WO2023200097A1

WO2023200097A1 - Bubble generation device and washing machine having same

Info

Publication number: WO2023200097A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/002053
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김휘중; 강성욱; 김연수; 방은숙; 전규동
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2022-04-12
Filing date: 2023-02-13
Publication date: 2023-10-19
Also published as: KR20230146392A

Abstract

A bubble generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a housing having a first port connected to a pump, a second port connected to a drum, and a third port connected to a tub; a valve device which is rotatably installed in the housing to open or close a passage between the first port and the third port and, while the passage between the first port and the third port is opened, forms an orifice part having a passage width decreasing toward the third port from the first port in the housing; and an actuator for controlling the rotation angle of the valve device.

Description

Bubble generator and washing machine equipped with the same

The present disclosure relates to a bubble generating device and a washing machine equipped therewith.

A washing machine is a device that includes a tub containing washing water and a drum rotatably installed inside the tub. The drum containing laundry rotates inside the tub to wash the laundry. Meanwhile, some washing machines include a bubble generator to improve washing efficiency. The bubble generator can generate bubbles by mixing air with washing water.

The present disclosure seeks to provide a bubble generating device that can reduce the intensity of force required to supply a target amount of washing water by minimizing flow resistance inside the bubble generating device.

A bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing having a first port connected to the pump, a second port connected to the drum, and a third port connected to the tub; It is rotatably installed inside the housing to open or close between the first port and the third port, and while opening between the first port and the third port, the first port is connected to the first port inside the housing. 3 A valve device forming an orifice portion whose passage width becomes narrower toward the port; and an actuator for controlling the rotation angle of the valve device.

According to one embodiment, the second port is connected to the drum by a first connector, one end of the first connector may be connected to the second port, and the other end may be connected to the upper side of the drum. there is.

According to one embodiment, the first port may provide washing water introduced from the pump into the housing.

According to one embodiment, the third port may be installed at the bottom of the tub.

According to one embodiment, the valve device may form a wall to block the flow of washing water from the first port to the second port while opening between the first port and the third port. there is.

According to one embodiment, the valve device may form an air inlet between the second port and the third port while opening the space between the first port and the third port.

According to one embodiment, while opening between the first port and the third port, the passage width of the orifice portion may be greater than or equal to the passage width of the air inlet.

According to one embodiment, while opening between the first port and the third port, the washing water flowing in through the first port is converted into bubbles by the orifice portion and discharged through the third port. You can.

According to one embodiment, the valve device forms a circulation passage part in place of the orifice part while closing between the first port and the third port, and the washing water flowing in through the first port is circulated through the first port. It may be discharged through the second port through the flow path part.

According to one embodiment, the valve device forms bubbles by mixing the air introduced through the second port with the washing water that has passed through the orifice portion while opening between the first port and the third port. , the bubbles can be discharged through a third port.

According to one embodiment, the valve device includes a rotation axis rotated by an actuator and a plate member connected to the rotation axis, and the plate member may have a predetermined included angle with respect to the rotation axis.

According to one embodiment, the included angle may be an obtuse angle or 180 degrees.

According to one embodiment, the included angle may have a value greater than the obtuse angle formed between the axis of the first port and the axis of the second port.

According to one embodiment, the housing may include one or more engaging protrusions provided on the inside of the housing to closely contact the edge of the plate member.

According to one embodiment, the engaging protrusion includes a front protrusion and a rear protrusion, and the plate member contacts the front protrusion while the valve device opens between the first port and the third port, and the valve The device may contact the rear protrusion while closing between the first and third ports.

According to one embodiment, the housing may include one or more anode surfaces provided on the inside of the housing for close contact with an edge of the plate member.

A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a tub; a drum provided inside the tub to accommodate laundry; a bubble generator that generates bubbles and supplies them to the tub; and a pump that sucks washing water from the tub and supplies it to the bubble generating device, wherein the bubble generating device includes a first port connected to the pump, a second port connected to the drum, and a third port connected to the tub. A housing having a; It is rotatably installed inside the housing to open or close between the first port and the third port, and while opening between the first port and the third port, the first port is connected to the first port inside the housing. 3 A valve device forming an orifice portion whose passage width becomes narrower toward the port; And it may include an actuator for adjusting the rotation angle of the valve device.

The bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may selectively form an orifice portion by using a valve structure with an adjustable flow path instead of forming an orifice portion in a housing forming the shape of the bubble generating device. Accordingly, a washing machine including a bubble generating device according to one embodiment can supply washing water with sufficient force even with a small force when spraying and supplying washing water into the drum.

The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned are common knowledge in the technical field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. It can be clearly derived and understood by those who have it. That is, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a top side view of a bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are reference diagrams for illustrating an operation state in which the valve device opens between the first port and the third port.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are reference diagrams for exemplarily explaining an operating state when the valve device is closed between the first port and the third port.

Figure 10 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 is a flowchart of a washing machine control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a routine in S1103 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining another routine in S1103 of FIG. 11.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, and specific examples of how they may be practiced are shown by way of example in the drawings. Additionally, other examples may be used and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to the description of the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Additionally, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

The washing machine applied in one embodiment includes a body 10 forming the exterior, a detergent supply door 11 provided on at least a portion of the body 10, a main door 12, and/or an input unit 14, and a display ( 15) includes.

In one embodiment, the detergent supply door 11 is provided toward the front of the body 10. The detergent supply door 11 may be partially provided with a grab for the user to grab. The user can expose the detergent supply device (53 in FIG. 1B) inside the main body to the outside by pulling the grab of the detergent supply door 11 toward the user. The user can inject detergent into the detergent supply device, and the injected detergent is then provided into the tub or drum. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing machine may not be equipped with a detergent supply door 11. In some embodiments where the detergent supply door 11 is not provided, the detergent supply device is also omitted, and the user injects the detergent by directly injecting the detergent into the drum.

In one embodiment, the main door 12 may be provided on one side of the body 10. The main door 12 may be provided above the body 10 or in front of the body 10. When the main door 12 is provided at the top of the body 10, the user can put laundry in from above, and when the main door 12 is provided at the front of the body 10, the user can put laundry in the front. It can be put in.

In one embodiment, the input unit 14 is provided for setting a full or partial stroke of the washing machine. The user can change all or part of the washing cycle or select a preset washing cycle through the input unit 14. That is, the input unit 14 is used as a means of interacting with the user to control one or more control operations related to the washing cycle. In FIG. 1A, the input unit 14 is illustrated as a circular handle, but is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit 14 may be implemented as a hardware device such as a touch screen or hard key button.

In one embodiment, the display 15 may be provided to display the current state of the washing machine and/or the state of the interface with the input unit 14. For example, display 15 may indicate the remaining time of a full or at least a partial wash cycle. As another example, display 15 may display a preview image associated with a user input to input unit 14. The preview image may refer to, for example, an image representing a control operation set by the user. Specifically, for example, it is displayed when the user controls the input unit 14 to perform a washing process in “standard mode”. (15) can output “standard mode”. After checking the preview image displayed through the display 15, the user may prevent an unintended start of a washing cycle by additionally inputting a user input for starting a washing cycle with a corresponding action. Below, the structure of the washing machine inside the body 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1B.

According to one embodiment, the washing machine 1 includes a body 10 forming the exterior, a tub 20 installed inside the body 10 to contain washing water, and a drum rotatably installed inside the tub 20. (30), a door (main door) 12 for opening and closing the inlet provided for loading laundry, and a motor 40 installed at the rear of the tub 20 and generating a rotational force to rotate the drum 30. Includes.

According to one embodiment, a lifter 31 and/or a communication hole 32 may be provided inside the drum 30. The lifter 31 may be formed at least partially around the inner periphery of the drum 30. As the drum 30 rotates, the laundry in the drum 30 is lifted by the lifter 31, and then falls to the lower side of the drum 30 and tumbles. Additionally, a plurality of communication holes 32 may be provided along the side of the drum 30. The drum 30 can exchange wash water with the tub 20 through a plurality of communication holes 32. That is, washing water can be supplied to the inside of the drum 30 through the communication hole 32.

According to one embodiment, the washing machine 1 includes a water supply device 50 and/or a drainage device 60.

According to one embodiment, the water supply device 50 may be provided on the upper part of the tub 20. The water supply device 50 includes a first water supply pipe 51 connected to an external water supply source, a water supply valve 52 that opens and closes the first water supply pipe 51, and a device that allows detergent to be mixed in the water supplied through the first water supply pipe 51. It may include a detergent supply device 53 and a second water supply pipe 54 that connects the detergent supply device 53 and the tub 20 to guide washing water mixed with water and detergent to the tub 20.

According to one embodiment, the drainage device 60 includes a pump 61 that sucks the wash water of the tub 20, and connects the tub 20 and the pump 61 to suck the wash water of the tub 20 into the pump 61. ) and a second drain pipe 63 that is connected to the pump 61 and extends outside the body 10 to discharge the washing water to the outside. The pump may include a drainage pump (61a in FIGS. 7 and 9) and a circulation pump (61b in FIGS. 7 and 9) depending on the purpose, but is not limited thereto.

According to one embodiment, the washing machine 1 includes a bubble generating device 70.

According to one embodiment, the bubble generating device 70 may be provided at the lower part of the tub 20. The bubble generating device 70 includes a plurality of ports (71a, 71d, and 71b in FIG. 2) and can be connected to other components (or devices) through the plurality of ports (71a, 71d, and 71b in FIG. 2). there is. For example, the delivery pipe 64 and/or the first connection pipe 13 may be connected to each port of the bubble generating device 70. One end of the first connector 13 is connected to the bubble generating device 70, and the other end of the first connector 13 is connected to the tub 20 or drum 30. In one embodiment, the first connection pipe 13 may be connected to the top of the tub 20 or the drum 30. One end of the delivery pipe 64 is connected to the pump 61, and the other end of the delivery pipe 64 is connected to the bubble generating device 70.

According to one embodiment, the bubble generating device 70 may be installed at the lower part of the tub 20. For example, the bubble generating device 70 may be physically coupled to the lower part of the tub 20 through one port (eg, third port 71b) provided in the housing 71. Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the bubble generating device 70 may be connected to the lower part of the tub 20 through a second connector (not shown). At this time, one end of the second connector (not shown) may be connected to the bubble generating device 70 and the other end of the second connector (not shown) may be connected to the tub 20.

According to one embodiment, the bubble generating device 70 supplies washing water into the tub 20 or drum 30 through the first connection pipe 13, or inside the tub 20 or drum 30. air can be sucked in. The first connection pipe 13 may be connected to a point at the top of the tub 20 or drum 30 to suck air inside the tub 20 or drum 30. For example, the tub 20 or drum 30 may contain washing water up to a predetermined height, and the first connector 13 is configured to reach the maximum level of washing water that can be accommodated in the tub 20 or drum 30. It can be connected to a higher location. In this way, the first connector 13 connecting the bubble generating device 70 and the tub 20 (or drum 30) is selectively used as either a passage for sucking air or a passage for supplying washing water. It can be. The bubble generating device 70 can use the first connection pipe 13 as either a washing water supply path or an air suction path by adjusting the rotation angle of the valve device 72 provided therein.

According to one embodiment, the bubble generator 70 may generate bubbles by mixing the washing water delivered from the pump 61 with air. The generated bubbles pass through a passage formed between the bubble generating device 70 and the tub 20 (for example, a passage formed between the third port 71b of the bubble generating device 70 and one side of the tub 20). It can be supplied into the tub 20 through.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 is a bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device, and Figure 5 is a top side view of a bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure of a bubble generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

According to one embodiment, the bubble generating device 70 includes a housing 71, a valve device 72, and a driving device 73 that form the outer shape.

According to one embodiment, the housing 71 includes at least one of the first port 71a, the second port 71d, and the third port 71b. In one embodiment, the first port 71a is connected to the pump 61, the second port 71d is connected to the top of the drum 30 or the tub, and the third port 71b is connected to the tub 20. It can be connected to the lower part. More specifically, the bubble generating device 70 may be connected to the pump 61 through a delivery pipe connected to the first port 71a. The bubble generating device 70 may be connected to the top of the drum 30 or the tub 20 through the first connector 13 connected to the second port 71d. The bubble generating device 70 may be connected to the lower part of the tub 20 through the third port 71b.

According to one embodiment, the housing 71 may be made of one or more cylinders, one or more square pillars, or a combination thereof. The internal space of the housing 71 may include a first flow path part 713a, a second flow path part 713b, a third flow path part 713c, and a fourth flow path part 713d. Washing water flowing in through the first port (71a) flows into the first flow path portion (713a). It can be discharged through the second flow path portion 713b and the third flow path portion 713c and then through the third port 71b. In addition, the washing water flowing in through the first port (71a) may be discharged to the second port (71d) through the first flow path portion (713a), the second flow path portion (713b), and the fourth flow path portion (713d). there is. In this way, the valve device 72 may be installed in the second flow path portion 713b, and the flow path inside the bubble generating device 70 may be formed differently depending on the rotation of the valve device 72. Here, the

passage portions

713a, 713b, 713c, and 713d refer to a plurality of spaces inside the housing 71 that form one passage.

According to one embodiment, one side of the internal space of the housing 71 may be formed to be open. The valve device 72 may be installed inside the housing 71 through the open portion 71c. One open side of the housing 71 may be opened or closed by the first cover 74.

According to one embodiment, the first cover 74 may include one or more embossed surfaces 712b extending toward the inside of the housing 71. The first cover 74 is coupled to the housing 71, and the one or more embossed surfaces 712b may be in close contact with the plate member 72a of the valve device 72 depending on the rotation angle. A embossed surface 712a corresponding to the one or more embossed surfaces 712b may also be provided on one side of the housing 71 facing the first cover 74. The embossed surface 712b provided on the first cover 74 and the embossed surface 712a provided inside the housing 71 are formed as mirror images of each other. According to one embodiment, when the valve device 72 is rotated to the maximum possible angle, the plate member 72a of the valve device 72 is aligned with the edge of the embossed surface 712a of the housing 71 and the first cover. It may be in close contact with the edge of the embossed surface 712b of (74). Through this close contact, leakage of washing water can be prevented. Meanwhile, according to an alternative embodiment, the housing 71 is a pre-formed housing 71 instead of the first cover 74, without providing an opening 71c at a position where the first cover 74 is to be coupled. It may be shielded by a wall. In this case, a raised surface for close contact with the plate member 72a may also be provided on the wall of the housing 71, which replaces the first cover 74.

According to one embodiment, the housing 71 may include one or

more protrusions

711a and 711b extending toward the inside of the housing 71. As the valve device 72 rotates, the plate member 72a may come into close contact with not only the edge of the above-described embossed surface 712a but also the above-described

protrusions

711a and 711b. Accordingly, when the valve device 72 is rotated to the maximum, the plate member 72a and the wall surface of the housing 71 come into closer contact, and leakage of washing water can be prevented. The

protrusions

711a and 711b may be formed on at least one of two opposing inner surfaces of the housing 71, or may be formed on both inner surfaces. The inner surface of the housing 71 where the

protrusions

711a and 711b are formed is in a vertical relationship with the surface where the embossed surface 712a is formed. For example, the

protrusions

711a and 711b may be formed in an area adjacent to the first port 71a. For example, the

protrusions

711a and 711b may be formed only in areas adjacent to the first port 71a. The shape of the

protrusions

711a and 711b may have a polygonal shape, but is not limited thereto. The protrusion may be provided in a shape corresponding to the edge of the plate member 72a to be engaged with as it rotates. In the present disclosure, the above-described protrusions may be referred to as engaging protrusions.

According to one embodiment, the passage width of the second flow path portion 713b may be reduced by the embossed

surfaces

712a and 712b formed on the housing 71 and the cover of the housing 71. Additionally, the passage width of the second flow path portion 713b may be reduced by the engaging

protrusions

711a and 711b formed on the housing 71. Referring to FIG. 5, the size of the opening provided between the first flow path portion 713a and the second flow path portion 713b is the size of the plate member 72a, the engaging

protrusions

711a and 711b, and the

embossed surfaces

712a and 712b. It can be seen that it gradually decreases.

According to one embodiment, the second cover 75 may be installed on the side opposite to the side where the first cover 74 is coupled to the housing 71. A driving unit 71e on which a driving device 73 for driving the valve device 72 is installed is provided on the opposite side. The driving part 71e is opened for installation of the driving device 73, and a second cover 75 is installed in the housing 71 to cover the opened driving part 71e. That is, the drive device 73 is disposed in the accommodation space provided by the drive unit 71e and the second cover 75.

According to one embodiment, the valve device 72 rotates and causes the washing water supplied through the first port 71a to be delivered to either the second port 71d or the third port 71b. The valve device 72 includes a plate member 72a for forming a bubble generating passage, a shaft portion 72b for rotating the plate member 72a, a polygonal shape provided at the bottom of the shaft portion 72b, and a pinion 733. A connecting portion 72d is connected to allow the valve device 72 to rotate with the pinion 733, and is provided at the top of the shaft portion 72b so that the valve device 72 is attached to the hinge portion 74a provided on the first cover 74. It may include a hinge protrusion 72c that allows it to be rotatably installed. Here, the plate member 72a may include a plate member 72a having a predetermined angle, and the shaft portion 72b may be provided at a point where a predetermined angle of the plate member 72a is formed. That is, the plate member 72a may form a predetermined angle (for example, an included angle) with respect to the shaft portion 72b. Here, the included angle of the plate member 72a may be provided as an obtuse angle, and the size of the obtuse angle may be designed to be larger than the obtuse angle formed by the axes of the first port and the second port. Meanwhile, since the predetermined angle of the plate member 72a is designed to be 180 degrees, the plate member 72a may be provided as a flat plate.

The driving device 73 includes an actuator 731, a rack 732 moved by the actuator 731, and a pinion 733 that engages with the rack 732 and rotates according to the movement of the rack 732. The pinion 733 includes a plurality of teeth 733a engaged with the rack 732 and a connection hole 733b having a polygonal shape to correspond to the connection portion 72d of the valve device 72.

According to one embodiment, the pump 61 may supply washing water into the bubble generating device 70. For example, the pump 61 may supply washing water to the bubble generating device 70 through a delivery pipe. Washing water supplied into the housing 71 may be discharged outside the housing 71 through either a circulation flow path or a bubble generating flow path.

According to one embodiment, the circulation flow path includes a first flow path portion 713a, a portion of the second flow path portion 713b, and a fourth flow path portion 713d. The bubble generation flow path includes the first flow path portion 713a, another portion of the second flow path portion 713b, and the third flow path portion 713c.

According to one embodiment, the bubble generation flow path includes an orifice portion (7131 in FIG. 6), but the circulation flow path does not include an orifice portion (7131 in FIG. 6). Meanwhile, a part of the second flow path portion 713b constituting the circulation flow path may partially overlap with another part constituting the bubble generating flow path, but is formed in a different space.

According to one embodiment, when forming a circulation passage, the plate member 72a of the valve device 72 completely blocks the passage toward the third port 71b, and the laundry flowing in through the first port 71a All water is discharged through the second port (71d). At this time, both ends of the plate member 72a that shields the first port 71a and the third port 71b contact the inner wall of the housing. Washing water discharged through the second port 71d is discharged to the tub 20 or drum 30 through the first connection pipe 13.

According to one embodiment, when forming a bubble generating passage, the plate member 72a of the valve device 72 reduces the passage width from the first port 71a to the third port 71b to reduce the orifice portion (Figure 7131 of 6 is formed, and a passage from the second port 71d to the third port 71b is provided. At this time, one end of the plate member 72a that opens between the first port 71a and the third port 71b contacts the inner wall of the housing, and the other end does not contact the inner wall of the housing. The other end, which is not in contact with the inner wall of the housing, is configured to be oriented toward the third port. An orifice portion may be formed by the other end pointing in the direction of the third port, and at the same time, air flowing in from the second port 71d is guided toward the third port.

In other words, the washing water flowing in from the first port (71a) moves toward the third port (71b) and flows to the second port (71d) due to the orifice portion (7131 in FIG. 6) formed in the second flow path portion (713b). ) is sucked in from the air. The air sucked from the second port 71d is guided toward the third port 71b by the plate member 72a, and the air sucked from the second port 71d is added to the washing water provided from the first port 71a. is mixed. As a result, the third port 71b discharges bubbles mixed with washing water and air.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the width of the passage through which the washing water flowing in through the first port 71a passes gradually becomes narrower. Figure 5 is a side view (top view) of the bubble generating device 70 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the first port 71a toward the third port 71b (hereinafter referred to as the direction viewed from above). . The passage width of the opening of the first port 71a becomes narrower due to the embossed surface 712a of the housing 71, the embossed surface 712b of the first cover 74, and the plate member 72a. In particular, the width of the passage inside the housing 71 is formed to gradually become narrower from the first port 71a toward the third port 71b by the plate member 72a having a predetermined inclination.

According to one embodiment, when the washing machine 1 needs to supply bubbles into the tub 20, the washing machine 1 can control the bubble generating device 70. The bubble generating device 70 can adjust the rotation angle of the valve device 72.

Accordingly, the valve device 72 opens between the first port 71a and the third port 71b, and provides a passage having a predetermined width between the second port 71d and the third port 71b. do. At the same time, the valve device 72 blocks the space between the first port 71a and the second port 71d to prevent washing water from moving from the first port 71a toward the second port 71d. Washing water flowing in through the first port (71a) moves only toward the third port (71b), and air flowing in through the second port (71d) is also provided only toward the third port (71b).

According to one embodiment, the actuator 731 rotates the plate member 72a of the valve device 72, and only one end of the plate member 72a is in close contact with the engaging protrusion 711b provided on the housing, The other end of the plate member 72a does not contact the housing. The plate member 72a guides the washing water flowing in through the first port 71a so that the washing water is discharged toward the third port 71b. As shown in FIG. 6 , the plate member 72a may form an orifice portion 7131 in at least a portion of the second flow path portion in a rotated state. The orifice portion 7131 refers to a portion where the width of the passage gradually becomes narrower depending on the direction of movement.

According to one embodiment, the washing water flowing in through the first port 71a is guided toward the third port 71b, and the hydraulic pressure becomes stronger while passing through the orifice portion 7131. At the same time, due to the Bernoulli effect, the air inside the tub 20 or the drum 30 is sucked toward the third port 71b through the second port 71d, and the air sucked from the second port 71d is It is provided to the wash water discharged toward the third port (71b). Air mixes with washing water to generate bubbles. The generated bubbles are discharged toward the third port (71b). Since the third port 71b is connected to the lower part of the tub 20, the generated bubbles are provided to the lower part of the tub 20. In the present disclosure, this method of supplying bubbles may be referred to as bubble wash.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the orifice portion 7131 may be composed of two or

more orifice portions

7131a and 7131b having different inclinations. The number of

orifice portions

7131a and 7131b having different inclinations corresponds to the number of included angles provided in the plate member 72a. For example, if the plate member 72a with one included angle is used, two orifice portions 7131 may be formed. For example, if the plate member 72a with two included angles is used, two orifice portions 7131 may be formed. (7131) can be formed in three numbers.

According to one embodiment, the orifice portion 7131 may include a first orifice portion 7131a adjacent to the first port 71a and a second orifice portion 7131b adjacent to the third port 71b. According to one embodiment, the passage width of the first orifice portion 7131a becomes narrower due to a greater change in inclination than the second orifice portion 7131b. According to an alternative embodiment, the second orifice portion 7131b may be replaced with a flow path portion in which the width of the passage is not narrowed.

When it is necessary to supply bubbles into the tub 20, the valve generating device opens the space between the first port 71a and the third port 71b. The actuator 731 rotates the plate member 72a of the valve device 72,

According to one embodiment, when the washing machine 1 needs to supply washing water into the drum 30 or the tub 20, the washing machine 1 may control the bubble generating device 70. The bubble generating device 70 can adjust the rotation angle of the valve device 72. Accordingly, the valve device 72 closes the space between the first port 71a and the third port 71b.

According to one embodiment, the actuator 731 rotates the plate member 72a of the valve device 72, and one end of the plate member 72a is in close contact with the engaging protrusion 711a provided on the housing 71. And, the other end of the plate member (72a) shields the first port (71a) and the third port (71b), and at the same time, the washing water flowing in through the first port (71a) is guided to the second port (71d). As much as possible, it contacts one side of the second port (71d). Accordingly, the washing water flowing into the first port (71a) does not flow toward the third port (71b), but is discharged only toward the second port (71d). Since the second port 71d is connected to the upper part of the tub or drum 30 through the first connection pipe 13, the wash water flowing in through the first port 71a is eventually connected to the tub or drum 30. It is moved to the top and sprayed toward the lower part of the tub 20 or drum 30. In the present disclosure, this method of supplying washing water may be referred to as water shot.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, as described above, the included angle of the plate member 72a has a larger value than the obtuse angle formed by the axis of the first port 71a and the axis of the second port 71d, The plate member 72a prevents the passage width between the first port 71a and the second port 71d from being narrowed as much as possible. In this way, the passage formed by the valve device 72 between the first port 71a and the second port 71d may be referred to as the circulation passage portion 7132. The circulation passage portion is at least a part of the second passage portion 713b of the housing 71 and may be formed by a plate member 72a. The circulation passage portion 7132 does not have an orifice portion 7131 whose passage width gradually narrows along the moving direction, or is formed so that the orifice portion 7131 is minimized. According to one embodiment, when washing water is supplied into the tub 20 or drum 30, there is no need to generate bubbles, so there is no need to create the orifice portion 7131. The unnecessary orifice portion 7131 requires stronger power from the

pumps

61a and 61b to discharge the washing water flowing into the first port 71a into the second port 71d. The requirement for such a high-performance pump 61 may cause an increase in the material cost of the washing machine. According to one embodiment, flow resistance is minimized by guiding the washing water flowing in from the first port 71a to the second port 71d through a plate member 72a with a predetermined included angle, and a low-performance pump ( Even if you use 61a, 61b), the target water shot can be achieved.

The washing machine 1 according to one embodiment includes an input unit 1040, a sensor unit 1050, a transceiver 1020, a control unit 1010, a memory 1030, a driver 1060, a water supply unit 1071, and a drain unit ( 1072) or a display unit 1080.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 1050 may include a dehydration sensor 1051, a current sensor 1052, or a door sensor 1053, but this is an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The dehydration sensor 1051 is, for example, a sensor provided to detect the water level in the tub, and may be provided to determine the progress of dehydration when performing a dehydration process. The control unit 1010 can receive information about the water level in the tub from the dehydration sensor 1051 and use it as a reference for controlling the dehydration process. The current sensor 1052 may be provided, for example, to detect a current flowing in the motor of the driving unit 1060. The control unit 1010 can estimate the torque applied to the motor using the current value measured by the current sensor 1052. For example, the control unit 1010 may estimate the amount of laundry put into the rotary tub based on the estimated torque value. The door sensor 1053 may be provided to determine whether the user has closed the door before the control unit 1010 performs a washing operation.

According to one embodiment, the transceiver 1020 includes one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the washing machine 1 and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine 1 and another device, or between the washing machine 1 and an external server. It can be included. According to some embodiments, transceiver 100 may include one or more modules that connect washing machine 1 to one or more networks. According to one embodiment, the transceiver 1020 may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, or a location information module.

For example, the mobile communication module may transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network established according to technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication. Wireless signals may include, for example, voice call signals, video call signals, or various types of data resulting from the transmission and reception of text/multimedia messages.

Wireless Internet modules include, for example, Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), and World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). ), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), or Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), but are not limited to these, as listed above. Data can be transmitted and received according to at least one wireless Internet technology, including Internet technologies that are not yet available.

Short-range communication modules are, for example, for short-range communication and include Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), ZigBee, and NFC. Short-distance communication can be supported using at least one of (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The short-range communication module supports wireless communication between the washing machine 1 and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine 1 and other devices, or between the network where the washing machine 1 and other devices are located, for example, via a short-range wireless communication network. You can. Here, the wireless local area network may be a wireless personal area network.

The location information module is, for example, a module for acquiring the location of the washing machine 1 and may be a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wi-Fi module. When the washing machine 1 uses a GPS module, information about the location of the washing machine 1 can be received using signals sent from GPS satellites. When the washing machine 1 uses a Wi-Fi module, information about the location of the washing machine 1 can be received based on information from a wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module.

According to one embodiment, the control unit 1010 can control the overall operation of the washing machine 1. To this end, the control unit 1010 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). . The control unit 1010 may be, for example, a microcontroller (Micro Control Unit, MCU).

For example, the control unit 1010 can control hardware or software components connected to the control unit 1010 by running an operating system or application program, and can also perform various data processing and calculations. Additionally, the control unit 1010 may load and process commands or data received from at least one of the other components into volatile memory and store various data in non-volatile memory.

The control unit 1010 may control the washing process using, for example, a signal received from the input unit 1040 or the transceiver 1020. Specifically, the control unit 1010 may control at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydration cycle, and a drying cycle. That is, the control unit 1010 can control the operation of the driving unit 1060, the water supply unit 1071, or the drain unit 1072 to control at least one of the washing process, rinsing process, dewatering process, or drying process. there is. At this time, the control unit 1010 can receive operation information about the washing machine 1 from the sensor unit 1050 and perform feedback control.

According to one embodiment, the memory 1030 may store data supporting various functions of the washing machine 1. The memory 1030 may store, for example, a number of application programs (application programs or applications) used in the washing machine 1, data for operating the washing machine 1, and commands. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. Additionally, at least some of these application programs may be stored in the memory 1030 from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine 1. For example, the application program may be stored in the memory 1030 and driven by the control unit 1010 to perform the operation (or function) of the washing machine 1. According to some embodiments, the memory 1030 may be included as part of the configuration of the control unit 1010.

According to one embodiment, the washing machine 1 may further include a speaker 1090. The speaker 1090 may be provided, for example, to audibly provide the user with information for guiding the user's input or information related to the currently ongoing administration.

Referring to FIG. 11, the control method according to one embodiment includes an operation of receiving a user input (S1101), an operation of determining one of two or more operation modes based on the user input (S1102), and an operation associated with the determined operation mode. Includes an operation (S1103) to perform a routine.

According to one embodiment, the washing machine may receive user input through one or more input units (S1101). User input includes, for example, an input to select an administration, an input to change an administration, an input to start an administration, and an input to stop an administration, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, according to some embodiments, some administrations may be implemented differently based on a plurality of modes, and the user input may include an input for selecting a mode for some administrations.

According to one embodiment, the washing machine may determine the operation mode of some strokes as one of two or more operation modes based on the user input (S1102). According to one embodiment, the washing machine may determine the operation mode of the washing cycle as one of a plurality of operation modes applicable to the washing cycle based on the user input. A plurality of operation modes applicable to the washing cycle include, for example, a bubble wash mode and a water shot mode. The bubble wash mode was exemplarily described above with reference to FIG. 7 and the water shot mode with reference to FIG. 9 . Here, the user input for selecting one of the bubble wash mode and the water shot mode may be an input requesting a delicate clothing exclusive course. Through the input unit, the user can select a course dedicated to delicate clothing, and in response to receiving a corresponding input signal, the control unit can start a course dedicated to delicate clothing. This is because, unlike other laundry items, in the case of delicate clothing, a special washing process needs to be performed to minimize damage to the laundry.

Referring again to FIG. 11, the washing machine may perform a routine corresponding to the determined operation mode. Here, the routine refers to a series of operations that make up the entire process, such as the washing process, rinsing process, and dehydration process. Based on the operation mode determined in S1102, the washing machine may perform different routines. For example, different routines will be performed when the input signal for the delicate clothing exclusive course is included in the user input signal and when it is not included, and each operation will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining one routine described above in S1103 of FIG. 11 , and FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining another routine described above in S1103 of FIG. 11 . More specifically, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the user input signal includes an input signal corresponding to a course dedicated to delicate clothing, the control unit performs a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process according to the routine shown in FIG. 12. , and if the user input signal does not include an input signal corresponding to the delicate clothing exclusive course, the control unit performs the washing process, rinsing process, and spin-drying process according to the routine shown in FIG. 13. That is, the washing machine can identify a predetermined signal for distinguishing the operation mode from the user input signal and control the operation of at least part of the entire cycle in different operation modes based on the identification result.

Referring to FIG. 12, the routine according to one embodiment includes an operation of supplying washing water (S1201), an operation of operating the pump while maintaining the valve device in the bubble mode for a predetermined time (S1202), and an operation of washing in advance after the washing cycle. It includes an operation (S1203) of performing a set rinsing cycle and a dewatering cycle.

Referring to S1202, in one embodiment, while driving the pump, the bubble generating device is maintained as shown in FIG. 8. That is, while washing water flows into the bubble generating device through the pump, the valve device not only opens between the first and third ports, but also simultaneously opens between the second and third ports. By the valve device, an orifice passage is formed between the first port and the third port, and the air flowing in from the second port and the washing water flowing in from the first port are discharged from the third port (or a portion adjacent to the third port). They mix against each other to form bubbles. Bubbles are discharged into the tub through the third port.

Referring to FIG. 13, other routines according to one embodiment include an operation of supplying washing water (S1301), an operation of operating the pump while maintaining the valve device in the bubble mode for a predetermined time (S1302), and an operation of operating the pump after a predetermined time has elapsed. an operation of switching the valve device to the circulation mode (S1303), an operation of maintaining the circulation mode until a predetermined time before the end of the washing cycle and performing a circulation operation through the pump (S1304), after the washing cycle It may include an operation of performing a circulation operation through a pump while performing a rinsing stroke (S1305), and an operation of performing a preset dehydration stroke after the rinsing stroke (S1306). S1301 is the same as S1201, so additional explanation will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences due to the remaining operations.

Referring to S1302, the valve device is maintained in the bubble mode for a predetermined time, and the control unit drives the pump while the valve device is maintained in the bubble mode. The bubble mode refers to a state in which bubbles mixed with washing water and air are discharged through the third port, as shown in FIG. 8. That is, for a predetermined period of time, the control unit discharges bubbles into the tub using a bubble generating device.

Referring to S1303, the bubble generating device discharges bubbles for a predetermined period of time and then switches the valve device to the circulation mode. Unlike bubble mode, circulation mode refers to a state in which the valve device is shielding between the first and third ports.

Referring to S1304, while the circulation mode is maintained, all the washing water flowing in through the first port is discharged through the second port, and washing water is not supplied through the third port. Washing water discharged through the second port is discharged from the upper side of the tub toward the lower side of the tub (see Figure 9). The discharged washing water is moved back to the pump via the tub, and the pump discharges the moved washing water back into the tub. That is, the washing water continues to circulate through the tub, pump, and bubble generating device, and this disclosure refers to this as a circulation operation. Referring again to S1304, the control unit performs a circulation operation through the pump while the valve device is maintained in the circulation mode, and the circulation operation continues until a predetermined time before the end of the washing cycle.

Referring to S1305, in the section in which the rinsing cycle is performed after the washing cycle, the bubble generating device may perform a circulation operation while maintaining the valve device in a circulation mode.

Referring to S1306, the control unit may perform a dewatering process in response to the rinsing process including the circulation operation of S1305 being terminated.

The terms used in this disclosure are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosure. For example, a component expressed in the singular should be understood as a concept that includes plural components unless the context clearly indicates only the singular. As used in this disclosure, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “ Each of phrases such as "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. It should be understood that the term 'and/or' used in this disclosure encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. Terms such as 'include', 'have', 'consist', etc. used in the present disclosure are only intended to designate the presence of features, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the present disclosure, and the use of such terms It is not intended to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Expressions such as 'first', 'second', etc. used in the present disclosure can modify various components regardless of order and/or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another component. It does not limit the components.

The expression 'configured to' used in the present disclosure means, depending on the situation, for example, 'suitable for,' 'having the ability to,' 'designed to,' 'modified to,' "made to. ,' or 'capable of ~', etc. can be appropriately used interchangeably. The term 'configured to' may not necessarily mean 'specially designed' in terms of hardware. Instead, in some situations, 'configured to ~' may not necessarily mean 'specially designed' in terms of hardware. The expression 'device' can mean that the device is 'capable of' in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase 'device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C'. may be a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operation, or may mean a general-purpose device capable of performing various operations including the corresponding operation.

Meanwhile, the terms “upper side,” “lower side,” and “front-back direction” used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

Although the foregoing description in the present disclosure has been centered on specific embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, and is understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, and/or replacements of the various embodiments. It has to be.

Claims

In the bubble generating device,

A housing having a first port connected to the pump, a second port connected to the drum, and a third port connected to the tub;

an orifice portion rotatably installed inside the housing, the passage width of which narrows as it moves from the first port to the third port inside the housing while opening between the first port and the third port; and a valve device forming an air inlet between a second port and the third port; and

an actuator for controlling the rotation angle of the valve device;

Device, including.
According to paragraph 1,

The second port is connected to the drum by a first connector, one end of the first connector is connected to the second port, and the other end is connected to the upper side of the drum.
According to paragraph 1,

The first port provides washing water introduced from the pump into the housing.
According to paragraph 1,

The third port is installed at the bottom of the tub.
According to paragraph 1,

The valve device is,

While opening between the first port and the third port,

Apparatus forming a wall to impede the flow of wash water from the first port to the second port.
According to paragraph 1,

The valve device is,

While opening between the first port and the third port,

A device that guides air introduced through the air inlet toward the orifice portion.
According to clause 6,

While opening between the first port and the third port,

The device wherein the passage width of the orifice portion is greater than or equal to the passage width of the air inlet.
According to paragraph 1,

While opening between the first port and the third port,

Washing water flowing in through the first port is mixed with air flowing in through the air inlet in the orifice portion and converted into bubbles, and the bubbles are discharged through the third port.
According to paragraph 1,

The valve device is,

While closing between the first port and the third port,

Forming a circulation passage part in place of the orifice part,

The device wherein the washing water flowing in through the first port passes through the circulation passage part and is discharged through the second port.
According to paragraph 1,

While closing the first port and the third port, both ends of the valve device are in contact with the inner wall of the housing, and while opening the first port and the third port, only one end of the valve device is in contact with the inner wall of the housing. A device in contact with the inner wall of the housing.
According to paragraph 1,

The valve device includes a rotation axis rotated by an actuator and a plate member connected to the rotation axis, and the plate member has a predetermined included angle with respect to the rotation axis.
According to clause 11,

The included angle has a value greater than the obtuse angle formed by the axis of the first port and the axis of the second port.
According to clause 11,

The device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes one or more anode surfaces provided on the inside of the housing for intimate contact with the plate member.
In the washing machine,

tub;

a drum provided inside the tub to accommodate laundry;

a bubble generator that generates bubbles and supplies them to the tub;

a pump that sucks washing water from the tub and supplies it to the bubble generating device;

Including,

The bubble generating device is,

a housing having a first port connected to the pump, a second port connected to the drum, and a third port connected to the tub;

an orifice portion rotatably installed inside the housing, the passage width of which narrows as it moves from the first port to the third port inside the housing while opening between the first port and the third port; and a valve device forming an air inlet between a second port and the third port; and

an actuator for controlling the rotation angle of the valve device;

Including washing machine.
According to clause 14,

The first port provides washing water introduced from the pump into the housing,

The second port is connected to the drum by a first connector, one end of the first connector is connected to the second port, and the other end is connected to the upper side of the drum,

The third port is installed in the lower part of the tub.