KR20060102993A - Operating method in washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a laundry apparatus, and more particularly, to provide a new washing operation method for smoothly washing out tubs and drums even with a small amount of washing water and low power consumption.

To this end, the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) detecting an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply; (B) stopping operation of the steam supply unit when an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit is detected; (C) watering the wash water into the outer tub; (D) heating the supplied wash water; (E) performing the washing with the heated wash water: provides a washing operation method of the laundry apparatus, characterized in that proceeds.

Laundry unit, steam supply, washing

Description

Operating method in Washing machine

Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining the internal structure of a conventional drum washing machine

Figure 2 is a front sectional view for explaining the internal structure of a conventional general drum washing machine

Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a front sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention

5 is a flowchart illustrating a washing operation method of a drum washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a state diagram for explaining the washing operation method of the drum washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention

7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process when an abnormality occurs in the steam supply unit during the washing operation method of the drum washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a state diagram for explaining an operation process when an abnormality occurs in the steam supply unit during the washing operation method of the drum washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a state diagram for explaining the washing operation method of the laundry machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention

10 is a flowchart illustrating a washing operation method of a laundry machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

110. Body 111.Inlet

112. Limbs 120,320. Outtub

130,330. Drum 140. Door

150,350. Temperature sensor 160,360. Washing water heater

210,410. Heating part 220,420. Steam supply line

230,430. Injection nozzle 370. Drying duct

380. Drying Heater 390. Blower Fan

The present invention relates to a method of operating a washing apparatus, and more particularly, to a new washing machine drum washing operation method enabling sterilization and washing of a drum with a small amount of washing water consumption and low power consumption.

In general, the washing apparatus is largely divided into a pulsator washing machine in which the drum stands vertically, and a drum washing machine in which the drum is laid down in the horizontal direction.

Here, since the drum washing machine is laid down in the horizontal direction as described above, the drum washing machine performs washing by dropping the laundry introduced into the drum.

1 and 2 schematically show a conventional structure of the aforementioned drum washing machine.

That is, the drum washing machine includes a main body 10, an out tub 20 mounted in the main body 10, a drum 30 rotatably mounted in the out tub 20, and the drum 30. It is configured to include a driving means for driving.

Here, an inlet 11 through which laundry is introduced is formed on the front surface of the main body 10, and a door 40 that opens and closes the inlet is mounted at a peripheral portion of the inlet 11.

The outer tub 20 is mounted in a state supported by the damper 21 in the main body 10.

At this time, the inner bottom of the outer tub 20 is provided with a washing water heater 60 is configured to enable the temperature control of the washing water used for washing.

In addition, the drum 30 is rotatably mounted in the outer tub 20, and a plurality of through holes 31 for inflow / outflow of wash water are formed on the circumferential surface thereof as illustrated in FIG. 2. do.

In addition, the driving means includes a drive motor 71 for driving the drum 30, and a belt 72 connected to transfer the driving force of the drive motor 71 to the drum 30.

In the conventional drum washing machine configured as described above, a washing stroke, a rinsing stroke, and a dehydration stroke are performed for a predetermined time according to a control signal of a controller (not shown) in a state in which laundry and a predetermined amount of detergent are put into the drum 30. Automatic washing proceeds for the laundry.

On the other hand, in the conventional washing apparatus, regardless of the type, contaminants, detergents, softener residues, and mixtures thereof lost from clothes during washing remain on the inner and outer walls of the drum 30 and the inner wall of the outer tub 20.槽; due to the contamination of the drum (outer tub), there is a problem that re-contamination of the laundry when washing causes a decrease in the reliability of the device on the hygiene side.

In addition, odor is generated by bacteria such as molds parasitic in contaminants during crude contamination, and this also causes a problem in that the reliability of the device on the sanitary surface is degraded.

Accordingly, a washing course has been developed in which the operation is performed in the state of not washing laundry, and various contaminants remaining on the inner and outer walls of the drum 30 and the inner wall of the outer tub 20 are removed by the washing process. It was removed to prevent recontamination.

However, in the conventional washing course, since the temperature of the washing water used during the driving is not high, the drum 30 has to be kept in the washing water for a long time before the driving of the course.

Therefore, there is a problem that the time required for the driving course is considerably longer.

Of course, in recent years, the above-described washing course can be performed using steam, which can minimize washing water and power consumption, and also drastically shorten the time required for the driving course. have.

In particular, the washing course using the steam has a separate structure for generating steam, if the operation error occurs if the smooth handling does not occur because the risk of fire due to excessive heat, etc. It is needed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned various problems with the prior art, the object of the present invention is to enable the sterilization and cleaning of the outer tub and drum using high temperature steam and to generate the high temperature steam It is an object of the present invention to provide a new operation control method for smoothly coping with an operation failure or an operation error.

An operation method of one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object comprises: a washing operation method using at least one steam supply unit for providing steam, comprising: (a) detecting an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit; (B) stopping operation of the steam supply unit when an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit is detected; (C) watering the wash water into the outer tub; (D) heating the supplied wash water; (E) performing the washing with the heated wash water: characterized in that the progress.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a driving method including at least one steam supply unit for providing steam, the method comprising: (a) detecting an abnormal occurrence of a steam supply unit; (B) stopping operation of the steam supply unit when an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit is detected; (C) providing a high temperature dry hot air into the outer tub; (D) supplying the wash water into the outer tub, and performing a washing step with the water supplied wash water, characterized in that the progress.

Hereinafter, the driving method of the laundry machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10.

First, prior to explaining the operation method of the washing apparatus according to each preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described a washing apparatus of a preferred structure.

3 and 4, the washing apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention has a main body 110, an outer tub 120, a drum 130, a steam supply unit, and a washing water heater ( 160, and a temperature sensor 150, the drum type washing machine as an embodiment.

At this time, the main body 110 forms the appearance of the drum washing machine, the inlet 111 is formed on the front surface, the outer tub 120 is provided in a state supported in the main body 110.

The drum 130 is rotatably installed in the outer tub 120, and is mounted such that a side opened toward the inlet 111 of the main body 110 is positioned.

In this case, a door 140 for opening and closing the inlet 111 is mounted at a portion where the inlet 111 of the main body 110 is formed, and the door 140 and the inner peripheral surface of the inlet 111 are formed. Rim 112 for sealing between the inlet 111 is mounted.

In addition, a plurality of through holes 131 are formed on the circumferential surface of the drum 130 so that washing water and steam supplied into the outer tub 120 may be introduced into the drum 130. It is composed.

And, the steam supply unit is configured to provide a predetermined amount of steam into the drum 130, at least one is provided.

The steam supply unit is installed to vaporize water with high temperature heat and provide the same to the drum 130, and by the heat generating unit 210 and the heat generating unit 210 to provide high temperature heat to vaporize water. It is configured to include a steam supply pipe 220 through which the flow of steam is steamed.

In addition, the steam supply unit further includes an injection nozzle 230 for discharging steam flowing through the steam supply pipe 220 into the drum 130.

At this time, the injection nozzle 230 is configured in the shape of a nozzle (nozzle) to enable a smooth divergence of steam, the end of the injection nozzle 230 is discharged through the rim 112 through the drum 130 It is preferably configured to be in direct communication with the interior of the).

In addition, the washing water heater 160 is provided on the bottom space of the outer tub 120 and serves to heat the washing water stored in the corresponding portion.

In addition, the temperature sensor 150 is provided at any portion of the outer tub 120 to sense a temperature inside the outer tub 120.

In this case, the temperature sensor 150 is preferably provided in a portion adjacent to the washing water heater 160 which is on the bottom side space of the outtub 120.

Hereinafter, a washing operation method according to a first embodiment of the present invention using the above-described drum type washing machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

First, when the selection of the washing course by the user is made, a controller (not shown) controlling the operation of the washing machine supplies steam to the drum 130 by operating the steam supply unit as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5. S110).

At this time, the steam is generated by the heat generated by the heat generating unit 210, the generated steam is supplied into the drum 130 while sequentially passing through the steam supply pipe 220 and the injection nozzle 230.

In particular, the steam supplied as described above is continuously supplied until the temperature inside the drum 130 reaches a set temperature, and the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor 150 in the out tub 120.

At this time, the set temperature is a temperature of approximately 60 ℃ to 80 ℃.

The temperature range described above is a temperature range in which contaminants adhered to the inner wall surface of the outer tub 120 or the inner and outer wall surfaces of the drum 130 can be separated most smoothly, as well as the sterilization of the outer tub 120 or the drum 130. This is a possible temperature range.

In particular, the embodiment of the present invention suggests that the set temperature is a temperature of 65 ℃, this temperature is the temperature at which the separation and sterilization of contaminants with a minimum power consumption.

In addition, it is preferable that the drum 130 continuously rotates while the above-described steam supply is in progress, thereby enabling uniform steam supply to all parts of the drum 130 to achieve uniform washing. .

When the temperature inside the drum 130 reaches the set temperature by the above-described series of processes, the operation of the steam supply unit is stopped (S120), and washing is performed only by the rotation of the drum 130.

At this time, the washing performed only by the rotation of the drum 130 is performed only for a predetermined time.

The predetermined time means that contaminants adhering to the inner wall surface of the outer tub 120 or the inner and outer wall surfaces of the drum 130 are separated from the inner wall surface of the outer tub 120 and the inner and outer wall surfaces of the drum 130. It's enough time.

Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed by the above-described process, the washing water is supplied to the inside of the outer tub 120 to perform a rinsing stroke (S130), and then a rinsing stroke is performed (S140).

Of course, it is more preferable that the pollutants remaining on the inner and outer wall surfaces of the drum 130 may be first discharged by first performing the dehydration stroke before the rinsing stroke is performed.

In particular, in the process of supplying the wash water for the rinsing stroke, it is preferable to rotate the drum 130 so that the contaminants remaining on the inner and outer walls of the drum 130 can be smoothly washed.

In addition, the water level of the wash water supplied during the rinsing stroke is a level that is capable of smooth removal of contaminants remaining on the inner and outer wall surfaces of the drum 130.

At this time, the water level of the wash water supplied during the rinsing stroke is at least 1/5 or more 1/3 of the entire height of the drum 130, preferably 1/3 or less (preferably 1/4) It is preferable to maintain the water level to the extent that the part) can be submerged.

This is because the water level in the aforementioned range is the maximum water level capable of smoothly removing contaminants remaining in the drum 130 without consuming excessive amounts of washing water.

When the series of rinsing strokes as described above is completed, the final drainage is performed (S150) and the final dehydration is performed (S160).

At this time, since the contaminants adhered to the inner wall of the outer tub 120 are separated from the inner wall of the outer tub 120 by high temperature steam during the washing process, the drum 130 is rotated at the high speed during the final dehydration stroke. As a result, contaminants adhered to the inner wall of the outer tub 120 are more smoothly removed.

On the other hand, when a series of processes for continuously supplying steam until the temperature inside the drum 130 reaches the set temperature during the series of processes for the operation of the washing course as described above, the controller is the abnormality of the steam supply unit It continuously detects the occurrence (S210).

In this case, the occurrence of an abnormality in the steam supply unit may include at least one operation error among a water level detection error, a temperature detection error, a heat generation failure, a steam discharge failure, a water supply failure, or an operation failure among various operations performed by the steam supplier. to be.

For example, even though water is supplied to the steam supply unit, the water level does not change in the steam supply unit, or the temperature change in the steam supply unit does not occur even though the heat generation unit 210 generates heat. Can be.

If an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit is detected by the above process, the controller stops the entire operation of the steam supply unit (S220).

That is, the power supply to the heating unit 210 is cut off and the water supply of the wash water provided to the steam supply unit is stopped.

In addition, the controller proceeds the operation by a predetermined algorithm for the operation of the washing course without using the steam supply.

In other words, the washing water is supplied to the outer tub 120 and the washing water is heated to control the washing process.

This will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying flowchart of FIG. 7.

First, when an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit is detected as described above, the washing water of a predetermined level is supplied into the outtub 120 in a state in which the operation of the steam supply unit is stopped (S230).

At this time, the water level supplied by the above-described process is a level such that the bottom surface of the drum 130 is approximately locked as shown in FIG.

In particular, it is preferable to include the detergent for washing in the wash water supplied as described above.

When the water supply up to the set water level by the above process is completed, the controller generates heat to the washing water heater 160 provided at the bottom space side of the outtub 120 to supply water into the outtub 120. The washing water is heated (S240).

At this time, the wash water is heated to the extent to achieve a sterilization temperature. Here, the sterilization temperature is a temperature range capable of sterilizing various contaminants as a temperature between 60 to 80 ℃, the embodiment of the present invention suggests that the temperature is approximately 75 ℃.

The temperature of the wash water is sensed by the temperature sensor 150.

When the temperature of the wash water reaches a sterilization temperature, the heating of the wash water is stopped (S250) to stop the heating of the wash water and blow washing with the heated wash water (S260). )do.

This is done through continuous rotational control of the drum 130.

At this time, the washing performed only by the rotation of the drum 130 is performed only for a predetermined time.

The predetermined time means that contaminants adhering to the inner wall surface of the outer tub 120 or the inner and outer wall surfaces of the drum 130 are separated from the inner wall surface of the outer tub 120 and the inner and outer wall surfaces of the drum 130. It's enough time.

When a predetermined time elapses by the above-described process, the washing water in the outer tub 120 is drained (S270), and then the same series of operations as the rinsing stroke of the washing course using the steam described above are performed. The cleaning course is terminated.

As a result, even when an abnormality such as a failure of the steam supply part occurs, the operation of the washing course can be performed, so that the user's dissatisfaction caused when the operation of the washing course itself cannot be performed can be prevented.

On the other hand, the above-described series of processes that are controlled when the abnormality in the steam supply unit of the washing operation method according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not applicable only to the drum type washing machine.

That is, the application is also applicable to a dry combined washing machine configured to provide a high-temperature drying hot air to enable a dry operation of the laundry after washing.

Particularly, in the case of the combined-use washing machine, if the high temperature drying hot air can be controlled to be supplied to the drum 130, the washing is performed inside the outer tub 120 during the above-described series of processes controlled when an abnormality occurs in the steam supply unit. During the water supply or by heating the hot water to the drum 130 before the heated wash water is heated, the washing performance may be controlled to be further improved.

On the other hand, in the case of the combined-use washing machine may be controlled so that the operation of the washing course proceeds without having to perform a series of processes for heating the washing water by having a high temperature dry hot air to replace the high temperature steam.

When described in more detail the washing operation method of a dry-use washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention as follows.

9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an internal structure of a combined washing machine, and a drying duct 370, a drying heater 380, and a blowing fan in a general drum washing machine having an out tub 320 and a drum 330. 390 is further provided.

Reference numeral 410 denotes a heating unit constituting the steam supply unit, 420 is a steam supply pipe constituting the steam supply unit, and 430 is an injection nozzle constituting the steam supply unit.

In addition, reference numeral 350 is a temperature sensor, 360 is a heater for washing water.

First, when a series of processes for the operation of the washing course is in progress, the controller continuously checks an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit as illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 10 (S310), and when an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit is detected, The entire operation of the steam supply unit is controlled to stop (S320).

This series of processes is the same as the operation method according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

In addition, in the state in which the entire operation of the steam supply unit is stopped, the controller provides a high temperature dry hot air into the outer tub 320 (S330).

In this case, the drying hot air continues to be provided until the inside of the drum 330 achieves a sterilization temperature. Here, the sterilization temperature is a temperature range capable of sterilizing various contaminants as a temperature between 60 to 80 ℃, the embodiment of the present invention suggests that the temperature is approximately 75 ℃.

In addition, while the high-temperature dry hot air is provided as described above, while the drum 330 is rotated, uniform sterilization and smooth separation of contaminants of all parts within the drum 330 using the high temperature hot air may be performed. Do.

Then, when the temperature inside the drum 330 reaches the sterilization temperature by the above-described series of processes, the supply of the drying hot air is stopped (S340), and the continuous washing is performed only by the rotation of the drum 330.

At this time, the washing performed only by the rotation of the drum 330 is performed only for a predetermined time.

The predetermined time means that contaminants adhering to the inner wall surface of the outer tub 320 or the inner and outer wall surfaces of the drum 320 are separated from the inner wall surface of the outer tub 320 and the inner and outer wall surfaces of the drum 330. It's enough time.

Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed by the above-described process, the washing water is supplied to the inside of the outer tub 320 to perform a rinsing stroke (S350), and then the same as the subsequent stroke of the washing course using the steam described above. Operation of the washing course is terminated by performing the rinsing stroke (S360) and sequentially performing the drainage and dehydration stroke (S370).

In addition, the idea of this invention is not limited only to each Example mentioned above.

That is, the washing operation method of the washing apparatus according to the present invention is a useful invention that can be applied not only to a drum type washing machine but also to a general pulsator type washing machine.

As described above, the washing and washing operation method of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention by using the steam to achieve the high temperature and high humidity environment using the steam to perform the washing mode, and / or the drum Contaminants are easily separated from them, which can minimize the amount of washing water used and minimize the progress of the operation.

In particular, the washing operation method of the present invention is controlled according to the control of the progress of the washing process in a separate operation algorithm that does not use steam even if an abnormality such as a failure of the steam supply unit during operation for the washing course. Inoperability of the cleaning course can be prevented, thereby minimizing user complaints.

Claims (11)

In the washing operation method using at least one steam supply for providing steam, (A) detecting an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit; (B) stopping operation of the steam supply unit when an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit is detected; (C) watering the wash water into the outer tub; (D) heating the supplied wash water; (E) performing the washing with the heated wash water: washing device washing operation method characterized in that it is carried out. The method of claim 1, Occurrence of the steps (a) and (b) Washing operation method of the washing apparatus, characterized in that at least any one of the operation of the water level detection error, temperature detection error, heat generation failure, steam discharge impossibility, water supply failure, or inoperable operation performed by the steam supply unit. . The method of claim 1, The water level of the wash water supplied in the step (c) A washing operation method of a laundry machine, characterized in that the level of the lowermost surface of the drum can be locked. The method of claim 1, The washing water heated in the step (d) is Washing operation method of the washing apparatus, characterized in that heated to the extent to achieve a sterilization temperature. The method of claim 4, wherein The sterilization temperature is a washing operation method of the washing apparatus, characterized in that the temperature between 60 ~ 80 ℃. The method of claim 1, When the washing apparatus is a dry-use drum washing machine, further comprising the step of providing a high temperature dry hot air into the drum during the step (c) or before the step (d) is performed. Washing operation method. In the washing operation method using at least one steam supply for providing steam, (A) detecting an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit; (B) stopping operation of the steam supply unit when an abnormal occurrence of the steam supply unit is detected; (C) providing a high temperature dry hot air into the outer tub; (D) supplying the washing water into the outer tub, and performing the washing with the water supplied washing water: washing operation method of the laundry machine, characterized in that proceeds. The method of claim 7, wherein Occurrence of the steps (a) and (b) Washing operation method of the washing apparatus, characterized in that at least any one of the operation of the water level detection error, temperature detection error, heat generation failure, steam discharge impossibility, water supply failure, or inoperable operation performed by the steam supply unit. . The method of claim 7, wherein Dry hot air provided in the step (c) is Washing operation method of a laundry machine, characterized in that the drum continues to be provided until the inside of the sterilization temperature. The method of claim 9, The sterilization temperature is crude washing operation method of a laundry machine, characterized in that the temperature between 60 ~ 80 ℃. The method of claim 7, wherein The water level of the wash water supplied in the step (d) Washing operation method of the washing machine, characterized in that the level of water so that only the bottom part of the drum can be locked.

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