[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus, and more particularly,
to a laundry treating apparatus that performs a washing course of laundry as detergent
is injected.
[Background]
[0002] A laundry treating apparatus is an apparatus that may put clothes, bedding, and the
like (hereinafter, referred to as laundry) into a drum to perform a washing course
that removes contaminants from the laundry. In addition to the washing course, the
laundry treating apparatus may perform a rinse course, a dehydration course, a drying
course, and the like.
[0003] The laundry treating apparatus may include a cabinet forming an outer appearance
thereof, a tub disposed inside the cabinet, and the drum rotatably disposed inside
the tub and accommodating the laundry therein.
[0004] The laundry treating apparatuses may be categorized into a top loading type and a
front loading type based on a scheme of putting the laundry into the drum. The top
loading type may put the laundry via a top surface of the cabinet, and the front loading
type may put the laundry via a front surface of the cabinet.
[0005] The laundry treating apparatus may include a detergent supply device that injects
detergent into the tub or into the drum to perform the washing course and the like.
When the drum rotates in a state in which washing water and the detergent are supplied
into the tub, the contaminants may be removed from the laundry via friction between
the drum and the washing water.
[0006] The detergent supply device may have a detergent supply function to improve a washing
effect. In this regard, the detergent may include all substances that enhance the
washing effect, such as a washing agent that induces decomposition and removal of
the contaminants, a softener that improves flexibility of fabrics of the laundry,
and a bleach that reduces color contamination in the laundry. The detergent may include
both powder and liquid forms.
[0007] In one example, to supply the detergent to the tub, means to form a flow of the detergent
may be required. For example, a pump for the flow of detergent may be disposed in
a detergent flow path.
[0008] However, the forming of the flow of the detergent using the pump consumes energy
to operate the pump, consumes a space for placing the pump, and requires design requirements
for connecting the pump.
[0009] In one example, when the detergent is provided directly into the drum and comes into
direct contact with the laundry, the detergent in a concentrated form may have a negative
effect on the laundry and cause discoloration or deformation of the laundry, so that
a detergent outlet or the like to provide the detergent mixed with water into the
drum may be required.
[0010] In this regard, the detergent outlet refers to a component that receives the detergent
and water, mixes them to each other in an internal space, and provides mixed solution
of the detergent and water into the tub.
[0011] Inside the cabinet, the detergent outlet occupies a specific space and affects design
of a flow path of the detergent and water. Therefore, omitting the detergent outlet
may be advantageous in design of the laundry treating apparatus.
[0012] In addition, when the detergent remains in the flow path of the detergent, for example,
the detergent outlet described above, after use of the laundry treating apparatus,
functional/hygienic problems may be caused by sticking, adhesion, or the like of the
detergent.
[0013] Furthermore, when different types of detergents are used, a clogging phenomenon in
which a gel-type sticky substance is generated by a chemical reaction between the
detergents may occur when mixing the detergents to each other. Therefore, when using
the mixture of the different types of detergents, washing of the detergent becomes
more important.
[Summary]
[Technical Problem]
[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating apparatus
that may allow detergent to flow efficiently to be used in a washing course.
[0015] Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating
apparatus that is efficient by minimizing energy consumption for flow of detergent.
[0016] Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating
apparatus that is advantageous in terms of space utilization and design by minimizing
components required for supply of detergent.
[0017] Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating
apparatus that may effectively improve hygiene and manageability in use of detergent.
[0018] Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure are to provide a laundry treating
apparatus that may effectively wash and remove detergent from a flow path of the detergent.
[Technical Solutions]
[0019] An embodiment of the present disclosure may simultaneously inject detergent and a
softener using a venturi tube without a reserve tank. A detergent cartridge and a
softener cartridge may be installed in series with each other along a water supply
pipe or installed in parallel with each other at one point.
[0020] Because a detergent supply pipe and the water supply pipe are connected in series
with each other, the detergent and the softener may be supplied at a high speed. Internal
residual water may be removed by installing a check valve as a branch on a water supply
hose.
[0021] An embodiment of the present disclosure may remove residual water in the water supply
pipe using the check valve. As a main water supply valve opens, water supply to a
venturi pump begins. When the water supply stops, a negative pressure may be momentarily
created inside the water supply pipe because of inertia of a water flow. At this time,
the negative pressure created may be resolved as outside air is supplied from the
check, so that the residual water inside the water supply pipe may be discharged.
[0022] An embodiment of the present disclosure may constitute an efficient automatic detergent
supply device without the reserve tank by adjusting design characteristics of the
venturi pump. In addition, quick supply of the detergent and the softener becomes
available by directly connecting the detergent and softener cartridges to the venturi
pump.
[0023] In one example, a clogging phenomenon may be effectively prevented because the continuous
water supply occurs after the detergent and the softener are sucked out, and a contamination-causing
factor may be effectively removed by removing the residual water in the water supply
pipe via the check valve located upstream of the water supply pipe.
[0024] An embodiment of the present disclosure as such provides a laundry treating apparatus
including a cabinet, a tub disposed inside the cabinet and accommodating water therein,
a drum disposed inside the tub and accommodating laundry therein, a water supply pipe
disposed in the cabinet, wherein water supplied from an external water source flows
through the water supply pipe, and a detergent pipe disposed in the cabinet, wherein
detergent discharged from a detergent storage where the detergent is stored flows
through the detergent pipe.
[0025] The water supply pipe includes a neck where a cross-sectional area thereof decreases
and then increases again along a flow direction of water, and the detergent pipe is
connected to the neck to provide the detergent into the water supply pipe via the
neck.
[0026] The neck may be located downwardly of the detergent storage and connected to the
detergent pipe. The laundry treating apparatus may further include a detergent outlet
disposed in the cabinet, wherein the detergent outlet is connected to the water supply
pipe downstream of the neck based on a flow of water to receive water and the detergent,
wherein the detergent outlet discharges water and the detergent into the tub.
[0027] The water supply pipe may be connected to the tub and supply water and the detergent
into the tub together.
[0028] The detergent storage may include a first detergent storage and a second detergent
storage, the detergent pipe may include a first detergent pipe allowing detergent
discharged from the first detergent storage to flow therethrough, and a second detergent
pipe allowing detergent discharged from the second detergent storage to flow therethrough,
and the first detergent pipe and the second detergent pipe may be connected to the
neck of the water supply pipe.
[0029] The detergent pipe may include a plurality of detergent pipes, and the plurality
of detergent pipes may be spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction
of the neck and connected to the neck.
[0030] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a plurality of detergent valves
respectively connected to the plurality of detergent pipes to regulate detergent flows
in the respective plurality of detergent pipes, and at least a portion of the neck
may extend parallel to an arrangement direction of the plurality of detergent valves
and may be connected to the plurality of detergent pipes.
[0031] The detergent pipe may include a plurality of detergent pipes, and the plurality
of detergent pipes may be connected to points with the same water pressure inside
the neck. The plurality of detergent pipes may be connected to the neck at the same
location based on a longitudinal direction of the neck.
[0032] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a water supply valve connected
to the water supply pipe to regulate a flow of water, and a pressure regulator that
is connected to a point of the water supply pipe between the water supply valve and
the neck, and regulates a pressure within the water supply pipe.
[0033] The pressure regulator may allow gas outside the water supply pipe to flow into the
water supply pipe and block water inside the water supply pipe from flowing out of
the water supply pipe, thereby resolving a negative pressure inside the water supply
pipe.
[0034] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a detergent detector that is connected
to a point of the water supply pipe downstream of the neck, and detects the detergent.
[0035] The detergent detector may include a pair of electrodes exposed into the water supply
pipe.
[0036] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a controller that is connected
in a signal manner to the detergent detector, and determines whether the detergent
is mixed with water via a value measured by the pair of electrodes.
[Advantageous Effects]
[0037] The embodiments of the present disclosure may provide the laundry treating apparatus
that may allow the detergent to flow efficiently to be used in the washing course.
[0038] Additionally, the embodiments of the present disclosure may provide the laundry treating
apparatus that is efficient by minimizing the energy consumption for the flow of the
detergent.
[0039] Additionally, the embodiments of the present disclosure may provide the laundry treating
apparatus that is advantageous in terms of the space utilization and the design by
minimizing the components required for the supply of the detergent.
[0040] Additionally, the embodiments of the present disclosure may provide the laundry treating
apparatus that may effectively improve the hygiene and the manageability in the use
of the detergent.
[0041] Additionally, the embodiments of the present disclosure may provide the laundry treating
apparatus that may effectively wash and remove the detergent from the flow path of
the detergent.
[Brief Description of the Drawings]
[0042]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a water supply pipe and a detergent pipe in a laundry
treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a neck formed in a water supply pipe in a laundry treating
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a plurality of detergent pipes connected in series to
a neck of a water supply pipe in a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a plurality of detergent pipes connected in parallel to
a neck of a water supply pipe in a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a pressure regulator disposed on a water supply pipe in
a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detergent detector disposed on a water supply pipe in
a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a graph comparing an opening time of a water supply valve with an opening
time of a detergent valve in a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a graph showing a change in an amount of detergent based on a viscosity
of detergent and changes in a water pressure in a laundry treating apparatus according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a graph showing a change in an amount of detergent based on a change in
a water pressure with respect to low-viscosity detergent in a laundry treating apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a graph showing a change in an amount of detergent based on a change in
a water pressure with respect to high-viscosity detergent in a laundry treating apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a control method for a washing course in an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a control method for a detergent identifying step in an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[Best Mode]
[0043] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present
disclosure will be described in detail such that those skilled in the art may easily
practice them.
[0044] However, the present disclosure may be implemented in several different forms and
may not be limited to the embodiments described herein. Further, to clearly illustrate
the present disclosure in the drawings, parts unrelated to the description are omitted,
and similar drawing numerals are assigned to similar parts throughout the present
document.
[0045] In the present document, redundant descriptions of the same components are omitted.
[0046] Further, in the present document, when a component is referred to as being 'connected'
to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly
connected to each other, but there may be another component therebetween. On the other
hand, in the present document, when a component is referred to as being 'directly
connected' to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component
therebetween.
[0047] Additionally, the terms used herein are merely used to describe specific embodiments
and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.
[0048] Further, as used herein, singular expressions may include plural expressions, unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0049] In addition, in the present document, it should be understood that terms such as
'include' or 'have' are only intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers,
steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described herein, and
do not preclude the presence or addition of other features, numbers, steps, operations,
components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0050] Further, in the present document, the term 'and/or' includes a combination of a plurality
of listed items or any of the plurality of listed items. As used herein, 'A or B'
may include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.
[0051] FIG. 1 shows an outer appearance of a laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present
disclosure includes a cabinet 10.
[0052] The cabinet 10 forms an outer appearance of the laundry treating apparatus 1. The
cabinet 10 may be formed in various shapes, such as a square pillar shape, as well
as another polygonal pillar shape or a circular pillar shape.
[0053] The cabinet 10 may be formed by coupling a plurality of panels to each other. For
example, the cabinet 10 may include a front panel 11, a pair of side panels, a rear
panel, a top panel 13, and a bottom panel, and the plurality of panels may establish
a coupling relationship with each other or be molded integrally.
[0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cabinet 10 may include a laundry
inlet 14 and may include a control panel 80.
[0055] The laundry inlet 14 is formed for a user to put laundry for treatment, such as washing,
into the cabinet 10. FIG. 1 shows the laundry treating apparatus 1 of a top loading
type in which the laundry inlet 14 is defined in the top surface panel 13, but an
embodiment of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the top loading
type, and the laundry treating apparatus 1 is able to be of a front loading type in
which the laundry inlet 14 is defined in the front panel 11.
[0056] However, for convenience of description, unless otherwise specified, a description
will be made below based on the embodiment of the top loading type in which the laundry
inlet 14 is defined in the top panel 13 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0057] In one example, the cabinet 10 may have a laundry door 15. The laundry door 15 may
be disposed on the cabinet 10 to open and close the laundry inlet 14. For example,
the laundry door 15 may open and close the laundry inlet 14 by moving away from or
approaching the top panel 13 in which the laundry inlet 14 is defined in a sliding
or pivoting manner. When the laundry inlet 14 is defined in the front panel 11, it
is natural that the laundry door 15 is also disposed on the front panel 11.
[0058] In one example, the control panel 80 serves as a means to inform the user of an operating
state of the laundry treating apparatus 1 or to allow the user to input a manipulation
signal. The control panel 80 may include an output unit that may provide visual information,
auditory information, or the like to the user, and an input unit that is manipulated
by the user to generate the manipulation signal.
[0059] In FIG. 1, the control panel 80 is shown installed on the top panel 13, but the present
disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. The control panel 80 may be disposed
at various locations, such as on the front panel 11, as needed, and may include a
plurality of control panels.
[0060] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section showing the interior of the laundry treating apparatus
1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cross-section in FIG.
2 corresponds to the interior of the laundry treating apparatus 1 as seen from the
side.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a tub 20,
and the tub 20 may be disposed inside the cabinet 10 and accommodate water therein.
A space may be defined inside the tub 20, and water for the washing or the like of
the laundry may be accommodated inside the tub 20.
[0062] The tub 20 may be formed in various shapes and may include a tub inlet 22 facing
the laundry inlet 14. FIG. 2 shows the tub 20 having a top surface that is opened
to define the tub inlet 22.
[0063] The tub 20 may include various components. For example, a pulsator may be disposed
on a bottom surface of the tub 20 to form a water flow, and a vibration sensor to
measure vibration, a water level sensor to measure a water level, a load sensor to
measure a load, and the like may be disposed.
[0064] A drum 30 may be installed inside the tub 20. The drum 30 may be rotatably installed
inside the tub 20. The drum 30 may be connected to a driving shaft of a driver 40
and may be rotated by receiving a rotational force.
[0065] The driver 40 may be disposed outside the tub 20. The driver 40 may include the driving
shaft that extends through the tub 20, and the driving shaft may be connected to the
drum 30 to rotate the drum 30.
[0066] The driver 40 may be located under the tub 20, and the driving shaft may protrude
upward from the bottom surface of the tub 20 and be connected to a bottom surface
of the drum 30. A top surface of the drum 30 may be opened to define a drum inlet
32.
[0067] The drum 30 may be formed in various shapes. The drum 30 may have a circular cross-section
centered on a rotation axis for ease of rotation. A space may be defined inside the
drum 30, and the laundry introduced via the laundry inlet 14 may be accommodated inside
the drum 30.
[0068] In other words, the laundry input via the laundry inlet 14 of the cabinet 10 may
be put into the drum 30 via the tub inlet 22 and the drum inlet 32. The laundry inlet
14, the tub inlet 22, and the drum inlet 32 may be aligned to face each other.
[0069] However, when the laundry inlet 14 is defined in the front panel 11, it is natural
that the tub inlet 22 and the drum inlet 32 may face forward, the driving shaft may
extend in a front and rear direction, and the driver 40 may be located under or at
the rear of the tub 20.
[0070] In one example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an external water
source 60 that is connected to a water source located outside, such as an urban water
pipe, and receives water from the outside of the cabinet 10. The external water source
60 may include a water supply valve 150 to regulate a flow of water.
[0071] The water supply valve 150 may be embedded in the external water source 60 or may
be disposed on a water supply pipe 100, which will be described later, outside the
external water source 60. The water supply valve 150 may include a varying number
of water supply valves as needed. The water supply valve 150 may be connected to the
water supply pipe 100 and may regulate the flow of water provided to the water supply
pipe 100.
[0072] In other words, opening the water supply valve 150 may allow the flow of water, and
closing the water supply valve 150 may block the flow of water. The water supply valve
150 may be connected in an electrical/signal manner to a controller 50, which will
be described later, and may be controlled in the opening and closing by the controller
50.
[0073] The water supply pipe 100 may be disposed in the cabinet 10, and water provided from
the external water source 60 may flow therethrough. The water supply pipe 100 may
become means of connecting the external water supply source 60 with the tub 20 or
with a detergent outlet 400, which will be described later.
[0074] The water supply pipe 100 may include a varying number of water supply pipes as needed.
At least one of the plurality of water supply pipes 100 may correspond to a direct
water pipe 120 that is directly connected to the tub 20. When the water supply pipe
100 includes one or more water supply pipes, the water supply valve 150 may also include
one or more water supply valves, but the number of water supply pipes 100 and the
number of water supply valves 150 are not necessarily coincident with each other.
[0075] In one example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a drainage
90, and the drainage 90 may be connected to the tub 20 to discharge water accommodated
in the tub 20 to the outside of the cabinet 10. The drainage 90 may include a drain
pump for forming the flow of water, and may include a drain valve for regulating the
flow of water.
[0076] In one example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a detergent storage
70. The detergent storage 70 may be disposed in the cabinet 10 and may store detergent
therein.
[0077] The detergent storage 70 may be installed on an outer side of the cabinet 10, or
may be installed inside of the cabinet 10. The detergent storage 70 may be separated
from the cabinet 10, or may be formed integrally so as not to be separated from the
cabinet 10.
[0078] FIG. 2 schematically shows the detergent storage 70 disposed to be exposed to the
outside at a top of the cabinet 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,
but the shape and the location of the detergent storage 70 are not necessarily limited
thereto.
[0079] The detergent storage 70 may have a space defined therein, so that the detergent
may be stored. In addition, the detergent storage 70 may include a plurality of detergent
storages, so that different detergents may be stored. The detergent storage 70 may
include a varying number of detergent storages as needed.
[0080] An embodiment of the present disclosure may include a detergent valve 250. The detergent
valve 250 may be connected to the detergent storage 70 and may regulate a flow of
the detergent discharged from the detergent storage 70.
[0081] When the detergent storage 70 includes one or more detergent storages, the detergent
valve 250 may also include one or more detergent valves. The plurality of detergent
valves 250 may regulate the flows of detergents with respect to the plurality of detergent
storages 70, respectively.
[0082] For example, the detergent storages 70 may include a first detergent storage and
a second detergent storage, and the plurality of detergent valves 250 may include
a first detergent valve 251 connected to the first detergent storage and a second
detergent valve 252 connected to the second detergent storage.
[0083] The detergent storage 70 may be connected to a detergent pipe 200. The detergent
pipe 200 may be disposed in the cabinet 10, and the detergent discharged from the
detergent storage 70 where the detergent is stored may flow therethrough. The detergent
pipe 200 may be disposed in the cabinet 10. The detergent pipe 200 may be located
inside the cabinet 10, or at least a portion thereof may be exposed to the outside
of the cabinet 10.
[0084] The detergent storage 70 may be directly connected to the detergent pipe 200 or indirectly
connected to the detergent pipe 200 via the detergent valve 250. When the detergent
storage 70 and the detergent pipe 200 are directly connected to each other, the detergent
valve 250 may be installed on the detergent pipe 200.
[0085] The detergent discharged from the detergent storage 70 may flow along the detergent
pipe 200. That is, the detergent pipe 200 may form at least a portion of the flow
path of the detergent. The detergent discharged from the detergent storage 70 may
flow along the detergent pipe 200 and the like and be provided into the tub 20 or
the drum 30.
[0086] In one example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the detergent
outlet 400. The detergent outlet 400 may be disposed in the cabinet 10, may be connected
to the water supply pipe 100 to receive water and the detergent, and may discharge
water and the detergent into the tub 20.
[0087] The detergent outlet 400 may be disposed inside the cabinet 10 or disposed to be
exposed to the outside of the cabinet 10. The detergent outlet 400 may be connected
to the water supply pipe 100 and the detergent pipe 200 as needed. A mixed solution
of the detergent and water may exist inside the detergent outlet 400, and the mixed
solution may be provided from the detergent outlet 400 into the tub 20 or the drum
30.
[0088] The detergent outlet 400 may provide water and the detergent into the tub 20 or the
drum 30. The detergent outlet 400 may directly discharge water and the detergent into
the tub 20 or the drum 30, or may supply water and the detergent into the tub 20 or
the drum 30 via other components such as a flow pipe of the mixed solution.
[0089] In one example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the controller
50. The controller 50 may be connected in an electrical/signal manner not only to
the control panel 80, but also various valves, sensors, and motors.
[0090] The controller 50 may transmit various signals to the user via the control panel
80 or receive the manipulation signal from the user via the control panel 80. The
controller 50 may adjust operating states of the various valves based on the manipulation
signal of the user or pre-stored information.
[0091] FIG. 3 shows a diagram schematically showing a water supply structure and a detergent
supply structure of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 schematically
shows the plurality of detergent storages 70.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the first
detergent storage and the second detergent storage, and may include a first detergent
pipe 201 through which the detergent discharged from the first detergent storage flows
and a second detergent pipe 202 through which the detergent discharged from the second
detergent storage flows. However, the numbers of detergent storages 70, detergent
valves 250, and detergent pipes 200 may not be limited as shown in FIG. 3 and may
vary as needed.
[0093] The detergent stored in the detergent storage 70 may flow along the detergent pipe
200 via the detergent valve 250. Water introduced into the cabinet 10 via the external
water source 60 may flow along the water supply pipe 100 via the water supply valve
150. In FIG. 3, the flow path of water flowing along the water supply pipe 100 is
indicated by arrows.
[0094] In FIG. 3, the detergent outlet 400 that receives water and the detergent is shown,
and a direct water pipe 120 that directly connects the water supply valve 150 with
the tub 20 is shown. However, as will be described later, the detergent outlet 400
and the direct water pipe 120 may be omitted when necessary.
[0095] FIG. 4 shows the water supply pipe 100 and the detergent pipe 200 connected to the
water supply pipe 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 4, water allowed to flow by the water supply valve 150 flows along
the water supply pipe 100. A cross-sectional area of the water supply pipe 100 may
decrease along a flow direction of water and then increase again to form a neck 110.
[0097] In the present disclosure, the neck 110 refers to an area of reduced flow cross-sectional
area defined as a flow cross-sectional area of fluid decreases and then increases
again.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 4, the neck 110 in which the cross-sectional area decreases and
then increases again based on the flow direction of water indicated by the arrows
may be formed in the water supply pipe 100. An upstream portion 108, which may be
located adjacent to an upstream side of the neck 110, and a downstream portion 112,
which may be located adjacent to a downstream side of the neck 110, may have cross-sectional
areas larger than that of the neck 110, based on the flow direction of water.
[0099] In other words, the neck 110 may refer to a portion whose cross-sectional area is
smaller than those of the upstream portion 108 and the downstream portion 112 adjacent
thereto. A water pressure of the fluid flowing through the water supply pipe 100 may
be reduced because of the change in the cross-sectional area at the neck 110.
[0100] For example, water may create a lower water pressure in the neck 110 than in the
upstream portion 108 and the downstream portion 112. Water may create a negative pressure
in the neck 110 relative to the upstream portion 108 and the downstream portion 112.
[0101] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent discharged from the detergent
storage 70 may flow along the detergent pipe 200 while being allowed to flow by the
detergent valve 250. The detergent pipe 200 may be connected to the neck 110 of the
water supply pipe 100.
[0102] As the detergent pipe 200 is connected to the neck 110, the water pressure created
in the neck 110 may be transmitted into the detergent pipe 200. In other words, the
detergent pipe 200 connected to the neck 110 makes it easy for the detergent to flow
into the water supply pipe 100 because of the low water pressure created in the neck
110.
[0103] For example, when a detergent pump for the flow of the detergent is disposed, when
the detergent pipe 200 connects the detergent valve 250 with the neck 110 of the water
supply pipe 100, power required to introduce the detergent into the water supply pipe
100 may be greatly reduced.
[0104] In addition, by adjusting a diameter of the upstream portion 108, a diameter of the
neck 110, and the like in the water supply pipe 100 in terms of design, the negative
pressure may be created in the neck 110 relative to an internal pressure created in
the detergent pipe 200. In this case, it is advantageous because the detergent may
flow into the water supply pipe 100 and be provided into the tub 20 together with
water even when an apparatus that consumes power to allow the detergent to flow, such
as the detergent pump, is removed.
[0105] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent pipe 200 is directly connected
to the water supply pipe 100, so that the detergent may be supplied into the water
supply pipe 100. Therefore, at least a portion of the flow path of the detergent toward
the inside of the tub 20 overlaps the flow path of water, which is advantageous in
cleaning remaining detergent.
[0106] Additionally, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the detergent pipe
200 is connected to the water supply pipe 100, a component such as the detergent outlet
400 for mixing the detergent with water before the detergent is supplied to the laundry
may be eliminated.
[0107] When the component such as the detergent outlet 400 is eliminated, it is advantageous
in design because a space inside the cabinet 10 may be secured, and it may also be
advantageous in design of the water supply pipe 100 and the detergent pipe 200.
[0108] That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the neck 110 is formed in the
water supply pipe 100 through which water to be supplied to the tub 20 flows, and
the detergent pipe 200 extending from the detergent valve 250 is connected to the
neck 110, so that the detergent may be effectively introduced into the water supply
pipe 100 using the change in the water pressure, the component for mixing the detergent
with water may be eliminated, and the remaining detergent existing on the flow path
of the detergent may be effectively cleaned.
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the neck
110 may be located downwardly of the detergent storage 70 and connected to the detergent
pipe 200.
[0110] When the neck 110 is located downwardly of the detergent storage 70, a self-weight
of the detergent may contribute to the flow of the detergent, and thus an inflow performance
of the detergent into the water supply pipe 100 may be effectively improved.
[0111] In one example, as described above, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include
the detergent outlet 400 that is disposed in the cabinet 10, is connected to the water
supply pipe 100 to receive water and the detergent, and discharges water and the detergent
to the tub 20.
[0112] In other words, in the state in which the neck 110 and the detergent pipe 200 are
connected to each other, the water supply pipe 100 may be connected to the detergent
outlet 400 on a downstream side of the neck 110. Accordingly, the detergent outlet
400 may receive water and the detergent together via the water supply pipe 100, and
the remaining detergent may be effectively removed even without separately cleaning
the detergent inside.
[0113] The detergent outlet 400 may discharge both water and the detergent supplied via
the water supply pipe 100 into the drum 30. The detergent outlet 400 may be located
upwardly of the drum 30 and may discharge water and the detergent into the drum inlet
32, and water and the detergent may fall by their self-weights and be supplied into
the drum 30.
[0114] As described above, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the direct
water pipe 120. That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the water supply
pipe 100 may be connected to the tub 20 and may supply water and the detergent into
the tub 20 together.
[0115] For example, the water supply pipe 100 may correspond to the above-described direct
water pipe 120, and the neck 110 may be formed in the direct water pipe 120 to be
connected to the detergent pipe 200, so that water and the detergent may be provided
directly into the tub 20 or the drum 30 while an intermediate component such as the
detergent outlet 400 is eliminated.
[0116] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the plurality of detergent pipes 200 connected to the neck 110
of the water supply pipe 100. As described above, an embodiment of the present disclosure
may include the plurality of detergent storages 70 as needed.
[0117] For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent storages 70
may include the first detergent storage and the second detergent storage, and the
detergent pipe 200 may include the first detergent pipe 201 through which the detergent
discharged from the first detergent storage flows and the second detergent pipe 202
through which the detergent discharged from the second detergent storage flows.
[0118] When there are the plurality of detergent pipes 200 as described above, in an embodiment
of the present disclosure, the first detergent pipe 201 and the second detergent pipe
202 may be connected to the neck 110 of the water supply pipe 100. Accordingly, the
detergents from the plurality of detergent storages 70 may all be provided into the
drum 30 by being introduced into the water supply pipe 100 based on the change in
the water pressure, and the remaining detergent may be cleaned by water flowing through
the water supply pipe 100.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 5, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of
detergent pipes 200 may be spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction
of the neck 110 and connected to the neck 110. In this case, different negative pressures
may be created in the plurality of detergent pipes 200 depending on connection locations
thereof, so that detergent inflow amounts thereof may be set differently.
[0120] Accordingly, amounts of detergents used in the first detergent storage and the second
detergent storage may be effectively set differently as needed.
[0121] Unlike the above, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of the
neck 110 may change along the flow direction of water, so that by creating the same
water pressure at points spaced apart from each other along the flow direction of
water, the same water pressure may be provided to the plurality of detergent pipes
200 while effectively increasing an installation area where the plurality of detergent
pipes 200 are installed.
[0122] In one example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the plurality
of detergent valves 250 as described above, and at least a portion of the neck 110
may extend parallel to an arrangement direction of the plurality of detergent valves
250 and may be connected to the plurality of detergent pipes 200.
[0123] For example, the neck 110 of the water supply pipe 100 may be located adjacent to
the plurality of detergent valves 250 and extend in parallel with the plurality of
detergent valves 250, for example, the first detergent valve 251 and the second detergent
valve 252. Accordingly, a length of the detergent pipe 200 for connecting the neck
110 with the detergent valve 250 may be effectively reduced, thereby effectively reducing
an area in which the detergent may remain, and conveniently connecting the plurality
of detergent valves 250 with the neck 110.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 6, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of
detergent pipes 200 may be connected to the neck 110 at the same location based on
the longitudinal direction of the neck 110.
[0125] In FIG. 6, the first detergent pipe 201 connected to the first detergent valve 251
and the second detergent pipe 202 connected to the second detergent valve 252 are
shown connected to the neck 110 at the same location based on the flow direction of
water.
[0126] Accordingly, the same negative pressure is transmitted to the first detergent pipe
201 and the second detergent pipe 202, making it easy to manage the amounts of detergents
equally.
[0127] However, as described above, even when the first detergent pipe 201 and the second
detergent pipe 202 are connected to the neck 110 at the different locations, the plurality
of detergent pipes 200 may be connected to the points where the water pressures inside
the neck 110 are the same.
[0128] In other words, an embodiment of the present disclosure may adjust the design of
the neck 110 and variously adjust the connection points of the first detergent pipe
201 and the second detergent pipe 202 as needed, thereby adjusting the water pressures
applied to the first detergent pipe 201 and the second detergent pipe 202 and effectively
adjusting the amount of each detergent introduced into the water supply pipe 100.
[0129] FIG. 7 shows a pressure regulator 270 disposed on the water supply pipe 100 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the pressure
regulator 270 connected to a point between the water supply valve 150 and the neck
110 of the water supply pipe 100 and regulating a pressure within the water supply
pipe 100.
[0131] The pressure regulator 270 may be disposed on the water supply pipe 100 and may compensate
for the change in the water pressure inside the water supply pipe 100. For example,
the pressure regulator 270 may relieve the negative pressure created inside the water
supply pipe 100.
[0132] Specifically, in a situation in which the water supply valve 150 is opened and water
flows along the water supply pipe 100, when a water supply process of providing water
to the tub 20 is ended, a state of the water supply valve 150 may be switched to a
closed state by the controller 50.
[0133] In this case, the negative pressure may be created within the water supply pipe 100
when the water supply valve 150 is closed, because of inertia of water discharged
on an opposite side of the water supply valve 150. For example, the negative pressure
may be created because of the inertia of flowing water in a portion adjacent to the
water supply valve 150 inside the water supply pipe 100 in the state in which the
water supply valve 150 is closed.
[0134] As described above, the negative pressure created within the water supply pipe 100
may prevent water from being discharged from the water supply pipe 100 even when the
water supply process is completed, and thus residual water may be generated inside
the water supply pipe 100.
[0135] Furthermore, when the detergent pipe 200 is connected to the water supply pipe 100
to provide the detergent into the water supply pipe 100, the negative pressure generated
when the water supply valve 150 is closed suppresses the discharge of the detergent
along with water as described above, so that internal hygiene and manageability of
the water supply pipe 100 may be reduced.
[0136] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the pressure regulator
270 on the water supply pipe 100 and may effectively resolve the flow inertia of water
when the water supply valve 150 is closed and the negative pressure created by the
closure of the water supply valve 150, thereby effectively suppressing the situation
in which water and the detergent remain inside the water supply pipe 100.
[0137] The location of the pressure regulator 270 on the water supply pipe 100 may vary.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, to effectively prevent the residual detergent
via the pressure regulator 270, the pressure regulator 270 may be located upstream
of the detergent pipe 200 or the neck 110 based on the flow direction of water.
[0138] That is, the pressure regulator 270 may be connected to the water supply pipe 100
at the point between the water supply valve 150 and the neck 110. Furthermore, the
pressure regulator 270 may be located adjacent to the water supply valve 150 to maximize
the effect of removing residual water via relieving the negative pressure.
[0139] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure regulator 270 may allow
gas outside the water supply pipe 100 to flow into the water supply pipe 100, and
block water inside the water supply pipe 100 from being discharged to the outside
of the water supply pipe 100, thereby resolving the negative pressure within the water
supply pipe 100.
[0140] For example, the pressure regulator 270 may be formed as a type of check valve and
may allow only one-way flow of the fluid. That is, in an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the pressure regulator 270 may block the fluid from flowing from the inside
to the outside of the water supply pipe 100 and may allow the fluid to flow from the
outside to the inside of the water supply pipe 100.
[0141] Accordingly, although water flowing with a predetermined water pressure within the
water supply pipe 100 as the water supply valve 150 is opened is not able to be discharged
out of the water supply pipe 100 via the pressure regulator 270, air outside the water
supply pipe 100 may be introduced into the water supply pipe 100 via the pressure
regulator 270 when the water supply valve 150 is closed and a temporary negative pressure
is created, thereby effectively relieving the negative pressure inside the water supply
pipe 100.
[0142] FIG. 8 shows a detergent detector 300 installed on the water supply pipe 100 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the detergent
detector 300. The detergent detector 300 may be connected to a point of the water
supply pipe 100 downstream of the neck 110 and detect the detergent.
[0144] The detergent detector 300 may be of various types, and the location and the number
thereof may be changed variously as needed.
[0145] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent may be introduced into
the water supply pipe 100, and accordingly, the detergent detector 300 that may detect
presence or absence of the detergent may be installed on the water supply pipe 100.
When the detergent detector 300 is installed on the water supply pipe 100, the detergent
detector 300 may be cleaned at all times by water flowing through the water supply
pipe 100, which is advantageous for management.
[0146] In addition, when there are the plurality of detergent storages 70 and the plurality
of detergent pipes 200, even when the detergent detector 300 is not disposed on each
detergent storage 70 or each detergent pipe 200, whether the detergents of the plurality
of detergent storages 70 are exhausted may be effectively identified via the detergent
detector 300 located downstream of the neck 110.
[0147] In addition, the controller 50 may adjust an amount of detergent input by identifying
a viscosity and the like of the detergent using a detected value of the detergent
detector 300, which will be described in detail later.
[0148] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent detector 300 may include
a pair of electrodes 310 exposed into the water supply pipe 100. That is, the detergent
detector 300 may include an electrode 310 sensor. The detergent detector 300 may correspond
to the electrode 310 sensor.
[0149] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent detector 300 may detect
whether the detergent is in contact based on a change in a current value and the like
via the contact between the electrode 310 and the detergent. In one example, because
the pair of electrodes 310 are exposed to water inside the water supply pipe 100,
they may be cleaned by water flowing along the water supply pipe 100.
[0150] The controller 50 may be connected in a signal manner to the detergent detector 300
and may determine whether water and the detergent are mixed with each other via a
value measured by the pair of electrodes 310.
[0151] A detected value of the detergent detector 300 in the state in which water flows
in the water supply pipe 100 may be different from a detected value in the state in
which water and the detergent flow together in the water supply pipe 100. For example,
the current values or resistance values of the detergent detector 300 may be measured
differently because of differences in components for when water excluding the detergent
is detected by the detergent detector 300 and when the detergent and water are mixed
together and the mixture is detected by the detergent detector 300.
[0152] Accordingly, the controller 50 may not only detect the detergent when water does
not exist in the water supply pipe 100, but also may effectively identify the presence
or the absence of the detergent even in the situation in which water flows.
[0153] A detailed description on the detection of the detergent via the detergent detector
300 in an embodiment of the present disclosure will be made as follows.
[0154] First, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the cabinet 10, the tub
20, and the drum 30, as described above, and may include the detergent storage 70
in which the detergent is stored. In addition, an embodiment of the present disclosure
may include the detergent valve 250 that is disposed on the flow path of the detergent
discharged from the detergent storage 70 and regulates the flow of the detergent.
[0155] In this regard, the flow path of the detergent refers to the path along which the
detergent discharged from the detergent storage 70 flows in the process of reaching
the interior of the drum 30. The aforementioned water supply pipe 100 and detergent
pipe 200 may define at least a portion of the flow path of the detergent.
[0156] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent valve 250 may be disposed
on the flow path of the detergent and may regulate the flow of the detergent. In one
example, the detergent detector 300 may be located on the flow path of the detergent
downstream of the detergent valve 250 and detect the detergent.
[0157] For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent detector 300
may be located at a point corresponding to the flow path of the detergent, such as
the detergent pipe 200, the water supply pipe 100, and the detergent outlet 400 described
above, and may detect the detergent.
[0158] In one example, as described above, the detergent storage 70 may include the plurality
of detergent storages, and the detergent valve 250 may also include the plurality
of detergent valves to regulate the flows of the detergents of the plurality of detergent
storages 70, respectively.
[0159] In this case, the flow path of the detergent may include an integrated path through
which the detergent flows as individual paths respectively corresponding to the plurality
of detergent storages 70 are integrated, and the detergent detector 300 may be disposed
on the integrated path.
[0160] For example, the plurality of detergent pipes 200 respectively corresponding to the
plurality of detergent storages 70 may correspond to the respective individual paths
in the flow path of the detergent. When the plurality of detergent pipes 200 are connected
to the water supply pipe 100, a side downstream of the points where the plurality
of detergent pipes 200 are connected to the water supply pipe 100 may correspond to
the integrated path in the flow path of the detergent.
[0161] In other words, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the plurality of
detergents are used, the detergent detector 300 is disposed on the integrated path
in which the individual paths of the detergents are integrated, so that the plurality
of detergents may be efficiently detected via the detergent detector 300 even when
the plurality of detergent storages 70 and the plurality of detergent pipes 200 are
arranged.
[0162] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 50 may utilize the detected
value measured via the detergent detector 300 in various ways in the detergent supply
process. For example, when the detergent is not detected by the detergent detector
300 during the detergent supply process, the controller 50 may inform the user that
the detergent needs to be replenished.
[0163] In addition, the controller 50 may identify detergent characteristics based on the
detected value of the detergent detector 300 and perform the detergent supply process
in a corrected manner based on the detergent characteristics. The correction of the
detergent supply process will be described with reference to FIG. 9 as follows.
[0164] FIG. 9 is a graph comparing an opening time of the water supply valve 150 with an
opening time of the detergent valve 250 in a detergent supply process performed in
an embodiment of the present disclosure. A in FIG. 9 indicates the opening of the
water supply valve over time, and B indicates the opening of the detergent valve over
time.
[0165] Referring to FIG. 9, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening of the
detergent valve 250 is performed in the open state of the water supply valve 150,
so that the detergent may be supplied into the tub 20 or the drum 30 during the process
of supplying water into the tub 20.
[0166] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, by adjusting an opening time TB of the
detergent valve 250 relative to an opening time TA of the water supply valve 150 based
on a preset unit time, the amount of detergent input may be adjusted.
[0167] It is shown in FIG. 9 that the water supply valve 150 is opened throughout the unit
time to continuously supply water to the tub 20, and the opening time TB of the detergent
valve 250 is set smaller than the unit time and the opening time TA of the water supply
valve 150.
[0168] As described above, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 50
may correct the opening time TB of the detergent valve 250 based on the detergent
characteristics, so that a correct amount of detergent may be effectively injected
into the drum 30 during the process of performing the washing course of the laundry.
[0169] In one example, the controller 50 may be connected in a signal manner to the detergent
detector 300 and the detergent valve 250, and may determine the viscosity of the detergent
via an elapsed time for the detergent to be detected by the detergent detector 300
after opening the detergent valve 250.
[0170] Referring again to FIG. 8, the detergent detector 300 may be installed at the point
of the water supply pipe 100, and a flow distance from the detergent valve 250 may
be determined by design based on the flow path of the detergent.
[0171] When the viscosity of the detergent is high, fluidity may be reduced and thus an
elapsed time to reach the detergent detector 300 from the detergent valve 250 may
increase. Further, when the viscosity is low, the fluidity may be improved and thus
the elapsed time may be reduced.
[0172] Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 50 may identify
the viscosity of the detergent based on an elapsed time from a time the detergent
valve 250 in the closed state is switched to the open state to a time the detergent
is detected by the detergent detector 300.
[0173] Matching of the elapsed time and the viscosity of the detergent may be performed
based on a data map determined experimentally or statistically in advance, or the
controller 50 may directly derive the viscosity of the detergent via a calculation
formula using the elapsed time as a variable.
[0174] By adjusting the opening time of the detergent valve 250 based on the viscosity of
the detergent, the controller 50 may provide the correct amount of detergent into
the drum 30 despite a change in a type of detergent or an environmental change such
as a temperature.
[0175] Specifically, the viscosity of the detergent affects an amount of detergent discharged
for the same opening time of the detergent valve 250. For example, when the viscosity
of the detergent is high, the amount of detergent provided to the water supply pipe
100 or the like for the same opening time of the detergent valve 250 may be reduced,
and when the viscosity of the detergent is low, the amount of detergent provided for
the same opening time of the detergent valve 250 may be increased.
[0176] FIG. 10 is a graph showing a change in an amount of detergent based on a change in
a viscosity of detergent. In FIG. 10, detergents are indicated from (1) to (5) on
a horizontal axis in an ascending order of viscosity, and an area C corresponding
to the case in which the water pressure of the water supply pipe 100 is low and an
area D corresponding to the case in which the water pressure is high are divided from
each other based on a vertical dotted line.
[0177] A vertical axis corresponds to an amount of detergent Q discharged from the detergent
storage 70 or the detergent valve 250. In the graph in FIG. 10, the amounts of detergent
Q measured via two experiments at each specific value on the horizontal axis are written.
[0178] Referring to FIG. 10, it may be seen that as the viscosity of the detergent increases
from (1) to (5), the amount of detergent provided at the same water pressure decreases.
[0179] FIG. 11 shows a graph showing a change in the amount of detergent Q based on a change
in a water pressure with respect to low-viscosity detergent E, and FIG. 12 shows a
graph showing a change in the amount of detergent Q based on a change in a water pressure
with respect to high-viscosity detergent F.
[0180] In FIGS. 11 and 12, the low-viscosity detergent E and the high-viscosity detergent
F are defined in a relative relationship therebetween, a horizontal axis represents
a progress time, and a vertical axis represents the amount of detergent Q.
[0181] Data values indicated on the graph are indicated in different shapes depending on
the pressures of water flowing through the water supply pipe 100, and a dotted line
connecting data values of the same or similar water pressures is indicated on the
graph.
[0182] When comparing the graph in FIG. 11 targeting the low-viscosity detergent E with
the graph in FIG. 12 targeting the high-viscosity detergent F, it may be seen that
an increase amount of the amount of detergent Q in the graph targeting the low-viscosity
detergent E is greater than an increase amount of the amount of detergent Q in the
graph targeting the high-viscosity detergent F.
[0183] In other words, as may be seen in FIGS. 10 to 12, as the viscosity of the detergent
increases, the amount of detergent Q provided to the water supply pipe 100 or the
like decreases. Therefore, an embodiment of the present disclosure may effectively
adjust the amount of detergent Q required for the washing course by correcting the
opening time of the detergent valve 250 based on the viscosity of the detergent identified
via the detergent detector 300.
[0184] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 50 may determine that
the detergent is insufficient in the detergent storage 70 when a delay time for which
the detergent is not detected by the detergent detector 300 after opening the detergent
valve 250 exceeds a preset allowable time.
[0185] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 50 may store
in advance the allowable time for the delay time it takes for the detergent to be
detected by the detergent detector 300, and the controller 50 may determine that the
detergent does not exist or is insufficient in the detergent storage 70 when the delay
time exceeds the allowable time.
[0186] Accordingly, the controller 50 may perform a detergent replenishment notification
process of notifying the user that the detergent replenishment is necessary based
on the detected value of the detergent detector 300 and the delay time.
[0187] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a viscosity identifying process of identifying
the viscosity of the detergent may be performed in advance before performing the detergent
supply process in which the detergent is supplied into the tub 20 to perform the washing
course or the like.
[0188] FIG. 13 shows a control method for a washing course of the laundry treating apparatus
1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The viscosity identifying
process will be described with reference to FIG. 13 as follows.
[0189] First, in the control method of the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure, a laundry characteristic identifying step (S100)
may be performed to perform the washing course or the like. In the laundry characteristic
identifying step (S100), the controller 50 may identify a laundry material or a laundry
amount via rotation characteristics of the drum 30.
[0190] After the laundry characteristic identifying step (S100), a detergent identifying
step (S200) may be performed. In the detergent identifying step (S200), the controller
50 may perform the viscosity identifying process, the detergent replenishment notification
process, and the like described above.
[0191] After the detergent identifying step (S200), a water supply step (S300) and a detergent
supply step (S400) may be performed. In the flowchart in FIG. 13, it is represented
that the detergent supply step (S400) is performed after the water supply step (S300),
but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the water supply
step (S300) and the detergent supply step (S400) are able to be performed simultaneously.
[0192] In the water supply step (S300), the controller 50 may open the water supply valve
150 to perform the water supply process of supplying water into the tub 20, and in
the detergent supply step (S400), the controller 50 may open the detergent valve 250
to perform the detergent supply process of supplying the detergent.
[0193] The controller 50 may perform the viscosity identifying process via the detergent
identifying step (S200) before performing the detergent supply process, thereby correcting
the opening time of the detergent valve 250 based on the viscosity of the detergent
and performing the detergent supply process.
[0194] In addition, as described above, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
controller 50 may perform the viscosity identifying process of identifying the viscosity
of the detergent via the elapsed time before performing the detergent supply process
of supplying the detergent into the tub 20.
[0195] The elapsed time and the viscosity of the detergent may have a proportional relationship.
For example, detergent with a great elapsed time may be identified as having a relatively
high viscosity.
[0196] In one example, as described above, the controller 50 may perform the detergent supply
process of supplying the detergent into the tub 20, and may increase the opening time
of the detergent valve 250 as the viscosity of the detergent increases in the detergent
supply process.
[0197] As described above, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the water
supply pipe 100 and the detergent pipe 200, and the water supply pipe 100 and the
detergent pipe 200 may together form at least a portion of the flow path of the detergent.
[0198] That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent flowing from the
detergent valve 250 may flow through the detergent pipe 200 and at least a portion
of the water supply pipe 100 and be transferred into the tub 20. Additionally, as
described above, the detergent detector 300 may be located on the water supply pipe
100 downstream of the detergent pipe 200.
[0199] Furthermore, when the water supply pipe 100 or the detergent pipe 200 is connected
to the detergent outlet 400 described above, the detergent detector 300 may be disposed
on the detergent outlet 400 as well as on the water supply pipe 100. However, as described
above, when the detergent outlet 400 or the like is eliminated and the water supply
pipe 100 directly supplies water into the tub 20, it is natural that the detergent
detector 300 is installed on the water supply pipe 100.
[0200] In one example, the viscosity identifying process of the detergent described above
may be performed in the closed state of the water supply valve 150. When the water
supply valve 150 is closed, there is no water in the water supply pipe 100, so that
accuracy of the measurement of the elapsed time based on the flow of the detergent
and the identification of the viscosity of the detergent resulted therefrom may be
improved.
[0201] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the detected value of the detergent
detector 300 is in an abnormal state before performing the viscosity identifying process,
the controller 50 may close the detergent valve 250 and open the water supply valve
150 to perform a cleaning process of cleaning the detergent detector 300.
[0202] For example, when the detected value of the detergent detector 300 before the opening
of the detergent valve 250 is received as indicating that the detergent is present,
the controller 50 may determine that the detergent detector 300 is in the abnormal
state, and perform the cleaning process of the detergent detector 300 via the opening
of the water supply valve 150 before performing the viscosity identifying process.
[0203] After the cleaning process, the controller 50 may identify whether the detected value
of the detergent detector 300 is in a normal state again, and, when the detected value
is still identified to be in the abnormal state even after the cleaning process, may
perform the cleaning process a plurality of times. When the cleaning process is performed
a preset number of times or more, the controller 50 may perform an abnormality notification
process of notifying the user of the abnormal state of the detergent detector 300.
[0204] As described above, the detergent detector 300 may detect the detergent via the electrode
310 sensor including the pair of electrodes 310. In this case, when the measured value
of the electrode 310 sensor is generated before the reaching of the detergent, the
corresponding state may be identified as the abnormal state.
[0205] As described above, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 50
may perform the detergent supply process of supplying the detergent into the tub 20,
and may increase the opening time of the detergent valve 250 as the viscosity of the
detergent increases in the detergent supply process.
[0206] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 50 may increase
the opening time of the detergent valve 250 as the water pressure of the water supply
pipe 100 increases. The correlation between the water pressure and the amount of detergent
input will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 as follows.
[0207] In FIG. 10, left and right sides based on the dotted line on the horizontal axis
show different water pressures.
[0208] In the graph in FIG. 10, the area C on the left side of the dotted line represents
a low water pressure, and the area D on the right side of the dotted line represents
a high water pressure. In this regard, the low water pressure and the high water pressure
are defined in the relative relationship therebetween.
[0209] When comparing the area C with the area D in FIG. 10, it may be seen that the detergent
amount in the area C is measured greater, and further, it may be seen that a rate
of change in the amount of detergent based on the change in the viscosity of the detergent
is reduced in the area D.
[0210] In other words, when the detergent is supplied via the water supply pipe 100, it
may be seen that when the water pressure increases, the amount of detergent introduced
into the water supply pipe 100 decreases, and further, the amount of change in the
amount of detergent based on the change in the viscosity of the detergent decreases.
[0211] In FIGS. 11 and 12, a dotted line indicated by X roughly connects data values at
the low water pressure, and a dotted line indicated by Y roughly connects data values
at the high water pressure.
[0212] As may be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the amount of detergent Q of the Y-dotted line
corresponding to the relatively high water pressure is smaller than the amount of
detergent Q of the X-dotted line corresponding to the relatively low water pressure.
Further, when comparing the results in FIG. 11 targeting the low-viscosity detergent
E with the results in FIG. 12 targeting the high-viscosity detergent F, it may be
seen that, in the case of the high-viscosity detergent, an amount of change in the
amount of detergent Q based on the change in the water pressure is smaller than that
of the low-viscosity detergent.
[0213] That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the detergent pipe 200
is connected to the water supply pipe 100 and the detergent is supplied to the water
supply pipe 100, the controller 50 may correct the opening time of the detergent valve
250 based on the water pressure. For example, as the water pressure increases, the
opening time of the detergent valve 250 may be increased.
[0214] In addition, as the water pressure increases, a correction amount of the opening
time of the detergent valve 250 based on the change in the viscosity of the detergent
may be reduced. For example, when necessary, the controller 50 may reduce the amount
of increase in the opening time of the detergent valve 250 based on the increase in
the viscosity of the detergent as the water pressure increases.
[0215] In one example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a water pressure
measurer connected to the water supply pipe 100 to measure the pressure of water flowing
through the water supply pipe 100. The water pressure measurer may be included in
the external water source 60 or the water supply valve 150, or may be separately connected
to the water supply pipe 100.
[0216] In one example, the controller 50 may derive the water pressure based on a change
in a water level inside the tub 20, or may derive the water pressure based on a change
in a load inside the tub 20.
[0217] Specifically, the water pressure may be converted to a total amount of water provided
to the tub 20 within a certain time, and accordingly, the controller 50 may identify
the water pressure from the change in the water level inside the tub 20. In this case,
the tub 20 may be equipped with a water level sensor to measure the water level.
[0218] In addition, the water pressure may be converted into an amount of change in the
load of the tub 20 within a certain time, and accordingly, the controller 50 may identify
the water pressure from the change in the load inside the tub 20 that increases for
the certain time during the water supply process. In this case, the tub 20 may be
equipped with a load sensor for measuring the load.
[0219] In one example, the controller 50 may identify the water level inside the tub 20
based on the load of the tub 20 and identify the water pressure based on the water
level identified as such.
[0220] Specifically, the controller 50 may identify a load of the laundry accommodated in
the tub 20 before the water supply while identifying the laundry material, the laundry
amount, and the like via the above-described laundry characteristic identifying process,
and may derive the water level inside the tub 20 by making the change in the load
inside the tub 20 that occurs during the water supply process correspond to an amount
of water provided.
[0221] In such derivation process, the change in the load or the change in the water level
is related to the water pressure, so that the controller 50 may derive the water pressure
therefrom and use the water pressure in correcting the opening time of the detergent
valve 250.
[0222] FIG. 13 shows a flowchart showing the detergent identifying step (S200) in FIG. 12
in more detail. That is, FIG. 13 shows a control method of the laundry treating apparatus
1 for performing the detergent identifying step (S200) as the control method of the
laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0223] Referring to FIG. 13, the control method of the laundry treating apparatus 1 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a detergent valve opening step
(S220), a detergent detection determining step (S230), and a detergent viscosity identifying
step (S240).
[0224] In the detergent valve opening step (S220), the controller 50 may open the detergent
valve 250, which regulates the flow of the detergent discharged from the detergent
storage 70 in which the detergent is stored.
[0225] In the detergent detection determining step (S230), the controller 50 may determine
whether the detergent is detected by the detergent detector 300, which is disposed
at a distance downstream of the detergent valve 250 on the flow path of the detergent
discharged from the detergent storage 70.
[0226] In the detergent viscosity identifying step (S240), the controller 50 may identify
the viscosity of the detergent via the elapsed time for the detergent detector 300
to detect the detergent after the opening of the detergent valve 250 when the detergent
is detected in the detergent detection determining step (S230).
[0227] In one example, the control method of the laundry treating apparatus 1 according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a delay time determining step
(S231) and a detergent replenishment notification step (S232).
[0228] In the delay time determining step (S231), after the detergent detecting step, the
controller 50 may determine whether the delay time during which the detergent is not
detected by the detergent detector 300 after the opening of the detergent valve 250
exceeds the preset allowable time.
[0229] In the detergent replenishment notification step (S232), when it is determined in
the delay time determining step (S231) that the delay time exceeds the allowable time,
the controller 50 may request the detergent replenishment of the detergent storage
70.
[0230] The detergent viscosity identifying step (S240) may be performed when it is determined
in the delay time determining step (S231) that the delay time is equal to or smaller
than the allowable time.
[0231] In one example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first normal
state determining step (S210) and a cleaning step (S211).
[0232] In the first normal state determining step (S210), before the detergent valve opening
step (S220), the controller 50 may determine whether the detected value of the detergent
detector 300 is in the normal state.
[0233] In the cleaning step (S211), when it is determined in the first normal state determination
step (S210) that the detected value is in the abnormal state, the controller 50 may
open the water supply valve 150 that regulates the flow of water with the detergent
valve 250 closed, thereby washing the detergent detector 300.
[0234] The detergent valve opening step (S220) may be performed when the detected value
is determined to be in the normal state in the normal state determining step.
[0235] The control method of the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14 as
follows.
[0236] First, the controller 50 may perform the first normal state determining step (S210).
In the first normal state determining step (S210), the controller 50 may determine
whether the detected value of the detergent detector 300 is in the normal state. The
controller 50 may recognize a state in which the detergent detector 300 does not detect
the detergent before the opening of the detergent valve 250 as the normal state.
[0237] In the first normal state determining step (S210), when the detergent detector 300
detects the abnormal state, that is, detects the detergent before the opening of the
detergent valve 250, the controller 50 may perform the cleaning step (S211).
[0238] In the cleaning step (S211), the controller 50 may close the detergent valve 250
and open the water supply valve 150 to wash the water supply pipe 100 or the detergent
detector 300 located on the flow path of water.
[0239] After the cleaning step (S211), the controller 50 may perform a second normal state
determining step (S212). The controller 50 may determine whether the detergent detector
300 is in the normal state after the cleaning, and when the detected value of the
detergent detector 300 is identified to be normal after the cleaning, the aforementioned
detergent valve opening step (S220) may be performed.
[0240] When the detected value of the detergent detector 300 is still not in the normal
state in the second normal state determining step (S212) even after performing the
cleaning step (S211), the controller 50 may perform a number of cleaning cycles determining
step (S213). In the number of cleaning cycles determining step (S213), the controller
50 may determine whether the current number of cleaning cycles exceeds a preset allowable
number of cleaning cycles.
[0241] For example, when the cleaning step (S211) is performed, the controller 50 may count
the number of cleaning cycles that have been executed and determine whether the counted
number of cleaning cycles exceeds the allowable number of cleaning cycles.
[0242] When the counted number of cleaning cycles is equal to or smaller than the allowable
number of cleaning cycles in the number of cleaning cycles determining step (S213),
the controller 50 may perform the above-described cleaning step (S211) again, and
when the counted number of cleaning cycles exceeds the allowable number of cleaning
cycles, the controller 50 may perform an abnormality notification step (S214) of notifying
the user of the abnormal state of the detergent detector 300.
[0243] In the abnormality notification step (S214), the controller 50 may transmit a signal
notifying the user of the abnormality of the detergent detector 300 using the control
panel 80 or the like described above.
[0244] In one example, when it is determined in the first normal state determining step
(S210) or the second normal state determining step (S212) described above that the
detergent detector 300 is in the normal state, the controller 50 may perform the detergent
valve opening step (S220)
[0245] In the detergent valve opening step (S220), the detergent valve 250 may be opened
in the closed state of the water supply valve 150 to discharge the detergent, and
the detergent may flow by a self-weight or other forces.
[0246] After the detergent valve opening step (S220), the controller 50 may perform the
detergent detection determining step (S230). In the detergent detection determining
step (S230), the controller 50 may determine whether the detergent is detected by
the detergent detector 300.
[0247] When the detergent is not detected by the detergent detector 300 in the detergent
detection determining step (S230), the controller 50 may perform the delay time determining
step (S231). In the delay time determining step (S231), the controller 50 may determine
whether the delay time to date since the detergent valve 250 was opened via the detergent
valve opening step (S220) exceeds the preset allowable time.
[0248] When the delay time exceeds the allowable time in the delay time determining step
(S231), the controller 50 may perform the detergent replenishment notification step
(S232). In the detergent replenishment notification step (S232), the controller 50
may notify the user via the control panel 80 or the like that the detergent does not
exist or is insufficient in the detergent storage 70.
[0249] When the delay time is equal to or smaller than the allowable time in the delay time
determining step (S231), the controller 50 may perform the detergent detection determining
step (S230) again. The delay time determining step (S231) and the detergent detection
determining step (S230) may be performed simultaneously or may be performed repeatedly
with a predetermined time gap.
[0250] When the detergent is detected by the detergent detector 300 in the detergent detection
determining step (S230) described above, the controller 50 may identify an elapsed
time from the time when the detergent valve 250 is opened in the detergent valve opening
step (S220) to the time when the detergent is detected by the detergent detector 300,
and perform the detergent viscosity identifying step (S240) of identifying the viscosity
of the detergent from the elapsed time.
[0251] The relationship between the elapsed time and the viscosity of the detergent may
be determined based on the predetermined data map or the calculation formula.
[0252] After the detergent viscosity identifying step (S240), the controller 50 may perform
a water pressure identifying step (S250). In the water pressure identifying step (S250),
the controller 50 may identify the pressure of water provided to the water supply
pipe 100 via the above-described scheme.
[0253] After the water pressure identifying step (S250), the controller 50 may perform an
opening time correcting step (S260). In the opening time correcting step (S260), the
controller 50 may correct the opening time of the detergent valve 250 for each unit
time by reflecting the viscosity of the detergent identified in advance and/or the
pressure of water.
[0254] Although the present disclosure is shown and described in relation to the specific
embodiment, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure
may be improved and changed in various ways without departing from the technical spirit
of the present disclosure provided by the following patent claims.