Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine according to one embodiment comprises: a storage tank for storing carbon dioxide; a washing tub for washing laundry by using the carbon dioxide; a distillation tank for accommodating the carbon dioxide and foreign material discharged from the washing tub, and separating the carbon dioxide from the foreign material; a heat pump including an evaporator, a condenser and a cooling water flow part through which cooling water for cooling the refrigerant of the condenser flows; a first compressor for compressing the carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub or the distillation tank; a second compressor for compressing the carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor, the washing tub or the distillation tank; and a connection flow path for connecting the first compressor and the second compressor, wherein the connection flow path passes through the heat pump so that the carbon dioxide of the connection flow path exchanges heat with the evaporator or the cooling water flow part.

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 can improve the reliability of a compressor by lowering the temperature of a fluid flowing into the compressor in a washing machine using a plurality of compressors.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine including a condenser in which cooling efficiency is improved by using a water-cooled condenser.

[0008] 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.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a washing machine includes a heat pump including 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 separate the carbon dioxide and foreign substances, an evaporator, a condenser, and a cooling water flow portion configured to allow cooling water for cooling a refrigerant of the condenser to flow, a first compressor configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub or the distillation tank, a second compressor configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor or the washing tub or the distillation tank, and a connecting passage configured to connect the first compressor and the second compressor, wherein the connecting passage passes through the heat pump so that carbon dioxide in the connecting passage exchanges heat with the evaporator or the cooling water flow portion.

[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, an evaporator through which a refrigerant can pass to cool the storage tank, a water-cooled condenser, and a heat pump including a cooling water flow portion configured to allow cooling water for cooling the refrigerant of the water-cooled condenser to flow, a first compressor configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub or the distillation tank, a second compressor configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor or the washing tub or the distillation tank, a connection passage configured to connect the first compressor and the second compressor, at least a portion of the connection passage exchanging heat with the cooling water flow portion, a plurality of valves configured to control a flow of carbon dioxide, and a control portion configured to control the first compressor, the second compressor, and the plurality of valves, wherein the plurality of valves are configured to open or close the connection passage configured to transfer carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor to the second compressor. Includes connecting valve.

[0011] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a path of carbon dioxide moving from a storage tank to a washing tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a path of carbon dioxide moving from a washing tank to a distillation tank in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a path of carbon dioxide moving from a distillation tank to a storage tank in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a path of carbon dioxide moving from a washing tub to a storage tank in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a path of carbon dioxide moving from a washing tub to a storage tank in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0018] 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.

[0019] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0023] 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).

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The driving device can perform each operation according to the washing and rinsing cycle by rotating the drum forward or backward.

[0034] 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.

[0035] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0036] 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.

[0037] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0040] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of carbon dioxide in a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow path of carbon dioxide moving from a storage tank (10) to a washing tub (20) in a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow path of carbon dioxide moving from a washing tub (20) to a distillation tank (30) in a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0049] 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 (50) configured to store and discharge foreign substances discharged from the distillation tank (30), a compressor configured to compress and move carbon dioxide, and a heat pump (11) configured to cool the storage tank (10). The washing machine (1) may further include a replenishment tank configured to replenish carbon dioxide lost in the process of recovering carbon dioxide after washing.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The heat pump (11) may be provided to cool the storage tank (10). The heat pump (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 heat pump (11) may liquefy 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 heat pump (11) may include a condenser (12), an expansion valve (13), a refrigerant compressor (14), and an evaporator (15). Alternatively, the heat pump (11) may include at least one of various types of cooling devices.

[0052] The condenser may be a water-cooled condenser cooled by cooling water. The heat pump (11) may include a cooling water flow portion (16) provided to cool the condenser (12). The cooling water flow portion (16) may include a heat exchange portion (16a) that cools the refrigerant of the condenser (12), an inlet passage (16b) that supplies cooling water to the heat exchange portion (16a), and a discharge passage (16c) that receives cooling water discharged from the heat exchange portion (16a).

[0053] 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 have an internal pressure maintained 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 (21) can be rotatably arranged inside the washing tub (20).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, the washing tank (20) may be arranged to receive carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10). The washing tank (20) may be positioned lower than the storage tank (10). Accordingly, the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) may be moved from the storage tank (10) to the washing tank (20) without power by gravity. However, the method by which the carbon dioxide moves from the storage tank (10) to the washing tank (20) and the positional relationship between the storage tank (10) and the washing tank (20) are not limited thereto.

[0055] During the process of loading laundry into the drum (21) inside 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 inside 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 designed to discharge air inside the washing tub (20).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, 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.

[0057] The washing machine (1) can recover carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) into a storage tank (10). (See FIG. 4) The gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be moved to the storage tank (10) by a compressor. 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 a compressor. 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 (50) after the gaseous carbon dioxide is recovered into the storage tank (10).

[0058] 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. The gaseous carbon dioxide, whose temperature has increased by passing through the compressor, 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, 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.

[0059] The distillation tank (30) can discharge foreign substances separated from carbon dioxide into a foreign substance tank (50). The foreign substances separated from carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) can be discharged into the foreign substance tank (50) by opening a valve provided between the distillation tank (30) and the foreign substance tank (50).

[0060] A foreign matter tank (50) 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 (50) at an appropriate interval. The emptying interval of the foreign matter tank (50) may vary depending on the capacity of the foreign matter tank (50) and the amount of foreign matter contained in the laundry.

[0061] The washing machine (1) may include a plurality of valves (300) provided on a path through which carbon dioxide moves. The plurality of valves (300) may control the flow of carbon dioxide. The path may include a gas path through which gaseous carbon dioxide primarily moves and a liquid path through which liquid carbon dioxide primarily moves.

[0062] The plurality of valves (300) may include a gas valve configured to open and close a gas path along which gaseous carbon dioxide primarily moves. The plurality of valves (300) may include a liquid valve configured to open and close a liquid path along which liquid carbon dioxide primarily moves. The washing machine (1) may include branch points at which the plurality of paths merge into a single path or at which a single path branches into a plurality of paths.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the path of carbon dioxide moving from a distillation tank (30) to a storage tank (10) in a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 4, the washing machine (1) can recover gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) into a storage tank (10), or vaporize liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) and then recover it into the storage tank (10). This can be referred to as a distillation process.

[0065] The washing machine (1) may include a first branch point (501) provided to be connected to a distillation tank (30), a washing tank (20), a first compressor (100), and a second compressor (200). The distillation tank (30) may be connected to the first branch point (501) via a first flow path (401), the washing tank (20) via a second flow path (402), the first compressor (100) via a third flow path (403), and the second compressor (200) via a fourth flow path (404). The plurality of valves (300) may include a first valve (301), a second valve (302), and a third valve (303) provided to open or close the first flow path (401), the second flow path (402), and the fourth flow path (404), respectively.

[0066] The washing machine (1) may include a connection path (410) provided to connect the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) so as to transfer carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) to the second compressor (200). Specifically, the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) may be connected in series through the connection path (410). The plurality of valves (300) may include connection valves (310) provided to open or close the connection path (410).

[0067] The connecting passage (410) may be arranged to pass through the heat pump (11). Specifically, the connecting passage (410) may be arranged to pass through the evaporator (15) or the condenser (12). This allows the temperature of the carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) to be lowered before it flows into the second compressor (200), thereby increasing the reliability of the compressor.

[0068] The washing machine (1) may include a distillation tank through pipe (32) that transfers heat of compressed carbon dioxide from at least one of the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) to the distillation tank (30). The distillation tank through pipe (32) may pass through the interior of the distillation tank (30) or the exterior of the distillation tank (30) adjacent to the distillation tank (30). The carbon dioxide contained in the distillation tank through pipe (32) may supply heat to the distillation tank (30).

[0069] The washing machine (1) may include a second branch point (502) disposed on the connecting passage (410) and capable of delivering carbon dioxide to the condenser (12) or delivering carbon dioxide to the distillation tank through pipe (32). The plurality of valves (300) may include a fourth valve (304) configured to open or close the passage connecting the second branch point (502) and the distillation tank through pipe (32).

[0070] Carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) can be delivered to the first compressor (100) through the first flow path (401) and the third flow path (403). In addition, carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) can be delivered to the second compressor (200) through the first flow path (401) and the fourth flow path (404). That is, the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) can be connected in parallel.

[0071] Carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) and passed through the connecting passage (410) to the second branch point (502) and carbon dioxide discharged from the second compressor (200) can be delivered to the distillation tank through pipe (32). Carbon dioxide passing through the distillation tank through pipe (32) can be cooled by heat exchange with the evaporator (15) of the heat pump (11) and recovered to the storage tank (10). That is, carbon dioxide passing through the fourth branch point (504) can be recovered to the storage tank (10) after its temperature is lowered by heat exchange with the evaporator (15) before being recovered to the storage tank (10).

[0072] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the path of carbon dioxide moving from a washing tub (20) to a storage tank (10) in a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, the washing tub (20) can discharge carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) into the second passage (402). Through this, the pressure inside the washing tub (20) can be lowered. This can be referred to as a depressurization step.

[0074] 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).

[0075] The washing machine (1) may include a washing tub through pipe (22) that transfers heat of compressed carbon dioxide from at least one of the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) to the washing tub (20). The washing tub through pipe (22) may pass through the interior of the washing tub (20) or the exterior of the washing tub (20) adjacent to the washing tub (20). The carbon dioxide contained in the washing tub through pipe (22) may supply heat to the washing tub (20).

[0076] The washing machine (1) may include a third branch point (503) that can transfer carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) and passed through the second branch point (502) via the connecting passage (410) and carbon dioxide discharged from the second compressor (200) to the distillation tank through pipe (32) or the washing tank through pipe (22). The washing machine (1) may include a fourth branch point (504) that is connected to the storage tank (10), the distillation tank through pipe (32) and the washing tank through pipe (22), a seventh valve (307) that can open or close the passage connecting the distillation tank through pipe (32) and the storage tank (10), and an eighth valve (308) that can open or close the passage connecting the washing tank through pipe (22) and the storage tank (10).

[0077] The plurality of valves (300) may include a fifth valve (305) configured to open or close a passage connecting the third branch point (503) and the distillation tank through pipe (32), and a sixth valve (306) configured to open or close a passage connecting the third branch point (503) and the washing tank through pipe (22).

[0078] The washing machine (1) may be provided with a flow path connecting the washing tub (20) and at least one of the inlet (110) of the first compressor and the inlet (210) of the second compressor, and a valve capable of opening and closing the flow path. Carbon dioxide discharged from the discharge port of the first compressor (100) and the discharge port of the second compressor (200) may pass through the inside of the washing tub (20) or the outside of the washing tub (20) adjacent to the washing tub (20). Carbon dioxide contained in the pipe passing through the washing tub (20) may supply heat to the washing tub (20).

[0079] Carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20) can be delivered to the first compressor (100) through the second flow path (402) and the third flow path (403). In addition, carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20) can be delivered to the second compressor (200) through the second flow path (402) and the fourth flow path (404). That is, the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) can be connected in parallel.

[0080] Carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) and passing through the connecting passage (410) to the second branch point (502) and carbon dioxide discharged from the second compressor (200) can be delivered to the third branch point (503). Carbon dioxide delivered to the third branch point (503) can be delivered to the washing tank through-pipe (22) through the sixth valve (306) opened at the third branch point (503). Carbon dioxide passing through the washing tank through-pipe (22) can be cooled by heat exchange with the evaporator (15) of the heat pump (11) and recovered to the storage tank (10).

[0081] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the path of carbon dioxide moving from a washing tub (20) to a storage tank (10) in a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 6, the washing tub (20) can discharge carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) into the second passage (402). Through this, the pressure inside the washing tub (20) can be lowered. This can be referred to as a depressurization step.

[0083] As the depressurization phase continues, the pressure inside the washing tub (20) may decrease. If the pressure inside the washing tub (20) falls below a predetermined pressure, it may be difficult to discharge carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) with the efficiency of the first compressor (100) and second compressor (200) connected in parallel.

[0084] To solve this problem, when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) becomes lower than a predetermined pressure, the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) can be connected in series to increase the compression ratio of the compressors. Specifically, when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) becomes lower than the predetermined pressure, the second valve (302) can be opened and the first valve (301) and the third valve (303) can be closed.

[0085] However, the criteria for switching compressors from parallel to series connection during the depressurization phase are not limited to pressure. For example, various methods can be used, such as switching the compressors to series connection after a user-preset time or switching the compressors to series connection based on the pressure of the carbon dioxide entering the compressor.

[0086] Carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20) can be delivered to the first compressor (100) via the second passage (402) and the third passage (403). Carbon dioxide compressed in the first compressor (100) can be discharged through the discharge port (120) of the first compressor and delivered to the connecting passage (410).

[0087] The carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) may have a higher temperature than the carbon dioxide flowing into the first compressor (100). If the carbon dioxide with a higher temperature flows into the second compressor (200), the efficiency of the second compressor (200) may decrease due to the high temperature. In other words, the reliability of the compressor may decrease. Therefore, the carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) needs to be cooled to a certain temperature or lower before flowing into the second compressor (200).

[0088] Carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) may pass through a connection path (410) and an open connection valve (310) to a heat pump (11). Carbon dioxide in the connection path (410) may be cooled by heat exchange with an evaporator (15) or a cooling water flow portion (16). Specifically, when carbon dioxide in the connection path (410) exchanges heat with a cooling water flow portion (16), the condenser (12) may be a water-cooled condenser (12) using a refrigerant and cooling water.

[0089] The connecting passage (410) may include a connecting passage heat exchanger (411) that is provided to exchange heat with the cooling water flow passage (16). In the present disclosure, only the case where the connecting passage heat exchanger (411) exchanges heat with the discharge passage (16c) is illustrated, but the connecting passage heat exchanger (411) may be cooled by heat exchange with the heat exchanger (16a) or the inlet passage (16b).

[0090] Carbon dioxide in the connecting passage (410) that has completed heat exchange with the heat pump (11) can be transferred to the second compressor (200). The carbon dioxide transferred to the second compressor (200) can be compressed again and discharged through the discharge port (220) of the second compressor. That is, carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) can be compressed twice through the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200). The compression ratio of the compressor can be increased. In the present disclosure, the case where only two compressors are used is illustrated and described, but three or more compressors may also be used.

[0091] Carbon dioxide discharged from the second compressor (200) can be delivered to the third branch point (503). Carbon dioxide delivered to the third branch point (503) can be delivered to the washing tank through pipe (22) through the sixth valve (306) opened at the third branch point (503). Carbon dioxide passing through the washing tank through pipe (22) can be cooled by heat exchange with the evaporator (15) of the heat pump (11) and recovered to the storage tank (10).

[0092] Fig. 7 is a control block diagram of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7, the washing machine (1) may include a control unit (40) capable of controlling a first compressor (100), a second compressor (200), and a plurality of valves (300).

[0094] When the washing machine (1) is in operation, the control unit (40) can supply carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20). That is, the control unit (40) can open a valve provided in a passage connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20). When the carbon dioxide required for washing is delivered to the washing tub (20), the control unit (40) can close the valve connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20).

[0095] The control unit (40) can close the valves that discharge carbon dioxide from the washing tub (20), including the second valve (302), to the outside of the washing tub (20) when the amount of carbon dioxide required for washing is supplied to the washing tub (20) and the washing stage begins.

[0096] The control unit (40) can open or close a valve provided in the path connecting the washing tank (20) and the distillation tank (30). Carbon dioxide in the washing tank (20) can be discharged to the distillation tank (30) by opening the valve.

[0097] When the washing step is completed, the control unit (40) can operate the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) to recover the carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) to the storage tank (10). In addition, the control unit (40) can open the first valve (301) so that the carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the first compressor (100) and open the third valve (303) so that the carbon dioxide moves to the second compressor (200). That is, in the distillation step, the control unit (40) can operate the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200), open the first valve (301), the third valve (303), the fourth valve (304), the fifth valve (305), and the seventh valve (307), and close the second valve (302), the sixth valve (306), the eighth valve (308), and the connection valve (310).

[0098] The depressurization stage of the washing tank (20) can be divided into a first depressurization stage in which the pressure inside the washing tank (20) is higher than a predetermined pressure, and a second depressurization stage in which the pressure inside the washing tank (20) is lower than a predetermined pressure.

[0099] The control unit (40) can operate the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) in the first depressurization step to recover carbon dioxide from the washing tub (20) to the storage tank (10). In addition, the control unit (40) can open the second valve (302) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) moves to the first compressor (100) and open the third valve (303) so that carbon dioxide moves to the second compressor (200). That is, the control unit (40) can operate the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) in the first depressurization step, open the second valve (302), the third valve (303), the fourth valve (304), the sixth valve (306), and the eighth valve (308), and close the first valve (301), the fifth valve (305), the seventh valve (307), and the connection valve (310).

[0100] The control unit (40) can operate the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) to recover carbon dioxide from the washing tub (20) in the second depressurization step. In addition, the second valve (302) can be opened so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) moves only from the first branch point (501) to the first compressor (100), and the first valve (301) and the third valve (303) can be closed. In addition, the connection valve (310) can be opened so that carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) is transferred to the second compressor (200). That is, the control unit (40) can operate the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) in the second decompression stage, open the second valve (302), the sixth valve (306), the eighth valve (308), and the connection valve (310), and close the first valve (301), the third valve (303), the fourth valve (304), the fifth valve (305), and the seventh valve (307).

[0101] According to one embodiment, a washing machine (1) 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 separate the carbon dioxide and foreign substances, a heat pump (11) including an evaporator (15), a condenser (12), and a cooling water flow portion (16) configured to allow cooling water for cooling the refrigerant of the condenser (12) to flow, a first compressor (100) configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) or the distillation tank (30), a second compressor (200) configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) or the washing tub (20) or the distillation tank (30), and a connecting passage (410) configured to connect the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200), wherein the connecting passage (410) is a connection of the connecting passage (410). Carbon dioxide passes through the heat pump (11) to exchange heat with the evaporator (15) or the cooling water flow unit (16).

[0102] The above cooling water flow unit (16) further includes a heat exchange unit (16a) provided to accommodate the condenser (12) to cool the refrigerant of the condenser (12), an inlet passage (16b) provided to deliver cooling water to the heat exchange unit (16a), and a discharge passage (16c) provided to accommodate cooling water discharged from the heat exchange unit (16a), and the condenser (12) is a water-cooled condenser that passes through the heat exchange unit (16a) to exchange heat with the heat exchange unit (16a), and the connection passage (410) may be provided to exchange heat with the cooling water of the discharge passage (16c).

[0103] It may further include a plurality of valves (300) arranged to control the flow of carbon dioxide, and the plurality of valves (300) may include a connection valve (310) arranged in the connection path (410) to open or close the connection path (410).

[0104] The first branch point (501) is further provided to be connected through the distillation tank (30) and the first flow path (401), through the washing tank (20) and the second flow path (402), through the first compressor (100) and the third flow path (403), and through the second compressor (200) and the fourth flow path (404), and the plurality of valves (300) may further include a first valve (301) provided to open or close the first flow path (401), a second valve (302) provided to open or close the second flow path (402), and a third valve (303) provided to open or close the fourth flow path (404).

[0105] It further includes a control unit (40) provided to control the first compressor (100), the second compressor (200) and the plurality of valves (300), and the control unit (40) operates the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) so that the carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) discharged from the washing tank (20) to the distillation tank (30) is recovered to the storage tank (10) when the washing step is completed, opens the first valve (301) so that the carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the first compressor (100), and opens the third valve (303) so that the carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the second compressor (200).

[0106] The control unit (40) operates the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) to recover carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) to the storage tank (10) when the distillation step is completed, opens the second valve (302) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) moves to the first compressor (100), and opens the third valve (303) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) moves to the second compressor (200).

[0107] The control unit (40) opens the second valve (302), closes the first valve (301) and the third valve (303), and opens the connection valve (310) when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) is lower than a predetermined pressure, and carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) can exchange heat with the condenser (12) and be transferred to the inlet (210) of the second compressor.

[0108] A distillation tank through pipe (32) passing through the interior of the distillation tank (30) to transfer heat of carbon dioxide compressed from at least one of the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) to the distillation tank (30), and a second branch point (502) arranged on the connection path (410) and provided to transfer carbon dioxide to at least one of the connection valve (310) and the distillation tank through pipe (32), and the plurality of valves (300) may further include a fourth valve (304) provided to open or close a path connecting the distillation tank through pipe (32) from the second branch point (502).

[0109] The washing tank through pipe (22) passing through the inside of the washing tank (20) to transfer heat of carbon dioxide compressed from at least one of the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) to the washing tank (20), the second valve (302) and the third branch point (503) provided to transfer carbon dioxide discharged from at least one of the discharge port (220) of the second compressor to the distillation tank through pipe (32) and at least one of the distillation tank through pipe (32), and the plurality of valves (300) may further include a fifth valve (305) provided to open or close a passage connecting the third branch point (503) and the distillation tank through pipe (32), and a sixth valve (306) provided to open or close a passage connecting the third branch point (503) and the washing tank through pipe (22).

[0110] Carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank penetration pipe (32) and carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank penetration pipe (22) can exchange heat with the evaporator (15) and be recovered to the storage tank (10).

[0111] It may further include a foreign substance tank (50) provided to store and discharge foreign substances discharged from the distillation tank (30).

[0112] According to one embodiment, a washing machine (1) 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 (11) including an evaporator (15) and a water-cooled condenser (12) through which a refrigerant can pass to cool the storage tank (10) and a cooling water flow portion (16) configured to allow cooling water to flow for cooling the refrigerant of the water-cooled condenser (12), a first compressor (100) configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) or the distillation tank (30), a second compressor (200) configured to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) or the washing tub (20) or the distillation tank (30), and a connection configured to connect the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200). As a flow path (410), at least a part of the connecting flow path (410) includes a connecting flow path (410) for heat exchange with the cooling water flow part (16), a plurality of valves (300) provided to control the flow of carbon dioxide, and a control unit (40) provided to control the first compressor (100), the second compressor (200) and the plurality of valves (300), and the plurality of valves (300) include a connecting valve (310) provided to open or close the connecting flow path (410) provided to transfer carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor (100) to the second compressor (200).

[0113] The above cooling water flow unit (16) further includes a heat exchange unit (16a) provided to accommodate the water-cooled condenser (12) to cool the refrigerant of the water-cooled condenser (12), an inlet passage (16b) provided to introduce cooling water into the heat exchange unit (16a), and a discharge passage (16c) provided to accommodate cooling water discharged from the heat exchange unit (16a), and the connection passage (410) may be provided to exchange heat with the cooling water of the inlet passage (16b).

[0114] The first branch point (501) is further provided to be connected through the distillation tank (30) and the first flow path (401), through the washing tank (20) and the second flow path (402), through the first compressor (100) and the third flow path (403), and through the second compressor (200) and the fourth flow path (404), and the plurality of valves (300) may further include a first valve (301) provided to open or close the first flow path (401), a second valve (302) provided to open or close the second flow path (402), and a third valve (303) provided to open or close the fourth flow path (404).

[0115] The control unit (40) operates the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) to recover carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) to the storage tank (10) when the depressurization step of the washing tub (20) starts, opens the second valve (302) to allow carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) to move to the first compressor (100), and opens the third valve (303) to allow carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) to move to the second compressor (200).

[0116] The control unit (40) opens the second valve (302) when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) is lower than a predetermined pressure, closes the first valve (301) and the third valve (303), and opens the connection valve (310). Carbon dioxide discharged from the connection valve (310) can exchange heat with the condenser (12) and be transferred to the second compressor (200).

[0117] It may further include a distillation tank through pipe (32) passing through the interior of the distillation tank (30) to transfer heat of carbon dioxide compressed from at least one of the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) to the distillation tank (30), a washing tank through pipe (22) passing through the interior of the washing tank (20) to transfer heat of carbon dioxide compressed from at least one of the first compressor (100) and the second compressor (200) to the washing tank (20), a second branch point (502) arranged on the connection path (410) and provided to transfer carbon dioxide to at least one of the connection valve (310) and the distillation tank through pipe (32), and a third branch point (503) provided to transfer carbon dioxide discharged from at least one of the discharge port (120) of the first compressor and the discharge port (220) of the second compressor to at least one of the distillation tank through pipe (32) and the distillation tank through pipe (32).

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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 designed 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; A heat pump comprising an evaporator, a condenser, and a cooling water flow section through which cooling water for cooling the refrigerant of the condenser flows; A first compressor provided to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank or the distillation tank; A second compressor for compressing carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor or the washing tank or the distillation tank; and A connecting path provided to connect the first compressor and the second compressor; A washing machine in which the above connecting passage passes through the heat pump so that carbon dioxide of the above connecting passage exchanges heat with the above evaporator or the above cooling water flow portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The cooling water flow unit further includes a heat exchange unit configured to accommodate the condenser to cool the refrigerant of the condenser, an inlet passage configured to deliver cooling water to the heat exchange unit, and a discharge passage configured to accommodate cooling water discharged from the heat exchange unit. The above condenser is a water-cooled condenser that passes through the heat exchanger to exchange heat with the heat exchanger, A washing machine in which the above connecting passage is provided to exchange heat with the cooling water of the above discharge passage.

3. In paragraph 2, A plurality of valves provided to control the flow of carbon dioxide; A washing machine wherein the plurality of valves include a connecting valve disposed in the connecting passage to open or close the connecting passage.

4. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a first branch point that is provided to be connected to the distillation tank through the first flow path, the washing tank through the second flow path, the first compressor through the third flow path, and the second compressor through the fourth flow path, The above plurality of valves are, A first valve configured to open or close the first euro, A second valve provided to open or close the second euro, A washing machine further comprising a third valve configured to open or close the fourth euro.

5. In paragraph 4, Further comprising a control unit configured to control the first compressor, the second compressor and the plurality of valves; The above control unit, When the washing step is completed, the first compressor and the second compressor are operated to recover the carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank discharged from the washing tank to the distillation tank into the storage tank. Open the first valve so that the carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank moves to the first compressor, A washing machine that opens the third valve so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank moves to the second compressor.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, When the distillation step is completed, the first compressor and the second compressor are operated to recover the carbon dioxide inside the washing tank to the storage tank, Open the second valve so that the carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank moves to the first compressor, A washing machine that opens the third valve so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub moves to the second compressor.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, When the pressure inside the washing tank is lower than a predetermined pressure, the second valve is opened, the first valve and the third valve are closed, and the connection valve is opened. A washing machine in which carbon dioxide discharged from the first compressor exchanges heat with the condenser and is delivered to the inlet of the second compressor.

8. In paragraph 4, A distillation tank penetrating pipe passing through the interior of the distillation tank to transfer heat of compressed carbon dioxide from at least one of the first compressor and the second compressor to the distillation tank; and A second branch point disposed on the above connecting passage and configured to deliver carbon dioxide to at least one of the connecting valve and the distillation tank through pipe; A washing machine further comprising a fourth valve configured to open or close a passage connecting the distillation tank through pipe from the second branch point.

9. In paragraph 8, A washing tank penetrating pipe passing through the interior of the washing tank to transfer heat of compressed carbon dioxide from at least one of the first compressor and the second compressor to the washing tank; Further comprising a third branch point arranged to transfer carbon dioxide discharged from at least one of the second valve and the discharge port of the second compressor to at least one of the distillation tank through pipe and the distillation tank through pipe; A washing machine further comprising a fifth valve configured to open or close a passage connecting the third branch point and the distillation tank through pipe, and a sixth valve configured to open or close a passage connecting the third branch point and the washing tank through pipe.

10. In paragraph 9, A washing machine in which carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank penetration pipe and carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank penetration pipe exchange heat with the evaporator and are recovered to the storage tank.

11. In paragraph 3, A washing machine further comprising a foreign substance tank provided to store and discharge foreign substances discharged from the distillation tank.

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