WO2022158955A1

WO2022158955A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2022158955A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/095014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jungsik Park; Yanggyu Kim; Jangseok Lee
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2021-01-25
Filing date: 2022-01-24
Publication date: 2022-07-28
Also published as: KR20220107559A; KR102536872B1

Abstract

Provided is a washing machine including a first housing having an opening defined therein and having a space defined therein for a drum for accommodating laundry to be inserted, a second housing coupled to the first housing, and a storage tank for storing carbon dioxide to be supplied to the drum therein, wherein washing is performed as carbon dioxide is injected into the drum, wherein the storage tank includes a casing forming an appearance of the storage tank, and a supply pipe with an outlet defined at a vertical level higher than a vertical level of liquid carbon dioxide stored in the casing, and supplying liquid carbon dioxide to the casing.

Description

WASHING MACHINE

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine for performing laundry treatment such as washing using carbon dioxide (CO2).

In a washing procedure and a rinsing procedure of a washing machine designed to use carbon dioxide (CO2), the inside of a washing tub of the washing machine is filled with gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2). In order to wash laundry using carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon dioxide (CO2) flows from a storage tub into the washing machine so that the inside of the washing machine can be filled with the carbon dioxide (CO2). After completion of the washing procedure, carbon dioxide (CO2) is drained from the washing tub to a distillation tub and then flows from the distillation tub into the storage tub, so that the carbon dioxide (CO2) can be reused. In addition, the washing tub is generally designed in a manner that a pulley is connected to a drive shaft, and a motor pulley is connected to a drum pulley through a belt, so that a drum can rotate by the washing tub.

The washing machine using the carbon dioxide repeats a cycle of external charging, supply, washing, distillation, and charging. A storage tank performs a function of storing liquid carbon dioxide and supplying the liquid carbon dioxide to the washing tub when the washing is necessary, and charging liquefied carbon dioxide after the distillation. There is a liquid level sensor next to the storage tank to sense a vertical level of the liquid carbon dioxide in the storage tank. As gaseous carbon dioxide changes to the liquid carbon dioxide through a compressor, because a change in a pressure of the liquid carbon dioxide ejected into the storage tank is large, it is difficult to measure a liquid level value.

In addition, when an inlet/outlet structure through which the gaseous carbon dioxide flows into the storage tank is located at an upper portion of the storage tank, as a vertical level at which the storage tank is mounted becomes higher, there is a problem that a size of an overall system increases.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine with an improved storage-tank inlet structure by which a fluid level of liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) flowing into the storage tank can be prevented from being shaken by movement or evaporation thereof.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of reducing the overall height thereof.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of reducing environmental pollution by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) used for laundry treatment such as washing.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of reducing the size of a pressure vessel designed to use carbon dioxide (CO2) by reducing the amount of the carbon dioxide (CO2) to be used.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of providing the environment in which an operator (or a repairman) can repair the drum that rotates while accommodating laundry.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of reducing the size of a space to be occupied by a motor assembly rotating the drum, thereby reducing the size of an overall space to be occupied by the washing machine.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of stably operating by allowing a washing space including the drum and a motor space including the motor to be kept at the same pressure.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to form a flow path through which liquid carbon dioxide flows through a lower portion of a storage tank and gaseous carbon dioxide flows through an upper portion of the storage tank.

In the present disclosure, as a supply pipe inserted into the storage tank rises above a maximum fluid surface, even when the liquid carbon dioxide is discharged into the storage tank, the liquid carbon flows down along a top surface of the storage tank. Thus, a stable fluid surface may be maintained because the fluid surface is not shaken, and thus, a stable liquid level value may be measured, thereby performing control reliably.

In addition, by raising a distal end of the supply pipe on a liquid inlet side in the storage tank to a vertical level equal to or higher than a vertical level of the maximum fluid surface, the liquid carbon dioxide flows along the inside of the storage tank, thereby maintaining a liquid level stably.

In addition, in the present disclosure, a storage tank gas inlet/outlet is located on a side surface of the storage tank, and an internal pipe exit connected to the inlet/outlet is located on a top surface of the storage tank, so a height of the storage tank is reduced, thereby constructing an entirety compact washing machine.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a barrier for dividing the inner space of a washing tub into a washing unit and a motor unit such that liquid carbon dioxide used as a washing solvent is not transferred to the motor unit by the barrier. The barrier may be formed as a detachable (or separable) component. In addition, the motor is directly mounted to a rotary shaft of a washing drum to minimize unnecessary space of the motor unit, so that the amount of carbon dioxide to be used for laundry treatment can be reduced. As a result, a distillation tank and the storage tank can be miniaturized in size, so that the overall size of the washing machine can be reduced.

A through-hole may be installed at an upper portion of the barrier in a manner that the pipe of the heat exchanger disposed at the barrier can penetrate the through-hole. As a result, gaseous carbon dioxide can move to the washing unit and the motor unit, resulting in pressure equilibrium between the washing unit and the motor unit.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; and a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; and a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing, wherein the barrier is configured to prevent liquid carbon dioxide injected into a space provided by the first housing and the barrier from flowing into a space provided by the second housing and the barrier.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; and a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing. The opening is larger in size than a cross-section of the drum. Thus, an operator can access the drum through the opening so that the operator can maintain and repair the drum.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; and a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing. The first housing may include a first flange formed along the opening, and the second housing includes a second flange coupled to the first flange.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; and a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing. The barrier includes a first through-hole through which a rotary shaft of a motor passes, and a second through-hole through which gaseous carbon dioxide moves.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; and a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing. The barrier is provided with a heat exchanger through which a refrigerant moves. The heat exchanger is disposed in a space formed by the first housing and the barrier. The washing machine may further include a motor assembly coupled to the barrier. The motor assembly may include a stator, a rotor, and a bearing housing.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; and a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing. The barrier is provided with a heat exchanger through a refrigerant moves. The heat exchanger is disposed in a space formed by the first housing and the barrier. The washing machine may further include a motor assembly coupled to the barrier. The motor assembly may include a stator, a rotor, and a bearing housing. The bearing housing is formed with a communication hole through which inflow or outflow of external air is possible.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; and a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing. The barrier is provided with a heat exchanger through a refrigerant moves. The heat exchanger is disposed in a space formed by the first housing and the barrier. The washing machine may further include a motor assembly coupled to the barrier. The motor assembly may include a stator, a rotor, and a bearing housing. An O-ring may be disposed at a portion where the bearing housing is coupled to the barrier. The O-ring may prevent liquid carbon dioxide from flowing into a space opposite to the barrier.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing; and a storage tank configured to store carbon dioxide to be supplied to the drum.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing; and a distillation chamber configured to distill liquid carbon dioxide used in the drum.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; and a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing. The first housing and the second housing may be interconnected to form a closed space, wherein the closed space is divided by the barrier.

In the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a first housing configured to include an opening formed therein and a space in which a drum for accommodating laundry is inserted; a barrier configured to seal the opening and coupled to the first housing; and a second housing configured to seal one surface of the barrier and coupled to the first housing. Carbon dioxide may be injected into the drum to perform washing. The barrier may prevent liquid carbon dioxide injected into a space provided by the first housing and the barrier from flowing into a space provided by the second housing and the barrier.

The opening may be larger in size than a cross-section of the drum.

The opening may be larger in size than a maximum cross-section of the drum.

The opening may be larger in size than a maximum cross-section of a space of the first housing.

The opening may be maintained at the same size until reaching a center portion of the first housing.

The first housing may include a first flange formed along the opening, and the second housing may include a second flange coupled to the first flange.

At least one seating groove coupled to the barrier and formed along the opening may be formed in the first flange.

The first flange may be provided with a first seating surface that extends farther in a radial direction than a circumference of the seating groove. The second flange may be provided with a second seating surface that is coupled to the first seating surface through surface contact with the first seating surface.

The barrier may include a first through-hole through which a rotary shaft of a motor passes, and a second through-hole through which gaseous carbon dioxide moves.

The second through-hole may be disposed higher than the first through-hole.

The washing machine may further include a heat exchanger coupled to the barrier, wherein a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant moves in the heat exchanger passes through the second through-hole.

The second through-hole may include two separate holes.

The barrier may be provided with a heat exchanger through a refrigerant moves, wherein the heat exchanger is disposed in a space formed by the first housing and the barrier.

A heat insulation member may be disposed between the heat exchanger and the barrier.

The heat exchanger may include a bracket coupled to the barrier, wherein the bracket is fixed to the barrier by a bolt penetrating the barrier and a cap nut coupled to the bolt.

The washing machine may further include a motor assembly coupled to the barrier, wherein the motor assembly includes a stator, a rotor, and a bearing housing.

The washing machine may further include a rotary shaft disposed in the bearing housing, wherein one end of the rotary shaft is coupled to the rotor, and the other end of the rotary shaft is coupled to the drum.

The washing machine may further include a sealing portion disposed around the rotary shaft, wherein the sealing portion is disposed to be exposed to a space provided by the first housing and the barrier.

The sealing portion may prevent liquid carbon dioxide from flowing into a space opposite to the barrier.

The bearing housing may be formed with a communication hole through which inflow or outflow of external air is possible.

The rotary shaft may be formed with a first flow passage and a second flow passage spaced apart from each other in a manner that inflow or outflow of air is possible through the first flow passage and the second flow passage.

The first flow passage and the second flow passage may be formed in a radial direction from a center portion of the rotary shaft.

The washing machine may further include a connection flow passage formed to interconnect the first flow passage and the second flow passage.

The connection flow passage may be disposed at a center of rotation of the rotary shaft, and is vertically connected to each of the first flow passage and the second flow passage.

An O-ring may be disposed at a portion where the bearing housing is coupled to the barrier. The O-ring may prevent liquid carbon dioxide from flowing into a space opposite to the barrier.

An O-ring cover for preventing separation of the O-ring may be coupled to the O-ring. The washing machine may further include a storage tank configured to store carbon dioxide to be supplied to the drum.

The washing machine may further include a distillation chamber configured to distill liquid carbon dioxide used in the drum.

The washing machine may further include a filter configured to filter contaminants when discharging liquid carbon dioxide used in the drum.

The washing machine may further include a compressor configured to reduce pressure inside the drum.

The first housing and the second housing may be interconnected to form a closed space, wherein the closed space is divided by the barrier.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

According to the present disclosure, liquid carbon dioxide discharged into the storage tank does not generate a large change in the storage level of liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank, so that the storage level of the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank can be accurately detected.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, the storage tank can be reduced in size, so that the space required for the washing machine to be installed can also be reduced in size.

As is apparent from the above description, the washing machine according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide to be used so that the amount of residual carbon dioxide to be reprocessed after use can also be reduced, resulting in improvement in energy efficiency of the entire system. In addition, since the amount of carbon dioxide to be used is reduced, the size of a storage tank that should store carbon dioxide before use can also be reduced, so that the overall size of the washing machine can be reduced.

In particular, the amount of carbon dioxide to be used in the washing machine can be reduced as compared to the prior art, so that the amount of carbon dioxide to be reprocessed after use can also be reduced. As the amount of carbon dioxide to be used is reduced, the overall size of the washing machine for using carbon dioxide as well as the capacity of a storage tank storing carbon dioxide can be reduced. In addition, since the amount of carbon dioxide to be reprocessed after use is reduced, the time required to perform washing or rinsing can also be reduced.

According to the present disclosure, the washing machine is constructed in a manner that various constituent elements can be separated from the washing machine so that an operator (or a repairman) can easily access and repair a necessary constituent component from among the constituent elements. In addition, the washing machine according to the present disclosure provides a structure in which various constituent elements can be combined to produce an actual product, so that the operator can easily manufacture the washing machine designed to use carbon dioxide.

According to the present disclosure, a stator and a rotor are disposed together around a rotary shaft configured to rotate the drum, and the space to be occupied by a motor assembly is reduced in size, so that the overall size of the washing machine can also be reduced. In addition, the coupling relationship of the constituent elements for rotating the drum is simplified, so that noise generated by rotation of the drum can be reduced and the efficiency of power transmission can increase.

According to the present disclosure, whereas liquid carbon dioxide is not introduced into the driving space in which the motor is disposed, gaseous carbon dioxide can flow into the driving space, and the drum can be rotated in a state in which pressure equilibrium between the washing space and the driving space is maintained. Therefore, when the washing machine operates, the drum can stably rotate. In addition, since the driving space is filled with gaseous carbon dioxide, the amount of carbon dioxide to be used for laundry treatment such as washing can be reduced.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates the appearance of a washing chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the structure shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating that a second housing is separated from the structure shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating that some parts of a drum shown in FIG. 5 are detached rearward.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the drum and some constituent elements included in the drum.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the main constituent elements of the structure shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a barrier.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the function of a second through-hole.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which a heat exchanger is coupled to a barrier.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an O-ring and an O-ring cover mounted to the barrier.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary state in which the structure of FIG. 14 is coupled to other constituent elements.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a rotary shaft.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary state in which the rotary shaft of FIG. 16 is coupled to other constituent elements.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a storage tank and a liquid level sensor.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a storage tank.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a supply pipe.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a supply pipe.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the drawings, the sizes, shapes, or the like of constituent elements may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. In addition, the terms, which are particularly defined while taking into consideration the configurations and operations of the present disclosure, may be replaced by other terms based on the intentions of users or operators, or customs. Therefore, terms used in the present specification need to be construed based on the substantial meanings of the corresponding terms and the overall matters disclosed in the present specification rather than construed as simple names of the terms.

Referring to FIG. 1, since the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure performs various laundry treatments (such as washing, rinsing, etc. of laundry) using carbon dioxide (CO2), the washing machine may include constituent elements capable of storing or processing such carbon dioxide (CO2).

The washing machine may include a supply unit for supplying carbon dioxide, a washing unit for processing laundry, and a recycling unit for processing used carbon dioxide. The supply unit may include a tank for storing liquid carbon dioxide therein, and a compressor for liquefying gaseous carbon dioxide. The tank may include a supplementary tank and a storage tank. The washing unit may include a washing chamber into which carbon dioxide and laundry can be put together. The recycling unit may include a filter for separating contaminants dissolved in liquid carbon dioxide after completion of the washing procedure, a cooler for liquefying gaseous carbon dioxide, a distillation chamber for separating contaminants dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide, and a contamination chamber for storing the separated contaminants after distillation.

The supplementary tank 20 may store carbon dioxide to be supplied to the washing chamber 10. Of course, the supplementary tank 20 may be a storage tank that can be used when replenishment of carbon dioxide is required, and the supplementary tank 20 may not be installed in the washing machine in a situation where replenishment of such carbon dioxide is not required. The supplementary tank is not provided in a normal situation, the supplementary tank is coupled to supplement carbon dioxide as needed, so that replenishment of carbon dioxide is performed. Preferably, when such replenishment of carbon dioxide is completed, the supplementary tank can be separated from the washing machine.

The storage tank 30 may supply carbon dioxide to the washing chamber 10, and may store the carbon dioxide recovered through the distillation chamber 50.

The cooler 40 may re-liquefy gaseous carbon dioxide, and may store the liquid carbon dioxide in the storage tank 30.

The distillation chamber 50 may distill liquid carbon dioxide used in the washing chamber 10. The distillation chamber 50 may separate contaminants by vaporizing the carbon dioxide through the distillation process, and may remove the separated contaminants.

The compressor 80 may reduce pressure of the inside of the pressurized washing chamber 10 to approximately 1.5 bar.

The contamination chamber 60 may store contaminants filtered through distillation by the distillation chamber 50.

The filter unit 70 may filter out contaminants in the process of discharging liquid carbon dioxide used in the washing chamber 10 into the distillation chamber 50. The filter unit 70 may include a filter having a plurality of fine holes.

Laundry is put in the washing chamber 10, so that washing or rinsing of the laundry is performed. When a valve of the storage tank 30 connected to the washing chamber 10 opens a flow passage, air pressure in the washing chamber 10 becomes similar to air pressure in the storage tank 30. At this time, gaseous carbon dioxide is injected first, and then the inside of the washing chamber 10 is pressurized through equipment such as a pump, so that the inside of the washing chamber 10 can be filled with liquid carbon dioxide. In a situation in which the inside of the washing chamber 10 is maintained at approximately 45~51 bar and 10~15 °C, washing may be performed for 10~15 minutes, and rinsing may be performed for 3~4 minutes. When washing or rinsing is completed, liquid carbon dioxide is discharged from the washing chamber 10 to the distillation chamber 50.

The valve 90 may remove internal air of the washing chamber 10 before starting the washing procedure, thereby preventing moisture from freezing in the washing chamber 10. Because washing performance is deteriorated when moisture in the washing chamber 10 is frozen, moisture in the washing chamber 10 can be prevented from being frozen.

FIG. 2 illustrates the appearance of the washing chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the structure shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the washing chamber 10 may include a door 300, a first housing 100, and a second housing. In this case, the washing chamber 10 may refer to a space in which laundry is disposed and various laundry treatments such as washing, rinsing, etc. of laundry can be performed. In addition, the washing chamber 10 may be provided with a motor assembly that supplies driving force capable of rotating the drum to the washing chamber 10.

The door 300 may be provided at one side of the first housing 100 to open and close the inlet 102 provided in the first housing 100. When the door 300 opens the inlet 102, the user can put laundry to be treated into the first housing 100 or can take the completed laundry out of the first housing 100.

The first housing 100 may be formed with a space in which the drum 350 accommodating laundry is inserted. The drum 350 is rotatably provided so that liquid carbon dioxide and laundry are mixed together in a state in which laundry is disposed in the drum 350.

The first housing 100 may be provided with an opening 104 in addition to the inlet 102. The opening 100 may be located opposite to the inlet 102, and may be larger in size than the inlet 102.

The first housing 100 may be formed in an overall cylindrical shape, the inlet 102 formed in a circular shape may be formed at one side of the first housing 102, and the opening 100 formed in a circular shape may be provided at the other side of the first housing 102.

The drum 350 may be formed in a cylindrical shape similar to the shape of the inner space of the first housing 100, so that the drum 350 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in the first housing 100.

The opening 104 may be larger in size than the cross-section of the drum 350, so that the operator or user can repair the drum by removing the drum 350 through the opening 104. In this case, the opening 104 may be larger in size than a maximum cross-section of the drum 350. Therefore, the operator or the user can open the opening 104 to take out the drum 350. It is also possible to install the drum 350 in the first housing 100 through the opening 104.

The opening 104 may be larger in size than the maximum cross-section of the space of the first housing 100. In addition, the opening 104 may be maintained at the same size while extending to the center portion of the first housing 100. Thus, when the operator or the user removes the drum 100 from the first housing 100 or inserts the drum 350 into the first housing 100, a space sufficient not to interfere with movement of the drum 350 can be guaranteed.

In one embodiment, the user can put laundry into the first housing 100 using the inlet 102, and maintenance or assembly of the drum 350 may be achieved using the opening 104. The inlet 102 and the opening 104 may be located opposite to each other in the first housing 100.

The first housing 100 may be provided with an inlet pipe 110 through which carbon dioxide flows into the first housing 100. The inlet pipe 110 may be a pipe that is exposed outside the first housing 100, so that the pipe through which carbon dioxide flows may be coupled to the constituent elements described in FIG. 1.

The first housing 100 may be provided with the filter fixing part 130 capable of fixing the filter part 70. The filter fixing part 130 may be formed to radially protrude from the cylindrical shape of the first housing 100, resulting in formation of a space in which the filter can be inserted. The filter fixing part 130 may be provided with a discharge pipe 132 through which carbon dioxide filtered through the filter part 70 can be discharged from the first housing 100. The carbon dioxide used in the first housing 100 may be discharged outside the first housing 100 through the discharge pipe 132.

The first housing 100 may include a first flange 120 formed along the opening 104. The first flange 120 may extend in a radial direction along the outer circumferential surface of the first housing 100 in a similar way to the cylindrical shape of the first housing 100. The first flange 120 may be evenly disposed along the circumference of the first housing 100 in a direction in which the radius of the first housing 100 increases.

The second housing 200 may be coupled to the first housing 100 to form one washing chamber. At this time, the washing chamber may provide a space in which laundry treatment is performed and a space in which a motor assembly for providing driving force required to rotate the drum is installed.

The second housing 200 may include a second flange 220 coupled to the first flange 120. The second housing 200 may be formed to have a size similar to the cross-section of the first housing 100, and may be disposed at the rear of the first housing 100.

The second flange 220 may be coupled to the first flange 120 by a plurality of bolts, so that the internal pressure of the washing chamber can be maintained at pressure greater than the external atmospheric pressure in a state in which the second housing 200 is fixed to the first housing 100.

The first filter fixing part 130 provided in the first housing 200 may be provided with a filter 140 for filtering foreign substances. The filter 140 may include a plurality of small holes not passing foreign substances, but liquid carbon dioxide can pass through the small holes, so that the liquid carbon dioxide can be discharged outside the first housing 100 through the discharge pipe 132.

In one embodiment, a barrier 400 for sealing the opening 104 while coupling to the first housing 100 may be provided. The barrier 200 is able to seal the one side of the second housing 200.

In the left space on the basis of the barrier 400 in the structure shown in FIG. 4, the drum 350 may be disposed so that laundry and liquid carbon dioxide are mixed together and laundry treatment such as washing or rising can be performed in the drum 350. On the other hand, the motor assembly 500 may be disposed in the right space on the basis of the barrier 400, thereby providing driving force capable of rotating the drum 350. In this case, a portion of the motor assembly 500 may be coupled to the drum 350 after passing through the barrier 400.

The barrier 400 may be larger in size than the opening 104, and may be disposed to be in contact with the opening 104, thereby sealing the opening 104. The barrier 400 and the opening 140 may be formed to have a substantially circular shape similar to the shape of the first housing 100, and the diameter L of the opening 104 may be smaller than the diameter of the barrier 400. The diameter L of the opening 104 may be larger than the diameter of the drum 350. Therefore, the cross-section of the drum 350 may be formed to have the smallest size, the cross-section of the opening 104 may be formed to have a medium size, and the barrier 400 may be formed to have the largest size.

The barrier 400 may be arranged to have a plurality of steps, thereby guaranteeing sufficient strength.

The first flange 102 may be provided with a seating groove 122 coupled to the barrier 400 so that the seating groove 122 may be formed along the opening 104. That is, the seating groove 122 may be provided at a portion extending in a radial direction from the opening 104. The seating groove 122 may be recessed by a thickness of the barrier 400 so that the first flange 120 and the second flange 220 are formed to contact each other. The seating groove 122 may be formed to have the same shape as the outer circumferential surface of the barrier 400. Thus, when the barrier 200 is seated in the seating groove 122, the surface of the first flange 120 becomes flat.

The first flange 120 may include the first seating surface 124 extending in a more radial direction than the circumference of the seating groove 122, and the second flange 220 may include a second seating surface 224 coupled to the first seating surface 124 in surface contact with the first seating surface 124. The first seating surface 124 and the second seating surface 224 may be disposed to be in contact with each other, so that carbon dioxide injected into the inner space of the first housing 100 can be prevented from being disposed outside the first housing 100. The first seating surface 124 and the second seating surface 224 may be in surface contact with each other while being disposed at the outer circumferential surfaces of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200, and at the same time may provide a coupling surface where two housings can be bolted to each other.

A heat exchanger 600 in which refrigerant flows may be disposed at the barrier 400. The heat exchanger 600 may be disposed in a space formed by the first housing 100 and the barrier 400. The heat exchanger 600 may change a temperature of the space formed by the first housing 100. The temperature of the space formed by the first housing 100 may be reduced so that humidity of the inner space of the first housing 100 can be lowered.

A heat insulation member (i.e., an insulation member) 650 may be disposed between the heat exchanger 600 and the barrier 400. The heat insulation member 650 may prevent the temperature of the heat exchanger 600 from being directly transferred to the barrier 400. The heat insulation member 650 may allow the barrier 400 to be less affected by the temperature change of the heat exchanger 600. The heat insulation member 650 may be formed similar to the shape of the heat exchanger, thereby covering the entire surface of the heat exchanger 600.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating that the second housing is separated from the structure shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating that some parts of the drum shown in FIG. 5 are detached rearward.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when the second housing 200 is separated from the first housing 100, the barrier 400 may be exposed outside. Since the barrier 400 is coupled to the seating groove of the first housing 100, the inner space of the first housing is not exposed outside even when the second housing 200 is separated from the first housing 100. The barrier 400 may be coupled to the second housing 200 by a plurality of bolts or the like.

A motor assembly 500 may be coupled to the center portion of the barrier 400, and a second through-hole 420 may be formed at an upper side of the motor assembly 500. A refrigerant pipe 610 for circulating a refrigerant in the heat exchanger 600 may be formed to pass through the second through-hole 420.

When the barrier 400 is separated from the first housing 100, the opening 104 may be exposed outside. At this time, the drum 350 may be withdrawn to the outside through the opening 104. As the opening 104 is larger in size than the drum 350, maintenance of the drum 350 is possible through the opening 104.

A gasket 320 may be disposed between the barrier 400 and the seating groove 122. As a result, when the barrier 400 is coupled to the first housing 100, carbon dioxide can be prevented from leaking between the barrier 400 and the first housing 100. When the barrier 400 is seated in the seating groove 122, the barrier 400 can be coupled to the first housing 100 by the plurality of bolts while compressing the gasket 320. A plurality of coupling holes through which the barrier 400 is coupled to the first housing 100 may be evenly disposed along the outer circumferential surface of the barrier 400.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a drum and some constituent elements of the drum. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the main constituent elements of the structure shown in FIG. 7.

As can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8, the first housing 100 is removed so that the drum 350 is exposed outside. The drum 350 may be formed in a cylindrical shape such that laundry put into the drum 350 through the inlet 102 is movable into the drum 350.

In the left side from the barrier 400, the drum 350, the heat exchanger 600, and the heat insulation member 650 may be disposed. In the right side from the barrier 400, the motor assembly 500 may be disposed.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating that the drum 350 and the barrier 400 are separated from each other. Referring to FIG. 9, the rotary shaft 510 of the motor assembly 500 may be coupled to the drum 350 at the rear of the drum 350. Therefore, when the rotary shaft 510 rotates, the drum 350 can also be rotated thereby. In addition, when the rotational direction of the rotary shaft 510 is changed, the rotational direction of the drum 350 is also changed.

Since the motor assembly 500 is coupled to the barrier 400, the driving force required to rotate the drum 350 is not transmitted to the drum 350 through a separate belt or the like. As a result, rotational force of the motor according to one embodiment is directly transmitted to the drum 350, so that loss of force or occurrence of noise can be reduced.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating constituent elements installed at the barrier shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 10, the heat exchanger 600 may be formed in a doughnut shape similar to the shape of the opening 104. A circular through-hole 602 may be formed at the center of the heat exchanger 600 so that the rotary shaft 510 of the motor can pass through the through-hole 602.

The heat insulation member 650 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the heat exchanger 600, and may prevent the temperature change generated in the heat exchanger 600 from being transferred to the barrier 400. The heat insulation member 650 may be made of a material having low thermal conductivity, and may be disposed between the heat exchanger 600 and the barrier 400. A circular through-hole 652 may be formed at the center of the heat insulation member 650 so that the rotary shaft 510 of the motor can pass through the through-hole 652.

The circular shape of the through-hole 602 of the heat exchanger 600 may be similar in size to the circular shape of the through-hole 652 of the heat insulation member 650. However, the through-hole 652 may be formed with a through-groove 654 through which the refrigerant pipe 610 for supplying refrigerant to the heat exchanger 600 can pass.

The heat exchanger 600 may include a bracket 620 coupled to the barrier 400. The bracket 620 can be fixed to the barrier 400 by both a bolt 624 penetrating the barrier 400 and a cap nut 626 coupled to the bolt 624.

The bracket 620 may be formed in a three-dimensionally stepped shape such that the bracket 620 is disposed at a surface where the heat exchanger 600 has a thin thickness. The bolt 624 may be disposed at the stepped groove portion, and may be coupled to the cap nut 626.

The plurality of brackets 620 may be provided, so that the heat exchanger 600 and the heat insulation member 650 may be coupled to the barrier 400 at a plurality of points. Although FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment in which three brackets 650 are used for convenience of description, a larger number of brackets or a smaller number of brackets than the three brackets may also be used as necessary. The plurality of brackets may be evenly disposed at various positions of the heat exchanger 600, so that the heat exchanger 600 can be more stably fixed.

The motor assembly 500 may be coupled to the barrier 400. The motor assembly 500 may include a stator 570, a rotor 550, and a bearing housing 520. The bearing housing 520 may include the rotary shaft 510. One end of the rotary shaft 510 may be coupled to the rotor 550, and the other end of the rotary shaft 510 may be coupled to the drum 350. Therefore, as the rotor 550 rotates around the stator 570, the rotary shaft 510 is also rotated.

The stator 570 is fixed to a bearing housing 520, thereby providing the environment in which the rotor 550 can rotate.

When the bearing housing 520 is coupled to the barrier 400, an O-ring 450 may be disposed between the bearing housing 520 and the barrier 400, so that liquid carbon dioxide injected into the first housing 100 is prevented from flowing into a gap between the barrier 400 and the bearing housing 520. At this time, an O-ring cover 460 may be disposed to improve the coupling force of the O-ring 450. The O-ring cover 460 may be formed similar in shape to the O-ring 450. The O-ring cover 460 may reduce the size of one surface where the O-ring 450 is exposed to one side of the barrier 400, thereby more strongly sealing the gap.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the barrier 400. FIG. 11(a) is a front view of the barrier 400, and FIG. 11(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the center portion of the barrier 400.

As can be seen from the side cross-sectional view of the barrier 400, since the barrier 400 includes a plurality of step differences, the barrier 400 can provide sufficient strength by which the heat exchanger 600 can be fixed to one side of the barrier 400 and the motor assembly 500 can be fixed to the other side of the barrier 400.

A first through-hole 410 through which the rotary shaft 510 of the motor passes may be disposed at the center of the barrier 400. The first through-hole 410 may be formed in a circular shape, so that no contact occurs at the rotary shaft 510 passing through the first through-hole 410.

The barrier 400 may include a second through-hole 420 through which gaseous carbon dioxide moves. The second through-hole 420 may be disposed at a higher position than the first through-hole 410. The second through-hole 420 may be disposed to allow the refrigerant pipe 610 to pass therethrough. The second through-hole 420 may be larger in size than the first through-hole 410.

Here, the second through-hole 420 may be implemented as two separate holes. The second through-holes 420 may be disposed symmetrical to each other with respect to the center point of the barrier 400.

The barrier 400 may be a single component capable of being separated from the first housing 100 or the second housing 200, and may provide a coupling structure between the heat exchanger 600 and the motor assembly 500.

In addition, when the barrier 400 is separated from the first housing 100, the environment in which the user or operator can separate the drum 350 from the first housing 100 can be provided.

The barrier 400 may be formed to have a plurality of step differences in a forward or backward direction, and may sufficiently increase the strength. In addition, the barrier 400 may be formed to have a curved surface within some sections, so that the barrier 400 can be formed to withstand force generated in various directions. The outermost portion of the barrier 400 may be coupled to the seating groove 122 of the first housing 100.

Referring to the direction from the outermost part of the barrier 400 to the center part of the barrier 400 as shown in FIG. 11(b), the barrier 400 may be formed to have step differences in various directions (e.g., the barrier first protrudes to the left side, protrudes to the right side, and again protrudes to the left side) by various lengths, thereby increasing strength.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the function of the second through-hole.

Referring to FIG. 12, carbon dioxide may be injected into the drum 350 to perform washing of laundry. In this case, the carbon dioxide may be a mixture of liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide. Since the liquid carbon dioxide is heavier than the gaseous carbon dioxide, the liquid carbon dioxide may be located below the gaseous carbon dioxide, and the gaseous carbon dioxide may be present in the empty space located over the liquid carbon dioxide.

By rotation of the drum 350, laundry disposed in the drum 350 may be mixed with liquid carbon dioxide.

The barrier 400 may prevent liquid carbon dioxide injected into the space formed by both the first housing 100 and the barrier 400 from flowing into the other space formed by both the second housing 200 and the barrier 400. That is, since the barrier 400 seals the opening 104, liquid carbon dioxide cannot move to the opposite side of the barrier 400.

During laundry treatment such as washing, the space formed by the first housing 100 and the barrier 400 is separated from the space formed by the second housing 200 and the barrier 400. In this case, the space formed by the first housing 100 and the barrier 400 may be filled with liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide at a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure. Therefore, in order to stably maintain the pressure of the washing chamber, only gaseous carbon dioxide rather than liquid carbon dioxide may move into the space formed by the second housing 200 and the barrier 400, resulting in implementation of pressure equilibrium.

At this time, gaseous carbon dioxide may pass through the barrier 400 through the second through-hole 420 provided at the barrier 400. However, since the second through-hole 420 is located higher in height than the liquid carbon dioxide, the gaseous carbon dioxide cannot move through the second through-hole 420.

Typically, the amount of liquid carbon dioxide used in washing or rising of laundry may not exceed half of the total capacity of the drum 350. In other words, the amount of liquid carbon dioxide does not exceed the height of the rotary shaft 510 coupled to the drum 350.

Therefore, if the second through-hole 420 is located higher than the rotary shaft 510, gaseous carbon dioxide may not move through the second through-hole 420. However, since the space formed by the first housing 100 and the barrier 400 is filled with gaseous carbon dioxide, the gaseous carbon dioxide can freely flow into the space formed by the second housing 200 and the barrier 400, resulting in implementation of pressure equilibrium.

That is, during laundry treatment such as washing or rinsing, gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide may be mixed with each other in the space partitioned by the first housing 100 and the barrier 400. On the other hand, whereas liquid carbon dioxide is not present in the space partitioned by the second housing 200 and the barrier 400, only gaseous carbon dioxide may be present in the space partitioned by the second housing 200 and the barrier 400. Since two spaces are in a pressure equilibrium state therebetween, liquid carbon dioxide need not be present in the space formed by the second housing 200 and the barrier 400, and the amount of used liquid carbon dioxide may be reduced in the space formed by the second housing 200 and the barrier 400. Therefore, the total amount of carbon dioxide to be used in washing or rinsing of laundry may be reduced, so that the amount of carbon dioxide to be used can be greatly reduced compared to the prior art. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide to be reprocessed after use can also be reduced. As described above, the amount of carbon dioxide to be used can be reduced, so that a storage capacity of the tank configured to store carbon dioxide and the overall size of the washing machine configured to use carbon dioxide can also be reduced. In addition, since the amount of carbon dioxide to be reprocessed after use is reduced, the time required to perform washing or rinsing can also be reduced.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which the heat exchanger is coupled to the barrier.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion in which the bracket 620 is in contact with the heat exchanger 600.

The bracket 620 may be formed in a stepped shape, and the stepped portion is in contact with the heat exchanger 600, so that the heat exchanger 600 can be fixed. The protruding portion may be disposed to contact the heat insulation member 650.

The bolt 624 may be fixed to the protruding portion, and the bolt 624 may pass through the heat insulation member 650 and the barrier 400. A cap nut 626 may be provided at the opposite side of the bolt 624, so that the bolt 624 can be fixed by the cap nut 626. The cap nut 626 may be in contact with the plurality of points of the barrier 400, so that the fixing force at the barrier 400 can be guaranteed.

The cap nut 626 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a coupling groove may be formed at a portion contacting the barrier 400. A sealing 627 may be disposed in the coupling groove to seal a gap when the cap nut 626 is coupled to the barrier 400. That is, when the cap nut 626 is coupled to the bolt 624, the sealing 627 is pressed so that the bolt 624 can be fixed while being strongly pressurized by the cap nut 626. At this time, the barrier 400 is also pressed together, a hole through which the bolt 624 passes can be sealed.

The bracket 620 may be implemented as a plurality of brackets, so that the heat exchanger 600 can be fixed at various positions. Although the shape of the brackets 620 may be changed when viewed from each direction, the same method for coupling the bracket 620 by the bolt and the cap nut can be applied to the brackets 620.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the O-ring and the O-ring cover mounted to the barrier. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary state in which the structure of FIG. 14 is coupled to other constituent elements.

The O-ring 450 may be disposed at a portion where the bearing housing 520 is coupled to the barrier 400. The O-ring 450 may prevent liquid carbon dioxide from flowing into the space opposite to the barrier 400.

That is, since the rotary shaft 510 is disposed to penetrate the first through-hole 410 of the barrier 400, the gap should exist in the first through-hole 410. Since the rotary shaft 510 rotates, the rotary shaft 510 should be spaced apart from the through-hole 410 by a predetermined gap, and this predetermined gap cannot be sealed. Therefore, the bearing housing 520 is coupled to the barrier 400, and the gap between the bearing housing 520 and the barrier 400 is sealed by the O-ring 450, so that carbon dioxide can be prevented from moving through the gap sealed by the O-ring 450.

The O-ring 450 may be coupled to the O-ring cover 460 preventing separation of the O-ring 450. The O-ring cover 460 may surround one surface of the O-ring 450, so that the O-ring cover 460 can prevent the O-ring 450 from being exposed to a space provided by the first housing 100. Therefore, the O-ring cover 460 may prevent the O-ring 450 from being separated by back pressure.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the rotary shaft. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary state in which the rotary shaft of FIG. 16 is coupled to other constituent elements.

A rotary shaft 510 having one side coupled to the drum 350 and the other side coupled to the rotor 550 may be provided at the center of the bearing housing 520. The rotary shaft 510 may be disposed to pass through the center of the bearing housing 520.

The rotary shaft 510 may be supported by the bearing housing 520 through the first bearing 521 and the second bearing 522. The rotary shaft 510 may be supported to be rotatable by the two bearings. In this case, the two bearings may be implemented as various shapes of bearings as long as they are rotatably supported components.

Meanwhile, the first bearing 521 and the second bearing 522 may have different sizes, so that the first bearing 521 and the second bearing 522 can stably support the rotary shaft 510. On the other hand, the shape of the rotary shaft 510 corresponding to a portion supported by the first bearing 521 may be formed differently from the shape of the rotary shaft 510 corresponding to a portion supported by the second bearing 522 as needed.

A sealing portion 540 may be provided at one side of the first bearing 521. The sealing portion 540 may be disposed along the circumferential surface of the rotary shaft 510. The sealing portion 540 may be disposed to be exposed to the space formed by the first housing 100 and the barrier 400, so that carbon dioxide can be prevented from moving through a gap between the rotary shaft 510 and the bearing housing 520. Specifically, the sealing portion 540 can prevent liquid carbon dioxide from moving into the space opposite to the barrier 400.

The sealing portion 540 may include a shaft-seal housing 542 that is disposed between the rotary shaft 510 and a hole through which the rotary shaft 510 passes, so that the shaft-seal housing 542 can seal a gap between the rotary shaft 510 and the hole. A shaft seal 544 may be disposed at a portion where the shaft-seal housing 542 and the rotary shaft 510 meet each other, thereby improving sealing force. The shaft seal 544 may be disposed to surround the circumferential surface of the rotary shaft 510.

The bearing housing 520 may be formed with a communication hole 526 through which inflow or outflow of external air is possible. The communication hole 526 of the bearing housing 520 may be exposed to the space partitioned by the second housing 200 and the barrier 400.

The rotary shaft 510 may be provided with a first flow passage 512 and a second flow passage 514 spaced apart from each other such that inflow or outflow of air is possible through the first flow passage 512 and the second flow passage 514. At this time, the first flow passage 512 and the second flow passage 514 may be formed in a radial direction from the center of the rotary shaft 510.

Air in the space partitioned by the second housing 200 and the barrier 400 may flow into the rotary shaft 510 through the first flow passage 512 and the second flow passage 514.

In particular, a connection flow passage 516 for connecting the first flow passage 512 to the second flow passage 514 may be formed. The connection flow passage 516 may be disposed at the center of rotation of the rotary shaft 510, and may be vertically connected to each of the first flow passage 512 and the second flow passage 514.

If the connection flow passage 516 does not exist, each of the first flow passage 512 and the second flow passage 514 is perforated on the outer surface of the rotary shaft 510, but the opposite side of each of the first flow passage 512 and the second flow passage 514 is closed. Therefore, it is difficult for air to substantially flow into the first passage 512 or the second flow passage 514. To this end, the connection flow passage 516 for interconnecting two flow passages may be formed. Thus, when the internal pressure of the rotary shaft 510 is changed, air can more easily flow into the first flow passage 512, the second flow passage 514, and the connection flow passage 516, so that pressure of the rotary shaft 510 can be maintained in the same manner as the external pressure change.

The rotary shaft 510 may rotate in a state in which one side of the rotary shaft 10 is fixed to the drum 350 and the other side of the rotary shaft 10 is fixed to the rotor 550. Therefore, noise or vibration may occur in the rotary shaft 510. If the rotary shaft 510 rotates at a place where there occurs a pressure deviation, noise or vibration may unavoidably increase. Therefore, the rotary shaft 510 according to one embodiment may be formed with a communication hole 526 through which air can flow into the bearing housing 520. The bearing housing 520 is a relatively large component and has a space for allowing air to enter and circulate therein, so that air can be introduced without distinction between the air inlet and the air outlet. On the other hand, the rotary shaft 510 may be made of a material having high rigidity, but the strength of the rotary shaft 510 is reduced so that it is difficult to secure the space in which air can easily flow, thereby increasing the size of the air passage. Therefore, the plurality of flow passages may be coupled to each other, resulting in formation of a path through which the introduced air can be discharged through the opposite flow passage.

In one embodiment, the washing chamber 10 may be coupled to the first housing 100 and the second housing 200, resulting in formation of a sealed space. At this time, the sealed space may be divided into two spaces by the barrier 400. Based on the barrier 400, one space may be a space for laundry treatment, and the other space may be a space for installation of the motor or the like.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a storage tank and a liquid level sensor.

Referring to FIG. 18, in the storage tank 30 in which the liquid carbon dioxide and the gaseous carbon dioxide are stored together, a liquid level sensor 301 capable of measuring a vertical level of the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank 30, that is, a liquid level, is disposed. The liquid level sensor 301 may be installed on a pipe 302 passing through the storage tank 30 to sense the level of the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank 30. That is, because both ends of the pipe 302 are connected to the storage tank 30, the liquid level sensor 301 may identify the vertical level of the liquid carbon dioxide while a liquid level of the pipe 302 is maintained to be the same as the liquid level of the storage tank 30. In one example, it is also possible to sense the vertical level of the stored liquid carbon dioxide using another type of liquid level sensor 301.

A supply pipe 31 for guiding the liquid carbon dioxide to the storage tank 30 is disposed on a bottom surface of the storage tank 30 to pass through the storage tank 30. The supply pipe 31 guides the liquid carbon dioxide liquefied through the distillation chamber 50 and the cooler 40 to flow into the storage tank.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a storage tank. Referring to FIG. 19, the storage tank 30 includes a casing 31a forming an appearance, and the supply 31 that supplies the liquid carbon dioxide to the casing 31a as an outlet 32 is defined at a vertical level higher than the vertical level of the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the casing 31a. The casing 31a is made of a metal material to form a pressure-resistant container in which the liquid carbon dioxide stored therein is capable of maintaining a high pressure.

The storage tank 30 has a cylindrical shape and is installed such that a circular surface is disposed on a side surface thereof. That is, the storage tank 30 is installed in the washing machine in a form of a cylinder lying on its side. Accordingly, the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank 30 is filled from the bottom based on FIG. 19, so that the liquid level increases upwards as an amount of storage increases.

The supply pipe 31 is disposed to penetrate a bottom of the casing 30a. The supply pipe 31 includes a portion 33 penetrating the storage tank 30. In this connection, the portion 33 penetrating the storage tank 30 penetrates a bottom of the storage tank 30. The penetrating portion 33 may be welded and coupled to the storage tank 30 to prevent the liquid carbon dioxide from leaking to a space between the portion 33 and the storage tank 30. The supply pipe 31 may extend in a vertical direction from the portion 33. That is, it is possible that a portion of the supply pipe 31 and the portion 33 are always submerged in the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank 30.

The supply pipe 31 may extend from the bottom of the casing 31a to a vertical level higher than a maximum vertical level of the stored liquid carbon dioxide. The storage tank 30 is designed to withstand a pressure at which the liquid carbon dioxide may be stably stored. Accordingly, an amount of liquid carbon dioxide that the storage tank 30 may store is determined, and the maximum liquid level of such liquid carbon dioxide is also determined. Accordingly, the supply pipe is constructed to extend to the vertical level higher than the maximum liquid level. The outlet 32 is defined at a distal end of the supply pipe 31, and the outlet 32 is defined at the vertical level higher than the maximum liquid level. Through the outlet 32, the liquid carbon dioxide guided to the storage tank 30 is ejected into the storage tank 30.

The outlet 32 is defined to have a gap G1 from a ceiling of the storage tank. Accordingly, the liquid carbon dioxide flowing through the outlet 32 may be guided into the storage tank 30 after rising up to the outlet 32.

Because the outlet 32 is positioned at the vertical level higher than the maximum liquid level of the liquid carbon dioxide, the liquid carbon dioxide supplied through the outlet 32 does not create a wave that fluctuates the liquid level of the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank 30. Therefore, because the liquid carbon dioxide flowing down through the outlet 32 merely gradually increases the liquid level of the stored liquid carbon dioxide, it is possible for the liquid level sensor 301 to accurately measure the liquid level.

In one example, the carbon dioxide supplied through the outlet 32 may flow down along an inner wall of the casing 31a and be mixed with the stored liquid carbon dioxide. Even in this case, it does not create the wave that periodically fluctuates the liquid carbon dioxide already stored in the storage tank 30, so that an error in which rise and drop of the liquid level of the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the liquid level sensor 301 is periodically repeated may be prevented

The storage tank 30 includes a pipe 37 penetrating the storage tank 30 to supply or discharge the gaseous carbon dioxide, and the pipe 37 includes a portion 39 penetrating the side surface of the storage tank 30.

The portion 39 of the pipe 37 penetrating the storage tank 30 is disposed below the ceiling of the storage tank 30. The penetrating portion 39 should protrude to the outside of the storage tank 30. Because the pipe 37 does not penetrate the ceiling of the storage tank 30, there is no need to make a portion protruding upwardly of the storage tank 30 because of the pipe 37. Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is no need to define a space on the outside of the storage tank 30 in which a structure disposed above the storage tank 30 is disposed, so that an overall size of the washing machine including the storage tank may be reduced.

In one example, the portion 39 of the pipe 37 penetrating the storage tank 30 may be disposed higher than a medium-vertical-level-portion of the storage tank 30. The storage tank 30 is disposed in the form in which the cylinder is lying. Because a portion of the storage stank 30 at a medium vertical level has the greatest width, when the portion 39 is disposed at the medium vertical level, a width of a space in which the storage tank is disposed should be increased. Therefore, when the portion 39 is disposed at a vertical level higher than the medium vertical level, a width that needs to be increased of the storage tank is reduced, so that the washing machine may be installed compactly in a narrower space.

A through-hole 38 of the pipe 37 is defined at a vertical level higher than the maximum vertical level of the liquid carbon dioxide that may be stored in the storage tank 30. Through the through-hole 38, the gaseous carbon dioxide may be guided to the storage tank 30 or the gaseous carbon dioxide may be discharged from the storage tank 30. Therefore, when the through-hole 38 is defined at a vertical level lower than the liquid level of the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank 30 and submerged, the gaseous carbon dioxide is not able to flow. In the present embodiment, the through-hole 38 may be defined so as not to be submerged in the liquid carbon dioxide to secure a flow path of the gaseous carbon dioxide flowing in the storage tank 30.

In one example, the pipe 37 extends upwards from the penetrating portion 39, so that the through-hole 38 is defined at the vertical level higher than the maximum liquid level. In this connection, the through-hole 38 is defined to have a gap G2 from the ceiling of the storage tank 30, so that the gaseous carbon dioxide may be guided to the through-hole 38.

The penetrating portion 39 may be defined at a position lower than the through-hole 38, so that a portion of the pipe 37 may be submerged in the liquid carbon dioxide.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a supply pipe. (a), (b), and (c) in FIG. 20 are diagrams showing cross-sections of the same supply pipe cut in various directions. The supply pipe shown in FIG. 20, which corresponds to a portion of the supply pipe, may mean a middle portion of the supply pipe, or may be interpreted as expressing the entire supply pipe.

Referring to FIG. 20, the supply pipe 31 may have a plurality of

baffles

34 and 35 disposed therein. The

baffles

34 and 35 are formed to protrude inwardly of the supply pipe 31. The supply pipe 31 has a circular cross-section. The

baffles

34 and 35 may be formed in a semicircular shape. In this connection, the baffles may include a first baffle 34 and a second baffle 35 that are alternately disposed. The two baffles may be disposed at different vertical levels and disposed to face each other, thereby generating a resistance to the liquid carbon dioxide flowing inside the supply pipe 31. Therefore, a sudden speed change of the liquid carbon dioxide that may occur by the sudden pressure change may be reduced, so that it is possible to attenuate a high pressure of the liquid carbon dioxide discharged through the outlet 37. That is, a flow path of the liquid carbon dioxide flowing inside becomes longer.

That is, the fluid surface may be controlled more stably by forming the baffles inside the supply pipe inserted into the storage tank to reduce a flow rate and noise of the liquid carbon dioxide flowing into the storage tank.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a supply pipe. (a) in FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an upper end of the supply pipe, and (b) in FIG. 21 is a cutaway diagram of a center in (a) in FIG. 21.

Referring to FIG. 21, the outlet 32 includes a cover 36 having a plurality of holes 361 defined therein. The cover 36 prevents the outlet 32 from being exposed to the storage tank 30 as it is, and allows the liquid carbon dioxide to be discharged through the plurality of holes 361.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid level from fluctuating by the liquid carbon dioxide supplied into the storage tank 30 by preventing the liquid carbon dioxide from being injected into the storage tank 30 in a short time with a function similar to that of the baffle described in one embodiment. Therefore, a change in the liquid level of the liquid carbon dioxide measured by the liquid level sensor 301 is reduced, so that reliability of the measured liquid level value may be improved.

That is, as the through-hole 38 of the pipe inserted into the storage tank 30 has a structure with pores, the liquid carbon dioxide is ejected through the pores at an exit point, so that fluid energy is dispersed. Therefore, because the liquid carbon dioxide flows down along the inner surface of the storage tank 30, a fluid surface excitation force is reduced, so that the fluctuations of the fluid surface may be reduced.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, the above embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims and all change which comes within the equivalent scope of the disclosure are included in the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

A washing machine comprising:

a first housing including an opening defined therein and a space defined therein for a drum for accommodating laundry to be inserted;

a second housing coupled to the first housing; and

a storage tank for storing carbon dioxide to be supplied to the drum therein,

wherein washing is performed as carbon dioxide is injected into the drum,

wherein the storage tank includes:

a casing forming an appearance of the storage tank; and

a supply pipe including an outlet positioned at a vertical level higher than a vertical level of liquid carbon dioxide stored in the casing, and configuring for supplying liquid carbon dioxide to the casing.
The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising:

a liquid level sensor configuring for measuring the vertical level of liquid carbon dioxide stored in the casing.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the storage tank is formed as a cylindrical shape, and is installed such that a circular surface is disposed parallel to an axis of the drum.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the supply pipe is connected to the casing through a bottom of the casing.
The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the supply pipe extends from the bottom of the casing to a vertical level higher than a maximum vertical level of stored liquid carbon dioxide.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the supply pipe has a plurality of baffles disposed therein.
The washing machine of claim 6, wherein the baffles are formed in a semicircular shape and are alternately arranged so that a flow path of liquid carbon dioxide flowing inside the supply pipe is lengthened.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the outlet has a cover including a plurality of holes defined therein.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the storage tank includes a pipe connected to the storage tank to supply or discharge gaseous carbon dioxide,

wherein the pipe penetrates a side surface of the storage tank.
The washing machine of claim 9, wherein a portion of the pipe connected to the storage tank is located lower than a ceiling of the storage tank and higher than a medium-vertical-level-portion of the storage tank.
The washing machine of claim 9, wherein a through-hole of the pipe is disposed at a vertical level higher than a maximum vertical level of liquid carbon dioxide capable of being stored in the storage tank.
The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a barrier for sealing the opening and coupled to the first housing,

wherein the second housing seals one surface of the barrier.
The washing machine of claim 12, wherein the barrier prevents liquid carbon dioxide from flowing into a space defined by the first housing and the barrier into a space defined by the second housing and the barrier.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein an upper portion of the storage tank is located higher the first housing and the second housing.
The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the supply pipe is located close to one end of both ends of the storage tank,

wherein the liquid level sensor is located close to the other end of the both ends of the storage tank.