Patent Application
20190345660
The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a washing machine of supplying a detergent automatically to a washing tub using a detachable detergent supply container, and a method of controlling the washing machine.
A washing machine is an electronic apparatus for washing laundry including clothes, bedding, towels, or other textile goods using a detergent or a cleaner. The washing machine includes a washing tub to accommodate laundry and washing water, and performs washing by a rotation of the washing tub through a motor and a relative motion of the laundry against the washing tub.
Washing machines are classified into: a front loading type washing machine that rotates a washing tub disposed in parallel (or inclined) to the bottom in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction on a rotating shaft to wash laundry through a relative motion of the laundry against the inner surface of the washing tub; and a top loading type washing machine that rotates a washing tub disposed vertically to the bottom and including a pulsator in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction on a rotating shaft to wash laundry using water current generated by the pulsator.
In the washing machine, a detergent supply unit (or a softening agent supply unit) is installed to mix washing water with a detergent (or a softening agent) and to supply the mixed water to the inside of the washing tub.
The present disclosure is directed to providing a detergent supply unit (or a softening agent supply unit) of a washing machine, capable of measuring a residual amount of detergent (or a residual amount of softening agent) and/or capable of being easily cleaned.
One aspect of the present disclosure provides a detergent supply unit comprising a housing, a detergent supply container detachably installed in an accommodating portion of the housing, and accommodating a detergent, a detergent mixing tub in which a part of the detergent is mixed with washing water, a pump configured to supply the part of the detergent from the detergent supply tub to the detergent mixing tub and a motor configured to transfer a driving force for driving the pump, wherein the pump comprises a pump handle performing a reciprocating motion by the driving force, and a detergent discharging opening for discharging a part of the detergent is formed at one end of the pump handle.
The pump may further comprise a detergent suction tube configured to suck a part of the detergent from the detergent supply container, and the detergent suction tube may be located in the inside of the detergent supply container.
The pump handle may be coupled with the detergent suction tube, and disposed outside the detergent supply container.
The pump handle may be rotatable with respect to the detergent supply container.
The pump further may comprise a pump driving shaft receiving the driving force from the motor, and a part of the pump driving shaft may be exposed to the outside of the detergent supply container.
The motor further may comprise a driving shaft transferring the driving force through a belt, and a driven shaft receiving the driving force through the belt, wherein the driving force is transferred to the pump driving shaft through the driven shaft.
A part of the driven shaft may be exposed to the outside, and the part of the driven shaft comprises a connector guide connected to the pump driving shaft.
The detergent mixing tub may receive washing water from a water supply unit.
Detergent mixed water mixed in the detergent mixing tub may be discharged by a mixed water hose connected to a bottom of the detergent mixing tub.
The detergent mixed water discharged through the mixed water hose may be discharged to the washing tub through a detergent case.
The detergent supply unit may further comprise a protrusion formed in the accommodating portion of the housing, a catching portion formed in the detergent supply container to correspond to the protrusion, and a release button, wherein when the release button is pressed, the protrusion is spaced apart from the protrusion.
A washing machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body having an opening in the upper portion, a door opening or closing the opening of the main body, a washing tub installed in the inside of the main body, a detergent supply container storing detergent, a detergent supply housing having an accommodating portion accommodating the detergent supply container, a detergent mixing tub positioned at one side of the accommodating portion, a first pump configured to supply a part of the detergent stored in the detergent supply container to the detergent mixing tub, and a first motor configured to provide a driving force for operating the first pump, wherein the first pump includes a pump handle reciprocating by the driving force, and at one end of the pump handle, a detergent outlet is provided to discharge a part of the detergent.
The first motor of the detergent supply unit may operate according to an electrical signal received from a processor.
The washing machine may further comprise a water supply unit for supplying water to the detergent mixing tub and a mixed water hose providing a path through which a part of the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tub is supplied to the washing tub together with the water.
The washing machine may further comprise a softening agent supply container storing a softening agent, a softening agent supply housing having an accommodating portion accommodating the softening agent supply container, a softening agent mixing tub positioned at one side of the accommodating portion, a second pump configured to supply a part of the softening agent stored in the softening agent supply container to the softening agent mixing tub, and a second motor configured to provide a driving force for operating the second pump.
The detergent supply housing and the softening agent supply housing may be positioned at both sides of the washing tub.
Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine comprising a main body having an opening in the top, a door configured to open or close the opening of the main body, a washing tub disposed in the inside of the main body, and accommodating laundry, a supply assembly disposed in an upper portion of the main body, and configured to supply a detergent, a softening agent, and washing water to the washing tub using a plurality of pumps respectively driven by a plurality of driving forces transferred from a plurality of motors, an input device configured to receive a selection of a washing course, and a controller configured to control the supply assembly and the input device, wherein the controller controls the supply assembly to drive the motors, in correspondence to detection of closing of the door, and an amount of the detergent, an amount of the fabric softener, and an amount of washing water, calculated according to a weight of the laundry calculated according to the selected washing course, to form detergent mixed water and softening agent mixed water by automatic pumping and to supply the detergent mixed water and the softening agent mixed water to the washing tub.
The washing machine may further comprise a sensor configured to detect opening/closing of the door, wherein the controller detects closing of the door using the sensor.
The door may comprise a pump handle accommodating portion located in a bottom of the door, and configured to prevent the door from interfering with a handle of each pump when the door is closed.
The detergent accommodated in the detergent supply container may be supplied to one of the detergent mixing tub and the washing tub by manual pumping.
There are provided a washing machine having a detergent supply container that can be easily detached from a detergent supply unit, and a method of controlling the washing machine.
There are provided a washing machine having a softening agent supply container that can be easily detached from a softening agent supply unit, and a method of controlling the washing machine.
There are provided a washing machine capable of intuitively recognizing a residual amount of detergent remaining in a detergent supply container installed in a detergent supply unit, and a method of controlling the washing machine.
There are provided a washing machine capable of intuitively recognizing a residual amount of softening agent remaining in a softening agent supply container installed in a softening agent supply unit, and a method of controlling the washing machine.
There are provided a washing machine in which a detergent supply container installed in a detergent supply unit is disposed at a short distance from a first mixing tub for mixing a detergent with washing water, and a method of controlling the washing machine.
There are provided a washing machine in which a softening agent supply container installed in a softening agent supply unit is disposed at a short distance from a second mixing tub for mixing a softening agent with washing water, and a method of controlling the washing machine.
There are provided a washing machine of supplying a detergent automatically from a detergent pump located in the inside of a detergent supply container installed in a detergent supply unit to a detergent mixing tub by a driving force transferred from a motor, and a method of controlling the washing machine.
There are provided a washing machine of supplying a softening agent automatically from a softening agent pump located in the inside of a softening agent supply container installed in a softening agent supply unit to a softening agent mixing tub by a driving force transferred from a motor, and a method of controlling the washing machine.
According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, there are provided a washing machine having a detergent supply container (or a softening agent supply container) that can be easily detached from a detergent supply unit (or a softening agent supply unit), and a method of controlling the washing machine.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals or symbols denoted in the drawings represent members or components that perform the substantially same functions.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component could be termed a second component, and, similarly, a second component could be termed a first component, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.
The terms used in the present specification are used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, components, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, components, members, or combinations thereof.
Like reference numerals in the drawings denote members performing substantially the same function.
Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The main body 101 may include a tub 103b (see
The washing machine 100 may include a detergent supply unit 10 coupled with a water supply portion 140 (see
In the top (for example, a portion is covered by the door 102 and the other portion is not covered by the door 102) 101c of the main body 101, an opening 101a through which a user can put laundry and take the laundry out may be formed. The opening 101a may be opened and closed by the door 102.
On an upper surface of the door 102, an input device 120 having a plurality of operation buttons (for example, a power button, a start button, etc.) and a plurality of function buttons (for example, a washing course, an option, etc.), and/or a display 160 to display operations and states of the washing machine 100 may be located. One of the input device 120 and the display 160 may be disposed on the top 101c of the main body 101. The input device 120 and the display 160 are collectively called an operation panel (OPE) 125.
The tub 103b may be installed in the inside of the main body 101, the rotating tub 103a may be installed in the inside of the tub 103b, and a pulsator (not shown) for generating water current may be installed on a bottom of the rotating tub 103a.
Below the tub 103b (for example, at a lower end of the main body 101), a motor 170 for driving the rotating tub 103a and the pulsator (not shown), and a drain 180 for discharging contaminated washing water used in washing to the outside may be disposed.
The washing machine 100 may rotate laundry filled in the rotating tub 103a inside the tub 103b, a detergent (or a detergent and a softening agent), and washing water through the pulsator (not shown) rotating by a driving force of the motor 170, thereby washing the laundry.
The washing machine 100 which washes the laundry may rinse the laundry by supplying washing water (or supplying washing water and a softening agent) several times and discharging contaminated washing water several times. When the rinsing is completed, the washing machine 100 may drain contaminated washing water (or washing water) through the drain 180. After the drainage is completed, the washing machine 100 may rotate the rotating tub 103a at high speed to dehydrate washing water remaining in the laundry.
In the top 101c of the main body 101, a door sensor (or a door switch) 153 for detecting opening/closing of the door 102 may be disposed. The door sensor 153 may be disposed in the door 102. There may be provided a plurality of door sensors 153 (for example, one is disposed in a front portion (for example, in a positive (+) y-axis direction) of the door 102 and the other one(s) is disposed in a rear portion (for example, in a negative (−) y-axis direction) of the door 102 adjacent to a hinge 101b).
In the upper portion (for example, below the door 101 and above the washing tub 103) of the main body 101, a detergent case 105 having an outlet 105a to discharge detergent mixed water and/or softening agent mixed water to the rotating tub 103a may be disposed. Washing water supplied from the water supply portion 140 may be discharged through the outlet 105a of the detergent case 105.
The door 102 may include a door glass 102a corresponding to a part of the door 102. The door glass 102a may be made of a transparent material (for example, acrylic, plastic, glass, or the like) to allow a user to see the inside of the main body 101 below the door 102.
When the door 102 covers the opening 101a, a first handle accommodating portion (or a detergent pump handle accommodating portion) 102b1 to accommodate a pump handle (or, a pump handle having a detergent supply path therein) 12a of the detergent supply container 11 may be located in one side of a bottom of the door 102. Also, a second handle accommodating portion (or a softening agent pump handle accommodating portion) 102b2 to accommodate a pump handle (or, a pump handle having a softening agent supply path therein) 22a of the softening agent supply container 21 may be located in the other side of the bottom of the door 102.
The first handle accommodating portion 102b1 may be implemented as a first handle case (not shown) made of a transparent material, wherein the first handle case may be detachable from the door 102. When the first handle case is detached from the door 102, the user can see the pump handle (or, an automatically pumped pump handle) 12a of the detergent supply container 11 located below the door 102 through the transparent window (not shown, for example, located above the first handle case in a positive (+) z-axis direction) corresponding to the first handle case in the door 102 covering the opening 101a.
The second handle accommodating portion 102b2 may be implemented as a second handle case (not shown) made of a transparent material, wherein the second handle case may be detachable from the door 102. When the second handle case is detached from the door 102, the user can see the pump handle (or, an automatically pumped pump handle) 22a of the softening agent supply container 21 located below the door 102 through the transparent window (not shown, for example, located above the first handle case in the positive (+) z-axis direction) corresponding to the second handle case in the door 102 covering the opening 101a.
A light source (for example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or the like) may be disposed adjacent to the transparent window (not shown). When power is supplied to the light source (not shown), the light source may provide light toward the transparent window (not shown) from which one of the first handle accommodating portion 102b1 and the second handle accommodating portion 102b2 is separated.
An additional door 104 for performing washing (for example, hand washing or rough washing) independently from washing being performed in the washing tub 103 may be positioned between the door 102 and the opening 101a of the main body 101. In the washing machine 100 having the additional door 104, the additional door 104 is referred to as a second door, and the door 102 is referred to as a first door. The washing machine having the additional door 104 may include an additional water supply opening 105b to supply washing water to the additional door 104.
Referring to
The supply assembly 200 may include the detergent supply unit 10, the softening agent supply unit 20, a water supply unit 141, a plurality of water supply hoses 141a and 141b, a plurality of mixed water hoses 13a and 13b, and the detergent case 105. Any one(s) of the above-mentioned components of the supply assembly 200 may be omitted or modified, or another component(s) may be added to the supply assembly 200.
The detergent supply unit 10 may be different from the softening agent supply unit 20 in that a detergent and a softening agent are respectively contained in the supply containers 11 and 21. The supply container for accommodating a detergent may be the detergent supply container 11, and the supply container for accommodating a softening agent may be the softening agent supply container 21. Also, a supply container for accommodating bleach may be a bleach supply container (not shown). Hereinafter, the detergent supply unit 10 will be described, and the following description about the detergent supply unit 10 can be applied in the same manner to the softening agent supply unit 20.
The detergent supply unit 10 may accommodate (for example, detachably install) the detergent supply container 11 in an accommodating portion 10b of the housing 10a connected to the main body 101. The detergent supply container 11 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10b may be fixed by a plurality of protrusions 14b and 14c formed in the inner surface of the accommodating portion 10b. In the housing 10a, a detergent mixing tub 13 which is space separated from the accommodating portion 10b may be disposed at one end (for example, between the accommodating portion 10b and the motor 171) of the accommodating portion 10b.
The detergent supply container 11 to accommodate a detergent may include a groove 11a that can be gripped by a user, a catching portion 11b (see
The detergent supply container 11 may be made of a transparent material (for example, acrylic, plastic, glass, or the like) to allow the user to check a residual amount of detergent accommodated in the detergent supply container 11 and the inside of the detergent supply container 11. Therefore, the user can intuitively check a residual amount of detergent accommodated in the detergent supply container 11 made of a transparent material.
The detergent supply unit 10 may include a detergent mixing tub (or, referred to as a first mixing tub) 13 which is formed in the housing 10a and in which a detergent is mixed with washing water. A part of a detergent accommodated in the detergent supply container 11 may be sucked through the detergent suction tube 12b of the detergent pump 12, and then supplied to the detergent mixing tub 13 through a supply path 12i (see
The detergent supply container 11 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10b may be detached from the detergent supply unit 10 when a release button 14 is pressed. When the release button 14 is pressed, a release link 14a and the protrusion 14b may move, and accordingly, the detergent supply container 11 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10b may be detached from the detergent supply unit 10.
A driving force of the motor 171 may be transferred to a detergent pump driving shaft (not shown) of a detergent pump driving shaft body 12d through a driving shaft 171a, a pulley 171b, a belt 171c, and a connector (for example, exposed to the outside of the detergent supply container) 12c coupled with a connector guide 171e of a driven shaft 171d. A driving force transferred (for example, by gear engagement, coupling, or belt engagement) to a gear 12g of a detergent pump body 12e connected to a gear 12f of a detergent pump driving shaft (not shown) inside the detergent pump driving shaft body 12d may be transferred to a rotary cam (not shown) installed in the inside of the detergent pump body 12e. A motion (for example, a rotary motion) of the rotary cam by the driving force may operate the pump handle 12a (for example, a reciprocating motion or an up-down reciprocating motion). Details about this operation will be described later.
A detergent contained in the detergent supply container 11 may be pumped by the driving force of the motor 171 and the motion of the detergent pump 12 to thus be provided to the detergent mixing tub 13.
The detergent mixing tub 13 may contain washing water supplied through the water supply unit 141 and the water supply hose 141a, as well as a detergent. In the detergent mixing tub 13, the detergent may be mixed with the washing water to form detergent mixed water. The detergent mixed water formed in the detergent mixing tub 13 may pass through the mixed water hose 13a connected to the detergent mixing tub 13 below the detergent mixing tub 13, and then be discharged to the washing tub 103 through the outlet 105a of the detergent case 105. The water supply unit 141 may supply washing water directly to the detergent case 105 through a water supply hose (not shown).
The detergent mixed water may be discharged due to a difference in height between a port (not shown) of the water supply hose 141a connected to one side of the detergent mixing tub 13 and a port (not shown) of the mixed water hose 13a connected to a bottom of the detergent mixing tub 13.
The softening agent supply unit 20 may accommodate (for example, detachably install) the softening agent supply container 21 in an accommodating portion 20b of a housing 20a. The softening agent supply container 21 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20b may be fixed by a plurality of protrusions 24b and 24c formed in the inner surface of the accommodating portion 20b. In the housing 20a, a softening agent mixing tub 23 which is space separated from the accommodating portion 20b may be disposed at one end (for example, between the accommodating portion 20b and a motor 172) of the accommodating portion 20b.
The softening agent supply container 21 to contain a softening agent may include a groove 21a that can be gripped by the user, a catching portion 21b corresponding to the protrusion 24b, a catching portion 21c (see
The softening agent supply container 21 may be made of a transparent material (for example, acrylic, plastic, glass, or the like) to allow the user to check a residual amount of softening agent accommodated in the softening agent supply container 21 and the inside of the softening agent supply container 21. Therefore, the user can intuitively check a residual amount of softening agent accommodated in the softening agent supply container 21 made of a transparent material.
The softening agent supply unit 20 may include a softening agent mixing tub (or, referred to as a second mixing tub) 23 which is formed in the housing 20a and in which a softening agent is mixed with washing water. A part of a softening agent accommodated in the softening agent supply container 21 may be sucked through the softening agent suction tube 22b of the softening agent pump 22, and then supplied to the softening agent mixing tub 23 through a supply path 22i (see
The softening agent supply container 21 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20b may be detached from the softening agent supply unit 20 when the release button 24 is pressed. When the release button 24 is pressed, a release link 24a and the protrusion 24b may move, and accordingly, the softening agent supply container 21 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20b may be detached from the softening agent supply unit 20.
A driving force of the motor 172 may be transferred to a softening agent pump driving shaft (not shown) of a softening agent pump driving shaft body 22d through a driving shaft 172a, a pulley 172b, a belt 172c, and a connector (for example, exposed to the outside of the softening agent supply container) 22c coupled with a connector guide 172e of a driven shaft 172d. A driving force transferred to a gear 22g of a softening agent pump body 22e connected to a gear 22f of the softening agent pump driving shaft (not shown) inside the softening agent pump driving shaft body 22d may be transferred to a rotary cam (not shown) installed in the inside of the softening agent pump body 22e. A motion (for example, a rotary motion) of the rotary cam by the driving force may operate the pump handle 22a (for example, a reciprocating motion or an up-down reciprocating motion). Details about this operation will be described later.
A softening agent contained in the softening agent supply container 11 may be pumped by the driving force of the motor 172 and the motion of the softening agent pump 22, and thus provided to the softening agent mixing tub 23.
The softening agent mixing tub 23 may contain washing water supplied through the water supply unit 141 and the water supply hose 141a, as well as the softening agent. In the softening agent mixing tub 23, the softening agent may be mixed with the washing water to form softening agent mixed water. The softening agent mixed water formed in the softening agent mixing tub 13 may pass through the mixed water hose 13b connected to the softening agent mixing tub 23 below the softening agent mixing tub 23, and then be discharged to the washing tub 103 through the outlet 105a of the detergent case 105. The softening agent mixed water may be discharged due to a difference in height between a port (not shown) of the water supply hose 141b connected to one side of the softening agent mixing tub 23 and a port (not shown) of the mixed water hose 13b connected to a bottom of the softening agent mixing tub 23.
Referring to
The water supply unit 141, the water supply hoses 141a and 141b, the mixed water hoses 13a and 13b, and the detergent case 105 of the supply assembly 200, except for the detergent supply unit 10-1 and the softening agent supply unit 20-1 of the supply assembly 200, are substantially similar to the water supply unit 141, the water supply hoses 141a and 141b, the mixed water hoses 13a and 13b, and the detergent case 105 of
The detergent supply unit 10-1 may accommodate (for example, detachably install) a detergent supply container 11-1 in an accommodating portion 10b-1 of a housing 10a-1 connected to the main body 101. The detergent supply container 11-1 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10b-1 may be fixed by a protrusion 14c-1. In the housing 10a-1, a detergent mixing tub 13-1 may be formed.
The detergent supply container 11-1 to store a detergent may include a groove 11a-1 that can be gripped by a user, a catching portion 11c-1 (see
The detergent supply unit 10-1 may include the detergent mixing tub (also, referred to as a third mixing tub) 13-1 which is formed in the housing 10a-1 and in which a detergent is mixed with washing water. A part of a detergent accommodated in the detergent supply container 11-1 may be sucked into the detergent suction tube 12b-1 of the detergent pump 12-1 coupled with the detergent supply portion 11g connected to the detergent outlet 11f, and then supplied to the detergent mixing tub 13-1 through a supply path 12i-1 (see
The detergent supply container 11-1 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10b-1 may be detached from the detergent supply unit 10-1 when a release button 14-1 is pressed. When the release button 14-1 is pressed, a release link 14a-1 and the protrusion 14c-1 may move, and accordingly, the detergent supply container 11-1 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10b-1 may be detached from the detergent supply unit 10-1.
A driving force of a motor 171-1 may be transferred to a gear 12g-1 of the detergent pump 12-1 through a driving shaft 171a-1 and a gear 171e-1. A driving force transferred (for example, by gear engagement, coupling, or belt engagement) to the inside of the detergent pump body 12e through a rotation of the gear 12g-1 of the detergent pump 12-1 may be transferred to a rotary cam (not shown) installed in the inside of the detergent pump body 12e-1. A motion (for example, a rotary motion) of the rotary cam by the driving force may operate the pump handle 12a-1 (for example, a reciprocating motion or an up-down reciprocating motion). Details about this operation will be described later.
A detergent contained in the detergent supply container 11-1 may be pumped by the driving force of the motor 171-1 and the motion of the detergent pump 12-1, and thus provided to the detergent mixing tub 13-1.
The detergent mixing tub 13-1 may contain washing water supplied through the water supply unit 141 and the water supply hose 141a, as well as the detergent. In the detergent mixing tub 13-1, the detergent may be mixed with the washing water to form detergent mixed water. The detergent mixed water formed in the detergent mixing tub 13-1 may pass through the mixed water hose 13a connected to the detergent mixing tub 13-1 below the detergent mixing tub 13-1, and then be discharged to the washing tub 103 through the outlet 105a of the detergent case 105. The water supply unit 141 may supply washing water directly to the detergent case 105 through a water supply hose (not shown).
The detergent mixed water may be discharged due to a difference in height between the port (not shown) of the water supply hose 141a connected to one side of the detergent mixing tub 13-1 and the port (not shown) of the mixed water hose 13a connected to a bottom of the detergent mixing tub 13-1.
The softening agent supply unit 20-1 may accommodate (for example, detachably install) a softening agent supply container 21-1 in an accommodating portion 20b-1 of a housing 20a-1 connected to the main body 101. The softening agent supply container 21-1 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20b-1 may be fixed by a protrusion 24c-1. In the housing 20a-1, a softening agent mixing tub 23-1 may be formed.
The softening agent supply container 21-1 to accommodate a softening agent may include a groove 21a-1 that can be gripped by the user, a catching portion 21c-1 (see
The softening agent supply unit 20-1 may include the softening agent mixing tub (also, referred to as a fourth mixing tub) 23-1 which is formed in the housing 20a-1 and in which a softening agent is mixed with washing water. A part of a softening agent accommodated in the softening agent supply container 21-1 may be sucked into the softening agent suction tube 22b of the softening agent pump 22 coupled with the softening agent supply portion 21g connected to the softening agent outlet 21f, and then supplied to the softening agent mixing tub 23-1 through a supply path 22i-1 (see
The softening agent supply container 21-1 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20b-1 may be detached from the softening agent supply unit 20-1 when a release button 24-1 is pressed. When the release button 24-1 is pressed, a release link 24a-1 and the protrusion 24c-1 may move, and accordingly, the softening agent supply container 21-1 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20b-1 may be detached from the softening agent supply unit 20-1.
A driving force of a motor 172-1 may be transferred to a gear 22g-1 of the softening agent pump 22-1 through a driving shaft 172a-1 and a gear 172e-1. A driving force transferred (for example, by gear engagement, coupling, or belt engagement) to the inside of the softening agent pump body 22e through a rotation of the gear 22g-1 of the softening agent pump 22-1 may be transferred to a rotary cam (not shown) installed in the inside of the softening agent pump body 22e-1. A motion (for example, a rotary motion) of the rotary cam by the driving force may operate the pump handle 22a-1 (for example, a reciprocating motion or an up-down reciprocating motion). Details about this operation will be described later.
A softening agent contained in the detergent supply container 21-1 may be pumped by the driving force of the motor 172-1 and the motion of the detergent pump 22-1, and thus provided to the softening agent mixing tub 23-1.
The softening agent mixing tub 23-1 may contain washing water supplied through the water supply unit 141 and the water supply hose 141a, as well as the softening agent. In the softening agent mixing tub 23-1, the softening agent may be mixed with the washing water to form softening agent mixed water. The softening agent mixed water formed in the softening agent mixing tub 23-1 may pass through the mixed water hose 13a connected to the softening agent mixing tub 23-1 below the softening agent mixing tub 23-1, and then be discharged to the washing tub 103 through the outlet 105a of the detergent case 105. The water supply unit 141 may supply washing water directly to the detergent case 105 through a water supply hose (not shown).
The softening agent mixed water may be discharged due to a difference in height between a port (not shown) of the water supply hose 141a connected to one side of the detergent mixing tub 23-1 and a port (not shown) of the mixed water hose 13a connected to a bottom of the softening agent mixing tub 23-1.
In
When laundry is accommodated in the washing tub 103, and the door 102 covers the opening 101a formed in the top 101c of the main body 101, a user may perform an input of selecting a washing course (for example, a normal course) and an option (for example, washing time, the number of times of rinsing, etc.).
If a weight of the accommodated laundry is calculated, at least one among an amount of detergent, an amount of softening agent, and an amount of bleach, which are to be supplied to the washing tub 103, may be calculated. If the weight of the accommodated laundry is calculated, the motor 171 of the detergent supply unit 10 may operate according to an amount of detergent which is to be supplied to the washing tub 103.
A driving force for operating the detergent pump 12 may be transferred from the motor 171. When the driving shaft 171a of the motor 171 rotates, the belt 171c contacting the pulley 171b coupled with the driving shaft 171a may rotate in the same direction as the driving shaft 171c.
When the belt 171c rotates, a driving force of the motor 171 may be transferred to the pulley 171d coupled with the driven shaft. Due to coupling (connection or contact) between the connector guide 171e coupled with the driven shaft and the connector 12c of the detergent pump driving shaft body 12d, a driving force of the motor 171 may be transferred to the detergent pump driving shaft inside the detergent pump driving shaft body 12d.
A rotation direction of the driving shaft 171a of the motor 171, a rotation direction of the pulley 171b, a rotation direction of the belt 171c, a rotation direction of the pulley 171d, and a rotation direction of the detergent pump driving shaft may be the same.
Due to a driving force transferred through engagement (or gear engagement) between the gear 12f of the detergent pump driving shaft inside the detergent pump driving shaft body 12d and the gear 12g of the detergent pump body 12e, the pump handle 12a of the detergent pump body 12e may operate (for example, an up-down reciprocating motion). For example, when the gear 12g of the detergent pump body 12e rotates, the rotary cam (not shown) installed in the inside of the detergent pump body 12e may rotate. When the rotary cam rotates, the pump handle 12a of the detergent pump body 12e may perform a linear motion (for example, a drop motion or a part of a reciprocating motion).
When the pump handle 12a falls, a part 11e of a detergent accommodated in the inside of the detergent supply container 11 may be supplied to the detergent mixing tub 13 through the supply path 12i of the pump handle 12a and the detergent discharging opening 12h. A height at which a part 11e of a detergent falls from the pump handle 12a to the detergent mixing tub 13 may be higher than the height of the detergent mixing tub 13.
An amount of detergent (or, an amount of detergent supplied upon a one-time stroke of the pump handle 12a from the highest position to the lowest position) that is supplied one time by automatic pumping may be between 30 ml and 50 ml (or between 30 ml and 100 ml, for example, an amount of detergent that is supplied one time may change). The detergent supply container 11 may accommodate a detergent of 1000 ml. Also, the detergent supply container 11 may accommodate a detergent of 300 ml to 3000 ml. A capacity of the detergent supply container 11 may change according to a size and structure of the washing machine 100.
If the pump handle 12a falls to the lowest position, the pump handle 12a may move linear (for example, rise) by an elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)). If the pump handle 12a falls to the lowest position, the rotary cam (not shown) may return to its original position or the pump handle 12a may move linearly (for example, rise) by the elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)). If the pump handle 12a falls to the lowest position, the pump handle 12a may move linearly (for example, rise) by a rotation of the elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)) and the rotary cam (not shown).
When the detergent motor 171 rotates, the pump handle 12a may perform a reciprocating motion (for example, fall and rise). Due to the reciprocating motion (for example, falling and rising) of the pump handle 12a according to a continuous rotation of the detergent motor 171, a detergent accommodated in the detergent supply container 11 may continue to be supplied to the detergent mixing tub 13 through the supply path 12i of the pump handle 12a and the detergent discharging opening 12h. When the detergent motor 171 stops rotating, the reciprocating motion (for example, falling and rising) of the pump handle 12a may terminate. When the detergent motor 171 stops rotating, the detergent pump 12 may stop supplying a detergent automatically.
When the pump handle 12a receives a driving force from the detergent motor 171, the pump handle 12a may have difficulties in rotating in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction (for example, the pump handle 12a is fixed at a first position 12a1 (see
In a rinsing course of laundry after washing, the motor 172 of the softening agent supply unit 20 may operate according to an amount of softening agent (or an amount of softening agent calculated in correspondence to a weight of the laundry) which is to be supplied to the washing tub 103.
A driving force for operating the softening agent pump 22 may be transferred from the motor 172. When the driving shaft 172a of the motor 172 rotates, the belt 172c contacting the pulley 172b coupled with the driving shaft 172a may rotate in the same direction.
When the belt 172c rotates, the driving force of the motor 172 may be transferred to the pulley 172d coupled with the driven shaft. Due to engagement (connection or contact) between the connector guide 172e coupled with the driven shaft and the connector 22c of the softening agent pump driving shaft body 12d, a driving force of the motor 172 may be transferred to the softening agent pump driving shaft inside the softening agent pump driving shaft body 22d.
A rotation direction of the driving shaft 172a of the motor 172, a rotation direction of the pulley 172b, a rotation direction of the belt 172c, a rotation direction of the pulley 172d, and a rotation direction of the softening agent pump driving shaft may be the same.
Due to a driving force transferred through engagement (or, gear engagement) between the gear 22f of the softening agent pump driving shaft inside the softening agent pump driving shaft body 22d and the gear 22g of the softening agent pump body 22e, the pump handle 22a of the softening agent pump body 22e may operate (for example, an up-down reciprocating motion). For example, when the gear 22g of the softening agent pump body 22e rotates, the rotary cam (not shown) installed in the inside of the softening agent pump body 22e may rotate. When the rotary cam rotates, the pump handle 22a connected to the softening agent pump body 22e may perform a linear motion (for example, a drop motion or a part of a reciprocating motion).
When the pump handle 22a falls, a part 21e of a softening agent accommodated in the inside of the softening agent supply container 21 may be supplied to the softening agent mixing tub 23 through the supply path 22i of the pump handle 22a and the softening agent discharging opening 22h. A height at which a part 21e of a softening agent falls from the pump handle 22a to the softening agent mixing tub 23 may be higher than the softening agent mixing tub 23.
An amount of softening agent (or, an amount of softening agent supplied upon a one-time stroke of the pump handle 22a from the highest position to the lowest position) that is supplied one time by automatic pumping may be between 30 ml and 50 ml (or between 30 ml and 100 ml, for example, an amount of softening agent that is supplied one time may change). The softening agent supply container 21 may accommodate a softening agent of 1000 ml. Also, the softening agent supply container 21 may accommodate a softening agent of 300 ml to 3000 ml. A capacity of the softening agent supply container 21 may change according to a size and structure of the washing machine 100.
If the pump handle 22a falls to the lowest position, the pump handle 22a may move linear (for example, rise) by an elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)). If the pump handle 22a falls to the lowest position, the rotary cam (not shown) may return to its original position, or the pump handle 22a may move linearly (for example, rise) by the elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)). If the pump handle 22a falls to the lowest position, the pump handle 22a may move linearly (for example, rise) by a rotation of the elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)) and the rotary cam (not shown).
When the softening agent motor 172 rotates, the pump handle 22a may perform a reciprocating motion (for example, fall and rise). Due to the reciprocating motion (for example, falling and rising) of the pump handle 22a according to a continuous rotation of the softening agent motor 172, a softening agent accommodated in the softening agent supply container 21 may continue to be supplied to the softening agent mixing tub 23 through the supply path 22i of the pump handle 22a and the softening agent discharging opening 22h. When the softening agent motor 172 stops rotating, the reciprocating motion (for example, falling and rising) of the pump handle 22a may terminate. When the softening agent motor 172 stops rotating, the softening agent pump 22 may stop supplying a softening agent automatically.
The motor 171 of the detergent supply unit 10 may operate in correspondence to an amount of detergent calculated by calculating a weight of laundry, under the control of a controller. Also, the motor 172 of the softening agent supply unit 20 may operate in correspondence to an amount of softening agent calculated by calculating the weight of the laundry, under the control of a controller. The motor 171 of the detergent supply unit 10 and/or the motor 172 of the softening agent supply unit 20 may operate sequentially or simultaneously. For example, the motor 171 of the detergent supply unit 10 may operate, and then the motor 172 of the softening agent supply unit 20 may operate, and vice versa.
When the pump handle 22a receives a driving force from the softening agent motor 172, the pump handle 22a may have difficulties in rotating in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction (for example, the pump handle 22a is fixed at a first position 22a1 (see
Referring to
If a weight of the accommodated laundry is calculated, at least one among an amount of detergent, an amount of softening agent, and an amount of bleach, which are to be supplied to the washing tub 103 may be calculated. If the weight of the accommodated laundry is calculated, the motor 171 of the detergent supply unit 10 may operate according to an amount of detergent which is to be supplied to the washing tub 103.
A driving force for operating the detergent pump 12-1 may be transferred from the motor 171-1. When the gear 12g-1 of the detergent pump 12-1 contacting the gear 171e-1 coupled with the driving shaft 171a-1 of the motor 171-1 rotates, a driving force may be transferred.
The driving force transferred to the inside of the detergent pump body 12e through a rotation of the gear 171e-1 coupled with the driving shaft 171a-1 of the motor 171-1 and a rotation of the detergent pump gear 12g-1 may be transferred to the rotary cam (not shown) inside the detergent pump body 12e-1.
A rotation direction of the motor driving shaft 171a-1 may be different from a rotation direction of the detergent pump gear 12g-1.
Due to a driving force transferred through engagement between the gear 171e-1 of the motor driving shaft 171-1 and the gear 12g-1 of the detergent pump body 12e, the pump handle 12a-1 of the detergent pump body 12e-1 may operate (for example, an (up-down) reciprocating motion). For example, when the gear 12g-1 of the detergent pump body 12e-1 rotates, the rotary cam (not shown) installed in the inside of the detergent pump body 12e-1 may rotate. When the rotary cam rotates, the pump handle 12a-1 may perform a linear motion (for example, a drop motion or a part of a reciprocating motion).
When the pump handle 12a-1 falls, a part 11e-1 of a detergent accommodated in the inside of the detergent supply container 11-1 may be supplied to the detergent mixing tub 13-1 through the detergent supply portion 11g connected to the detergent outlet 11f formed in the bottom of the detergent supply container 11, the supply path 12i-1 of the pump handle 12a-1, and the detergent discharging opening 12h-1. When the pump handle 12a-1 falls, a part 11e-1 of a detergent may be supplied to the detergent pump 12-1 through the detergent supply portion 11g connected to the detergent outlet 11f formed in the bottom of the detergent supply container 11-1. The part of the detergent 11e-1 provided to the detergent pump 12-1 may be supplied to the detergent mixing tub 13-1 through the supply path 12i-1 formed in the inside of the pump handle 12a-1 and the detergent discharging opening 12h-1.
A height at which the detergent 11e-1 falls from the detergent discharging opening 12h-1 of the pump handle 12a-1 to the detergent mixing tub 13-1 may be higher than the height of the detergent mixing tub 13-1.
An amount of detergent (or, an amount of detergent supplied upon a one-time stroke of the pump handle 12a-1 from the highest position to the lowest position) that is supplied one time by automatic pumping may be between 31 ml and 50 ml (or between 31 ml and 99 ml, for example, an amount of detergent that is supplied one time may change). The detergent supply container 11-1 may accommodate a detergent of 1000 ml. Also, the detergent supply container 11-1 may accommodate a detergent of 300 ml to 3000 ml. A capacity of the detergent supply container 11-1 may change according to a size and structure of the washing machine 100.
If the pump handle 12a-1 falls to the lowest position, the pump handle 12a-1 may move linear (for example, rise) by the elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)). If the pump handle 12a-1 falls to the lowest position, the rotary cam (not shown) may return to its original position or the pump handle 12a-1 may move linearly (for example, rise) by the elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)). If the pump handle 12a-1 falls to the lowest position, the pump handle 12a-1 may move linearly (for example, rise) by a rotation of the elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)) and the rotary cam (not shown).
When the detergent motor 171-1 rotates, the pump handle 12a-1 may perform a reciprocating motion (for example, fall and rise). Due to the reciprocating motion (for example, falling and rising) of the pump handle 12a-1 according to a continuous rotation of the detergent motor 171-1, a detergent accommodated in the detergent supply container 11-1 may continue to be supplied to the detergent mixing tub 13-1 through the detergent outlet 11f, the detergent supply portion 11g, the supply path 12i-1 of the pump handle 12a-1, and the detergent discharging opening 12h-1. When the detergent motor 171-1 stops rotating, the reciprocating motion (for example, falling and rising) of the pump handle 12a-1 may terminate. When the detergent motor 171 stops rotating, the detergent pump 12-1 may stop supplying a detergent automatically.
When the pump handle 12a-1 receives a driving force from the detergent motor 171-1, the pump handle 12a-1 may have difficulties in rotating in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction (for example, the pump handle 12a-1 is maintained at a first position toward the detergent mixing tub 13-1). When the pump handle 12a-1 receives no driving force from the detergent motor 171-1, the pump handle 12a-1 may rotate in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
In a rinsing course of laundry after washing, the motor 172-1 of the softening agent supply unit 20 may operate according to an amount of softening agent (or an amount of softening agent calculated in correspondence to a weight of the laundry) which is to be supplied to the washing tub 103.
A driving force for operating the softening agent pump 22-1 may be transferred from the motor 172-1. When the gear 22g-1 of the softening agent pump 22-1 contacting the gear 171e-1 coupled with the driving shaft 172a-1 of the motor 172-1 rotates, a driving force may be transferred.
The driving force transferred to the inside of the detergent pump body 22e through a rotation of the gear 172e-1 coupled with the driving shaft 172a-1 of the motor 172-1 and a rotation of the softening agent pump gear 22g-1 may be transferred to the rotary cam (not shown) inside the softening agent pump body 22e-1.
A rotation direction of the motor driving shaft 172a-1 may be different from a rotation direction of the softening agent pump gear 22g-1.
Due to a driving force transferred through engagement between the gear 172e-1 of the motor driving shaft 172a-1 and the gear 22g-1 of the softening agent pump body 22e, the pump handle 22a-1 of the softening agent pump body 22e-1 may operate (for example, a (up-down) reciprocating motion). For example, when the gear 22g-1 of the softening agent pump body 22e-1 rotates, the rotary cam (not shown) installed in the inside of the softening agent pump body 22e-1 may rotate. When the rotary cam rotates, the pump handle 22a-1 may perform a linear motion (for example, a drop motion or a part of a reciprocating motion).
When the pump handle 22a-1 falls, a part 21e-1 of a softening agent accommodated in the inside of the detergent supply container 21-1 may be supplied to the softening agent mixing tub 23-1 through the softening agent supply portion 21g connected to the detergent outlet 21f formed in the bottom of the softening agent supply container 21-1, the supply path 22i-1 of the pump handle 22a-1, and the softening agent discharging opening 22h-1. When the pump handle 22a-1 falls, a part 21e-1 of a softening agent may be supplied to the softening agent pump 22-1 through the softening agent supply portion 21g connected to the softening agent outlet 21f formed in the bottom of the softening agent supply container 21-1. The part of the softening agent 21e-1 provided to the softening agent pump 22-1 may be supplied to the softening agent mixing tub 23-1 through the supply path 22i-1 formed in the inside of the pump handle 22a-1 and the softening agent discharging opening 22h-1.
A height at which a softening agent 21e-1 falls from the softening agent discharging opening 22h-1 of the pump handle 22a-1 to the softening agent mixing tub 23 may be higher than the height of the softening agent mixing tub 23-1.
An amount of softening agent (or, an amount of softening agent supplied upon a one-time stroke of the pump handle 22a-1 from the highest position to the lowest position) that is supplied one time by automatic pumping may be between 31 ml and 50 ml (or between 31 ml and 99 ml, for example, an amount of softening agent that is supplied one time may change). The softening agent supply container 21-1 may accommodate a softening agent of 1000 ml. Also, the softening agent supply container 21-1 may accommodate a softening agent of 300 ml to 3000 ml. A capacity of the softening agent supply container 21-1 may change according to a size and structure of the washing machine 100.
If the pump handle 22a-1 falls to the lowest position, the pump handle 22a-1 may move linear (for example, rise) by an elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)). If the pump handle 22a-1 falls to the lowest position, the rotary cam (not shown) may return to its original position, or the pump handle 22a-1 may move linearly (for example, rise) by the elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)). If the pump handle 22a-1 falls to the lowest position, the pump handle 22a-1 may move linearly (for example, rise) by a rotation of the elastic member (for example, a spring (not shown)) and the rotary cam (not shown).
When the softening agent motor 172-1 rotates, the pump handle 22a-1 may perform a reciprocating motion (for example, fall and rise). Due to the reciprocating motion (for example, falling and rising) of the pump handle 22a-1 according to a continuous rotation of the softening agent motor 172-1, a softening agent accommodated in the softening agent supply container 21-1 may continue to be supplied to the softening agent mixing tub 23-1 through the softening agent outlet 21f, the softening agent supply portion 21g, the supply path 22i-1 of the pump handle 22a-1, and the softening agent discharging opening 22h-1. When the softening agent motor 172-1 stops rotating, the reciprocating motion (for example, falling and rising) of the pump handle 22a-1 may terminate. When the softening agent motor 172-1 stops rotating, the softening agent pump 22-1 may stop supplying a softening agent automatically.
When the pump handle 22a-1 receives a driving force from the softening agent 172-1, the pump handle 22a-1 may have difficulties in rotating in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction (for example, the pump handle 22a-1 is fixed at the first position toward the softening agent mixing tub 23-1). When the pump handle 22a-1 receives no driving force from the softening agent motor 172-1, the pump handle 22a-1 may rotate in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
Referring to
In
When the door 102 opens, and the additional door 104 covers the opening 101a, washing water may be supplied from the water supply unit 141 to the additional door 104 accommodating laundry through the additional water supply opening 105b.
The user may change (or rotate) the pump handle 12a of the detergent supply unit 10 from a first position 12a1 to a second position 12a2. The second position 12a2 of the pump handle 12a may be a position at which the user can supply a detergent manually to the additional door 104. For example, a change angle θ between the first position 12a1 and the second position 12a2 may be within an angle range of 30° to 110°. Also, the change angle θ may be within an angle range of 37° to 151°.
The position (for example, the first position 12a1) of the pump handle 12a when it performs automatic pumping by a driving force from the motor 171 may be different from the position (for example, the second position 12a2) of the pump handle 12a when it performs manual pumping by a user.
When the pump handle 12a is at the second position 12a2, or when the pump handle 12a is positioned within the change range θ, the user can apply pressure to the pump handle 12a. The pump handle 12a may operate (for example, a (up-down) reciprocating motion) by the pressure. If the pump handle 12a falls downward, a part 11e of the detergent contained in the detergent supply container 11 may be supplied to the additional door 104. An amount of detergent that is supplied one time by manual pumping may be between 40 ml and 50 ml (for example, an amount of detergent that is supplied one time may change).
The user may change (or rotate) the pump handle 22a of the softening agent supply unit 20 from a first position 22a1 to a second position 22a2. The second position 22a2 of the pump handle 22a may be a position at which the user can supply a softening agent manually to the additional door 104. For example, a change angle θ between the first position 22a1 and the second position 22a2 may be within an angle range of 30° to 110°. Also, the change angle θ may be within an angle range of 37° to 151°.
When the pump handle 22a is at the second position 22a2, or when the pump handle 22a is positioned within the change range θ, the user can apply pressure to the pump handle 22a. The pump handle 22a may operate (for example, a (up-down) reciprocating motion) by the pressure. If the pump handle 22a falls downward, a part 21e of the softening agent contained in the softening agent supply container 21 may be supplied to the additional door 104. An amount of softening agent that is supplied one time by manual pumping may be between 40 ml and 50 ml (for example, an amount of detergent that is supplied one time may change).
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, manual supply of detergent through the detergent supply unit 10-1 and manual supply of softening agent through the softening agent supply unit 20-1 may be substantially similar to manual supply of detergent through the detergent supply unit 10 and manual supply of softening agent through the softening agent supply unit 20, as shown in
In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may press (or manually pump) the pump handle 12a at the first position 12a1 in the detergent supply unit 10 to supply a detergent to the detergent mixing tub 13. The user may supply a detergent additionally to the detergent mixing tub 13 by manually pumping the pump handle 12a positioned at the first position 12a1. Also, the user may press (manually pump) the pump handle 22a of the softening agent supply unit 20, positioned at the first position 22a1, to supply a softening agent to the softening agent mixing tub 23. The user may additionally supply a softening agent to the softening agent mixing tub 23 by manually pumping the pump handle 22a positioned at the first position 22a1.
Referring to
When the user presses the release button 14, the detergent supply container 11 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10b of the detergent supply unit 10 may be separated from the detergent supply unit 10. When the user presses the release button 14, the release link 14a elastically supported may move. Also, when the user presses the release button 14, the protrusion 14c may move. Also, if the release link 14a moves, and accordingly the protrusion 14b rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the catching portion 11b of the detergent supply container 11 may be spaced apart from the protrusion 14b.
The elastic member (for example, a spring, not shown) may be located on the bottom of the accommodating portion 10b. If the catching portion 11b of the detergent supply container 11 is spaced apart from the protrusion 14b, an elastic force may be applied upward from the detergent supply container 11 by the elastic member (not shown) located on the bottom of the accommodating portion 10b.
Due to the elastic force applied upward, when the user grips the groove 11a of the detergent supply container 11 to lift the detergent supply container 11, the detergent supply container 11 may be separated from the detergent supply unit 10.
The detergent supply container 11 may be installed in the accommodating portion 10b of the detergent supply unit 10 in reverse of the order in which the detergent supply container 11 is separated from the detergent supply unit 10. For example, if the detergent supply container 11 is put in the accommodating portion 10b of the detergent supply unit 10, and the user applies pressure to the detergent supply container 11, the catching portions 11b and 11c of the detergent supply container 11 may be coupled with the protrusions 14b and 14c so that the detergent supply container 11 can be fixed in the accommodating portion 10b of the detergent supply unit 10.
The softening agent supply container 21 may be separated from the softening agent supply unit 20. When a softening agent is added in the softening agent supply container 21, or when the softening agent supply container 21 is cleaned, the user may separate the softening agent supply container 21 from the softening agent supply unit 20.
When the user presses the release button 24, the softening agent supply container 21 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20b of the softening agent supply unit 20 may be separated from the softening agent supply unit 20. When the user presses the release button 24, the release link 24a elastically supported may move. Also, when the user presses the release button 24, the protrusion 24c may move. Also, if the release link 24a moves, and accordingly the protrusion 24b rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the catching portion 21b of the softening agent supply container 21 may be spaced apart from the protrusion 24b.
The elastic member (for example, a spring, not shown) may be located on the bottom of the accommodating portion 20b. If the catching portion 21b of the softening agent supply container 21 is spaced apart from the protrusion 24b, an elastic force may be applied upward (for example, in the positive (+) z-axis direction) from the softening agent supply container 21 by the elastic member (for example, a spring, not shown) located on the bottom of the accommodating portion 20b.
Due to the elastic force applied upward, when the user grips the groove 21a of the softening agent supply container 21 to lift the softening agent supply container 21, the softening agent supply container 21 may be separated from the softening agent supply unit 20.
The softening agent supply container 21 may be installed in the accommodating portion 20b of the softening agent supply unit 20 in reverse of the order in which the softening agent supply container 21 is separated from the softening agent supply unit 20. For example, if the softening agent supply container 21 is put in the accommodating portion 20b of the softening agent supply unit 20, and the user applies pressure to the softening agent supply container 21, the catching portions 21b and 21c of the softening agent supply container 21 may be coupled with the protrusions 24b and 24c so that the softening agent supply container 21 can be fixed in the accommodating portion 20b of the softening agent supply unit 20.
Referring to
When the user presses the release button 14-1, the detergent supply container 11-1 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10b-1 of the detergent supply unit 10-1 may be separated from the detergent supply unit 10-1. When the user presses the release button 14-1, the release link 14a-1 elastically supported may move. Also, when the user presses the release button 14-1, the protrusion 14c-1 may move.
The elastic member (for example, a spring, not shown) may be located on the bottom of the accommodating portion 10b-1. If the catching portion 11c-1 of the detergent supply container 11-1 is spaced apart from the protrusion 14c-1, an elastic force may be applied upward (for example, in the positive (+) z-axis direction) from the detergent supply container 11-1 by the elastic member (not shown) located on the bottom of the accommodating portion 10b-1.
Due to the elastic force applied upward, when the user grips the groove 11a-1 of the detergent supply container 11-1 to lift the detergent supply container 11-1, the detergent supply container 11-1 may be separated from the detergent supply unit 10-1.
The detergent supply container 11-1 may be installed in the accommodating portion 10b-1 of the detergent supply unit 10 in reverse of the order in which the detergent supply container 11-1 is separated from the detergent supply unit 10-1. For example, if the detergent supply container 11-1 is put in the accommodating portion 10b-1 of the detergent supply unit 10, and the user applies pressure to the detergent supply container 11-1, the catching portion 11c-1 of the detergent supply container 11-1 may be coupled with the protrusion 14c-1 so that the detergent supply container 11-1 can be fixed in the accommodating portion 10b-1 of the detergent supply unit 10-1.
The softening agent supply container 21-1 may be separated from the softening agent supply unit 20-1. When a softening agent is added in the softening agent supply container 21-1, or when the softening agent supply container 21-1 is cleaned, the user may separate the softening agent supply container 21-1 from the softening agent supply unit 20-1.
When the user presses the release button 24-1, the softening agent supply container 21-1 accommodated in the accommodating portion 20b-1 of the softening agent supply unit 20-1 may be separated from the softening agent supply unit 20-1. When the user presses the release button 24-1, the release link 24a-1 elastically supported may move. Also, when the user presses the release button 24, the protrusion 24c-1 may move.
The elastic member (for example, a spring, not shown) may be located on the bottom of the accommodating portion 20b-1. If the catching portion 21c-1 of the softening agent supply container 21-1 is spaced apart from the protrusion 24c-1, an elastic force may be applied upward (for example, a positive (+) z-axis direction) from the softening agent supply container 21-1 by the elastic member (not shown) located on the bottom of the accommodating portion 20b-1.
Due to the elastic force applied upward, when the user grips the groove 21a-1 of the softening agent supply container 21-1 to lift the softening agent supply container 21-1, the softening agent supply container 21-1 may be separated from the softening agent supply unit 20-1.
The softening agent supply container 21-1 may be installed in the accommodating portion 20b-1 of the softening agent supply unit 20-1 in reverse of the order in which the softening agent supply container 21-1 is separated from the softening agent supply unit 20. For example, if the softening agent supply container 21-1 is put in the accommodating portion 20b-1 of the softening agent supply unit 20-1, and the user applies pressure to the softening agent supply container 21-1, the catching portion 21c-1 of the softening agent supply container 21-1 may be coupled with the protrusion 24c-1 so that the softening agent supply container 21-1 can be fixed in the accommodating portion 20b-1 of the softening agent supply unit 20-1.
When the door 102 is in a closed state, the second handle accommodating portion 102b2 accommodating the pump handle 22a of the softening agent supply container 21 may be positioned at a corner (for example, in a negative (−) y-axis direction) below the door 102. The second handle accommodating portion 102b2 may limit interference between the door 102 and the pump handle 22a performing a reciprocating motion. The second handle accommodating portion 102b2 of the door 102 in the close state may limit interference between the door 102 and the pump handle 22a performing a reciprocating motion (for example, in the positive (+)/negative (−) z-axis direction) by a driving force from the motor 172.
A softening agent pump accommodating portion 101c2 accommodating one end of the softening agent pump 172 may be located to one side (for example, in a negative (−) y-axis direction) of the second handle accommodating portion 102b2 below the top 101c of the main body 101.
When the door 102 is closed, the first handle accommodating portion 102b1 (see
The first handle accommodating portion 102b1 may limit interference between the door 102 and the pump handle 12a performing a reciprocating motion. The first handle accommodating portion 102b1 of the door 102 in the closed state may limit interference between the door 102 and the pump handle 12a performing a reciprocating motion (for example, in the positive (+)/negative (−) z-axis direction) by a driving force from the motor 171.
A detergent pump accommodating portion 101c1 accommodating one end of the detergent pump 171 may be located to one side (for example, in the negative (−) y-axis direction) of the first handle accommodating portion 102b1, below the top 101c of the main body 101.
The softening agent supply unit 20 described above with reference to
In the other embodiment, the detergent supply unit 10 shown in
Referring to
The position of the detergent supply unit 10 and the position of the softening agent supply unit 20 may overlap with the washing tub 103. A length 11 of the detergent supply unit 10 may be the same as or different from a length 12 of the softening agent supply unit 20.
An interval 13 between the detergent supply unit 10 and the softening agent supply unit 20 may be smaller than a diameter d1 of the rotating tub 103a. A part of the detergent supply unit 10 may overlap with the rotating tub 103a. Also, a part of the softening agent supply unit 20 may overlap with the rotating tub 103a.
The additional door 104 may be disposed in the interval 13 between the detergent supply unit 10 and the softening agent supply unit 20. The interval 13 between the detergent supply unit 10 and the softening agent supply unit 20 may be longer with a width of the additional door 104.
The interval 13 between the detergent supply unit 10 and the softening agent supply unit 20 may be smaller than a diameter d2 of the tub 103b. A part of the detergent supply unit 10 may overlap with the tub 103b. Also, a part of the softening agent supply unit 20 may overlap with the tub 103b.
At least one of the width 11 of the detergent supply unit 10 and the width 12 of the softening agent supply unit 20 may be greater than a difference (d2−d1) between the diameter d2 of the tub 103b and the diameter d1 of the rotating tub 103a.
A width of the detergent supply container 10-1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in
Referring to
The washing machine 100 may transmit operation (for example, a washing course or an option) information of the washing machine 100, or state (for example, normal or abnormal) information of the washing machine 100 to an external apparatus through the communication device 130, or may receive control information (for example, a control command corresponding to power on/off of the washing machine 100) from the outside through the communication device 130.
The washing machine 100 may include a controller 110, an input device 120, a communication device 130, a water supply portion 140, a sensor 150, a display 160, a motor 170, a drain 180, a storage device 190, and a power supply 195.
The controller 110 may control operations of the washing machine 100. The controller 110 may include a processor (not shown). Also, the controller 110 may include Read Only Memory (ROM, not shown) storing control programs for controlling the washing machine 100, and Random Access Memory (RAM, not shown) used as a storage area for control information received from the outside of the washing machine 100, operation information of the washing machine 100, or state information of the washing machine 100.
The controller 110 may control operations of the motor 171 of the detergent supply unit 10. For example, the controller 110 may output an electrical signal corresponding to operation (for example, rotation, stop, or power on/off) of the motor 171 of the detergent supply unit 10 to the motor 171. The controller 110 may control operations of the motor 172 of the softening agent supply unit 20. For example, the controller 110 may output an electrical signal corresponding to operation (for example, rotation, stop, or power on/off) of the motor 172 of the softening agent supply unit 20 to the motor 172.
The controller 110 may control operations of the washing machine 100 and signal flow between internal components 120 to 190, and process data. The controller 110 may collect operation information of the washing machine 100, and detect a state of the washing machine 100 using the sensor 150. The controller 110 may control power supply of the internal components 110 to 195 using the power supply 195.
The processor (not shown), the ROM (not shown), and the RAM (not shown) may be connected to one another. The processor (not shown), the ROM (not shown), and the RAM (not shown) may be a built-in type or a System On Chip type.
The controller 110 may control the input device 120, the communication device 130, the water supply portion 140, the sensor 150, the display 160, the motor 170, the drain 180, the storage device 190, and the power supply 195.
The term “controller of the washing machine” may be a meaning including a processor (not shown), ROM (not shown), and RAM (not shown). Also, the “controller of the washing machine” may mean a processor.
The input device 120 may receive a user input (for example, power on/off operation, a washing course, or an option). The input device 120 may output an electrical signal corresponding to the user input to the controller 110. The input device 120 may be located on the top of the door 102, or on the top 101c of the main body 101.
The communication device 130 may be connected to the external device 300 or a network through a communication network using one or more antennas, under the control of the controller 110. The communication device 130 may transmit operation (for example, a washing course or an option) information of the washing machine 100, or state (for example, normal or abnormal) information of the washing machine to the outside, under the control of the controller 110. Also, the communication device 130 may receive control information (for example, a control command corresponding to power on/off of the washing machine 100) from the outside under the control of the controller 110.
The communication device 130 may include a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) communication device, a short-range communication device, or a mobile communication device. The WLAN communication device may support, for example, Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication. The short-range communication device may include, for example, Bluetooth communication, Bluetooth low energy, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication, and/or Near Field Communication (NFC). The mobile communication device may be connected to the external device 300 through a mobile communication network using one or more antennas, under the control of the controller 110.
The water supply portion 140 may supply washing water to the washing tub 103 or the additional door 104 under the control of the controller 100. The water supply portion 140 may supply washing water to the detergent mixing tub 13 or the softening agent mixing tub 23.
The sensor 150 may detect an operation and/or state of the washing machine 100. The sensor 150 may output an electrical signal corresponding to the detected operation and/or state of the washing machine 100 to the controller 110.
A water level sensor 151 may detect a water level of washing water (or, detergent mixed water, softening agent mixed water, detergent-softening agent mixed water, detergent-softening agent-bleach mixed water, etc.) accommodated in the washing tub 103. The water level sensor 151 may be an electric water level sensor or a mechanical water level sensor.
A temperature sensor 152 may detect temperature of washing water supplied through the water supply unit 141.
A door sensor 153 may detect opening/closing of the door 102.
A turbidity sensor 154 may measure a degree of contamination of washing water accommodated in the washing tub 103. Any one(s) of the above-mentioned sensors 150 may be omitted or modified according to the performance and structure of the washing machine 100, or another sensor(s) may be added according to the performance and structure of the washing machine 100.
The display 160 may display information about an operation and state of the washing machine 100.
The motors 170 to 172 may provide a driving force. The motor 170 (also, referred to as a first motor 170) may rotate the washing tub 103 and the pulsator (not shown) under the control of the controller 110. The motor 171 (also, referred to as a second motor 171) may drive the detergent pump 12 under the control of the controller 110 to supply a detergent automatically. The motor 172 (also, referred to as a third motor 172) may drive the softening agent pump 22 under the control of the controller 110 to supply a softening agent automatically.
The drain 180 may discharge contaminated washing water (or washing water) accommodated in the inside of the washing tub 103 to the outside of the washing machine 100.
The storage device 190 may store signals or data that is input/output to correspond to operations (or states) of the components 110 to 195 under the control of the controller 110. The storage device 190 may store control programs for controlling the washing machine 100 or the controller 110. The storage device 190 may store control information received from the external device 300, information corresponding to an electrical signal received from the input device 120, information corresponding to an electrical signal received from the sensor 150, operation information of the washing machine 100, or state information of the washing machine 100.
The power supply 195 may supply power to the components 110 to 195 of the washing machine 100 under the control of the controller 110.
It will be easily understood to those skilled in the art that any one(s) the components of the washing machine 100 shown in
In operation S1110 of
A user may put laundry into the washing tub 103 through the opening 101a. The user may close the door 102, and select (or press) the power button of the input device 120. The user may select a washing course (for example, a baby clothes course) through the input device 120. The controller 110 may control a display 600 to display visual information corresponding to the selected washing course.
In operation S1120, door closing may be detected.
When the door 102 is closed, the door sensor 153 may output an electrical signal corresponding to door closing to the controller 110. The controller 110 may detect closing of the door 102 using the electrical signal received from the door sensor 153.
In operation S1130, a weight of the laundry may be calculated.
The controller 110 may drive the motor 170 to rotate the washing tub 103 accommodating the laundry. Before washing water is supplied, the controller 110 may drive the motor 170 to rotate the washing tub 103 accommodating laundry. The controller 110 may calculate a weight of the laundry using at least one of a feedback current value of the motor 170, a height of the laundry accommodated in the washing tub 103, and rotation speed of the rotating tub 103a. A technique of calculating a weight of laundry is well-known in the related art, and accordingly, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The calculated weight may be stored in the storage device 190.
In operation S1140, a detergent may be automatically supplied.
Referring to
The controller 110 may drive the motor 171 of the detergent supply unit 10 according to the calculated amount of detergent. The detergent supply unit 10 may move the detergent pump 12 reciprocatively using a driving force transferred from the motor 171 to supply a detergent accommodated in the detergent supply container 11 to the detergent mixing tub 13. The controller 110 may control the water supply unit 141 to supply washing water to the detergent mixing tub 13. The washing water may be mixed with the detergent in the detergent mixing tub 13, and the detergent mixed water may be discharged to the washing tub 103 through the outlet 105a of the detergent case 105 connected to the detergent mixing tub 13 through the mixed water hose 13a.
The controller 110 may control an operation of at least one of the motor 171 and the water supply unit 141 until an amount of supplied detergent reaches the calculated amount of detergent. When an amount of supplied detergent reaches the calculated amount of detergent (or a calculated amount of detergent mixed water), the controller 110 may stop operating the motor 171 and the water supply unit 141.
The controller 110 may control the water supply unit 141 according to the calculated amount of washing water to supply washing water to the washing tub 103 through the outlet 105a of the detergent case 105.
According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 110 may transmit information corresponding to the calculated amount of detergent, the amount of detergent mixed water, or the amount of washing water to the mobile terminal 303 as the external apparatus 300 through the communication device 130. An application capable of displaying the information corresponding to the amount of detergent, the amount of detergent mixed water, or the amount of washing water, transmitted from the washing machine 100, may be executed on the mobile terminal 303. The mobile terminal 303 may recognize an operation state of the detergent pump 12 or an operation state of the mixing tub 30 through the executed application.
In operation S1150, washing may be performed.
When operation of supplying detergent mixed water, softening agent mixed water, or washing water terminates, the controller 110 may drive the motor 170 to perform washing in correspondence to the selected washing course. When washing is performed, a time remaining until washing is completed may be displayed on the display 160. If abnormality is detected in the washing machine 100 when washing is being performed, an abnormal state (for example, too high temperature of water) may be displayed on the display 160. Operation S1140 and operation S1150 may be performed simultaneously or sequentially.
In operation S1160, a softening agent may be automatically supplied.
Referring to
The controller 110 may drive the motor 172 of the softening agent supply unit 20 according to the calculated amount of softening agent. The softening agent supply unit 20 may move the softening agent pump 22 reciprocatively using a driving force transferred from the motor 172 to supply a softening agent accommodated in the softening agent supply container 21 to the softening agent mixing tub 23. The controller 110 may control the water supply unit 141 to supply washing water to the softening agent mixing tub 23. The washing water may be mixed with the softening agent in the softening agent mixing tub 23, and the softening agent mixed water may be discharged to the washing tub 103 through the outlet 105a of the detergent case 105 connected to the softening agent mixing tub 23 through the mixed water hose 23a.
The controller 110 may control an operation of at least one of the motor 172 and the water supply unit 141 until an amount of supplied softening agent reaches the calculated amount of softening agent. When an amount of supplied softening agent reaches the calculated amount of softening agent (or an amount of softening agent mixed water), the controller 110 may stop operating the motor 172 and the water supply unit 141.
The controller 110 may control the water supply unit 141 according to the calculated amount of washing water to supply washing water to the washing tub 103 through the outlet 105a of the detergent case 105.
In operation S1160, the softening agent may be automatically supplied, and then the method of controlling the washing machine may terminate.
The methods according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means, and recorded in computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may also include, alone or in combination with the program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like.
For example, the computer-readable recording medium can be recorded to a volatile or non-volatile storage device such as a Read-Only Memory (ROM) irrespective of deletable or re-recordable, to a memory such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a memory chip, a memory device, or an integrated circuit, or to a storage medium that is optically or magnetically recordable and readable by a machine (e.g. a computer), such as a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disc (DVD), a magnetic disk, or a magnetic tape. The storage is an example of a machine-readable storage medium suitable for storing a program or programs including instructions to implement the embodiments of the present invention.
Accordingly, the memory that can be included in the washing machine may be an example of a machine-readable storage medium adapted to store a program or programs including instructions for implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure. The program instructions recorded on the media may be those specially designed and constructed for the present disclosure, or they may be of the kind well-known and available to those having skill in the computer software arts.
While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2017-0000773 | Jan 2017 | KR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/KR2017/012776 | 11/13/2017 | WO | 00 |
