Washing machine

Abstract

This washing machine comprises: a storage tank for storing carbon dioxide; a washing tub for washing laundry by using the carbon dioxide; a distillation tank for separating foreign material from carbon dioxide and foreign material discharged from the washing tub; a compressor for compressing and moving the carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub and / or the distillation tank; a drum rotatably provided in the washing tub; a driving device for rotatably driving the drum around a rotary shaft; a washing tub penetration pipe allowing the carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor to pass through the inside of the washing tub; and blade parts which radially protrude from the rotary shaft, and which receive power from the driving device so as to rotate, wherein at least some the blade parts are disposed inside the washing tub in correspondence to the washing tub penetration pipe so as to circulate heat inside the washing tub.

Description

washing machine

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.

[0002] Typically, washing machines are devices that use water as a detergent. Conversely, there are dry cleaning washing machines that use detergents, which are volatile organic compounds, instead of water to clean laundry without using water. Dry cleaning washing machines can use solvents, such as solvents or petroleum-based detergents.

[0003] Washing machines that use water pollute the environment by generating wastewater during the washing process, and solvent-based and petroleum-based cleaning solvents used in dry cleaning machines are harmful to the human body and can pollute the environment.

[0004] Carbon dioxide can be used as a replacement for the aforementioned cleaning solvents. Carbon dioxide has a lower viscosity than water, allowing it to easily penetrate fibers and remove contaminants. After washing, the carbon dioxide containing foreign substances can be vaporized to separate the carbon dioxide and the contaminants, and the vaporized carbon dioxide can be reused.

[0005] Carbon dioxide is a component of the general atmosphere, so it does not pollute the environment, and since liquid carbon dioxide is vaporized and liquefied and reused, carbon dioxide emissions are low, so it can also contribute to achieving carbon neutrality.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine that prevents damage to laundry by preventing a rapid drop in the temperature inside the washing tank when the pressure in the washing tank is reduced.

[0007] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a washing machine includes a storage tank configured to store carbon dioxide, a washing tub configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide, a distillation tank configured to separate carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub and foreign substances contained in the foreign substances, a compressor configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub and move the compressed carbon dioxide to the storage tank, a rotating drum within the washing tub, a driving device configured to rotate a rotating shaft connected to the rotating drum to rotate the rotating drum, a washing tub through pipe passing through the interior of the washing tub to exchange heat of the compressed carbon dioxide with the washing tub, and a blade portion protruding radially from the rotating shaft to rotate by rotation of the rotating shaft to circulate air within the washing tub and diffuse heat of the compressed carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub through pipe.

[0009] At least a portion of the blade portion may correspond to the washing tub penetrating pipe along the inside of the washing tub to promote heat exchange between the washing tub and the washing tub penetrating pipe.

[0010] The above washing tub penetration pipe may include an inlet pipe connected to the discharged flow from the compressor, a discharge pipe connected to the storage tank, and a heat exchange pipe connected to the inlet pipe and the discharge pipe and extending in a coil shape at a distance from the inner surface of the washing tub.

[0011] At least a portion of the blade portion may extend further from the rear surface of the rotary drum than the heat exchange pipe, such that at least a portion of the blade portion is further from the rear surface of the rotary drum than the end of the heat exchange pipe connected to the inlet pipe or the discharge pipe.

[0012] The above blade portion may include a wing portion and a connecting rib protruding from the rear of the rotating drum and connected to the wing portion.

[0013] The length of the connecting rib extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis may be longer than the length of the wing portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0014] The above blade portion may include a concave surface and a convex surface opposite the concave surface of the blade portion.

[0015] The device may further include a control unit for controlling rotation of the driving device, and the control unit may be configured to control the driving device to rotate the blade unit when carbon dioxide is discharged from the washing tank to the compressor.

[0016] A washing tub temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the washing tub is further included, and the control unit may be configured to control the driving device to rotate the blade unit when the temperature detected from the washing tub temperature sensor is lower than a first temperature.

[0017] The above washing machine penetration pipe may further include a first connecting pipe having a bent shape connecting the inlet pipe and the heat exchange pipe, and a second connecting pipe having a bent shape connecting the discharge pipe and the heat exchange pipe.

[0018] The above rotating drum may include a plurality of through holes at the rear of the rotating drum.

[0019] To prevent collision between the wing portion and the heat exchange pipe when the blade portion rotates by the rotation axis, the rotation radius of the wing portion from the rotation axis may be smaller than the inner diameter of the heat exchange pipe from the rotation axis.

[0020] The thickness of the above connecting rib may be greater than the thickness of the above wing portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a washing machine includes a storage tank configured to store carbon dioxide, a washing tub configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide, a distillation tank configured to separate carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub and foreign substances contained in the foreign substances, a compressor configured to compress and move carbon dioxide discharged from at least one of the washing tub and the distillation tank, a drum configured to be rotatable within the washing tub, a driving device configured to rotate the drum around a rotational axis, an inlet pipe connected to a flow path discharged from the compressor, a discharge pipe connected to the storage tank, and a washing tub through pipe including a heat exchange pipe connected to the inlet pipe and the discharge pipe and extending in a coil shape at a predetermined interval from an inner surface of the washing tub, and a blade portion that protrudes radially from the rotational axis and is configured to rotate by receiving power from the driving device, wherein at least a portion of the blade portion is arranged within the washing tub to correspond to the washing tub through pipe so as to circulate heat within the washing tub, and has a curved shape including a concave surface and a convex surface formed on an opposite side of the concave surface.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a carbon dioxide flow in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process of recovering carbon dioxide inside a distillation tank of a washing machine into a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process of recovering carbon dioxide inside a washing tub of a washing machine to a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the inside of a washing tub of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a washing machine including a blade portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a washing machine including a blade portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a washing machine including a blade portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a washing machine including a blade portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a washing machine including a blade portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0032] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0033] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0035] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0036] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0037] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0038] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0039] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0040] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0041] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0042] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing to be viewed.

[0043] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0044] The drum can rotate within the housing and perform each operation according to the washing and rinsing cycles. A plurality of holes can be formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum.

[0045] A washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate a drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum.

[0046] The driving device can perform each operation according to the washing and rinsing cycle by rotating the drum forward or backward.

[0047] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0048] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0049] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse button. The at least one input interface 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, and / or a microphone.

[0050] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0051] For example, at least one output interface may transmit information related to the washing cycle, operating time of the washing machine, and washing / rinsing settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. The at least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0052] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0053] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0054] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0055] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0056] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0057] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0058] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine, such as a drive motor. The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, and rinsing, based on user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum.

[0059] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0060] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0061] Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include a storage tank (10) configured to store carbon dioxide, a washing tub (20) that performs laundry internally using carbon dioxide, a distillation tank (30) configured to receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub (20), a foreign substance tank (70) configured to store and discharge foreign substances discharged from the distillation tank (30), a compressor (50) configured to compress and move carbon dioxide, and a chiller (11) configured to cool the storage tank (10). The washing machine (1) may further include a replenishment tank (60) configured to replenish carbon dioxide lost in the process of recovering carbon dioxide after washing.

[0063] The storage tank (10) may be configured to store carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) may be configured to store gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) may maintain an internal pressure above a predetermined pressure so as to store liquid carbon dioxide. For example, the internal pressure of the storage tank (10) may be approximately 30 to 70 bar.

[0064] The storage tank (10) may include a first outlet provided to discharge gaseous carbon dioxide and a second outlet provided to discharge liquid carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) may include an inlet through which gaseous carbon dioxide is introduced from the outside. The first outlet may be formed at a higher position than the second outlet so that liquid carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) is not discharged through the first outlet. The inlet may be formed at a higher position than the second outlet so that liquid carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) is not discharged through the inlet. For example, the first outlet and the inlet may be formed at a position higher than the full water level of the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10).

[0065] The chiller (11) may be provided to cool the storage tank (10). The chiller (11) may liquefy gaseous carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) by cooling the storage tank (10). Through this, gaseous carbon dioxide recovered from the washing tank (20) and the distillation tank (30) may be liquefied. The liquefied carbon dioxide may be discharged from the storage tank (10) back to the washing tank (20) and used for washing. The chiller (11) may liquefy the carbon dioxide recovered in a gaseous state, thereby allowing the carbon dioxide to circulate through the storage tank (10), the washing tank (20), and the distillation tank (30). The chiller (11) may include an evaporator of a heat pump. Alternatively, the chiller (11) may include at least one of various types of cooling devices.

[0066] The washing tub (20) can provide a space for washing laundry using liquid carbon dioxide as a washing solvent. The washing tub (20) can store liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide inside. The washing tub (20) can maintain an internal pressure above a predetermined pressure so that the liquid carbon dioxide can be stored inside. The internal pressure of the washing tub (20) can be maintained at approximately 30 to 60 bar. A drum (100) can be rotatably arranged inside the washing tub (20).

[0067] The washing tank (20) can be positioned lower than the storage tank (10). Accordingly, the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) can be moved from the storage tank (10) to the washing tank (20) without power by gravity.

[0068] During the process of loading laundry into the drum (100) within the washing tub (20), air may be introduced into the washing tub (20). If air is introduced into the washing tub (20), moisture contained in the air may condense during the process of lowering the pressure within the washing tub (20) after the washing is completed. If moisture introduced between the laundry condenses, the laundry may be damaged. To prevent this, the washing machine (1) may include a vacuum pump (120) configured to discharge air within the washing tub (20).

[0069] The distillation tank (30) may be provided to receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tank (20) after washing. Specifically, the distillation tank (30) may receive liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20), foreign substances dissolved or not dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide, and gaseous carbon dioxide therein.

[0070] The washing machine (1) can recover carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) into a storage tank (10). The gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be moved to the storage tank (10) by a compressor (50). The liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be vaporized by heat applied to the distillation tank (30). The vaporized carbon dioxide can be moved to the storage tank (10) by the compressor (50). As the liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes, foreign substances dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide can be separated from the liquid carbon dioxide. The foreign substances inside the distillation tank (30) can be discharged to a foreign substance tank (70) after the gaseous carbon dioxide is recovered to the storage tank (10).

[0071] In the above process, the gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) becomes a high-temperature and high-pressure gas while passing through the compressor (50). The gaseous carbon dioxide, whose temperature has increased by passing through the compressor (50), can supply heat to the interior of the distillation tank (30) by exchanging heat with the distillation tank (30). In the process of recovering the carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) to the storage tank (10), heat is generated by the compressor (50), and by supplying this heat to the distillation tank (30), the liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be vaporized. According to one embodiment, heat can be supplied to the distillation tank (30) without including a separate heat source such as a heater.

[0072] A foreign matter tank (70) may be provided to store foreign matter discharged from the distillation tank (30). A user may discharge the foreign matter stored in the foreign matter tank (70) at an appropriate interval. The emptying interval of the foreign matter tank (70) may vary depending on the capacity of the foreign matter tank (70) and the amount of foreign matter contained in the laundry.

[0073] The supplementary tank (60) may be provided to supplement carbon dioxide lost in the process of recovering carbon dioxide after washing. The supplementary tank (60) may be provided to store carbon dioxide therein. The supplementary tank (60) may supply carbon dioxide to the washing tub (20). The supplementary tank (60) may be provided to be detachable from the washing machine (1). The supplementary tank (60) may be provided to be replaceable with another supplementary tank (60). Alternatively, the supplementary tank (60) may be provided to be detachable from the washing machine (1), replenish carbon dioxide therein, and then reattachable to the washing machine (1). The pressure inside the supplementary tank (60) (60) may be provided to be higher than the pressure inside the washing tub (20).

[0074] Referring to FIG. 1, the washing machine (1) may include a valve provided on a path through which carbon dioxide moves. The path may include a gas path through which gaseous carbon dioxide moves and a liquid path through which liquid carbon dioxide moves. The valve may include a gas valve provided to open and close the gas path through which gaseous carbon dioxide moves. The valve may include a liquid valve provided to open and close the liquid path through which liquid carbon dioxide moves. The washing machine (1) may include a path connection through which a plurality of paths are combined into a single path or a single path is branched into a plurality of paths.

[0075] Although not shown, the washing machine (1) may include a washing tub (20) temperature sensor and a control unit (80). The washing tub (20) temperature sensor may be a sensor for detecting a temperature at which condensation begins to occur inside the washing tub (20) and there is a possibility that laundry may be damaged. The temperature at which condensation begins to occur inside the washing tub (20) may be referred to as a first temperature (T1).

[0076] The control unit (80) can control the driving device (40) to operate when the value set from the temperature sensor of the washing tub (20) becomes lower than or equal to a preset first temperature (T1). Specifically, when the compressor (50) is operated to remove carbon dioxide from the washing tub (20) to reduce the pressure inside the washing tub (20), the temperature of the washing tub (20) can gradually decrease. At this time, the driving device (40) can be controlled to operate when the temperature is lower than or equal to the first temperature (T1). The drum (100) and the blade unit (300) connected to the driving device (40) through the rotating shaft (110) can be rotated to circulate air inside the washing tub (20). (See FIG. 4)

[0077] However, the conditions under which the control unit (80) controls the driving device (40) to circulate air inside the washing tub (20) are not limited thereto. For example, when the passage between the washing tub (20) and the input terminal of the compressor (50) is opened, when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) is below a predetermined pressure, or when a predetermined time has passed after the compressor has been operated to reduce the pressure inside the washing tub (20), the control unit (80) may control the driving device (40).

[0078] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a process of recovering carbon dioxide inside a distillation tank (30) to a storage tank (10) in a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 2, the washing machine (1) can recover carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20) to the distillation tank (30) into the storage tank (10).

[0080] The washing machine (1) can recover gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) to a storage tank (10), or can vaporize liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) and then recover it to a storage tank (10).

[0081] The washing machine (1) may include a path connecting the input terminal of the distillation tank (30) and the compressor (50) and a valve for opening or closing the path.

[0082] Carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor (50) may pass through the interior of the distillation tank (30) or the exterior of the distillation tank (30) adjacent to the distillation tank (30). Carbon dioxide contained in the pipe passing through the distillation tank (30) may supply heat to the distillation tank (30).

[0083] The distillation tank (30) can discharge foreign substances separated from carbon dioxide into a foreign substance tank (70). The foreign substances separated from carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) can be discharged into the foreign substance tank (70) by opening a valve provided between the distillation tank (30) and the foreign substance tank (70).

[0084] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a process of recovering carbon dioxide inside a washing tub (20) to a storage tank (10) in a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, a depressurization step for depressurizing the inside of the washing tub (20) to remove laundry from the washing tub (20) after washing is completed is described.

[0086] The depressurization step may refer to a step of lowering the pressure inside the washing tub (20) to 1 to 1.5 bar, which is a level similar to atmospheric pressure. The depressurization step may be a step of lowering the pressure inside the washing tub (20) by recovering carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) into a storage tank (10).

[0087] Referring to Fig. 3, the washing machine (1) may be provided with a flow path connecting the washing tub (20) and the input terminal of the compressor, and a valve capable of opening and closing the flow path. Carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor (50) may pass through the interior of the washing tub (20) or the exterior of the washing tub (20) adjacent to the washing tub (20). Carbon dioxide contained in the washing tub penetrating pipe (200) passing through the washing tub (20) may supply heat to the washing tub (20).

[0088] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a part of a washing machine (1) including a washing tub (20) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a washing machine (1) including a blade portion (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 4, the washing machine (1) may include a drum (100) that is arranged to be rotatable inside a washing tub (20), and a rotating shaft (110) that connects the drum (100) and a driving motor.

[0090] The washing tub (20) may contain high-pressure carbon dioxide during the washing process. When the inside of the washing tub (20) is under high pressure, if the door is opened, the door may suddenly open due to the pressure difference with the outside of the washing machine (1), which may cause problems such as damage to the washing machine (1) or injury to the user.

[0091] To solve this problem, the inside of the washing tub (20) can be depressurized before taking out the laundry inside the washing tub (20). During the process of depressurizing the inside of the washing tub (20), the temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be lowered.

[0092] After putting laundry into the washing tub (20), the washing tub (20) door is closed and the vacuum pump (120) is operated to create a low-pressure state close to a vacuum inside the washing tub (20). However, the inside of the washing tub (20) is not a complete vacuum, and some air may remain inside the washing tub (20). The air remaining inside the washing tub (20) contains moisture, and this moisture may condense in the process of lowering the pressure inside the washing tub (20). This is because when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) is lowered, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) is lowered.

[0093] If moisture that has penetrated the laundry condenses, the laundry may be damaged. To prevent this, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) must be maintained above zero during the depressurization step. For example, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be maintained at approximately 10 degrees Celsius or higher. Although a separate heater may be included to increase the temperature inside the washing tub (20), this is not energy efficient. Therefore, the washing machine (1) according to the present disclosure can supply heat to the inside of the washing tub (20) using the heat of high-temperature carbon dioxide that has passed through the compressor (50). Specifically, heat can be supplied to the washing tub (20) by having the washing tub through pipe (200), which is a path through which the high-temperature carbon dioxide that has passed through the compressor (50) flows, pass through the inside or outside of the washing tub (20).

[0094] Specifically, the washing tank penetration pipe (200) may include an inlet pipe (210) that forms a path for introducing carbon dioxide discharged from a compressor (50) into the inside of the washing tank (20), and an exhaust pipe (220) that discharges carbon dioxide that has undergone heat exchange inside the washing tank (20) to the outside of the washing tank (20). The washing tank penetration pipe (200) may include a heat exchange pipe (230) that connects between the inlet pipe (210) and the exhaust pipe (220) and can exchange heat with the washing tank (20).

[0095] The heat exchange pipe (230) can be connected to the inlet pipe (210) through a first connecting pipe (211), and can be connected to the discharge pipe (220) through a second connecting pipe (221). The first connecting pipe (211) and the second connecting pipe (221) can be formed in a bent shape.

[0096] However, the washing tank penetration pipe (200) does not necessarily exchange heat with the washing tank (20) only through the heat exchange pipe (230), but may exchange heat with the washing tank (20) through a part of the inlet pipe (210), a part of the discharge pipe (220), the first connection pipe (211), and the second connection pipe (221) included inside the washing tank (20).

[0097] The heat exchange pipe (230) may be formed in a coil shape within the washing tub (20). Specifically, the heat exchange pipe may be formed to have a plurality of ring-shaped pipes. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the heat exchange pipe may be configured to secure a sufficient surface area capable of heat exchange with the air within the washing tub (20).

[0098] The washing machine (1) may include a blade portion (300) protruding from the rear of the drum (100). The blade portion (300) may circulate air inside the washing tub (20) while rotating by a driving device (40). Specifically, the blade portion (300) may rotate inside the washing tub (20) while evenly distributing heat emitted from the heat exchange pipe (230) inside the washing tub (20).

[0099] However, the blade portion (300) does not necessarily have to protrude from the rear of the drum (100), but may be configured to protrude radially from the rotation axis (110) and convect heat between the heat exchange pipes (230).

[0100] The blade portion (300) may be provided inside the heat exchange pipe (230) and may be arranged to correspond to the heat exchange pipe (230). That is, the length from the rear surface of the drum (100) to the end of the blade portion (300) in the direction in which the rotation shaft (110) extends may be longer than the length from the rear surface of the drum (100) to the end of the heat exchange pipe (230). Specifically, the end of the heat exchange pipe (230) may be a portion of the heat exchange pipe (230) that is closest to the rear surface of the drum (100). However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and when the blade portion (300) does not protrude from the rear surface of the drum (100) but extends radially from the rotation shaft (110), the end of the blade portion (300) may be arranged farther from the rear surface of the drum (100) than the end of the heat exchange pipe (230). In other words, it may mean that at least a part of the wing portion (320) and at least a part of the heat exchange pipe (230) are arranged on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis (110).

[0101] In order to prevent the blade portion (300) and the heat exchange pipe (230) from colliding when the blade portion (300) rotates, a portion of the blade portion (300) positioned to correspond to the heat exchange pipe (230) may be formed to have a rotation radius smaller than the inner diameter of the heat exchange pipe (230).

[0102] The blade portion (300) may include a connecting rib (310) protruding from the rear of the drum (100) and a wing portion (320) protruding from the connecting rib (310) toward the rear of the washing tub (20).

[0103] The wing part (320) may be arranged so that at least a portion thereof corresponds to the heat exchange pipe (230). Specifically, the radius of rotation of the wing part (320) may be formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the heat exchange pipe (230), thereby preventing the blade part (300) and the washing tub penetrating pipe (200) from colliding when the blade part (300) rotates.

[0104] That at least a portion of the wing portion (320) corresponds to the heat exchange pipe (230) may mean that at least a portion of the wing portion (320) and at least a portion of the heat exchange pipe (230) are arranged on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis (110).

[0105] The wing portion (320) may be formed in a plate shape to increase the surface area that comes into contact with air when the blade portion (300) rotates, thereby increasing the amount of air to be circulated.

[0106] Since the wing part (320) receives a great deal of air resistance when the blade part (300) rotates, there is a risk of damage as the rotation of the blade part (300) becomes strong or continues.

[0107] To prevent this, the thickness of the connecting rib (310) may be formed to be greater than the thickness of the wing portion (320). In addition, the length of the connecting rib (310) extending radially from the rotation axis (110) may be longer than the length of the blade portion (300). The length of the connecting rib (310) may be formed to be approximately equal to the radius of the drum (100).

[0108] The washing machine (1) may include a reinforcing rib (not shown) provided separately from the connecting rib (310). Although not shown, the reinforcing rib may protrude from the rear of the drum (100) or be connected to the rear of the drum (100) to secure strength so that a portion of the drum (100) is not damaged when the drum (100) rotates. Alternatively, the reinforcing rib may efficiently transmit the rotational force of the driving device (40) to the drum (100).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 5, the drum (100) and the blade portion (300) can be connected to the driving device (40) through the rotation shaft (110). As the driving device (40) rotates, the drum (100) and the blade portion (300) can also rotate.

[0110] FIGS. 6 to 9 are perspective views illustrating a portion of a washing machine (1) including a blade portion (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 6, the radially extended length of the wing portion (320) may be shorter than the length of the connecting rib (310). The length of the wing portion (320) in the direction in which the rotation shaft (110) extends may be formed sufficiently long so that it can correspond to the washing tub penetrating pipe (200) when the drum (100) and the blade portion (300) are included inside the washing tub (20). In addition, the thickness of the connecting rib (310) in the direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the connecting rib (310) may be formed thicker than the thickness of the wing portion (320) so that the connecting rib (310) can support the wing portion (320). However, the blade portion (300) of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to this, and the connecting rib (310) and the wing portion (320) may be formed with the same thickness, the same width, or the same length, and the blade portion (300) may be formed spaced apart from the drum (100).

[0112] When the blade portion (300) rotates, it may collide with the heat exchange pipe (230). Therefore, the diameter of the blade portion (320) centered on the rotation axis (110) may be smaller than the diameter of the inner side of the heat exchange pipe (230) centered on the rotation axis (110).

[0113] Referring to FIG. 7, the wing portion (320) may include portions having different lengths extending radially from the rotation axis. In other words, the wing portion (320) may include portions having different diameters centered on the rotation axis (110).

[0114] Due to this, it is possible to prevent a part of the blade part (300) and the heat exchange pipe (230) from colliding when the blade part (300) rotates.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 8, the lengths of the connecting rib (310) extending radially from the rotation axis (110) and the wing portion (320) may be the same.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 9, the blade portion (300) may be formed in a spiral shape. Specifically, rather than extending in a straight line radially from the rotation axis (110), it may extend while forming a curved surface. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the blade portion (300) may include a convex surface (321) and a concave surface (322).

[0117] The blade portion (300) may experience a lot of air resistance when rotating in a direction from the convex surface (321) toward the concave surface (322). Therefore, the main rotation direction of the blade portion (300) may be the direction from the convex surface (321) toward the concave surface (322).

[0118] However, since the phenomenon of laundry being pushed or heat or carbon dioxide being concentrated in a certain area may occur when rotating in only one direction, the blade part (300) does not necessarily have to rotate only in the direction from the convex surface (321) to the concave surface (322), and may also rotate in the opposite direction.

[0119] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a storage tank (10) configured to store carbon dioxide, a washing tub (20) configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide, a distillation tank (30) configured to separate carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) and foreign substances contained therein, a compressor (50) configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20), a drum (100) configured to be rotatable within the washing tub (20), a driving device (40) configured to drive the drum (100) to rotate around a rotational axis (110), a washing tub penetrating pipe (200) passing through the interior of the washing tub (20) to transfer heat of carbon dioxide compressed from the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20), and a blade portion (300) configured to radially protrude from the rotational axis (110) and rotate by receiving power from the driving device (40). According to the present disclosure, damage to laundry can be prevented by preventing the temperature inside the washing tub (20) from dropping rapidly when the washing tub (20) is depressurized.

[0120] The blade portion (300) may be positioned so that at least a portion of the blade portion (300) corresponds to the washing tub penetrating pipe (200) inside the washing tub (20) to promote heat exchange between the washing tub (20) and the washing tub penetrating pipe (200).

[0121] The above washing tank penetrating pipe (200) may include an inlet pipe (210) connected to the flow path discharged from the compressor (50), a discharge pipe (220) connected to the storage tank (10), and a heat exchange pipe (230) connected to the inlet pipe (210) and the discharge pipe (220) and extending in a coil shape at a predetermined interval from the inner surface of the washing tank (20).

[0122] The blade portion (300) may be positioned such that at least a portion of the blade portion (300) is further from the rear surface of the drum (100) than the end of the heat exchange pipe (230).

[0123] The above blade portion (300) may include a wing portion (320) and a connecting rib (310) protruding from the rear of the drum (100) and connected to the wing portion (320).

[0124] The length of the connecting rib (310) extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (110) may be longer than the length of the wing portion (320) extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (110).

[0125] The above blade portion (300) may include a concave surface (322) and a convex surface (321) formed on the opposite side of the concave surface (322).

[0126] It further includes a control unit (80) that controls the rotation of the driving device (40), and a washing tub temperature sensor (90) that is provided to measure the temperature inside the washing tub (20), and the control unit (80) can control the driving device (40) to rotate the blade unit (300) when carbon dioxide is discharged from the washing tub (20) to the compressor (50).

[0127] The above control unit (80) can control the driving device (40) to rotate the blade unit (300) when the temperature detected from the washing tub temperature sensor (90) is lower than a preset first temperature (T1).

[0128] The above washing machine penetration pipe (200) may further include a first connecting pipe (211) formed in a bent shape that connects the inlet pipe (210) and the heat exchange pipe (230), and a second connecting pipe (221) formed in a bent shape that connects the discharge pipe (220) and the heat exchange pipe (230).

[0129] The above drum (100) may include a plurality of through holes (101) on the rear surface of the drum (100).

[0130] The rotation radius of the above wing portion (320) may be smaller than the inner diameter of the heat exchange pipe (230) centered on the rotation axis (110).

[0131] The thickness of the above connecting rib (310) may be greater than the thickness of the wing portion (320).

[0132] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a storage tank (10) configured to store carbon dioxide; a washing tub (20) configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide; a compressor (50) configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20); a drum (100) configured to be rotatable within the washing tub (20); a driving device (40) configured to drive the drum (100) to rotate around a rotational axis (110); an inlet pipe (210) connected to a path discharged from the compressor (50); a discharge pipe (220) connected to the storage tank (10); and a washing tub penetrating pipe (200) including a heat exchange pipe (230) connected to the inlet pipe (210) and the discharge pipe (220) and extending in a coil shape at a predetermined interval from the inner surface of the washing tub (20); and a drum (100) configured to protrude from the rear surface and rotate by receiving power from the driving device (40). It includes a blade section (300). According to the present disclosure, carbon dioxide passing through the compressor (50) exchanges heat with the washing tub (20) through the washing tub penetration pipe (200), thereby preventing damage to laundry by preventing the temperature inside the washing tub (20) from rapidly dropping when the washing tub (20) is depressurized.

[0133] The blade portion (300) may be positioned so that at least a portion of the blade portion (300) corresponds to the washing tub penetrating pipe (200) inside the washing tub (20) to promote heat exchange between the washing tub (20) and the washing tub penetrating pipe (200).

[0134] The length of the blade portion (300) in the direction in which the rotation axis (110) extends may be greater than the distance between the rear surface of the drum (100) and the end of the heat exchange pipe (230).

[0135] The above blade portion (300) may include a wing portion (320) and a connecting rib (310) that protrudes from the rear of the drum (100) and is connected to the wing portion (320).

[0136] It further includes a control unit (80) that controls the rotation of the driving device (40), and a washing tub temperature sensor (90) that is provided to measure the temperature inside the washing tub (20), and the control unit (80) can control the driving device (40) to rotate the blade unit (300) when the temperature detected from the washing tub temperature sensor (90) is lower than a preset first temperature.

[0137] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0138] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A storage tank designed to store carbon dioxide; A washing machine configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide; A distillation tank provided to separate foreign substances contained in carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the above washing tank; A compressor configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank and move the compressed carbon dioxide to the storage tank; A rotating drum within the washing tank; A driving device provided to rotate a rotary shaft connected to the rotary drum so as to rotate the rotary drum; A washing tank penetrating pipe passing through the interior of the washing tank to exchange heat of the compressed carbon dioxide with the washing tank; and A washing machine including a blade portion protruding radially from the rotational axis to rotate by the rotation of the rotational axis to circulate air inside the washing tub and diffuse the heat of compressed carbon dioxide released from the washing tub penetrating pipe; 2. In paragraph 1, A washing machine in which at least a portion of the blade portion corresponds to the washing tub penetrating pipe along the inside of the washing tub to promote heat exchange between the washing tub and the washing tub penetrating pipe.

3. In paragraph 2, The above washing machine penetration pipe is, An inlet pipe connected to the discharged flow from the above compressor, A discharge pipe connected to the above storage tank, A washing machine including a heat exchange pipe connected to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe and extending in a coil shape at a gap from the inner surface of the washing tub.

4. In paragraph 3, A washing machine wherein at least a portion of the blade portion extends farther from the rear surface of the rotary drum than an end of the heat exchange pipe connected to the inlet pipe or the discharge pipe.

5. In paragraph 3, A washing machine, wherein the blade portion includes a wing portion and a connecting rib that protrudes from the rear of the rotating drum and is connected to the wing portion.

6. In paragraph 5, A washing machine in which the length of the connecting rib extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis is longer than the length of the wing portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

7. In paragraph 1, A washing machine, wherein the blade portion includes a concave surface and a convex surface on the opposite side of the blade portion from the concave surface.

8. In paragraph 6, Further comprising a control unit for controlling the rotation of the above driving device; A washing machine in which the control unit is provided to control the driving device to rotate the blade unit when carbon dioxide is discharged from the washing tub to the compressor.

9. In paragraph 8, Further comprising a washing tub temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the washing tub; A washing machine in which the control unit is provided to control the driving device to rotate the blade unit when the temperature inside the washing tub detected by the washing tub temperature sensor is lower than a first temperature.

10. In paragraph 3, A washing machine wherein the washing tank penetration pipe further includes a first connecting pipe having a bent shape connecting the inlet pipe and the heat exchange pipe, and a second connecting pipe having a bent shape connecting the discharge pipe and the heat exchange pipe.

11. In paragraph 3, A washing machine wherein the above rotary drum includes a plurality of through holes in the rear of the above rotary drum.

12. In paragraph 5, A washing machine in which the radius of rotation of the blade portion from the rotation axis is smaller than the inner diameter of the heat exchange pipe from the rotation axis to prevent collision between the blade portion and the heat exchange pipe when the blade portion rotates by the rotation axis.

13. In paragraph 12, A washing machine in which the thickness of the above connecting rib is greater than the thickness of the above wing portion.

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