Washing machine

Abstract

This washing machine includes: a storage tank configured to store carbon dioxide; a washing tank configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide; a distillation tank configured to accommodate carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub and separate the carbon dioxide and the foreign substances; a heat pump including a compressor and a condenser; a distillation tank heat exchange unit configured to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor to exchange heat with the distillation tank; a washing tub heat exchange unit configured to receive the refrigerant discharged from the compressor and exchange heat with the washing tub; and valves configured to open or close a first fluid channel for transferring the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the distillation tank heat exchange unit and a second flow fluid channel for transferring the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the washing tub heat exchange unit, respectively.

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] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine including a heat pump capable of increasing heat exchange efficiency by lowering the temperature of refrigerant flowing into a condenser.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine that supplies heat required for a washing tank or a distillation tank using a heat pump capable of lowering the temperature of a storage tank.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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 receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub and separate the carbon dioxide and foreign substances, a heat pump including a compressor and a condenser, a distillation tank heat exchanger configured to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor and exchange heat with the distillation tank, a washing tub heat exchanger configured to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor and exchange heat with the washing tub, a first flow path configured to transfer refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the distillation tank heat exchanger, a second flow path configured to transfer refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the washing tub heat exchanger, and a plurality of valves configured to control a flow of the refrigerant, at least one of the plurality of valves being configured to open or close the first flow path and the second flow path, respectively.

[0011] 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 receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub and to heat the carbon dioxide and foreign substances to separate the carbon dioxide and foreign substances, a heat pump including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator through which a refrigerant circulates, and a washing tub heat exchanger configured to receive refrigerant from the compressor, transfer the refrigerant to a passage connecting the compressor and the washing tub, and exchange heat with the washing tub.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, heat required for a washing tank or a distillation tank can be supplied using a heat pump capable of lowering the temperature of a storage tank.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, damage to laundry can be prevented by preventing the temperature inside the washing tub from dropping rapidly when the washing tub is depressurized.

[0014] 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.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 6 is a control diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0021] 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 encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0022] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The driving device can perform each operation according to the washing and rinsing cycle by rotating the drum forward or backward.

[0037] 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.

[0038] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0039] 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.

[0040] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0043] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances via 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 via 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine (1) may include a storage tank (10) configured to store carbon dioxide inside the washing machine (1), a washing tub (20) that washes laundry loaded therein using carbon dioxide supplied from the storage tank (10), and a distillation tank (30) that separates foreign substances from mixed carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub (20).

[0053] The storage tank (10) can store carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) can store liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide. In order to store carbon dioxide in a liquid state in the storage tank (10), the pressure inside the storage tank (10) can be maintained above a predetermined pressure. The appropriate pressure of the storage tank (10) capable of storing carbon dioxide in a liquid state can be approximately 30 to 70 bar.

[0054] If the pressure of the storage tank (10) becomes excessively high, the storage tank (10) may be damaged. Therefore, the storage tank (10) may include a safety valve that can discharge internal gas to lower the pressure when the pressure becomes excessively high.

[0055] The safety valve may be structured to include a spring and open the valve and release the gas inside when the pressure inside the storage tank (10) exceeds the set pressure of the spring.

[0056] The washing tub (20) can accommodate carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10). In addition, a user can load laundry through the laundry inlet.

[0057] The washing tank (20) may be positioned lower than the storage tank (10). Accordingly, the liquid carbon dioxide required for the washing process may be moved from the storage tank (10) to the washing tank (20) by gravity. However, this may be one of various methods for moving the carbon dioxide in the storage tank (10) to the washing tank (20). For example, the carbon dioxide in the storage tank (10) may be moved to the washing tank (20) by a pump. Additionally, the movement may be achieved by utilizing the pressure difference between the storage tank (10) and the washing tank (20).

[0058] The washing process of the washing machine (1) can begin when liquid carbon dioxide is supplied into the washing tub (20).

[0059] A valve that opens or closes the passage between the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20) is opened so that liquid carbon dioxide can move from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20). A sufficient amount of liquid carbon dioxide can be supplied to wash the laundry contained in the washing tub (20).

[0060] After the washing process is repeated and completed, the carbon dioxide used in the washing process can be moved to the distillation tank (30). The carbon dioxide and foreign substances used in the washing process can be moved to the distillation tank (30) by opening a valve that opens or closes the passage between the washing tank (20) and the distillation tank (30).

[0061] The washing machine (1) may include a heat source capable of applying heat to the distillation tank (30). Applying heat to the distillation tank (30) allows the carbon dioxide and foreign substances within the distillation tank (30) to be distilled. This may be referred to as a distillation process. The carbon dioxide separated from foreign substances through the distillation process may be recovered into a storage tank (10).

[0062] Foreign substances remaining in the distillation tank (30) can be discharged using the pressure difference to an external or separately provided foreign substance tank (not shown).

[0063] During the loading process of laundry, air may be introduced into the washing tub (20). If air is present in the washing tub (20), impurities may be mixed into the carbon dioxide solvent during the washing cycle. To address this issue, it is necessary to discharge the air within the washing tub (20) prior to the washing cycle. To this end, the washing machine (1) may include a vacuum pump and an exhaust port designed to remove air from the washing tub (20) at the beginning of the washing cycle.

[0064] Carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20) can be transferred to the distillation tank (30) through a filter and a pump. However, it is not necessary to use a pump, and it is sufficient if a configuration capable of transferring carbon dioxide is provided.

[0065] The distillation tank (30) can receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tank (20) after washing. The carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20) to the distillation tank (30) may contain foreign substances. For example, foreign substances may be dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20).

[0066] In order to recover the carbon dioxide used in the washing process in the washing tank (20), the liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be vaporized. Specifically, the liquid carbon dioxide is vaporized in the distillation tank (30) to separate it from dissolved foreign substances, and the vaporized carbon dioxide is transferred to a storage tank (10) to be liquefied and then reused.

[0067] At this time, heat can be supplied to the distillation tank (30) to vaporize the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30). Carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20) can be passed through the distillation tank (30) via a compressor to supply heat to the distillation tank (30). Alternatively, a separate heater or boiler can be installed. In the same manner, heat can also be supplied to the washing tank (20). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may include various configurations capable of supplying heat.

[0068] The washing machine (1) may include a heat pump (40) configured to cool a storage tank (10). The heat pump (40) may include an evaporator (44). The evaporator (44) may exchange heat with the storage tank (10) to lower the temperature inside the storage tank (10).

[0069] The heat pump (40) may include a compressor (41), a condenser (42), an expansion valve (43), and an evaporator (44). However, this is only an example of a configuration capable of exchanging heat with a storage tank (10), and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) can be delivered to the condenser (42). The condenser (42) can release the heat of the refrigerant.

[0071] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) can exchange heat with the washing tank (20) and / or the distillation tank (30) before being delivered to the condenser (42). That is, the waste heat of the heat pump (40) can be used to supply heat to the washing tank (20) and / or the distillation tank (30).

[0072] To this end, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include a first valve (310), a second valve (320), and a third valve (330) to supply heat to a washing tank (20) and a distillation tank (30). Refrigerant discharged from a compressor (41) may be delivered to a condensation path (409) provided at an inlet of a condenser (42) through at least one of the first valve (310), the second valve (320), and the third valve (330).

[0073] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) is not directly delivered to the condenser (42), but can be delivered to the distillation tank (30) through the first flow path (401) and to the washing tank (20) through the second flow path (402).

[0074] The refrigerant that has passed through the first flow path (401) can move to the distillation tank heat exchange unit (100) and exchange heat with the distillation tank (30), and the refrigerant that has passed through the second flow path (402) can move to the washing tank heat exchange unit (200) and exchange heat with the washing tank (20).

[0075] The washing machine (1) may include a first valve provided at a branch point of the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402) to transfer the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) to at least one of the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402). The first valve (310) may be a 3-way valve connected to the first flow path (401), the second flow path (402), and the fourth flow path (404).

[0076] Specifically, the first valve (310) can block the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402) and open the fourth flow path (404). Alternatively, the first valve (310) can block the first flow path (401) and open the second flow path (402) and the fourth flow path (404). Alternatively, the first valve (310) can block the second flow path (402) and open the first flow path (401) and the fourth flow path (404). Alternatively, the first valve (310) can open all of the first flow path (401), the second flow path (402), and the fourth flow path (404).

[0077] For example, when delivering refrigerant to the distillation tank heat exchanger (100), the second flow path (402) can be closed and the first flow path (401) can be opened. Conversely, when delivering refrigerant to the washing tank heat exchanger (200), the first flow path (401) can be closed and the second flow path (402) can be opened. When supplying heat to both the distillation tank (30) and the washing tank (20), both the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402) can be opened.

[0078] The washing machine (1) may include a second valve (320) disposed on a path connecting the compressor (41) and the first valve (310) to deliver refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) to at least one of the first valve (310) and the condenser (42). The second valve (320) may be a 3-way valve connected to a third path (403), a fourth path (404), and an eighth path (408).

[0079] Specifically, the second valve (320) can block the eighth flow path (408) and open the third flow path (403) and the fourth flow path (404). Alternatively, the second valve (320) can block the fourth flow path (404) and open the third flow path (403) and the eighth flow path (408). Alternatively, the second valve (320) can open all of the third flow path (403), the fourth flow path (404), and the eighth flow path (408).

[0080] The washing machine (1) may include a third passage (403) connecting the compressor (41) and the second valve (320), and a fourth passage (404) connecting the first valve (310) and the second valve (320). In addition, the second valve (320) may be connected to the condensation passage (409) via the eighth passage (408).

[0081] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) may be introduced into the second valve (320) through the third passage (403) and delivered to the first valve (310) through the fourth passage (404). Alternatively, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) may be delivered to the condensation passage (409) through the eighth passage (408).

[0082] The refrigerant that has passed through the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) can be delivered to the fifth passage (405), and the refrigerant that has passed through the washing tank heat exchanger (200) can be delivered to the sixth passage (406). A third valve (330) can be provided at the point where the fifth passage (405) and the sixth passage (406) meet. The third valve (330) can be a 3-way valve connected to the fifth passage (405), the sixth passage (406), and the seventh passage (407).

[0083] Specifically, the third valve (330) can block the fifth flow path (405) and open the sixth flow path (406) and the seventh flow path (407). Alternatively, the third valve (330) can block the sixth flow path (406) and open the fifth flow path (405) and the seventh flow path (407). Alternatively, the third valve (330) can block the fifth flow path (405) and the sixth flow path (406) and open the seventh flow path (407). Alternatively, the third valve (330) can open all of the fifth flow path (405), the sixth flow path (406), and the seventh flow path (407).

[0084] The refrigerant that has passed through at least one of the fifth flow path (405) and the sixth flow path (406) can be delivered to the condensing flow path (409) through the seventh flow path (407) via the third valve (330).

[0085] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant that circulates refrigerant discharged from a compressor (41) within a heat pump (40).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 2, the refrigerant can flow through the compressor (41) to the condenser (42), expansion valve (43), and evaporator (44). The compressor (41) can compress and move the refrigerant.

[0087] The condenser (42) can condense the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41). That is, the refrigerant in the condenser (42) can release the heat of the refrigerant by exchanging heat with the air sucked in using the condenser fan (45). However, this is only an example, and the heat can be released using various methods such as a water-cooled, air-cooled, or evaporative condenser.

[0088] The expansion valve (43) may be configured to expand the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (42). The refrigerant discharged from the expansion valve (43) may be evaporated in the evaporator (44) and delivered to the compressor (41).

[0089] In this way, the refrigerant can be configured to repeatedly circulate through the compressor (41), the condenser (42), the expansion valve (43), and the evaporator (44), releasing heat from the condenser (42) and absorbing heat from the evaporator (44). The temperature of the storage tank (10) can be lowered below a certain temperature through heat exchange with the evaporator (44).

[0090] For example, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) can be delivered to the condenser (42) through the condensation path (409) via the eighth path (408) as the second valve (320) closes the fourth path (404) and opens the eighth path (408). At this time, in order to prevent the refrigerant from flowing back to the fifth path (405) or the sixth path (406), the third valve (330) can close the seventh path (407) or close the fifth path (405) and the sixth path (406).

[0091] For example, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) can be delivered to the condenser (42) through the condensing passage (409) as the first valve (310) closes the first passage (401) and the second passage (402), the second valve (320) opens the eighth passage (408), and the third valve (330) closes the seventh passage (407) or closes the fifth passage (405) and the sixth passage (406).

[0092] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant discharged from a compressor (41) that is transferred to a distillation tank heat exchange unit (100) and can exchange heat with the distillation tank (30).

[0093] The second valve (320) can close the eighth flow path (408) and open the fourth flow path (404). However, if sufficient heat can be supplied to the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) and there is no interference from the refrigerant, the eighth flow path (408) and the fourth flow path (404) can be opened simultaneously.

[0094] The first valve (310) can close the second flow path (402) and open the first flow path (401). The refrigerant passing through the first flow path (401) can be transferred to the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) and exchange heat with the distillation tank (30).

[0095] The third valve (330) can close the sixth passage (406) and open the fifth passage (405) and the seventh passage (407). Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) can be delivered to the condenser (42) through the fifth passage (405), the third valve (330), and the seventh passage (407), and then through the condensation passage (409).

[0096] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant discharged from a compressor (41) that is transferred to a washing tank heat exchanger (200) so that heat can be exchanged with the washing tank (20).

[0097] The second valve (320) can close the eighth flow path (408) and open the fourth flow path (404). However, both the eighth flow path (408) and the fourth flow path (404) can be opened as long as sufficient heat can be supplied to the washing machine heat exchanger (100) and there is no interference from the refrigerant.

[0098] The first valve (310) can close the first flow path (401) and open the second flow path (402). The refrigerant passing through the second flow path (402) can be transferred to the washing tank heat exchanger (200) and exchange heat with the washing tank (20).

[0099] The third valve (330) can close the fifth passage (405) and open the sixth passage (406) and the seventh passage (407). Accordingly, the refrigerant that has passed through the washing machine heat exchanger (200) can be delivered to the condenser (42) through the sixth passage (406), the third valve (330), and the seventh passage (407), and the condensation passage (409).

[0100] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant cycle device applied to a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant discharged from a compressor (41) that is transferred to a distillation tank heat exchange unit (100) and a washing tank heat exchange unit (200) so that heat can be exchanged with the distillation tank (30) and the washing tank (20).

[0101] The second valve (320) can close the eighth flow path (408) and open the fourth flow path (404). However, both the eighth flow path (408) and the fourth flow path (404) can be opened as long as sufficient heat can be supplied to the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) and the washing tank heat exchanger (200) and there is no interference from the refrigerant.

[0102] The first valve (310) can open both the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402). The refrigerant passing through the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402) can be delivered to the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) and the washing tank heat exchanger (200), respectively.

[0103] The third valve (330) can open the fifth flow path (405), the sixth flow path (406), and the seventh flow path (407). Accordingly, the refrigerant passing through the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) and the washing tank heat exchanger (200) can be delivered to the condenser (42) through the condensation flow path (409).

[0104] Fig. 6 is a control diagram of a cooling cycle device of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0105] The washing machine (1) may include a control unit (50) for controlling a first valve (310), a second valve (320), a third valve (330), and a heat pump (40). The control unit (50) may control the opening and closing of the flow paths using various types of flow control valves, thereby controlling the movement of carbon dioxide.

[0106] The washing machine (1) may include a distillation tank temperature sensor (51) and a washing tank temperature sensor (52) provided to measure the temperature of the distillation tank (30) and the washing tank (20), and may include a condenser temperature sensor (53) provided to measure the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (42).

[0107] The temperature at which the liquid carbon dioxide begins to evaporate to remove foreign substances dissolved in the carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) can be referred to as the first temperature (T1).

[0108] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) can be transferred to the condensation path (409) according to the flow of the refrigerant shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5 to supply heat to the distillation tank (30) through the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) when the temperature detected by the distillation tank temperature sensor (51) is lower than the first temperature (T1).

[0109] In the process of reducing the pressure inside the washing tub (20) after the washing process is completed, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) may be lowered, and the temperature at which condensation begins inside the washing tub (20) may be referred to as the second temperature (T2).

[0110] The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) can be transferred to the condensation path (409) according to the flow of the refrigerant shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 to supply heat to the washing tub (20) through the washing tub heat exchanger (200) when the temperature detected by the washing tub temperature sensor (52) is lower than the second temperature (T2).

[0111] If the temperature detected from the distillation tank temperature sensor (51) is lower than the first temperature (T1) and the temperature detected from the washing tank temperature sensor (52) is lower than the second temperature (T2), the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) can be transferred to the condensation path (409) according to the flow of the refrigerant illustrated in FIG. 5 to supply heat to the distillation tank (30) and the washing tank (20).

[0112] If the temperature detected from the distillation tank temperature sensor (51) is higher than the first temperature (T1) and the temperature detected from the washing tank temperature sensor (52) is higher than the second temperature (T2), the refrigerant can circulate according to the flow of refrigerant shown in FIG. 2.

[0113] The washing machine (1) can control the degree of heat released from the condenser (42) by controlling the rotation speed of the condenser fan (45) provided in the condenser (42). The temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (42) required to maintain the temperature of the storage tank (10) at an appropriate temperature can be referred to as the third temperature (T3).

[0114] For example, if the temperature detected from the condenser temperature sensor (53) is higher than the third temperature (T3), heat exchange to maintain the storage tank (10) at an appropriate temperature may not be sufficient.

[0115] Accordingly, the control unit (50) can increase the rotation speed of the condenser fan (45) to increase the heat released from the condenser (42).

[0116] However, the condenser fan (45) is only an example and various types of condensers (42) can be used. It is sufficient for the control unit (50) to control the increase of heat released from the condenser (42) when the temperature detected by the condenser temperature sensor (53) is higher than the third temperature (T3).

[0117] 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 distillation tank (30) configured to receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub (20) and to separate the carbon dioxide and foreign substances; a heat pump (40) including a compressor (41) and a condenser (42); a distillation tank heat exchange unit (100) configured to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) and exchange heat with the distillation tank (30); a washing tub heat exchange unit (200) configured to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) and exchange heat with the washing tub (20); and a first flow path (401) configured to transfer refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) to the distillation tank heat exchange unit (100); a second flow path (402) configured to transfer refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) to the washing tub heat exchange unit (200); and a plurality of flow paths configured to control the flow of refrigerant. A valve (300) is included, and at least one of the plurality of valves (300) is arranged to open or close the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402), respectively.

[0118] The above plurality of valves (300) may include a first valve (310) provided to open or close the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402) at a branch point of the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402).

[0119] The above plurality of valves (300) may further include a second valve (320) that connects a point of a flow path connecting the compressor (41) and the first valve (310) to the condenser (42), is connected to the compressor (41) through a third flow path (403), and is connected to the first valve (310) through a fourth flow path (404).

[0120] The system further includes a fifth passage (405) for conveying the refrigerant passing through the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) toward the condenser (42), a sixth passage (406) for conveying the refrigerant passing through the washing tank heat exchanger (200) toward the condenser (42), a condensation passage (409) extending from the inlet of the condenser (42), a seventh passage (407) connecting the branch point of the fifth passage (405) and the sixth passage (406) and the condensation passage (409), and an eighth passage (408) connecting the second valve (320) and the condensation passage (409), and the plurality of valves (300) may further include a third valve (330) configured to open or close the seventh passage (407).

[0121] It further includes a control unit (50) provided to control the opening and closing of the first valve (310), the second valve (320), and the third valve (330) and the heat pump (40), and a distillation tank temperature sensor (51) provided to measure the temperature inside the distillation tank (30), and the control unit (50) can control the second valve (320) to open the fourth flow path (404) and close the eighth flow path (408), control the first valve (310) to open the first flow path (401), and control the third valve (330) to open the seventh flow path (407) when the temperature detected by the distillation tank temperature sensor (51) is lower than a preset first temperature (T1).

[0122] The washing machine further includes a washing machine temperature sensor (52) configured to measure the temperature inside the washing machine (20), and the control unit (50) controls the second valve (320) to open the fourth flow path (404) and close the eighth flow path (408) when the temperature detected by the washing machine temperature sensor (52) is lower than or equal to a preset second temperature (T2), controls the first valve (310) to open the second flow path (402), and controls the third valve (330) to open the seventh flow path (407).

[0123] The control unit (50) can control the second valve (320) to open the fourth flow path (404) and close the eighth flow path (408) when the temperature detected from the distillation tank temperature sensor (51) is higher than the first temperature (T1) and the temperature detected from the washing tank temperature sensor (52) is lower than the second temperature (T2), control the first valve (310) to close the first flow path (401) and open the second flow path (402), and control the third valve (330) to close the fifth flow path (405) and open the sixth flow path (406) and the seventh flow path (407).

[0124] The control unit (50) can control the second valve (320) to open the fourth flow path (404) and close the eighth flow path (408) when the temperature detected from the distillation tank temperature sensor (51) is lower than the first temperature (T1) and the temperature detected from the washing tank temperature sensor (52) is lower than the second temperature (T2), control the first valve (310) to open the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402), and control the third valve (330) to open the fifth flow path (405), the sixth flow path (406), and the seventh flow path (407).

[0125] The above heat pump (40) further includes an expansion valve (43) and an evaporator (44) provided to exchange heat with the storage tank (10), and when the fourth flow path (404) is closed, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) can sequentially pass through the condenser (42), the expansion valve (43), and the evaporator (44).

[0126] The above control unit (50) can control the third valve (330) to close the seventh flow path (407) when the fourth flow path (404) is closed and a predetermined time has passed.

[0127] The above control unit (50) can control the third valve (330) to close the eighth flow path (408) and open the seventh flow path (407) when at least one of the first flow path (401) and the second flow path (402) is opened.

[0128] The temperature of the refrigerant included in the fifth euro (405) or the sixth euro (406) may be equal to or lower than the temperature of the refrigerant included in the eighth euro (408).

[0129] The above heat pump (40) further includes a condenser temperature sensor (53) that measures the temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet of the condenser (42) and a condenser fan (45) that provides external air to the condenser (42) to promote heat exchange, and the control unit (50) can increase the rotation speed of the condenser fan (45) when the temperature detected by the condenser temperature sensor (53) is higher than a preset third temperature (T3).

[0130] It may further include a pump (60) for transporting carbon dioxide from the washing tank (20) and a filter (61) provided to remove foreign substances contained in the carbon dioxide and foreign substances passing through the pump (60).

[0131] 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 receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub (20) and to heat the carbon dioxide and foreign substances to separate the carbon dioxide and foreign substances, a heat pump (40) including a compressor (41) through which refrigerant circulates, a condenser (42), an expansion valve (43) and an evaporator (44), and a washing tub heat exchanger (200) configured to receive refrigerant from the compressor (41) and to transfer the refrigerant to a passage connecting the compressor (41) and the washing tub (20) to exchange heat with the washing tub (20).

[0132] The heat pump (40) may further include a distillation tank heat exchange unit (100) provided to receive refrigerant from the compressor (41) and exchange heat with the distillation tank (30), a first valve (310) provided to deliver refrigerant to at least one of the distillation tank heat exchange unit (100) and the washing tank heat exchange unit (200), a second valve (320) provided to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor (41) and deliver the refrigerant to at least one of the condenser (42) and the first valve (310), a third valve (330) provided to deliver refrigerant that has passed through at least one of the washing tank heat exchange unit (200) and the distillation tank heat exchange unit (100) to the condenser (42), and a control unit (50) provided to control the opening and closing of the first valve (310), the second valve (320), and the third valve (330).

[0133] The control unit (50) can control the third valve (330) to close the flow path from the third valve (330) to the condenser (42) when the flow path from the second valve (320) to the first valve (310) is closed, or when the flow path from the first valve (310) to the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) and the flow path from the first valve (310) to the washing tank heat exchanger (200) are closed, and can control the second valve (320) to open the flow path from the second valve (320) to the condenser (42).

[0134] The control unit (50) controls the second valve (320) to open the flow path from the second valve (320) to the first valve (310) when the flow path from the second valve (320) to the condenser (42) is closed, and can control the first valve (310) to open at least one of the flow path from the first valve (310) to the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) and the flow path from the first valve (310) to the washing tank heat exchanger (200).

[0135] The control unit (50) can control the flow path from the second valve (320) to the first valve (310) to be closed, or the flow path from the first valve (310) to the distillation tank heat exchanger (100) and the flow path from the first valve (310) to the washing tank heat exchanger (200) to be closed, and then the flow path from the third valve (330) to the condenser (42) to be closed after a predetermined period of time has passed.

[0136] The distillation tank (30) may further include a distillation tank heater that supplies heat to the distillation tank (30) to vaporize the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30).

[0137] 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 receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tank and to separate the carbon dioxide and foreign substances; Heat pump including compressor and condenser; A distillation tank heat exchanger provided to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor and exchange heat with the distillation tank; A washing tank heat exchanger provided to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor and exchange heat with the washing tank; A first path for delivering refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the distillation tank heat exchanger; A second path for delivering the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the washing tank heat exchanger; and A plurality of valves provided to control the flow of refrigerant; A washing machine, wherein at least one of the plurality of valves is configured to open or close the first flow path and the second flow path, respectively.

2. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of valves, A washing machine including a first valve configured to open or close the first euro and the second euro at a branch point of the first euro and the second euro.

3. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of valves, A washing machine further comprising a second valve connecting a point of a path connecting the compressor and the first valve and the condenser, the second valve being connected to the compressor through a third path and connected to the first valve through a fourth path.

4. In paragraph 3, A fifth path for delivering the refrigerant passing through the above distillation tank heat exchanger toward the condenser; A sixth path for transmitting the refrigerant passing through the above washing tank heat exchanger toward the condenser; A condensation path extending from the inlet of the above condenser; A seventh euro connecting the branch point of the fifth euro and the sixth euro and the condensing euro; Further comprising an 8th path connecting the second valve and the condensing path; A washing machine wherein the plurality of valves further include a third valve configured to open or close the seventh flow path.

5. In paragraph 4, A control unit provided to control the opening and closing of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the heat pump; and Further comprising a distillation tank temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the distillation tank; The above control unit, A washing machine that controls the second valve to open the fourth passage and close the eighth passage, controls the first valve to open the first passage, and controls the third valve to open the seventh passage when the temperature detected from the distillation tank temperature sensor is lower than or equal to a preset first temperature.

6. In paragraph 5, Further comprising a washing tub temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the washing tub; The above control unit, A washing machine that controls the second valve to open the fourth flow path and close the eighth flow path when the temperature detected from the washing tub temperature sensor is lower than or equal to a preset second temperature, controls the first valve to open the second flow path, and controls the third valve to open the seventh flow path.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A washing machine that controls the second valve to open the fourth passage and close the eighth passage, controls the first valve to close the first passage and open the second passage, and controls the third valve to close the fifth passage and open the sixth passage and the seventh passage when the temperature detected from the distillation tank temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the first temperature and when the temperature detected from the washing tank temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the second temperature.

8. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A washing machine that controls the second valve to open the fourth passage and close the eighth passage, controls the first valve to open the first passage and the second passage, and controls the third valve to open the fifth passage, the sixth passage, and the seventh passage when the temperature detected from the distillation tank temperature sensor is lower than the first temperature and the temperature detected from the washing tank temperature sensor is lower than the second temperature.

9. In paragraph 5, The above heat pump further includes an expansion valve and an evaporator arranged to exchange heat with the storage tank, A washing machine in which, when the fourth passage is closed, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through the condenser, the expansion valve, and the evaporator sequentially.

10. In paragraph 9, The above control unit, A washing machine that controls the third valve so that the fourth euro is closed and the seventh euro is closed after a predetermined time has passed.

11. In paragraph 9, The above control unit, A washing machine that controls the third valve so that the eighth euro is closed and the seventh euro is opened when at least one of the first euro and the second euro is opened.

12. In paragraph 4, A washing machine wherein the temperature of the refrigerant included in the 5th or 6th euro is equal to or lower than the temperature of the refrigerant included in the 8th euro.

13. In paragraph 7, The above heat pump further includes a condenser temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet of the condenser and a condenser fan for providing outside air to the condenser to promote heat exchange. The above control unit, A washing machine that increases the rotation speed of the condenser fan when the temperature detected from the condenser temperature sensor is higher than a preset third temperature.

14. In paragraph 7, A pump for transporting carbon dioxide from the washing tank; and A washing machine further comprising a filter configured to remove foreign substances contained in carbon dioxide and foreign substances passing through the pump.

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