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(11) | EP 3 428 338 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC |
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| (54) | LAUNDRY HANDLING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR |
| (57) The present invention relates to a laundry handling apparatus and a control method
therefor. The laundry handling apparatus of the present invention comprises: a cabinet;
a tub in which washing water is accommodated; an electric heater for raising the temperature
of the washing water of the tub; and an air pump for supplying air under the water
surface of the electric heater so as to raise the level of the washing water with
which the electric heater comes into contact. Therefore, when the heated washing water
is supplied into the tub, the level of the washing water rises so as to prevent the
electric heater from being exposed to the water surface, thereby preventing the damage
of the electric heater. In addition, since the water level rises by the air, the amount
of the washing water used can be reduced. |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry handling apparatus (or a laundry or clothes treating apparatus) and a control method thereof.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As is well known, the laundry handling apparatus is a kind of apparatus for treating (washing) clothes or laundry through a washing process, a rinsing process, or a drying process.
[0003] The laundry includes not only clothes but also washable articles such as bedclothes such as blankets, curtains, stuffed toys and the like.
[0004] The laundry handling apparatus generally includes a cabinet forming an outer appearance, a tub disposed inside the cabinet to receive washing water, and a drum rotatably installed in the tub.
[0005] Meanwhile, some of the laundry treating apparatuses have a washing water heating function capable of heating washing water so as to improve a washing effect.
[0006] The laundry handling apparatus having the washing water heating function is provided with an electric heater for raising a temperature of washing water in the tub.
[0007] However, in the related art laundry handling apparatus, since the washing water inside the tub needs to maintain a basic water supply level (initial water supply amount), when a capacity of the tub increases, an amount of washing water supplied into the tub increases. Accordingly, the washing water is heated for a relatively long time.
[0008] Accordingly, the related art laundry handling apparatus has a problem that an entire washing time extends.
[0009] In addition, in the related art laundry handling apparatus, since the increase in the amount of washing water brings about an increase in a heating time of the electric heater, power consumption is increased.
[0010] Also, in the related art laundry handling apparatus, in case where the washing water is heated, the electric heater may be overheated when the electric heater is exposed to a water surface of the washing water. As a result, a forced deterioration of the electric heater is accelerated and the lifespan of the electric heater is shortened.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0011] Therefore, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a laundry handling (or treating) apparatus, capable of raising a water level of washing water around an electric heater when the washing water is heated, and a control method thereof.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a laundry handling apparatus, capable of reducing an amount of washing water by maintaining a relatively high water level of washing water, and a control method thereof.
[0013] Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a laundry handling apparatus, capable of reducing power consumption by reducing an amount of washing water, and a control method thereof.
[0014] Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a laundry handling apparatus, capable of increasing a concentration of detergent by reducing an amount of washing water, and a control method thereof.
[0015] Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a laundry handling apparatus, capable of stably maintaining a water level of washing water by suppressing a leakage of air, and a control method thereof.
[0016] In order to achieve the above aspects according to the present invention, there is provided a washing handling or treating apparatus, including a cabinet, a tub provided in the cabinet to accommodate washing water therein, an electric heater for raising a temperature of the washing water of the tub, and a water level raising unit for raising the water level of the washing water when necessary.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water level raising unit may be implemented as an air pump that supplies air to a space where the electric heater is installed.
[0018] The air pump may be configured to supply air below a water surface of the electric heater so as to raise a water level of the washing water with which the electric heater is brought into contact.
[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry handling apparatus may further include a circulation flow path through which the washing water of the tub discharged out of the tub is circulated back into the tub. The air pump may supply air to the circulation flow path.
[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the circulation flow path may include a draw-out pipe having one end connected to the tub, a filter unit connected to another end of the draw-out pipe, a circulation pump having a suction side connected to the filter unit, and an introduction pipe having one end portion connected to a discharge side of the circulation pump and another end portion connected to the tub. The air pump may be connected to the filter unit.
[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tub may include a heater accommodating portion accommodating the electric heater therein, and the draw-out pipe may be connected to communicate with the heater accommodating portion.
[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter unit may include a filter casing having one side connected to the draw-out pipe and another side with an opening, and a filter having one side inserted into the filter casing through the opening. A connecting portion may be provided on one side of the opening of the filter casing so that the air pump can be connected thereto.
[0023] The air pump may be configured to raise the water level of the washing water in the heater accommodating portion when heating is performed by the electric heater.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a check valve may be provided between the air pump and the filter unit to prevent a reverse or backward flow of the washing water of the air pump.
[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air pump may include a pump body provided therein in a pressing space, and a suction port and a discharge port through which air in the pressing space is sucked and discharged, a pressing member movable in the pump body, a suction valve to open and close the suction port by the movement of the pressing member, a discharge valve to open and close the discharge port by the movement of the pressing member, and a pressing member driving unit to drive the pressing member.
[0026] The pressing member driving unit may include a permanent magnet interlocked with the pressing member, and a coil to generate a magnetic force to move the permanent magnet.
[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laundry handling apparatus, including a cabinet, a tub provided inside the cabinet to accommodate washing water, an electric heater provided in the tub to raise a temperature of the washing water, and a water level raising unit to raise a water level of the washing water when heating is performed by the electric heater.
[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water level raising unit may be implemented as an air pump that supplies air below the electric heater.
[0029] Thus, when the washing water is heated by the electric heater, air can be supplied to a lower side of the electric heater by the air pump so that the water level of the washing water rises relative to the electric heater. This may result in preventing the electric heater from being exposed to outside of the washing water even using a relatively less amount of washing water.
[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry handling apparatus may further include a circulation flow path through which the washing water inside the tub is discharged out of the tub and circulated into the tub. The air pump may be connected to the circulation flow path.
[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a check valve may be provided between the air pump and the circulation flow path to suppress a reverse flow of the washing water.
[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry handling apparatus may further include a drum rotatably installed in the tub, and a controller to control the air pump to supply air into the tub when dewatering the laundry in the drum.
[0033] The controller may control the air pump to be driven when a rotational speed of the drum is a preset speed or higher.
[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air movement restricting unit may be provided in the circulation flow path to restrict a flow of air.
[0035] The circulation flow path may include a draw-out pipe having one end connected to the tub, a filter unit provided in another end of the draw-out pipe, a circulation pump connected to the filter unit, and an introduction pipe having one end connected to a discharge side of the circulation pump and another end connected to the tub. The air pump may be connected to the filter unit and the air movement restricting unit may be provided inside the draw-out pipe.
[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air movement restricting unit may include a blocking portion protruding downward from an inner ceiling of the draw-out pipe.
[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blocking portion may be provided in plurality spaced apart from one another to form spaces for temporarily storing air.
[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blocking portion may be disposed such that a lower end thereof faces a downstream side along a moving direction of the washing water drawn out from the tub.
[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air movement restricting unit may be detachably provided in the draw-out pipe.
[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air movement restricting unit may include blocking portions disposed in the draw-out pipe with being spaced apart from one another, a connecting portion connecting the blocking portions, and a support portion supporting the connecting portion to be spaced apart from a floor.
[0041] The draw-out pipe may include a first draw-out pipe and a second draw-out pipe coupled to each other, and an extending portion extended to accommodate the support portion may be provided between the first draw-out pipe and the second draw-out pipe.
[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter unit may include a filter casing having an accommodation space therein and having one side connected to the draw-out pipe, and a filter having one side inserted into the filter casing.
[0043] The filter casing may include a discharge port to which the introduction pipe is connected, a branch port to which a branch pipe branched from the draw-out pipe is connected, and a connecting portion to which the air pump is connected.
[0044] The air movement restricting unit may include a blocking bar provided in the filter to prevent air from flowing into the branch port.
[0045] The blocking bar may be spaced apart from an inner end portion of the branch port by a preset distance.
[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter may include a bottom surface and both side surfaces extending upward from both sides of the bottom surface.
[0047] The bottom surface and the both side surfaces may be provided with a mesh structure through which the washing water can pass.
[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter unit may include a filter casing having an accommodation space therein and having one side connected to the draw-out pipe, and a filter having one side inserted into the filter casing.
[0050] The air movement restricting unit may include blocking ribs protruding downward in an upper region of the filter.
[0051] The blocking ribs may be spaced apart from each other along a lengthwise direction of the filter.
[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter casing may include a discharge port to which the introduction pipe is connected, a branch port to which a branch pipe branched from the draw-out pipe is connected, and a connecting portion to which the air pump is connected.
[0053] The air flow restraining unit may include a blocking bar provided in the filter to prevent air from flowing into the branch port.
[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry handling apparatus may further include a circulation flow path through which the washing water of the tub is discharged from the tub and circulates into the tub;
[0057] a controller to control the circulation pump to supply the washing water to a downstream region of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path so as to prevent an air leakage through the circulation flow path.
[0058] The controller may drive the air pump and the circulation pump when heating is performed by the electric heater.
[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may drive the circulation pump before turning on the air pump.
[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may alternately repeat the turn-on and the turn-off of the circulation pump according to a preset driving pattern.
[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry handling apparatus may further include a water supply channel to supply the washing water to the tub therethrough, and a water supply valve to open and close the water supply flow path.
[0062] The controller may check the water level of the washing water brought into contact with the electric heater after the air pump is driven.
[0063] The controller may control the water supply valve so that the washing water is supplied into the tub when the checked water level of the washing water is a preset water level or lower.
[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may repeat a process of opening the water supply valve for a preset first time and waiting for a second time longer than the first time until reaching a preset water level.
[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry handling apparatus may further include a circulation flow path through which the washing water of the tub is discharged from the tub and circulates into the tub;
[0067] a controller to control the air pump to supply air to the circulation flow path when heating is performed by the electric heater, and control the circulation pump to supply the washing water to a downstream side of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path so as to prevent an air leakage through the circulation flow path.
[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may control the air pump and the circulation pump to be turned off when heating of the electric heater is completed.
[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may drive the circulation pump before turning on the air pump.
[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may repetitively perform a process of turning off the circulation pump before the washing water is introduced into a downstream side of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path and discharged to an outlet of the circulation flow path, and turning on the circulation pump before the washing water in the downstream side of the circulation pump is all discharged through a discharge side of the circulation pump.
[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the circulation flow path may include a draw-out pipe having one end connected to the tub, and a filter unit coupled to another end of the draw-out pipe.
[0072] The filter unit may include a filter casing forming an accommodation space therein, and a filter having one side detachably inserted into the filter casing.
[0073] The filter casing may include a discharge port communicating with the discharge side of the circulation pump and connected to another end of an introduction pipe with one end connected to the tub, and a branch port connected to a branch pipe branched from the introduction pipe.
[0074] The controller may control the circulation pump to block the branch port by the washing water.
[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller may repetitively perform a process of turning off the circulation pump before the washing water is introduced into the introduction pipe and discharged to an outlet of the introduction pipe, and turning on the circulation pump before the washing water in the introduction pipe is all discharged into the filter casing through the branch port.
[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry handling apparatus may further include a drum rotatably installed in the tub.
[0077] The controller may control the air pump to be driven when dewatering the laundry in the drum.
[0078] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a laundry handling apparatus, including a cabinet, a tub disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate washing water, an electric heater to raise a temperature of the washing water of the tub, a circulation flow path through which the washing water in the tub is discharged from the tub and circulates back into the tub, a circulation pump provided in the circulation flow path, and an air pump to supply air to the circulation flow path, may include supplying the washing water into the tub, introducing the washing water into the circulation flow path, supplying air to a downstream side of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path, and heating the washing water.
[0079] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a laundry handling apparatus, including a cabinet, a tub disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate washing water, an electric heater to raise a temperature of the washing water of the tub, a circulation flow path through which the washing water in the tub is discharged from the tub and circulates back into the tub, a circulation pump provided in the circulation flow path, and an air pump to supply air to the circulation flow path, may include supplying the washing water into the tub, supplying air into the circulation flow path, introducing the washing water into a downstream side of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path, and heating the washing water.
[0080] According to still another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a laundry handling apparatus, including a cabinet, a tub disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate washing water, an electric heater to raise a temperature of the washing water of the tub, a circulation flow path through which the washing water in the tub is discharged from the tub and circulates back into the tub, a circulation pump provided in the circulation flow path, and an air pump to supply air to the circulation flow path, may include supplying the washing water into the tub, supplying air into the circulation flow path, introducing the washing water into a downstream side of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path, and heating the washing water.
[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the introducing the washing water into the circulation flow path may include turning on the circulation pump, turning off the circulation pump, and repeating the turn-on and the turn-off.
[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include before the heating of the washing water, sensing a water level of the washing water, and re-supplying the washing water into the tub when the water level of the washing water is lower than a preset water level.
[0083] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry handling apparatus may further include a water supply channel to supply the washing water to the tub therethrough, and a water supply valve to open and close the water supply flow path.
[0085] opening the water supply valve for a preset first time after the supplying of the air into the circulation flow path, waiting for a second time longer than the first time after the closing of the water supply valve, and repetitively performing the opening of the water supply valve and the waiting.
[0086] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include stopping the supply of the air and the introduction of the washing water into the circulation flow path after the heating of the washing water.
[0087] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include before the supplying of the washing water into the tub, selecting one of a plurality of operation modes including a heating and washing mode for heating the washing water, and sensing an amount of laundry when the heating and washing mode is selected.
EFFECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0088] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, by providing an air pump for raising a water level of washing water around an electric heater when heating the washing water, the water level (heater protection water level) of the electric heater can be raised when heating is performed by the electric heater, thereby preventing overheating due to an exposure of the electric heater above a water surface.
[0089] As the water level of the washing water is raised, an amount of washing water can be reduced, thereby reducing power consumption during heating.
[0090] Since the amount of washing water can be reduced by virtue of the raised water level of the washing water, a concentration of detergent in the washing water can be relatively increased, thereby enhancing a washing effect.
[0091] In addition, a flow of air supplied into the washing water to raise the water level of the washing water can be restricted, thereby effectively raising the water level of the washing water.
[0093] Further, by providing a controller which controls the circulation pump and the air pump to be driven when the washing water is heated, the water level of the washing water around the electric heater can be raised and an air leakage can be suppressed, thereby stably maintaining the raised water level.
[0094] Also, since the air leakage is suppressed, the raised water level of the washing water can be stably maintained, and thus a capacity of the air pump can be reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0096]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry handling (or treating) apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an inside of the laundry handling apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the laundry handling apparatus of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a lateral view of the laundry handling apparatus of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a planar view illustrating an arrangement state of a circulation flow path and an air pump of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a filter unit area of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a removed state of a tub of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the air pump of FIG. 2.
FIG. 9 is a front view of the air pump of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a planar view of the air pump of FIG. 8.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are planar sectional views illustrating an operation of the air pump of FIG. 8.
FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a modification of the air pump of FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of the laundry handling apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of an electric heater installation area of a laundry handling apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to an electric heater installation area of FIG. 2.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a filter unit area of the laundry handling apparatus of FIG. 15, corresponding to a filter unit of FIG. 2.
FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of a draw-out pipe of FIG. 15.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a filter of FIG. 16.
FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a branch port area of FIG. 16.
FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a variation of the filter of FIG. 18.
FIG. 21 is a control block diagram of a laundry handling apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a draw-out pipe and an air movement restricting unit of a laundry handling apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a sectional view illustrating a main part of FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the air movement restricting unit of FIG. 23.
FIG. 25 is a control block diagram of a laundry handling apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a driving pattern of a circulation pump of the laundry handling apparatus of FIG. 25.
FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 26.
FIG. 28 is a view illustrating a driving time point of the circulation pump of FIG. 25.
FIG. 29 is a view illustrating another driving time point of the circulation pump of FIG. 25.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a laundry handling apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a laundry handling apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a laundry handling apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE DISCLOSURE
[0097] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0098] A singular representation may include a plural representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning from the context. In describing the present invention, if a detailed explanation for a related known technology or construction is considered to unnecessarily divert the gist of the present disclosure, such explanation has been omitted but would be understood by those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the attached drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical idea disclosed in this specification by the attached drawings.
[0099] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a laundry handling apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 110, a tub 140 installed in the cabinet 110 and receiving washing water therein, an electric heater 180 to raise a temperature of the washing water of the tub 140, and an air pump 290 to supply air under a water surface of the electric heater 180 to raise a water level of the washing water brought into contact with the electric heater 180.
[0101] The cabinet 110, for example, may include a base 112a, a front plate 112b and a rear plate 112c provided on front and rear surfaces of the base 112a, both side plates 112d provided on both side surfaces of the base 112a, and an upper plate (top cover) 112e provided on a top surface of the front plate 112b, the rear plate 112c and the both side plates 112d.
[0103] For example, the tub 140 may have a cylindrical shape having an opening at the front surface thereof.
[0104] The tub 140, for example, may be provided with an exhaust hole 149 through which internal air can be discharged to outside.
[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the exhaust hole 149 may protrude upward from a rear upper portion of the tub 140.
[0106] The tub 140, for example, may be supported by a plurality of dampers 142 and support brackets 144 with being spaced apart from the base 112a.
[0107] For example, the tub 140 may be supported in a manner that its front side is upwardly inclined.
[0110] The drum 160 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape having an opening at its front surface.
[0111] A plurality of through holes 162 may be formed through the drum 160 such that inside and outside of the drum 160 communicate with each other.
[0112] As a result, the washing water of the tub 140 can be introduced into the drum 160 to be brought into contact with the laundry in the drum 160.
[0113] A door 115 may be provided on the front surface of the cabinet 110 to allow the laundry to be taken in and out of the cabinet 110.
[0114] A cover 120 may be provided on a lower portion of one side of the door 115 so as to communicate inside and outside of the door 115 with each other.
[0116] A detergent supply device 125 may be installed at one side (e.g., a left side) of an upper portion of the door 115 in a manner that a portion thereof is drawn out of the door 115.
[0117] A control panel 130 for inputting a control signal may be provided on one side (e.g., a right side) of the upper portion of the door 115.
[0118] A water supply valve 135 may be provided in an upper rear area of the cabinet 110 to supply water into the tub 140.
[0119] The detergent supply device 125 for supplying detergent into the tub 140 may be provided in an upper region of the cabinet 110.
[0120] Meanwhile, an electric heater 180 for heating washing water may be installed at a lower portion of the tub 140, for example.
[0121] A heater accommodating portion 145 in which the electric heater 180 is accommodated may be formed at the lower portion of the tub 140.
[0122] The heater accommodating portion 145, for example, may downwardly protrude from the lower portion of the tub 140.
[0123] The heater accommodating portion 145, as illustrated in FIG. 4, may be spaced rearward apart from the front surface of the tub 140 at a preset distance.
[0124] The electric heater 180 may include a protection pipe 182 and a heating element 184 provided inside the protection pipe 182 as shown in FIG. 7, for example.
[0125] The heating element 184 may be configured as an electric resistance element (nichrome wire) which generates heat by electric resistance when power is applied, for example.
[0126] The protection pipe 182, for example, may include linear sections 183a disposed in parallel, and curved connecting sections 183b connecting the linear sections 183a.
[0128] Power terminals 185 may be provided at ends of the protection pipe 182 to supply power to the heating element 184 inside the protection pipe.
[0129] Meanwhile, a circulation flow path 210 may be provided on the bottom of the tub 140 to circulate washing water, such that the washing water in the tub 140 is discharged out of the tub 140 and then introduced back into the tub 140.
[0130] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, the circulation flow path 210 may include a draw-out pipe 211 having one end communicating with the tub 140, a filter unit 220 coupled to another end portion of the draw-out pipe 211, a circulation pump 270 connected to the filter unit 220, and an introduction pipe 245 having one end connected to a discharge side of the circulation pump 270 and another end connected to the tub 140.
[0131] The introduction pipe 245, for example, may be connected to communicate with the front of the tub 140.
[0132] More specifically, the introduction pipe 245, as illustrated in FIG. 3, may be connected to one side of an upper portion of a gasket 147 provided in front of the tub 140.
[0133] The draw-out pipe 211 may include an inlet end portion 213 connected to the tub 140, and an outlet end portion 215 connected to the filter unit 220.
[0134] The inlet end portion 213 of the draw-out pipe 211 may protrude upward and the outlet end portion 215 may horizontally extend toward one corner (e.g., a right corner as illustrated in FIG. 5) of the front of the base 112a.
[0135] The filter unit 220, for example, may include a filter casing 221 forming an accommodation space therein, and a filter 241 having one side detachably inserted into the filter casing 221.
[0136] The filter casing 221 may be disposed along a back and forth direction of the base 112a, for example.
[0137] A rear end portion of the filter casing 221 may be connected to communicate with the outlet end portion 215 of the draw-out pipe 211.
[0139] Another end of an air supply pipe 265 whose one end is connected to the air pump 290 may be connected to one side of the opening 223 of the filter casing 221.
[0141] The filter casing 221 may be provided with a connecting portion 261 to connect the air supply pipe 265.
[0142] The connecting portion 261 may be formed at a rear lower side of the opening 223 of the filter casing 221, for example.
[0143] Thus, the air supplied by the air pump 290 can be introduced into a lower portion of the opening side end of the filter casing 221, so that more movement paths of air can be formed in the washing water in the circulation flow path 210, thereby increasing an amount of air and relatively reducing an amount of washing water.
[0145] The filter 241 may include, for example, a filtering portion 243 inserted into the filter casing 221 to collect foreign substances in the washing water, and a handle 247 formed on one end portion of the filtering portion 243.
[0146] The handle 247 may be formed, for example, in a thin plate shape and protrude outward along a lengthwise direction of the filter 241.
[0147] The filtering portion 243 may be formed in a so-called mesh structure having a plurality of through holes 244 to allow a flow of washing water therethrough, for example.
[0148] A drain pump 280 may be provided at one side of the filter casing 221, for example, for discharging the washing water inside the filter casing 221 to the outside.
[0149] A drain port 283 communicating with a discharge side of the drain pump 280 may be formed on one side of an upper portion of the filter casing 221.
[0152] Thus, washing water used during a washing process may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 110.
[0153] On the other hand, an air pump 290 may be provided at one side in the cabinet 110 to supply air under a water surface of the electric heater 180 so as to raise a water level of the washing water around the electric heater 180.
[0154] This embodiment exemplarily illustrates that the air pump 290 is installed in the rear lower side of the tub 140, but the air pump 290 may alternatively be provided in an upper side of the tub 140.
[0156] The air pump 290, as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 11, and 12, may include a pump body 291 provided therein with a pressing space 293, a suction port 295 and a discharge port 297 through which air in the pressing space 293 is sucked and discharged, a pressing member 311 movable in the pump body 291, a suction valve 301 to open and close the suction port 295 by the movement of the pressing member 311, a discharge valve 303 to open and close the discharge port 297 by the movement of the pressing member 311, and a pressing member driving unit 320 to drive the pressing member 311.
[0157] The pressing member driving unit 320, for example, may include a coil 324 generating a magnetic force, and a permanent magnet 325 performing a relative motion with respect to the coil 324.
[0158] The air pump 290 may include, for example, a case 340 which forms an accommodation space therein.
[0159] The case 340, as illustrated in FIG. 9, may include an upper case 341 and a lower case 351 which are vertically coupled, for example.
[0160] A plurality of support members 361 may be provided on a bottom of the case 340 to support the case 340 to be spaced apart from a floor.
[0164] The upper case 341 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a relatively thick thickness and opened downward, for example.
[0165] The lower case 351 may be coupled to block the lower opening of the upper case 341, for example.
[0166] The lower case 351, for example, may be provided with an air flow path 352 through which air pumped by the air pump 290 is guided.
[0168] The outlet 353 may be connected to communicate with another end of the air supply pipe 265 whose one end is connected to the filter unit 220.
[0169] For example, an inlet 355 may be formed at another side of the lower case 351 so that air can be introduced into the case 340 therethrough.
[0171] A frame 371 for supporting the pump body 291 and the pressing member driving unit 320 may be provided in the case 340.
[0173] The frame 371 may include a bottom surface portion 372 and side surface portions 375 protruding upward from both sides of the bottom surface portion 372, for example.
[0180] The pair of pump bodies 291 may be coupled to both side surface portions 375 of the frame 371, respectively.
[0182] Each of the pump bodies 291 may include a first pump body 291a and a second pump body 291b, for example, which are in face-to-face contact with each other.
[0184] Each first pump body 291a may be provided with the suction port 295 and the discharge port 297 to communicate with the pressing space 293.
[0185] Each suction port 295 may be provided with the suction valve 301 for opening and closing the suction port 295.
[0186] Each discharge port 297 may be provided with the discharge valve 303 for opening and closing the discharge port 297.
[0188] Each of the suction valve 301 and the discharge valve 303 may be coupled in a manner that a central area thereof is slidable with respect to the first pump body 291a.
[0191] An air suction flow path 296 and an air discharge flow path 307 which communicate with the pressing space 293 may be provided at the outside of the first pump body 291a.
[0192] Sealing members 294 which form the air suction flow path 296 and the air discharge flow path 307 together with each first pump body 291a may be provided on the outer surface of each first pump body 291a.
[0193] A discharge pipe 292 through which discharged air flows may be provided in the air discharge flow path 307 of each first pump body 291a.
[0194] Each of the discharge pipes 292 may be connected to communicate with the air flow path 352 of the lower case 351.
[0195] The second pump body 291 b may be coupled to an outer surface of each of the side surface portions 375 of the frame 371.
[0197] A pressing member 311 called a diaphragm (hereinafter, referred to as a 'pressing member 311') may be disposed between the first pump body 291a and the second pump body 291b.
[0199] An outer portion (a rim portion) of the pressing member 311 in a circumferential direction may be inserted and fixed in the first pump body 291a and the second pump body 291b.
[0200] Accordingly, the pressing member 311 can change a volume of the pressing space 293 while its central area is relatively moved with respect to the pump body 291, thereby sucking, pressing and discharging internal air.
[0202] The operation rod 331 may have a length corresponding to a distance between the pressing members 311 as illustrated in FIG. 10, for example.
[0204] The operation rod 331 may be provided with a permanent magnet coupling portion 333 to which the permanent magnet 325 is coupled, for example.
[0205] The coil 324 generating the magnetic force may be provided at one side of the permanent magnet 325, for example.
[0206] The coil 324 may be wound around a core 322, which is a magnetic body, by a preset length and a preset number of turns.
[0207] The core 322 and the coil 324 may be spaced apart from a bottom surface of the frame 371, for example.
[0209] Also, vibration generated when the coil 324 is driven (power is applied) can be suppressed from being transmitted to the frame 371.
[0212] More specifically, for example, when any one of the permanent magnets 325 is disposed with an N pole at the side of the coil 324, the other one of the permanent magnets 325 may be disposed with an S pole at the side of the coil 324.
[0213] The coil 324 may form a plurality of magnetic pole portions 323 corresponding to the permanent magnets 325.
[0214] As a result, the permanent magnet 325 can move relative to the coil 324 as the magnetic force generated by the coil 324 and the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 325 are attracted and repulsed to each other.
[0215] As illustrated in FIG. 13, for example, the pressing member driving unit 320 may include a pair of coils 324 and cores 322 disposed at each of both sides of the operation rod 331.
[0216] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 14, for example, the laundry handling apparatus according to this embodiment may include a controller 510 implemented as a microprocessor having a control program.
[0217] The controller 510, for example, may be connected with a mode selecting unit 520 for selecting one of a plurality of operation modes. The controller 510 and the mode selecting unit 520 may perform communication with each other.
[0218] The plurality of operation modes may include, for example, a heating and washing mode for performing washing by heating the washing water in the tub 140.
[0220] The controller 510 may include a data storage portion 517 for storing temperature, time, and the like according to a selected operation mode.
[0221] The controller 510 may be connected with the electric heater 180 and the air pump 290 to control a temperature of washing water and a water level of washing water around the electric heater 180 when the heating and washing mode is selected, for example.
[0222] The controller 510 may include a temperature sensing portion 525 to sense the temperature of the washing water.
[0223] The controller 510 may control the air pump 290 to inject or spray air into the tub 140 while the laundry in the drum 160 is dewatered, for example.
[0224] With the above configuration, when the heating and washing mode or course is selected by the mode selecting unit 520, the controller 510 may control power to be applied to the electric heater 180 such that the electric heater 180 heats the washing water in the tub 140.
[0225] The controller 510 may drive the air pump 290 so that the water level of the washing water around the electric heater 180 can be raised during the operation of the electric heater 180.
[0226] When power is applied to the coils 324 of the air pump 290, magnetic poles may be formed on the magnetic pole portions 323 by the coils 324.
[0227] The permanent magnets 325 may be relatively moved by interaction (attraction and repulsion) between the magnetic force generated by the magnetic pole portions 323 of the core 322 and the magnetic force of the permanent magnets 325.
[0228] When the permanent magnets 325 are moved to the left, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the operation rod 331 may be moved to the left.
[0229] The pressing member 311 on the left side in the drawing may then be moved into the corresponding pressing space 293 to discharge air in the pressing space 293 and the pressing member 311 on the right side in the drawing may be moved to the outside of the corresponding pressing space 293 to suck air into the pressing space 293.
[0230] When power is alternately applied to the coils 324, the magnetic pole of each magnetic pole portion 323 may be alternately changed.
[0232] That is, when the magnetic pole is changed due to the change in power, the operation rod 331 may be moved in the right direction of the drawing as illustrated in FIG. 12. As a result, the right pressing member 311 in the drawing may be moved into the corresponding pressing space 293 to discharge air in a pressing manner, and the left pressing member 311 in the drawing may be moved to the outside of the corresponding pressing space 293 to suck air into the pressing space 293.
[0233] The air discharged from each pressing space 293 may flow toward the lower case 351 through the discharge pipe 292 and then flows to the outlet 353 along the air flow path 352 of the lower case 351.
[0234] That is, when the operation rod 331 is moved, compressed air can be discharged from one of the pressing spaces 293, and thus air can be continuously discharged through the outlet 353.
[0235] The air discharged through the outlet 353 may move to the filter unit 220 along the air supply pipe 265.
[0236] Air introduced into the filter unit 220 (the filter casing 221) may move along the draw-out pipe 211 to be introduced into the tub 140.
[0237] Accordingly, the water level of the washing water inside the heater accommodating portion 145 can be raised.
[0238] The air introduced into the tub 140 may be introduced under the electric heater 180 and then move upward so as to be discharged onto the water surface of the washing water.
[0239] That is, since the air exists in the filter casing 221 and the draw-out pipe 211, the water level of the washing water in the heater accommodating portion 145 can be raised as much.
[0240] According to this, when the washing water is heated by the electric heater 180, the water level of the washing water may be relatively raised, which may result in reducing the frequency that the electric heater 180 is exposed to the outside of the washing water.
[0242] Thus, the failure or damage of the electric heater 180 can be reduced, thereby extending the lifespan of the electric heater 180.
[0243] With such a configuration, a relatively small amount of washing water can be supplied into the heater accommodating portion 145.
[0244] Since the relatively small amount of washing water is supplied and stored in the heater accommodating portion 145, a heating time of the electric heater 180 can be shortened as much.
[0245] This may result in reduction of power consumption when heating the washing water by the electric heater 180.
[0246] Also, since the relatively small amount of washing water is supplied into the heater accommodating portion 145, a concentration of detergent in the washing water can be relatively high, thereby improving a washing performance of the laundry.
[0247] The controller 510 may stop the operation of the electric heater 180 when a temperature sensed by the temperature sensing portion 525 reaches a preset temperature.
[0248] When the operation of the electric heater 180 is stopped, the controller 510 controls the air pump 290 to be turned off.
[0249] Meanwhile, when a washing stroke and a rinsing stroke of the laundry in the drum 160 are completed and a dewatering stroke is started, the controller 410 may control the air pump 290 to inject external air of the tub 140 into the tub 140.
[0250] When the air pump 290 is driven, air moved along the air supply pipe 265 may be introduced into the filter casing 221 and then flow into the tub 140 along the draw-out pipe 211.
[0251] The air introduced into the tub 140 may be in contact with the laundry in the drum 160 to absorb moisture of the laundry, and the humid air may be discharged to the outside of the tub 140 through the exhaust hole 149.
[0253] This embodiment illustrates the laundry handling apparatus in which the opening of the tub 140 is disposed to face the front of the cabinet 110, but this is merely illustrative. The present invention may, of course, be applied to a laundry handling apparatus in which the opening of the tub 140 is disposed to face the top (the upper plate 112c) of the cabinet 110.
[0254] Although this embodiment illustrates the example in which the electric heater 180 is provided in the tub 140, the present invention may alternatively be configured such that an air pump supplies air under an electric heater in a laundry handling apparatus in which the electric heater is installed in a separate storage space outside the tub 140 so as to supply heated washing water into the tub 140.
[0255] Also, this embodiment illustrates the example in which the circulation flow path is provided to discharge the washing water in the tub 140 to the outside of the tub 140 and circulate the washing water back into the tub 140 and the air pump 290 is connected to the circulation flow path 210. However, the air pump 290 may be connected directly to the tub 140 to supply air under the electric heater 180 when the electric heater 180 is provided in the tub 140 and the circulation flow path 210 is not formed.
[0256] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19.
[0257] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 15, 16, and 17, a laundry handling apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 110, a tub 140 installed in the cabinet 110 to receive washing water therein, a circulation flow path 210 through which the washing water is discharged out of the tub 140 and circulate back into the tub 140, and an air pump 290 to supply air into the circulation flow path 210. An air movement restricting unit 590 (see FIG. 17) for restricting the movement of air may be provided in the circulation flow path 210.
[0258] The tub 140 may be buffered and supported by a plurality of dampers 142 and support brackets 144.
[0261] A circulation flow path 210 may be provided on the lower portion of the tub 140 to circulate washing water, such that the washing water in the tub 140 is discharged out of the tub 140 and then introduced back into the tub 140.
[0262] The circulation flow path 210, as aforementioned, may be provided with a draw-out pipe 211, a filter unit 220, a circulation pump 270, and an introduction pipe 245.
[0263] An air pump 290 may be provided at one side in the cabinet 110 to supply air under a water surface of the electric heater 180 to raise a water level of the washing water around the electric heater 180.
[0264] Meanwhile, as illustrating in FIG. 15, the heater accommodating portion 145 may be provided in a lower region of the tub 140 to accommodate the electric heater 180.
[0265] The draw-out pipe 211 may be connected to communicate with the bottom of the heater accommodating portion 145.
[0266] The draw-out pipe 211, as illustrated in FIG. 7, may include the inlet end portion 213 connected to the tub 140, and the outlet end portion 215 connected to the filter unit 220.
[0267] The inlet end portion 213 of the draw-out pipe 211 may protrude upward and the outlet end portion 215 may extend toward one corner (e.g., a right corner) of the front of the base 112a.
[0268] The filter unit 220, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, may include the filter casing 221 forming an accommodation space therein, and a filter 241 having one side detachably inserted into the filter casing 221.
[0269] The filter casing 221 may be disposed along a back and forth direction of the base 112a, for example.
[0270] The rear end portion of the filter casing 221 may be connected to communicate with the outlet end portion 215 of the draw-out pipe 211.
[0272] Another end of the air supply pipe 265 whose one end is connected to the air pump 290 may be connected to one side of the opening 223 of the filter casing 221.
[0274] The filter casing 221 may be provided with a connecting portion 261 to connect the air supply pipe 265.
[0275] The connecting portion 261 may be formed at a rear lower side of the opening of the filter casing 221, for example.
[0277] The filter casing 221 may be provided with a discharge port 242 communicating with the discharge side of the circulation pump 270 and connected to the introduction pipe 245.
[0278] A branch port 251 to which a branch pipe 255 branched from the introduction pipe 245 is connected may be provided at one side of the discharge port 242.
[0279] The filter 241 may include a filtering portion 243 inserted into the filter casing 221 to collect foreign substances in the washing water, and a handle 247 formed on one end portion of the filtering portion 243.
[0280] The filtering portion 243 may be formed in a so-called mesh structure having a plurality of through holes 243c to allow a flow of washing water therethrough, for example.
[0281] The filtering portion 243 may include a bottom plate 244a and side plates 244b extending upward from both sides of the bottom plate 244a so as to have a substantially "U" shape.
[0282] On the other hand, an air movement restricting unit 590 for restricting the movement of air may be provided in the circulation flow path 210.
[0283] The air movement restricting unit 590 may be provided inside the draw-out pipe 211, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0284] The air movement restricting unit 590 may include a blocking portion 591 protruding downward from an inner ceiling of the draw-out pipe 211, for example.
[0285] The blocking portion 591 may be formed integrally with the draw-out pipe 211 when manufacturing the draw-out pipe 211.
[0286] The blocking portion 591, for example, may be formed separately from the draw-out pipe 211 and attached to the inside of the draw-out pipe 211.
[0287] The blocking portion 591 may be provided in plurality spaced apart from one another to form temporary air storage spaces 593 therebetween, for example.
[0288] The blocking portion 591 may be formed in a shape of a plate having a preset area, for example.
[0289] The blocking portion 591, for example, may be configured such that its lower end faces a downstream side along a flowing direction of the washing water discharged from the tub 140.
[0290] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the air movement restricting unit 590 may be provided with a blocking bar 595 provided in the filter 241 to prevent air from being discharged to the outside of the filter casing 221 through the branch port 251.
[0291] The blocking bar 595 may be disposed with being spaced apart from an inner end of the branch port 251 by a preset distance, for example.
[0292] More specifically, the blocking bar 595 may be spaced apart from the inner end of the branch port 251 by about 1 mm.
[0293] This may result in preventing the air movement and facilitating a smooth introduction of washing water.
[0296] For example, the blocking bar 595 may have an arcuate or curved section whose center protrudes upward.
[0297] A blocking bar support portion 597 for supporting the blocking bar 595 may be formed on an inserting-side end portion of the filter 241.
[0298] The blocking bar support portion 597 may be formed in a manner of extending upward into the arcuate shape from end portions of the both side plates, respectively, to be connected to each other.
[0299] On the other hand, the air movement restricting unit 590, as illustrated in FIG. 20, may be provided with a blocking rib 611 protruding downward from an upper region of the filter 241.
[0301] This embodiment illustrates that the blocking rib 611 is formed in an arcuate shape, but it is merely illustrative. The blocking rib 611 may alternatively be formed in another plane figure shape.
[0302] The blocking rib 611 may be provided in plurality spaced apart from one another along the lengthwise direction of the filter 241.
[0304] With such a configuration, since more air can be temporarily stored in the storage spaces between the blocking ribs 611, an amount of air can increase and an amount of washing water can decrease in the filter casing 221, thereby effectively raising the water level of the washing water inside the heater accommodating portion 145.
[0306] The blocking ribs 611, for example, may be inclined downward toward the handle 247 of the filter 241.
[0307] Accordingly, the blocking ribs 611 can prevent air, which is introduced through the connecting portion 261 formed at the rear of the opening of the filter casing 221, from moving toward the draw-out pipe 211.
[0308] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 21, for example, the laundry handling apparatus according to this embodiment may include a controller 510 implemented as a microprocessor having a control program.
[0309] The controller 510, for example, may be connected with a mode selecting unit 520 for selecting one of a plurality of operation modes. The controller 510 and the mode selecting unit 520 may perform communication with each other.
[0310] The plurality of operation modes may include, for example, a heating and washing mode for performing washing by heating the washing water in the tub 140.
[0311] The controller 510 may control the air pump 290 to inject air into the circulation flow path 210 when the heating and washing mode is selected.
[0312] The controller 510 may perform communicate with a temperature sensing portion 525 that is connected thereto to sense a temperature of washing water heated by the electric heater 180.
[0313] The electric heater 180 and the air pump 290 may be controllably connected to the controller 510.
[0314] With this configuration, when the heating and washing mode is selected by the mode selection unit 520, the controller 510 controls the air pump 290 to inject air into the circulation flow path 210 after the electric heater 180 is driven.
[0315] When power is applied to the air pump 290, the operation rod 331 may reciprocate by the interaction between the coils 324 and the permanent magnets 325.
[0316] As the operation rod 331 is moved, the pressing members 311 provided on both ends of the operation rod 331 may press the air of the corresponding pressing spaces 293 to be discharged.
[0317] The air discharged from each pressing space 293 may move along the air supply flow path to be introduced into the filter casing 221.
[0318] The air introduced into the filter casing 221 may move into the heater accommodating portion 145 through the draw-out pipe 211.
[0319] Some of the air introduced into the filter casing 221 may move to an upper region in the filter casing 221 and the draw-out pipe 211 due to a difference in specific gravity from the washing water.
[0320] The air inside the filter casing 221 cannot be discharged to the outside through the branch port 251 due to the blocking bar 595 provided on the lower side of the branch port 251.
[0321] Also, more air can be present in the filter casing 221 due to the blocking ribs 611 provided on the blocking bar 595 so that the amount of washing water inside the filter casing 221 can be reduced.
[0322] Meanwhile, the air inside the draw-out pipe 211 cannot be moved due to the blocking portions 591, thereby increasing the amount of air inside the draw-out pipe 211. This may result in reducing the amount of washing water inside the draw-out pipe 211.
[0323] As a result, as the amount of air increases in the filter casing 221 and the draw-out pipe 211, the amount of the washing water can be reduced while the water level of the washing water in the heater accommodating portion 145 can be raised.
[0324] The controller 510 may sense the temperature of the washing water heated by the electric heater 180 through the temperature sensing portion 525. When the temperature reaches a preset temperature, the controller 510 may control the electric heater 180 and the air pump 290 to be turned off.
[0325] Hereinafter, a laundry handling apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 22 to 24.
[0326] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 22, a laundry handling apparatus according to this embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 110, a tub 140 installed in the cabinet 110 to receive washing water therein, a circulation flow path 210 through which the washing water is discharged out of the tub 140 and circulates back into the tub 140, and an air pump 290 to supply air into the circulation flow path 210. An air movement restricting unit 590 (see FIG. 22) having an air movement restricting part 620 which is detachably provided in the draw-out pipe 211 to restrict the movement of air may be provided in the circulation flow path 210.
[0327] As illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, the air flow restraining part 620 may include blocking portions 622 disposed inside the draw-out pipe 211 in a spaced manner, a connecting portion 624 connecting the blocking portions 622, and a support portion 626 supporting the connecting portion 624 to be spaced apart from the floor.
[0328] This embodiment illustrates that the blocking portions 622 are provided by four in number, but this is merely illustrative. The size and number of the blocking portion may be appropriately adjusted.
[0329] Each of the blocking portions 622 may include a sidewall 623 extending to be in contact with an inner diameter surface of the draw-out pipe 211, for example.
[0330] Although each of the blocking portions 622 is provided with the sidewall 623 in this embodiment, some of the blocking portions 622 may be provided with the sidewalls 623 but others may not be provided with the sidewall.
[0331] Accordingly, the relative movement of the air movement restricting part 620 with respect to the draw-out pipe 211 can be prevented and thus the air movement restricting part 620 can be stably supported.
[0332] The connecting portion 624 may be formed in an arcuate shape to correspond to a shape of the inner diameter surface of the draw-out pipe 211, for example.
[0333] The support portion 626 may have a circular ring shape so as to be in contact with the inner diameter surface of the draw-out pipe 211, for example.
[0334] The support portion 626 may be provided with supporting protrusions 627 protruding to one side thereof, for example.
[0335] Accordingly, a contact area between the support portion 626 and the inner diameter surface of the draw-out pipe 211 can increase, thereby increasing a supporting force for the air movement restricting part 620.
[0336] On the other hand, the draw-out pipe 211 may include a first draw-out pipe 212a and a second draw-out pipe 212b which are detachably coupled to each other.
[0337] The first draw-out pipe 212a may be provided with an inlet end portion 213 connected to the tub 140.
[0338] The inlet end portion 213 may be provided with a flange 217 extending to be in contact with the tub 140.
[0339] For example, the second draw-out pipe 212b may be provided with an outlet end portion 215 connected to the filter unit 220.
[0340] Contact portions 218 and 219 that are in contact with each other may be formed at a coupling region between the first draw-out pipe 212a and the second draw-out pipe 212b.
[0341] An extending portion 218a having an extended inner diameter to accommodate the support portion 626 of the air movement restricting part 620 therein may be provided on a boundary region between the first draw-out pipe 212a and the second draw-out pipe 212b.
[0342] Here, the extending portion 218a may be formed on any one of the first draw-out pipe 212a and the second draw-out pipe 212b, or partially formed on the first draw-out pipe 212a and the second draw-out pipe 212b, respectively.
[0343] With this configuration, when the heating and washing mode is selected by the mode selection unit 520, the controller 510 may operate the electric heater 180 and control the air pump 290 to inject air into the circulation flow path 210.
[0344] When the air pump 290 is driven, air can be supplied into the filter casing 221 through the air supply pipe 265.
[0345] The blocking portions 622 provided in the filter 241 can prevent the air inside the filter casing 221 from leaking to the outside through the branch port 251.
[0347] The air moved to the inside of the draw-out pipe 211 may then move to the upper region by a difference in specific gravity from the washing water.
[0348] The air movement restricting part 620 may restrict the movement of the air moved to the heater accommodating portion 145 along the upper region in the draw-out pipe 211.
[0349] Some of the air moved to the upper region in the draw-out pipe 211 may move into the spaces between the blocking portions 622 and thus cannot move any more.
[0350] Accordingly, a predetermined amount of air can be present between the blocking portions 622 of the air movement restricting part 620.
[0351] As a result, the amount of air inside the draw-out pipe 211 can increase, and the water level of the washing water in the heater accommodating portion 145 can increase accordingly.
[0352] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 32.
[0353] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 25, a laundry handling apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 110, a tub 140 installed in the cabinet 110 to receive washing water therein, a circulation flow path 210 through which the washing water in the tub 140 is discharged out of the tub 140 and circulates back into the tub 140, a circulation pump 270 provided in the circulation flow path 210, an air pump 290 to supply air to the circulation flow path 210, an air pump 290 to supply air into the circulation flow path 210, and a controller 510 (see FIG. 25) to control the circulation pump 270 to supply the washing water to a downstream side of the circulation pump 270 in the circulation flow path 210 during the operation of the air pump 290, so as to prevent an air leakage through the circulation flow path 210.
[0356] The tub 140, for example, may be supported by a plurality of dampers 142 and support brackets 144 with being spaced apart from the base 112a.
[0357] A detergent supply device 125 for supplying detergent into the tub 140 may be provided in an upper region of the cabinet 110.
[0358] A water supply valve 135 may be provided in an upper rear area of the cabinet 110 to supply water into the tub 140.
[0361] An electric heater 180 for heating washing water may be installed in a lower portion of the tub 140, for example.
[0362] A circulation flow path 210 may be provided on the bottom of the tub 140 to circulate washing water, such that the washing water in the tub 140 is discharged out of the tub 140 and then introduced back into the tub 140.
[0363] The circulation flow path 210 may include a draw-out pipe 211 having one end communicating with the tub 140, a filter unit 220 coupled to another end portion of the draw-out pipe 211, a circulation pump 270 connected to the filter unit 220, and an introduction pipe 245 having one end connected to a discharge side of the circulation pump 270 and another end connected to the tub 140.
[0364] An air pump 290 may be provided at one side in the cabinet 110 to supply air under a water surface of the electric heater 180 to raise a water level of the washing water around the electric heater 180.
[0365] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 25, for example, the laundry handling apparatus according to this embodiment may include a controller 510 implemented as a microprocessor having a control program.
[0366] The controller 510, for example, may be connected with a mode selecting unit 520 for selecting one of a plurality of operation modes. The controller 510 and the mode selecting portion 520 may perform communication with each other.
[0367] The plurality of operation modes may include, for example, a heating and washing mode for performing washing by heating the washing water in the tub 140 to increase a temperature of the washing water.
[0368] The controller 510 may control the circulation pump 270 and the air pump 290 to be turned on, respectively, when the heating and washing mode is selected.
[0369] The controller 510, as illustrated in FIG. 26, may repetitively control the circulation pump 270 to alternately be turned on and off (driven and stopped) in a preset driving pattern.
[0370] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 27, a power-on (turn-on) time t1 of the circulation pump 270 may be set to 60% to 66% of a total operation time t of the circulation pump 270, and a power-off (turn-off) time t2 of the circulation pump 270 may be set to 34% to 40% of the total operation time t of the circulation pump 270.
[0371] This embodiment illustrates that the power-on time of the circulation pump 270 is set to 63% and the power-off time of the circulation pump 270 is set to 37%, but this is merely illustrative. The power-on/off time of the circulation pump 270 may be appropriately adjusted by considering the structure of the circulation flow path 210 and/or the structure of the air supply flow path, the capacity of the circulation pump 270, the capacity of the air pump 290 and the like.
[0372] More specifically, in this embodiment, when the total operation time t of the circulation pump 270 is 1 second, for example, the power-on time (driving time) t1 of the circulation pump 270 may be 0.63 seconds and the power-off time t2 of the circulation pump 270 may be 0.37 seconds.
[0373] When the electric heater 180 is turned on, the controller 510 may repetitively control the circulation pump 270 to be turned off before the washing water is introduced into the downstream side of the circulation pump 270 in the circulation flow path 210 and discharged to an outlet of the circulation flow path 210, and to be turned on before the washing water in the downstream side of the circulation pump 270 is all discharged into the filter unit 220 (the filter casing 221) through the discharge side of the circulation pump 270.
[0374] More specifically, the controller 510 may control the circulation pump 270 to be turned off before the washing water is introduced into the introduction pipe 245 and discharged to an outlet of the introduction pipe 245, and to be turned on before the washing water in the introduction pipe 245 is all discharged into the filter casing 221 through the branch port 251 connected to the branch pipe 255.
[0375] The controller 510 may control the air pump 290 and the circulation pump 290 to be turned on before the electric heater 180 is driven.
[0376] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the controller 510 may control the circulation pump 270 to be turned on before the air pump 290 is driven.
[0377] The circulation pump 270 may be controlled to be driven at a time point before a preset time T1 prior to turning on the air pump 290, for example.
[0378] The controller 510, as illustrated in FIG. 29, may control the circulation pump 270 to be driven immediately after the air pump 290 is driven.
[0379] More specifically, the circulation pump 270 may be controlled to be driven at a time point after a preset time (T2) since the air pump 290 is driven.
[0380] This is to turn on the circulation pump before a leakage of air injected into the filter casing 221 occurs by considering a time that air is introduced into the filter casing 221 after the air pump 290 is driven due to a long length of the air supply pipe 265.
[0381] Thus, the power-on time of the circulation pump 270 can be delayed, thereby reducing power consumption.
[0382] The controller 510 may sense the water level of the washing water which is in contact with the electric heater 180 when the heating and washing mode is selected. When the sensed water level of the washing water is lower than a preset water level, the controller 510 may control the washing water to be resupplied into the tub 140.
[0383] A water supply valve 135 for opening and closing a water supply flow path may be controllably connected to the controller 510.
[0384] When the washing water is resupplied into the tub 140 after the air pump 290 is turned on, the controller 510 may repetitively perform a process of opening the water supply valve 135 for a preset first time and waiting for a second time longer than the first time after closing the water supply valve 135.
[0385] More specifically, for example, the controller 510 may perform a process of opening the water supply valve 135 for 0.5 seconds and waiting for 5 seconds when the washing water is resupplied into the tub 140. The controller 510 may repeat the process until the washing water reaches a preset water level (e.g., a heater protection water level).
[0386] This may result in preventing an occurrence of erroneous detection due to slopping of the water surface of the washing water by the air injected by the air pump 290.
[0387] A temperature sensing portion 525 sensing a temperature of heated washing water may be connected to the controller 510 to perform communication with the controller 510.
[0388] A water level sensing portion 545 sensing the water level of the washing water which is in contact with the electric heater 180 may be connected to the controller 510 to perform communication with the controller 510.
[0389] A clothes amount sensing portion 550 sensing an amount of laundry in the drum 160 may be connected to the controller 510 to perform communication with the controller 510.
[0391] The controller 510 may be connected to the electric heater 180, the circulation pump 270, and the air pump 290 to control each of them.
[0392] Hereinafter, a method for controlling a laundry handling apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 to 32.
[0393] As illustrated in FIG. 30, in a method for controlling a laundry handling apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, when an operation mode is selected by the mode selecting unit 520 (S110), the controller 510 checks whether or not a heating and washing mode has been selected (S120).
[0394] When the heating and washing mode is not selected, the controller 510 may perform a corresponding mode selected by the mode selecting unit 520.
[0395] When the heating and washing mode is selected (S120), the controller 510 may sense an amount of laundry in the drum 160 by the clothes amount sensing portion 550 (S130).
[0396] The controller 510 may control the water supply valve 135 based on the sensed amount of laundry to supply a preset amount of washing water into the tub 140 (S140).
[0397] The controller 510 may sense a water level of the washing water inside the tub 140 by the water level sensing portion 545 (S150) and control the driving motor 165 to perform laundry balancing when reaching the preset water level (S160).
[0398] Upon the completion of the laundry balancing, the controller 510 may control the circulation pump 270 to be turned on and off in a preset pattern. (S170).
[0399] When the circulation pump 270 is turned on, the water in the filter casing 221 may flow into the introduction pipe 245 through the discharge port 242 and thus the water level may be raised.
[0400] When the controller 510 controls the circulation pump 270 to be turned off according to a preset driving pattern, the washing water in the introduction pipe 245 may be moved downward by gravity so as to be introduced into the filter casing 221 through the branch port 251.
[0401] When the controller 510 turns on the circulation pump 270 again according to the preset pattern, the circulation pump 270 may be restarted and thus the washing water may flow back into the introduction pipe 245.
[0402] As the controller 510 controls the circulation pump 270 to be alternately turned on and off according to the preset driving pattern, the washing water can always be present in the introduction pipe 245, thereby effectively preventing air inside the filter casing 221 from leaking to the outside through the introduction pipe 245.
[0403] When the circulation pump 270 is turned on, the controller 510 may control the air pump 290 to be turned on so that air can be injected into the circulation flow path 210 (S180).
[0404] When the air pump 290 is turned on, the controller 510 may sense the water level inside the tub 140 through the water level sensing portion 545 (S190).
[0405] When the water level sensed by the water level sensing portion 545 is lower than a preset water level (e.g., a heater protection water level) (S200), the controller 510 may control the water supply valve 135 such that the washing water can be resupplied into the tub 140 (S205).
[0406] During the resupply, the controller 510 may repetitively perform a process of opening the water supply valve 135 for the first time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) and waiting for the second time (e.g., 5 seconds) after closing the water supply valve 135.
[0407] When the sensed water level reaches the preset water level (S200), the controller 510 may control the electric heater 1809 to be turned on to heat the washing water (S210).
[0408] The controller 510 may sense a temperature of the washing water through the temperature sensing portion 525 (S220).
[0409] When the sensed temperature reaches a preset temperature, the controller 510 may control the air pump 290 and the circulation pump 270 to be turned off (S240).
[0410] When the air pump 290 and the circulation pump 270 are turned off, the controller 510 may perform a subsequent stroke.
[0411] On the other hand, a method for controlling a laundry handling apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 31, may include supplying washing water into the tub 140 (S140), supplying air into the circulation flow path 210 (S165), introducing the washing water into a downstream side of the circulation pump 270 in the circulation flow path 210 (S175), and heating the washing water (S210).
[0412] In this embodiment, the controller 510 may first turn on the circulation pump 270 to supply the air into the circulation flow path 210 before the electric heater 180 is turned on.
[0413] The controller 510 may control the circulation pump to be turned on such that the washing water can be introduced into the downstream side of the circulation pump 270 in the circulation flow path 210 after the circulation pump is turned on.
[0414] After the circulation pump 270 is driven, the controller 510 may control the circulation pump 270 to be alternately turned off and on according to a preset driving pattern.
[0415] A method for controlling a laundry handling apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 32, may include supplying washing water into the tub 140 (S140), supplying air to the circulation flow path 210 and introducing the washing water into a downstream side of the circulation pump 270 in the circulation flow path 210 (S185), and heating the washing water (S210).
[0416] In this embodiment, the controller 510 may simultaneously turn on the circulation pump 270 and the air pump 290 before the electric heater 180 is operated.
[0417] After the circulation pump 270 is driven, the controller 510 may control the circulation pump 270 to be alternately turned off and on according to a preset driving pattern.
[0418] The foregoing description has been given of specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, and thus the above-described embodiments should not be limited by the details of the detailed description.
[0419] In addition, even embodiments not listed in the detailed description should be interpreted within the scope of the technical idea defined in the appended claims. It is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
1. A laundry handling apparatus, comprising:
a cabinet;
a tub provided inside the cabinet to receive washing water;
an electric heater to raise a temperature of the washing water of the tub; and
an air pump to supply air under a water surface of the electric heater so as to raise a water level of the washing water brought into contact with the electric heater.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a circulation flow path through which
the washing water in the tub is discharged out of the tub and circulates back into
the tub,
wherein the air pump supplies air to the circulation flow path.
wherein the air pump supplies air to the circulation flow path.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the circulation flow path comprises:
a draw-out pipe having one end connected to the tub;
a filter unit connected to another end of the draw-out pipe;
a circulation pump having a suction side connected to the filter unit; and
an introduction pipe having one end portion connected to a discharge side of the circulation pump and another end connected to the tub, and
wherein the air pump is connected to the filter unit.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tub is provided with a heater accommodating
portion in which the electric heater is accommodated, and
wherein the draw-out pipe is connected to communicate with the heater accommodating portion.
wherein the draw-out pipe is connected to communicate with the heater accommodating portion.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the filter unit comprises:
a filter casing having one side connected to the draw-out pipe and another side with an opening; and
a filter having one side inserted into the filter casing through the opening of the filter casing, and
wherein a connecting portion to which the air pump is connected is provided on one side of the opening of the filter casing.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the air pump raises the water level of the washing
water in the heater accommodating portion when heating is performed by the electric
heater.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a check valve is provided between the air pump and
the filter unit to prevent a reverse flow of the washing water of the air pump.
8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air pump comprises:
a pump body provided therein with a pressing space, and a suction port and a discharge port through which air in the pressing space is sucked and discharged;
a pressing member movable inside the pump body;
a suction valve to open and close the suction port by the movement of the pressing member;
a discharge valve to open and close the discharge port by the movement of the pressing member; and
a pressing member driving unit to drive the pressing member.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pressing member driving unit comprises:
a permanent magnet interlocked with the pressing member; and
a coil to generate a magnetic force to move the permanent magnet.
10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:
a drum rotatably disposed in the tub; and
a controller to control the air pump to supply air into the tub during dewatering of the laundry inside the drum.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller controls the air pump to be driven
when a rotational speed of the drum is a preset speed or higher.
12. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein an air movement restricting unit
to restrict the flow of air is provided in the circulation flow path.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the circulation flow path comprises:
a draw-out pipe having one end connected to the tub;
a filter unit provided at another end of the draw-out pipe;
a circulation pump connected to the filter unit; and
an introduction pipe having one end connected to a discharge side of the circulation pump and another end connected to the tub,
wherein the air pump is connected to the filter unit, and
wherein the air movement restricting unit is provided inside the draw-out pipe.
14. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the air movement restricting unit is provided with
at least one blocking portion protruding downward from an inner ceiling of the draw-out
pipe.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the air movement restricting unit is detachably
provided in the draw-out pipe, and
wherein the air movement restricting unit comprises blocking portions disposed in the draw-out pipe in a spaced manner, a connecting portion connecting the blocking portions, and a support portion to support the connecting portion to be spaced apart from a floor.
wherein the air movement restricting unit comprises blocking portions disposed in the draw-out pipe in a spaced manner, a connecting portion connecting the blocking portions, and a support portion to support the connecting portion to be spaced apart from a floor.
16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the filter unit comprises:
a filter casing having an accommodation space therein, and having one side connected to the draw-out pipe; and
a filter having one side inserted into the filter casing,
wherein the filter casing comprises:a discharge port to which the introduction pipe is connected;
a branch port to which a branch pipe branched from the draw-out pipe is connected; and
a connecting portion to which the air pump is connected,
wherein the air movement restricting unit is provided with a blocking bar provided on the filter to prevent air from being discharged to the branch port.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the filter is provided with a bottom surface and
both side surfaces extending upward from both sides of the bottom surface,
wherein the bottom surface and the both side surfaces have a mesh structure through which the washing water passes, and
wherein the blocking bar is disposed above the both side surfaces in a spaced manner.
wherein the bottom surface and the both side surfaces have a mesh structure through which the washing water passes, and
wherein the blocking bar is disposed above the both side surfaces in a spaced manner.
18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the filter unit comprises:
a filter casing having an accommodation space therein, and having one side connected to the draw-out pipe; and
a filter having one side inserted into the filter casing,
wherein the air movement restricting unit is provided with blocking ribs protruding downward from an upper region of the filter.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the filter casing comprises:
a discharge port to which the introduction pipe is connected;
a branch port to which a branch pipe branched from the introduction pipe is connected; and
a connecting portion to which the air pump is connected,
wherein the air movement restricting unit is provided with a blocking bar provided on the filter to prevent air from being discharged to the branch port, and
wherein the blocking ribs are provided on the blocking bar.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a circulation flow path through which the washing water of the tub is discharged out of the tub and circulates back into the tub;
a circulation pump provided in the circulation flow path; and
a controller to control the circulation pump to supply the washing water to a downstream region of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path so as to prevent an air leakage through the circulation flow path.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the controller turns on the air pump and the circulation
pump when heating is performed by the electric heater,
wherein the controller turns on the circulation pump before the air pump is driven, and
wherein the controller alternately repeats turn-on and turn-off of the circulation pump according to a preset driving pattern.
wherein the controller turns on the circulation pump before the air pump is driven, and
wherein the controller alternately repeats turn-on and turn-off of the circulation pump according to a preset driving pattern.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a water supply flow path to supply the
washing water to the tub therethrough, and a water supply valve to open and close
the water supply flow path,
wherein the controller checks the water level of the washing water brought into contact with the electric heater after the air pump is driven, and
wherein the controller controls the water supply valve so that the washing water is supplied into the tub when the checked water level of the washing water is lower than a preset water level.
wherein the controller checks the water level of the washing water brought into contact with the electric heater after the air pump is driven, and
wherein the controller controls the water supply valve so that the washing water is supplied into the tub when the checked water level of the washing water is lower than a preset water level.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the controller repetitively performs a process
of opening the water supply valve for a preset first time and waiting for a second
time longer than the first time, until reaching the preset water level.
24. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a circulation flow path through which the washing water of the tub is discharged out of the tub and circulates back into the tub;
a circulation pump provided in the circulation flow path; and
a controller to control the air pump to supply air to the circulation flow path when heating is performed by the electric heater, and control the circulation pump to supply the washing water to a downstream side of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path so as to prevent an air leakage through the circulation flow path.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the controller controls the circulation pump to
be turned on before the air pump is turned off, and
wherein the controller repetitively performs a process of turning off the circulation pump before the washing water is introduced into the downstream side of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path and discharged to an outlet of the circulation flow path, and turning on the circulation pump before the washing water in the downstream side of the circulation pump is all discharged through a discharge side of the circulation pump.
wherein the controller repetitively performs a process of turning off the circulation pump before the washing water is introduced into the downstream side of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path and discharged to an outlet of the circulation flow path, and turning on the circulation pump before the washing water in the downstream side of the circulation pump is all discharged through a discharge side of the circulation pump.
26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the circulation flow path comprises:
a draw-out pipe having one end connected to the tub; and
a filter unit coupled to another end of the draw-out pipe,
wherein the filter unit comprises:a filter casing forming an accommodation space therein; and
a filter having one side detachably inserted into the filter casing,
wherein the filter casing comprises:a discharge port communicating with a discharge side of the circulation pump and connected with another end of an introduction pipe having one end connected to the tub; and
a branch port to which a branch pipe branched from the introduction pipe is connected, and
wherein the controller controls the circulation pump to block the branch port by the washing water.
27. A method for controlling a laundry handling apparatus, comprising a cabinet, a tub
disposed inside the cabinet to receive washing water therein, an electric heater to
raise a temperature of the washing water of the tub, a circulation flow path through
which the washing water of the tub is discharged out of the tub and circulates back
into the tub, a circulation pump provided in the circulation flow path, and an air
pump to supply air to the circulation flow path, the method comprising:
supplying the washing water into the tub;
introducing the washing water into the circulation flow path;
supplying air to a downstream side of the circulation pump in the circulation flow path; and
heating the washing water.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the introducing the washing water into the circulation
flow path comprises:
turning on the circulation pump;
turning off the circulation pump; and
repeating the turn-on and the turn-off.
29. The method of claim 27, further comprising, before the heating of the washing water:
sensing a water level of the washing water; and
re-supplying the washing water into the tub when the water level of the washing water is lower than a preset water level.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the apparatus further comprises a water supply flow
path to supply the washing water to the tub therethrough, and a water supply valve
to open and close the water supply flow path, and
wherein the re-supplying the washing water into the tub comprises:
wherein the re-supplying the washing water into the tub comprises:
opening the water supply valve for a preset first time after supplying air into the circulation flow path;
waiting for a second time longer than the first time after the water supply valve is closed; and
repeating the opening of the water supply valve and the waiting.
31. The method of claim 27, further comprising, before the supplying the washing water
into the tub:
selecting one of a plurality of operation modes including a heating and washing mode for heating the washing water; and
sensing an amount of laundry when the heating and washing mode is selected.