WO2024117348A1

WO2024117348A1 - Clothing treatment apparatus control method

Info

Publication number: WO2024117348A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/019915
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김영훈; 박기석
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2022-11-30
Filing date: 2022-12-08
Publication date: 2024-06-06
Also published as: KR20240080859A

Abstract

The present application relates to a clothing treatment apparatus control method comprising: a mode selection step for selecting a wash mode; a washing step for, when the wash mode is selected, discharging a liquid inside a supply part to a water supply flow path through a transfer part, thereby washing the water supply flow path and the transfer part; and a detection step for, while the washing step is being carried out, supplying a preset applied voltage to a circuit comprising two electrodes, so as to measure a current value between the two electrodes, thereby determining the type of the liquid discharged from the supply part.

Description

Control method of clothing processing device

This application relates to a control method for a clothing processing device.

A clothing treatment device that separates dirt from laundry objects (clothes, etc.) using water includes a tub in which water is stored, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub to store clothing, a water supply unit that supplies water to the tub, and the like. It is provided to include a drain part that drains water stored in the tub.

In order to easily separate dirt, some conventional clothing treatment devices are equipped with a detergent supply device that supplies detergent to the tub. Among conventional detergent supply devices, there was one that included a drawer that was removable from the cabinet of the laundry treatment device, and a detergent flow path provided in the drawer to guide detergent to the tub.

In the conventional detergent supply device described above, the water supply unit is equipped to supply water to the detergent passage, and when the water supply unit operates, the detergent introduced into the detergent passage is supplied to the tub along with water (Publication No. 10- 2020-0007549). However, the detergent supply device described above has the possibility of injecting more detergent than necessary, and there is an inconvenience in that the user has to inject detergent into the detergent channel every time washing is needed.

To solve the above-mentioned shortcomings, among conventional detergent supply devices, there was one that automatically supplied detergent to the tub during washing.

A conventional automatic detergent supply device includes a detergent box that is detachably provided in the laundry treatment device to provide a space for storing detergent, and a transfer unit that transfers detergent to the tub when the detergent box is mounted on the laundry treatment device. It was a rescue.

The automatic detergent supply device described above can store a relatively large amount of detergent in the detergent box, and the control unit can control the operation point and operation time of the transfer unit, so not only can an appropriate amount of detergent be supplied to the tub, but the washing process is also possible. It has the advantage of solving the inconvenience of the user supplying detergent to the tub when necessary.

The detergent box provided in a conventional automatic detergent supply device is generally provided to be pulled out from the cabinet of the laundry treatment device. That is, conventionally, the detergent box is a case fixed to the cabinet to be located at the bottom of the tub, a case fixed to the cabinet to be located at the top of the tub, or a case fixed to the upper surface of the cabinet and placed on the outside of the laundry treatment device. It was a structure drawn from a case exposed to (Public Patent No. 10-2018-0096008, Pub. Patent No. 10-2020-0120202).

Since large vibrations may be intermittently transmitted to the cabinet when the laundry treatment device operates, the case fixed inside the cabinet to be located at the bottom and top of the tub is such that the detergent container is pulled out from the cabinet. The risk of becoming

However, since the detergent box provided in the case exposed to the outside of the cabinet is highly likely to be separated from the case when the laundry treatment device vibrates, conventional automatic detergent supply devices have the case installed on all sides except one side of the detergent box. It was provided with a structure that surrounds the.

That is, the conventional case was provided with a structure that surrounds the top surface, both sides, and the rear surface of the top key cartridge, excluding the front surface where the outlet of the detergent box is provided. This is to minimize the risk of the detergent box being separated from the case due to vibration.

However, the structure in which only one side of the detergent box is exposed to the outside of the case causes the inconvenience of having to remove the detergent box from the case in order to supply detergent to the box or check the remaining amount of detergent. There was this.

In addition, the automatic detergent supply device had structural limitations that made it difficult to increase the volume of the detergent box when applied to a top-loading laundry treatment device.

The top-loading laundry treatment apparatus is a laundry treatment apparatus that puts clothes into the drum through an inlet formed on the upper surface of the cabinet. Since the inlet is located in the center of the space provided by the upper surface of the cabinet, the detergent box had to be installed in a space other than the space where the inlet is located.

That is, the case had to be installed in a space located in front of the inlet or a space located behind the inlet among the spaces provided by the upper surface of the cabinet, and the detergent box moved from the front to the rear of the inlet. It was inserted into the case by doing so (Publication No. 10-2018-0080013).

However, the vertical length (length of the cabinet in the depth direction, the length of the rear space parallel to the detergent box insertion direction) of the rear space of the upper surface of the cabinet is shorter than the horizontal length (length of the cabinet in the width direction), and the Because the transfer unit (pump, etc.) that transfers the detergent from the detergent box to the tub must be installed, it was difficult to design a conventional automatic detergent supply device to have a large storage capacity of the detergent box.

On the other hand, the above-described automatic detergent supply device for clothing treatment requires a means for determining whether detergent is supplied to the tub and a means for cleaning the means for determining whether detergent is supplied. If the clothing treatment device operates without detergent supplied, washing performance will deteriorate, and if the means for determining whether detergent is supplied is contaminated, it will be difficult to achieve the intended effect.

In addition, the automatic detergent supply device and the laundry treatment device require cleaning of the space where the detergent is stored, the flow path that guides the detergent to the tub, and the pump that moves the detergent to the tub.

This application aims to solve the problem of providing a control method for a clothing treatment device capable of washing the detergent supply unit that supplies detergent to the tub.

In addition, the present application aims to solve the problem of providing a control method for a clothing treatment device that can determine the type of liquid input for cleaning the detergent supply unit.

In addition, the present application aims to solve the problem of providing a control method for a laundry treatment device capable of washing a space where detergent is stored, a flow path for guiding the detergent to the tub, and a means for moving the stored detergent to the flow path.

The present application relates to a drum rotatably provided inside a tub to store clothing, a water supply passage that guides water to the tub, a supply unit capable of storing liquid, a transfer unit that moves the liquid stored in the supply unit to the water supply passage, and the water supply. A method of controlling a clothing treatment device provided with a sensing unit including two electrodes fixed at spaced apart positions within a flow path is provided.

The control method includes a mode selection step of selecting a washing mode; When a cleaning mode is selected, a cleaning step of discharging the liquid inside the supply unit to the water supply passage through the transfer unit to clean the water supply passage and the transfer unit; and a detection step that occurs during execution of the cleaning step and determines the type of liquid discharged from the supply unit by supplying a preset applied voltage to a circuit including the two electrodes and measuring a current value between the two electrodes. It can be included.

If the current value between the two electrodes measured in the detection step is less than a preset first reference value or greater than a preset second reference value, the cleaning step may be stopped.

The first reference value is set to the current value when the two electrodes are connected with a material that has a greater electrical resistance than water, and the second reference value is set to the current value when the two electrodes are connected with a material that has a lower electrical resistance than water. It can be.

The first reference value may be set to a current value when at least one of the two electrodes is exposed to air.

The second reference value may be set to the current value when the two electrodes are connected by liquid detergent.

If the current value measured in the detection step is less than the first reference value, the control method may include a notification step notifying that the water stored in the supply unit is insufficient.

If the current value measured in the detection step is greater than a preset second reference value, the control method may include a request step for requesting replacement of the liquid filled in the supply unit.

If the current value measured in the detection step is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value, the cleaning step may be performed for a preset reference time.

The control method includes a water supply step of supplying water to the tub through a water supply pipe connecting the water supply source and the water supply passage after completion of the washing step; and a draining step of discharging water stored in the tub to the outside of the tub through a drain unit.

The control method is executed before the start of the washing step and further includes a water level detection step of detecting the amount of water stored in the tub through a water level sensor, and the washing step is performed when the water level of the tub is below a preset reference water level. can be initiated.

The control method may further include a water level adjustment step of discharging water inside the tub when the water level of the tub is higher than the reference water level.

This application provides a control method for a clothing treatment device capable of cleaning a detergent supply unit that supplies detergent to a tub.

In addition, the present application provides a control method for a clothing treatment device capable of determining the type of liquid input for cleaning the detergent supply unit.

In addition, the present application provides a control method of a clothing treatment device capable of cleaning a space where detergent is stored, a flow path for guiding detergent to a tub, and a means for moving the stored detergent to the flow path.

Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a clothing treatment device.

Figure 3 shows an example of the internal structure of a clothing treatment device.

Figure 4 shows an example of a detergent supply unit provided in a clothing treatment device.

Figure 5 shows an example of an automatic detergent supply unit (second supply unit).

Figures 6 and 7 show an example of the first detergent box provided in the second supply unit.

Figures 8 and 9 show an example of a second detergent box provided in the second supply unit.

Figure 10 shows an example of a mounting portion.

Figure 11 shows the combined structure of the detergent box and the mounting part.

Figure 12 shows an example of a transfer unit.

Figures 13, 14, and 15 show examples of a water supply passage and a manual detergent supply unit (first supply unit).

Figure 16 briefly shows the flow path through which detergent is supplied to the tub.

Figure 17 shows an example of a sensing unit.

Figure 18 shows an example of a control method for a clothing treatment device.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the clothing treatment device and its control method will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the clothing treatment device 100 includes a cabinet 1 and

processing units

2 and 3 provided inside the cabinet to provide a space for receiving clothing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cabinet 1 may be provided with a housing 11 that provides a space to accommodate the processing unit, and a cover 12 that closes the open upper surface of the housing.

The cover 12 may be provided with a cover body 121 that is fixed to the housing 11 and forms the upper surface of the laundry treatment device, and an inlet 124 provided to penetrate the cover body 121. . The inlet 124 may be closed by a door 13 rotatably coupled to the cover body 121.

The cover body 12 will be provided with a front space 122 (first space) located in front of the inlet 124, and a rear space 123 (second space) located behind the inlet 124. You can. The front space 122 may be provided with a control panel 125, and the control panel 125 includes an input unit 126 that receives a control command from the user, and a display unit that displays information related to the clothing treatment device ( 127) may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the processing unit includes a tub 2 in which water is stored, and a drum 3 provided inside the tub in which laundry objects (clothes, etc.) supplied to the inlet 124 are stored. It may be provided to do so.

Since the tub 2 must be provided in a structure capable of storing water, the tub 2 may be provided as a cylindrical tub body 21 with an empty interior.

The tub body 21 is fixed to the cabinet 1 through a tub support 23. One end of the tub support 23 is fixed to the cover 12 or the housing 11, and the other end is fixed to the cabinet 1. It may be provided as a bar fixed to the circumferential surface of the tub body 21. A tub inlet 22 located below the inlet 124 is provided on the upper surface of the tub body 21.

The tub body 21 is supplied with water through the water supply unit (S), and the water inside the tub body 21 may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 1 through the drain unit 25.

The water supply unit (S) includes a water supply pipe (4) connected to a water supply source, a water supply valve (5) that controls the opening and closing of the water supply pipe (4) according to a control signal from a control unit (first control unit), and the water supply pipe (4). It may be provided to include a water supply passage 6 that guides the supplied water into the inside of the tub 2. Figure 3 shows an example where the water supply passage 6 guides water into the tub body 21 through the tub inlet 22.

The drain unit 25 includes a drain pipe 251 that guides water inside the tub body 21 to the outside of the cabinet 1, and a drain pipe that controls opening and closing of the drain pipe according to a control signal from the first control unit. It may be provided to include a valve 252.

In order to detect the amount of water stored in the tub body 21, the laundry treatment device may be further equipped with a water level sensor 27. The water level sensor 27 can be provided in various structures as long as it can detect the amount of water stored in the tub body 21. Figure 3 shows a connector where the water level sensor 27 is connected to the tub body 21, An example is shown where the connection pipe is provided with a pressure sensor that outputs a control signal corresponding to the pressure inside the connection pipe.

The drum 3 is located inside the tub body 21 and provides a space for storing clothes, and may be provided as a cylindrical drum body 31 with an empty interior.

The upper surface of the drum body 31 may be provided with a drum inlet 32 located below the tub inlet 22. Accordingly, the user can put clothes into the drum body 31 through the inlet 124, the tub inlet 22, and the drum inlet 32. A communication hole 33 may be provided on the circumferential surface and bottom surface of the drum body 31 to communicate with the tub body 21 and the inner space of the drum body 31.

The bottom surface of the drum body 31 may be further provided with a stirring part 34 that is rotatable inside the drum body and is capable of forming a water flow inside the drum body 31.

The drum body 31 and the stirring unit 34 are rotatable by a driving unit. The driving unit includes a motor 35 fixed to the bottom of the tub body 21 and located outside the tub body 21, a drum shaft 36 connecting the motor and the drum body 31, and the drum shaft 36 connecting the motor and the drum body 31. It may be provided to include a stirring shaft 37 connecting the motor and the stirring unit 34.

The stirring shaft 37 may be provided to penetrate the drum shaft 36 and directly connect the rotor of the motor 35 and the stirring unit 34. In this case, inside the drum shaft 36, there is a gear portion 38 connecting the stirring shaft 37 and the drum shaft 36, and a device that controls the connection between one end of the drum shaft 36 and the rotor. A clutch 39 may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, the laundry treatment device 100 may be provided with

detergent supply units

7 and 8 for supplying detergent to the tub 2.

The detergent supply unit includes a first supply unit (7, manual detergent supply unit) that receives detergent from the user and supplies it to the tub 2, and an appropriate amount of detergent is supplied to the tub 2 at a set time under the control of the first control unit. It may be provided to include a second supply unit (8, automatic detergent supply unit) that supplies to.

The first supply unit 7 may be provided as a drawer 71 that can be withdrawn from the water supply passage 6 provided in the cover 12. The drawer 71 may be provided to be pulled out from the water supply passage 6 along the direction in which the center of the inlet 124 is located (+X-axis direction).

The drawer 71 may be provided with a first detergent passage 72 and a second detergent passage 74 that guide detergent provided by the user to the water supply passage 6.

The first detergent flow path 72 and the second detergent flow path 74 must be provided to form separate flow paths, and the first detergent flow path 72 is connected to the water supply flow path 6 through the first outlet 73. ), and the second detergent passage 74 may be connected to the water supply passage 6 through a second discharge port (not shown).

The first outlet 73 is provided with a hole that penetrates the rear surface of the first detergent flow path 72, and the second outlet (not shown) is a hole that passes through the second detergent flow path 74 for a certain amount of liquid (water, It may be provided as a siphon passage (or water trap) that discharges the liquid into the water supply passage 6 when liquid detergent) is supplied. In this case, the first detergent passage 72 is used as a supply passage for powder detergent or liquid detergent required during washing, and the second detergent passage 74 is used as a supply passage for powder detergent or liquid detergent required during washing, and the second detergent passage 74 is used at a specific time (rinsing cycle, dehydration cycle, etc.). It can be used as a supply channel for liquid detergent or powder detergent.

As described above, the cover body 121 may be provided with a front space 122 located in front of the inlet 124 and a rear space 123 located behind the inlet 124. The second supply unit 8 may be provided in the rear space 123. Unlike shown in the drawing, the control panel 125 may be provided in the rear space 123, and the second supply unit 8 may be provided in the front space 122.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second supply unit 8 is fixed to the detergent box 81, which provides a space for storing detergent, and the rear space 123, and the detergent box 81 is detachable. It may be provided to include a mounting part 82 that can be fixed, and a transfer part 83 that withdraws detergent from the detergent box 81 coupled to the mounting part 82 and moves it to the water supply passage 6.

As shown in FIG. 5, the detergent box 81 may be provided to include a first detergent box 81a and a second detergent box 81b that are detachably fixed to the mounting unit 82.

The first detergent box (81a) includes a storage body (811, first storage body) that provides a space for storing detergent, and a detergent inlet (812, first detergent inlet) provided to penetrate one side of the first storage body. , It may be provided to include a detergent box door (813, first detergent box door) that can open and close the first detergent inlet.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first detergent inlet 812 may be provided to penetrate the upper surface of the first storage body 811, and the first detergent compartment door 813 may be provided to penetrate the first storage body 811. It can be rotatably fixed to the upper surface of the body 811.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom surface of the first storage body 811 is provided with a detergent outlet (814, first detergent outlet), and the first detergent outlet (814) has a check valve (814a, first detergent outlet). check valve) may be provided.

The bottom surface 814c of the first storage body 811 is provided with a guide passage 814b (first guide passage) that guides the detergent inside the first storage body 811 to the first detergent discharge port 814. It can be. In this case, the first detergent outlet 814 is located on the side facing the direction in which the second storage body 815 is located (the side facing the +Z direction, the mounting part) in the space provided by the first guide passage 814b. It can be provided on the side facing the hub.

As shown in FIG. 8, the second detergent box 81b includes a storage body 815 (second storage body) that provides a space for storing detergent, and a detergent inlet provided through one side of the second storage body. (816, second detergent inlet), and may be provided to include a detergent box door (817, second detergent box door) capable of opening and closing the second detergent inlet.

The second detergent inlet 816 may be provided to penetrate the upper surface of the second storage body 815, and the second detergent compartment door 817 may be provided on the upper surface of the second storage body 815. It can be fixed to be rotatable.

As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom surface 818c of the second storage body 815 is provided with a detergent outlet 818 (second detergent outlet), and the second detergent outlet 818 has a check valve 818a. , a second check valve) may be provided.

The bottom surface of the second storage body 815 may be provided with a guide passage 818b (second guide passage) that guides the detergent inside the second storage body 815 to the second detergent discharge port 818. . In this case, the second detergent outlet 818 is located on the side facing the direction in which the first storage body 811 is located (the side facing the -Z direction, the mounting part) in the space provided by the second guide passage 818b. It can be provided on the side facing the hub.

As shown in FIG. 10, the mounting portion 82 is fixed to the cover body 121 and is provided in the mounting body 82a located in the rear space 123 of the cover. The first detergent box 81a and the second detergent box 81b may be provided to include a hub 82b to which they are fixed. Figure 10 shows an example in which the hub 82b is positioned between the first detergent outlet 814 and the second detergent outlet 818 to fix the

outlets

814 and 818. will be.

The mounting body 82a is provided with a first mounting space 821 and a second mounting space 822 arranged to face each other with the hub 82b in between. The first mounting space 821 is a space where the first detergent box 81a is mounted, and the second mounting space 822 is a space where the second detergent box 81b is mounted.

The first mounting space 821 is provided in a direction (-Y-axis direction) away from the second mounting space 822 along the width direction of the cover body 121 in the hub 82b, and the second The mounting space 822 may be provided in a direction (+Y-axis direction) away from the first mounting space 821 along the width direction of the cover body 121 in the hub 82b.

The first mounting space 821 is provided with a groove (first mounting groove) in which the bottom surface of the first storage body 811 is accommodated, and the second mounting space 822 is provided with the second storage body 815. ) may be provided with a groove (second mounting groove) that accommodates the bottom surface.

For example, the first mounting space 821 is provided with a groove that accommodates the entire bottom edge of the first storage body 811, and the second mounting space 822 is provided with a groove that accommodates the entire bottom edge of the first storage body 811. ) may be provided with a groove that accommodates the entire edge of the bottom surface.

Additionally, the bottom surface of the first mounting space 821 and the bottom surface of the second mounting space 822 may be inclined downward toward the hub 82b. In this case, the bottom surfaces 814c and 818c of each of the

storage bodies

811 and 815 are preferably inclined to correspond to the shape of the corresponding mounting space.

The mounting portion 82 includes a first fastening pipe 823 that protrudes from the hub 82b along the width direction of the cover body 121 and in a direction away from the hub 82b (-Y-axis direction), and A second fastening pipe 824 may be provided in the hub 82b along the width direction of the cover body 121 and protruding in a direction away from the hub (+Y-axis direction).

As shown in FIG. 11, the first fastening pipe 823 can be inserted into the first detergent outlet 814 of the first detergent box, and the second fastening pipe 824 can be inserted into the second fastening pipe 824 of the second detergent box. It can be inserted into the detergent outlet (818).

When the first detergent box 81a is inserted into the first mounting space 821, the first fastening pipe 823 is inserted into the first detergent outlet 814, so that the first check valve 814a will open the first detergent outlet 814. When the second detergent box 81b is inserted into the second mounting space 822, the second fastening pipe 824 is inserted into the second detergent outlet 818, so that the second check valve 818a will open the second detergent outlet 818.

As shown in FIG. 12, the transfer unit 83 includes a first transfer unit 83a that moves detergent flowing into the first fastening pipe 823 to the tub body 21, and a second fastening pipe ( It may be provided to include a second transfer unit (83b) that moves the detergent flowing into 824) to the tub body (21).

The first transfer unit 83a includes a first detergent pump 831 mounted in the rear space 123 of the cover body, and a first supply connecting the inlet of the first detergent pump and the first fastening pipe 823. It may be provided to include a flow passage 832 and a first discharge passage 833 connecting the outlet of the first detergent pump and the water supply passage 6.

The second transfer unit 83b includes a second detergent pump 834 mounted in the rear space 123, a second supply passage 835 connecting the inlet of the second detergent pump and the second fastening pipe 824. ), and a second discharge passage 836 connecting the outlet of the second detergent pump and the water supply passage 6.

Since the open upper surface of the rear space 123 is closed by the mounting body 82a, the first transfer unit 83a and the second transfer unit 83b mounted on the rear space 123 are It is not exposed to the outside of the cover by the mounting body 82a.

In addition, the transfer units (83a, 83b) are provided so as not to interfere with the space where the detergent boxes (81a, 81b) are mounted. That is, the first transfer unit (83a) and the second transfer unit (83b) are not provided at the rear of the two detergent boxes (81a, 81b) but in the rear space (123) independent of the mounting spaces (821, 822). , the clothing treatment device 100 has an advantageous effect in designing the

storage bodies

811 and 815 provided in each detergent box to have a larger volume.

The first control unit (not shown) mentioned above is a means for controlling at least one of the input unit 126, the display unit 127, the motor 35, the water supply valve 5, and the drain valve 252, The first detergent pump 831 and the second detergent pump 834 provided in the transfer unit 83 may be configured to operate according to a control signal from the first control unit (not shown). However, as shown in FIG. 12, the first detergent pump 831 and the second detergent pump 834 are operated according to a control signal from a second control unit (9, pump control unit) separate from the first control unit. It may be provided.

When the second control unit 9 is separated from the first control unit, the first control unit and the second control unit 9 must be connected to enable communication, and the second control unit 9 must be connected to the first control unit. It is desirable to be equipped to control the two detergent pumps based on the requested control command (pump operation point and operation time). The second control unit 9 is preferably fixed inside the rear space 123.

If the first control unit and the second control unit 9 are provided as described above, the above-described second supply unit 8 can be modularized (applicable to various laundry treatment devices with different structures), and the first control unit 9 By reducing the load on the control unit, it will be possible to minimize the possibility of operational errors in the clothing processing device.

As mentioned above, the water supply unit (S) may be provided to include the water supply pipe (4), the water supply valve (5), and the water supply passage (6).

The water supply pipe 4 includes a first water supply pipe 41 connected to a water supply source supplying water at a first temperature, and a second water supply pipe 42 connected to a water supply source supplying water at a second temperature higher than the first temperature. It may be provided to include.

The first water supply pipe 41 may be branched into a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe through a branch unit 54. In this case, the water supply valve 5 is a valve that controls the opening and closing of the first branch pipe. It may be provided with a first valve 51, a second valve 52 that controls the opening and closing of the second branch pipe, and a third valve 53 that controls the opening and closing of the second water supply pipe 42.

As shown in Figure 13, the water supply passage 6 is a flow path 61 fixed to the cabinet 1 through the cover body 121, and is provided inside the flow path 61 to form the water supply pipe ( It may be provided to include a chamber 611 that guides the water supplied from 4) to the tub inlet 22. A chamber discharge port 612 is provided on one side of the flow path body 61 (such as a side facing the center of the inlet), which discharges the liquid flowing into the chamber 611 into the tub inlet 22.

The chamber 611 is connected to the water supply valve 5 through the inlet 63. The inlet 63 is provided in the flow path body 61 and includes a first inlet 634, a second inlet 635, and a third inlet 636 connected to the upper space of the chamber 611. It may be provided to do so.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first inlet 634 is connected to the first valve 51 through the first valve connector 631, and the second inlet 635 is connected to the second valve. It is connected to the second valve 52 through a connection pipe 632, and the third inlet 636 may be connected to the third valve 53 through the third valve connection pipe 633.

As shown in FIG. 13, the drawer 71 of the first supply unit may be provided to be pulled out from the chamber 611 through the chamber outlet 612. In this case, the first outlet 73 and the second outlet of the drawer must be provided to discharge detergent into the chamber 611.

Furthermore, the bottom surface 613 of the chamber 611 and the bottom surface of the drawer 71 are formed so that the detergent discharged from the drawer 7 into the chamber 611 can move to the tub 2. There must be a passage between them through which detergent or water can move. FIG. 13 shows an example of a case in which the chamber bottom surface 613 is provided with a downwardly sloping surface to form the passage.

The euro body 61 may be further provided with a connection part 84 that guides the detergent supplied from the transfer part 83 to the bottom surface 613 of the chamber.

The connection portion 83 includes a connection chamber 841 that protrudes from the flow path body 61 and communicates with the chamber 611, and a second connection chamber 841 that connects the first discharge passage 833 of the transfer unit to the connection chamber 841. It may be provided to include a first detergent supply pipe 842 and a second detergent supply pipe 843 connecting the second discharge passage 836 of the transfer unit to the connection chamber 841.

The connection chamber 841 protrudes toward the direction in which the drawer 71 is inserted (-X-axis direction) or the width direction of the drawer (Y-axis direction, a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the drawer is inserted). It can be provided.

When the detergent stored in the detergent box 81 is supplied through the upper surface of the chamber 611 rather than the connection chamber 841, the detergent discharged from the transfer unit 83 is the first detergent provided in the drawer. It will be supplied to the tub (2) through the flow path (72), the second detergent flow path (74), and the chamber bottom surface (613). Since the movement path of the detergent as described above is longer than the path in which the detergent moves to the tub 2 through the connection chamber 841 and the chamber bottom 613, all of the detergent is not supplied to the tub and moves. There is a disadvantage that the possibility of detergent remaining in the path increases. The connection chamber 841 is a means of solving this problem.

Inside the chamber 11, it is located at the top of the drawer 71 and guides the water flowing into the chamber 611 to the first detergent passage 72 and the second detergent passage 74 of the drawer. A distribution unit 62 may be further provided. The distribution unit 62 may be provided to guide some of the water flowing into the chamber 611 to the

detergent passages

72 and 74, and to guide the remainder to the connection chamber 841.

The distribution unit 62 is fixed inside the chamber 611 and includes a distribution body 621 located at the top of the drawer 71, and the distribution body 621 is connected to the first detergent flow path 72 of the drawer. ) It may be provided to include a partition wall 622 dividing it into a first distribution space 623 located at the top and a second distribution space 625 located at the top of the second detergent flow path 74.

As shown in FIG. 14, the first distribution space 623 is provided with a first supply hole 624 penetrating the first distribution space 623, and the second distribution space 625 is provided with the first supply hole 624. A second supply hole 626 penetrating the second distribution space 625 may be provided.

The water discharged from the first water supply pipe 41 through the first valve 51 passes through the first inlet 634 and the first supply hole 624 into the first detergent flow path 72 of the drawer. The water supplied to and discharged from the first water supply pipe 41 through the second valve 52 passes through the second inlet 635 and the second supply hole 626 and is used as a second detergent in the drawer. It will be supplied in Euros (74).

The distribution unit 62 may be further provided with a guide 627 that facilitates movement of some of the water supplied to the distribution body 621 to the connection chamber 841.

The guide 627 may be provided as a board extending from the rear end of the distribution body 621 toward the connection chamber 841. In this case, the guide 627 has a first guide through hole 628. ) and a second guide through hole 629 may be provided.

The guide first penetration hole 628 is a means for allowing detergent discharged from the first detergent supply pipe 842 to move to the bottom surface of the connection chamber 841 without interfering with the guide, and the guide second penetration hole 628 The hole 629 is a means for allowing the detergent discharged from the second detergent supply pipe 843 to move to the bottom of the connection chamber 841 without interfering with the guide. As shown in the drawing, the guide second through-hole 625 may be provided as a groove in which the free end of the guide 627 is concavely bent.

As shown in FIG. 15, the clothing treatment device equipped with the guide 627 can guide a portion of the water flowing into the chamber 611 when water is supplied to the connection chamber 841, so that the connection chamber 841 It is possible to minimize the possibility of detergent remaining on the bottom of the machine (a set amount of detergent can be supplied through the tub).

As shown in FIG. 16, the clothes treatment apparatus of the above-described structure supplies water to the drawer 71 through the water supply pipe 4 when the water supply valve 5 is operated, and the drawer 71 The detergent inside is discharged into the chamber 611 together with water and then supplied to the tub body 21 through the chamber outlet 612.

Meanwhile, the detergent stored in the detergent box 81 moves to the connection chamber 841 when the transfer unit 83 operates, and the detergent inside the connection chamber 841 flows into the tub through the chamber outlet 612. It is supplied to the body (21).

As shown in FIG. 1, the above-described laundry treatment device 100 has a structure in which the first detergent box 81a and the second detergent box 81b protrude from the upper surface of the cover 12.

Considering that the top surface of the top-loading laundry treatment device 100 is generally higher than the top surface of the front-loading laundry treatment device, when the laundry treatment device 100 operates, the first detergent box 81a and the second detergent box 81a are used. The vibration amplitude of the detergent box 81b may be larger than that of the detergent box (detergent storage space) located at the top of the front loading washing machine.

That is, when the drum 3 rotates, large vibrations may occur in the first detergent box 81a and the second detergent box 81b, so the two detergent boxes are connected to the cabinet 1 through the mounting part 82. ), there is a possibility that the detergent boxes may be separated from the mounting portion 82 during operation of the laundry treatment device 100.

In order to minimize the above-mentioned risk, the first detergent box 81a has the first storage body 811 installed in the first mounting space 821 along the width direction (+Y-axis direction) of the cover 12. When inserted, the first fastening pipe 823 is provided to be coupled to the first detergent discharge port 811.

When the first fastening pipe 823 is inserted into the first detergent outlet 814, the first storage body 811 is connected to the cover 12 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and the cover 12. Since movement in the depth direction (X-axis direction, forward and backward direction of the cover) is limited, the laundry treatment device 100 operates the first detergent box only by the positions of the first fastening pipe 823 and the first detergent outlet 814. It is possible to suppress vibration in two directions in (81a).

In addition, the laundry treatment device 100 has the first transfer unit 83a, which moves the detergent stored in the first detergent box 81a to the tub, in an external space (rear space of the cover, 123) of the mounting unit 82. ), it is possible to maximize the volume of the first storage body 811.

The second detergent box 81b is connected to the second storage body 815 when the second storage body 815 is inserted into the second mounting space 822 along the width direction (-Y axis direction) of the cover 12. A pipe 824 is provided to be inserted into the second detergent discharge port 818.

When the second fastening pipe 824 is inserted into the second detergent outlet 818, the second storage body 815 is connected to the cover 12 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and the cover 12. Since movement in the depth direction (front-back direction of the cover, ) It is possible to suppress vibration in two directions.

In addition, the laundry treatment device 100 has the second transfer unit 83b, which moves the detergent stored in the second detergent box 81b to the tub, in an external space (rear space of the cover, 123) of the mounting unit 82. ), it is possible to maximize the volume of the second storage body 815.

Meanwhile, the edge of the first storage body 811 is provided to be inserted into the first mounting space 821, and the edge of the second storage body 815 is inserted into the second mounting space 822. It can be provided as much as possible. Accordingly, the laundry treatment device 100 may also suppress vibration of each detergent box along the width direction (Y-axis direction) and depth direction (X-axis direction) of the cover.

As shown in Figures 7 and 9, in order to more effectively suppress the vibration of the

detergent boxes

81a and 81b, the second supply part 8 may be further provided with a fixing part 85. The fixing part 85 includes a first withdrawal prevention part 851 provided in the first storage body 811, and a second withdrawal prevention part 854 provided in the second storage body 815. It can be provided.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first withdrawal prevention portion 851 is such that when the first fastening pipe 823 is inserted into the first detergent discharge port 814, the first detergent box 81a is connected to the cover. It may be provided to limit movement along the width direction (-Y axis direction).

The first withdrawal prevention portion 851 may be provided as a bar that can reciprocate along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the first detergent box 81a. When the first detergent box 81a is seated in the first mounting space 821, the free end of the first withdrawal prevention portion 851 contacts the edge of the first mounting space 821. It can be withdrawn from the detergent box 81a. The first withdrawal prevention unit 851 may be provided to move into the first detergent box 81a by the first lever 853 provided on the first storage body 811.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second withdrawal prevention portion 854 allows the second detergent box 81b to be connected to the cover when the second fastening pipe 824 is inserted into the second detergent discharge port 818. It may be provided to limit movement along the width direction (+Y axis direction).

The second withdrawal prevention unit 854 may be provided as a bar that can reciprocate along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the second detergent box 81b. When the second detergent box 81b is seated in the second mounting space 822, the free end of the second withdrawal prevention portion 854 contacts the edge of the second mounting space 822. It can be withdrawn from the detergent box (81b). The second withdrawal prevention unit 854 may be provided to move into the second detergent box 81b by the second lever 856 provided in the second detergent box 81b.

The fixing part 85 further includes a first body fixing part 852 provided in the first detergent box 81a, and a second body fixing part 855 provided in the second detergent box 81b. It may be provided to do so.

The first body fixing part 852 is provided with a protrusion protruding from the edge of the first detergent box 81a toward the first detergent discharge port 814, and the second body fixing part 855 is It may be provided with a protrusion protruding from the edge of the second detergent box 81b toward the second detergent discharge port 818.

In this case, the mounting body 82a has a first fixing groove 825 into which the first body fixing part 852 is inserted, and a second fixing groove 826 into which the second body fixing part 855 is inserted. It is desirable to have this. When the first detergent box 81a is coupled to the first mounting space 821, the first body fixing part 852 is inserted into the first fixing groove 825, and the second body fixing part ( 855) will be inserted into the second fixing groove 826.

The first body fixing part 852 and the first fixing groove 825 allow the first detergent box 81a to move in the depth direction (X-axis direction), height direction (Z-axis direction), and Movement toward the direction in which the hub 82b is located (+Y-axis direction) is restricted. The second body fixing part 855 and the second fixing groove 826 allow the second detergent box 81b to be connected to the cover 12 in the depth direction (X-axis direction), the height direction (Z-axis direction), And movement toward the direction in which the hub 82b is located (-Y-axis direction) may be restricted.

The first detergent box 81a has at least two surfaces of the plurality of surfaces constituting the first storage body 811 exposed to the outside of the first mounting space 821, and the second detergent box ( 81b) is fixed to the mounting part 82 so that at least two of the plurality of surfaces constituting the second storage body 815 are exposed to the outside of the second mounting space 822, but the above-described fastening pipe It can be stably fixed to the cabinet 1 through the

holders

823 and 824, the

detergent outlets

814 and 818, and the fixing part 85.

One side of the first storage body 811 exposed to the outside of the first mounting space 821 (such as a side facing the direction in which the inlet is located) may be made entirely or partially of a transparent material. This is to allow the user to check the remaining amount of detergent without removing the first detergent box from the mounting part 82. For the same reason, one side (such as the side facing the direction in which the inlet is located) of the second storage body 815 exposed to the outside of the second mounting space 822 may be made of a transparent material in whole or in part. .

The first detergent inlet 812 may be provided on a surface of the first storage body 811 located outside the first mounting space 821, and the second detergent inlet 816 may be located on the side of the first storage body 811 outside the first mounting space 821. It may be provided on a side of the storage body 815 located outside the second mounting space 822. This is to enable detergent to be added to each detergent box without separating the first detergent box and the second detergent box from the mounting unit 82. 4 shows that the first detergent inlet 812 is provided on the upper surface of the first storage body 811, and the second detergent inlet 816 is provided on the upper surface of the second storage body 815. The case is shown as an example.

The above-described laundry treatment device 100 may further be equipped with a detection unit 91 capable of determining whether detergent is supplied to the tub body 21. Figure 17 shows an example where the sensing unit 91 is provided with two

electrodes

911 and 912 fixed to the water supply passage 6.

As shown in FIG. 17, the sensing unit 91 has a first electrode 911 fixed to the chamber 611 of the euro body, and is attached to the chamber 611 of the euro body to be spaced apart from the first electrode. It may be provided to include a fixed second electrode 912. That is, the two

electrodes

911 and 912 may be fixed to a connection surface connecting the bottom surface of the connection chamber 841 and the bottom surface of the chamber 911.

As described above, when water is supplied from the inlet 63 of the water supply unit to the tub body 21, some of the water may move to the connection chamber 841 by the guide 927. Therefore, if the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are fixed to the connection surface, the laundry treatment device 100 will be able to clean the two

electrodes

911 and 912 every time water is supplied to the tub body 21. .

Meanwhile, unlike shown in FIG. 17, the first electrode 911 and the second electrode 912 may be provided on the bottom surface of the connection chamber 841.

The sensing unit 91 may be provided to form a circuit in which a material connecting the two

electrodes

911 and 912 serves as a resistance. Therefore, when a voltage (applied voltage) of a preset magnitude is supplied to the circuit, the current value between the two

electrodes

911 and 912 will vary depending on the resistance of the material connecting the two electrodes.

Considering that the electrical resistance of air is generally higher than that of liquid, when the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are not connected by liquid (when there is no fluid other than air between the two electrodes), the two electrodes The current value between the two

electrodes

911 and 912 will be lower than the current value when the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are connected through liquid.

In addition, considering that the electrical resistance of liquid detergent used in clothes treatment devices is generally lower than that of water, when the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are connected with water, the current value between the two electrodes is , 912) will be lower than the current value when connected to liquid detergent.

In conclusion, if a constant applied voltage is supplied to the circuit, the current value between the two

electrodes

911 and 912 is greatest when the two electrodes are connected with liquid detergent, and when the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are not connected. If so, it will be the lowest. When the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are connected with water, the current value flowing between the two electrodes will be greater than when the two electrodes are not connected, and smaller than when the two electrodes are connected with liquid detergent.

Therefore, by measuring the current value flowing between the two

electrodes

911 and 912, it is possible to determine whether liquid detergent or water is supplied between the two electrodes and whether liquid detergent or water remains between the two electrodes. You can.

If liquid detergent remains between the first electrode 911 and the second electrode 912, a problem may occur in which the sensing unit 91 cannot implement its intended function. In order to minimize liquid detergent remaining between the two

electrodes

911 and 912, the laundry treatment device 100 is fixed to the flow path body 61 and has a protrusion located between the two

electrodes

911 and 912. (913) may be further provided.

As shown in FIG. 17, the protrusion 913 may be provided in the form of a board protruding from the connection surface connecting the bottom surface of the connection chamber 841 and the bottom surface of the chamber 611. . When the protrusion 913 protrudes from the connection surface is set to be longer than the thickness of the first electrode 911 or the second electrode 912, liquid detergent is applied between the two

electrodes

911 and 912. It can reduce the possibility of remaining.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a control method of a clothing treatment device having the above-described structure. The control method of FIG. 18 includes a space where detergent is stored (detergent box), and a flow path (water supply path and connection part) that guides the detergent to the tub. , and the means (transfer unit) that moves the stored detergent to the flow path can be cleaned.

As shown in the figure, the control method may include a mode selection step (S10) and a washing step (S40).

The mode selection step (S10) is a step of determining whether a control command requesting execution of the washing step (S40) has been input through the input unit 126, and the washing step (S40) is performed through the transfer unit 83. This is a step of operating to move the liquid stored in the detergent box to the water supply passage (6) to clean the water supply passage (6) and the transfer unit (83).

Since the washing step (S40) can be performed with water stored in the detergent box (81), the control method can also wash the detergent box (81) through the washing step (S40). In addition, since the detection unit 91 is provided on the flow path body 61 of the water supply passage 6, the control method uses the two

electrodes

911 and 912 constituting the detection unit when the washing step (S40) is performed. Washing is also possible.

In the washing step (S40), the water supply passage 6, the transfer unit 83, and the detergent box 81 can be cleaned when the user fills the detergent box 81 with water rather than liquid detergent. Therefore, it is preferable that the control method further includes a detection step (S41) for determining the type of liquid discharged from the detergent box (81).

Although not shown in the drawing, when the user requests execution of the washing step (40) through the mode selection step (S10), the control method fills the detergent box (81) with water through the display unit (127). It may also be provided to include a step of requesting.

The detection step (S41) is a step of supplying a preset applied voltage to the circuit including the two

electrodes

11 and 912 during the execution of the cleaning step and then measuring the current value between the two

electrodes

911 and 912. It can be provided with .

The detection step (S41) may be provided to be stopped (S50, S60) when the current value between the two electrodes (911, 912) is less than a preset first reference value or is greater than a preset second reference value.

The first reference value is set to the current value when the two electrodes (911, 912) are connected with a material that has an electrical resistance greater than water, and the second reference value is set to the current value when the two electrodes (911, 912) have an electrical resistance greater than water. It can be set to the current value when connected to a small material. For example, the first reference value is set to the current value when the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are not connected by a conductor (when at least one of the two electrodes is exposed to air), and the second reference value is It can be set to the current value when the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are connected by liquid detergent.

The fact that the current value measured in the detection step (S41) is less than the first reference value means that the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are not connected with water or liquid detergent. Accordingly, if the current value measured in the detection step (S41) is less than the first reference value, the control method may proceed with a notification step (S50) informing that the water stored in the detergent box 81 is insufficient.

Meanwhile, the fact that the current value measured in the detection step (S41) is greater than the second reference value means that the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are connected with liquid detergent. Therefore, if the current value measured in the detection step (S41) is greater than the second reference value, the control method proceeds to the request step (S60) to request that the liquid detergent filled in the detergent box (81) be replaced with water. You can.

The notification step (S50) and the request step (S60) may include displaying a message on the display unit 127 or outputting a warning sound or voice message to the user through a speaker.

If the current value measured in the detection step (S41) is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value, the control method executes the washing step (S40) for a preset reference time (S42).

As mentioned earlier, the first reference value is set to the current value when the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are connected with a material that has an electrical resistance greater than water, and the second reference value is set to the current value when the two electrodes have an electrical resistance greater than water. It can be set to the current value when connected to this small material. Therefore, the fact that the current value measured in the detection step (S41) is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value can be seen as a state in which the two

electrodes

911 and 912 are connected with water.

Since the above-mentioned control method induces the washing step (S40) to be executed with water stored in the detergent box 81, the control method is performed by controlling the flow path (water supply path and connection portion) that guides the detergent to the tub and the stored detergent. It is possible to not only clean the means (transfer unit) that moves the product to the flow path, but also clean the space where detergent is stored (detergent box).

When the washing step is completed (S42), the control method may further include a process of draining the washing liquid supplied to the tub body 21. The process of draining the washing liquid may include a water supply step (S70) and a drain step (S80).

The water supply step (S70) is a step of supplying water to the tub body (31) by controlling the water supply valve (5) so that the water supply pipe (4) is opened, and the drain step (S80) is a step of supplying water to the tub body (31). ) may be provided as a step of moving the water stored in the tub body 21 to the outside of the cabinet 1.

In order to prevent cleaning liquid from remaining in the drum body 31, the control method may further include a dehydration step (S90). The dehydration step (S90) is a step of rotating the drum body 31 and may be started after completion of the draining step (S80).

Meanwhile, it is not desirable to use the above-described control method during the washing step (supplying liquid detergent to the tub body and then rotating the drum body) to separate foreign substances from clothes. Whether or not clothing has been put into the drum body 31 can be determined in various ways. One example may be determining whether water for performing the washing step is stored in the tub body 21. Accordingly, the control method may further include a water level detection step (S20) of determining the amount of water inside the tub body 21 before executing the washing step (S40).

The water level detection step (S20) may be provided to determine the water level inside the tub body 21 through the water level sensor 27, and the washing step (S40) may be performed to determine the water level inside the tub body 21. It can be equipped to be executed when the water level is lower than a preset standard water level (S21).

If the water level measured in the water level detection step (S20) is higher than the reference water level, the control method performs a water level adjustment step (S30) of draining water from the tub body 21 through the drain part 25. You can also run it.

Since the structure and control method of the above-described clothing treatment device are described as an example of the present application, the scope of rights of the present application cannot be limited to the above-described structure and control method.

Claims

A drum rotatably provided inside the tub to store clothing, a water supply passage that guides water to the tub, a supply unit capable of storing liquid, a transfer unit that moves the liquid stored in the supply unit to the water supply passage, and inside the water supply passage. In the control method of a clothing treatment device equipped with a sensing unit including two electrodes fixed at spaced apart positions,

A mode selection step of selecting a washing mode;

When a cleaning mode is selected, a cleaning step of discharging the liquid inside the supply unit to the water supply passage through the transfer unit to clean the water supply passage and the transfer unit; and

A detection step that occurs during execution of the cleaning step and determines the type of liquid discharged from the supply unit by supplying a preset applied voltage to a circuit including the two electrodes and measuring a current value between the two electrodes; A control method for a clothing processing device, characterized in that.
According to paragraph 1,

If the current value between the two electrodes measured in the detection step is less than a preset first reference value or greater than a preset second reference value, the washing step is stopped,

The first reference value is set to the current value when the two electrodes are connected with a material with greater electrical resistance than water,

The second reference value is set to a current value when the two electrodes are connected with a material with lower electrical resistance than water.
According to paragraph 2,

The first reference value is set to a current value when at least one of the two electrodes is exposed to air.
According to paragraph 2,

The second reference value is set to a current value when the two electrodes are connected by liquid detergent.
According to paragraph 2,

If the current value measured in the detection step is less than the first reference value, a notification step of notifying that the water stored in the supply unit is insufficient.
According to paragraph 2,

If the current value measured in the detection step is greater than a preset second reference value, a request step for requesting replacement of the liquid filled in the supply unit.
According to paragraph 2,

If the current value measured in the detection step is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value, the washing step is performed for a preset reference time.
In clause 7,

A water supply step of supplying water to the tub through a water supply pipe connecting the water supply source and the water supply passage after completion of the cleaning step; and

A control method for a clothing treatment apparatus further comprising a draining step of discharging water stored in the tub to the outside of the tub through a drain unit.
According to clause 8,

It is performed before the start of the washing step and further includes a water level detection step of detecting the amount of water stored in the tub through a water level sensor,

A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the washing step is started when the water level in the tub is below a preset standard water level.
According to clause 9,

If the water level in the tub is higher than the reference water level, a water level adjustment step of discharging water inside the tub.