BUBBLE GENERATION DEVICE AND WASHING MACHINE HAVING SAME

BACKGROUND
Field

The disclosure relates to a bubble generation device and a washer having the same.

Description of Related Art

The washer is a device including a tub containing washing water and a drum rotatably installed inside the tub, and the drum containing the laundry rotates inside the tub to wash the laundry. Meanwhile, some washers include a bubble generator for enhancing washing efficiency. The bubble generator may generate bubbles by mixing air with washing water.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a bubble generator capable of reducing the strength of a force required to supply a target amount of washing water by minimizing and/or reducing a flow path resistance inside the bubble generator.

A bubble generator according to an example embodiment of the disclosure may comprise: a housing comprising 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 including a valve rotatably installed inside the housing to open or close between the first port and the third port, and configured to form an orifice portion whose passage width decreases from the first port toward the third port inside the housing based on opening between the first port and the third port and an air inlet between the second port and the third port, and an actuator configured to adjust a rotation angle of the valve device.

According to an example embodiment, the second port may be connected to the drum by a first connection pipe, and one end of the first connection pipe may be connected to the second port, and another end thereof may be connected to an upper side of the drum.

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

According to an example embodiment, the third port may be installed under the tub.

According to an example embodiment, the valve device may be configured to form a wall interrupting flow of washing water from the first port toward the second port based on opening between the first port and the third port.

According to an example embodiment, the valve device may form an air inlet between the second port and the third port based on opening between the first port and the third port.

According to an example embodiment, the passage width of the orifice portion may be larger than or equal to a passage width of the air inlet based on opening between the first port and the third port.

According to an example embodiment, based on opening between the first port and the third port, washing water introduced through the first port may be converted into bubbles, and the bubbles may be discharged through the third port.

According to an example embodiment, the valve device may be configured to form a circulation flow path portion instead of the orifice portion based on closing between the first port and the third port. Washing water introduced through the first port may be discharged through the circulation flow path portion and then the second port.

According to an example embodiment, based on opening between the first port and the third port, the valve device may be configured to mix air introduced through the second port with washing water passing through the orifice portion to form bubbles and discharge the bubbles through the third port.

According to an example embodiment, the valve device may include a rotation shaft configured to be rotated by an actuator and a plate connected to the rotation shaft, and the plate may have a specified included angle with respect to the rotation shaft.

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

According to an example embodiment, the included angle may have a value larger than an obtuse angle formed by an axial line of the first port and an axial line of the second port.

According to an example embodiment, the housing may include one or more engaging protrusions provided inside the housing configured to contact an edge of the plate.

According to an example embodiment, the engaging protrusions may include a front protrusion and a rear protrusion. The plate may contact the front protrusion based on opening between the first port and the third port and contact the rear protrusion based on closing between the first port and the third port.

According to an example embodiment, the housing may include one or more embossed surfaces provided inside the housing to contact an edge of the plate.

A washer according to an example embodiment of the disclosure may comprise: a tub, a drum provided inside the tub configured to receive laundry, a bubble generator configured to generate a bubble and supply the bubble to the tub, and a pump configured to suck washing water from the tub and supply the sucked washing water to the bubble generator. The bubble generator may include: a housing comprising a first port connected to the pump, a second port connected to the drum, and a third port connected to the tub, a valve device including a valve rotatably installed inside the housing and configured to open or close between the first port and the third port, and to form an orifice portion whose passage width decreases from the first port toward the third port inside the housing based on opening between the first port and the third port and an air inlet between the second port and the third port, and an actuator configured to adjust a rotation angle of the valve device.

In the bubble generator according to an example embodiment of the disclosure, an orifice portion may be optionally formed using a valve structure capable of adjusting the flow path, as an alternative, without forming an orifice portion in the housing forming the shape of the bubble generator. Accordingly, the washer including the bubble generator according to an example embodiment may supply washing water into the drum with sufficient strength even with a small force when spraying the washing water into the drum.

Effects achievable by example embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, but other effects not mentioned may be derived and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments of the disclosure pertain, from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a washer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a washer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example bubble generator according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example bubble generator according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating an example bubble generator according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a top view of a bubble generator according to various embodiments;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating an example operation state in a state in which a valve device opens between a first port and a third port according to various embodiments;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example operation state in a state in which a valve device closes between a first port and a third port according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a washer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a washer according to various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a routine of FIG. 11 according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a routine of FIG. 11 according to various embodiments.

Reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in the following description, and specific examples that may be practiced are shown as examples within the drawings. Other examples may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are now described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure may be implemented in other various forms and is not limited to the examples set forth herein. The same or similar reference denotations may be used to refer to the same or similar elements throughout the description and the drawings. Further, for clarity and brevity, no description may be made of well-known functions and configurations in the drawings and relevant descriptions.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an example washer according to various embodiments.

A washer 1 according to an example embodiment includes a body 10 forming an outer appearance, a detergent supply door 11 provided in at least a portion of the body 10, a main door 12, and/or an user input 14, and a display 15.

In an embodiment, the detergent supply door 11 is provided forward of the body 10. The detergent supply door 11 may be partially provided with a grab for the user to grab. The user may pull the grab of the detergent supply door 11 toward the user, thereby exposing the detergent supply device (53 of FIG. 1B) inside the main body to the outside. The user may put the detergent into the detergent supply device, and the put detergent is then provided into the tub or drum. In various embodiments of the disclosure, the washer may not include the detergent supply door 11. In various embodiments in which the detergent supply door 11 is not provided, the detergent supply device is also omitted, and the user directly injects the detergent into the drum.

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

In an embodiment, the user input 14 is provided to all or some cycles of the washer. The user may change the whole or part of the washing cycle or select a preset washing cycle through the user input 14. In other words, the user input 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 user input 14 is illustrated as a circular handle, but is not limited thereto. For example, the user input 14 may be implemented as a hardware device such as a touch screen and a hardware key button.

In an embodiment, the display 15 may be provided to represent the current state of the washer and/or the interface state with the user input 14. For example, the display 15 may display the remaining time of the entire washing cycle or at least a partial washing cycle. As another example, the display 15 may display a preview image associated with a user input to the user input 14. The preview image may refer to, e.g., an image indicating a control operation set by the user. For example, when the user controls the user input 14 to perform the washing cycle in the “standard mode”, the display 15 may output “standard mode”. After the user identifies the preview image represented through the display 15, the user may additionally input a user input for starting the washing cycle with the corresponding operation, thereby preventing and/or inhibiting an unintended washing cycle from being started. Hereinafter, a washer structure inside the body 10 is described with reference to FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example washer according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, a washer 1 includes a body 10 forming an outer appearance, a tub 20 installed inside the body 10 to contain washing water, a drum 30 rotatably installed inside the tub 20, a door (main door) 12 for opening and closing an inlet provided to put laundry, and a motor 40 installed on a rear surface of the tub 20 to generate a rotational force for rotating the drum 30.

According to an embodiment, a lifter 31 and/or a communication hole 32 may be provided inside the drum 30. The lifter 31 may be at least partially formed on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30. As the drum 30 rotates, laundry in the drum 30 is raised by the lifter 31, and then falls to the lower side of the drum 30 and tumbles. Further, a plurality of communication holes 32 may be provided along the side surface of the drum 30. The drum 30 may exchange washing water with the tub 20 through the plurality of communication holes 32. In other words, washing water may be supplied into the drum 30 through the communication hole 32.

According to an embodiment, the washer 1 includes a water supply device 50 and/or a drain device 60.

According to an embodiment, the water supply device 50 may be provided above the tub 20. The water supply device 50 may include a first water supply pipe 51 connected to an external water supply source, a water supply valve 52 for opening and closing the first water supply pipe 51, a detergent supply device 53 for allowing detergent to be mixed with water supplied through the first water supply pipe 51, and a second water supply pipe 54 for connecting the detergent supply device 53 and the tub 20 to guide washing water, which is the mixture of the water and the detergent, to the tub 20.

According to an embodiment, the drain device 60 includes a pump 61 for sucking the washing water of the tub 20, a first drain pipe 62 for connecting the tub 20 and the pump 61 to guide the washing water of the tub 20 to the pump 61, and a second drain pipe 63 connected to the pump 61 and extending to the outside of the body 10 to discharge the washing water to the outside. The pump may include a drain pump (61a of FIG. 7 and FIG. 9) and a circulation pump (61b of FIG. 7 and FIG. 9), but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the washer 1 includes a bubble generator 70.

According to an embodiment, the bubble generator 70 may be provided under the tub 20.

The bubble generator 70 may include a plurality of ports (71a, 71d, and 71b of FIG. 2), and may be connected to other components (or devices) through the plurality of ports (71a, 71d, and 71b of FIG. 2). For example, the transmission pipe 64 and/or the first connection pipe 13 may be connected to each port of the bubble generator 70. One end of the first connection pipe 13 is connected to the bubble generator 70, and the other end of the first connection pipe 13 is connected to the tub 20 or the drum 30. In an embodiment, the first connection pipe 13 may be connected to an upper portion of the tub 20 or the drum 30. One end of the transmission pipe 64 is connected to the pump 61, and the other end of the transmission pipe 64 is connected to the bubble generator 70.

According to an embodiment, the bubble generator 70 may be installed under the tub 20. For example, the bubble generator 70 may be physically coupled to a lower portion of the tub 20 through one port (e.g., the third port 71b) provided in the housing 71. Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the bubble generator 70 may be connected to a lower portion of the tub 20 through a second connection pipe (not shown). In this case, one end of the second connection pipe (not shown) may be connected to the bubble generator 70, and the other end of the second connection pipe (not shown) may be connected to the tub 20.

According to an embodiment, the bubble generator 70 may supply washing water to the inside of the tub 20 or the drum 30 through the first connection pipe 13, or may suck air inside the tub 20 or the drum 30. The first connection pipe 13 may be connected to one upper point of the tub 20 or the drum 30 to suck air inside the tub 20 or the drum 30. For example, the tub 20 or the drum 30 may contain washing water up to a predetermined height, and the first connection pipe 13 may be connected to a position higher than the maximum water level of the washing water that may be received in the tub 20 or the drum 30. As such, the first connection pipe 13 connecting the bubble generator 70 and the tub 20 (or the drum 30) may be selectively used as one of a passage for sucking air and a passage for supplying washing water. The bubble generator 70 may adjust the rotation angle of the valve device 72 provided therein to use the first connection pipe 13 as either a washing water supply path or an air suction path.

According to an embodiment, the bubble generator 70 may generate bubbles by mixing washing water transferred from the pump 61 with air. The generated bubble may be supplied into the tub 20 through a passage formed between the bubble generator 70 and the tub 20 (e.g., a passage formed between the third port 71b of the bubble generator 70 and one side surface of the tub 20).

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example bubble generator according to various embodiments, FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example bubble generator according to various embodiments, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating an example bubble generator according to various embodiments, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an upper side view of and example bubble generator according to various embodiments. A structure of a bubble generator according to an embodiment of the disclosure is described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 2 to 5).

According to an embodiment, the bubble generator 70 includes a housing 71 forming an outer appearance, a valve device 72, and a driving device 73.

According to an embodiment, the housing 71 includes at least one of a first port 71a, a second port 71d, or a third port 71b. In an embodiment, the first port 71a may be connected to the pump 61, the second port 71d may be connected to an upper portion of the drum 30 or the tub, and the third port 71b may be connected to a lower portion of the tub 20. For example, the bubble generator 70 may be connected to the pump 61 through a transmission pipe connected to the first port 71a. The bubble generator 70 may be connected to an upper portion of the drum 30 or the tub 20 through a first connection pipe 13 connected to the second port 71d. The bubble generator 70 may be connected to the lower portion of the tub 20 through the third port 71b.

According to an embodiment, the housing 71 may be formed of one or more cylinders, one or more rectangular pillars, or a combination thereof. The inner space of the housing 71 may include a first flow path portion 713a, a second flow path portion 713b, a third flow path portion 713c, and a fourth flow path portion 713d. The washing water introduced through the first port 71a may be discharged through the first flow path portion 713a, the second flow path portion 713b, and the third flow path portion 713c, and then the third port 71b. Further, the washing water introduced 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. As such, the valve device 72 may be installed in the second flow path portion 713b, and the flow path inside the bubble generator 70 may be formed to differ according to the rotation of the valve device 72. Here, the flow path portions 713a, 713b, 713c, and 713d refer to a plurality of spaces inside the housing 71 forming one flow path.

According to an embodiment, one side surface of the inner 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. The open side surface of the housing 71 may be opened or closed by the first cover 74.

According to an 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 may be coupled to the housing 71, and the one or more embossed surfaces 712b may come in tight contact with the plate member (e.g., plate) 72a of the valve device 72 according to the rotation angle. An embossed surface 712a corresponding to the one or more embossed surfaces 712b may also be provided on one surface 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 in a mirror image with respect to each other. According to an embodiment, when the valve device 72 rotates at the maximum implementable angle, the plate member 72a of the valve device 72 may come in tight contact with the edge of the embossed surface 712a of the housing 71 and the edge of the embossed surface 712b of the first cover 74. Leakage of washing water may be prevented and/or reduced through such tight contact. Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, instead of the first cover 74, the housing 71 may be shielded by a pre-formed wall surface of the housing 71 without providing an opening 71c at a position to which the first cover 74 is to be coupled. In this case, an embossed surface for tightly contacting the plate member 72a may also be provided on the wall surface of the housing 71 replacing the first cover 74.

According to an 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 in tight contact with the protrusions 711a and 711b as well as the edge of the embossed surface 712a described above. Accordingly, in a state in which the valve device 72 is maximally rotated, the plate member 72a and the wall surface of the housing 71 may come into tighter contact with each other, preventing/reducing leakage of the washing water. The protrusions 711a and 711b may be formed on at least one of two opposite inner surfaces of the housing 71, or may be formed on both of the two inner surfaces. The inner surface of the housing 71 on which the protrusions 711a and 711b are formed is perpendicular to the surface where the embossed surface 712a is formed. The protrusions 711a and 711b may be formed, e.g., in an area adjacent to the first port 71a. As another example, the protrusions 711a and 711b may be formed only in an area 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 each other according to rotation. In the disclosure, the above-described protrusion may be referred to as an engaging protrusion.

According to an embodiment, the width of the passage of the second flow path portion 713b may be reduced by the housing 71 and the embossed surfaces 712a and 712b formed on the cover of the housing 71. Further, the width of the passage of the second flow path portion 713b may be reduced by the engaging protrusions 711a and 711b formed in the housing 71. Referring to FIG. 5, it may be identified that the size of the opening provided between the first flow path portion 713a and the second flow path portion 713b gradually decreases due to the plate member 72a, the engaging protrusions 711a and 711b, and the embossed surfaces 712a and 712b.

According to an embodiment, the second cover 75 may be installed on a side surface opposite to the side surface to which the first cover 74 is coupled with respect to the housing 71. A driver 71e on which a driving device 73 for driving the valve device 72 is installed is provided on the opposite side surface. The driver 71e is open for installation of the driver 73, and the second cover 75 for covering the open driver 71e is installed in the housing 71. In other words, the driving device 73 is disposed in a receiving space provided by the driver 71e and the second cover 75.

According to an embodiment, the valve device 72 rotates to allow the washing water supplied through the first port 71a to be transferred to any one of the second port 71d or the third port 71b. The valve device 72 may include a plate member 72a for forming a bubble generation flow path, a shaft portion 72b for rotating the plate member 72a, a connection portion 72d provided in a polygonal shape at a lower end of the shaft portion 72b and connected to the pinion 733 to allow the valve device 72 to rotate together with the pinion 733, and a hinge protrusion 72c provided at an upper end of the shaft portion 72b to allow the valve device 72 to be rotatably installed on the hinge portion 74a provided on the first cover 74. 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 at which the predetermined angle of the plate member 72a is formed. In other words, the plate member 72a may form a predetermined angle (e.g., 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 obtuse angle may be designed to be larger than the obtuse angle formed by the axial lines of the first port and the second port. Meanwhile, a predetermined angle of the plate member 72a is designed to be 180 degrees, so that 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 engaged with the rack 732 and rotated 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 formed in a polygonal shape to correspond to the connection portion 72d of the valve device 72.

According to an embodiment, the pump 61 may supply washing water into the bubble generator 70. For example, the pump 61 may supply the washing water to the bubble generator 70 through a transmission pipe. The washing water supplied into the housing 71 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 71 through either the circulation flow path or the bubble generation flow path.

According to an embodiment, the circulation flow path includes the first flow path portion 713a, a portion of the second flow path portion 713b, and the 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 an embodiment, the bubble generation flow path includes an orifice portion (7131 of FIG. 6), but the circulation flow path does not include an orifice portion (7131 of FIG. 6). Meanwhile, the portion of the second flow path portion 713b forming the circulation flow path may partially overlap the other portion forming the bubble generation flow path, but may be formed in a different space.

According to an embodiment, when the circulation path is formed, the plate member 72a of the valve device 72 completely blocks the path toward the third port 71b, and the washing water introduced through the first port 71a is fully discharged through the second port 71d. In this case, two opposite ends of the plate member 72a for shielding the first port 71a and the third port 71b contact the inner wall of the housing. The washing water discharged through the second port 71d is discharged to the tub 20 or the drum 30 through the first connection pipe 13.

According to an embodiment, when the bubble generation flow path is formed, the plate member 72a of the valve device 72 forms the orifice portion (7131 of FIG. 6) by reducing the width of the passage from the first port 71a to the third port 71b, and provides a passage from the second port 71d to the third port 71b. In this case, 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 that does not contact the inner wall of the housing is configured to be oriented toward the third port direction. An orifice portion may be formed by the other end oriented toward the third port, and at the same time, air introduced from the second port 71d is guided toward the third port.

In other words, the washing water introduced from the first port 71a moves toward the third port 71b, and air is sucked from the second port 71d due to the orifice portion 7131 of FIG. 6 formed in the second flow path portion 713b. 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 mixed with the washing water provided from the first port 71a. As a result, the third port 71b discharges the bubbles in which washing water and air are mixed.

Referring to FIG. 5, it may be identified that the width of the passage through which the washing water introduced through the first port 71a is to pass gradually decreases. FIG. 5 is a side view (top view) of the bubble generator 70 according to an embodiment of the disclosure viewed in a direction from the first port 71a toward the third port 71b (hereinafter, referred to as a direction viewed from above). The opening of the first port 71a may have a narrower passage width 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 decrease from the first port 71a toward the third port 71b by the plate member 72a having a predetermined inclination.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating an example operation state in a state in which a valve device opens between a first port and a third port according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, when the washer 1 needs to supply bubbles into the tub 20, the washer 1 may control the bubble generator 70. The bubble generator 70 may 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. At the same time, the valve device 72 blocks between the first port 71a and the second port 71d so that the washing water does not move from the first port 71a to the second port 71d. The washing water introduced through the first port 71a moves only toward the third port 71b, and the air introduced through the second port 71d is also provided only toward the third port 71b.

According to an embodiment, the actuator 731 rotates the plate member 72a of the valve device 72, and only one end of the plate member 72a tightly contacts the engaging protrusion 711b provided in the housing, and the other end of the plate member 72a does not contact the housing. The plate member 72a guides the washing water so that the washing water introduced through the first port 71a is discharged toward the third port 71b. As illustrated 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 the rotated state. The orifice portion 7131 refers to a portion in which the width of the passage gradually decreases according to the moving direction.

According to an embodiment, the washing water introduced through the first port 71a is guided toward the third port 71b, and the hydraulic pressure increases 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 provided to the washing water discharged toward the third port 71b. Air is mixed with washing water, generating bubbles. The generated bubbles are discharged toward the third port 71b. Since the third port 71b is connected to the lower portion of the tub 20, the generated bubbles are provided to the lower portion of the tub 20. In the disclosure, such a method for supplying bubbles may be referred to as bubble wash.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the orifice portion 7131 may include 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, when the plate member 72a having one included angle is used, two orifice portions 7131 may be formed, and as another example, when the plate member 72a having two included angles is used, three orifice portions 7131 may be formed.

According to an 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 an embodiment, the first orifice portion 7131a has a narrower passage width due to a larger inclination change than the second orifice portion 7131b. According to an 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 bubbles need to be supplied into the tub 20, the valve device 72 opens between the first port 71a and the third port 71b. The actuator 731 rotates the plate member 72a of the valve device 72.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example operation state in a state in which a valve device closes between a first port and a third port according to various embodiments.

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

According to an embodiment, the actuator 731 rotates the plate member 72a of the valve device 72, one end of the plate member 72a comes in tight contact with the engaging protrusion 711a provided in 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 comes in contact with one surface of the second port 71d so that the washing water introduced through the first port 71a is guided to the second port 71d. Accordingly, the washing water introduced 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 portion of the tub or the drum 30 through the first connection pipe 13, the washing water introduced through the first port 71a is consequently transferred to the upper portion of the tub or the drum 30 and jets toward the lower portion of the tub 20 or the drum 30. In the disclosure, such a washing water supply method may be referred to as water shot.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, as described above, the included angle of the plate member 72a has a value larger than the obtuse angle formed by the axial line of the first port 71a and the axial line of the second port 71d, and the plate member 72a prevents and/or blocks the width of the passage between the first port 71a and the second port 71d from being narrowed as much as possible. As such, the flow path formed by the valve device 72 between the first port 71a and the second port 71d may be referred to as the circulation flow path portion 7132. The circulation flow path portion may be formed, as at least a portion of the second flow path portion 713b of the housing 71, by the plate member 72a. The circulation flow path portion 7132 does not have an orifice portion 7131, the width of which gradually narrows along the moving direction, or to have an orifice portion 7131 formed to be minimized/reduced. According to an embodiment, when washing water is supplied into the tub 20 or the drum 30, there is no need to generate bubbles, and thus there is no need to form the orifice portion 7131. The unnecessary orifice portion 7131 requires stronger power of the pumps 61a and 61b to discharge the washing water introduced into the first port 71a to the second port 71d. The demand for the high-performance pump 61 may cause an increase in the material cost of the washer. According to an embodiment, the flow path resistance may be minimized and/or reduced by guiding the washing water introduced from the first port 71a to the second port 71d through the plate member 72a having a predetermined included angle, and a targeted water shot may be realized even when the low-performance pumps 61a and 61b are used.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a washer according to various embodiments.

A washer 1 according to an embodiment may include an user input (e.g., including input circuitry) 1040, a sensor 1050, a transceiver 1020, a controller (e.g., including processing/control circuitry) 1010, memory 1030, a driver (e.g., including drive circuitry) 1060, a water supplier 1071, a drain device 1072, a speaker 1090 and/or a display 1080.

According to an embodiment, the sensor 1050 may include a spin sensor 1051, a current sensor 1052, or a door sensor 1053, but this is merely an example, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. The spin sensor 1051 is, e.g., a sensor provided to detect the water level in the tub, and may be provided to identify the progress of spinning when performing the spin cycle. The controller 1010 may include various circuitry and receive information about the water level in the tub from the spin sensor 1051 and reference it for the spin cycle control. The current sensor 1052 may be provided to detect, e.g., a current flowing through the motor of the driver 1060. The controller 1010 may estimate the torque value applied to the motor using the current value measured by the current sensor 1052. For example, the controller 1010 may estimate the amount of laundry put into the rotating tub based on the estimated torque value. The door sensor 1053 may be provided to determine whether the user closes the door before the controller 1010 performs the washing operation.

According to an embodiment, the transceiver 1020 may include various communication circuitry, including, for example, one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the washer 1 and a wireless communication system, between the washer 1 and another device, or between the washer 1 and an external server. According to an embodiment, the transceiver 100 may include one or more modules for connecting the washer 1 to one or more networks. According to an 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/receive a wireless signal to/from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network established according to technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include, e.g., voice call signals, video call signals, or other various types of data according to transmission/reception of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module may be, but is not limited to, e.g., WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), or 5G. Data may be transmitted and received according to at least one wireless Internet technology in the scope encompassing Internet technologies even not enumerated above.

The short-range communication module may be intended for, e.g., short-range communication and may support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), ZigBee, near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or wireless universal serial bus (USB) technology. The short-range communication module may support, e.g., wireless communication between the washer 1 and a wireless communication system, between the washer 1 and another device, or between the washer 1 and a network in which the other device is positioned through a short-range wireless communication network. Here, the wireless local area network may be a wireless personal area network.

The location information module may be, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) module or a Wi-Fi module as a module for obtaining the location of the washer 1. When the washer 1 utilizes the GPS module, the washer 1 may receive information about the location of the washer 1 using the signal transmitted from the GPS satellite. When the washer 1 utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the washer 1 may receive information about the location of the refrigerator 1 based on information about a wireless access point (AP) that transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from the Wi-Fi module.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1010 may control the overall operation of the washer 1. To that end, the controller 1010 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The controller 1010 may be, e.g., a microcontroller (MCU). The controller 1010 may include various processing/control circuitry and/or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and/or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when “a processor”, “at least one processor”, and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited/disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

The controller 1010 may control hardware or software components connected to the controller 1010 by driving, e.g., an operating system or an application program, and may perform various data processing and operations. Further, the controller 1010 may load and process a command or data received from at least one of other components in a volatile memory, and store various data in a non-volatile memory.

The controller 1010 may control the washing cycle using, e.g., a signal received from the user input 1040 or the transceiver 1020. For example, the controller 1010 may control at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spin cycle, or a drying cycle. In other words, the controller 1010 may control the operation of the driver 1060, the water supplier 1071, or the drain device 1072 to control at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the spin cycle, or the drying cycle. At this time, the controller 1010 may receive operation information about the washer 1 from the sensor 1050 and control feedback.

According to an embodiment, the memory 1030 may store data supporting various functions of the washer 1. The memory 1030 may store, e.g., a plurality of application programs (or applications) used in the washer 1, or data or instructions for operating the washer 1. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. Further, at least some of the application programs may be stored in the memory 1030 from the time of shipping to perform default functions of the washer 1. For example, the application program may be stored in the memory 1030 and driven to perform an operation (or function) of the washer 1 by the controller 1010. According to an embodiment, the memory 1030 may be included as a part of the controller 1010.

According to an embodiment, the washer 1 may further include a speaker 1090. The speaker 1090 may be provided to audibly provide, e.g., information for guiding a user input or information related to the ongoing cycle to the user.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling a washer according to various embodiments.

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

According to an embodiment, the washer may receive a user input through one or more user inputs (S1101). The user input includes, but is not limited to, an input for selecting a cycle, an input for changing the cycle, an input for starting a cycle, and an input for stopping a cycle. Further, according to various embodiments, some cycles may be implemented differently based on a plurality of modes, and the user input may include an input for selecting a mode for some cycles.

According to an embodiment, the washer may determine the operation mode of some cycle as any one of the two or more operation modes based on the user input (S1102). According to an embodiment, the washer may determine the operation mode of the washing cycle as one of the plurality of operation modes applicable to the washing cycle based on a user input. The plurality of operation modes applicable to the washing cycle include, e.g., a bubble wash mode and a water shot mode. The bubble wash mode has been described as an example through FIG. 7 and the water shot mode has been described as an example through FIG. 9. Here, the user input for selecting any one of the bubble wash mode and the water shot mode may be an input for requesting a delicate clothing-only course. Through the user input, the user may select the delicate clothing-only course, and in response to receiving an input signal corresponding thereto, the controller may start the delicate clothing-only course. This is because, unlike other laundry, delicate clothing requires a special washing cycle for minimizing and/or reducing damage to the laundry.

Referring to FIG. 11, the washer may perform a routine corresponding to the determined operation mode (S1103). Here, the routine refers to a series of operations including all of the cycles such as a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin cycle. The washer may perform a different routine based on the operation mode determined in S1102. For example, when the input signal for the delicate clothing-only course is included in the user input signal and when it is not included in the user input signal, different routines are to be performed, and each operation is described below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a routine described above in operation S1103 of FIG. 11 according to various embodiments, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a routine described above in operation S1103 of FIG. 11 according to various embodiments. For example, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the user input signal includes an input signal corresponding to the delicate clothing-only course, the controller performs the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the spin cycle according to the routine illustrated in FIG. 12, and when the user input signal does not include an input signal corresponding to the delicate clothing-only course, the controller performs the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the spin cycle according to the routine illustrated in FIG. 13. In other words, the washer may identify a predetermined signal for discerning the operation mode from the user input signal, and control at least some operations of the all the cycles in different operation modes based on the identification result.

Referring to FIG. 12, a routine according to an embodiment may include an operation of supplying washing water (S1201), an operation of driving the pump while maintaining the valve device in a bubble mode for a predetermined time (S1202), and an operation of performing a predetermined rinsing cycle and a predetermined spin cycle after the washing cycle (S1203).

Referring to S1202, in an embodiment, while the pump is driven, the bubble generator is maintained in the state illustrated in FIG. 8. In other words, while the washing water flows into the bubble generator through the pump, the valve device not only opens between the first port and the third port, but also opens between the second port and the third port at the same time. By the valve device, an orifice flow path is formed between the first port and the third port, and air introduced from the second port and washing water introduced from the first port are mixed with each other at the third port (or a portion adjacent to the third port) to form bubbles. The bubbles are discharged to the tub through the third port.

Referring to FIG. 13, another example routine according to an embodiment includes an operation of supplying washing water (S1301), an operation of driving the pump while maintaining the valve device in a bubble mode for a predetermined time (S1302), an operation of switching the valve device to a circulation mode when the predetermined time elapses (S1303), an operation of performing a circulation operation through the pump while maintaining the circulation mode until before a predetermined time from the end time of the washing cycle (S1304), an operation of performing a circulation operation through the pump while performing a rinsing cycle after the washing cycle (S1305), and an operation of performing a preset spin cycle after the rinsing cycle (S1306). S1301 is the same as or similar to S1201, and thus an additional description may not be repeated here, and the description focuses primarily on differences due to the remaining operations.

Referring to S1302, the valve device is maintained in the bubble mode for a predetermined time, and the controller drives the pump while the valve device is maintained in the bubble mode. The bubble mode refers to a state in which bubbles in which washing water and air are mixed are discharged through the third port as illustrated in FIG. 8. In other words, for the predetermined time, the controller discharges the bubbles into the tub using the bubble generator.

Referring to S1303, the bubble generator switches the valve device to the circulation mode after discharging the bubbles for the predetermined time. The circulation mode refers to a state in which the valve device shields between the first port and the third port, unlike the bubble mode.

Referring to S1304, while the circulation mode is maintained, the washing water introduced through the first port is fully discharged through the second port, and the washing water is not supplied through the third port. The washing water discharged through the second port is discharged from the upper side of the tub toward the lower side of the tub (see FIG. 9). The discharged washing water is moved back to the pump via the tub, and the pump discharges the moved washing water back to the tub. In other words, the washing water continues to circulate through the tub, the pump, and the bubble generator, which is referred to as a circulation operation in the disclosure. Referring to S1304, the controller performs a circulation operation through the pump while the valve device is maintained in the circulation mode, and the circulation operation lasts until before a predetermined time from the end time of the washing cycle.

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

Referring to S1306, the controller may perform the spin cycle in response to termination of the rinsing cycle including the circulation operation of S1305.

The terms as used herein are provided merely to describe various embodiments thereof, but are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “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 “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, the term ‘and/or’ should be understood as encompassing any and all possible combinations by one or more of the enumerated items. As used herein, the terms “include,” “have,” and “comprise” are used merely to designate the presence of the feature, component, part, or a combination thereof described herein, but use of the term does not exclude the likelihood of presence or adding one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” may modify various components regardless of importance and/or order and are used to distinguish a component from another without limiting the components.

As used herein, the terms “configured to” may be interchangeably used with the terms “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of” depending on circumstances. The term “configured to” does not essentially refer to “specifically designed in hardware to.” Rather, the term “configured to” may refer, for example, to a device performing an operation together with another device or parts. For example, a ‘device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C’ may be a dedicated device to perform the corresponding operation or may refer, for example, to a general-purpose device capable of various operations including the corresponding operation.

Meanwhile, the terms “upper side”, “lower side”, and “front and rear directions” used in the disclosure are defined with respect to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

In the disclosure, the above-described description has been made mainly of specific embodiments, but the disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but should rather be appreciated as covering all various modifications, equivalents, and/or substitutes of various embodiments. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/KR2023/002053	Feb 2023	WO
Child	18790857		US

BUBBLE GENERATION DEVICE AND WASHING MACHINE HAVING SAME

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