KR20230100473A - A method of controlling water supply path of washing machine and washing machine configured to perform the method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a washing tub; A water supply unit connected to an external water supply source; front door; at least one hose constituting a first water supply path and a second water supply path connected to the water supply unit to supply water to the washing tub; a first valve; and a second valve, wherein the first water supply path supplies water to the inside of the washing tub, the second water supply path supplies water to the front portion of the washing tub, and the first valve comprises the water supply unit, the washing tub, and the second valve. The valve is connected to configure the first water supply path and the second water supply path, and the second valve is connected to the first valve and the front part of the washing tub to configure the second water supply path.

Description

A method of controlling water supply path of washing machine and washing machine configured to perform the method thereof}

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for controlling a water supply path of a washing machine and a washing machine configured to perform the water supply path control method, and more particularly, a valve configured to control a front water supply path, and a bypass path when the front water supply path is blocked. A method of controlling a water supply path of a washing machine using a valve configured to open a washing machine and a washing machine.

A front door of a front loader washing machine (for example, a drum washing machine) having a laundry inlet disposed on the front includes a transparent window, so that the state of laundry can be checked. Since the transparent window of the front door unit may become dirty due to fiber dust and residual detergent generated during washing, a water supply path may be formed to the front of the washing machine to clean the transparent window.

When the main valve malfunctions when the front water supply path of the washing machine is formed, water may be continuously supplied to the front water supply port of the washing machine. At this time, if the front door is open, the supplied water may fall from the front water inlet to the indoor floor or flow down to the indoor floor along the front door, resulting in leaks. Additional extended damages may occur to you.

A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a washing tub; A water supply unit connected to an external water supply source; front door; at least one hose constituting a first water supply path and a second water supply path connected to the water supply unit to supply water to the washing tub; a first valve; and a second valve, wherein the first water supply path supplies water to the inside of the washing tub, the second water supply path supplies water to the front portion of the washing tub, and the first valve comprises the water supply unit, the washing tub, and the second valve. The valve is connected to configure the first water supply path and the second water supply path, and the second valve is connected to the first valve and the front part of the washing tub to configure the second water supply path.

A method for controlling a water supply path in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes supplying water into a washing tub through a first water supply path and supplying water to a front portion of the washing tub through a second water supply path; and blocking the second water supply path using a second valve, wherein the first valve is connected to the water supply unit, the washing tub, and the second valve to form a first water supply path and a second water supply path; The second valve is connected to the first valve and the front part of the washing tub to form a second water supply path.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the above-described method is provided.

The washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure prevents external water leakage by controlling a valve on the front water supply path, and prevents internal water leakage by opening a bypass path when the front water supply path is blocked.

1 shows a configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 is a structure of a water supply system in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
3 is a view for explaining a case where a water supply system malfunctions in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
4 is a structure of a water supply system in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
5 is a view for explaining a case where a water supply system malfunctions in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
6 is a view for explaining a case where a water supply system malfunctions in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
7 is a structure of a water supply system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
8 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a water supply system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
9 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a water supply system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
10 illustrates a structure of a third valve in a water supply system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a water supply path by a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
12 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a water supply path by a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
13 is a block configuration diagram of a washing machine controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

In describing the embodiments, descriptions of technical contents that are well known in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs and are not directly related to the present disclosure will be omitted. This is to more clearly convey the gist of the present disclosure without obscuring it by omitting unnecessary description.

For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated. Also, the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size. In each figure, the same reference number is assigned to the same or corresponding component.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms, but only the present embodiments make the present disclosure complete, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs It is provided to fully inform the scope of the present disclosure, which is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification.

At this time, it will be understood that each block of the process flow chart diagrams and combinations of the flow chart diagrams can be performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be embodied in a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment are described in the flowchart block(s). It creates means to perform functions. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer usable or computer readable memory that can be directed to a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement functionality in a particular way, such that the computer usable or computer readable memory The instructions stored in are also capable of producing an article of manufacture containing instruction means that perform the functions described in the flowchart block(s). The computer program instructions can also be loaded on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a computer-executed process to generate computer or other programmable data processing equipment. Instructions for performing processing equipment may also provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for executing specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations it is possible for the functions mentioned in the blocks to occur out of order. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order depending on their function.

At this time, the term '~unit' used in this embodiment means software or a hardware component such as FPGA or ASIC, and '~unit' performs certain roles. However, '~ part' is not limited to software or hardware. '~bu' may be configured to be in an addressable storage medium and may be configured to reproduce one or more processors. Therefore, as an example, '~unit' refers to components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, and procedures. , subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Functions provided within components and '~units' may be combined into smaller numbers of components and '~units' or further separated into additional components and '~units'. In addition, components and '~units' may be implemented to play one or more CPUs in a device or a secure multimedia card. Also, in the embodiment, '~ unit' may include one or more processors.

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

1 shows a configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The washing machine 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to automatically execute a washing process including processes such as washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. The washing machine 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a front loader washing machine (eg, a drum washing machine) in which a laundry inlet is disposed on the front side.

The washing machine 1000 shown in FIG. 1 may include a case 2, a fixed tub 3, a rotating tub 4, a water supply unit 5, a drain pump 6, a driving unit 7, and a control unit 10.

Case 2 is a box-shaped container composed of a panel or a frame and constitutes the outside of the washing machine 1000. A laundry inlet 2a into which laundry can be put is located on the front side of case 2, and a door 2b having a transparent window is installed in the laundry inlet 2a, so that the laundry inlet 2a can be opened and closed by the door 2b. An operation unit 2c may be installed above the laundry inlet 2a of Case 2 so that the user can operate the washing machine 1000 . The washing machine 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may operate to automatically open the door unit 2b when washing is finished, and whether or not to operate the automatic opening of the door unit 2b may be determined according to a setting of the user of the washing machine 1000.

The fixed tub 3 is composed of a cylindrical container capable of storing water, and one open entrance is connected to the laundry inlet 2a and is installed inside the case 2. The fixing tank 3 may be supported by a damper (not shown) installed inside the case 2 in a state in which the central axis (rotational axis) J is inclined as indicated by the dotted line on the drawing.

The rotating tub 4 is made of a cylindrical container having a diameter smaller than that of the fixed tub 3, and is installed on the fixed tub 3 such that its central axis coincides with the fixed tub 3. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the rotating tub 4 is rotated in a state in which the central axis is inclined upward from horizontal in the front direction of the washing machine 1000 . A circular opening 4a facing the laundry inlet 2a is formed on the front side of the rotary tub 4. Laundry may be put into the rotary tub 4 through the laundry input port 2a and the circular opening 4a.

A plurality of dewatering holes 4b (only partially shown in FIG. 1 ) are formed on the side of the rotating tub 4 in all directions, and lifters 4c for agitation may be mounted inside the side of the rotating tub 4 . In addition, the rotary tub 4 is rotatably supported by the laundry inlet 2a on the front side.

The water supply unit 5 is installed above the fixed tank 3 and may include a water supply pipe 5a, a water supply valve 5b, and a detergent input unit 5c. The upper end of the water supply pipe 5a is connected to a water supply source (not shown) outside the washing machine 1000, and the lower end is connected to the water supply port 3a of the fixed tank 3. The water supply valve 5b and the detergent input unit 5c may be installed in the middle of the water supply pipe 5a in order from above. The detergent input unit 5c can accommodate detergent and fabric softener and put them into the fixing tank 3 together with water. The configuration and operation of the water supply unit 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 . The drain pump 6 is located below the fixed tank 6 and can be connected to the fixed tank 3 through the drain port 3b. The drain pump 6 serves to discharge unnecessary water from the fixed tank 3 to the outside of the washing machine 1000 through the drain 6a. In addition, the drainage pump 6 may operate to drain water when the water level inside the fixed tank 3 is higher than a predetermined critical water level.

The drive unit 7 is mounted on the lower end of the fixing tank 3 and may include a unit base 7a, a shaft 7b, a motor 7c, and the like.

The unit base 7a is located at the lower end of the fixing tank 3 and, according to one embodiment, may be made of a disc-shaped metal and resin member. At the center of the unit base 7a, a cylindrical shaft insertion hole extending along the rotational axis J may be formed, and a pair of ball bearings (not shown) are mounted at both ends of the shaft insertion hole.

The shaft 7b is rotatably supported on the unit base 7a. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, it is supported by a pair of ball bearings installed in the shaft insertion hole of the unit base 7a. Then, the shaft 7b can rotate about the axis of rotation J. The shaft 7b may protrude into the fixed tub 3 through the rear surface of the fixed tub 3, and the end of the shaft 7b is fixed to the lower center of the rotating tub 4. For example, the rear part of the rotary tub 4 is supported around the axis of rotation J by the shaft 7b. Since the driving unit 7 directly drives the rotating tub 4, the rotating tub 4 rotates about the rotating shaft J according to the drive of the motor 7c.

According to one embodiment, the axis of rotation J coincides with the center line of the stationary jaw 3, the center line of the rotation jaw 4, and the axis of the shaft 7b. In addition, the rotation axis J is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction or positioned on an extension line in the horizontal direction. The motor 7c drives the rotating tub 4 to rotate. According to one embodiment, the motor 7c rotates the shaft 7b fixed to the rotating tub 4, and the rotating tub 4 is rotated by the rotation of the shaft 7b. Also, the number of revolutions per hour of the motor 7c may be variable.

The controller 10 of the washing machine 1000 may be located inside the washing machine 1000 and comprehensively controls the operation of the washing machine 1000. For example, the controller 10 may have a processor and the like mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The configuration and operation of the control unit 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13 .

2 is a structure of a water supply system in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a water supply system may include a washing tub 900, a water supply unit 500, at least one hose 600, and a first valve 100. However, the configuration of the water supply system in the washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the water supply system in the washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has more or fewer elements than those shown in FIG. 2 . may consist of In addition, the arrangement of each component may be changed or configured in various ways according to a method of implementing a washing machine.

The washing tub 900 may have a structure including a fixed tub 3 and a rotating tub 4 as an inner space of the washing machine 1000 in which detergent, softener, and/or water are added to wash laundry. Referring to FIG. 2 , a washing tub 900 may include a rear or lower water inlet 910 and a front water inlet 920 .

The rear or lower water inlet 910 directly supplies water into the washing tub 900, and the water entering the washing tub through the rear or lower water inlet 910 passes through the detergent inlet 5c so that detergent and fabric softener are introduced into the washing tub along with water. can do. The front water inlet 920 supplies water through the circular opening 4a of the rotating tub, and the water supplied through the front water inlet 920 flows through the inside of the door part 2b of the washing machine 1000 and is introduced into the washing tub, through the transparent window attached to the door part 2b. It can perform a cleaning function.

The at least one hose 600 connects each component constituting the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 and may configure at least one water supply path through which water passes. At this time, each water supply path may be composed of at least one hose, and when each water supply path is composed of a plurality of hoses, each hose may be connected by a clamp or the like. In addition, when each water supply path is composed of a plurality of hoses, an additional component (eg, a valve or a hydraulic system) may be included at a connection part of each hose.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a first hose 600-1 forms a first water supply path by connecting a water supply unit 500 and a rear or lower water supply port 910 . In addition, the second hose 600-2 and the third hose 600-3 connect the water supply unit and the front water supply port 920 to form a second water supply path. In this case, the first water supply path may be a rear or bottom water supply path, and the second water supply path may be a front water supply path.

The first valve 100 supplies water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) outside the washing machine 1000 through the water supply unit 500 to the inside of the washing tub 900, and is configured to determine a water supply path or to determine a flow rate for each water supply path. It can be configured to regulate. Referring to FIG. 2 , the first valve 100 may be configured to determine whether to block the first water supply path and/or the second water supply path or to adjust the flow rate of the first water supply path and/or the second water supply path. For example, the first valve may be configured to deliver 30% of the total flow rate to the first water supply path and 70% of the total flow rate to the second water supply path.

The first valve 100 may be the water supply valve 5b of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and may be composed of one or more valves. For example, the first valve may include a hot water valve, a cold water valve, a front water supply valve, a rear water supply valve, and/or a lower water supply valve.

3 is a view for explaining a case where a water supply system malfunctions in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the first valve 100 malfunctions in the washing machine 1000 having the water supply system of FIG. Sub-water supply may occur.

When the first valve 100 malfunctions and the front door 2b of the washing tub 900 is closed, the water supplied through the second water supply path is received into the washing tub 900 through the front water inlet 920, and the drainage pump 6 is installed inside the fixed tub 3. When the water level is higher than a predetermined critical water level, it may operate to drain water. However, if the front door 2b of the washing tub 900 is open, water supplied through the second water supply path may fall from the front water inlet 920 to the indoor floor or flow down through the door 2b to the floor, causing external leakage.

In particular, when the automatic opening function of the door part 2b is operated and the door part 2b is open, there is a high possibility that the user of the washing machine 1000 will not recognize that the door part 2b is open, and thus, if the first valve 100 malfunctions, damage due to water leakage will be avoided. can happen In addition, even when the user intentionally opens the door unit 2b for sanitary management of the washing machine 1000 or the laundry, when the first valve 100 malfunctions, the water leakage is left unattended for a long time, causing extended damage due to water leakage. there is.

4 is a structure of a water supply system in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4 , in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a water supply system may include a washing tub 900, a water supply unit 500, at least one hose 600, a first valve 100, and a second valve. However, the configuration of the water supply system in the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the water supply system in the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes more or fewer elements than those shown in FIG. 4 . may consist of In addition, the arrangement of each component may be changed or configured in various ways according to a method of implementing a washing machine.

In FIG. 4, configurations overlapping with those of FIG. 2 and the contents thereof are omitted or briefly described.

The washing tub 900 is an internal space of the washing machine 1000 in which detergent, softener and/or water are put to wash laundry, and may include a rear or lower water inlet 910 and a front water inlet 920. The rear or lower water inlet 910 directly supplies water into the washing tub 900, and the front water inlet 920 supplies water through the circular opening 4a of the rotating tub.

The at least one hose 600 connects components constituting the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 and may configure a water supply path through which water passes. At this time, each water supply path may be composed of at least one hose, and when each water supply path is composed of a plurality of hoses, each hose may be connected by a clamp or the like. In addition, when each water supply path is composed of a plurality of hoses, an additional component (eg, a valve or a hydraulic system) may be included at a connection part of each hose.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the first water supply path is composed of a first hose 600-1 connecting the first valve 100 and the rear or lower water inlet 910. In addition, the second water supply path is composed of a second hose 600-2 connecting the first valve and the second valve 200, a second valve, and a third hose 600-3 connecting the second valve 200 and the front water inlet 920. do.

The first valve 100 supplies water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) outside the washing machine 1000 through the water supply unit 500 to the inside of the washing tub 900 . Also, the first valve 100 may be configured to determine a water supply path or to adjust a flow rate for each water supply path. Referring to FIG. 4 , the first valve 100 may be connected to a water supply source 500, a second valve 200, and a rear or lower water supply port 910 to configure a first water supply path and a second water supply path.

The second valve 200 configures a water supply path and may operate to block the corresponding water supply path. Referring to FIG. 4 , the second valve 200 is connected to the first valve and the front water supply port 920 to form a second water supply path and to block the second water supply path.

5 is a view for explaining a case where a water supply system malfunctions in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5 , it is assumed that the first valve 100 malfunctions in the washing machine 1000 having the water supply system of FIG. 4 .

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first valve 100 malfunctions, water supplied from the first valve 100 through the second hose 600-2 may be blocked by the second valve 200. In this case, since water is supplied to the front through the second water supply path and only water is supplied through the first water supply path, leakage to the indoor floor does not occur even when the door unit 2b is open.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may determine whether the first valve 100 malfunctions and determine whether the second valve is blocked based on whether the first valve 100 malfunctions. For example, the controller 10 of the washing machine 1000 may identify whether the first valve 100 is out of order or whether water is supplied through the second water supply path in a state not being washed, and control the second valve 200 based on the identification result. there is. For example, when it is identified that the first valve 100 is out of order, the control unit 10 of the washing machine 1000 may block the second water supply path by setting the second valve 200 to a locked state. Alternatively, when it is identified that water is supplied through the second water supply path in a state in which washing is not in progress, the controller 10 of the washing machine 1000 sets the second valve 200 to a locked state to block the second water supply path.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 10 of the washing machine 1000 may identify whether the front door unit 2b is open and control the second valve 200 based on the identification result. For example, when it is identified that the front door part 2b is open, the controller 10 of the washing machine 1000 sets the second valve 200 to a locked state to block the second water supply path.

The controller 10 of the washing machine 1000 may determine whether the door part 2b is open based on the opening angle of the door part 2b or the binding state of the latch of the door part 2b, and if it is determined that the door part 2b is open, the washing machine 1000 may set the second valve 200 to a locked state to cut off water supply to the front water supply port 920 . At this time, it may be determined whether or not the first valve 100 is out of order to cut off the water supply to the front water supply port 920 based on whether the door unit 2b is opened.

6 is a view for explaining a case where a water supply system malfunctions in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6 , it is assumed that the pressure of the second hose 600-N increases in the washing machine 1000 having the water supply system of FIG. 4 .

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first valve 100 malfunctions, the water supply path of the water supplied from the first valve 100 through the second hose 600-2 may be blocked by the second valve 200. In this case, the second valve is blocked, but since the first valve is open, the pressure of the second hose 600-2 increases. Alternatively, when the supply water pressure of an external water supply source (not shown) is high and the flow rate supplied from the first valve is high, the pressure of the second hose 600-2 may increase.

When the pressure of the second hose 600-2 exceeds the predetermined critical pressure Pth, the second hose 600-N is damaged or the connection between the first valve 100 and the second hose 600-N or the second valve 100 and the second hose 600-N is damaged. A phenomenon in which the connection part of the hose 600-2 is separated may occur. If the second hose 600-2 is damaged or the connection between the second hose 600-2 and each valve is separated, water leakage occurs inside the washing machine 1000.

7 is a structure of a water supply system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a water supply system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a third valve 300 and a fourth hose 600-4. The third valve 300 is located between the first valve and the second valve and determines whether to open the bypass water supply to the fourth hose 600-4, and may be referred to as a Y connector or a check valve. The fourth hose 600-4 is connected to the third valve and the rear or lower water supply port 910.

As described above, when the first valve 100 malfunctions, the water supply path of the water supplied from the first valve 100 through the second hose 600-2 may be blocked by the second valve 200. In this case, the second valve is blocked, but since the first valve is open, the pressure of the second hose 600-2 increases. Alternatively, when the supply water pressure of an external water supply source (not shown) is high and the flow rate supplied from the first valve is high, the pressure of the second hose 600-2 may increase.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the pressure of the second hose 600-2 increases, the third valve 300 is opened to create a bypass water supply path through the fourth hose 600-4. Since the fourth hose 600-4 connects the third valve 300 and the rear or lower water supply port 910, water supplied through the bypass water supply path is directly injected into the washing tub 900. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second valve 200 is locked to block the water supply path to the front water inlet 910, external leakage due to opening of the door unit 2b can be prevented, and also the third valve 300 By using it, it is possible to prevent internal leakage due to an increase in the pressure of the second hose 600-2.

8 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a water supply system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8 , a water supply system of a washing machine 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a water supply unit (not shown), at least one valve (eg, a first valve 100, a second valve 200, and a third valve). 300), at least one hose (eg, a first hose 600-1 (not shown), a second hose 600-2, a third hose 600-3, and a fourth hose 600-4), and a water inlet ( For example, a front water supply unit 920 and a rear or lower water supply unit 910) may be included.

In FIG. 8, configurations overlapping with those of FIGS. 2 to 7 and details thereof are omitted or briefly described.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the first water supply path may include a first hose 600-1 (not shown) connecting the first valve 100 and the rear or lower water supply port 910 . The second water supply path may include a second hose 600-2 connecting the first valve and the second valve 200, a second valve, and a third hose 600-3 connecting the second valve 200 and the front water inlet 920. there is. Also, the third water supply path may include a fourth hose 600-4 connecting the third valve 300 and the rear or lower water supply port 910. The third water supply path is a bypass path that is opened when the water pressure of the second water supply path increases, and whether to open it may be determined by a third valve.

The first valve 100 constitutes a first water supply path and a second water supply path, supplies water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) outside the washing machine 1000 through the water supply unit 500 to the inside of the washing tub 900, and provides a water supply path. It may be configured to determine, or to adjust the flow rate for each water supply path.

The second valve 200 constitutes a second water supply path and may operate to block the second water supply path. Referring to FIG. 8 , the second valve 200 is connected to the first valve and the front water supply port 920 to form a second water supply path, and may block the second water supply path.

The third valve (check valve) 300 constitutes a third water supply path and is positioned between the first valve and the second valve and may operate to open or block the third water supply path. Referring to FIG. 8 , the third valve is located between the first valve 100 and the second valve 200 and is connected to the second water supply path and the rear or lower water supply port 910 . The third valve 300 is opened when the pressure inside the hose constituting the second water supply path increases to open the third water supply path, so that when the third valve is opened, the pressure in the second water supply path decreases and internal leakage is prevented. can be prevented

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 operates normally, the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 is configured to operate with the first valve 100 and the second valve 200 open and the third valve 300 closed. can

When the first valve 100 and the second valve 200 are open and the third valve 300 is closed, water supplied from an external water supply source (not shown) through the water supply unit 500 and the first valve 100 is supplied through the first water supply path ( It may be supplied to the rear or lower water supply port 910 through (not shown). In addition, water supplied through the water supply unit 500 from an external water supply source (not shown) passes through the second water supply path (the second hose 600-2, the second valve 200, and the third hose 600-3) through the front water supply port. 920 can be supplied. At this time, since the third valve 300 is closed, the third water supply path is blocked, and all of the water supplied through the second water supply path is delivered to the front water supply port 920 .

9 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a water supply system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a water supply unit (not shown), at least one valve (eg, a first valve 100, a second valve 200, and a third valve). 300), at least one hose (eg, a first hose 600-1 (not shown), a second hose 600-2, a third hose 600-3, and a fourth hose 600-4), and a water inlet ( For example, a front water supply unit 920 and a rear or lower water supply unit 910) may be included.

In FIG. 9, configurations overlapping with those of FIGS. 2 to 8 and details thereof are omitted or briefly described.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first valve in the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 malfunctions, the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 may operate with the second valve closed.

When the first valve operates normally, the first valve is opened only during washing to supply water into the washing tub 900, and remains closed when not washing to block water supplied from the water supply unit 500. It consists of However, when the water supplied from the water supply unit 500 is not blocked due to a failure of the first valve (eg, maintained open), all water supplied through the second water supply path is front water supply because the second valve is open. forwarded to sphere 920.

At this time, if the door part 2b on the front of the washing tub is closed, the water delivered to the water inlet 920 is supplied to the inside of the washing tub 900, and when the water level inside the washing tub 900 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, automatic drainage is performed, so water leakage occurs. I never do that. However, if water is supplied through the front water inlet 920 while the door 2b on the front of the washing tub is open, the supplied water falls from the front water inlet 920 to the indoor floor or flows down to the indoor floor along the door 2b, resulting in external leakage. may occur.

In order to prevent such external leakage, the washing machine 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to keep the second valve closed when a failure of the first valve is identified or an open state of the door unit 2b is identified. can In this way, when the second valve is maintained in a closed state, the second water supply path is blocked, so that external leakage due to water supplied to the front water inlet 920 can be prevented.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first valve in the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 malfunctions or the pressure in the second water supply path increases, the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 is configured to operate with the third valve open. can

As described above, the washing machine 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure closes the second valve to block the second water supply path when the failure of the first valve is identified or the open state of the door unit 2b is identified, thereby blocking the front water supply port. External leakage due to water supply to 920 can be prevented. However, when water continuously flows into the second water supply path through the first valve while the second valve is closed, the pressure of the second water supply path may increase to a predetermined critical pressure Pth or higher. Alternatively, even when the supply pressure of water supplied from an external water supply source (not shown) is high, the pressure of the second water supply path may be higher than a predetermined critical pressure Pth.

Alternatively, even when the first valve operates normally, when the second valve, which should be open, remains closed due to a failure of the second valve, the pressure in the second water supply passage may increase to a predetermined critical pressure Pth or higher. .

In this way, when the pressure of the second water supply path increases to a predetermined critical pressure Pth or higher, the second hose 600-2 and the third hose 600-3 constituting the second water supply path expand or constitute the second water supply path. Connecting parts of the components (the first valve, the second hose 600-2, the second valve, and the third hose 600-3) may be damaged, resulting in internal leakage.

In order to prevent such internal leakage, the washing machine 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure opens the third valve 300 to open the third water supply passage when the internal pressure of the second water supply passage is equal to or greater than a predetermined critical pressure Pth. It is possible to lower the pressure of the second water supply path and prevent internal leakage.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined critical pressure Pth, which is the opening criterion of the third valve 300, may be determined based on the water pressure of an external water supply source. For example, when the hydraulic pressure of the second water supply path is lower than the water pressure of the external water supply source, that is, the water pressure of the first valve, the third valve 300 remains closed, and the hydraulic pressure of the second water supply path is lower than the water pressure of the first valve. If higher, the third valve 300 may be configured to open.

10 illustrates a structure of a third valve in a water supply system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the third valve 300 is a ball valve and includes a spring 320 for controlling the movement of the ball 310 . The third valve 300 shown in FIG. 10 is a gate valve for opening and closing, and determines only the opening and closing of the valve and does not adjust the flow rate. In general, when a gate valve for opening and closing is operated in a partially open state, a vortex is generated on the rear surface of the gate and fluid resistance increases, so there is a possibility that the valve may vibrate or erode the inner surface of the valve. The gate valve for opening and closing has the advantage of low pressure loss because there is no change in direction and cross section when fluid, that is, water, passes through the valve. However, FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the structure of the third valve 300, and the structure and operation of the third valve 300 are not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in general, the ball 310 of the third valve 300 is located at a point where the second water supply path and the third water supply path meet, and is supported by the spring 320 to block the third water supply path. When the first valve 100 continuously supplies water (the first valve 100 opens) or the second valve 200 malfunctions (the second valve closes), the pressure in the second water supply path increases, so the ball 310 inside the third valve 300 moves in the direction of the third water supply path, and the third valve 300 is opened. At this time, the diameter of the ball 310 is determined to block the third water supply path by blocking the hole on the second water supply path, and when the elasticity (k) of the spring 320 is greater than or equal to a predetermined critical pressure Pth, the ball 310 moves in the direction of the third water supply path. It may be determined so that the third water supply path can be opened by moving to .

11 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a water supply path by a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11 , in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a water supply system may include a washing tub 900, a water supply unit 500, at least one hose 600, a first valve 100, and a second valve 200, , Assume that the first valve malfunctions in the washing machine 1000 including the water supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The at least one hose 600 connects components constituting the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 and may configure a water supply path through which water passes. At this time, each water supply path may be composed of at least one hose, and when each water supply path is composed of a plurality of hoses, each hose may be connected by a clamp or the like. In addition, when each water supply path is composed of a plurality of hoses, an additional component (eg, a valve or a hydraulic system) may be included at a connection part of each hose.

In FIG. 11, configurations overlapping with those of FIGS. 2 to 10 and details thereof are omitted or briefly described.

In step S1110, the washing machine may supply water to the inside of the washing tub through the first water supply path and supply water to the front portion of the washing tub through the second water supply path.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first water supply path is a rear or lower water supply path through which water introduced from the water supply unit 500 is supplied to the washing tub 900 through the rear or lower water supply port 910 and may be connected to the first hose 600-1. there is. The second water supply path is a front water supply path through which water introduced from the water supply unit 500 is supplied to the washing tub 900 through the front water supply port 920 and may be connected to the second hose 600-2 and the third hose 600-3.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first valve is configured to supply water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) outside the washing machine 1000 through the water supply unit 500 to the inside of the washing tub 900 and determine a water supply path, or It can be configured to regulate the flow rate for each water supply path. Referring to FIG. 2 , the first valve 100 may be configured to determine whether to block the first water supply path and/or the second water supply path or to adjust the flow rate of the first water supply path and/or the second water supply path.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first valve 100 may be the water supply valve 5b of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and may be composed of one or more valves. For example, the first valve may include a hot water valve, a cold water valve, a front water supply valve, a rear water supply valve, and/or a lower water supply valve.

In step S1120, the washing machine may block the second water supply path by using the second valve.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second valve 200 is connected to the first valve and the front water inlet 920 to form a second water supply path, and is located between the second hose 600-2 and the third hose 600-3 It may be configured to block the second water supply path.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first valve 100 malfunctions, water supplied from the first valve 100 through the second hose 600-2 may be blocked by the second valve 200. In this case, since water is supplied to the front through the second water supply path and only water is supplied through the first water supply path, leakage to the indoor floor does not occur even when the door unit 2b is open.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing machine 1000 may determine whether the first valve 100 malfunctions and determine whether the second valve is blocked based on whether the first valve 100 malfunctions.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 10 of the washing machine 1000 may identify whether the front door unit 2b is open and control the second valve 200 based on the identification result.

12 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a water supply path by a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a water supply system in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a washing tub 900, a water supply unit 500, at least one hose 600, a first valve 100, a second valve 200, and a third valve 300. It is assumed that the pressure inside the second water supply path increases in the washing machine 1000 including the water supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The at least one hose 600 connects components constituting the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 and may configure a water supply path through which water passes. At this time, each water supply path may be composed of at least one hose, and when each water supply path is composed of a plurality of hoses, each hose may be connected by a clamp or the like. In addition, when each water supply path is composed of a plurality of hoses, an additional component (eg, a valve or a hydraulic system) may be included at a connection part of each hose.

In FIG. 11, components overlapping with those of FIGS. 2 to 11 and details thereof are omitted or briefly described.

In step S1210, the washing machine may supply water to the inside of the washing tub through the first water supply path and supply water to the front portion of the washing tub through the second water supply path.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first water supply path is a rear or lower water supply path through which water introduced from the water supply unit 500 is supplied to the washing tub 900 through the rear or lower water supply port 910 and may be connected to the first hose 600-1. there is. The second water supply path is a front water supply path through which water introduced from the water supply unit 500 is supplied to the washing tub 900 through the front water supply port 920 and may be connected to the second hose 600-2 and the third hose 600-3.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first valve is configured to supply water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) outside the washing machine 1000 through the water supply unit 500 to the inside of the washing tub 900 and determine a water supply path, or It can be configured to regulate the flow rate for each water supply path. Referring to FIG. 2 , the first valve 100 may be configured to determine whether to block the first water supply path and/or the second water supply path or to adjust the flow rate of the first water supply path and/or the second water supply path.

In step S1220, the washing machine may block the second water supply path by using the second valve.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second valve 200 is connected to the first valve and the front water inlet 920 to form a second water supply path, and is located between the second hose 600-2 and the third hose 600-3 It may be configured to block the second water supply path.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first valve 100 malfunctions, water supplied from the first valve 100 through the second hose 600-2 may be blocked by the second valve 200. In this case, since water is supplied to the front through the second water supply path and only water is supplied through the first water supply path, leakage to the indoor floor does not occur even when the door unit 2b is open.

In step S1230, the washing machine may open the third water supply path by using the third valve.

The third water supply path may include a fourth hose 600-4 connecting the third valve 300 and the rear or lower water supply port 910. The third water supply path is a bypass path that is opened when the water pressure of the second water supply path increases, and whether to open it may be determined by a third valve. The third valve is located between the first valve 100 and the second valve 200 and is connected to the second water supply path and the rear or lower water supply port 910 .

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first valve in the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 malfunctions or the pressure in the second water supply path increases, the water supply system of the washing machine 1000 is configured to operate with the third valve open. can

The washing machine 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure blocks the second water supply path by closing the second valve when a failure of the first valve is identified or an open state of the door unit 2b is identified, thereby preventing water supply to the front water inlet 920. External leakage can be prevented. However, when water continuously flows into the second water supply path through the first valve while the second valve is closed, the pressure of the second water supply path may increase to a predetermined critical pressure Pth or higher. Alternatively, even when the supply pressure of water supplied from an external water supply source (not shown) is high, the pressure of the second water supply path may be higher than a predetermined critical pressure Pth.

Alternatively, even when the first valve operates normally, when the second valve, which should be open, remains closed due to a failure of the second valve, the pressure in the second water supply passage may increase to a predetermined critical pressure Pth or higher. . In this way, when the pressure of the second water supply path increases to a predetermined critical pressure Pth or higher, the second hose 600-2 and the third hose 600-3 constituting the second water supply path expand or constitute the second water supply path. Connecting parts of the components (the first valve, the second hose 600-2, the second valve, and the third hose 600-3) may be damaged, resulting in internal leakage.

Since the third valve 300 is opened when the pressure inside the hose constituting the second water supply path increases and is configured to open the third water supply path, when the pressure inside the hose constituting the second water supply path is greater than or equal to a predetermined critical pressure Pth. It is open to reduce the pressure in the second water supply path and prevent internal leakage.

13 is a block configuration diagram of a washing machine controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the controller 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor 20, a memory 30, and a communication unit 50. However, not all illustrated components are essential components. The controller 10 may be implemented by more components than those shown, and the controller 10 may be implemented by fewer components.

Hereinafter, the above components are examined in turn.

The communication unit 50 may transmit/receive data for receiving a service related to the washing machine 1000 with an external device (not shown) and a server (not shown).

The memory 30 may include at least one of an internal memory (not shown) and an external memory (not shown). The built-in memory includes, for example, volatile memory (eg, DRAM (Dynamic RAM), SRAM (Static RAM), SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, OTPROM (One Time Programmable ROM) ), PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM), Mask ROM, Flash ROM, etc.), hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD). can include According to an embodiment, the processor 20 may load and process a command or data received from at least one of a non-volatile memory or other components into a volatile memory. Also, the processor 20 may store data received or generated from other components in a non-volatile memory. The external memory may include, for example, at least one of CF (Compact Flash), SD (Secure Digital), Micro-SD (Micro Secure Digital), Mini-SD (Mini Secure Digital), xD (extreme Digital), and Memory Stick. can include

The processor 20 controls overall operations of the washing machine 1000 in general. For example, the processor 20 may overall control the communication unit 50, the water supply unit 5, the drainage pump 6, the driving unit 7, and a power supply unit (not shown) by executing programs stored in the memory 30.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 20 may include an artificial intelligence (AI) processor for generating a learning network model, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AI processor may be implemented as a separate chip from the processor 20. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AI processor may be a general-purpose chip.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 20 may determine whether the first valve 100 is malfunctioning and determine whether the second valve is blocked based on whether the first valve 100 is malfunctioning. For example, the processor 20 may identify whether the first valve 100 is out of order or whether water is supplied through the second water supply path in a state not being washed, and control the second valve 200 based on the identification result. For example, when it is identified that the first valve 100 is out of order, the processor 20 may block the second water supply path by setting the second valve 200 to a locked state. Alternatively, when it is identified that there is water supply through the second water supply path in a state where washing is not in progress, the processor 20 may block the second water supply path by setting the second valve 200 to a locked state.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 20 may identify whether the front door unit 2b is open and control the second valve 200 based on the identification result. For example, when it is identified that the front door part 2b is open, the processor 20 may block the second water supply path by setting the second valve 200 to a locked state.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 20 may determine whether the door 2b is open based on the opening angle of the door 2b or the latch state of the door 2b, and the door 2b is open. If it is determined that there is a problem, the processor 20 may set the second valve 200 to a locked state to cut off water supply to the front water supply port 920 . At this time, it may be determined whether or not the first valve 100 is out of order to cut off the water supply to the front water supply port 920 based on whether the door unit 2b is opened.

Methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

When implemented in software, a computer readable storage medium or computer program product storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. One or more programs stored in a computer readable storage medium or computer program product are configured for execution by one or more processors in an electronic device. One or more programs include instructions for causing an electronic device to execute methods according to embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure.

Such programs (software modules, software) may include random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, read only memory (ROM), and electrically erasable programmable ROM. (EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), magnetic disc storage device, Compact Disc-ROM (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), or other forms of It can be stored on optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes. Alternatively, it may be stored in a memory composed of a combination of some or all of these. In addition, each configuration memory may be included in multiple numbers.

In addition, the program accesses through a communication network such as the Internet, an Intranet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide LAN (WLAN), or a Storage Area Network (SAN), or a communication network composed of a combination thereof. It can be stored on an attachable storage device that can be accessed. Such a storage device may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure through an external port. In addition, a separate storage device on a communication network may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, the term "computer program product" or "computer readable medium" generally refers to media such as a memory, a hard disk installed in a hard disk drive, and a signal. used for These "computer program products" or "computer readable media" are software composed of instructions for setting the length of a timer for receiving missed data packets, based on a network metric corresponding to a determined event according to the present disclosure. It is a means provided to the computer system.

The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary storage medium' only means that it is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term refers to the case where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and temporary It does not discriminate if it is saved as . For example, a 'non-temporary storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided by being included in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. A computer program product is distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (eg compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store or between two user devices (eg smartphones). It can be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a part of a computer program product (eg, a downloadable app) is stored on a device-readable storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server. It can be temporarily stored or created temporarily.

In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, constituent elements included in the present disclosure are expressed in singular or plural numbers according to the specific embodiments presented. However, the singular or plural expressions are selected appropriately for the presented situation for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components, and even components expressed in plural are composed of the singular number or singular. Even the expressed components may be composed of a plurality.

Meanwhile, in the detailed description of the present disclosure, specific embodiments have been described, but various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments and should not be defined, but should be defined by not only the scope of the claims to be described later, but also those equivalent to the scope of these claims.

Claims (13)

washing tub;
A water supply unit connected to an external water supply source;
front door;
at least one hose connected to the water supply unit and constituting at least one water supply path for supplying water to the washing tub;
a first valve; and
Including; second valve;
The first water supply path supplies water into the washing tub,
The second water supply path supplies water to the front part of the washing tub,
The first valve is connected to the water supply unit, the washing tub, and the second valve to form a first water supply path and a second water supply path;
The second valve is connected to the first valve and the front portion of the washing tub to form a second water supply path.
washing machine.
According to claim 1,
The washing machine identifies whether the first valve is normally operated,
When it is identified that the first valve is not normally operating, the washing machine is configured to block the second water supply path using the second valve.
According to claim 1,
The washing machine further includes a third valve,
The third valve is connected to the first valve and the second valve to configure a third water supply path for supplying water into the washing tub.
According to claim 3,
The third valve is configured to open when the pressure of the second water supply passage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold pressure, thereby opening the third water supply passage.
According to claim 1,
The first valve is connected to the water supply unit and is configured to control the amount of water supplied to the washing tub through at least one of the first water supply path and the second water supply path,
The second valve is configured to control the amount of water supplied to the washing tub through the second water supply path.
According to claim 1,
The washing machine identifies whether the front door is open,
When it is identified that the door unit is open, the washing machine is configured to block the second water supply path using the second valve.
A method for controlling a water supply path by a washing machine,
supplying water into the washing tub through a first water supply path and supplying water to a front portion of the washing tub through a second water supply path; and
Blocking the second water supply path using a second valve; including,
The first valve is connected to the water supply unit, the washing tub, and the second valve to form a first water supply path and a second water supply path;
The second valve is connected to the first valve and the front portion of the washing tub to configure a second water supply path.
The method of claim 7, wherein the method,
identifying whether the first valve operates normally; and
If it is identified that the first valve does not operate normally, blocking the second water supply path using the second valve; further comprising the method.
According to claim 7,
The method further includes opening a third water supply path for supplying water into the washing tub by using a third valve,
The third valve is connected to the first valve and the second valve to configure a third water supply path.
wherein the third valve is configured to open when the pressure in the second water supply passage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold pressure to open the third water supply passage.
According to claim 9,
wherein the third valve is configured to open when the pressure in the second water supply passage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold pressure to open the third water supply passage.
According to claim 7,
The first valve is connected to the water supply unit and is configured to control the amount of water supplied to the washing tub through at least one of the first water supply path and the second water supply path,
The second valve is configured to control the amount of water supplied to the washing tub through the second water supply path.
The method of claim 7, wherein the method,
identifying whether the front door unit is open; and
If it is identified that the door unit is open, blocking the second water supply path using the second valve; further comprising the method.
A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for executing the method of any one of claims 7 to 12 is recorded on a computer.

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