KR20110064132A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A washing machine is provided to accurately sense the scattering of washing water. CONSTITUTION: A base(100) is prepared in the lower part of a cabinet(10). An outer tub(30) is prepared within the cabinet. In order that the washing water is supplied in the upper side of the outer tub, the top of the outer tub is opened. An inner tub(40) is prepared within the outer tub. The inner tub is rotated around a vertical axis. An electrode sensor is prepared in the left or right side of the rear of the base. In the rotation of the inner tub, the electrode sensor senses the washing water scattered from the outer tub.

Description

Washing machine

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine that more accurately detects whether or not washing water is scattered.

In general, a washing machine supplies water into a laundry tank in which laundry is accommodated, and performs washing, rinsing, dehydration, and / or drying of the laundry by the water flow generated when the washing tank is rotated. In this case, water in the washing tank may be scattered to the outside when the washing tank is rotated, and various methods for detecting the washing tank have been devised.

In particular, in a top-loading washing machine in which a washing tank rotates about a vertical axis, water scattered from the washing tank due to the rotational direction of the washing tank or a partial deformation of the washing tank generated during the rotation is biased in a specific direction. Phenomenon occurs. Therefore, in order to accurately detect whether water is splashed out of the washing tank during the operation of the washing machine, it is important how to arrange the means for detecting the scattered water.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that accurately detects whether or not washing water is scattered in consideration of characteristics in which the amount of washing water is scattered according to the direction in which washing water is scattered.

The washing machine of the present invention includes a cabinet provided with a base at a lower portion thereof, an outer tub provided in the cabinet and having an upper portion opened to supply water to the washing water from above, an inner tub provided in the outer tub and rotating about a vertical axis, and the base Is provided on the left or right of the rear of the, includes an electrode sensor for detecting the washing water scattered from the outer tank during the rotation of the inner tank.

The electrode sensor is provided on the left side of the rear of the base, the inner tank is rotated at a speed capable of forming a centrifugal circulation flow in which the washing water in the outer tank rises between the inner tank and the outer tank to be re-supplied to the inner tank In one case, the inner tank may be rotated counterclockwise about a vertical axis with respect to the inner tank as viewed from above.

Alternatively, the electrode sensor is provided on the right side of the rear of the base, the inner tank, the washing water in the outer tank can rise along the inner tank and the outer tank to form a centrifugal circulating water flow to be re-supplied to the inner tank When rotating at a speed, the inner tank may be rotated clockwise about a vertical axis with respect to the inner tank as viewed from above.

Meanwhile, an outer tub cover may be further provided at an upper side of the outer tub and opened at a central portion thereof to allow laundry to enter and exit the rear tub. At the rear of the outer tub cover, laundry in the inner tub is rotated outward of the inner tub when the inner tub is rotated. A departure prevention part protruding toward the opened center part may be formed so as not to be separated.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention, the outer cover provided on the upper side of the outer tub, and formed on the rear left or right side of the outer cover when the washing water is scattered to the upper surface of the outer cover, the scattered wash water to the base The apparatus may further include a scattered water draining hole for draining the water, and the electrode sensor may be disposed below the scattered water draining hole.

 In addition, the outer tank may include a heater mounting portion formed by recessing the rear left or right side of the bottom surface so that the heater can be mounted.

The washing machine of the present invention has an effect of accurately detecting whether or not washing water is scattered by arranging an electrode sensor on the rear left or right side of the base having a large amount of washing water being scattered.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention, by setting the arrangement position of the electrode sensor in consideration of the direction in which a lot of washing water is generated in accordance with the rotation direction of the inner tank when forming the centrifugal circulation water flow, to accurately detect the washing water scattered It can work.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention has the effect of accurately detecting the wash water drained to the base through the scattered water drain hole formed in the outer tank cover is scattered during the rotation of the inner tank.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention, the deformation of the outer tank is caused by the dynamic action due to the vibration or centrifugal force generated during the rotation of the inner tank has an effect that can be accurately detected even if the wash water is scattered in a specific direction.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and the general knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the person having the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

1 is a perspective view of a washing machine W according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the washing machine W shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a block diagram showing a control relationship between the main parts of the washing machine (W) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 and 5 is a view showing the inside of the washing machine (W) according to an embodiment of the present invention from the upper side, showing the form in which the wash water is scattered according to the rotation direction of the inner tank (40).

1 to 5, a washing machine (W) according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in the lower part of the washing machine (W), the base 100 and various bases on which various components such as the pump 66 are installed, and the base ( The top cover 14 and the top cover 14 which are supported by the cabinet 100 and whose upper part is opened, are coupled to the upper part of the cabinet 10 and have laundry access holes formed in the center to allow the laundry to enter and exit. The input unit 51 and the washing machine W are rotatably provided to receive the door 15 for opening and closing the laundry entrance hall, and various control commands related to the overall operation of the washing machine W from the user by input means such as a button. The display unit 52 is provided to display information on the overall operating state to the outside through display means such as LCDs, LEDs and / or light emitting diodes, and provides a user interface from a control panel 18 and an external water source such as a faucet. Grade to water supplied wash water And a unit (60). The water supply unit 60 includes a water supply passage 26 connected to an external water source, and a water supply valve 28 that regulates the water supply passage 26.

In the cabinet 10, an outer tub 30 having an upper portion open to contain wash water supplied from an upper side through a water supply passage 26, and an inner tub 40 in which laundry is accommodated and rotated about a vertical axis in the outer tub 30. ) Is provided, the pulsator 45 is rotatably provided at the bottom of the inner tank (40). The inner tank 40 is formed with a plurality of handmade 41 so that the wash water can be circulated between the inner tank 40 and the outer tank 30, by the rotation of the inner tank 40 and / or pulsator 45 40) and the wash water in the outer tub 30, the washing of the laundry is made by the water flow action and friction action between the pulsator 45 and the laundry generated at this time.

On the other hand, it is also possible to configure the flow path so that the wash water supplied through the water supply passage 26 via the detergent box 16 provided in the top cover 14, in this case laundry detergent introduced into the detergent box 16, Laundry additives such as fabric softeners and / or bleach are dissolved to feed the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40.

The outer tub 30 is suspended from the top cover 14 by the supporting member 17, and a damper 19 is provided at one end of the supporting member 17 to cushion the vibration generated during the operation of the washing machine W, thereby protecting the outer tub. 30 and the inner tank 40 are stably supported.

The outer side of the outer tub 30 is provided with an outer tub cover 20 having a central opening so that laundry can enter and exit. When the inner tub 40 is rotated at a predetermined speed or more, the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40 are formed by centrifugal force. The washing water that rises along) may be guided along the bottom of the outer tub cover 20 to be re-watered into the inner tub 40 to form a circulating water stream.

The lower side of the outer tub 30 is provided with a motor 50 for generating a rotational force for rotating the inner tank 40 and / or the pulsator 45, the rotational force generated by the motor 50 through the rotating shaft 51 It is delivered to the inner tub 40 and / or pulsator 45. Washing machine (W) according to an embodiment of the present invention is operated in a direct drive method that the inner tank 40 and the pulsator 45 is directly coupled to the rotating shaft 51 directly receives the rotational force generated by the motor 50 Alternatively, an indirect drive method of transmitting the rotational force of the motor 50 to the inner tank 40 and / or the pulsator 45 by a power transmission means such as a belt or a chain is possible.

On the other hand, a clutch 35 for selectively transmitting the rotational force generated by the motor 50 to the inner tub 40 and the pulsator 45 is provided, the clutch 35 is the inner tub 40 and the pulsae coaxially aligned The data 45 is selectively brought into contact with the rotation shaft 51. Through proper operation of the clutch 35, only the inner tub 40 can be rotated, only the pulsator 45 is rotated, or the inner tub 40 and the pulsator 45 can be rotated integrally.

During operation of the washing machine W, the washing water may be scattered to the outside of the outer tub 40 by the water flow action generated by the rotation of the inner tub 40 and / or the pulsator 45, and at this time, the inner tub ( 40) and / or the direction in which the washing water is scattered depends on the rotation direction of the pulsator 45. 4 illustrates a direction in which the wash water in the outer tank 30 is scattered when the inner tank 40 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, and scatters the washing water in a tangential direction on a circumference forming a rotational track of the inner tank 40. This is done. In particular, looking at the washing water scattered from the rear in the cabinet 10, as shown in Figure 4, a relatively large amount of washing water is scattered toward the rear left of the cabinet 10. On the contrary, when the inner tub 40 is rotated in the clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 5, the amount of washing water scattered to the rear right in the cabinet 10 increases.

 As described above, the washing water is not uniformly scattered in the cabinet 10, and the amount of the washing water scattered in a specific direction may be increased for various reasons, and one of them may be formed in the outer cover 20. The influence of the laundry separation prevention portion 21 may be mentioned.

The laundry leaving prevention part 21 is formed to protrude toward the center portion opened from the rear of the outer tub cover 20, and the laundry in the inner tub 40 when the inner tub 40 and / or the pulsator 45 is rotated. This prevents it from being thrown out. That is, the laundry varies in position along the direction in which the inner tank 40 and / or the pulsator 45 rotates in the inner tank 40, at this time, the rotation of the inner tank 40 and / or pulsator 45 There is a risk of being separated from the inner tank 40 by the centrifugal force and the water flow generated by the action, in particular, in the case of bulky laundry, such as pillows and blankets may be a portion of the laundry protrudes above the inner tank (40). The laundry which is about to be separated from the inner tank 40 is received inside the inner tank 40 while hitting the laundry departure preventing unit 21.

The direction of the washing water scattered into the cabinet 10 varies according to the direction in which the laundry in the inner tank 40 hits the laundry separation prevention part 21, which is determined by the direction of rotation of the inner tank 40. It may be easily understood with reference to FIGS. 4 to 5 showing the directions.

On the other hand, a part of the wash water supplied from the upper side to the outer tub 40 through the water supply unit 50 may be scattered onto the outer tub cover 20, the outer tub cover 20 may be scattered washing water A scattered water drainage hole 22 for draining to the base 100 is provided. Of course, the outer tank cover 20 is not only the washing water scattered through the water supply unit 60 but also hit the wash water and laundry escape prevention portion 21 scattered from the outer tank 30 and / or the inner tank 40 and scattered from the laundry. The wash water may be buried, and in any case, the wash water scattered by the outer cover 20 is drained downward through the scattered water drain hole 22 and collected in the base 100.

The outer cover 20 may be formed with a guide for guiding the scattered wash water to the scattered water drainage hole 22. The guide may form a protruding structure such as a rib or a recessed structure such as a groove, and the scattered water drainage hole. At 22, a flow path for guiding the washing water is formed.

Washing machine (W) according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the washing water scattered by the various situations occurring during the operation of the washing machine (W), the electrode sensor (70) for detecting this, when it collects in the base 100 , 7). The electrode sensor 70 detects whether a predetermined amount of wash water is collected in the base 100 based on the electrical characteristics detected when the two electrodes are connected to each other by the wash water.

Electrode sensor 70 is provided on the rear of the base 100, it is preferably provided on the left or right in accordance with the rotation direction of the inner tub (30). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the rotation direction of the inner tub 40 is counterclockwise, the electrode sensor 70 has a base because a large amount of washing water is scattered to the left of the rear of the base 100. It will be preferable to be provided on the left side of the rear of the 100, on the contrary, as shown in FIG. 5, when the rotation direction of the inner tub 40 is clockwise, it is preferable to be provided on the right side of the rear of the base 100. Do.

On the other hand, the correlation between the position of the splash water drain hole 22 and the position of the electrode sensor 70 should also be considered to accurately detect the scatter water. When the splash water drain hole 22 is provided at the rear left side of the outer tub cover 20, the electrode sensor 70 is disposed at the rear left side of the base 100 so as to be positioned below the splash water drain hole 22. Preferably, when the non-water splash hole 22 is provided on the rear right side of the outer tub cover 20, the electrode sensor 70 is preferably disposed on the rear right side of the base 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a configuration in which an electrode sensor 70 applied to a washing machine W according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a relationship with a water collecting unit 152, and FIG. 7 is shown in FIG. 6. Another embodiment showing a configuration in which the illustrated electrode sensor 70 is disposed in relation to the water collecting part 152 is shown.

6 and 7, the electrode sensor 70 includes an electrode sensor main body 71 and a first electrode 72a and a second electrode 72b extending from the electrode sensor main body 71. The electrode sensor main body 71 accommodates various electric appliances for processing electrical signals generated when the two electrodes 72a and 72b are connected to each other.

The base 100 is provided with a collecting part 152 for collecting wash water scattered to the base 100, and the positive electrodes 72a and 72b of the electrode sensor 70 are spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom of the collecting part 152. Are arranged. Therefore, when the wash water of a predetermined level or more is collected in the water collecting unit 152, the electrodes 72a and 72b are in contact with the wash water and are electrically connected to each other. As described above, the following two embodiments are proposed in order to separate the bottom of the collecting part 152 and the positive electrodes 72a and 72b.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the two electrodes 72a and 72b are horizontally spaced apart from the bottom surface of the collecting part 152 by a predetermined distance, and the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. As described above, the electrodes 72a and 72b are disposed vertically, but the ends of each of the electrodes 72a and 72b are spaced apart from each other by keeping a constant distance from the bottom of the collecting part 152.

If the positive electrodes 72a and 72b of the electrode sensor 70 are arranged to be in contact with the bottom of the collecting part 152 (for example, the positive electrodes 72a and 72b are the bottom of the collecting part 152). And the detergent dissolved in the wash water solidifies and remains in the water collecting unit 152 while drying of the wash water collected in the water collecting unit 152, and the residual detergent is discharged to the electrodes 72a and 62b. ), There is a problem that the electrode sensor 70 malfunctions. In particular, when the residual detergent is not completely dried and contains a certain amount or more of moisture, even when no scattering water is collected in the collecting parts 72a and 72b, both electrodes 72b are brought into contact with each other so that the electrode sensor 70 May malfunction. In addition, in an environment where the temperature is low, such as in winter, the moisture collected in the water collecting unit 152 may freeze, so that both electrodes 72a and 72b may conduct. In particular, the amount of scattered water collected in the water collecting unit 152 may be increased. In the case of a small amount, since freezing of the scattered water is rapidly performed, there is a problem that both electrodes 72a and 72b are connected to each other even when no more scattered water is collected.

The electrode sensor 70 according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may prevent the above-mentioned problems from occurring because both electrodes 72a and 72b are arranged to maintain a predetermined distance from the bottom of the collecting part 152. .

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the bottom surface 31 of the outer tub 30 shown in FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8.

8 and 9, the heater accommodating part 36 in which the heater 35 is accommodated is formed at the rear left side of the outer tub bottom 31. The heater accommodating part 36 is recessed from the bottom surface 31 of the outer tub 30 to form a space in which the heater 35 can be accommodated, and the heater 35 is fixed by the bracket 37. The heater cover 38 is provided to cover the heater accommodating portion 36 to prevent the heater 35 from directly contacting the laundry. The heater cover 38 includes a hole for washing water to flow into the heater accommodating portion 36. 38h is formed. A drain 33 is formed at the bottom of the heater accommodating portion 36 to drain the wash water, and the wash water drained through the drain 33 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine W through the drain passage 64 and the pump 66. Drained.

As described above, due to the structural feature that the heater accommodating portion 36 is formed on the outer tank bottom surface 31, the direction of the washing water scattered when rotating in the inner tank 40 is affected.

Since the heater accommodating portion 36 is formed in the outer bottom surface 31 of the groove, the rigidity of the portion in which the heater accommodating portion 36 is formed is different from other portions, and vibration generated when the inner tub 40 is rotated. Alternatively, deformation may occur in the rear portion of the outer tub 30 due to eccentricity or the like caused by an uneven distribution of laundry in the inner tub 40, resulting in a change in the distance between the rear portion of the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40. do. In particular, in the case where the outer tub 30 is molded of a plastic material which can be easily deformed by an external force, the deformation of the outer tub 30 occurs more and the washing water is caused by the centrifugal force generated when the inner tub 40 is rotated. The rear part of the outer tub 30 is deformed toward the cabinet 10 side by the force applied to the outside along the radial direction of the outer tub 30, and relatively between the front part of the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40. The gap will be narrowed. Therefore, in the case where the washing water rises between the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40 due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the inner tub 40, through the narrowed flow path between the front of the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40. The rising height and lifting force of the rising washing water will be greater, and when the washing water rises to a height higher than the outer tub 30, it will be guided backward along the bottom of the outer tub cover 20, and the outer tub cover 20 Depending on the strength of the flow of the wash water is guided along the phenomenon that the wash water splashes outside the outer tub 40 occurs. (See Fig. 4)

In the present embodiment, the heater accommodating part 36 is formed at the rear left side of the outer tub bottom surface 31 and ascends along the narrowed gap between the front right side of the tub 30 and the tub 40 during the rotation of the tub 20. When the wash water is scattered, the amount scattered to the left of the rear of the base 100 is relatively large compared to other places.

On the other hand, the structural characteristics of the outer tub 30 in which the heater accommodating part 36 is formed is only one cause for explaining the reason why the amount of the washing water scattered to the rear left side of the base 100 is large. Considering the influence of the rotational direction of the 40, the formation position of the laundry separation prevention portion 21, and the position of the scattered water drain hole 22 formed in the outer tub cover 20, and the like to the most part of the base 100 It is determined whether a lot of washing water is scattered, and thus it is preferable that the electrode sensor 70 is disposed at the place where the most scattering water is collected.

On the other hand, when a model equipped with a heater in a washing machine and a model without a heater are each released as a product, a heater accommodating part may be used in any one of the two models for the design / manufacturing cost of the product and the commonality of parts. The outer tub 30 in which the 36 is formed may be applied.

In this embodiment, the scattered water drainage hole 22 is formed at the rear left side of the outer tub cover 20, the heater accommodating portion 36 is formed at the rear left side of the inner tub bottom 31, and the centrifugal circulation flow (FIG. 19). When forming, the inner tank 40 rotates counterclockwise, and the electrode sensor 70 proposes a structure formed at the rear left side of the base 100, but is not limited thereto. It is formed on the rear right side of the outer tub cover 20 of the hole 22, the heater receiving portion 36 is formed on the rear right side of the inner tub bottom 31, the inner tub 40 in the clockwise direction when forming the centrifugal circulation flow Of course, the electrode sensor 70 is formed on the rear right side of the base 100.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the base 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the base 100 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12A is an enlarged view illustrating an enlarged portion indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 11. FIG. 12B is an enlarged view illustrating an enlarged portion A of FIG. 12A. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B shown in FIG. 12A.

The base 100 extends along the circumference of the base 100 and is formed in an inner region surrounded by the circumferential reservoir I and the circumferential reservoir I, where scattering water is stored, and scattered forward of the base 100. A front reservoir (II) for storing the washed water, and a rear reservoir (III) for storing the wash water scattered to the rear of the base (100) formed in the inner region surrounded by the circumferential reservoir (I). do.

The circumferential reservoir part I is scattered during the operation of the washing machine W, and the washing water flowing along the inner wall inner wall of the cabinet 10 is stored. The circumferential reservoir I is formed with a flow path for storing wash water, and the flow path is formed by ribs 121 and 122 extending along the circumference of the base 100, which forms both sides of the circumferential reservoir I. Can be formed. A partition wall 123 may be formed between the first rib 121 and the second rib 122.

The front reservoir II is formed at the front of the inner side of the base 100 surrounded by the peripheral reservoir I and is scattered to the inside of the front side of the washing water or cabinet 10 flowing down the outer tub 30 and bounced off. Drain the washed wash. The front reservoir II may be formed with a grid-shaped reinforcement rib 131 for reinforcing the rigidity of the base 100, and the washing water scattered in the grid-shaped space divided by the reinforcement rib 131 may be stored. do.

The rear reservoir III is formed at the rear of the inner side of the base 100 surrounded by the circumferential reservoir I and is scattered to the inside of the rear side of the wash water or cabinet 10 flowing down the outer tub 30 and bounced off. Drain the washed wash. The rear reservoir III is provided with a pump mounting portion 142 on which the pump 66 is mounted and an electrode sensor mounting portion 150 (see FIG. 14B) on which the electrode sensor 70 is mounted.

In particular, the washing machine (W) according to an embodiment of the present invention has a large amount of washing water gathered to the left of the rear of the base 100 by the above-described various factors, and therefore, the electrode sensor 70 has a rear reservoir ( It is preferable to be installed on the left side of III).

The rear reservoir III stores the wash water in a space formed by the ribs 122 formed in the center of the rib 122 and the base 100 of the circumferential reservoir I.

12A, 12B, and 12C, the circumferential reservoir part I has a fastening part 124 to which a fastening member such as a bolt is fastened to fasten the base 100 and the cabinet 10, and the fastening part ( 124 forms a boss projecting from the bottom surface of the circumferential reservoir (I).

A flow path 125 is formed between the fastening part 124 and the rib 121 so that a fastening member such as a bolt fastened to the fastening part 124 does not come into contact with the wash water stored in the circumferential water storage part I and corrode. . On the other hand, the surface 126 on which the fastening portion 124 is formed is formed higher than the surface 127 of the other portion of the circumferential reservoir portion I, so that the surface of the other portion from the surface 126 on which the fastening portion 124 is formed. An inclined surface 128 is formed extending toward 127. The flow path 125 extends along the inclined surface 27. Therefore, since the wash water scattered to the surface 126 on which the fastening part 124 is formed is guided downward along the flow path 125, the fastening member is reliably prevented from being corroded by the wash water.

FIG. 13 shows a part of the base 100 shown in FIG. 10 and shows the detailed structure of the rear reservoir III. FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 13 and illustrates a structure in which the electrode sensor 70 is coupled to the electrode sensor mounting unit 150. 14B is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the electrode sensor mounting unit 150 shown in FIG. 14A in more detail. FIG. 14C is a partial perspective view illustrating a cross-sectional structure taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 13. Hereinafter, the structure in which the electrode sensor 70 is mounted on the base 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14A to 14C.

The rear reservoir III is a collection slope 143 formed to be inclined downward toward the electrode sensor mount 150 to guide the wash water collected by the rear reservoir III to the electrode sensor mount 150. Include.

On the catch slope 143, ribs 144 are formed to extend along the inclination direction of the catch slope 143 to restrict the washing water guided along the catch slope 143 to flow laterally.

The electrode sensor mounting unit 150 includes a bracket 151 to which the electrode sensor 70 is fastened, and a collecting unit 152 forming a groove to collect the wash water guided along the collecting slope 143. The water collecting unit 152 is formed by being recessed from the surface 155 through which the washing water guided along the water collecting slope 143 passes. A rib 154 is formed along the edge of the face 155.

On the other hand, the electrode sensor mounting portion 150 is formed with an outlet portion 153 for discharging the excess downstream when the washing water of a larger amount than the capacity of the collecting portion 152 is collected. The outlet 153 may be implemented by allowing a gap to be formed between the electrode sensor 70 and the rib 154 when the electrode sensor 70 is mounted to the electrode sensor mounting unit 150.

The washing water overflowed from the collecting part 152 by the outlet part 153 is drained from the electrode sensor seating part 150, so that both electrodes 72a and 72b of the electrode sensor 70 are immersed and corroded for a long time. You can prevent it.

The washing water flowing out through the outlet 153 does not leak to the bottom IV on which the washing machine W is mounted by the ribs 125, but is stored in the rear reservoir III to naturally evaporate.

Both electrodes 72a and 72b of the electrode sensor 70 are horizontally spaced apart from the bottom of the collecting part 152 at a horizontal interval, and the level of the washing water collected in the collecting part 152 is constant. When the two electrodes 72a and 72b are submerged in the wash water to detect the electrical signal detected by both electrodes 72a and 72b, it is determined whether the washing water is detected.

The first terminal 73a and the second terminal 73b are electrically connected to the controller 55 to transfer an electrical signal detected between the first electrode 72a and the second electrode 72b to the controller 55 side. do. The controller 55 detects the wash water according to the electrical signal transmitted from the electrode sensor 70 side, and by controlling the speed of rotation of the inner tub 40 through this, it is possible to prevent further wash water from scattering.

Meanwhile, although the electrodes 72a and 72b of the electrode sensor 70 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14a are horizontal, the electrodes 72a and 72b of the electrode sensor 70 are shown in FIG. 7. ) Is vertically arranged so that each end is spaced apart from the bottom of the collecting portion 152 by a predetermined interval. In order to arrange the electrode sensor 70 in the above structure, the configuration of the bracket 151 may be appropriately changed, which may be variously implemented by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cabinet 10 shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the rear, and illustrates a coupling state of the cabinet 10 and the back panel 11. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the back panel 11 shown in FIG. 15.

15 to 16, the back panel 11 is coupled to the rear of the cabinet 10. The back panel 11 forms a ventilation hole 11b through which the inside of the cabinet 10 is ventilated, and washing water scattered into the cabinet 10 is not leaked to the outside through the ventilation hole 11b to the base 100. A plurality of scattering water guides 11a for guiding to fall apart are formed.

The scattered water guide 11a is inclined downwardly from the back panel 11 toward the base 100 by bending the surface partially cut off from the back panel 11 to the inside of the cabinet 10. Therefore, the washing water scattered toward the inner rear of the cabinet 10 is prevented from leaking to the outside through the vent hole 11b by the interference with the scattering water guide 11a, and the inclined surface of the scattering water guide 11a is prevented. It is guided downward along the base 100 is collected.

FIG. 17 illustrates a form of the stirring water stream formed during the operation of the washing machine W according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 illustrates a compression formed during the operation of the washing machine W according to an embodiment of the present invention. 19 illustrates a form of water flow, and FIG. 19 illustrates a form of centrifugal circulating water that is formed during operation of the washing machine W according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, respective water flows will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19.

Referring to Figure 17, the stirring water flow is formed by the stirring rotation in which the pulsator 45 is rotated alternately in both directions. The flow direction of the stirring stream is alternately changed clockwise and counterclockwise. Therefore, the washing water in the inner tank 40 is agitated by the inertia generated by changing the direction of the water flow, and the washing performance is improved.

Agitated water flow is when the laundry is carried out by the friction action generated between the pulsator 45 and the laundry (m) at the time of inflating to loosen the laundry (m) accommodated in each other in the inner tank 40 or the inner tank (40) It may be formed when performing a process for evenly mixing the detergent and wash water supplied into the).

Referring to Figure 18, the pressurized water flow is generated by the rotation of the inner tank (40). The laundry m is stuck to the inner wall of the inner tub 40 by the centrifugal force generated as the inner tub 40 rotates, and the washing water rises between the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40. At this time, the height of the washing water rising along the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40 does not exceed the upper end of the outer tub 30.

The height of the washing water rising between the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40 will be determined by the rotational speed of the inner tub 40 and the amount of wash water contained in the outer tub 30, and The amount may vary depending on the amount of laundry. Referring to Fig. 19, the centrifugal circulating water flow is generated by the rotation of the inner tank 40. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the inner tub 40 causes the laundry m to stick to the inner wall of the inner tub 40, and the washing water rises between the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40 so that the outer tub cover 14 is closed. The water is guided along the bottom and fed back into the inner tank 40 to form a centrifugal circulating water stream.

The height of the washing water rising between the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40 will be determined by the rotational speed of the inner tub 40 and the amount of wash water contained in the outer tub 30, and The amount may vary depending on the amount of laundry.

Compared with the pressurized water stream described above, under the same condition as the amount of wash water contained in the outer tub 30, in order to form a centrifugal circulation stream, the rotational speed of the inner tank 40 should be faster than when forming the pressurized water stream.

While the centrifugal circulation flow is being formed, at the time when it rises between the outer tank 30 and the inner tank 40 and pours back into the inner tank 40, the outer tank 30 is dependent on the flow rate and the strength of the centrifugal circulation flow. The washing water may be scattered to the outside. In this case, it is preferable to reduce the rotational speed of the inner tank 40 so that a compressed water flow can be formed, and the process of switching the water stream should be determined depending on whether the wash water is scattered outside the outer tank 30. Hereinafter will be described with reference to the washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the washing method illustrated in FIG. 20 in terms of a change in rotation speed of the motor 50.

20 to 21, in the washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the centrifugal circulation flow is formed at a predetermined stage during the operation of the washing machine W (S110), and the scattered water is discharged by the electrode sensor 70. (S120), and if the value P measured by the electrode sensor 70 is greater than the reference value Po, a predetermined amount or more of the washing water scattered in the water collecting unit 152 is collected and both electrodes of the electrode sensor 70 As 72a and 72b are energized, it is determined that the wash water is scattered from the outer tank 30 (S130), and the ongoing centrifugal circulating water flow is converted into the compressed water flow (S140).

In the step S110 of forming the centrifugal circulating water flow, the control unit 55 properly converts the clutch 35 so that only the inner tank 40 rotates, or the inner tank 40 and the pulsator 45 rotate integrally. . At this time, the rotational speed of the motor 50 is the laundry adheres to the inner wall of the inner tub 40 by centrifugal force, rotates integrally with the inner tub 40, the washing water rises between the outer tub 30 and the inner tub 40 It is guided by the bottom of the outer tub cover 14 is rotated at a speed (RPM1) that can be fed back into the inner tub (40).

Then, when it is determined that the scattered water is detected according to the value detected in the scattered water detection step (S120) (S130), the controller 55 reduces the rotational speed of the motor 50. At this time, the rotational speed of the motor 50 is the laundry adheres to the inner wall of the inner tank 40 by centrifugal force and rotates integrally with the inner tank 40, the outer tank 40 along the outer tank 30 and the inner tank 40 The speed at which the wash water rises to a position lower than the upper end of).

Washing method according to the present embodiment, if it is detected that the washing water is scattered during the centrifugal circulation flow is formed, by reducing the rotational speed of the inner tank 40 to form a compressed water, to prevent further washing water is scattered It works.

22 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 22, during the operation of the washing machine (W) to form a centrifugal circulating water flow in a certain step (S210), by detecting the scattered water by the electrode sensor 70 (S220), measured by the electrode sensor 70 If the calculated value P is larger than the reference value Po, it is determined that the washing water of a predetermined amount or more is collected in the water collecting unit 152 (S230), and converts the ongoing centrifugal circulating water stream into the compressed water stream (S240). Next, the next step is performed according to the preset algorithm (S250) and the operation of the washing machine (W) is continued, and when the step (S260) is set to form the centrifugal circulation stream again according to the preset washing algorithm, the compressed stream is replaced To form (S270).

Washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, if it is detected that the wash water is scattered to the base 100 during the step of forming the centrifugal circulation (S210), and then the centrifugal circulation at the step set to form the centrifugal circulation By forming compressed water instead of water, it prevents further wash water from scattering. At this time, if the washing water is detected as being scattered and the process of forming the compressed water instead of the centrifugal circulating water is repeated a predetermined number of times (S) (S265), the subsequent centrifugal circulating water forming step (S280) is further compressed. The centrifugal circulating stream is normally formed without switching to the stream. (S280, S210)

As described above, in the washing method according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the washing water is scattered to the base 100 when the centrifugal circulating water is formed by the electrode sensor 70, the washing method further washes the base 100. The water is prevented from being scattered, and a pressurized water stream is formed instead of the centrifugal water stream until the N (set number) th centrifugal water stream forming step, which is performed later, until the wash water stored in the base 100 is dried.

On the other hand, when the measured value P measured by the electrode sensor 70 is smaller than the reference value Po, the centrifugal circulating flow is continuously formed without causing the speed of the motor 50 to decelerate. S220), and then perform the next step according to a predetermined algorithm (S270) to continue the operation of the washing machine (W), and if the centrifugal circulating water forming step is performed during the subsequent step, the centrifugal circulating water is formed as it is. In operation S280, S290, and S210, the step of detecting the scattered water (S220) and comparing the measured value P and the reference value Po of the electrode sensor 70 are performed (S230).

23 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 23, in the laundry method according to another embodiment of the present invention, even when the washing machine W is turned off, scattering water detection information is stored so that power is applied to the washing machine W to be washed later. When is reactivated, the stored scattered water detection information is called, and it is determined whether to form the compressed water flow instead of the centrifugal water flow in the step set to form the centrifugal water flow according to the called splash water detection information. Therefore, if scattered water is detected during the operation of the washing machine W currently being performed, the power of the washing machine W is turned off and then on again, so that the pressurized water is formed instead of the centrifugal circulating water during the subsequent operation of the washing machine W. .

This process is performed until the process of turning the washing machine W off and on is repeated by the set number N, and centrifugal again when the washing machine W is performed after the set number of times has passed. In the circulating stream forming step, the centrifugal circulating stream is normally formed. Therefore, if it is determined that scattered water is detected at least once during the operation of the washing machine W, the washing water is prevented from scattering any more due to the formation of the centrifugal circulating water until the operation of the Nth washing machine W, which is performed later, and the base The scattered wash water stored in the 100 is evaporated while the washing machine W is repeatedly performed N times.

This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 23. The following description assumes the setting frequency N = 1.

The power of the washing machine W is applied and a primary washing machine operation is performed. (S310) When the centrifugal circulating water flow forming step (S320) is performed during the operation of the primary washing machine, the washing is performed to the base 100 through the electrode sensor 70. It is detected whether the water has been scattered (S330). If it is determined that the scattered water is detected in the scattered water detection step (S330), the pressurized water stream is formed instead of the centrifugal circulation water in the centrifugal circulating water flow forming step, which is set to be performed later (S340). . When the washing machine W is turned off, the operation of the primary washing machine is terminated (S350). At this time, the scattered water detection information detected by the electrode sensor 70 in the scattered water detection step S330 is RAM or RAM. It is stored in a memory 53 such as a flash memory.

The sensing information includes the number of restarts N of the washing machine W in which the step of forming the compressed water is performed instead of the step set to form the centrifugal circulation in the future.

Subsequently, when power is again supplied to the washing machine W by the user and the secondary washing machine operation is performed, the controller 55 calls the scattered water detection information stored in the memory 53, and the called information operates the primary washing machine. If the wash water scattered to the base 100 is detected, the centrifugal circulatory water forming step set to be performed later forms a pressurized water stream at the step of setting the centrifugal circulating water flow (S335). The power is turned off and the operation of the secondary washing machine is terminated. (S345) At this time, the scattered water detection information stored in the memory 53 is updated to include the number of restarts of the washing machine performed after the operation of the primary washing machine is finished.

Thereafter, the washing machine W is turned on again and a third washing machine operation is performed (S370), and whether the centrifugal circulating flow is formed in the centrifugal circulating flow forming step set to be performed later according to the information called from the memory 53. It is set whether to form a water flow (S380).

In this case, the information stored in the memory 53 records the number of restarts of the washing machine performed after the operation of the first washing machine. In the present embodiment, the number of washing machines restarted is set to N = 1, so that the centrifugal circulating water is formed during the operation of the third washing machine. In the step, the compressed water flow is no longer formed instead of the centrifugal water flow, and the centrifugal water flow is normally formed. (S390) (N = 1 condition is satisfied)

In the laundry method according to another embodiment of the present invention, if scattered water is detected during the operation of the washing machine (W), a pressurized water stream is formed in place of the centrifugal circulating water in the subsequent operation of the washing machine (W). By doing so, it is possible to prevent further washing water from scattering, and to secure sufficient time for the scattered washing water stored in the base 100 to dry until the washing machine W is performed Nth. .

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the following claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the equivalent concept are included in the scope of the present invention. Should be interpreted.

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

2 is a side cross-sectional view of the washing machine W shown in FIG. 1.

3 is a block diagram showing a control relationship between the main parts of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 5 is a view showing the inside of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention from the upper side, it is a view showing a form in which the washing water is scattered according to the rotation direction of the inner tank.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which an electrode sensor applied to a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a relationship with a collecting unit, and FIG. 7 shows that the electrode sensor shown in FIG. Another embodiment showing the arrangement arranged in the relationship of the is shown.

8 is a plan view illustrating a bottom surface of the outer tub shown in FIG. 2.

9 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8.

10 is a perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the base shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged view illustrating an enlarged portion indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12B is an enlarged view illustrating an enlarged portion A of FIG. 12A.

12C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 shows a part of the base shown in FIG. 10 and shows a detailed structure of the rear reservoir.

FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 13 and illustrates a structure in which an electrode sensor is coupled to an electrode sensor mounting portion.

14B is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the electrode sensor mounting unit shown in FIG. 14A in more detail.

FIG. 14C is a partial perspective view illustrating a cross-sectional structure taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cabinet shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the rear, illustrating a coupling state of the cabinet and the back panel.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the back panel shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 illustrates a form of the stirring water stream formed during the operation of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 illustrates a form of the compressed water formed during the operation of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 19 is a view showing the form of the centrifugal circulating water flow formed during the operation of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method of FIG. 20 in terms of a change in motor rotation speed.

22 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

23 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (15)

A cabinet having a base at a lower portion thereof; An outer tub provided in the cabinet and having an upper portion opened to supply washing water from above; An inner tub provided in the outer tub and rotating about a vertical axis; And Washing machine provided on the left or right of the rear of the base, the electrode sensor for detecting the washing water scattered from the outer tank during the rotation of the inner tank. The method of claim 1, The electrode sensor, It is provided on the left side of the rear of the base, The inner tank, When the wash water in the outer tank is rotated at a speed that can rise between the inner tank and the outer tank to form a centrifugal circulation flow to be re-supplied to the inner tank, based on the vertical axis when the inner tank is viewed from above Washing machine rotating counterclockwise. The method of claim 1, The electrode sensor, It is provided on the right side of the rear of the base, The inner tank, When the wash water in the outer tank is rotated at a speed that can rise between the inner tank and the outer tank to form a centrifugal circulation flow to be re-supplied to the inner tank, based on the vertical axis when the inner tank is viewed from above Washing machine rotating clockwise. The method of claim 1, It further comprises an outer cover provided in the upper side of the outer tub and the central portion is opened so that laundry can enter and exit, At the rear of the outer cover, The washing machine is provided with a departure prevention portion protruding toward the open central portion so that the laundry in the inner tank is not separated to the outside of the inner tank when the inner tank is rotated. The method of claim 1, The outer tank, Washing machine including a heater mounting portion formed by recessing the rear left or right of the bottom surface so that the heater can be mounted. The method of claim 5, The electrode sensor, The washing machine is formed on the rear left or right side of the base in correspondence with the rear left or right side of the outer bottom surface on which the heater mounting portion is formed. The method of claim 1, The outer tub is deformed by a force exerted outward along the radial direction of the outer tub by the centrifugal force generated when the inner tub is rotated, and the front left or right side of the outer tub and the inner tub due to the deformation of the tub The space | interval between a washing machine becomes narrow compared with the space | interval between the rear left or right side of the said outer tank, and the said inner tank. The method of claim 1, The outer tub is made of a plastic material. The method of claim 1, An outer tub cover provided on an upper side of the outer tub; And It is formed on the rear left or right of the outer tub cover further includes a scattering water drainage hole for draining the scattered wash water to the base when the wash water is scattered to the upper surface of the outer tub cover, The electrode sensor is disposed in the lower side of the scattered water drain hole. The method of claim 9, The outer cover is, Washing machine having a scattering water guide for guiding the washing water scattered to the upper surface of the outer cover to the scattering water drain hole. The method of claim 1, The base is, Includes a water collecting unit for collecting the wash water scattered from the outer tank, The electrode sensor, A first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other, The first electrode and the second pole, Washing machine disposed to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the water collecting unit. The method of claim 11, The first electrode and the second electrode, Washing machine extending in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the water collecting portion. The method of claim 11, The first electrode and the second electrode, Washing machine extending in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the water collecting portion. The method of claim 13, Washing machine, the end of each of the first electrode and the second electrode spaced apart from the bottom surface of the water collecting portion. The method of claim 1, The base is, It includes an electrode sensor mounting portion to which the electrode sensor is mounted, The electrode sensor mounting portion is provided with a water collecting portion for collecting the wash water scattered from the outer tank, and a washing unit formed to guide the washing water overflowed from the water collecting portion to the outside of the electrode sensor mounting portion.

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