Patent Application
20250075400
The present disclosure relates to a clothes treatment apparatus including a detergent supply device.
A clothes treatment apparatus is an apparatus for treating and/or caring for clothes. The clothes treatment apparatus may include a washing machine and a dryer.
A washing machine is an apparatus for performing washing by agitating laundry, water, and a detergent put into a tub together using a driving force of a driving motor to wash the laundry by a mutual friction.
Processes that are performed by the washing machine include, regardless of the type of the washing machine, a washing process for washing laundry put into the tub by supplying a detergent and water to the tub and rotating the drum, a rinsing process for rinsing the laundry by supplying water to the tub and rotating the drum, and a spin-drying process for dewatering the laundry by discharging water from the tub and rotating the drum.
The washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water stored in the tub to the outside of the washing machine while performing the washing process, the rinsing process, and/or the spin-drying process. The drainage device may be configured to discharge water discharged from the tub back into the tub when performing a washing process and/or a rinsing process.
The washing machine may include a detergent supply device that supplies the tub with a detergent for washing laundry.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treatment apparatus with an improved detergent supply structure.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treatment apparatus capable of supplying various types of detergents to a tub with a relatively simple structure.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treatment apparatus capable of preventing and/or reducing a detergent from solidifying in a detergent supply device.
According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a clothes treatment apparatus includes: a housing; a tub provided inside the housing; a detergent supply device disposed below the tub and configured to supply a detergent to the tub; and a drainage device comprising a drain pipe configured to discharge water from the tub to an outside of the housing or to the detergent supply device. The detergent supply device includes: a first detergent box and a second detergent box; a first detergent pump configured to discharge a detergent from the first detergent box; a second detergent pump configured to discharge a detergent from the second detergent box; and a case guide connected to the first detergent pump and the second detergent pump. The case guide is configured to allow the detergent discharged from the first detergent box or the second detergent box and the water discharged from the drainage device to be mixed while passing through the case guide.
According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a clothes treatment apparatus includes: a tub; a detergent supply device connected to the tub configured to supply a detergent to the tub and disposed below the tub in the direction of gravity; and a drainage device including a drain pipe connected to the detergent supply device and configured to discharge water from the tub to the detergent supply device. The detergent supply device may include: an inlet port configured to introduce water discharged from the drainage device; an outlet port configured to discharge water toward the tub; a case guide connecting the inlet port to the outlet port; a first detergent box, a second detergent box, and a third detergent box; a first detergent pump connecting the first detergent box to the case guide and configured to supply the detergent of the first detergent box to the case guide; and a second detergent pump connecting the second detergent box or the third detergent box to the case guide and configured to supply the detergent of the second detergent box or the third detergent box to the case guide.
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:
Various example embodiments and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the embodiments disclosed herein to specific forms, and the disclosure should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.
In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to designate similar elements.
A singular expression may include a plural expression unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
The expressions “A or B,” “at least one of A or/and B,” or “one or more of A or/and B,” A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B or/and C,” or “one or more of A, B or/and C,” and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
The term of “and/or” includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.
The expressions “a first”, “a second”, “the first”, “the second”, etc., may simply be used to distinguish an element from other elements, but is not limited to another aspect (e.g., importance or order) of elements.
When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled,” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.
In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.
When an element is said to be “connected”, “coupled”, “supported” or “contacted” with another element, this includes not only when elements are directly connected, coupled, supported or contacted, but also when elements are indirectly connected, coupled, supported or contacted through a third element.
Throughout the description, when an element is “on” another element, this includes not only when the element is in contact with the other element, but also when there is another element between the two elements.
A washing machine according to various embodiments may perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. The washing machine is an example of a clothes treatment apparatus, and the clothes treatment apparatus is an apparatus including a device capable of washing, drying, or washing/drying clothes (objects to be washed, and objects to be dried).
The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for inserting or withdrawing laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine that is in a loading type other than the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.
In the top-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed using water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the front-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed by repeatedly lifting and lowering laundry by rotating a drum. The front-loading washing machine may include a dryer combined washing machine capable of drying laundry stored in a drum. The dryer combined washing machine may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from air discharged from the drum. For example, the dryer combined washing machine may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine using a washing method other than the above-described washing method.
The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box including a laundry inlet on one side thereof.
The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the inside of the housing to be seen.
The washing machine may include a tub arranged inside the housing to store water. The tub may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed at one side thereof. The tub may be disposed inside the housing in such a way that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.
The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibration generated when the drum rotates, and the damper may reduce vibration transmitted to the housing.
The washing machine may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.
The drum may be disposed inside the tub in such a way that a drum opening provided at one side of the drum corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may be accommodated in the drum or withdrawn from the drum by sequentially passing through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening.
The drum may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying while rotating inside the tub. A plurality of through holes may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the tub to be introduced into or to be discharged from the drum.
The washing machine may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum. The driving device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub to be connected to the drum.
The driving device may perform respective processes according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying, or drying processes by rotating the drum in a forward or reverse direction.
The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve disposed in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from an external water supply source to a detergent supply device and/or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent supply device. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.
The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal of a controller. The water supply valve may allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water supply source. The water supply valve may include a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.
The washing machine may include the detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to input detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically inputs a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent box for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a term including detergent for pre-washing, detergent for main washing, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent box may be partitioned into a storage region for the pre-washing detergent, a storage region for the main washing detergent, a storage region for the fabric softener, and a storage region for the bleach.
The washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from a bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve disposed on the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump disposed on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.
The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface, each of which may include various circuitry.
The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.
The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface may include a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.
The at least one output interface may visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the washing machine to a user.
For example, the at least one output interface may transmit information related to a washing course, operation time of the washing machine, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying settings to the user. Information about the operation of the washing machine may be output through a screen, an indicator, or voice. The at least one output interface may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.
The washing machine may include a communication module include various circuitry for wired and/or wireless communication with an external device.
The communication module may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range wireless communication module.
The communication module may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and/or a home appliance) or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module may establish communication with a server and/or a user device and/or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various types of data.
For the communication, the communication module may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as one component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).
The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.
The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.
According to an embodiment, the communication module may communicate with an external device such as a server, a user device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN), to which a washing machine or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The washing machine or the user device may be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The controller may control various components of the washing machine (e.g., the drive motor, and the water supply valve). The controller may control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one process including water supply, washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying according to a user input. For example, the controller may control the drive motor to adjust the rotational speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.
The controller may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include at least one memory for storing an algorithm and program-type data for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine, and at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry configured to perform the above-described operation using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip. The processor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include various processing 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.
Hereinafter, a clothes treatment apparatus according to various embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description will be made on a washing machine as an example of a clothes treatment apparatus, but the present disclosure is not limited to a washing machine, and may be applied to various devices for treating and/or caring for clothes.
In the following description, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right,” are defined based on the directions illustrated in the drawings, but the terms need not restrict the shape and position of the respective components.
For example, an X-axis direction may be referred to a front-rear direction, and a Y-axis direction may be referred to a left-right direction, and a Z-axis direction may be referred to an upper-lower direction.
Referring to
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a door 40 for opening or closing the laundry inlet 11. The door 40 may be rotatably mounted on the housing 10 by a hinge 41. At least one portion of the door 40 may be transparent or translucent to allow the inside of the housing 10 to be seen. As an example, the door 40 may include tempered glass.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a tub 20 provided inside the housing 10 to store water. The tub 20 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening 21 formed at one side thereof. The tub 20 may be disposed inside the housing 10 in such a way that the tub opening 21 corresponds to the laundry inlet 11. The tub opening 21 may be provided to face approximately forward.
The tub 20 may be connected to the housing 10 by a damper 29. The damper 29 may absorb vibration generated when a drum 30 rotates and reduce vibration transmitted to the housing 10.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a drum 30 provided to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter 33 may be provided inside the drum 30 to perform laundry by raising and dropping laundry.
The drum 30 may be disposed inside the tub 20 in such a way that a drum opening 31 provided at one side of the drum 30 corresponds to the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. Laundry may be accommodated in the drum 30 or withdrawn from the drum 30 by sequentially passing through the laundry inlet 11, the tub opening 21, and the drum opening 31. The drum opening 31 may be provided to face approximately forward.
The drum 30 may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying processes while rotating inside the tub 20. A plurality of through holes 32 may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum 30 to allow water stored in the tub 20 to be introduced into the drum 30 or water in the drum 30 to be discharged from the drum 30.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a driving device 50 configured to rotate the drum 30. The driving device 50 may include a drive motor 51 and a rotating shaft 52 for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor 51 to the drum 30. The rotating shaft 52 may penetrate the tub 20 to be connected to the drum 30.
The driving device 50 may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying, or drying processes by rotating the drum 30 in a forward or reverse direction.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a water supply device 60 configured to supply water to the tub 20. The water supply device 60 may include a water supply pipe 61 and a water supply valve 62 disposed in the water supply pipe 61. The water supply pipe 61 may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe 61 may extend from an external water supply source to an upper detergent supply device 80 and/or the tub 20. Water may be supplied to the tub 20 through the upper detergent supply device 80. Water may be supplied to the tub 20 without passing through the upper detergent supply device 80.
The water supply valve 62 may open or close the water supply pipe 61 in response to an electrical signal of a controller 90. The water supply valve 62 may allow or block the supply of water from an external water supply source to the tub 20. The water supply valve 62 may include a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include detergent supply devices 80 and 100 configured to supply detergent to the tub 20. The detergent supply devices 80 and 100 may include an upper detergent supply device 80 and a lower detergent supply device 100. Detergent may be used as a term including detergent for pre-washing, detergent for main washing, fabric softener, bleach, etc.
The upper detergent supply device 80 may be located on an upper side of the tub 20. The upper detergent supply device 80 may be located above the tub 20 in the direction of gravity. The upper detergent supply device 80 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to input detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically inputs a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The upper detergent supply device 80 may be connected to the tub 20 through a connection pipe 81. As an example, the upper detergent supply device 80 may be provided to supply solid laundry detergent and/or softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above examples.
The lower detergent supply device 100 may be located on a lower side of the tub 20. The lower detergent supply device 100 may be located below the tub 20 in the direction of gravity. The lower detergent supply device 100 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to input detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically inputs a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. As an example, the lower detergent supply device 100 may be provided to supply liquid laundry detergent and/or softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above examples.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a drainage device 70 configured to discharge water contained in the tub 20 to the outside. The drainage device 70 may include a drain pump 71 for discharging water from the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10. The drainage device 70 may include a circulation pump 76 for allowing water in the tub 20 to circulate and return back to the tub 20 via the lower detergent supply device 100.
The drainage device 70 may be connected to the tub 20 through a tub connection pipe 72. The drainage device 70 may discharge water from the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10 through a drain pipe 73.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a control panel 15 disposed on one side of the housing 10. The control panel 15 may provide user interfaces 16 and 17 for interaction between a user and the clothes treatment apparatus 1. The user interfaces 16 and 17 may include at least one input interface 16 and at least one output interface 17.
The at least one input interface 16 may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.
The at least one input interface 16 may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface 16 may include, for example, a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or microphone, etc.
The at least one output interface 17 may visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the clothes treatment apparatus 1 to the user.
For example, the at least one output interface 17 may transmit information related to a washing course, an operating time of the clothes treatment apparatus 1, and washing setting/rinsing setting/spin-drying setting to the user. Information about the operation of the clothes treatment apparatus 1 may be output through a screen, indicator, or voice. At least one output interface 17 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an LED module, a speaker, etc.
In an embodiment, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a user interface device (e.g., including circuitry) 15, a driving device (e.g., including a motor) 50, a water supply device (e.g., including a valve) 60, a drainage device (e.g., including a drain pipe) 70, a sensor(s) 95, a communication module (e.g., including communication circuitry) 96, a controller (e.g., including processing circuitry and a memory) 90, and detergent supply devices (e.g., including detergent pumps) 80 and 100.
The user interface device 15 may include various interface circuitry and provide a user interface for interaction between the user and the clothes treatment apparatus 1.
The user interface device 15 may include at least one input interface 16 and at least one output interface 17.
The at least one input interface 16 may convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.
The at least one input interface 16 may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface 16 may include, for example, a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or microphone, etc.
The at least one output interface 17 may transmit various data related to the operation of the clothes treatment apparatus 1 to the user by generating sensory information.
For example, the at least one output interface 17 may transmit information related to a washing course, an operating time of the clothes treatment apparatus 1, and washing setting/rinsing setting/spin-drying setting to the user. Information about the operation of the clothes treatment apparatus 1 may be output through a screen, indicator, or voice. The at least one output interface 17 may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.
The driving device 50 may include a driving motor 51 that provides driving force to rotate the drum 30. The driving device 50 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 90.
The water supply device 60 may include a water supply valve 62 for opening and closing a water supply pipe 61 extending from an external water source to the upper detergent supply device 80 and/or the tub 20. The water supply valve 62 may be opened and closed based on a control signal from the controller 90.
The drainage device 70 may include a drain pump 71 for discharging water from the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10 of the clothes treatment apparatus 1. The drain pump 71 may operate based on a control signal of the controller 90.
The drainage device 70 may include a circulation pump 76 for allowing water in the tub 20 to circulate and return back to the tub 20 via the lower detergent supply device 100. The circulation pump 76 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 90.
The detergent supply devices 80 and 100 may include detergent pumps 131 and 132 for supplying detergent. The detergent pumps 131 and 132 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 90.
The sensor(s) 95 may include at least one sensor that obtains information related to the operating state of the clothes treatment apparatus 1.
For example, the sensor(s) 95 may include at least one of a sensor for detecting the weight of laundry accommodated in the drum 30, a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the tub 20, a sensor for detecting the operating state of the driving device 50, a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate flowing into the tub 20 through the water supply device 60, or a sensor for detecting an operating state of the drainage device 70.
The sensor for detecting the operating state of the driving device 50 may include, for example, a current sensor for measuring the driving current applied to the driving motor 51, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.
The sensor for detecting the operating state of the drainage device 70 may include, for example, a current sensor for measuring the driving current applied to the drain pump 71, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include the communication module 96 including various communication circuitry for wired and/or wireless communication with an external device.
The communication module 96 may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.
The communication module 96 may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device and/or a home appliance) or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module 96 may establish communication with a server and/or a user device and/or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various types of data.
The communication module 96 may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication module 96 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as one component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).
The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.
The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.
According to an embodiment, the communication module 96 may communicate with an external device such as a server, a user device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN), to which a clothes treatment apparatus 1 or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The clothes treatment apparatus or the user device may be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The controller 90 may control various components of the clothes treatment apparatus (e.g., the driving device 50 and the water supply device 60). The controller may control various components of the clothes treatment apparatus 1 to perform at least one process including water supply, washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying according to a user input. For example, the controller 90 may control the drive motor 51 to adjust the rotational speed of the drum 30 or control the water supply valve 62 of the water supply device 60 to supply water to the tub 20.
The controller 90 may include hardware such as a CPU (e.g., processor 91) and/or memory 92, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller 90 may include at least one memory 92 for storing an algorithm and program-type data for controlling the operation of components in the clothes treatment apparatus 1, and at least one processor 91 configured to perform the above-described operation using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory 92 and the processor 91 may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor 91 may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory 92 may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. The memory 92 and the processor 91 may be implemented as a single chip. The processor 91 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include various processing 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.
For the sake of convenience of description, the lower detergent supply device 100 may be referred to as a detergent supply device 100, and only the lower detergent supply device 100 will be described below. However, it will be understood that the configuration applied to the lower detergent supply device 100 may also be applied to the upper detergent supply device 80.
The drainage device 70 may be configured to discharge water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10 or to the detergent supply device 100. The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a circulation guide 101 for connecting the drainage device 70 and the detergent supply device 100 to each other. The clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a detergent guide 102 for connecting the detergent supply device 100 to the tub 20.
The drainage device 70 may include a filter 75 for filtering out foreign substances from water passing through the drainage device 70. The filter 75 may be separated to the outside of the housing 10. The filter 75 may include a filter handle 75a to be gripped by a user. As the filter 75 is provided in the drainage device 70, foreign substances may be prevented/reduced from flowing into the detergent supply device 100.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a first detergent box 121 for storing a detergent. As an example, a general detergent may be stored in the first detergent box 121. The first detergent box 121 may be seated in a first detergent drawer 151. The first detergent box 121 may be inserted into or withdrawn from the housing 10 while being seated in the first detergent drawer 151.
The first detergent drawer 151 may be provided to be slidably movable with respect to the housing 10. The first detergent drawer 151 may include a first drawer handle 151a to be gripped by a user.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a first detergent cover 153 to cover an open upper side of the first detergent box 121. The first detergent cover 153 may be detachably mounted on the first detergent box 121. The first detergent cover 153 may prevent and/or reduce the detergent in the first detergent box 121 from overflowing to the outside of the first detergent box 121.
The first detergent cover 153 may have a first cover lid 153a detachably coupled thereto. The first cover lid 153a may cover an opening in the first detergent cover 153 through which a detergent is injected into the first detergent box 121.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a first pump connection portion 156 for connecting the first detergent box 121 and the first detergent pump 131. The first detergent pump 131 may be docked to the first detergent box 121 through the first pump connection portion 156. The first detergent pump 131 may pump a detergent from the first detergent box 121 to the case guide 116 through the first pump connection portion 156.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a second detergent box 122 for storing detergent. As an example, a fabric softener may be stored in the second detergent box 122. The second detergent box 122 may be seated in a second detergent drawer 152. The second detergent box 122 may be inserted into or withdrawn from the housing 10 while being seated in the second detergent drawer 152.
The second detergent drawer 152 may be provided to be slidably movable with respect to the housing 10. The second detergent drawer 152 may include a second drawer handle 152a to be gripped by a user.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a third detergent box 123 for storing a detergent. As an example, a neutral detergent may be stored in the third detergent box 123. The third detergent box 123 may be seated in a second detergent drawer 152. The third detergent box 123 may be inserted into or withdrawn from the housing 10 while being seated in the second detergent drawer 152.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a second detergent cover 154 to cover an open upper side of the second detergent box 122. The second detergent cover 154 may be detachably mounted on the second detergent box 122. The second detergent cover 154 may prevent and/or reduce the detergent in the second detergent box 122 from overflowing to the outside of the second detergent box 122.
The second detergent cover 154 may have a second cover lid 154a detachably coupled thereto. The second cover lid 154a may cover an opening in the second detergent cover 154 through which a detergent is injected into the second detergent box 122.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a third detergent cover 155 to cover an open upper side of the third detergent box 123. The third detergent cover 155 may be detachably mounted on the third detergent box 123. The third detergent cover 155 may prevent and/or reduce the detergent in the third detergent box 123 from overflowing to the outside of the third detergent box 123.
The third detergent cover 155 may have a third cover lid 155a detachably coupled thereto. The third cover lid 155a may cover an opening in the third detergent cover 155 through which a detergent is injected into the third detergent box 123.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a second pump connection portion 157 for connecting the second detergent box 122 and the second detergent pump 132. The second detergent pump 132 may be docked to the second detergent box 122 through the second pump connection portion 157. The second detergent pump 132 may pump a detergent from the second detergent box 122 to the case guide 116 through the second pump connection portion 157.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a third pump connection portion 158 for connecting the third detergent box 123 and the second detergent pump 132. The second detergent pump 132 may be docked to the third detergent box 123 through the third pump connection portion 158. The second detergent pump 132 may pump a detergent from the third detergent box 123 to the case guide 116 through the third pump connection portion 158.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a detergent case 110 accommodating at least a portion of the first detergent box 121, at least a portion of the second detergent box 122, and at least a portion of the third detergent box 123 are accommodated. The first detergent pump 131 may be mounted on the detergent case 110. The second detergent pump 132 may be mounted on the detergent case 110.
The detergent supply device 100 may include an inlet port 111 through which water discharged from the drainage device 70 is introduced. The inlet port 111 may be provided in the detergent case 110. The inlet port 111 may be connected to the drainage device 70 by the circulation guide 101.
The detergent supply device 100 may include an outlet port 112 through water introduced through the inlet port 111 is discharged to the outside of the detergent supply device 100. The outlet port 112 may be provided in the detergent case 110. The outlet port 112 may be connected to the tub 20 by the detergent guide 102.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a case guide 116 that guides water introduced from the drainage device 70. The case guide 116 may be provided in the detergent case 110.
The case guide 116 may be connected to the first detergent pump 131 and the second detergent pump 132. The first detergent pump 131 and the second detergent pump 132 may be provided to discharge a detergent into the case guide 116.
The case guide 116 may include a first connection portion 117 connected to the first detergent pump 131. The first detergent pump 131 may discharge a detergent, which is drawn from the first detergent box 121, through the first connection portion 117. Water introduced into the detergent supply device 100 through the inlet port 111 may be mixed with a detergent supplied by the first detergent pump 131 while passing through the first connection portion 117. The first connection portion 117 may extend approximately in the vertical direction.
The case guide 116 may include a second connection portion 118 connected to the second detergent pump 132. The second detergent pump 132 may discharge a detergent, which is drawn from the second detergent box 122 or the third detergent box 123, through the second connection portion 118. Water, mixed with the detergent supplied by the second detergent pump 132 while passing through the second connection portion 118, may be discharged to the outside through the outlet port 112. The second connection portion 118 may extend approximately in the vertical direction.
The case guide 116 may include an extension portion 119 connecting the first connection portion 117 to the second connection portion 118. The extension portion 119 may guide the water that has passed through the first connection portion 117 to the second connection portion 18. As the extension portion 119 connects the first connection portion 117 to the second connection portion 118, water introduced into the detergent supply device 100 may be mixed with detergent by passing through a single flow path and discharged. The extension portion 119 may extend in a substantially horizontal direction.
The detergent supply device 100 may include the first detergent pump 131 connectable to the first detergent box 121. The first detergent pump 131 may be operable to supply a detergent from the first detergent box 121 to the case guide 116.
The first detergent pump 131 may include a first detergent box connection portion 131a to be connected to the first detergent box 121. While the first detergent pump 131 and the first detergent box 121 are connected to each other, at least a portion of the first detergent box connection portion 131a may be located inside the first detergent box 121. Through the first detergent box connection portion 131a, the first detergent pump 131 may intake the detergent inside the first detergent box 121.
The detergent supply device 100 may include a second detergent pump 132 connectable to the second detergent box 122. The second detergent pump 132 may be operable to supply a detergent from the second detergent box 122 to the case guide 116.
The second detergent pump 132 may include a second detergent box connection portion 132a to be connected to the second detergent box 122. While the second detergent pump 132 and the second detergent box 122 are connected to each other, at least a portion of the second detergent box connection portion 132a may be located inside the second detergent box 122. Through the second detergent box connection portion 132a, the second detergent pump 132 may intake the detergent inside the second detergent box 122.
The second detergent pump 132 may be provided to be connectable to the third detergent box 123. The second detergent pump 132 may be operable to supply a detergent from the third detergent box 123 to the case guide 116.
The second detergent pump 132 may include a third detergent box connection portion 132b to be connected to the third detergent box 123. While the second detergent pump 132 and the third detergent box 123 are connected to each other, at least a portion of the third detergent box connection portion 132b may be located inside the third detergent box 123. Through the third detergent box connection portion 132b, the second detergent pump 132 may intake the detergent inside the third detergent box 123.
Since the clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure is configured to supply detergents stored the first detergent box 121, the second detergent box 122, and the third detergent box using the first detergent pump 131 and the second detergent pump 132, various types of detergents may be supplied in a relatively simple configuration according to a user's need.
Referring to
For example, water discharged from the drainage device 70 may be guided to the detergent supply device 100 by the circulation guide 101. Water guided by the circulation guide 101 may be introduced into the detergent supply device 100 through the inlet port 111. The water introduced through the inlet port 111 may pass through the first connection portion 117 of the case guide 116.
The first detergent pump 131 may be provided to directly supply a detergent to the case guide 116. The first detergent pump 131 may have a first detergent outlet 131b connected to the detergent case 110 such that a detergent is directly supplied to the case guide 116 in which water entering the detergent supply device 100 flows. The first detergent outlet 131b may be connected to a first connector 117a of the first connection portion 117. A detergent discharged through the first detergent outlet 131b may be directly discharged to the case guide 116 through the first connector 117a.
As the first detergent pump 131 is configured to directly supply a detergent to the case guide 116 in which water passing through the detergent supply device 100 flows, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may minimize and/or reduce accumulation and solidification of detergents in the detergent supply device 100. The clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may minimize and/or reduce the flow path through which a detergent is supplied by the first detergent pump 131. The clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment minimizes/reduces a section in which the detergent flows between the first detergent outlet 131b, through which the detergent is discharged from the first detergent pump 131, and the first connector 117a, thereby reducing the likelihood of accumulation and solidification of detergent.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may allow the vicinity of the first detergent outlet 131b of the first detergent pump 131 to be always passed by water passing through the detergent supply device 100, so that detergent may be prevented/reduced from being solidified in the vicinity of the first detergent outlet 131b of the first detergent pump 131. With the clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, water passing through the case guide 116 may be mixed with the detergent present between the first detergent outlet 131b and the first connector 117a and discharged to the outside of the detergent supply device 100 together with the detergent. That is, water passing through the case guide 116 may remove a detergent present between the first detergent outlet 131b and the first connector 117a from a region between the first detergent outlet 131b and the first connector 117a.
The water and detergent having passed through the first connection portion 117 may flow to the second connection portion 118 through the extension portion 119 of the case guide 116. When a detergent stored in the first detergent box 121 is supplied to the tub 20, the second detergent pump 132 may not operate. The second detergent pump 132 may not additionally supply a detergent to the second connection portion 118. The water and detergent having passed through the second connection portion 118 may be discharged to the detergent guide 102 through the outlet port 112, and provided to the tub 20 along the detergent guide 102.
Referring to
For example, water discharged from the drainage device 70 may be guided to the detergent supply device 100 by the circulation guide 101. The water guided by the circulation guide 101 may be introduced into the detergent supply device 100 through the inlet port 111. The water introduced through the inlet port 111 may pass through the first connection portion 117 of the case guide 116.
When the detergent stored in the second detergent box 122 or the third detergent box 123 is supplied to the tub 20, the first detergent pump 131 may not operate. The first detergent pump 131 may not supply a detergent to the first connection portion 117. The water passed through the first connection portion 117 may be guided to the second connection portion 118 through the extension portion 119 of the case guide 116.
The second detergent pump 132 may be provided to directly supply a detergent to the case guide 116. The second detergent pump 132 may have a second detergent outlet 132c connected to the detergent case 110 such that a detergent is directly supplied to the case guide 116 in which water entering the detergent supply device 100 flows. The second detergent outlet 132c may be connected to a second connector 118a of the second connection portion 118. A Detergent discharged through the second detergent outlet 132c may be directly discharged to the case guide 116 through the second connector 18a.
As the second detergent pump 132 is configured to directly supply a detergent to the case guide 116 in which water passing through the detergent supply device 100 flows, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may minimize and/or reduce accumulation and solidification of detergents in the detergent supply device 100. The clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may minimize and/or reduce the flow path through which a detergent is supplied by the second detergent pump 132. The clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may minimize and/or reduce a section through which the detergent moves between the second detergent outlet 132c, through which the detergent is discharged from the second detergent pump 132, and the second connector 118a, thereby minimizing the likelihood of accumulation and solidification of detergent.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may allow the vicinity of the second detergent outlet 132c of the second detergent pump 132 to be always passed by water passing through the detergent supply device 100, so that detergent may be prevented and/or reduced from being solidified in the vicinity of the second detergent outlet 132c of the second detergent pump 132. With the clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, water passing through the case guide 116 may be mixed with the detergent present between the second detergent outlet 132c and the second connector 118a and discharged to the outside of the detergent supply device 100 together with the detergent. That is, water passing through the case guide 116 may remove the detergent present between the second detergent outlet 132c and the second connector 117a from the region between the second detergent outlet 132c and the second connector 118a.
For example, when it is desired to supply a detergent stored in the first detergent box 121 and a detergent stored in the second detergent box 122 and/or the third detergent box 123, both the first detergent pump 131 and the second detergent pump 132 may operate. While the first detergent pump 131 supplies a detergent to the first connection portion 117 and the second detergent pump 132 supplies a detergent to the second connection portion 118, water introduced into the supply device 100 may be mixed with the detergents while sequentially passing through the case guide 116.
Referring to
When a general detergent is selected as the detergent to be injected during the washing process, the controller 90 according to an embodiment may operate the first detergent pump 131 (1200). As the first detergent pump 131 operates, the general detergent stored in the first detergent box 121 may be supplied to the case guide 116 of the detergent supply device 100. The general detergent stored in the first detergent box 121 may be discharged to the first connection portion 117 of the case guide 116 by the first detergent pump 131.
The controller 90 may, in order to supply water to the detergent supply device 100, operate the circulation pump 76 (1300). As the circulation pump 76 operates, water in the tub 20 may be supplied to the detergent supply device 100 via through the drainage device 70. The water supplied to the detergent supply device 100 may pass through the case guide 116, by which the water may be mixed with the general detergent supplied to the case guide 116 by the first detergent pump 131, and then discharged from the detergent supply device 100. Water introduced into the detergent supply device 100 may be mixed with the general detergent while passing through the first connection portion 117 of the case guide 116. The water and general detergent discharged from the detergent supply device 100 may be guided to the tub 20 through the detergent guide 102.
When a neutral detergent is selected as the detergent to be injected during the washing process, the controller 90 according to an embodiment may operate the second detergent pump 132 (1201). As the second detergent pump 132 operates, the neutral detergent stored in the third detergent box 123 may be supplied to the case guide 116 of the detergent supply device 100. The neutral detergent stored in the third detergent box 123 may be discharged to the second connection portion 118 of the case guide 116 by the second detergent pump 132.
The controller 90 may, in order to supply water to the detergent supply device 100, operate the circulation pump 76 (1301). As the circulation pump 76 operates, water in the tub 20 may be supplied to the detergent supply device 100 via the drainage device 70. The water supplied to the detergent supply device 100 pass through the case guide 116, by which the water may be mixed with the neutral detergent supplied to the case guide 116 by the second detergent pump 132, and then discharged from the detergent supply device 100. The water introduced into the detergent supply device 100 may be mixed with the neutral detergent while passing through the second connection portion 118 of the case guide 116. The water and neutral detergent discharged from the detergent supply device 100 may be guided to the tub 20 through the detergent guide 102.
As the general detergent or neutral detergent is supplied to the tub 20, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment performs the washing process (1400).
In order to perform a rinsing process subsequent to the washing process, the controller 90 may operate the second detergent pump 132 (1500). As the second detergent pump 132 operates, the softener stored in the second detergent box 122 may be supplied to the case guide 116 of the detergent supply device 100. The softener stored in the second detergent box 122 may be discharged to the second connection portion 118 of the case guide 116 by the second detergent pump 132.
The controller 90 may, in order to supply water to the detergent supply device 100, operate the circulation pump 76 (1600). As the circulation pump 76 operates, water in the tub 20 may be supplied to the detergent supply device 100 via the drainage device 70. The water supplied to the detergent supply device 100 may pass through the case guide 116, by which the water may be mixed with the softener supplied to the case guide 116 by the second detergent pump 132, and then discharged from the detergent supply device 100. The water introduced into the detergent supply device 100 may be mixed with the softener while passing through the second connection portion 118 of the case guide 116. The water and softener discharged from the detergent supply device 100 may be guided to the tub 20 through the detergent guide 102.
As the softener is supplied to the tub 20, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment performs the rinsing process (1700).
According to the present disclosure, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 may selectively inject three types of detergents using two detergent pumps 131 and 132, and thus the user may select various types of detergents with a relatively simple configuration.
According to the present disclosure, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 is implemented to allow a portion, to which a detergent is supplied, to be always passed by water during a supply of detergent, thereby preventing/reducing solidification of detergent in the portion to which the detergent is supplied.
Referring to
The sensor(s) 95 according to an embodiment may detect the weight of laundry accommodated in the drum 30 (2200). The controller 90 may operate the driving device 50 for the sensor(s) 95 to detect the weight of laundry accommodated in the drum 30.
The controller 90 may determine the amount of detergent to be injected based on information about the weight of laundry accommodated in the drum 1030 that is received from the sensor(s) 95 (2300). For example, when the weight of the laundry accommodated in the drum 1030 is heavy, the controller 90 may determine to input a relatively large amount of detergent.
The controller 90 may determine the detergent based on a course selected by the user (2400). For example, when the general course is selected, the controller 90 may determine injection of a general detergent. For example, when the wool course is selected, the controller 90 may determine injection of a neutral detergent. For example, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may store a general detergent in the first detergent box 121, a softener in the second detergent box 122, and a neutral detergent in the third detergent box 123.
Based on determining that the course selected by the user is a course requiring a general detergent, the controller 90 may operate the first detergent pump 131 (2500). As the first detergent pump 131 operates, the general detergent stored in the first detergent box 121 may be supplied to the case guide 116 of the detergent supply device 100. The general detergent stored in the first detergent box 121 may be discharged to the first connection portion 117 of the case guide 116 by the first detergent pump 131.
The controller 90 may operate the circulation pump 76 to supply water to the detergent supply device 100 (2600). As the circulation pump 76 operates, water in the tub 20 may be supplied to the detergent supply device 100 via the drainage device 70. The water supplied to the detergent supply device 100 may pass through the case guide 116, by which the water may be mixed with the general detergent supplied to the case guide 116 by the first detergent pump 131, and then discharged from the detergent supply device 100. The water introduced into the detergent supply device 100 may be mixed with the general detergent while passing through the first connection portion 117 of the case guide 116. The water and general detergent discharged from the detergent supply device 100 may be guided to the tub 20 through the detergent guide 102.
Based on determining that the course selected by the user is a course requiring a neutral detergent, the controller 90 may operate the second detergent pump 132 (2501). As the second detergent pump 132 operates, the neutral detergent stored in the third detergent box 123 may be supplied to the case guide 116 of the detergent supply device 100. The neutral detergent stored in the third detergent box 123 may be discharged to the second connection portion 118 of the case guide 116 by the second detergent pump 132.
The controller 90 may, in order to supply water to the detergent supply device 100, operate the circulation pump 76 (2601). As the circulation pump 76 operates, water in the tub 20 may be supplied to the detergent supply device 100 via the drainage device 70. The water supplied to the detergent supply device 100 may pass through the case guide 116, by which the water may be mixed with the neutral detergent supplied to the case guide 116 by the second detergent pump 132, and then discharged from the detergent supply device 100. The water introduced into the detergent supply device 100 may be mixed with the neutral detergent while passing through the second connection portion 118 of the case guide 116. The water and neutral detergent discharged from the detergent supply device 100 may be guided to the tub 20 through the detergent guide 102.
As the general detergent or neutral detergent is supplied to the tub 20, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment performs a washing process (2700).
In order to perform a rinsing cycle, subsequent to the washing cycle, the controller 90 may operate the second detergent pump 132 (2800). As the second detergent pump 132 operates, the softener stored in the second detergent box 122 may be supplied to the case guide 116 of the detergent supply device 100. The softener stored in the second detergent box 122 may be discharged to the second connection portion 118 of the case guide 116 by the second detergent pump 132.
The controller 90 may, in order to supply water to the detergent supply device 100, operate the circulation pump 76 (2900). As the circulation pump 76 operates, water in the tub 20 may be supplied to the detergent supply device 100 via the drainage device 70. The water supplied to the detergent supply device 100 may pass through the case guide 116, by which the water may be mixed with the softener supplied to the case guide 116 by the second detergent pump 132, and then discharged from the detergent supply device 100. The water introduced into the detergent supply device 100 may be mixed with the softener while passing through the second connection portion 118 of the case guide 116. The water and softener discharged from the detergent supply device 100 may be guided to the tub 20 through the detergent guide 102.
As the softener is supplied to the tub 20, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment performs the rinsing process (3000).
According to the disclosure, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 may detect the weight of laundry loaded into the drum 1030 and determine the amount of detergent to be injected based on the detected weight of laundry, thereby improving user convenience.
According to the disclosure, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 may determine the detergent to be injected based on a selected course, thereby improving user convenience.
Hereinafter, a clothes treatment apparatus 1001 according to an embodiment is described with reference to
Referring to
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 may include a door 1040 for opening or closing the laundry inlet 1011. The door 1040 may be rotatably mounted on the housing 1010 by a hinge 41. At least one portion of the door 1040 may be transparent or translucent to allow the inside of the housing 1010 to be seen. As an example, the door 1040 may include tempered glass.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 may include a tub 1020 provided inside the housing 1010 to store water. The tub 1020 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening 1021 formed at one side thereof. The tub 1020 may be disposed inside the housing 1010 in such a way that the tub opening 1021 corresponds to the laundry inlet 1011. The tub opening 1021 may be provided to face approximately forward.
The tub 1020 may be connected to the housing 1010 by a damper 1029. The damper 1025 may absorb vibration generated when a drum 1030 rotates, and reduce vibration transmitted to the housing 1010.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 may include a drum 1030 provided to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter 1033 may be provided inside the drum 1030 to perform laundry by raising and dropping laundry.
The drum 1030 may be disposed inside the tub 1020 in such a way that a drum opening 1031 provided at one side of the drum 1030 corresponds to the laundry inlet 1011 and the tub opening 1021. Laundry may be accommodated into the drum 1030 or withdrawn from the drum 1030 by sequentially passing through the laundry inlet 1011, the tub opening 1021, and the drum opening 1031. The drum opening 1031 may be provided to face approximately forward.
The drum 1030 may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying processes while rotating inside the tub 1020. A plurality of through holes 1032 may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum 1030 to allow water stored in the tub 1020 to be introduced into the drum 1030 or allow water in the drum 1030 to be discharged from the drum 1030.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 may include a driving device 1050 configured to rotate the drum 1030. The driving device 1050 may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum 1030. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum 1030 by penetrating the tub 1020.
The driving device 1050 may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying, or drying processes by rotating the drum 1030 in a forward or reverse direction.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 may include a water supply device 1060 configured to supply water to the tub 1020. The water supply device 1060 may include a water supply pipe 1061 and a water supply valve 1062 disposed in the water supply pipe 1061. The water supply pipe 1061 may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe 1061 may extend from an external water supply source to the tub 1020. Water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 100 via the tub 1020. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 100 without passing through the tub 1020.
The water supply valve 1062 may open or close the water supply pipe 1061 in response to an electrical signal of a controller. The water supply valve 1062 may allow or block the supply of water to the tub 1020 from an external water supply source. The water supply valve 1062 may include a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 may include the detergent supply devices 1080 and 100 configured to supply detergents to the tub 1020. The detergent supply devices 1080 and 100 may include an upper detergent supply device 1080 and a lower detergent supply device 100. Detergent may be used as a term including detergent for pre-washing, detergent for main washing, fabric softener, bleach, etc.
The upper detergent supply device 1080 may be located on an upper side of the tub 1020. The upper detergent supply device 1080 may be located above the tub 1020 in the direction of gravity. The upper detergent supply device 1080 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to input detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically inputs a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The upper detergent supply device 1080 may be connected to the tub 1020 through a connection pipe 1081. As an example, the upper detergent supply device 1080 may be provided to supply solid laundry detergent and/or softener to the tub 1020. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above examples.
The lower detergent supply device 100 may be located on a lower side of the tub 1020. The lower detergent supply device 100 may be located below the tub 1020 in the direction of gravity. The lower detergent supply device 100 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to input detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically inputs a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. As an example, the lower detergent supply device 100 may be provided to supply liquid laundry detergent and/or softener to the tub 1020. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above examples.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 may include a drainage device 1070 configured to discharge water contained in the tub 1020 to the outside. The drainage device 1070 may include a drain pump 1071 for discharging water from the tub 1020 to the outside of the housing 1010. The drainage device 1070 may include a circulation pump 1076 for allowing water in the tub 1020 to circulate and return back to the tub 1020 via the lower detergent supply device 100.
The drainage device 1070 may be connected to the tub 1020 through a tub connection pipe 1072. The drainage device 1070 may discharge water from the tub 1020 to the outside of the housing 1010 through a drain pipe 1073.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 may include a control panel 1015 disposed on one side of the housing 1010. The control panel 1015 may provide user interfaces for interaction between a user and the clothes treatment apparatus 1001. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.
The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.
The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or microphone, etc.
The at least one output interface may visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the clothes treatment apparatus 1001 to the user.
For example, the at least one output interface may transmit information related to a washing course, an operating time of the clothes treatment apparatus 1001, and washing setting/rinsing setting/spin-drying setting to the user. Information about the operation of the clothes treatment apparatus 1001 may be output through a screen, indicator, or voice. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an LED module, a speaker, etc.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 may include a drying device 1090 for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum 1030. The drying device 1090 may be configured to heat air and supply the heated air to the inside of the tub 1020. The drying device 1090 may be configured to dry and heat air discharged from the tub 1020 and circulate the dried and heated air to the inside the tub 1020 to dry the clothes inside the drum 1030. The drying device 1090 according to various embodiments may be disposed on the upper side of the tub 1020.
The drying device 1090 may include a drying device case 1090a provided with a heat pump for drying air. The drying device 1090 may include a drying device cover 1090b coupled to the drying device case 1090a to form a flow path through which air is movable. The drying device cover 1090b may cover an open upper side of the drying device case 1090a.
The drying device 1090 according to various embodiments may be configured as a heat pump type drying device. The drying device 1090 may include a compressor 1091, a condenser 1092, an evaporator 1093, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe 1094 through which a refrigerant circulates. The compressor 1091, the condenser 1092, the evaporator 1093, etc. of the heat pump may be disposed in the drying device case 1090a.
The compressor 1091 may compress a refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant may move to the condenser 1092. The condenser 1092 may cool the refrigerant to heat the surrounding air. The heated air may be introduced into the drum 1030 to dry clothes.
The refrigerant expanded through an expansion valve may absorb heat from the evaporator 1093 and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator 1093 may cool the high-temperature and humid air that has passed through the inside of the drum 1030, to remove moisture from the air. The air from which moisture has been removed may pass through the condenser 1092, by which the air is reheated through heat-exchange with the refrigerant passing through the condenser 1092. That is, the condenser 1092 may heat the air having passed through the evaporator 1093.
As an example, the drying device 1090 may further include a heater 1099. The heater 1099 may increase the drying efficiency of the drying device 1090. In one example, the drying device 1090 may replace heat pump components with the heater 1099.
The heater 1099 may heat air flowing into the drying device 1090. The heater 1099 may be disposed in a heating duct 1096. The heater 1099 may be disposed downstream of the condenser 1092. Additionally, the heater 1099 may be provided in a relatively small size to minimize and/or reduce flow path resistance. For example, the heater 1099 may be a sheath heater.
The drying device 1090 according to various embodiments may be disposed on the upper side of the tub 1020. The tub 1020 may be provided on the upper side thereof with an inlet duct 1095, through which air is introduced into the drying device 1090, a heating duct 1096 in which the condenser 1092 and the evaporator 1093 are disposed, and a supply duct 1097 through which the air heated by the drying device 1090 is supplied into the drum 1030.
The inlet duct 1095 may be provided to allow air passed through the inside of the tub 1020 to enter the drying device 1090. The inlet duct 1095 may be disposed on the upper side of the tub 1020. The inlet duct 1095 may communicate with an exhaust flow path P formed at the rear of the tub 1020. Specifically, the inlet duct 1095 may include an inlet duct head 1095a that forms an inlet of the inlet duct 1095. Air passed through the exhaust flow path P may be introduced into the drying device 1090 through the inlet duct head 1095a.
The inlet duct 1095 may be provided with a filter 1098 to filter out foreign substances, such as lint, contained in the air introduced from the tub 1020 through the exhaust flow path P. The air entering the inlet duct 1095 may pass through the filter 1098 and then move to the heating duct 1096.
Since the air flowing into the heating duct 1096 has become hot and humid by passing through the inside of the tub 1020, the hot and humid air may be cooled in the evaporator 1093 disposed in the heating duct 1096 to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed in the evaporator 1093 may be reheated by passing through the condenser 1092.
The supply duct 1097 may supply the air heated by passing through the condenser 1092 back into the tub 1020. The supply duct 1097 may communicate with the heating duct 1096, and may extend downward to discharge heated air toward the opening of the tub 1020.
The supply duct 1097 may include a fan 1097a for allowing air to flow into the tub 1020. That is, the fan 1097a may allow air to be supplied to the laundry inside the drum 1030. For example, the fan 1097a may include a sirocco fan.
With such a configuration, the inlet duct 1095 and the supply duct 1097 may circulate air between the inside of the tub 1020 and the drying device 1090.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to allow air to flow into the drying device 1090 through the inflow duct 1095 provided on the upper side of the tub 1020. Air heated in the drying device 1090 may be supplied into the drum 1030 through the supply duct 1097 provided on the upper side of the tub 1020.
Accordingly, the clothes treatment apparatus 1001 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may minimize and/or reduce the space occupied by the air circulation flow path inside the housing 1010, and thus the overall size of the product may be made compact. Additionally, the circulation distance of air between the inside of the drum 1030 and the drying device 1090 may be shortened, thereby improving drying efficiency.
The clothes treatment apparatus 1001 according to various embodiments may further include the exhaust flow path P provided to supply air discharged from the tub 1020 to the drying device 1090. The exhaust flow path P may communicate with the inlet duct 1095 of the drying device 1090.
The exhaust flow path P may be provided to discharge moist air passing through the tub 1020. As an example, the exhaust flow path P may be provided at the rear of the tub 1020. The exhaust flow path P may be formed by a recess portion 1028 formed on the tub 1020 and a duct cover 1029 provided to cover a rear side of the recess portion 1028 that is open.
The air inside the tub 1020 may move to the exhaust flow path P through a tub exhaust port 1028a. Air may be allowed to flow along the exhaust flow path P and reach the drying device 1090.
Air heated in the drying device 1090 may be supplied into the drum 1030. In order to secure an area in which the heated air supplied into the drum 1030 comes in contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port 1028a may be located opposite to a position of the tub 1020 to which the air heated by the drying device 1090 is supplied. In order to increase the distance and/or time in which the heated air flows inside the drum 103 for more contact of the air with the laundry, the tub exhaust port 1028a may be located opposite to a position of the tub 1020 to which the air heated by the drying device 1090 is supplied. The supply duct 1097 for supplying heated air into the drum 1030 may be disposed apart from the tub exhaust port 1028a. By increasing the area in which heated air comes into contact with laundry, drying efficiency may be improved.
The exhaust flow path P may be formed by the duct cover 1029 covering one open side of the recess portion 1028. The exhaust flow path P may be a single passage composed of the recess portion 1028 and the duct cover 1029.
The duct cover 1029 may form the exhaust flow path P through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port 1028a flows to the drying device 1090.
The tub 1020 may include a duct connection portion 1027 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the tub 1020. The duct connection portion 1027 may protrude approximately upward from the outer peripheral surface of the tub 1020.
The duct connection portion 1027 may communicate the drying device 1090 with the recess portion 1028. The duct connection portion 1027 may form a part of the exhaust flow path P. That is, together with the recess portion 1028 and the duct cover 1029, the duct connection portion 1027 may form a single passage forming the exhaust flow path P.
The duct connection portion 1027 may be covered by the duct cover 1029. One side of the duct connection portion 1027 may be open. The duct cover 1029 may cover the open side of the duct connection portion 1027.
The duct cover 1029 may cover both the recess portion 1028 and the duct connection portion 1027. For example, the duct cover 1029 may cover both the open side of the recess portion 1028 and the open side of the duct connection portion 1027. The exhaust flow path P may be formed by the duct cover 1029 that covers the recess portion 1028 and the duct connection portion 1027. As an example, the duct cover 1029 may cover only the recess portion 1028.
Air introduced through the tub exhaust port 1028a may be guided to the drying device 1090 through the recess portion 1028, the duct cover 1029, and the duct connection portion 1027.
A clothes treatment apparatus according to an example embodiment includes: a housing; a tub provided inside the housing; a detergent supply device disposed below the tub and configured to supply a detergent to the tub; and a drainage device comprising a drain pipe configured to discharge water from the tub to an outside of the housing or to the detergent supply device. The detergent supply device includes: a first detergent box and a second detergent box; a first detergent pump configured to discharge a detergent from the first detergent box; a second detergent pump configured to discharge a detergent from the second detergent box; and a case guide connected to the first detergent pump and the second detergent pump. The case guide is configured to allow the detergent discharged from the first detergent box or the second detergent box and the water discharged from the drainage device to be mixed while passing through the case guide.
The first detergent pump may be configured to supply a detergent from the first detergent box to the case guide.
The clothes treatment apparatus may further include a third detergent box connectable to the second pump.
The second detergent pump may be configured to supply a detergent from the second detergent box or a detergent from the third detergent box to the case guide.
The detergent supply device may include: an inlet port configured to introduce water discharged from the drainage device; and an outlet port configured to discharge the water introduced through the inlet port. The case guide connects the inlet port to the outlet port.
The clothes treatment apparatus may further include: a circulation guide connecting the inlet port to the drainage device; and a detergent guide connecting the outlet port to the tub.
The drainage device may include: a drain pump configured to discharge water from the tub to the outside of the housing; and a circulation pump configured to discharge water from the tub to the detergent supply device.
The detergent supply device may be located below the tub in a direction of gravity.
The clothes treatment apparatus may further include a detergent case configured to accommodate at least a portion of the first detergent box and at least a portion of the second detergent box. The case guide may be provided in the detergent case.
The case guide may include: a first connection portion connected to the first detergent pump; a second connection portion connected to the second detergent pump; and an extension portion connecting the first connection portion to the second connection portion.
The clothes treatment apparatus may further include a controller including at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry, individually and/or collectively, configured to control the drainage device, the first detergent pump, and the second detergent pump based on an input.
The controller may be configured to control the first detergent pump to discharge the detergent from the first detergent box to the case guide based on a user input for supplying the detergent from the first detergent box to the tub.
The controller may be configured to control the second detergent pump to discharge the detergent from the second detergent box or the third detergent box to the case guide based on a user input for supplying the detergent from the second detergent box or the third detergent box to the tub.
The controller may be configured to control the drainage device to allow water in the tub to pass through the detergent supply device based on a user input for supplying a detergent to the tub.
The drainage device may include a filter configured to filter out foreign substances from water passing through the drainage device.
A clothes treatment apparatus according to an example embodiment includes: a tub; a detergent supply device connected to the tub and configured to supply a detergent to the tub and disposed below the tub in the direction of gravity; and a drainage device comprising a drain pipe connected to the detergent supply device and configured to discharge water from the tub to the detergent supply device. The detergent supply device may include: an inlet port configured to introduce water discharged from the drainage device; an outlet port configured to discharge water toward the tub; a case guide connecting the inlet port to the outlet port; a first detergent box, a second detergent box, and a third detergent box; a first detergent pump connecting the first detergent box to the case guide and configured to supply the detergent of the first detergent box to the case guide; and a second detergent pump connecting the second detergent box or the third detergent box to the case guide and configured to supply the detergent of the second detergent box or the third detergent box to the case guide.
The drainage device may include: a drain pump configured to discharge water from the tub to the outside; and a circulation pump configured to discharge water from the tub to the detergent supply device.
The clothes treatment apparatus may further include a controller including a processor, comprising processing circuitry, individually and/or collectively, configured to control the drainage device based on an input. The controller may be configured to control the circulation pump of the drainage device for water of the tube to pass through the detergent supply device based on a user input for supplying the detergent to the tub.
The clothes treatment apparatus may further include a controller configured to control the first detergent pump and the second detergent pump based on a user input. The controller may be configured to control the first detergent pump to discharge the detergent from the first detergent box to the case guide based on a user input for supplying the detergent from the first detergent box to the tub, and control the second detergent pump to discharge the detergent from the second detergent box or the third detergent box to the case guide based on a user input for supplying the detergent from the second detergent box or the third detergent box to the tub.
The case guide may include: a first connection portion connected to the first detergent pump; a second connection portion connected to the second detergent pump; and an extension portion connecting the first connection portion to the second connection portion.
The detergent box may include only a first detergent box and a second detergent box. The first detergent box and the second detergent box may be configured to discharge detergents using a single detergent pump, or may discharge detergents using respective detergent pumps. The first detergent box and the second detergent box may be configured separately, or may be divided by a separation wall formed on one detergent box. The first detergent box may be configured to inject general detergent, the second detergent box may be configured to inject softener, and a neutral detergent box may be formed separately to allow a manual injection.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the clothes treatment apparatus is provided with a detergent supply device on a circulation flow path, thereby having an improved detergent supply structure.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the clothes treatment apparatus has fewer detergent pumps than detergent boxes, thereby supplying various types of detergents to a tub in a relatively simple structure.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the clothes treatment apparatus has fewer detergent allows a detergent to be directly supplied to the case guide and moved to the tub along with water, thereby preventing/reducing the detergent from solidifying in the detergent supply device.
The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects that are not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. 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 | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2023-0115786 | Aug 2023 | KR | national |
This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2024/008616 designating the United States, filed on Jun. 21, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0115786, filed on Aug. 31, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/KR2024/008616 | Jun 2024 | WO |
| Child | 18757290 | US |
