KR20120012214A - A washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A washing machine is provided to protect the pipe of the washing machine from cold weather by operating a water supply valve when the sensed temperature is lower than an established temperature. CONSTITUTION: A washing machine includes a water supply valve(6) and a temperature sensor(18). Washing water is supplied by the water supply valve. The temperature sensor is arranged at a water supply valve. The temperature sensor senses temperature. The sensed temperature is lower than an established temperature, the water supply valve is operated.

Description

Washing machine {A washing machine}

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine that can prevent the washing machine from freezing.

In general, a washing machine includes an outer tub for washing water, and an inner tub rotatably provided in the outer tub to accommodate clothes and the like (hereinafter, referred to as 'foam'), and washing of the fabric is performed as the inner tub is rotated.

The washing machine has a top loading type in which an inner tank is vertically provided so that the foam can be fed from the upper side and rotates about a vertical axis, and the inner tank is horizontally provided so that the foam can be fed from the front and rotates about the horizontal axis. It can be divided into front loading type.

The washing machine of the top-loading method can be largely classified into an agitator type and a pulsator type, and the agitating type washes by rotating a laundry rod towering in the center of the inner tank, and the vortex type is located at the bottom of the inner tank. The formed disk-shaped pulsator or inner tub is rotated to wash.

The front loading method is commonly referred to as a drum washing machine, and a lifter is provided on an inner circumferential surface of a drum constituting an inner tank, and as the drum rotates, the lifter lifts the cloth by the lifter and drops it.

As described above, there are various types of washing machines, but any one of the water supply apparatus for supplying the washing water to the outer tank and / or the inner tank, and the drainage system for draining the washing water from the outer tank after washing, rinsing, dehydrating, etc. Equipped.

In the conventional washing machine, washing water is frozen in an environment such as a winter season when the temperature of the outside air drops below zero, so that the water supply device or the drainage device does not operate normally.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can prevent freezing.

The washing machine of the present invention includes a water supply valve for supplying washing water and a temperature sensor provided at the water supply valve to sense a temperature, and the water supply valve is operated when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a set temperature. .

Alternatively, the washing machine of the present invention includes a drain pump for draining the wash water, and a temperature sensor provided in the drain pump to sense a temperature, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a set temperature, the drain pump Is working.

Alternatively, the washing machine of the present invention includes a drain valve for draining the wash water, and a temperature sensor provided at the drain valve to sense a temperature, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a set temperature, the drain valve. Is working.

The washing machine of the present invention has an effect of preventing freezing in a low temperature environment such as a cold weather.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention, without the need to provide a separate heater for heating the components that are frequently in contact with the wash water, there is an effect that can prevent the freezing using the self-heating generated when the components are operating have.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the configuration for supplying power for freezing prevention in the washing machine of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a first embodiment of the water supply valve freezing prevention method in the washing machine of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the water supply valve freezing prevention method in the washing machine of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a flow chart showing a third embodiment of the water supply valve freezing prevention method in the washing machine of the present invention.
7 is a flow chart showing a fourth embodiment of the water supply valve freezing prevention method in the washing machine of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a method for preventing freezing of a drain pump in a washing machine of the present invention.
9 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the method for preventing the freezing of the drain pump in the washing machine of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of a method for preventing freezing of a drain pump in a washing machine of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment of the method for preventing the freezing of the drain pump in the washing machine of the present invention.
12A, 12B and 12C are flowcharts illustrating a freezing detection method of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods of 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 may be implemented in various forms, and only the embodiments of the present invention make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to fully inform the person having the scope of the invention, the invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 2, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 1 forming an exterior, an outer tub 2 provided in the cabinet 1 to contain wash water, and an outer tub 2. An inner tub 3 rotatably provided to accommodate laundry and a pulsator 4 rotatably provided at the bottom of the inner tub 3. The inner tank 3 is formed with a plurality of handmade holes 3h so that the wash water can flow between the outer tank 2 and the inner tank 3. The upper cover 12 may be provided at an upper portion of the outer tub 2, the center cover of which the center portion is opened so that laundry can be introduced into the inner tub 3. One side of the cabinet 1 is provided with a control panel 11 that provides a user interface with operation keys and a display for displaying an operation state of the washing machine so that a user can input various commands for controlling the operation of the washing machine. Can be.

In addition, the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to an external water source such as a faucet to supply the washing water to the inner tank (2) and the outer tank (3) and to regulate the water supply passage (5) A water supply valve 6, a detergent box 7 containing detergent, a drain passage 9 for draining the wash water in the outer tank 2, a drain valve 8 for intermittent the drain passage 9, , A drain pump 10 provided on the drain passage 9, and a driving part 13 to selectively rotate the inner tank 3 or the pulsator 4.

The driving unit 13 may include a motor (not shown) for generating a rotational force and a clutch (not shown) for selectively transmitting the rotational force of the motor to the inner tank 3 or the pulsator 4.

In addition, the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 14 for controlling the overall operation of the washing machine, a freezing prevention selecting unit 16 into which a control command for executing the freezing prevention is input, and the outer tank 2. It may further include a water level sensor 20 for detecting the level of the wash water, a display unit 22 for displaying the operating state of the washing machine, and a heater 28 for heating the wash water.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the configuration for supplying power for freezing prevention in the washing machine of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a first power supply unit 24 and a second power supply unit 26.

The first power supply unit 24 supplies power of a predetermined size or less in a state where the washing machine is waiting without washing, rinsing, or dehydration. The washing machine is standby by the power supplied by the first power supply unit 24. The display unit 22 can be operated even in the state of being in use.

The second power supply unit 26 may supply power over the predetermined size, and supplies power required to operate the water supply valve 6, the drain valve 8, and the drain pump 10 and the heater 28. The second power supply unit 26 supplies power to the driving unit 13 to perform washing, rinsing or dehydration.

The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention has a temperature by the temperature sensor 18 to prevent the various components constituting the washing machine from being frozen while washing, rinsing, or dehydration does not proceed, and the washing machine is standing by. When the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature, various components constituting the washing machine are operated to prevent freezing through self-heating generated during operation of the components.

Here, the set temperature means a reference temperature that is expected to freeze the various components of the washing machine when the washing machine is left under the set temperature, it may be preferably set to a value below zero.

Meanwhile, the power supplied to the temperature sensor 18 and the heater 28 may be supplied by either the first power supply 24 or the second power supply 26, but the washing machine does not proceed to washing, rinsing, or dehydration. The first power supply unit 24 supplies power to the temperature sensor 18 during the temporary standby time, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature, the first power supply unit 26 supplies the heater 28. In order to operate the water supply valve 6, the drain valve 10 or the drain pump 10, it is preferable to supply power. There is an effect that can reduce the amount of power consumed by the temperature sensor 18 in the washing machine standby state.

 When the freezing prevention is started, the control unit 14 controls the first power supply unit 24 to supply power to operate the temperature sensor 18, after which the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is set temperature When lower, the second power supply 26 may be controlled to supply power for operating the water supply valve 6, the drain valve 8, or the drain pump 10.

Here, the start of the freezing prevention means that a predetermined algorithm is performed so that various components constituting the washing machine are not frozen, and two aspects are possible.

First, freezing prevention is automatically started when washing, rinsing or dehydration is not performed and the washing machine is waiting. There is an advantage that the user does not need to take additional measures to prevent freezing of the washing machine.

Second, as shown in Figure 2, the washing machine is provided with a freeze protection selection unit 16 to select the freeze protection, freeze protection starts only when the user selected through the freeze protection selection unit 16 Will be.

The freeze protection start (A1, A11, A21, A31, B1, B11, B21, B31) shown in FIGS. 4 to 11 to be described later may specify which of the two.

In addition, the temperature sensor 18 of the present invention may be provided in any of the water supply valve 6, the drain valve 8 or the drain pump 10, which will be described in more detail in the following embodiments. .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the freezing prevention method of the water supply valve 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. However, the freezing prevention method illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 may be equally applied to prevent the freezing of the drain valve 8, and in this case, the temperature sensor 18 is provided at the drain valve 10, and the temperature sensor ( It is specified that there is only a difference in that the operation of the drain valve 10 is determined according to the detected value of 18).

Heater 28 Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a first embodiment of the water supply valve freezing prevention method in the washing machine of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 18 is provided in the water supply valve (6).

When freezing prevention is started (A1), the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor 18 (A2), and the water supply valve 6 is activated when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature (A3). , A4). When the freezing protection is not released even after the water supply valve 6 is operated, the temperature sensor 18 repeatedly detects the temperature (A6), and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 again exceeds the set temperature. The operation of the water supply valve 6 is stopped (A7, A8). Then, depending on whether the freeze detection is released again (A5), by detecting the temperature by the temperature sensor 18 (A6), when the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature again the water supply valve 6 is operated (A3) , A4).

Repeated operation (A4) and stop (A8) of the water supply valve (6) in accordance with the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 as described above is repeated until the freeze protection is released. Here, the release of the freeze protection may be conditioned on the user inputting a release command through the freeze prevention selection unit 16 or on the condition that the user inputs a control command for washing, rinsing, or dehydration.

  Figure 5 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the water supply valve freezing prevention method in the washing machine of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 18 is provided in the water supply valve (6).

When freezing prevention is started (A11), the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor 18 (A12), and the water supply valve 6 is activated when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature (A13). , A14). The temperature sensor 18 repeatedly detects the temperature unless the freezing protection is released even after the water supply valve 6 is operated (A15), and again when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 is equal to or higher than the set temperature. The operation of the valve 6 is stopped (A16, A18).

On the other hand, in this embodiment, even if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is not greater than the set temperature, the operation of the water supply valve 6 is stopped when the set time has elapsed. (A16, A17, A18) The set time may be set within a range such that the water supply valve 6 is not overheated in consideration of the heat generation degree of the water supply valve 6.

Then, depending on whether the freeze detection is released again (A19), the temperature sensor 18 periodically detects the temperature, and when the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature (A13), the water supply valve 6 is operated again ( A14).

Repeating operation and stop of the water supply valve 6 according to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 as described above is repeated until the freeze protection is released. Here, the release of the freeze protection may be conditioned on the user inputting a release command through the freeze prevention selection unit 16 or on the condition that the user inputs a control command for washing, rinsing, or dehydration.

 Figure 6 is a flow chart showing a third embodiment of the water supply valve freezing prevention method in the washing machine of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 18 is provided in the water supply valve (6).

When freezing prevention is started (A21), the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor 18 (A22), when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature (A23), the water supply valve 6 Start and stop are repeated (A24). As long as the freezing prevention is not released even after the water supply valve 6 is operated (A25), the temperature sensor 18 periodically detects the temperature (A26), and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 is set again. When the temperature is abnormal (A27), the operation of the water supply valve 6 is stopped (A28).

Here, in step A24, the section in which the water supply valve 6 is not operated is referred to as 'stop', and in step A28, 'stop' is referred to as a difference between the steps A24 and A28 in the operation method of the water supply valve 6. Because there is. That is, in step A24, while the water supply valve 6 repeats the operation and stops for a predetermined time, the flow returns to step A25 from step A28 to perform step 26 and step A27 without waiting for operation again.

On the other hand, in step A27, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature, it returns to step A24 again and the operation and stop of the water supply valve 6 is repeated.

In the third embodiment, when the temperature A22 sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature, the above-described first and second operations are repeated in that the water supply valve 6 is not operated continuously but instead is repeatedly operated. There is a difference from the embodiment.

On the other hand, the freeze protection release in step A25 is conditional on the user inputting a release command through the freeze protection selection unit 16, or on the condition that the user inputs a control command for washing, rinsing, or dehydration. Can be.

 7 is a flow chart showing a fourth embodiment of the water supply valve freezing prevention method in the washing machine of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 18 is provided in the water supply valve (6).

When freezing prevention is started (A31), the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor 18 (A32), when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature (A33), the water supply valve 6 Start and stop are repeated (A34). The temperature sensor 18 periodically detects the temperature unless the freezing prevention is released even after the water supply valve 6 is operated (A35), and again when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 is equal to or higher than the set temperature. The operation of the valve 6 is stopped (A36, A38).

On the other hand, in this embodiment, even if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is not greater than the set temperature, the operation of the water supply valve 6 is stopped when the set time has elapsed. (A36, A37, A38) The set time may be set within a range such that the water supply valve 6 is not overheated in consideration of the heat generation degree of the water supply valve 6.

Thereafter, depending on whether the freezing detection is released again (A39), the temperature sensor 18 periodically detects the temperature, and when the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature, the water supply valve 6 is operated again (A33, A34).

Here, in step A34, the section in which the water supply valve 6 is not operated is referred to as 'stop', and in step A38, 'stop' is referred to as a difference between the steps A34 and A38 in the operation method of the water supply valve 6. Because there is. That is, in step A34, the water supply valve 6 is repeatedly operated and stopped for a predetermined time, while the water supply valve 6 in which operation is stopped in step A38 is returned from step A39 to step A32 to be operated again in step A34. Wait until it doesn't work.

On the other hand, the release of the freeze protection in step A39 may be conditioned on the user inputting a release command through the freeze prevention selection unit 16 or on the condition that the user inputs a control command for washing, rinsing, or dehydration. have.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a method for preventing freezing of a drain pump in a washing machine of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 18 is provided in the drain pump 10.

When freezing prevention is started (B1), the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor 18 (B2), and the drain pump 10 is operated when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature (B3). , B4). Unless the freezing protection is released even after the drain pump 10 is operated, the temperature sensor 18 repeatedly detects the temperature (B6), and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 again exceeds the set temperature. The operation of the drain pump 10 is stopped (B7, B8). Then, depending on whether the freeze detection is released again (B5), by detecting the temperature by the temperature sensor 18 (B6), when the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature, the drain pump 10 is operated again ( B7, B4).

As described above, the operation B4 and the stop B8 of the drain pump 10 are repeated according to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 until the freeze protection is released. Here, the release of the freeze protection may be conditioned on the user inputting a release command through the freeze prevention selection unit 16 or on the condition that the user inputs a control command for washing, rinsing, or dehydration.

9 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the method for preventing the freezing of the drain pump in the washing machine of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 18 is provided in the drain pump 10.

When freezing prevention is started (B11), the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor 18 (B12), and the drain pump 10 is operated when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature (B13). , B14). The temperature sensor 18 repeatedly detects the temperature unless the freezing protection is released even after the drain pump 10 is operated (B15), and again when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 is equal to or higher than the set temperature. The operation of the pump 10 is stopped (B16, B18).

On the other hand, in this embodiment, even if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is not greater than the set temperature, the operation of the drain pump 10 is stopped when the set time has elapsed. (B16, B17, B18) The set time may be set within a range such that the drain pump 10 is not overheated in consideration of the heat generation degree of the drain pump 10.

Thereafter, depending on whether the freeze detection is released again (B19), the temperature sensor 18 periodically detects the temperature, and when the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature, the drain pump 10 is operated again (B13, B14).

Repeating operation and stop of the drain pump 10 according to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 as described above is repeated until the freeze protection is released. Here, the release of the freeze protection may be conditioned on the user inputting a release command through the freeze prevention selection unit 16 or on the condition that the user inputs a control command for washing, rinsing, or dehydration.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of a method for preventing freezing of a drain pump in a washing machine of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 18 is provided in the drain pump 10.

When freezing prevention is started (B21), the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor 18 (B22), when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature operation and stop of the drain pump 10 Repeated (B23, B24). When the freezing protection is not released even after the drain pump 10 is operated, the temperature sensor 18 periodically detects the temperature (B26), and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 is higher than the set temperature. The operation of the drain pump 10 is stopped (B27, B28). Here, in step B24, the section in which the drain pump 10 is not operated is called 'stop', and in step B28, 'stop' is that, in steps B24 and B28, there is a difference in the operation method of the drain pump 10. Because there is. That is, in step B24, the drain pump 10 repeatedly operates and stops for a predetermined time, while the drain pump 10 automatically stopped in step B28 returns from step B29 to step B25 to step B26 and step B27. Wait for it not to work until it is up again.

On the other hand, in step B27, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature, the flow returns to step B24 again and the operation and stop of the drain pump 10 is repeated.

In the third embodiment, when the temperature B22 sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature, the above-described first operation is repeated so that the operation and shutdown are repeated instead of continuously operating the drainage pump 10. There is a difference from the embodiment.

On the other hand, the freeze protection release in step B25 is conditional on the user inputting a release command through the freeze protection selection unit 16, or condition that the user inputs a control command for washing, rinsing or dehydration. Can be.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment of the method for preventing the freezing of the drain pump in the washing machine of the present invention.

When freezing prevention is started (B31), the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor 18 (B32), when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the set temperature operation and stop of the drain pump 10 Are repeated (B33, B34). The temperature sensor 18 periodically detects the temperature unless the freezing prevention is released even after the drain pump 10 is operated (B35), and again when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 is equal to or higher than the set temperature. The operation of the pump 10 is stopped (B36, B38).

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, even if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is not greater than the set temperature, the operation of the drain pump 10 is stopped when the set time has elapsed. (B36, B37, B38) The set time may be set within a range such that the drain pump 10 is not overheated in consideration of the heat generation degree of the drain pump 10.

Thereafter, depending on whether the freezing detection is released again (B39), the temperature sensor 18 periodically detects the temperature, and when the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature, the drain pump 10 is operated again (B33, B34).

Here, in step B34, the section in which the drain pump 10 is not operated is referred to as 'stop', and in step B38, 'stop' is referred to as the difference between the steps B34 and B38 in the operation method of the drain pump 10. Because there is. That is, in step B34, the drain pump 10 is repeatedly operated and stopped for a predetermined time, while the drain pump 10 in which the operation is stopped in step B38 is returned from step B39 to step B32 to be operated again in step B34. Wait until it doesn't work.

On the other hand, the release of the freeze protection in step B39 may be conditional on the user inputting a release command through the freeze prevention selection unit 16 or on the condition that the user inputs a control command for washing, rinsing or dehydration. have.

Embodiments described above are to prevent the washing machine from freezing by using heat generated when the electrical equipment constituting the washing machine is operated. In particular, the water supply valve 6, drainage, in which freezing by residual water may occur frequently, These show that freezing can be prevented by operating the valve 8 or the drain pump 10.

12A, 12B and 12C are flowcharts illustrating a freezing detection method of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a process of detecting whether the washing machine is frozen after the washing machine is operated to proceed with washing, rinsing, or dehydration.

The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention determines whether an overflow occurs by comparing the water level in the outer tub 2 with the first set water level after power is applied to the washing machine, and performs drainage according to the determination result. 12A is a series of the series shown in FIG. 12B for performing the first freeze determination through the series of flows shown in FIG. 12A, and comparing the water level in the outer tank 2 with the second set water level, and performing draining when the water level is higher than the second set water level. Judging whether or not the second freezing through the flow and the third freeze through the series of flows shown in Figure 12c after supplying the wash water into the outer tank (2) for the administration of washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc. As a result, it is possible to accurately determine whether the washing machine is frozen.

Hereinafter, the first freeze determination process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12A.

When the power is applied and operation of the washing machine starts (S11), the water level in the outer tank 2 is sensed by the water level sensor 20, and the overflow in the outer tank 2 is compared by comparing the detected value with the first set level. It is determined whether it has occurred (S12). The reason for performing this process is to detect whether the washing water in the outer tank (2) is filled by the special circumstances that occurred before the washing machine is operated, the amount exceeded a certain level and overflowed the outer tank (2). For example, the abnormality arises in the water supply valve 6, and the case where wash water is continuously supplied into the outer tank 2 even if the washing machine is turned off. Accordingly, it is preferable that the first set water level is set in consideration of the water level overflowing from the outer tub 2.

If it is determined in step S12 that the water level in the outer tub 2 is higher than the first set water level, the controller 14 causes the display unit 22 to output a third error message (S13). The third error message is a message output so that the user can recognize that an overflow has occurred.

Thereafter, the control unit 14 operates the drainage pump 10 to drain the washing water in the outer tub 2 (S14), and when the water level in the outer tub 2 falls below the second set level within a predetermined time (S15). The third error message is turned OFF (S16), and the second set water level is preferably set to an air supply level at which the wash water in the outer tub 2 is drained. Hereinafter, it will be described that the second set water level is an air level.

On the other hand, when the water level in the outer tank 2 does not reach the second set level in step S15, the drain pump 10 is continuously operated, and the water level in the outer tank 2 until the drainage time reaches the first value set time. Does not reach the second set level (S17), the controller 14 compares the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 with the first reference temperature (S18), and as a result, the detected temperature is the first When it is determined that the temperature is lower than the reference temperature, the first error message is displayed on the display unit 22. When the detected temperature is determined to be higher than the first reference temperature, the second or third error message is output through the display unit 22. (S20).

Hereinafter, the second freeze determination process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12B.

The second freeze determination process is performed under the condition that the water level in the outer tank 2 is lower than the first set water level. That is, when it is determined that the water level detected by the water level sensor 20 is lower than the first set water level in step S12 or through the steps S12, S13, S14, S15, and S16, the water level in the outer tub 2 becomes the second set water level. If lower, it is to determine whether or not frozen in the subsequent process.

The second freezing determination process includes comparing the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 with the second reference temperature (S21). If the sensed temperature is less than or equal to the second reference temperature in step S21, the controller 14 controls the first error message to be output through the display unit 22 (S22).

The water level in the outer tank 2 in step S21 may be equal to or less than the first set water level (when it is possible to enter S21 immediately after S12) or below the second set water level (this is S13, S14, S15, For example, if the water level of the outer tank 2 becomes the airborne level after performing S16 in sequence.). If the water level of the outer tub 2 is higher than the second set level and lower than the first set level, the temperature sensor 18 will sense the temperature of the wash water in the outer tub 2. On the other hand, if the water level of the outer tank 2 is lower than the second set water level (for example, the air level), the temperature sensor 18 will detect the temperature of the air inside the washing machine. The second reference temperature is preferably set to a subzero value in consideration of the freezing point of the wash water, and may be set below the below zero degree considering the case where the temperature of the air is sensed by the temperature sensor 18.

If it is determined in step S21 that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is lower than the second reference temperature, the control unit 14 determines that the temperature inside the washing machine is low enough to allow freezing and immediately changes the display unit 22. Through the first error message is output (S22). Whether to detect the freezing by performing the S21 and S22 is to determine or predict whether to freeze based on the detection value by the temperature sensor 18 irrespective of the drainage characteristics of the wash water, in the order shown in Figure 12b The present invention is not limited thereto and may be performed at any point in the washing machine operation process.

In particular, in step S21, if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is less than or equal to the second set temperature, it may be predicted with sufficient accuracy that the components of the washing machine, for example, the water supply valve 6 or the drain pump 10, will be frozen. Preferably, the second set temperature is preferably set to an appropriate value by experiment.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 is higher than the second reference temperature, the controller 14 compares the level detected by the level sensor 20 with the third set level (S23). ).

When the sensed water level is higher than the third set water level, it means a case in which the washing water having a third level or more and a first set water level or less exists in the outer tub 2, and in this case, the controller 14 controls the drain pump 10. By operating the drainage is performed (S25), the drainage is carried out during the second drainage setting time, if the water level change value in the outer tank (2) is more than the reference value (S26) it is determined that the drainage is normal and detects the amount of water ( In step S24, when the water level change value is less than the reference value despite the second drainage time elapsed (S27), the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 is compared with the third reference temperature (S28). 14, if the sensed temperature is lower than the third reference temperature, the control unit outputs the first error message through the display unit 22 (S29), and if the sensed temperature is higher than the third reference temperature, the display unit 22. ) Via the second error message The third freeze determination process may be performed under the condition that the water level in the outer tank 2 is lower than or equal to the third set water level, and may be performed after the quantity of water detection step S24 shown in FIG. 12B. have.

When the amount of water in the inner tank 6 is detected in step S24, the pattern of each stroke, such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration, which is subsequently performed, is determined according to the detected amount of water.

Water supply (S31) is a step of watering the wash water into the outer tank (2), the amount of wash water is also set according to the amount of water detected in step S24.

After the water supply starts in step S31, when the first water supply setting time has elapsed (S32) to determine whether the water supply is normal, step S33 of comparing the water level of the outer tank 2 with the first water supply setting water level, The controller 14 determines that the water supply is normally performed when the water level detected by the water level sensor 20 is greater than or equal to the first water supply setting level, and after the second water supply setting time has elapsed (S34), the water level in the outer tub 2 is reconstructed. Compared with the water supply setting level (S38). Here, the first water supply set water level refers to a water level that is expected to be reached when normal water supply is performed during the first water supply set time, and the second water supply set water level is a target watered into the outer tank 2 according to the detected quantity in step S24. It means water level.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the water level in the outer tank 2 does not reach the first water supply setting level, the controller 14 compares the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 18 with the fourth reference temperature (S35). In contrast, when the detected temperature is lower than the fourth reference temperature, the display unit 22 controls the first error message to be displayed. On the contrary, when the detected temperature is higher than the fourth reference temperature, the fourth error message is controlled. Control the output. Here, the fourth error message is a message for notifying the user that water supply is not normally performed due to a failure of the water supply valve 6 or the like.

Meanwhile, even when the water level detected by the water level sensor 20 in step S38 does not reach the second water supply setting level, the controller 14 may control the display unit 22 to display the fourth error message (S39). ).

On the contrary, if the water level detected by the water level sensor 20 in step S38 is higher than the second water supply setting level, water supply is normally performed. After that, the controller 14 performs the first washing operation (S40) and the heater by a preset algorithm. The operation 28 is performed to wash the washing water in the tub 2 by heating (S41), second washing (S42), and draining water (S43). In this case, the inner tub 6 and / or the pulsator 9 rotate in the first washing S40 and the second washing S43, and the drain S43 is formed by the drain pump 10.

If the water level in the outer tank 2 does not reach the drainage completion level even after the drainage water S43 is made for the third drainage setting time (S49), the control unit 14 displays the second error message through the display unit 22. Control as possible. On the contrary, if it is determined that the water level in the outer tank (2) is below the drainage completion level in step S43, the drainage is normally performed, and then, after rinsing (S45), simple dehydration (S46), main dehydration (S47), and the like. Operation of the washing machine is completed by turning off the power (S48) of the washing machine.

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.

Claims (24)

A water supply valve for supplying washing water; And
A temperature sensor provided at the water supply valve and sensing a temperature;
The water supply valve is operated when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature. The method of claim 1,
A washing machine, wherein the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor before washing, rinsing, or dehydration is performed, and the water supply valve is operated when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature. The method of claim 2,
The water supply valve, the washing machine repeats the operation is stopped and restarted at regular intervals. The method of claim 1,
A washing machine in which the operation of the water supply valve is stopped when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor becomes higher than the set temperature after the water supply valve is operated. The method of claim 2,
After the water supply valve is operated, the washing machine stops the operation of the water supply valve when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor does not reach the set temperature until the set time elapses. The method of claim 1,
It further comprises an anti-freezing selection unit provided to select the anti-freezing,
When the freezing prevention is selected by the freezing prevention selection unit, the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor, and the water supply valve is operated when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature. The method of claim 1,
A first power supply unit supplying power to the temperature sensor in a state where the washing machine is waiting without washing, rinsing, or dehydration; And
And a second power supply unit configured to supply power to operate the water supply valve when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature while the washing machine is in the standby state. The method of claim 7, wherein
Further comprising a display unit for displaying the operating state of the washing machine,
The first power supply unit,
Washing machine which is a power supply for supplying power to the display unit. A drain pump for draining the wash water; And
It includes a temperature sensor provided in the drain pump for sensing the temperature,
When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature washing machine to operate the drainage pump. The method of claim 9,
A washing machine, wherein the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor before washing, rinsing, or dehydrating is performed, and the drainage pump is operated when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature. The method of claim 9,
The drain pump,
The drain pump is a washing machine that repeats the operation is stopped and restarted at regular intervals. The method of claim 9,
After the drain pump is operated, the washing machine stops the operation of the drain pump when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor exceeds the set temperature. The method of claim 9,
The washing machine stops the operation of the drain pump when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor does not reach the set temperature until the set time elapses after the drain pump is operated. The method of claim 9,
Further comprising: an anti-freezing selection unit provided for selecting an anti-freezing function,
When the freezing prevention function is selected by the freezing prevention selection unit, the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature washing machine is operated. The method of claim 9,
A first power supply unit supplying power to the temperature sensor in a state where the washing machine is waiting without washing, rinsing, or dehydration; And
And a second power supply unit configured to supply power to operate the drainage pump when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature while the washing machine is in the standby state. The method of claim 15,
Further comprising a display unit for displaying the operating state of the washing machine,
The first power supply unit,
Washing machine which is a power supply for supplying power to the display unit. A drain valve for draining the wash water; And
A temperature sensor provided at the drain valve and detecting a temperature;
When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature washing machine that the drain valve is operated. The method of claim 17,
A washing machine, wherein the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor before washing, rinsing, or dehydration is performed, and the drain valve is operated when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature. The method of claim 18,
The drain valve,
The drain valve is a washing machine that repeats the operation is stopped and restarted at regular intervals. The method of claim 17,
The washing machine stops the operation of the drain valve when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor becomes higher than the set temperature after the drain valve is operated. The method of claim 18,
After the operation of the drain valve, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor does not reach the set temperature until the set time elapses, the washing machine is stopped operation of the drain valve. The method of claim 17,
It further comprises an anti-freezing selection unit provided to select the anti-freezing,
When the freezing prevention is selected by the freezing prevention selection unit, the temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature washing machine is operated. The method of claim 17,
A first power supply unit supplying power to the temperature sensor in a state where the washing machine is waiting without washing, rinsing, or dehydration; And
And a second power supply unit configured to supply power to operate the drain valve when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature while the washing machine is in a standby state. The method of claim 23,
Further comprising a display unit for displaying the operating state of the washing machine,
The first power supply unit,
Washing machine which is a power supply for supplying power to the display unit.

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