Washing machine and method for controlling same

Abstract

Provided is a washing machine including: a storage chamber configured to store carbon dioxide in a gaseous state; an additive container configured to store an additive; a mixing chamber configured to mix the carbon dioxide in the gaseous state supplied from the storage chamber with the additive supplied from the additive container and pressurize the carbon dioxide and the additive, which are mixed with each other, to generate a mixed solution in a liquid state; a washing chamber configured to wash laundry using the mixed solution supplied from the mixing chamber; and a distillation chamber configured to accommodate the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber and vaporize the carbon dioxide from the mixed solution therein, wherein the additive lowers a vapor pressure of the mixed solution to maintain the mixed solution in a liquid state at pressures of 10 bar or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure relates to a washing machine that washes laundry using a mixed solution of carbon dioxide and additives and a method of controlling the same.[Background Art]

[0002] In conventional liquid CO 2 washing machines, a high pressure system of 50 bar or higher at room temperature is required to use CO 2 , which is used as a solvent, in a liquid form. In addition, liquid CO 2 washing machines focus on washing oil-soluble contaminants due to the non-polar nature of CO 2 , thus having limitations in washing water-soluble contaminants.[Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

[0003] An aspect of the disclosure provides a washing machine in which the internal pressure of a washing chamber is controlled to 10 bar or lower by mixing an additive that allows carbon dioxide to remain in a liquid state even at a low vapor pressure, thus enabling a smaller and lighter system, and saving the driving energy, and allowing for household use, and a method of controlling the same.

[0004] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a washing machine that secures excellent washing power against various types of contamination, and a method of controlling the same.[Technical Solution]

[0005] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a washing machine including: a storage chamber configured to store carbon dioxide in a gaseous state; an additive container configured to store an additive; a mixing chamber configured to mix the carbon dioxide in the gaseous state supplied from the storage chamber with the additive supplied from the additive container and pressurize the carbon dioxide and the additive to generate a mixed solution in a liquid state; a washing chamber configured to wash laundry using the mixed solution supplied from the mixing chamber; and a distillation chamber configured to collect the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber and vaporize the carbon dioxide from the mixed solution therein, wherein the additive lowers a vapor pressure of the mixed solution to maintain the mixed solution in a liquid state at a pressure of 10 bar or less.

[0006] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling a washing machine, the method comprising: generating a mixed solution that maintains a liquid state at a pressure of 10 bar or lower using carbon dioxide stored in a storage chamber and additives stored in an additive container; performing a washing cycle by supplying the mixed solution to a washing chamber; discharging the mixed solution from the washing chamber based on completion of the washing cycle; and vaporizing the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber.[Advantageous Effects]

[0007] According to the disclosure, a washing machine in which the internal pressure of a washing chamber is controlled to 10 bar or lower by mixing an additive that allows carbon dioxide to remain in a liquid state even at a low vapor pressure, thus enabling a smaller and lighter system, and saving the driving energy, and allowing for household use, and a method of controlling the same can be provided. Further, a washing machine that secures excellent washing power against various types of contamination, and a method of controlling the same can be provided.[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0008] Drawing 1 is a conceptual diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Drawing 2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a heat pump provided in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Drawing 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of components of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Drawing 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Drawing 5 is a diagram illustrating cleaning power of washing solvents for various types of contaminants according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [MODES OF THE INVENTION]

[0009] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments will be described. However, the one or more embodiments may be modified in various other forms, and the technical idea of the disclosure is not limited to the one or more embodiments described below. In addition, the one or more embodiments are merely provided as examples to those skilled in the art.

[0010] The terms used in this application are only used to describe one or more examples. Thus, for example, a singular expression includes a plural expression, unless the context clearly indicates it. In addition, terms such as "comprise" or "include" as used in the present application are used to clearly indicate the existence of features, steps, functions, elements, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and other features. It should be noted that it is not used to preliminarily exclude the presence of a field or step, function, component, or combination thereof.

[0011] On the other hand, unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification should be regarded as having the same meaning as generally understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Accordingly, unless explicitly defined herein, certain terms should not be construed in excessively ideal or formal sense. For example, in this specification, a singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly has an exception.

[0012] In addition, "about", "substantially" and the like in the present specification are used in the sense of or close to the value based on manufacturing and substance tolerances unique to the stated meaning are presented, and also used to prevent unscrupulous intruders from unscrupulous use of the disclosed content that suggests an absolute value for helping understanding of the present disclosure.

[0013] In a recent trend toward eco-friendly and highly energy-efficient cleaning methods, there has been introduction of a cleaning method that uses liquid carbon dioxide instead of various chemical raw materials conventionally used in the existing water washing and dry cleaning. Laundry using liquid carbon dioxide is relatively harmless to the human body and the environment in comparison with water washing and dry cleaning. Additionally, laundry using liquid carbon dioxide allows for low temperature washing, thus providing excellent energy efficiency, and it allows for regeneration and reuse of liquid carbon dioxide after washing, thus increasing laundry turnover rates.

[0014] However, conventional liquid CO 2 washing machines require maintaining a high pressure of 50 bar or higher across the entire system to use liquid CO 2 as a washing solvent, which makes it difficult to design pressure resistance of each component, leading to increased weight and volume of the overall system. Furthermore, high-pressure systems pose many safety-related regulations, making them challenging for household use.

[0015] In the case of a carbon dioxide washing machine, a pressure greater than or equal to a range of 50 bar to 64.4 bar may be maintained to liquefy carbon dioxide at room temperature. In order to lower the vapor pressure of a solvent A, a method of mixing the solvent A with a solute or a solvent B, which has a vapor pressure lower than that of the solvent A, may be used. In this case, according to Raoult's law, the vapor pressure of the mixture varies depending on the molar ratio of the two solvents, and based on the solvent B, which has a relatively low vapor pressure, being mixed with the solvent A at a molar ratio or more, the vapor pressure of the mixture may be maintained at a pressure or lower.

[0016] Accordingly, one or more embodiments use a mixed solution in which an additive having a vapor pressure lower than that of carbon dioxide is mixed with the carbon dioxide to provide the mixed solution with a lowered vapor pressure such that the mixed solution maintains a liquid state at a pressure of 10 bar or lower. In addition, the washing machine is provided with reduced weight and volume, thus achieving miniaturization and light weight, and also the washing machine saves driving energy, thereby obviating the need for a high pressure system to drive the conventional carbon dioxide washing machine.

[0017] A washing machine according to one or more embodiments includes a storage chamber configured to store carbon dioxide in a gaseous state; an additive container configured to store an additive; a mixing chamber configured to mix the carbon dioxide in the gaseous state supplied from the storage chamber with the additive supplied from the additive container and pressurize the carbon dioxide and the additive, which are mixed with each other, to generate a mixed solution in a liquid state; a washing chamber configured to wash laundry using the mixed solution supplied from the mixing chamber; and a distillation chamber configured to collect the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber and vaporize the carbon dioxide from the mixed solution therein, wherein the additive lowers a vapor pressure of the mixed solution to maintain the mixed solution in a liquid state at pressures of 10 bar or less.

[0018] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to one or more embodiments is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Drawing 1 is a conceptual diagram of a washing machine according to one or more embodiments.

[0020] A washing machine (1) according to one or more embodiments may be configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide.

[0021] Referring to Drawing 1, the washing machine (1) according to one or more embodiments may include a storage chamber (101), an additive container (102), a mixing chamber (103), a washing chamber (104), a drum (105), a pump (107) and a distillation chamber (109). The washing machine (1) may further include a cooling chamber (110), a reserve chamber (108) and a filter (106). In addition, the washing machine (1) may further include the 1st to 15th passages (111-125) connecting the chambers, the 1st to 9th valves (131-139) provided in the 1st to 15th passages, and a first injector (126) and a second injector (127). Additionally, the washing machine (1) may further include a sensor (141) and a heater (142).

[0022] The storage chamber (101) may be configured to store gaseous carbon dioxide. The pressure inside the storage chamber (101) may be maintained at about 50 bar or higher to store liquid carbon dioxide inside the storage chamber (101) at room temperature. Since such a high-pressure chamber has a risk of explosion, the storage chamber (101) of the washing machine (1) according to one or more embodiments may be provided to store gaseous carbon dioxide.

[0023] The gaseous carbon dioxide stored in the storage chamber (101) may be supplied to the washing chamber (104) or the mixing chamber (103). The carbon dioxide stored in the storage chamber (101) may be supplied to the washing chamber (104) through the second passage (112) or to the mixing chamber (103) through the 1st passage (111) and the 5th passage (115). In order to supply the carbon dioxide stored in the storage chamber (101) to the washing chamber (104), a first injector (126) may be provided in the second passage (112) connecting the storage chamber (101) and the washing chamber (104).

[0024] The storage chamber (101) may be configured to store gaseous carbon dioxide vaporized in the distillation chamber (109). Carbon dioxide supplied from the storage chamber (101) to the washing chamber (104) may be transferred to the storage chamber (101) by passing through the distillation chamber (109). Carbon dioxide in a mixed solution supplied from the mixing chamber (103) to the washing chamber (104) may be transferred to the storage chamber (101) by passing through the distillation chamber (109).

[0025] The additive container (102) may be provided to store an additive that is to be mixed with carbon dioxide and allows the carbon dioxide to be liquefied at 10 bar or lower. The additive may be mixed with carbon dioxide and lower the vapor pressure of the carbon dioxide. To this end, the additive may have a vapor pressure lower than that of the carbon dioxide. The additive may include a solvent that has low reactivity with carbon dioxide or that is not reactive with carbon dioxide.

[0026] The additive may be a solvent other than carbon dioxide, and may include a solvent that operates to lower the vapor pressure of the carbon dioxide based on being mixed with carbon dioxide. The additive may be mixed with the carbon dioxide and then pressurized to form a mixed solution. Due to the additive, the mixed solution is provided with a vapor pressure lower than that of the carbon dioxide, and remain in a liquid state, for example, at a pressure of 10 bar or lower.

[0027] The additive stored in the additive container (102) in a liquid state may be supplied to the washing chamber (104) or the mixing chamber (103). The liquid additive stored in the additive container (102) may be supplied to the mixing chamber (103) through the 3rd passage (113) and the 5th passage (115). The liquid additive stored in the additive container (102) may be supplied to the washing chamber (104) through the 4th passage (114). In order to supply the additive stored in the additive container (102) to the washing chamber (104), a second injector (127) may be provided in the 4th passage (114) connecting the additive container (102) and the washing chamber (104).

[0028] The mixing chamber (103) may generate a liquid state mixed solution in which carbon dioxide and additive are mixed. To this end, the mixing chamber (103) may be supplied with carbon dioxide from the storage chamber (101). The mixing chamber (103) may be supplied with additive from the additive container (102).

[0029] The carbon dioxide delivered from the storage chamber (101) and the additive delivered from the additive container (102) may be mixed inside the mixing chamber (103). Thereafter, through increasing pressure inside the mixing chamber (103), a mixed solution may be generated inside the mixing chamber (103). As will be described below, the pressure at which gaseous carbon dioxide is liquefied may be lowered by the additive, so that a mixed solution may be generated even under pressure conditions of 10 bar or lower.

[0030] The mixing chamber (103) may supply the mixed solution to the washing chamber (104).

[0031] The washing chamber (104) may be supplied with carbon dioxide from the storage chamber (101), an additive from the additive container (102), and a mixed solution from the mixing chamber (103).

[0032] The washing chamber (104) may be supplied with carbon dioxide from the storage chamber (101), an additive from the additive container (102), or a mixed solution from the mixing chamber (103) during one washing cycle.

[0033] The timing of receiving carbon dioxide from the storage chamber (101) and the timing of receiving a mixed solution from the mixing chamber (103) may be different from each other.

[0034] The timing of receiving an additive from the additive container (102) and the timing of receiving a mixed solution from the mixing chamber (103) may be different from each other.

[0035] The timing of receiving carbon dioxide from the storage chamber (101) and the timing of receiving an additive from the additive container (102) may be the same as each other.

[0036] The washing chamber (104) may, after receiving the mixed solution, further receive gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage chamber (101) or additives from the additive container (102).

[0037] The washing chamber (104) may, after receiving the mixed solution from the mixing chamber (103), further receive a mixed solution from the mixing chamber (103).

[0038] The drum (105) may be provided inside the washing chamber (104) and provided to be rotatable inside the washing chamber (104). The drum (105) may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0039] The drum (105) may rotate while changing the rotation speed thereof.

[0040] The drum (105) may include a space in which laundry is placed and the laundry is washed.

[0041] The drum (105) may include a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes may be passages that allow the mixed solution contained in the washing chamber (104) to flow from inner side to outer side of the drum (105).

[0042] The filter (106) may be connected to the washing chamber (104) and may be a space through which the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) may pass. When the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) passes through the filter (106), part of contaminants separated from the laundry may be filtered out by the filter (106). The part of the contaminants may be collected within the filter (106).

[0043] The filter (106) may include fine holes. The filter (106) may include one, or two or more filters.

[0044] The pump (107) may be connected to the washing chamber (104). The pump (107) may pump the mixed solution contained in the washing chamber (104) such that the mixed solution in the washing chamber (104) is discharged to the outside of the washing chamber (104). The mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) by the pumping operation of the pump (107) may be delivered to the distillation chamber (109).

[0045] According to one or more embodiments, the additive container (102) may be arranged at a position higher than that of the washing chamber (104) or the mixing chamber (103). The cooling chamber (110) may be arranged at a position higher than that of additive container (102).

[0046] With such an arrangement, the additive changed to a liquid state in the cooling chamber (110) may be moved to the additive container (102) by gravity, and the additive stored in the additive container (102) may be moved to the washing chamber (104) or the mixing chamber (103) by gravity. In order to move the mixed solution inside the washing chamber (104) to the distillation chamber (109) located at a higher position than the washing chamber (104), the washing machine (1) may include the pump (107). The pump (107) may move the mixed solution inside the washing chamber (104) to the distillation chamber (109).

[0047] In a case in which the washing machine (1) is provided with the filter (106), the pump (107) may be connected to the filter (106). The mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) by the pumping operation of the pump (107) may be delivered to the distillation chamber (109) by passing through the filter (106).

[0048] The reserve chamber (108) may store the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) for the pressure control of the washing chamber (104). At least a portion of the mixed solution in the washing chamber (104) may be discharged into the reserve chamber (108) and thus the pressure inside the washing chamber (104) may be lowered. After discharging the mixed solution inside the washing chamber (104) to the reserve chamber (108), gaseous carbon dioxide may be supplied from the storage chamber (101) into the washing chamber (104) and thus the fraction of carbon dioxide in the mixed solution inside the washing chamber (104) and the pressure inside the washing chamber (104) may be adjusted.

[0049] The reserve chamber (108) may be connected to the filter (106) or the distillation chamber (109).

[0050] In a case in which the reserve chamber (108) is connected to the distillation chamber (109), the reserve chamber (108) may deliver the mixed solution to the distillation chamber (109).

[0051] In a case in which the reserve chamber (108) is connected to the filter (106), the mixed solution discharged from the reserve chamber (108) may be delivered to the distillation chamber (109) by passing through the filter (106). When the mixed solution discharged from the reserve chamber (108) passes through the filter (106), part of contaminants contained in the mixed solution may be filtered out by the filter (106).

[0052] The reserve chamber (108) may also be connected to the pump (107). In this case, the mixed solution stored in the reserve chamber (108) may be discharged from the reserve chamber (108) and delivered to the distillation chamber (109) by the pumping operation of the pump (107).

[0053] The distillation chamber (109) may store the mixed solution having been stored in the washing chamber (104) and the mixed solution having been stored in the reserve chamber (108). The distillation chamber (109) may perform distillation by vaporizing the mixed solution inside the distillation chamber (109).

[0054] The distillation chamber (109) may be supplied with the mixed solution pumped by the pump (107) and also supplied with the mixed solution filtered by the filter (106).

[0055] By lowering the pressure inside the distillation chamber (109), carbon dioxide may be separated from the mixed solution. When the pressure inside the distillation chamber (109) is lowered, the liquid carbon dioxide in the mixed solution vaporizes and becomes gaseous carbon dioxide. Through this, carbon dioxide may be separated from the mixed solution. The gaseous carbon dioxide may be transferred to the storage chamber (101) through the 12th passage (122), the 13th passage (123), and the 14th passage (124). In this case, the 8th valve (138) may be opened and the 9th valve (139) may be closed.

[0056] After separating carbon dioxide from the mixed solution inside the distillation chamber (109), contaminants may be separated from the mixed solution inside the distillation chamber (109). When the temperature inside the distillation chamber (109) is raised to vaporize the liquid additive in the mixed solution, the additives are vaporized, leaving contaminants contained in the mixed solution inside the distillation chamber (109), and the additives move to the cooling chamber (110) in a gaseous state.

[0057] The gaseous additives moved to the cooling chamber (110) may be liquefied in the cooling chamber (110) and then transferred to the additive container (102). The liquid additive liquefied in the cooling chamber (110) may be transferred to the additive container (102) by passing through the 13th passage (123) and the 15th passage (125). In this case, the 9th valve (139) may be opened and the 8th valve (138) may be closed.

[0058] With such a configuration, contaminants may be separated from the mixed solution. The washing machine (1) may further include a contamination chamber that stores contaminants separated from the mixed solution by distillation of the mixed solution in the distillation chamber (109).

[0059] As described above, the distillation chamber (109) may separate the mixed solution into carbon dioxide and additives. Inside the distillation chamber (109), the carbon dioxide and the additives may be separated using the difference in boiling points between the carbon dioxide and the additives. The boiling point of the carbon dioxide is lower than room temperature. If the pressure inside the distillation chamber (109) is lowered, liquid carbon dioxide, which has a boiling point lower than room temperature, is vaporized.

[0060] Although it depends on the physical properties of the additives, the boiling points of the additives according to one or more embodiments is higher than the boiling point of the carbon dioxide, and may be 40° C or lower. In this case, after all of the carbon dioxide with a low boiling point has vaporized, the temperature inside the distillation chamber (109) may be raised to the boiling point of the additives such that the additive is vaporized. The gaseous carbon dioxide may be transferred to the storage chamber (101) by passing through the cooling chamber (110) or without passing through the cooling chamber (110). The reason why gaseous carbon dioxide does not need to pass through the cooling chamber (110) is that carbon dioxide is not liquefied even by passing through the cooling chamber (110), which is not a high pressure chamber, because the melting point of carbon dioxide is lower than the temperature inside the cooling chamber (110). The additives, which has been vaporized in the distillation chamber (109), may be liquefied in the cooling chamber (110) and then transferred to the additive container (102). Meanwhile, the additives may vaporize, allowing contaminants contained in the mixed solution to be separated. The separated contaminants may be discharged to the contamination chamber.

[0061] The carbon dioxide liquefied in the cooling chamber (110) may be delivered to the storage chamber (101), and the additives liquefied in the cooling chamber (110) may be delivered to the additive container (102).

[0062] The washing machine (1) according to one or more embodiments may not include the cooling chamber (110). For example, the washing machine (1) may not include the cooling chamber (110) based on the boiling point of the additive being higher than 40° C. In this case, the carbon dioxide is vaporized as the pressure inside the distillation chamber (109) is reduced, which allows the carbon dioxide to be separated from the mixed solution. The liquid additives may be directly transferred to the additive container (102) or discharged outside the washing machine (1) without being subject to vaporization and liquefaction. According to one or more embodiments, it is also possible for the additive container (102) to operate as a cooling chamber (110).

[0063] Hereinafter, the 1st to 15th passages (111-125) according to one or more embodiments, the 1st to 9th valves (131-139) provided in the 1st to 15th passages, and the first injector (126), the second injector (127), the sensor (141), and the heater (142) are described.

[0064] The 1st passage (111) may be connected to the storage chamber (101) and may be a passage through which carbon dioxide in the storage chamber (101) moves.

[0065] The 2nd passage (112) may be provided between the storage chamber (101) and the washing chamber (104), and may be a passage that directly supplies carbon dioxide from the storage chamber (101) to the washing chamber (104).

[0066] The 3rd passage (113) may be connected to the additive container (102) and may be a passage through which the additives of the additive container (102) move.

[0067] The 4th passage (114) may be provided between the additive container (102) and the washing chamber (104), and may be a passage that directly supplies the additives in the additive container (102) to the washing chamber (104).

[0068] The 5th passage (115) may be connected to the 1st passage (111) and the 3rd passage (113), and may be connected to the mixing chamber (103).

[0069] The 5th passage (115) may be a connecting passage connecting the 1st passage (111) and the 3rd passage (113).

[0070] The 5th passage (115) may receive carbon dioxide through the 1st passage (111) and additives through the 3rd passage (113).

[0071] The 5th passage (115) may deliver carbon dioxide to the mixing chamber (103) and deliver additives to the mixing chamber (103).

[0072] The 6th passage (116) may be provided between the mixing chamber (103) and the washing chamber (104).

[0073] The 6th passage (116) may deliver the mixed solution mixed in the mixing chamber (103) to the washing chamber (104). The 6th passage (116) may be a mixing passage through which the mixed solution flows.

[0074] The 7th passage (117) may be connected to the washing chamber (104).

[0075] The 7th passage (117) may be a passage connected to the pump (107) and through which the mixed solution of the washing chamber (104) pumped by the pumping operation of the pump (107) flows. The 7th passage (117) may be a drain pipe through which the mixed solution in the washing chamber (104) is discharged.

[0076] In a case in which the washing machine (1) is provided with a filter (106), the 7th passage (117) may be connected to the filter (106) and may be a passage allowing the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) by pumping of the pump (107) to be delivered to the filter (106).

[0077] The 8th passage (118) may be provided between the filter (106) and the pump (107). The 8th passage (118) may allow the mixed solution filtered by the filter (106) to flow to the pump (107).

[0078] The 9th passage (119) may connect the pump (107) and the distillation chamber (109).

[0079] The 9th passage (119) may allow the mixed solution pumped by the pump (107) to flow into the distillation chamber (109).

[0080] The 9th passage (119) may allow the mixed solution stored in the reserve chamber (108) to flow to the distillation chamber (109).

[0081] The 10th passage (120) is a passage provided between the washing chamber (104) and the reserve chamber (108).

[0082] The 10th passage (120) may allow the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) to flow into the reserve chamber (108).

[0083] The 11th passage (121) may be provided between the reserve chamber (108) and the filter (106).

[0084] The 11th passage (121) may allow the mixed solution discharged from the reserve chamber (108) to flow to the filter (106) such that contaminants in the mixed solution are filtered out by the filter (106).

[0085] The 12th passage (122) may be provided between the distillation chamber (109) and the cooling chamber (110).

[0086] The 12th passage (122) may allow the additive vaporized in the distillation chamber (109) to flow into the cooling chamber (110).

[0087] The 13th passage (123) may be connected to the cooling chamber (110).

[0088] The 13th passage (123) is a passage through which carbon dioxide and additive, which is liquefied in the cooling chamber (110), flow.

[0089] The 14th passage (124) may be provided between the 13th passage (123) and the storage chamber (101).

[0090] The 14th passage (124) may guide carbon dioxide delivered from the 13th passage (123) to the storage chamber (101). Through this, carbon dioxide used in washing may be stored back in the storage chamber (101).

[0091] The 15th passage (125) may be provided between the 13th passage (123) and the additive container (102).

[0092] The 15th passage (125) may guide the additive delivered from the 13th passage (123) to the additive container (102). Through this, the additive used in washing may be stored back in the additive container (102).

[0093] The first injector (126) may be connected to the 2nd passage (112). The first injector (126) may be provided in the washing chamber (104). The first injector (126) may inject gaseous carbon dioxide moving through the 2nd passage (112) into the washing chamber (104).

[0094] The second injector (127) may be connected to the 4th passage (114). The second injector (127) may be provided in the washing chamber (104). The second injector (127) may inject the additive moving through the 4th passage (114) into the washing chamber (104).

[0095] The 1st valve (131) is provided in the 1st passage (111) to open or close the 1st passage (111). By opening the 1st valve (131), carbon dioxide may be supplied from the storage chamber (101) to the mixing chamber (103), and by closing the 1st valve (131), supply of carbon dioxide from the storage chamber (101) to the mixing chamber (103) may be blocked.

[0096] The 2nd valve (132) may be provided in the 2nd passage (112) to open or close the 2nd passage (112). By opening the 2nd valve (132), carbon dioxide may be supplied from the storage chamber (101) to the washing chamber (104), and by closing the 2nd valve (132), supply of carbon dioxide from the storage chamber (101) to the washing chamber (104) may be blocked.

[0097] The 3rd valve (133) may be provided in the 3rd passage (113) to open or close the 3rd passage (113). By opening the 3rd valve (133), the additive may be supplied from the additive container (102) to the mixing chamber (103), and by closing the 3rd valve (133), supply of the additive from the additive container (102) to the mixing chamber (103) may be blocked.

[0098] The 4th valve (134) may be provided in the 4th passage (114) to open or close the 4th passage (114). By opening the 4th valve (134), the additive may be supplied from the additive container (102) to the washing chamber (104), and by closing the 4th valve (134), supply of the additive from the additive container (102) to the washing chamber (104) may be blocked.

[0099] The 5th valve (135) may be provided in the 6th passage (116) to open or close the 6th passage (116). By opening the 5th valve (135), the mixed solution may be supplied from the mixing chamber (103) to the washing chamber (104), and by closing the 5th valve (135), supply of the mixed solution from the mixing chamber (103) to the washing chamber (104) may be blocked.

[0100] The 6th valve (136) may be provided in the 7th passage (117) to open or close the 7th passage (117). By opening the 6th valve (136), the mixed solution may be supplied from the washing chamber (104) to the filter (106), and by closing the 6th valve (136), supply of the mixed solution from the washing chamber (104) to the filter (106) may be blocked.

[0101] The 7th valve (137) may be provided in the 10th passage (120) to open or close the 10th passage (120). By opening the 7th valve (137), the mixed solution may be supplied from the washing chamber (104) to the reserve chamber (108), and by closing the 7th valve (137), supply of the mixed solution from the washing chamber (104) to the reserve chamber (108) may be blocked.

[0102] The 8th valve (138) may be provided in the 14th passage (124) to open or close the 14th passage (124). By opening the 8th valve (138), carbon dioxide may be introduced from the 13th passage (123) into the storage chamber (101), and by closing the 8th valve (138), introduction of carbon dioxide from the 13th passage (123) to the storage chamber (101) may be blocked.

[0103] The 9th valve (139) may be provided in the 15th passage (125) to open or close the 15th passage (125). By opening the 9th valve (139), the additive may be introduced from the 13th passage (123) into the additive container (102), and by closing the 9th valve (139), introduction of the additive from the 13th passage (123) to the additive container (102) may be blocked.

[0104] The sensor (141) may be provided in the washing chamber (104).

[0105] The sensor (141) may detect contaminants contained in the mixed solution in the washing chamber (104) and output contamination information corresponding to the detected contaminants. Here, the contaminants contained in the mixed solution may be contaminants separated from laundry.

[0106] The sensor (141) may be a sensor (141) configured to detect contaminants contaminated in laundry. The contamination information output from the sensor (141) may include information for recognizing the type and degree of contamination.

[0107] The sensor (141) may include at least one of an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a thermal conductivity sensor, or an image sensor.

[0108] The sensor (141) may include an oil sensor.

[0109] The sensor (141) may include a capacitance probe.

[0110] The sensor (141) may include a turbidity sensor that detects turbidity of the mixed solution. The turbidity sensor may include an optical sensor. The turbidity of the mixed solution may be a turbidity corresponding to the degree of contamination of the laundry.

[0111] When the sensor (141) is an optical sensor, the sensor may detect the intensity of light reflected from the mixed solution and output a voltage corresponding to the intensity of the detected light as contamination information. The intensity of reflected light may vary depending on the type of contaminant.

[0112] When the sensor (141) is an ultrasonic sensor, the sensor (141) may output a ultrasonic transmission time and a ultrasonic reception time as contamination information.

[0113] When the sensor (141) is a thermal conductivity sensor, the sensor (141) may output a detected thermal conductivity as contamination information.

[0114] When the sensor (141) is an image sensor, the sensor (141) may output image information of a mixed solution containing contaminants as contamination information.

[0115] When the sensor (141) is a capacitance probe, the sensor (141) may output a voltage corresponding to a dielectric constant as contamination information. The dielectric constants may vary depending on the oil-soluble or water-soluble contaminant.

[0116] The sensor (141) may include a pressure sensor that measures the pressure inside the washing chamber (104).

[0117] The heater (142) may be provided in the washing chamber (104). The heater (142) may increase the internal temperature of the washing chamber (104). As the temperature inside the washing chamber (104) is increased by the heater (142), the pressure inside the washing chamber (104) may increase. The heater (142) may operate based on laundry in the washing chamber (104) being dried.

[0118] The heater (142) may be provided in the washing chamber (104) to control temperature and pressure inside the washing chamber (104), and dry laundry.

[0119] The heater (142) for controlling the temperature and pressure inside the washing chamber (104) and the heater for drying laundry may be separate heaters.

[0120] The washing chamber (104) may include one, or two or more heaters.

[0121] According to one or more embodiments, the washing machine (1) may include a heat pump (109a). A condenser of the heat pump (109a) may be used as a heat source for the distillation chamber (109), and an evaporator of the heat pump (109a) may be used as a cooling device for the cooling chamber (110).

[0122] Drawing 2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a heat pump provided in a washing machine according to one or more embodiments.

[0123] Referring to Drawing 2, a heat pump (109a) may include a compressor (c), an expansion valve (ev), a condenser (con), and an evaporator (eva).

[0124] The compressor (c) suctions a refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator (eva).

[0125] The compressor (c) compresses the suctioned refrigerant and delivers the compressed refrigerant to the condenser (con). The compressed refrigerant may be a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0126] The condenser (con) is connected between the compressor (c) and the expansion valve (ev), and receives the compressed refrigerant from the compressor (c). The refrigerant in the condenser (con) may be subject to heat-exchange with the mixed solution, thereby be liquefied.

[0127] The condenser (con) may perform phase change on the refrigerant supplied from the compressor (c) into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0128] The condenser (con) delivers the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve (ev).

[0129] The expansion valve (ev) lowers the pressure of the refrigerant supplied from the condenser (con) through a throttling operation. The expansion valve (ev) delivers the depressurized refrigerant to the evaporator.

[0130] The evaporator (eva) performs phase-change on the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve (ev) into a gaseous state and delivers the phase-changed refrigerant to the compressor (c). The refrigerant passed through the evaporator (eva) may be a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The refrigerant in the evaporator (eva) may be subject to heat exchange with the mixed solution and thereby be vaporized. The refrigerant in the evaporator (eva) may evaporate on its own while absorbing heat for evaporation from the mixed solution.

[0131] The condenser (con) may be provided in the distillation chamber (109), and the evaporator (eva) may be provided in the cooling chamber (110).

[0132] The mixed solution in the distillation chamber (109) may be heated through heat exchange with the refrigerant in the condenser (con). The mixed solution in the distillation chamber (109) may be vaporized by heat emitted from the condenser (con).

[0133] The mixed solution in the cooling chamber (110) may be cooled through heat exchange with the refrigerant of the evaporator (eva) to thereby be liquefied.

[0134] Hereinafter, the mixed solution of additives and carbon dioxide used in the washing machine (1) according to one or more embodiments as described above will be described in detail.

[0135] The mixed solution of additive and carbon dioxide may have a wetting index greater than or equal to 40, the wetting index expressed by Equation 1 below. wetting index = density / viscosity × surface tension × 1000

[0136] When the wetness index is less than 40, the mixed solution may have a difficulty in serving as a washing solvent, and thus the efficiency of removing contaminants from laundry may be reduced.

[0137] The additive may include an additive having a wetness index greater than or equal to 40 and a boiling point lower than or equal to 40° C or higher than 40° C.

[0138] The additive having a wetness index greater than or equal to 40 and a boiling point lower than or equal to 40° C may include any one of an additive having lipophilicity and non-flammability or diethyl ether.

[0139] The additive having lipophilicity and non-flammability may include any one of a mixture of methyl nonafluoroisobutyl ether and methyl nonafluorobutyl ether, a mixture of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-Butene, 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone or methyl perfluoropropyl ether.

[0140] The additive, having a wetness index greater than or equal to 40 and a boiling point higher than 40° C, may include any one of an amphiphilic additive, a lipophilic additive, or an additive having lipophilicity and silicone-based affinity.

[0141] The amphiphilic additive is an additive that has both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, and may include any one of ethanol, methanol, or isopropanol.

[0142] The lipophilic additive may include any one of hexadecane, tetradecane, decane, nonane, or N-undecane.

[0143] The additive having lipophilicity and silicone-based affinity may include any one of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane or decamethylcyclopentasiloxane.

[0144] The additive is mixed with carbon dioxide to form a mixed solution, and the additive may be contained in an amount of 84.0 mol % or more in the mixed solution. That is, the mixed solution may contain carbon dioxide in an amount of 16 mol % or less.

[0145] By including the above described additive, the carbon dioxide washing machine (1) may be driven at a driving pressure of 10 bar or lower.

[0146] More specifically, when the additive is a lipophilic and non-flammable additive or diethyl ether with a wettability index greater than or equal to 40 and a boiling point lower than or equal to 40° C, the additive may be included in the mixed solution in an amount of 84.3 mol % or more. In addition, the additive may be included in the mixed solution in an amount of 84.0 mol % based on the additive being an amphiphilic additive with a wetting index greater than or equal to 40 and a boiling point higher than 40° C. In addition the additive may be included in the mixed solution in an amount of 84.0 mol % or more based on the additive being a lipophilic additive with a wetness index greater than or equal to 40 and a boiling point higher than 40° C, and based on the additive being a lipophilic and silicone-based affinity additives, the additive may be included in the mixed solution in an amount of 84.5 mol %.

[0147] After the laundry cycle using the mixed solution is completed, contaminants of the mixed solution may be separated through vaporization. That is, the mixed solution may, through vaporization, leave contaminants contained in the liquid state mixed solution, and the mixed solution in a gaseous state may be separated from the contaminants.

[0148] The vaporization may be performed at a temperature lower than or equal to 40° C.

[0149] With a vaporization at the temperature lower than or equal to 40° C, lipophilic and non-flammable additives and diethyl ether with a boiling point lower than or equal to 40° C among additives used for the mixed solution may be vaporized and separated from the mixed solution, and amphiphilic additives, lipophilic additives, and additives having lipophilicity and silicone-based affinity with a boiling point higher than 40° C remain in a liquid state without being vaporized in the process of vaporization.

[0150] In addition, a method of controlling the washing machine (1) using the mixed solution of additive and carbon dioxide according to one or more embodiments is described.

[0151] Hereinafter, the washing machine (1) according to one or more embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Drawing 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a washing machine according to one or more embodiments.

[0152] Referring to Drawing 3, the washing machine (1) according to one or more embodiments may include a user interface device (150), a sensor (141), a plurality of valves (130), a pump (107), a heater (142), a heat pump (109a), an injector (128), a motor (105a), or a controller (160).

[0153] The user interface device (150) may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the washing machine (1).

[0154] The user interface device (150) may include at least one input interface (151) and at least one output interface (152).

[0155] The at least one input interface (151) may convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal.

[0156] The at least one input interface (151) may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and wash / rinse / spin setting buttons. The at least one input interface (151) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, or a microphone, and the like.

[0157] The at least one output interface (152) may generate sensory information to transmit various types of information related to the operation of the washing machine (1) to the user.

[0158] For example, the at least one output interface (152) may transmit information related to the washing course, the operation time of the washing machine (1), and wash settings / rinse settings / spin settings to the user. The information about the operation of the washing machine (1) may be output through a screen, an indicator, or speech, for example. The at least one output interface (152) may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker, for example.

[0159] The sensor (141) may include a contamination level sensor for detecting contaminants in laundry or a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside the washing chamber (104).

[0160] Sensor data collected from the sensor (141) may be transmitted to the controller (160).

[0161] The plurality of valves (130) are provided in the 1st to 15th passages (111-125) to open and close the 1st to 15th passages (111-125).

[0162] The plurality of valves (130) may include 1st to 9th valves (131-139).

[0163] According to one or more embodiments, one or more valves among the plurality of valves (130) may be omitted, and one or more valves among the plurality of valves (130) may be replaced with injectors.

[0164] The controller (160) may control the plurality of valves (130).

[0165] The plurality of valves (130) may open or close the 1st to 15th passages (111-125) according to a control signal from the controller (160).

[0166] The controller (160) may control the plurality of valves (130) such that the mixed solution generated in the mixing chamber (103) is supplied to the washing chamber (104) in a liquefied state at a pressure of 10 bar or lower.

[0167] Here, the controlling, by the controller (160), of the plurality of valves (130) may include controlling one or more valves among the plurality of valves (130).

[0168] Here, the controlling, by the controller (160), of the plurality of valves (130) may include controlling the opening time or the opening degree of the plurality of valves (130).

[0169] The pump (107) may pump the mixed solution contained in the washing chamber (104) such that the mixed solution in the washing chamber (104) is discharged to the outside of the washing chamber (104). The controller (160) may control the pump (107).

[0170] The pump (107) may pump the mixed solution contained in the washing chamber (104) according to a control signal from the controller (160).

[0171] According to one or more embodiments, the pump (107) may be omitted based on the boiling point of the additive being at a temperature (e.g., 60°C or lower) that causes damage to the fabric.

[0172] The heater (142) may increase the internal temperature of the washing chamber (104). The controller (160) may control the heater (142).

[0173] The heater (142) may heat the inside of the washing chamber (104) according to a control signal from the controller (160).

[0174] The heat pump (109a) may include a compressor (c), an expansion valve (ev), a condenser (con), and an evaporator (eva). The controller (160) may control the compressor (c).

[0175] The compressor (c) may compress the refrigerant according to a control signal from the controller (160).

[0176] When the compressor (c) operates, the condenser may be used as a heat source for the distillation chamber (109), and the evaporator may be used as a cooling device for the cooling chamber (110).

[0177] According to one or more embodiments, the evaporator may be used as a cooling device for the additive container (102).

[0178] The motor (105a) may rotate the drum (105).

[0179] The controller (160) may control the motor (105a).

[0180] The motor (105a) may rotate the drum (105) according to a control signal from the controller (160).

[0181] The injector (128) may include a first injector (126) that injects gaseous carbon dioxide moving through the 2nd passage (112) into the washing chamber (104) and a second injector (127) that injects an additive moving through the 4th passage (114) into the washing chamber (104). According to one or more embodiments, one valve (e.g., the 8th valve (138)) among the plurality of valves (130) may be replaced with the injector (128).

[0182] The controller (160) may control the injector (128).

[0183] The controller (160) may control various components (e.g., the plurality of valves (130), the pump (107), the heater (142), the heat pump (109a), or the motor (105a)) of the washing machine (1). The controller (160) may control various components of the washing machine (1) to perform at least one cycle including water supply, washing, rinsing, or dehydration according to user input. For example, the controller (160) may control the motor (105a) to adjust the rotation speed of the drum (105), or control the plurality of valves (130) or the injector (128) to supply the mixed solution to the washing chamber (104), control the plurality of valves (130) or the pump (107) to discharge the mixed solution from the washing chamber (104) to the outside, or control the heat pump (109a) to heat the distillation chamber (109) or cool the cooing chamber (110) (or the additive container (102)), or control the heater (142) to heat the washing chamber (104).

[0184] The controller (160) may include hardware, such as a CPU, Micom, or memory, and software, such as a control program. For example, the controller (160) may include at least one memory (162) that stores data in the form of an algorithm for controlling the operation of components of the washing machine (1) and data in the form of a program, and at least one processor (161) that performs the above-described operation and the to-be described operation using the data stored in the at least one memory (162). The memory (162) and the processor (161) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (161) may include one, or two or more processor chips, or one or two or more processing cores. The memory (162) may include one, or two or more memory chips or one or two or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory (162) and processor (161) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0185] The memory (162) may store instructions for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine (1). The processor (161) may perform the operations described above and operations described below by executing the instructions stored in the memory (162).

[0186] The components described in Drawing 3 are examples of the components of the washing machine (1) according to one or more embodiments, and some components (e.g., the pump (107)) among the components shown in Drawing 3 may be omitted, and the washing machine (1) according to one or more embodiments may further include other components (e.g., a communication module for communicating with an external device) in addition to the components shown in Drawing 3.

[0187] Drawing 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of controlling a washing machine according to one or more embodiments.

[0188] Referring to Drawing 4, the washing machine (1) may perform an operation of generating a mixed solution (1100).

[0189] According to one or more embodiments, the controller (160) may perform operation (1100) of generating a mixed solution that maintains a liquid state at a pressure of 10 bar or lower during a washing cycle. Here, the mixed solution may contain additives in an amount of 84 mol % or more. That is, the mixed solution may contain carbon dioxide in an amount of 16 mol % or less. The amount of the mixed solution may vary depending on the characteristics (e.g., weight or material) of the laundry, but the ratio of the mole % of the additive and the mole % of the carbon dioxide contained in the mixed solution may be maintained at the ratio described above.

[0190] The operation (1100) of generating a mixed solution may include adjusting the ratio of carbon dioxide and additives such that the mixed solution contains the additive in an amount of 84.0 mol % or more.

[0191] The controller (160) may, in response to a start of the washing cycle, perform a weight sensing operation to detect the weight of the laundry in the drum (105) or a fabric quality sensing operation to detect the fabric quality of the laundry in the drum (105).

[0192] The controller (160) may determine the amount of mixed solution based on the characteristics (e.g., weight, material) of the laundry. The controller (160) may control the plurality of valves (130) to generate the determined amount of mixed solution.

[0193] The controller (160) may open the 1st valve (131) for a first predetermined time to allow carbon dioxide stored in the storage chamber (101) to be supplied to the mixing chamber (103), and may open the 3rd valve (133) for a second predetermined time to allow additives stored in the additive container (102) to move to the mixing chamber (103).

[0194] According to one or more embodiments, the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time may be different from each other. For example, the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time may be preset as a ratio of time periods such that the mixed solution generated in the mixing chamber (103) contains additives in an amount of 84 mol % or more.

[0195] According to one or more embodiments, the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time may be the same, but the opening degree of the 1st valve (131) during the first predetermined time and the opening degree of the 3rd valve (133) during the second predetermined time may be different from each other. For example, the opening degree of the 1st valve (131) and the opening degree of the 3rd valve (133) may be preset to a ratio of the opening degrees such that the mixed solution generated in the mixing chamber (103) contains additives in an amount of 84 mol % or more.

[0196] According to one or more embodiments, the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time may be different from each other, and the opening degree of the 1st valve (131) and the opening degree of the 3rd valve (133) may also be different from each other. For example, the first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, and the opening degrees of the 1st valve (131), and the opening degree of the 3rd valve (133) may be preset to ratios such that the mixed solution generated in the mixing chamber (103) contains additives in an amount of 84 mole% or more.

[0197] The controller (160) may, based on a predetermined time elapsing after closing both the 1st valve (131) and the 3rd valve (133), open the 5th valve (135) such that the mixed solution generated in the mixing chamber (103) may be supplied to the washing chamber (104). Here, the predetermined time may be set in advance as a time that is sufficient to liquefy the mixed solution generated in the mixing chamber (103) at a pressure of 10 bar or lower.

[0198] The controller (160) may pressurize the inside of the mixing chamber (103) such that a mixed solution of carbon dioxide and additives is generated in the mixing chamber (103). The pressurizing, by the controller (160), of the inside of the mixing chamber (103) may include supplying carbon dioxide or additives to the mixing chamber (103).

[0199] According to one or more embodiments, the 1st valve (131) provided in the passage that supplies gaseous carbon dioxide stored in the storage chamber (101) to the mixing chamber (103) may be replaced with the injector (128), and the controller (160) may control the injector (128) to inject the gaseous carbon dioxide stored in the storage chamber (101) into the mixing chamber (103).

[0200] The washing machine (1) may, upon completing the generation of the mixed solution that maintain a liquid state at a pressure of 10 bar or lower, perform an operation of supplying the mixed solution to the washing chamber (104) (1200).

[0201] According to one or more embodiments, the controller (160) may, in response to a predetermined time elapsing after both the 1st valve (131) and the 3rd valve (133) are closed, identify that the generation of the mixed solution in the mixing chamber (103) is completed.

[0202] According to one or more embodiments, the mixing chamber (103) may be provided with a pressure sensor to detect the pressure of the mixed solution. The controller (160) may, in response to the pressure of the mixed solution falling below 10 bar, identify that the generation of the mixed solution in the mixing chamber (103) is completed.

[0203] The controller (160) may, in response to identifying that the generation of the mixed solution is completed, open the 5th valve (135).

[0204] The controller (160) may, based on the pressure inside the washing chamber (104) reaching a predetermined pressure (e.g., a predetermined pressure lower than or equal to 10 bar), open the 5th valve (135). The predetermined pressure may be set in advance to an appropriate pressure that may maintain the mixed solution in a liquid state.

[0205] The controller (160) may maintain the pressure inside the washing chamber (104) at a 10 bar or below.

[0206] A method of the controller (160) adjusting the pressure inside the washing chamber (104) to 10 bar or lower may employ various methods.

[0207] For example, the controller (160) may control the opening of the 7th valve (137) such that the mixed solution in the washing chamber (104) is discharged into the reserve chamber (108), to adjust the pressure inside the washing chamber (104).

[0208] As another example, the controller (160) may control the operation of the heater (142) to adjust the pressure of the washing chamber (104).

[0209] The controller (160) may control the amount of heat generated by the heater (142) or the operation time of the heater (142).

[0210] As another example, the controller (160) may control supply of at least one of gaseous carbon dioxide or additives to adjust the pressure of the washing chamber (104).

[0211] The controller (160) may control the injector (128) or the plurality of valves (130). According to one or more embodiments, the controller (160) may open the second valve (132), and control the first injector (126) to supply carbon dioxide stored in the storage chamber (101) to the washing chamber (104), thereby supplying carbon dioxide into the washing chamber (104). According to one or more embodiments, the controller (160) may open the 4th valve (134) and control the second injector (127) to supply additives stored in the additive container (102) to the washing chamber (104), thereby supplying the additives to the washing chamber (104).

[0212] The controller (160) may control the injector (128) or the plurality of valves (130) such that the mixed solution in the washing chamber (104) contains the additives in an amount of 84.0 mol % or more.

[0213] The washing machine (1) may perform a washing cycle to wash laundry stored in the drum (105) in the washing chamber (104) using the mixed solution (1300).

[0214] The controller (160) may perform the washing cycle (1300) by rotating the drum (105).

[0215] The washing cycle (1300) may be performed based on the internal pressure of the washing chamber (104) being 10 bar or lower.

[0216] The controller (160) may identify the pressure inside the washing chamber (104) based on sensor data collected from the sensor (141) during the washing cycle, and control the plurality of valves (130) such that the pressure inside the washing chamber (104) is maintained at a predetermined pressure of 10 bar or lower.

[0217] For example, the controller (160) may control opening of the 7th valve (137) such that the mixed solution in the washing chamber (104) is discharged to the reserve chamber (108) to maintain the pressure inside the washing chamber (104) at a pressure of 10 bar or lower during the washing cycle.

[0218] As another example, the controller (160) may supply carbon dioxide stored in the storage chamber (101) to the washing chamber (104) or supply additives stored in the additive container (102) to the washing chamber (104) to maintain the pressure inside the washing chamber (104) at a pressure of 10 bar or lower during the washing cycle.

[0219] The controller (160) may control the first injector (126) to supply carbon dioxide stored in the storage chamber (101) to the washing chamber (104), or control the second injector (127) to supply the additive stored in the additive container (102) to the washing chamber (104).

[0220] The washing machine (1) may perform an operation of discharging the mixed solution used in the washing cycle from the washing chamber (104) (1400).

[0221] Contaminants contained in the laundry may be combined with the additives in the mixed solution, and part of the contaminants separated from the laundry may be filtered out by the filter (106) by passing the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) through the filter (106).

[0222] The remaining of the contaminants separated from the laundry may be separated from the additives in a process of vaporization of the additives.

[0223] The discharging of the mixed solution may include controlling the opening of the 6th valve (136) and controlling the operation of the pump (107) such that the mixed solution in the washing chamber (104) moves to the distillation chamber (109). In this case, the controlling of the operation of the pump (107) may allow the mixed solution stored in the reserve chamber (108) also to be moved to the distillation chamber (109) via the filter (106).

[0224] The controller (160) may, upon identifying that the discharge of the mixed solution is completed, control stop of the pump (107) and control closing of the 6th valve (136).

[0225] According to one or more embodiments, the controller (160) may, while opening valves (e.g., the 6th valve (136) and the 8th valve (138)) for opening and closing the passages between the washing chamber (104) and the storage chamber (101), depressurize the washing chamber (104) to vaporize the carbon dioxide contained in the mixed solution such that the carbon dioxide is moved to the storage chamber (101), and then close valves (e.g., the 6th valve (136) and the 8th valve (138)) and pump the liquid additive using the pump (107) such that the liquid additive is moved to the distillation chamber (109).

[0226] The washing machine (1) may perform an operation of vaporizing the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) (1500). Operation (1500) of vaporizing the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) may include not only an operation of vaporizing the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104), but also an operation of, upon carbon dioxide being first discharged from the washing chamber (104), vaporizing the additive discharged from the washing chamber (104) according to one or more embodiments.

[0227] The vaporizing of the mixed solution may include lowering the pressure in a space (e.g., the washing chamber (104) or the distillation chamber (109)), in which the mixed solution is stored, to vaporize carbon dioxide contained in the mixed solution, and then raising the temperature of a space (e.g., the distillation chamber (109)), in which the additive is stored, to a predetermined temperature (e.g., a preset temperature of 40° C or lower)to vaporize the additive. In this case, the predetermined temperature may vary depending on the boiling point of the additive. In the case of an additive having a boiling point of 40° C or lower, the predetermined temperature may be preset to a temperature higher than or equal to the boiling point of the additive and lower than or equal to 40° C.

[0228] Liquid carbon dioxide contained in the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) has a very low boiling point at low atmospheric pressure, and thus the liquid carbon dioxide may naturally vaporize based on the pressure being lowered.

[0229] Accordingly, the carbon dioxide in the washing chamber (104) or the liquid carbon dioxide delivered to the distillation chamber (109) may vaporize and move to the storage chamber (101) in a gaseous state.

[0230] According to one or more embodiments, the controller (160) may depressurize the washing chamber (104) or the distillation chamber (109) to vaporize the liquid carbon dioxide, or as the distillation chamber (109) is maintained in a depressurized state, the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation chamber (109) may vaporize.

[0231] The controller (160) may open the 8th valve (138) for a predetermined period of time while the mixed solution is being discharged from the washing chamber (104) or after the discharge of the mixed solution from the washing chamber (104) is completed, thereby allowing gaseous carbon dioxide to flow into the storage chamber (101).

[0232] Accordingly, carbon dioxide contained in the mixed solution used in the washing cycle (1300) may be transferred to the storage chamber (101) in a gaseous state.

[0233] The additives contained in the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) have a higher boiling point than carbon dioxide and therefore use heating for the additives to vaporize.

[0234] The controller (160) may heat the distillation chamber (109) to vaporize the additive. According to one or more embodiments, the controller (160) may operate the compressor (c) to heat the distillation chamber (109).

[0235] The additives contained in the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber (104) may be in a state of combined with contaminants, and as the additives are vaporized in the distillation chamber (109), the contaminants may be separated from the additives in the distillation chamber (109).

[0236] The gaseous additive from which the contaminants have been separated may be cooled in the cooling chamber (110) to thereby be converted to a liquid state and transferred to the additive container (102).

[0237] The controller (160) may open the 9th valve (139) to move the additive stored in the cooling chamber (110) to the additive container (102). According to one or more embodiments, the 9th valve (139) may be replaced with a pump or injector. Here, the opening of the 9th valve (139) may include operating a pump or injector.

[0238] As described above, the controller (160) may control the plurality of valves (130) to move the carbon dioxide stored in the storage chamber (101) and the additive stored in the additive container (102) to the mixing chamber (103) and generate a mixed solution that maintains a liquid state even at a pressure of 10 bar or lower in the mixing chamber (103).

[0239] According to one or more embodiments, the washing machine (1) capable of being driven even at a pressure of 10 bar or lower, and the method of controlling the washing machine (1) are provided. According to one or more embodiments, a carbon dioxide washing machine (1) that may be used for household purposes is provided.

[0240] Hereinafter, the disclosure is described in more detail by the following one or more embodiments. However, the following one or more embodiments are only for illustrating the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited only thereto.[Embodiment][Manufacturing example: manufacturing of additives]

[0241] A washing solvent was prepared by mixing carbon dioxide and additives as shown in Table 1 below such that the washing solvent maintains a liquid state even at a pressure of 10 bar or below.

[0242] Table 1 below shows the molar fraction for each additive.

[0243] In Table 1 below, Grade 1 includes an additive with a wetness index greater than or equal to 40 and a boiling point lower than or equal to 40° C, and for separation from contaminants, the additive may be vaporized. Grade 2 includes an amphiphilic additive with a wetting index greater than or equal to 40 and a boiling point higher than 40° C, and for separation from contaminants, the characteristics of a hydrophilic solvent may be used such that the additive is separated because the additive is not easily vaporized due to having a high boiling point. Grade 3 includes a lipophilic additive with a wetting index greater than or equal to 40 and a boiling point higher than 40°C, and for separation from contaminants, a separate structure or method may be used. [Table 1]DivisionMolar fraction(mol %)Grade 1Methyl perfluoropropyl ether (Novec 7000)85.3cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (Opteon MZ)85.4mixture of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene(Opteon SF30)85.6diethyl ether85.4Grade 2ethanol84.6methanol84.6isopropanol84.0Grade 3hexadecane84.5tetradecane84.0decane84.5nonane84.5N-undecane84.5 [Experiment example: evaluation of cleaning power]

[0244] Specimens (100% cotton) were prepared, and the specimen was impregnated with water-soluble contaminations obtained by dissolving 10 g of blood and 10g of wine in 100 mL of hot water, and oil-soluble contaminations of sebum, carbon, or cocoa, and then the specimens were dried at 60°C for 2 hours and 30 minutes to manufacture contaminated cloth.

[0245] Each contaminated cloth was washed for 10 minutes using liquid carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide + decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, carbon dioxide + a mixture of methyl nonafluoroisobutyl ether and methylnonafluorobutyl ether, carbon dioxide + decamethylcyclopentasiloxane+ ethanol, and carbon dioxide + decamethylcyclopentasiloxane + diethyl ether to measure the cleaning powers of the washing solvents for each contamination.

[0246] A surface reflectance before and after washing was observed using a colorimeter (Minolta CR-300 Chroma-meter) to calculate the cleaning power according to Equation 2, and the results are shown in Drawing 5. cleaning power = Rw − Rs / Ro − Rs × 100 %

[0247] (Here, Ro is the surface reflectance of the original cloth, Rs is the surface reflectance of the contaminated cloth before washing, and Rw is the surface reflectance of the contaminated cloth after washing.)

[0248] In this case, liquid carbon dioxide was used at a pressure of 50 bar or higher, and the other washing solvents was used at a pressure of 10 bar or lower for the washing.

[0249] Referring to Drawing 5, washing with a mixture of carbon dioxide and additives according to one or more embodiments shows a similar degree of cleaning power for oil-soluble contamination and water-soluble contamination, in comparison with using liquid carbon dioxide that uses a driving pressure to be maintained at 50 bar or higher. The washing cycle using liquid carbon dioxide alone maintains a high driving pressure of 50 bar or higher while use of a mixed solution of carbon dioxide and additives according to one or more embodiments may achieve the washing cycle even at a driving pressure of 10 bar or lower.

[0250] Although the disclosure has been shown and described in relation to one or more embodiments, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: a storage chamber configured to store carbon dioxide in a gaseous state; an additive container configured to store an additive; a mixing chamber configured to mix the carbon dioxide in the gaseous state supplied from the storage chamber with the additive supplied from the additive container and pressurize the carbon dioxide and the additive to generate a mixed solution in a liquid state; a washing chamber configured to wash laundry using the mixed solution supplied from the mixing chamber; and a distillation chamber configured to collect the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber and vaporize the carbon dioxide from the mixed solution therein, wherein the additive lowers a vapor pressure of the mixed solution to maintain the mixed solution in a liquid state at a pressure of 10 bar or less.

2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein in response to a pressure inside the distillation chamber being lowered, the carbon dioxide is vaporized and separated from the mixed solution collected in the distillation chamber, and the carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation chamber in a gaseous state is recovered into the storage chamber.

3. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the distillation chamber is disposed at a position higher than a plurality of positions from among the storage chamber, the additive container, and the washing chamber, and the washing machine further comprises a pump configured to move the mixed solution discharged from the washing chamber to the distillation chamber.

4. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the mixed solution has a wetting index greater than or equal to 40, and wherein the wetting index expressed by the following equation: wetting index = density / viscosity × surface tension × 1000 .

5. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the mixed solution comprises the additive in an amount of 84.0 mol % or more.

6. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the additive includes an additive having a boiling point of 40° C or lower.

7. The washing machine of claim 6, further comprising a cooling chamber configured to liquefy the additive in a gaseous state discharged from the distillation chamber, wherein response to increasing temperature inside the distillation chamber, the additive in the mixed solution collected in the distillation chamber is vaporized and separated, and the additive, discharged in a liquified state from the cooling chamber, is recovered to the additive container.

8. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein the additive is an additive having lipophilicity and non-flammability.

9. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the additive includes any one of a mixture of methyl nonafluoroisobutyl ether and methyl nonafluorobutyl ether, a mixture of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-Butene, 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone, or methyl perfluoropropyl ether.

10. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein the additive includes diethyl ether.

11. The washing machine of claim 1, the additive is an additive having lipophilicity.

12. The washing machine of claim 11, the additive includes one of hexadecane, tetradecane, decane, nonane, or N-undecane.

13. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the additive includes an additive having amphiphilicity.

14. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein the additive includes one of ethanol, methanol, or isopropanol.

15. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the additive is an additive having lipophilicity and silicone-based affinity including any one of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane or decamethylcyclopentasiloxane.

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