of a smooth waterfall flow for improving washing power. You will decide when to exchange.

On the other hand, the control block 130 is, for example, a microprocessor for controlling the overall washing operation of the waterfall type washing machine, that is, each operation such as washing stroke, rinsing stroke, dehydration stroke, and the like from the above-described detection sensor 110 The sensing signal, that is, the hydraulic pressure signal, the flow rate detection signal, the flow rate detection signal, and the like to control the driving of the LED for the visual alarm of the filter replacement time.

In addition, the control block 130 when the detection sensor 110 detects the time to remove the accumulated foreign matter in the filter, in order to prevent the washing power degradation due to the weakening of the waterfall flow, to temporarily wash the current washing administration Stop, that is, the operation of the washing stroke and the circulating pump is temporarily stopped by generating a control signal for a temporary stop in each driving circuit (i.e., the washing stroke, the circuit controlling the circulating pump operation) through the line L11. Let's do it.

Then, the control block 130 checks whether the power switch (not shown) is reactivated for a predetermined time period (for example, about 10 minutes, etc.). That is, according to the present invention, when a large amount of foreign matter is accumulated in the filter to temporarily stop the washing operation and the circulating pump, and generate a visual alarm through the lamp, after the user cleans the filter by recognizing it, the power switch again. The control block 130 checks the input of the power switch operation signal after cleaning the filter for a predetermined time.

Therefore, if it is determined that there is no input of the power switch signal according to the user's operation as a result of the check for a predetermined time, the control block 130 considers that the user does not recognize the alarm when the filter is replaced, and thus wastes unnecessary power. In order to reduce the power supply to the driving circuit by generating an operation control signal to the power supply (not shown) through the line L13.

Here, the timer 140 performs a count according to the control from the control block 130 described above, that is, counts the power switch re-input time after the temporary stop of the washing stroke and the circulation pump operation to the control block 130. to provide.

Next, the LED drive block 150 controls the on / off operation of the LED lamp 170 based on the drive control signal from the control block 130 described above. As such an LED drive block 150, For example, a relay, a switching transistor, or the like for switching the power supply to the LED lamp 170 may be used according to the driving control signal from the control block 130.

In addition, the LED lamp 170 is mounted on the outside of the waterfall washing machine, and is turned on (or flashes) by the power provided through the LED driving block 150, for example, a front panel having an operation keypad. It can be mounted on.

Therefore, in the filter replacement time notification device of the present invention having the above-described configuration, when a large amount of foreign matter accumulates in the filter in the foreign matter trapping device and the water pressure rises, the detection sensor 110 detects this and based on the detection result. According to the driving control signal from the control block 130 to drive the LED lamp 170, that is, the LED is turned on or flashing, so that the user will be able to recognize that it is time to wash the current filter.

Next, the process of visually alarming the filter replacement time using the filter replacement time warning device according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, and executing the subsequent control operation according to the alarm will be described in detail.

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process of warning the filter replacement time of the washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

First, in the present invention, as described above, in generating a detection signal necessary to alert the filter replacement time, a water pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, a flow rate sensor, or the like may be used. For example, it is assumed here that the water pressure sensor is used as the detection sensor 110 as an example.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the amount of water set in the washing tank is supplied according to the user's manipulation, the washing administration is executed (step 402), and a circulation pump for draining and circulating the water in the washing tank is operated to generate the waterfall flow (step 402). 404). Accordingly, the water flowing from the inlet hose 81a of FIG. 2 (that is, the water drained from the washing tank to generate the waterfall flow) is drained through the foreign matter filtering device 81 having the upper and lower filters 82 and 83. When the hose 81b flows, the sensor 110 mounted on the lower portion of the lower filter 83 in the foreign matter filtering device detects the water pressure, and the control block 130 checks the detection result. That is, it is checked whether the water pressure sensor is turned on due to the accumulation of a large amount of foreign matter in the filter (step 406).

As a result of the check in the step 406, if it is determined that the water pressure sensor is in the on state, the LED driving block 150 is controlled to turn on (or flash) the LED lamp 170 (step 408). In order to prevent the lowering of the washing force due to washing, that is, to prevent the washing in an undesirable state, the washing cycle and the circulating pump are temporarily operated by temporarily stopping the current washing stroke, that is, by operating the circuit for controlling the washing stroke and the circulation pump. Is temporarily stopped (step 410).

Next, the washing operation is temporarily stopped and at the same time the timer 140 is started (step 412), and it is checked whether there is a reactivation of the power switch for a predetermined time (e.g., about 10 minutes, etc.) N. That is, when the washing stroke and the circulation pump operation is temporarily stopped and a visual alarm is generated through the LED lamp 170, the user should be aware of this and clean the filter and then turn on the power switch again. The input of the power switch reoperation signal after cleaning the filter is checked (step 414).

As a result of the check in the step 414, if it is determined that there is no re-entry of the power switch according to the user's operation for the preset time N, the user is regarded as not aware of the filter replacement timing alarm, which is undesirable. In order to reduce unnecessary power waste when preventing washing, power supply to each driving circuit is cut off from the power supply not shown, that is, the operation of the washing machine is completely shut off (step 416). Therefore, the washing machine will be in a standby state in which standby power is supplied only to the microprocessor in the control circuit.

As described above, according to the present invention, when a large amount of foreign matter accumulates in the filter included in the foreign matter trapping apparatus installed in the waterfall type washing machine, the water pressure increases, that is, normal waterfall flow does not occur due to the accumulation of foreign matter in the filter. When this is detected, the user is visually alerted to the filter replacement time (that is, the filter cleaning time), and the washing operation of the washing machine is automatically controlled until the filter is cleaned, thereby improving the convenience of using the waterfall type washing machine. Of course, the optimum washing control can be realized.

Claims (8)

Filter replacement timing of the foreign matter filtering device having a filter for removing foreign matters contained in the water circulated through the circulation pump in the waterfall type washing machine that generates a waterfall flow for improving washing power by using the circulation pump and the drain hose at the washing administration In the device for alarming, A detection sensor detecting a cumulative degree of foreign matter accumulated in the filter based on the amount of water passing through the filter when water is circulated through the circulation pump; On the basis of the detection signal provided from the detection sensor, the driving control signal for the filter replacement timing alarm in the foreign matter trapping device is generated and at the same time the washing stroke and the circulation pump until the power switch after cleaning the filter is input again. A control block to temporarily stop operation; An LED driving block for switching power supply from the outside in response to the driving control signal provided from the control block; And LED which emits light by supply power provided through the LED driving block when the water flowing through the filter is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. Filter replacement time alarm of the washing machine consisting of. The method of claim 1, The detection sensor is a filter replacement time alarm device for a washing machine, characterized in that the water pressure sensor for detecting the water pressure in front of the filter. The method of claim 1, The detection sensor is a filter replacement time alarm device for a washing machine, characterized in that the flow rate sensor for detecting the flow rate passing through the front end of the filter. The method of claim 1, The detection sensor is a filter replacement time alarm device for a washing machine, characterized in that the flow rate sensor for detecting the flow rate passing through the front end of the filter. Filter replacement timing of the foreign matter filtering device having a filter for removing foreign matters contained in the water circulated through the circulation pump in the waterfall type washing machine that generates a waterfall flow for improving washing power by using the circulation pump and the drain hose at the washing administration In the method for alarming, A first step of executing a washing administration when a predetermined amount of water is filled in a washing tank and operating the circulation pump to generate the waterfall stream; A second step of detecting a cumulative amount of foreign matter accumulated in the filter based on the amount of water passing through the filter when the waterfall flow is generated through the foreign matter filtering device by the operation of the circulation pump; On the basis of the result of detecting the accumulation degree of foreign matter accumulated in the filter, when the amount of water passing through the filter is less than a predetermined level, the alarm lamp for notifying the replacement time of the filter is activated and the washing stroke and the circulation pump A third step of temporarily stopping operation; A fourth step of checking a re-input of the power switch for retrying the washing administration for a predetermined time by operating a timer; And A fifth step of completely stopping the washing operation of the washing machine by shutting off the power supply to each driving circuit for driving the washing operation if there is no re-input of the power switch for the predetermined time as a result of the check in the fourth step; step Filter replacement time alarm method of the washing machine consisting of. The method of claim 5, Accumulation of foreign matter accumulation in the filter, the filter replacement time alarm device of the washing machine, characterized in that performed using a water pressure sensor for detecting the water pressure in front of the filter. The method of claim 5, Accumulation of foreign matter accumulated in the filter, the filter replacement time alarm device of the washing machine, characterized in that performed using a flow rate sensor for detecting the flow rate passing through the front end of the filter. The method of claim 5, Accumulation of foreign matter accumulation in the filter, the filter replacement time alarm device of the washing machine, characterized in that performed using a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate passing through the front end of the filter.