KR20100099585A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A washing machine is provided to enable a user to accurately expect the time when a washing process is completed by displaying the remaining water supply time and/or the remaining washing time based on the water pressure or the water quantity. CONSTITUTION: A washing machine comprises a body(110), a water supply unit(130), an information detecting unit(171), and an information display unit. The body comprises a tub(121). The water supply unit supplies the water to the tub. The information detecting unit detects the water supply information provided through the water supply unit. The information display unit indicates the water supply information detected by the information detecting unit. The information detecting unit comprises a water pressure sensing unit.

Description

Washing machine {WASHING MACHINE}

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine to enhance the user's convenience by displaying the water supply information to the outside.

As is well known, a washing machine is a device that washes laundry such as clothes through washing, rinsing and dehydration. Such a washing machine includes a cabinet forming an exterior, a tub (or a water tank) disposed inside the cabinet, and an inner tub (or a rotating tank) rotatably disposed inside the tub. Recently, a so-called laundry dryer having a heating source capable of drying the laundry which has been washed is used.

Such a washing machine or laundry dryer (hereinafter, referred to as 'washing machine') may be provided with a water supply unit for supplying water into the tub and a detergent input unit for injecting detergent.

On the other hand, the washing machine is provided with a control panel to select the washing course or operating conditions in consideration of the state of the laundry, such as the type of laundry, the degree of contamination. The control panel may include an input unit for selecting a washing course, and a display unit for displaying a remaining washing time according to the washing course selection.

By the way, in such a conventional washing machine, since the water supply amount changes according to the installation environment in which the washing machine is installed, it is difficult to calculate the correct washing time (or washing end point).

In general, a conventional washing machine includes a predetermined time as a water supply time in a washing course time, and when the water supply amount is relatively small and exceeds the calculated water supply time, water supply continues with the remaining time displayed on the display unit stopped. Accordingly, unlike the expected washing end time of the user, the time for completing the washing is delayed, resulting in user dissatisfaction.

In addition, when the water pressure is relatively high or the amount of water supply is high may cause noise during water supply.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which can display water supply related information to the outside.

Moreover, another object of this invention is to provide the washing machine which knows the washing | cleaning end time.

The present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a washing machine body having a tub; A water supply unit supplying water to the tub; And a water supply information detection unit detecting water supply information supplied through the water supply unit; and a water supply information display unit displaying externally the water supply information detected by the water supply information detection unit.

Here, the water supply information detection unit may be configured to include a water pressure detection unit for detecting the water pressure.

The water supply information display unit may be configured to include a plurality of scales for displaying a plurality of hydraulic pressure levels.

The plurality of scales may be configured to be displayed in different colors.

The water supply information display unit may include a plurality of lamps for displaying a plurality of water pressure levels.

The water supply information display unit may be configured to display the remaining water supply time in letters.

The water supply information display unit may be configured as an LCD panel.

The water supply information detection unit may be configured to include a quantity detection unit for detecting the quantity of water supplied.

The water supply information display unit may be provided with a plurality of scales to display the quantity of water detected by the water supply information detection unit.

The water supply information display unit may be configured to display the remaining water supply time in letters.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the user can appropriately adjust the water pressure by detecting the water pressure and displayed to the outside so that the user can recognize it. Thereby, the water pressure is excessively high, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of noise during water supply.

In addition, by detecting the water pressure or water quantity and displaying the remaining water supply time and / or the remaining washing time on the outside, the user can accurately predict the time of washing, thereby improving the user's satisfaction.

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

[First Embodiment]

1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a front view of the control panel of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are water supply information display units of FIG. 3, respectively. 6 is a control block diagram of the washing machine of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the washing machine includes a washing machine main body 110 having a tub 121, a water supply unit 130 supplying water to the tub 121, and the water supply unit ( A water supply information detection unit 171 for detecting water supply information supplied through the 130; And a water supply information display unit 181 for displaying the water supply information detected by the water supply information detection unit 171 to the outside. Here, the tub 121 is disposed along the horizontal direction, but may also be configured to be disposed vertically or inclined. In addition, the washing machine body 110 may be configured to have a drying function to draw out the air in the tub 121 to dry.

The washing machine body 110 includes a cabinet 111 forming an exterior, a tub 121 installed inside the cabinet 111, an inner tub rotatably disposed in the tub 121, A rotating tub or drum (hereinafter referred to as 'drum') 141 is provided. The front surface of the cabinet 111 is provided with a door 115 to open and close the inlet.

A plurality of springs 122 and dampers 124 may be provided at upper and lower portions of the tub 121 to buffer the tub 121. A drain passage 125 is formed at the bottom of the tub 121 to discharge the water therein.

The rear end of the tub 121 may be provided with a drive motor 145 to rotate the drum 141. The drive motor 145 may be configured to include a stator 146 fixed to the tub 121 and a rotor 147 connected to the rotating shaft of the drum 141.

One side of the cabinet 111 may be provided with a water supply unit 130 to supply water to the inside of the tub 121. The water supply unit 130 may include a water supply pipe 131 connected to the water pipe and forming a water supply passage, and a water supply valve 133 installed in the water supply pipe 131 to open and close the water supply pipe 131. have.

A detergent injecting unit 135 may be provided at an upper side of the tub 121 to inject detergent into the tub 121. The controller 150 may be provided inside the cabinet 111 to control each driving component. A control panel 160 may be installed on the outer surface of the cabinet 111 to select a washing course.

On the other hand, the water supply unit 130 may be provided with a water supply information detection unit 171 to detect the water supply-related information. The water supply related information may be pressure of water supplied through the water supply unit 130, that is, water pressure.

The water supply information detection unit 171 may be configured as a water pressure detection unit or a water pressure detection sensor for detecting the water pressure of the water supply unit 130. Here, the water supply information detection unit 171 may be installed in the water supply valve 133.

A water supply information display unit 181 may be provided on an outer surface of the cabinet 111 to display the water supply related information detected by the water supply information detection unit 171 to the outside. Here, the water supply information display unit 181 may be formed in the control panel 160.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control panel 160 includes a frame 161, a plurality of input units 163 formed in the frame 161 to input a signal, and predetermined information to the outside. It may be configured to include a display unit for displaying (outputting). Here, the input unit 163 may be composed of a plurality of buttons (buttons or keys) 164, and / or a dial 165. One side of the button 164 of the input unit 163 may be provided with a display lamp 166 indicating whether the corresponding button 164 is selected and a selection level (eg, selection time, water level, etc.) of the corresponding function. . The display unit 167 may include a so-called seven-segment light-emitting diode that can display time and the like numerically. In addition, the input unit 163 and the display unit may be configured as a touch pad.

The water supply information display unit 181 may be provided with a plurality of scales 182 to display the water pressure. A plurality of lamps (not shown) may be provided behind the scale 182. The water supply information display unit 181 may be configured to identify the water pressure by varying the number of lighting of the plurality of scales 182. This allows the user to easily identify the level of water pressure. The water supply information display unit 181 may further include a character display unit 183. The letter display unit 183 may include a "water pressure" formed on the lower side of the scale 182.

The water supply information display unit 181 may be configured by changing the color of the scale 182 according to the water pressure detected by the water supply information detection unit 171. For example, when the water pressure is high, the scale may be displayed in red, green when the water pressure is appropriate, and yellow when the water pressure is low. This makes it easier to identify the water pressure.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 4, the water supply information display unit 191 may be configured to include a plurality of scales 192 and a character display unit 193 that displays the level of water pressure on one side of the scale 192. Can be. This allows the user to more easily identify the level of water pressure.

As shown in FIG. 4, the letter display unit 193 includes “hydraulic pressure” 194a disposed below the drawing of the scale 192 and “high” formed on one side of the scale 192. 194b, "titration" 194c, and "low" 194d.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the water supply information display unit 201 may be configured to include a plurality of lamps 202. The water supply information display unit 201 may be configured to display different water pressures by the number of lights of the lamp 202. For example, when one lamp 202 is lit, the water pressure is low, and when the two lamps 202 are lit, the water pressure is at an appropriate level, and when all three lamps 202 are lit, the water pressure is It may be configured to indicate a high case.

In addition, the water supply information display unit 201 may be configured to further include a character display unit 203 formed in the vicinity of the plurality of lamps (202). The letter display unit 203 may include a water pressure 204a, a high 204b, a titration 204c, and a low 204d. In this case, the lighting position of the lamp 202 can be configured to display the level (level) of the detected water pressure. That is, when the upper lamp 202 is lit, the water pressure is high, when the central lamp 202 is lit, the water pressure is at an appropriate level, and when the lower lamp 202 is lit, the water pressure is low. Will be displayed. In addition, as described above, it may be configured to increase the number of lighting of the lamp 202 as the water pressure increases.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, the controller 150 having a control program implemented in the form of a microprocessor detects water supply related information supplied through the water supply unit 130, and detects water supply related information. The information can be configured to be displayed externally so that the user can recognize it. The water supply information detection unit 171 and the water supply information display unit 181 are controlably connected to the controller 150, respectively.

By such a configuration, when power is applied to the washing machine main body 110, the controller 150 controls the water supply information detection unit 171 to detect the water pressure of the water supply pipe 131. When the water pressure is detected by the water supply information detection unit 171, that is, the water level detection unit, the controller 150 displays the water pressure detected through the water supply information display unit 181. Accordingly, when the water pressure is high, the user may adjust the cock or tap of the water pipe so that the water pressure of the water supplied through the water supply pipe 131 is appropriately adjusted. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of noise during water supply due to excessive water pressure.

[Second Embodiment]

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. 7 is a front view of the control panel 160 of the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 is a control block diagram of the washing machine of FIG. Hereinafter, the same and equivalent parts as those in the above-described and illustrated configurations will be omitted for convenience of description of the drawings, the same reference numerals will be described, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The washing machine detects a washing machine main body 110 having a tub 121, a water supply unit 130 for supplying water to the tub 121, and water supply information supplied through the water supply unit 130. The water supply information detection unit 171; and the water supply information display unit 211 for displaying the water supply information detected by the water supply information detection unit 171 to the outside.

The water supply information display unit 211 may be implemented as an LCD panel as shown in FIG. 7. That is, the display unit of the control panel 160 may be configured as an LCD panel, and may display the water supply related information detected by the water supply information detection unit 171 through the LCD panel.

As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 150 having a control program implemented in the form of a microcomputer detects the water supply pipe 131 information and displays the water supply information 171 so that the detected water supply information can be displayed externally. And water supply information display section 211 is connected.

On the other hand, the controller 150 may be further provided with a time calculation unit 155 for calculating the remaining water supply time. The time calculation unit 155 may be configured to calculate the remaining water supply time in consideration of the water pressure detected by the water supply information detection unit 171 and the water level according to the washing course.

In addition, the time calculation unit 155 may be configured to calculate the remaining total washing time. The remaining water supply time and the remaining total washing time calculated by the time calculation unit 155 may be displayed to the outside through the water supply information display unit 211. As a result, the user can accurately predict the end time of the washing, and thus can increase the user's satisfaction such as accurately setting a time schedule (schedule).

By such a configuration, when power is applied to the washing machine body 110, the control unit 150 controls the water supply information detection unit 171 to detect the water pressure of the water supply pipe 131. When the water pressure is detected by the water supply information detecting unit 171, that is, the water level detecting unit, the controller 150 controls the time calculating unit 155 to calculate the remaining water supply time and / or the remaining total washing time.

Next, the controller 150 controls the water pressure detected by the water supply information detection unit 171 through the water supply information display unit 211 and the remaining water supply time and / or the remaining total washing time calculated by the time calculation unit 155. Should be displayed. Thereby, the user can adjust the cock or tap of the water pipe when the water pressure is high, so that the water is supplied to the appropriate water pressure. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of noise during water supply due to excessive water pressure. In addition, the user can accurately predict the time of completion of the wash through the remaining water supply time and / or the remaining total washing time.

[Third Embodiment]

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

9 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is a front view of the control panel of the washing machine of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the washing machine includes a washing machine main body 110 having a tub 121, a water supply unit 130 supplying water to the tub 121, and the water supply unit 130. And a water supply information detection unit 221 for detecting water supply information supplied through the water supply information and a water supply information display unit 231 for displaying the water supply information detected by the water supply information detection unit 221 to the outside.

The water supply information detecting unit 221 may be configured as a quantity detecting unit for detecting an amount of water supplied through the water supply pipe 131, that is, a quantity of water. The water supply information detecting unit 221 implemented as a quantity detecting unit may be configured of an impeller 225 rotating by water and a sensing unit 227 for detecting a rotational speed of the impeller 225 and calculating a quantity. . Here, the impeller 225 is installed to be rotated by the water supplied through the water supply pipe 131. The detection unit 225 may be composed of a permanent magnet provided in the impeller, and a hall sensor for detecting the permanent magnet.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the water supply information display unit 231 may include a plurality of scales 232 to display water supply information detected by the water supply information detection unit 221, that is, the quantity of water. have.

The water supply information display unit 231 may further include a character display unit 233. The letter display unit 233 is a "quantity" 234a formed on one side of the scale 232, that is, the lower side of the drawing, and "a lot" 234b, "formed on the right side of the scale 232, respectively. Titration 234c and " little " 234d.

On the other hand, the control unit 150 of the present washing machine, as described above may be provided with a time calculation unit 155. Here, the time calculating unit 155 may be configured to calculate the remaining water supply time and / or the total remaining washing time in consideration of the quantity detected by the water supply information detecting unit 221 and the water height according to the washing course. .

In this configuration, when power is applied to the washing machine main body 110, the controller 150 controls the water supply information detection unit 221 to detect the quantity of the water supply pipe 131. When the quantity of water is detected by the water supply information detecting unit 221, that is, the quantity detecting unit, the controller 150 controls the time calculating unit 155 to calculate the remaining water supply time and / or the remaining total washing time.

Next, the controller 150 displays the quantity, remaining water supply time, and / or remaining total washing time detected through the water supply information display unit 231. Thereby, when the quantity is large, the user can adjust the cock or tap of the water pipe so that the quantity is appropriate. In addition, the user can accurately predict the time of completion of the wash through the remaining water supply time and / or the remaining total washing time.

In the above, specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit or essential features thereof, so the embodiments described above should not be limited by the details of the detailed description.

Further, even when the embodiments not listed in the detailed description have been described, it should be interpreted broadly within the scope of the technical idea defined in the appended claims. It is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG.

3 is a front view of the control panel of FIG. 1;

4 and 5 are modified examples of the water supply information display unit of FIG.

6 is a control block diagram of the washing machine of FIG.

7 is a front view of a control panel of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

8 is a control block diagram of the washing machine of FIG.

9 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

10 is a front view of the control panel of the washing machine of FIG.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

110: washing machine body 111: cabinet

121: Tub 130: water supply

131: water supply pipe 133: water supply valve

141: drum 145: drive motor

150: control unit 160: control panel

164: button 165: dial

167: display unit 171: water supply information detection unit

181: water supply information display section 182: scale

183: character display unit

Claims (10)

Washing machine body having a tub; A water supply unit supplying water to the tub; A water supply information detection unit detecting water supply information supplied through the water supply unit; and A water supply information display unit displaying externally the water supply information detected by the water supply information detection unit; Washing machine comprising a. The method of claim 1, The water supply information detecting unit includes a water pressure detecting unit for detecting water pressure. The method of claim 2, And a plurality of scales for displaying a plurality of water pressure levels. The method of claim 3, Washing machine, characterized in that the plurality of scales are displayed in different colors. The method of claim 2, And a plurality of lamps for displaying the plurality of water pressure levels. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, The water supply information display unit is characterized in that configured to display the remaining water supply time. The method of claim 6, The washing machine, characterized in that the water supply information display unit is composed of an LCD panel. The method of claim 1, The water supply information detecting unit includes a water quantity detecting unit for detecting the quantity of water supplied. The method of claim 8, And the water supply information display unit has a plurality of scales to display the quantity of water detected by the water supply information detection unit. 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, The water supply information display unit is characterized in that configured to display the remaining water supply time.

Images