Washing machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine, which comprises: a washing tub which forms a space in which laundry is placed and processed and includes a washing tub heat exchanger that constantly maintains the temperature of carbon dioxide in the washing tub; a distillation tub for separating contaminants contained in liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub; a compressor which sucks in and discharges gaseous carbon dioxide stored in the distillation tub; a cooler which condenses and liquefies the gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tub; and a mixer in which are mixed two or more selected from a detergent to be supplied to the washing tub, additives, at least one chemical additive, and liquid carbon dioxide having passed through the cooler.

Description

washing machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine that performs laundry treatment, etc., using carbon dioxide.

[0002] In general, a carbon dioxide (CO2) washing machine, which is an anhydrous washing machine, is a device that compresses and cools gaseous carbon dioxide to create liquid carbon dioxide, and uses this liquid carbon dioxide like water to wash laundry.

[0003] Washing machines that utilize carbon dioxide like this have a tub filled with both gaseous and liquid carbon dioxide during washing and rinsing. To perform laundry using carbon dioxide, a storage tank supplies the carbon dioxide to the washing machine. Once the wash cycle is complete, the washing machine discharges the carbon dioxide into a distillation tank, where it is then recovered and reused.

[0004] At this time, the pollutants supplied from the washing tank to the distillation tank can be discharged outside or stored separately.

[0005] Conventional washing machines that use carbon dioxide recover contaminated liquid carbon dioxide after washing in a distillation tank, distill the contaminated liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank, and then liquefy it using a cooler to obtain pure liquid carbon dioxide, which is then stored in a storage tank or supplied to the washing tank.

[0006] The method of liquefying using a refrigerator as described above is to install an outdoor unit of a refrigerator outside and install a plate heat exchanger between the distillation tank and the storage tank, and send the cold refrigerant produced in the refrigerator to the plate heat exchanger to liquefy the carbon dioxide gas flowing from the distillation tank to the storage tank in the plate heat exchanger.

[0007] As mentioned above, in order to reuse carbon dioxide, the operation of compressors, refrigerators, vacuum pumps, valves, etc. is required, and as electricity is used for their operation, the electricity bill increases significantly.

[0008] The refrigerator consumes the most electricity, accounting for over 50% of the total. Therefore, to reduce the overall power consumption of the washing machine while still recycling carbon dioxide, it's necessary to reduce electricity consumption in the refrigerator, which accounts for the largest power consumption.

[0009] Generally, the method of adding detergent to a washing machine using carbon dioxide is to use a hydraulic detergent pump to apply pressure to the detergent container or nozzle and push the detergent into the washing tub.

[0010] For example, the inlet side of the pump is connected to the detergent container through a hose, and the outlet side of the pump is connected to the washing tub through a hose.

[0011] At this time, multiple pumps may be provided depending on the type of detergent.

[0012] And, when the washing starts, the pump starts to operate and the set amount of detergent is injected into the washing machine.

[0013] Conventional detergent injection methods use hydraulic pumps or other devices to deliver detergent to the washing tub, then vacuum the tub and deliver carbon dioxide from the storage tank to the washing tub. While this method of detergent injection can remove oil-soluble contaminants, it has limitations when it comes to removing water-soluble contaminants.

[0014] Because carbon dioxide is a nonpolar solvent, it doesn't mix well with polar, water-soluble detergents. This requires additives. Even with additives, if you add the detergent and additives to the washing machine first and then add the carbon dioxide, only the clothes in the washing machine with the detergent and additives will be cleaned properly. Clothes without detergent and additives will have relatively poor cleaning performance.

[0015] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which liquid carbon dioxide inside a washing tank after washing is recovered in a distillation tank and distilled, and gaseous carbon dioxide is liquefied and reused.

[0016] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that mixes detergent and additives and supplies them to a washing tub.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that supplies a mixture of detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide to a washing tub.

[0018] The present invention has been proposed to achieve the above object, and includes a washing tank including a washing tank heat exchanger that forms a space in which laundry is put inside and the laundry is processed and maintains a constant temperature of carbon dioxide in the washing tank, a distillation tank for separating pollutants contained in liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank, a compressor that sucks in and discharges gaseous carbon dioxide stored in the distillation tank, and a cooler that condenses and liquefies gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank.

[0019] In addition, it includes a mixer in which at least two or more selected from among detergent, additives, and liquid carbon dioxide that has passed through the cooler to be supplied to the washing machine are mixed.

[0020] Additionally, the liquefied carbon dioxide passing through the cooler can be supplied to the mixer and mixed with the detergent and additives.

[0021] In addition, the liquefied carbon dioxide passing through the cooler is supplied to the washing tank, and the detergent and additive mixture mixed in the mixer flows toward the washing tank and is then combined with the liquid carbon dioxide and supplied to the washing tank.

[0022] In addition, the liquefied carbon dioxide passing through the cooler is supplied to the washing tank, and the detergent and additive mixture mixed in the mixer can be supplied to the washing tank separately from the liquid carbon dioxide.

[0023] In addition, it may further include a detergent container connected to the mixer and storing detergent, and an additive container connected to the mixer and storing additives.

[0024] In addition, it may include a detergent supply pipe connecting the detergent container and the mixer, a detergent valve installed in the detergent supply pipe to control the flow of detergent flowing into the mixer, an additive supply pipe connecting the detergent container and the mixer, and an additive valve installed in the additive supply pipe to control the flow of the additive flowing into the mixer.

[0025] In addition, when the washing tank and the mixer are in a vacuum state and the detergent valve and the additive valve are opened, the detergent in the detergent container can flow into the mixer due to the pressure difference, and the additive in the additive container can flow into the mixer.

[0026] In addition, it may include a second pipe that connects the mixer and the washing tank and delivers the mixed liquid from the mixer to the washing tank.

[0027] In addition, it may include a first discharge pipe connecting the lower part of the mixer and the second pipe, a first discharge valve installed in the first discharge pipe to control the flow of the mixed liquid flowing from the mixer to the second pipe, a second discharge pipe connecting the upper part of the mixer and the second pipe, and a second discharge valve installed in the second discharge pipe to control the flow of the mixed liquid flowing from the mixer to the second pipe.

[0028] In addition, the second discharge valve may be opened to supply the mixed solution in the upper portion of the mixer to the washing tank first, and the first discharge valve may be opened to supply the mixed solution in the lower portion of the mixer to the washing tank.

[0029] Additionally, the mixer may be equipped with an agitator that is connected to a motor and rotates to create a forced flow to mix the detergent, additive, or carbon dioxide introduced into the mixer.

[0030] Additionally, it may include a first pipe connecting the upper part of the distillation tank and the mixer by bypassing the cooler.

[0031] In addition, while detergent and additives are supplied to the mixer, gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank can be supplied to the mixer through the first pipe.

[0032] Additionally, the liquid carbon dioxide condensed in the cooler can be supplied to the mixer through the third pipe, mixed with detergent and additives in the mixer, and then supplied to the washing machine.

[0033] In addition, the third pipe is joined to the first pipe, so that the liquid carbon dioxide condensed in the cooler can flow along the third pipe and then join the first pipe to be supplied to the mixer.

[0034] In addition, one side of the first pipe may be connected to the upper part of the distillation tank, and the other side may be bent to penetrate the side of the mixer and face downward on the inside of the mixer to form a discharge portion.

[0035] In addition, a discharge port through which carbon dioxide is discharged is formed at the bottom of the discharge portion, and the discharge port can be formed adjacent to the bottom of the mixer.

[0036] In addition, it may include a third pipe that guides the condensed liquid carbon dioxide passing through the cooler toward the washing tank, and a second pipe that has one side connected to the mixer and the other side joined to the third pipe to guide the detergent and additive mixed in the mixer to the third pipe.

[0037] In addition, a joining portion having a narrow inner diameter may be formed in the third pipe, and the second pipe may be joined to the joining portion.

[0038] In addition, the above-mentioned junction may include a reduced portion formed so that the inner diameter thereof gradually narrows along the direction of flow of carbon dioxide, a middle portion formed so that the inner diameter thereof is maintained constant while being connected to the reduced portion, and an expanded portion formed so that the inner diameter thereof is gradually widened while being connected to the middle portion.

[0039] In addition, it may include a third pipe that guides the condensed liquid carbon dioxide passing through the cooler toward the washing tank, and a storage tank installed in the third pipe that stores the liquid carbon dioxide and supplies it to the washing tank.

[0040] In addition, it may include a second pipe, one end of which is connected to the mixer and the other end is connected to the washing tub, and which guides the detergent and additive mixed in the washing tub to the washing tub.

[0041] According to the washing machine according to the present invention having the configuration described above, there is an advantage in that the cost of using carbon dioxide can be reduced by recovering the contaminated liquid carbon dioxide remaining in the washing tub after washing laundry in the carbon dioxide washing machine and reusing it through the process of distillation and condensation.

[0042] In addition, according to the present invention, there is an advantage in that a mixer can be used to mix and supply detergent and additives to a washing tub.

[0043] In addition, according to the present invention, there is an advantage in that a mixer can be used to mix and supply detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide to a washing tub.

[0044] In addition, according to the present invention, a washing machine using carbon dioxide can remove not only oil-soluble contamination but also water-soluble contamination, and thus has the advantage of providing differentiated washing performance compared to existing washing machines that can remove contamination mainly involving oil-soluble contamination.

[0045] In addition, according to the present invention, there is an advantage in that the cost of parts and pump maintenance can be reduced by supplying the detergent and additives by pressure difference while the mixer and the washing tank are in a vacuum state without using a hydraulic pump required to send the detergent and additives to the mixer and the washing tank.

[0046] Additionally, there is the advantage of being able to supply carbon dioxide gas to the washing machine when necessary, and also supply carbon dioxide liquid.

[0047] Additionally, there is an advantage in that the carbon dioxide gas discharged from the compressor can be supplied to the washing tub to increase the temperature of the washing tub, depending on the situation.

[0048] Additionally, there is an advantage in that the carbon dioxide gas discharged from the compressor can be used as a heat source to distill the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the basic configuration and cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 is a drawing showing an example of a mixer, which is a main component of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 3 is a drawing showing another example of a mixer, which is a main component of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the basic configuration and cycle of a washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the structure of the junction shown in Figure 4 in more detail.

[0054] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the basic configuration and cycle of a washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The following merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art will be able to implement the principles of the present invention and invent various devices within the scope and spirit of the present invention, even if not explicitly described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, all conditional terms and embodiments listed herein are expressly intended, in principle, to facilitate understanding of the concepts of the present invention, and should be understood as being in no way limiting to the specifically enumerated embodiments and conditions.

[0056] Furthermore, all detailed descriptions of the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present invention, as well as specific embodiments, should be understood to encompass structural and functional equivalents thereof. Furthermore, such equivalents should be understood to encompass not only currently known equivalents but also equivalents developed in the future, i.e., all devices invented to perform the same function, regardless of structure.

[0057] In the claims of this specification, a component expressed as a means for performing a function described in the detailed description is intended to include any method for performing the function, including, for example, a combination of circuit elements performing the function, or any form of software including firmware / microcode, combined with appropriate circuitry for executing said software to perform the function. The invention defined by these claims should be understood to be equivalent to any means found in this specification for providing the functions provided by the various enumerated means, as long as they are combined and combined in the manner required by the claims.

[0058] The above-described purposes, features, and advantages will become more apparent through the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will be able to readily implement the technical concepts of the present invention. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention.

[0059] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given simply for the convenience of writing this specification, and the "module" and "part" may be used interchangeably.

[0060] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the basic configuration and cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mixer, which is a key component of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of a mixer, which is a key component of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the washing machine of the present invention may include components capable of storing or processing carbon dioxide because it processes various laundry items such as clothes and bedding by washing and rinsing using carbon dioxide.

[0063] Specifically, the washing machine can be divided into a supply section that supplies carbon dioxide, a washing section that processes laundry, and a regeneration section that processes the used carbon dioxide.

[0064] The supply unit may include at least one tank for storing carbon dioxide in a liquid state.

[0065] The tank may include a storage tank, a distillation tank (120), and a replenishment tank (not shown). In the present invention, it corresponds to a storage tank or a distillation tank (120).

[0066] The washing machine may include a washing tub (110) into which carbon dioxide, at least one chemical additive, detergent and laundry can be introduced together.

[0067] In the following description, detergent and additive may refer to chemical additives.

[0068] And the regeneration unit may include a contaminant separation device (not shown) for separating contaminants dissolved in liquid carbon dioxide after washing, a cooler (140) for changing the phase of gaseous carbon dioxide into a liquid state, a distillation tank (120) for separating contaminants contained in liquid carbon dioxide, and a contaminant separator (150) for storing and separating contaminants separated after distillation in the distillation tank (120).

[0069] As mentioned above, the distillation tank (120) can be used as both a supply section and a regeneration section.

[0070] If a storage tank for storing purified liquid carbon dioxide is not provided, the distillation tank (120) is used as both a supply section and a regeneration section.

[0071] On the other hand, if a separate storage tank is provided, the storage tank can be used as a supply unit, and the distillation tank (120) can be used only as a regeneration unit.

[0072] The supply unit's replenishment tank can store carbon dioxide to be supplied to the washing machine (110). Of course, the replenishment tank is a storage tank that can be used when carbon dioxide replenishment is required, and can be omitted when carbon dioxide replenishment is not required. Normally, the replenishment tank is not provided, but when necessary, the replenishment tank is connected to the washing machine to replenish carbon dioxide. Once replenishment is complete, the replenishment tank can be separated from the washing machine.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present invention, since the carbon dioxide supplied to the washing tank (110) can be recovered from the washing tank (110) and reused, there is no need for a supplementary tank, so it is natural that it is not provided.

[0074] The drawing schematically illustrates each component, omitting some valves, control units and connecting paths. The path through which carbon dioxide moves is indicated by a solid line, and the direction of carbon dioxide movement is indicated by an arrow.

[0075] Referring to the attached drawing, a washing machine that processes laundry using carbon dioxide will be described.

[0076] A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention can perform at least one laundry treatment operation among washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying to remove contaminants from laundry accommodated in a washing tub (110), and can perform an operation to treat laundry by circulating carbon dioxide instead of using water.

[0077] A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a washing tank (110), a distillation tank (120), a compressor (130), and a cooler (140).

[0078] The washing machine's washing tub (110) can perform laundry treatment operations on laundry received using carbon dioxide.

[0079] The washing tub (110) may include a sensor for measuring the amount of liquid carbon dioxide stored within the washing tub (110). If the sensor determines that a liquid carbon dioxide exceeding a reference value has been supplied to the washing tub (110), the supply of carbon dioxide may be stopped by a control unit (not shown). Specifically, the reference value for measuring the amount of liquid carbon dioxide may be determined based on the amount of laundry washed by the washing machine and may be proportional to the amount of laundry.

[0080] In addition, the washing tub (110) may include a washing tub heat exchanger (111) for maintaining a constant temperature of carbon dioxide within the washing tub (110). The washing tub heat exchanger (111) supplies heat to the washing tub (110), thereby preventing laundry from hardening or being damaged due to a rapid drop in temperature when discharging carbon dioxide in a liquid state or carbon dioxide in a gaseous state within the washing tub (110).

[0081] The washing tank heat exchanger (111) may have a zigzag shape in which the pipe is bent multiple times to maximize the contact area with the carbon dioxide contained in the washing tank (110). High-temperature, high-pressure carbon dioxide gas supplied from the distillation tank (120) and discharged through the compressor (130) may be supplied to the washing tank heat exchanger (111).

[0082] The washing tub (110) may include a pressure sensor for monitoring the internal pressure of the washing tub (110). The pressure sensor is installed to prevent the door (not shown) from opening when the pressure inside the washing tub (110) is vacuum, and an air supply hole (not shown) is formed in the washing tub (110) so that the door of the washing tub (110) can be opened by introducing outside air into the washing tub (110).

[0083] The door of the washing tub (110), not shown, is provided on one side of the washing tub (110) so that the open entrance can be opened and closed. When the entrance is opened by the door, the user can load laundry requiring processing into the washing tub (110) or take out laundry that has been processed.

[0084] The air supply hole (not shown) may be a one-way valve, which may be a check valve that allows gas to flow in only one direction. When the door of the vacuum-type washing tub (110) is closed, the air supply hole (not shown) is opened to allow outside air to flow into the washing tub (110), so that the pressure inside the washing tub (110) becomes equal to atmospheric pressure, and the door of the washing tub (110) can be easily opened.

[0085] The distillation tank (120) can separate foreign substances from the carbon dioxide used in the washing and rinsing steps, i.e., the carbon dioxide used in the washing tank (110), and then distill the carbon dioxide for reuse.

[0086] The distillation tank (120) can separate carbon dioxide and pollutants by vaporizing carbon dioxide in a liquid state using heat energy generated from the compressor (130). At this time, the vaporized carbon dioxide in a gaseous state is located in the upper part of the distillation tank (120), and the pollutants, including sludge generated during the laundry treatment operation, are located in the lower part of the distillation tank (120).

[0087] Contaminants remaining at the bottom of the distillation tank (120) can be temporarily stored by moving them to a contaminant separator (150) for storing and separating the contaminants.

[0088] And, when the contaminants are separated in the contaminant separator (150), the additives remain, and the additives are moved to the additive regenerator (160) and can be temporarily stored.

[0089] In addition, the additive regenerated in the additive regenerator (160) can be moved to the detergent and additive container (170) and stored.

[0090] The above detergent and additive container (170) includes a detergent container (171) and an additive container (172).

[0091] And, the additive regenerated in the additive regenerator (160) can be moved to the additive container (172) and stored.

[0092] And, the detergent and additives stored in the detergent and additive container (170) can be moved to the mixer (180), mixed with liquefied carbon dioxide while passing through the cooler (140), and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0093] A detailed description of the characteristics of the above detergent and additives being supplied to the mixer (180) and the characteristics of mixing the detergent, additives, and liquid carbon dioxide will be described later.

[0094] Additionally, contaminants remaining at the bottom of the distillation tank (120) can be temporarily stored by moving to a contaminant separator (150) for storing and separating contaminants.

[0095] And, when the contaminants are separated in the contaminant separator (150), the detergent remains, and the detergent is moved to the detergent regeneration tank and can be temporarily stored.

[0096] And, the detergent regenerated in the detergent regeneration tank can be moved to the detergent and additive container (170) and stored.

[0097] The above detergent and additive container (170) includes a detergent container (171) and an additive container (172).

[0098] And, the detergent regenerated in the detergent regeneration tank can be moved to the detergent container (171) and stored.

[0099] And, the detergent and additives stored in the detergent and additive container (170) can be moved to the mixer (180), mixed with liquefied carbon dioxide while passing through the cooler (140), and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0100] A detailed description of the characteristics of the above detergent and additives being supplied to the mixer (180) and the characteristics of mixing the detergent, additives, and liquid carbon dioxide will be described later.

[0101] Meanwhile, the distillation tank (120) is a tank for storing carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (110).

[0102] Liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (110) can flow to the distillation tank (120) through the recovery pipe (201).

[0103] The above recovery pipe (201) can connect the lower part of the washing tank (110) and the upper part of the distillation tank (120).

[0104] Additionally, a separate recovery valve (202) that controls the flow of fluid flowing through the recovery pipe (201) may be installed in the recovery pipe (201).

[0105] Accordingly, when the recovery valve (202) is opened, the liquid carbon dioxide in the washing tank (110) can flow to the distillation tank (120) along the recovery pipe (201) and then be stored in the distillation tank (120).

[0106] In addition, it may include a compressor (130) located outside the distillation tank (120) to suck in and compress gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank (120), and a distillation tank heat exchanger (121) located inside the distillation tank (120), connected to the compressor (130), and exchanging heat between the compressed gaseous carbon dioxide and the liquid carbon dioxide stored inside the tank. At this time, the distillation tank heat exchanger (121) is preferably located below the distillation tank (120) to exchange heat with the liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (120).

[0107] Additionally, the distillation tank (120) may include a cooler (140) for condensing and liquefying the distilled carbon dioxide.

[0108] It is preferable that the distillation tank (120) be installed at a lower position than the installation location of the washing tank (110) so that the liquid carbon dioxide inside the washing tank (110) can be supplied by gravity.

[0109] The compressor (130) can suck in carbon dioxide in a gaseous state stored inside the distillation tank (120) from the inlet side, compress it, and discharge the compressed carbon dioxide in a gaseous state from the discharge side.

[0110] In detail, the carbon dioxide in a gaseous state stored inside the distillation tank (120) flows to the compressor (130) through the first engine (203) connected to the upper end of the distillation tank (120).

[0111] In addition, the carbon dioxide in a gaseous state discharged from the compressor (130) can be in a high temperature and high pressure state due to the compression operation of the compressor (130).

[0112] Carbon dioxide in a gaseous state discharged from the compressor (130) can be supplied to the distillation tank (120) through the washing tank heat exchanger (111).

[0113] In detail, the gaseous carbon dioxide that has passed through the washing tank heat exchanger (111) flows to the distillation tank heat exchanger (121) through the second engine (204).

[0114] Additionally, the carbon dioxide in a gaseous state discharged from the compressor (130) may be supplied directly to the distillation tank (120) through a separate bypass path without passing through the washing tank heat exchanger (111).

[0115] Additionally, the gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor (130) can pass through the distillation heat exchanger (121) and be transferred to the cooler (140).

[0116] The inlet of the distillation tank heat exchanger (121) of the distillation tank (120) can be connected to the outlet side of the compressor (130), and the outlet side of the distillation tank heat exchanger (121) of the distillation tank (120) can be connected to the inlet of the cooler (140).

[0117] The cooler (140) may be a condenser capable of condensing and liquefying gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the compressor (130), passing through the washing tank (110), and supplied to the distillation tank (120).

[0118] The cooler (140) can condense high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous carbon dioxide, change the phase into liquid carbon dioxide, and supply it to the washing tank (110).

[0119] The liquid carbon dioxide that has passed through the above cooler (140) can be supplied directly to the washing tank (110).

[0120] In addition, the liquid carbon dioxide that has passed through the cooler (140) can be supplied to a mixer (180) installed in a path connecting the washing tank (110) and the cooler (140), and then mixed with detergent and additives in the mixer (180) and supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0121] Meanwhile, heat may be generated in the process of condensing gaseous carbon dioxide in the cooler (140). The heat generated in the cooler (140) may be supplied as heat energy for the distillation process to the liquid carbon dioxide and pollutants inside the distillation tank (120) through the distillation tank heat exchanger (121) included in the distillation tank (120) when the washing or rinsing operation is completed during the laundry treatment operation.

[0122] Meanwhile, the above cooler (140) can generate cold air using nighttime electricity.

[0123] In addition, the cold air produced in the above cooler (140) can be stored in a separate cold storage tank.

[0124] And, the carbon dioxide in a gaseous state discharged from the compressor (130) and passed through the distillation tank (120) can be condensed and liquefied through heat exchange while passing through the refrigeration tank.

[0125] Meanwhile, the gaseous carbon dioxide used in the laundry treatment operation can be discharged from the washing tank (110) through the suction pressure of the compressor (130) and recovered and stored in the distillation tank (120).

[0126] Additionally, the liquid carbon dioxide that has undergone laundry treatment in the washing tank (110) can be recovered and stored in the distillation tank (120) by gravity.

[0127] In addition, the liquid carbon dioxide that has undergone laundry treatment in the washing tank (110) can be recovered and stored in the distillation tank (120) by a separate pump.

[0128] Meanwhile, most of the gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (110) through the suction pressure of the compressor (130) is discharged inside the washing tub (110). Accordingly, the inside of the washing tub (110) reaches a vacuum state lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0129] Additionally, the washing tank (110) can be connected to a vacuum pump (270) through a separate vacuum pipe (260).

[0130] The above vacuum pipe (260) can be connected to various locations of the washing tank (110).

[0131] A vacuum valve (261) that controls the flow of air from the washing tank (110) to the vacuum pump (270) may be installed in the above vacuum pipe (260).

[0132] When the vacuum valve (261) is opened and the vacuum pump (270) operates, the air inside the washing tub (110) is forcibly discharged, and the inside of the washing tub (110) may reach a vacuum state lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0133] As the pressure inside the washing tank (110) decreases, the compression ratio of the compressor (130) increases, so that the reliability of the compressor (130) is not affected, the carbon dioxide in a gaseous state is discharged to a level that does not cause a reliability problem, and the operation of the compressor (130) is stopped.

[0134] At this time, when the carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (110) is completely discharged and the pressure inside the washing tub (110) becomes vacuum, the door of the washing tub (110) can be opened by introducing outside air through the air supply hole (not shown).

[0135] A mixer (180) for mixing carbon dioxide, detergent, and laundry additives is installed in the connecting path between the cooler (140) and the washing tub (110).

[0136] In the present invention, the above laundry additive can be understood to have the same composition as the additive.

[0137] In the mixer (180), carbon dioxide from the cooler (140), detergent supplied from the detergent container (171), and laundry additive supplied from the additive container (172) can be introduced and mixed.

[0138] Just as water is used as a detergent in a typical washing machine, carbon dioxide, both in liquid and gaseous form, can be used as a detergent. However, since carbon dioxide's cleaning power is reduced for water-soluble substances, additional detergent or detergent additives, such as surfactants, may be used to remove water-soluble substances.

[0139] The washing tub (110) and mixer (180) create a vacuum inside each component before the laundry treatment operation.

[0140] The control unit controls the supply of gaseous and liquid carbon dioxide to the washing tub (110) to perform the washing operation during the laundry treatment operation.

[0141] As an example, the control unit controls the supply of liquid carbon dioxide stored inside the distillation tank (120), which serves as a carbon dioxide storage tank, from the distillation tank (120) to the washing tank (110) according to the user's control.

[0142] In addition, the control unit controls the gaseous carbon dioxide to be liquefied in the cooler (140) through the suction pressure of the compressor (130) from the distillation tank (120) and to supply the liquefied liquid carbon dioxide to the mixer (180).

[0143] And, the control unit controls the mixing of carbon dioxide, detergent, and laundry additives in the mixer (180) and then supplying them to the washing tank (110).

[0144] Carbon dioxide, detergent, and additives stored in the mixer (180) can be supplied to the washing tank (110) through a connecting path.

[0145] In this way, the washing machine's washing tub (110), which receives and supplies liquid and gaseous carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) by the control unit, can perform at least one laundry treatment operation among washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying to remove contaminants from the laundry.

[0146] In order to perform a washing or rinsing operation in a washing machine, a washing cycle can be performed to separate contaminants from laundry by utilizing friction between laundry contained in a washing tub (110) and carbon dioxide.

[0147] Here, the washing cycle refers to a series of processes performed by the washing machine when the user selects a course for washing laundry. The washing cycle may include a pressurization step and a supply step for supplying liquid and gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank (120) to the washing tub (110), a washing step for separating contaminants from clothes by using friction between the carbon dioxide and laundry by rotating the washing tub (110) at a preset rotation speed, and a rinsing step for separating contaminants from laundry by using friction between the carbon dioxide and laundry by rotating the washing tub (110) at a preset rotation speed.

[0148] After the washing step and the rinsing step are completed, a distillation step may be included. As described above, distillation refers to heating the liquid carbon dioxide mixed with contaminants using the distillation tank heat exchanger (121) of the distillation tank (120), vaporizing (or evaporating) the carbon dioxide, and then cooling it again to separate pure liquid carbon dioxide.

[0149] The liquid carbon dioxide separated in this way can be stored in a distillation tank (120) and then reused in the next step.

[0150] In this way, the washing tank (110) performs a washing or rinsing operation on laundry using carbon dioxide in a liquid state and a gaseous state, and after completing the washing or rinsing operation, the liquid carbon dioxide and contaminants generated during the washing or rinsing process of the laundry can be discharged to the distillation tank (120).

[0151] At this time, the vaporized carbon dioxide is located at the top of the distillation tank (120), and the pollutants are located at the bottom of the distillation tank (120). The pollutants remaining at the bottom of the distillation tank (120) can be temporarily stored by moving to a pollutant separator (150) for storing and separating the pollutants.

[0152] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for recovering carbon dioxide from a washing tub (110) so that carbon dioxide remaining in the washing tub (110) after washing can be recovered and recycled is proposed.

[0153] After the laundry treatment operation is completed, the operation of recovering carbon dioxide remaining inside the washing tub (110) of the washing machine will be described.

[0154] Instead of discharging the liquid and gaseous carbon dioxide remaining in the washing tank (110) to the outside through the exhaust pipe, it is recovered and recycled in the distillation tank (120).

[0155] First, most of the liquid carbon dioxide that has undergone laundry treatment in the washing tank (110) can be recovered and stored in the distillation tank (120) by gravity.

[0156] For example, when the recovery valve (202) is opened, the liquid carbon dioxide in the washing tank (110) can flow to the distillation tank (120) along the recovery pipe (201) and then be stored in the distillation tank (120).

[0157] In addition, the gaseous carbon dioxide used in the laundry treatment operation in the washing tub (110) is discharged from the washing tub (110) by the suction pressure of the compressor (130), and the gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (110) is supplied to the cooler (140).

[0158] The gaseous carbon dioxide supplied to the cooler (140) is condensed and liquefied in the cooler (140), and changes into a liquid carbon dioxide. The liquid carbon dioxide liquefied in the cooler (140) in this way can be recovered and stored in the distillation tank (120).

[0159] On the other hand, the gaseous carbon dioxide supplied to the cooler (140) is condensed and liquefied in the cooler (140), and changes into a liquid carbon dioxide. The liquid carbon dioxide liquefied in the cooler (140) in this way can be stored in the mixer (180).

[0160] On the other hand, the gaseous carbon dioxide supplied to the cooler (140) is condensed and liquefied in the cooler (140), and changes into a liquid carbon dioxide. The liquid carbon dioxide liquefied in the cooler (140) in this way can be supplied to the washing tank (110) via the mixer (180).

[0161] At this time, most of the carbon dioxide in a gaseous state is discharged by the suction pressure of the compressor (130) inside the washing tank (110), so a vacuum state lower than atmospheric pressure can be reached.

[0162] In addition, when the vacuum valve (261) of the washing tub (110) is opened and the vacuum pump (270) operates, the air inside the washing tub (110) is forcibly discharged through the vacuum pipe (260) by the suction pressure of the vacuum pump (270), and the inside of the washing tub (110) may reach a vacuum state lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0163] If the pressure inside the washing tank (110) becomes a vacuum state lower than atmospheric pressure, the compression ratio of the compressor (130) increases, which may cause problems with the reliability of the compressor (130). If a problem occurs with the reliability of the compressor (130), the compressor (130) may be damaged or its function may deteriorate, preventing it from performing its role as a compressor (130) normally.

[0164] Therefore, the compressor (130) discharges the gaseous carbon dioxide before a reliability problem occurs, and the operation of the compressor (130) is stopped.

[0165] And, since the pressure of the carbon dioxide remaining in the washing tank (110) increases due to the heat of the washing tank heat exchanger (111), it can be recovered and stored in the distillation tank (120) from the washing tank (110) due to the pressure difference.

[0166] And, since the pressure of the carbon dioxide remaining in the washing tank (110) increases due to the heat of the washing tank heat exchanger (111), it may flow from the washing tank (110) to the cooler (140) due to the pressure difference.

[0167] When carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (110) is recovered by the distillation tank (120) or cooler (140) as described above, the inside of the washing tub (110) is in a vacuum state or a state lower than atmospheric pressure, and the door of the washing tub (110) cannot be opened. Accordingly, external air can be supplied into the washing tub (110) through an air supply hole (not shown) so that the door of the washing tub (110) can be opened to take out laundry.

[0168] By supplying outside air into the washing tub (110), the inside of the washing tub (110) and the outside of the washing tub (110) become pressure-balanced, allowing the door of the washing tub (110) to be easily opened and laundry to be taken out.

[0169] In this way, by not discharging the carbon dioxide remaining in the washing tub (110) after washing laundry in a carbon dioxide washing machine to the outside but instead recovering it in a distillation tank (120) and reusing it, the weight and size of the washing machine can be reduced by not using an exhaust pipe for discharging carbon dioxide, and the cost of using carbon dioxide can be reduced.

[0170] In describing another embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention below, the same component symbols are used for components having the same configuration and function as those of one embodiment of the present invention, and detailed descriptions of these components are omitted to avoid repetitive configurations.

[0171] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine performs at least one laundry treatment operation among washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying to remove contaminants from laundry received in a washing tub (110), and then terminates the operation by a control unit.

[0172] After the laundry treatment operation is completed, the liquid carbon dioxide and pollutants inside the distillation tank (120) can be separated from the pollutants by vaporizing the carbon dioxide through a distillation process.

[0173] At this time, the vaporized carbon dioxide is located at the top of the distillation tank (120), and the pollutants are located at the bottom of the distillation tank (120) together with the liquid carbon dioxide.

[0174] In the distillation tank (120), contaminants contained in the liquid carbon dioxide are separated, and the separated contaminants are moved to the contaminant separator (150) and can be temporarily stored.

[0175] And, when the contaminants are separated in the contaminant separator (150), the additives remain, and the additives are moved to the additive regenerator (160) and can be temporarily stored.

[0176] In addition, the additive regenerated in the additive regenerator (160) can be moved to the detergent and additive container (170) and stored.

[0177] And, the detergent and additives stored in the detergent and additive container (170) can be moved to the mixer (180), mixed with liquefied carbon dioxide while passing through the cooler (140), and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0178] Additionally, contaminants remaining at the bottom of the distillation tank (120) can be temporarily stored by moving to a contaminant separator (150) for storing and separating contaminants.

[0179] And, when the contaminants are separated in the contaminant separator (150), the detergent remains, and the detergent is moved to the detergent regeneration tank and can be temporarily stored.

[0180] And, the detergent regenerated in the detergent regeneration tank can be moved to the detergent and additive container (170) and stored.

[0181] And, the detergent and additives stored in the detergent and additive container (170) can be moved to the mixer (180), mixed with liquefied carbon dioxide while passing through the cooler (140), and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0182] The process of supplying carbon dioxide to the washing tank (110) is the same as the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted, and the carbon dioxide recovery process will be described.

[0183] The washing machine's washing tank (110), which receives and supplies liquid and gaseous carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) by the control unit, can perform laundry treatment operations such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying to remove contaminants from the laundry.

[0184] In order to perform a washing or rinsing operation in a washing machine, the washing tub (110) performs a washing or rinsing operation on laundry using carbon dioxide in a liquid state and a gas state, and after the washing or rinsing operation is completed, the liquid carbon dioxide and contaminants generated during the washing or rinsing process of the laundry can be discharged to a distillation tub (120).

[0185] The distillation tank (120) can separate carbon dioxide and pollutants in a liquid state through a distillation process. At this time, the distillation tank (120) can separate carbon dioxide and pollutants by utilizing thermal energy generated by the operation of the compressor (130).

[0186] That is, the carbon dioxide supplied to the distillation tank (120) can supply heat energy to the liquid carbon dioxide and pollutants inside the distillation tank (120) by the distillation tank heat exchanger (121) included in the distillation tank (120). The liquid carbon dioxide and pollutants inside the distillation tank (120) can be distilled by the supplied heat energy.

[0187] During the distillation process, carbon dioxide in a liquid state may be vaporized and positioned in a gaseous state at the top of the distillation tank (120). And contaminants may be positioned at the bottom of the distillation tank (120).

[0188] The contaminants separated by the distillation action in the distillation tank (120) are moved to the contaminant separator (150) and stored.

[0189] And, when the contaminants are separated in the contaminant separator (150), the additives remain, and the additives are moved to the additive regenerator (160) and can be temporarily stored.

[0190] In addition, the additive regenerated in the additive regenerator (160) can be moved to the detergent and additive container (170) and stored.

[0191] And, the detergent and additives stored in the detergent and additive container (170) can be moved to the mixer (180), mixed with liquefied carbon dioxide while passing through the cooler (140), and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0192] Additionally, contaminants remaining at the bottom of the distillation tank (120) can be temporarily stored by moving to a contaminant separator (150) for storing and separating contaminants.

[0193] And, when the contaminants are separated in the contaminant separator (150), the detergent remains, and the detergent is moved to the detergent regeneration tank and can be temporarily stored.

[0194] And, the detergent regenerated in the detergent regeneration tank can be moved to the detergent and additive container (170) and stored.

[0195] And, the detergent and additives stored in the detergent and additive container (170) can be moved to the mixer (180), mixed with liquefied carbon dioxide while passing through the cooler (140), and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0196] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control the washing tub (110), the compressor (130), the cooler (140), and various valves and parts. The control unit can control the components included in the washing machine according to the input of a user's command signal through a control panel (not shown) included in the washing machine, and can include a memory and at least one processor. That is, the control panel can include at least one input means for receiving a user operation corresponding to a predetermined request or command related to the operation of the washing machine (at least one laundry processing operation among washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying).

[0197] A processor included in the control unit can provide the functions of an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the processor can control the components included in the washing machine as a whole by executing programs stored in the memory included in the control unit.

[0198] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor may be implemented by at least some of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and an AP (Application Processor), but the type of processor according to the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0199] The control unit can control the rotational motion of the washing tub (110) according to the laundry treatment motion by controlling the motion of the motor (not shown) included in the washing machine.

[0200] The control unit can control the operation of the compressor (130) and the cooler (140) included in the washing machine. In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor can operate the compressor (130) and the cooler (140) to depressurize the inside of the storage tank according to the operation mode of the washing machine, and can stop the operation of the compressor (130) and the cooler (140) when the pressure inside the storage tank reaches a safe range.

[0201] Meanwhile, the above cooler (140) can generate cold air using nighttime electricity.

[0202] In addition, the cold air produced in the above cooler (140) can be stored in a separate cold storage tank.

[0203] And, the carbon dioxide in a gaseous state discharged from the compressor (130) and passed through the distillation tank (120) can be condensed and liquefied through heat exchange while passing through the refrigeration tank.

[0204] Meanwhile, in the case of washing using carbon dioxide as in the present invention, carbon dioxide (CO2) has limitations in washing water-soluble contaminants because it is nonpolar due to its solvent properties. To overcome this, a detergent capable of removing water-soluble contaminants must be used. However, since water-soluble detergents and carbon dioxide do not mix well, a laundry additive is required to mix them well.

[0205] That is, in the case of washing machines that use carbon dioxide as a solvent, oil-soluble stains are easily removed, but water-soluble stains are relatively difficult to remove. To remove water-soluble stains, a water-soluble stain-removing detergent must be used. However, since water-soluble detergents do not mix well with the solvent carbon dioxide, water-soluble stains are not easily removed even when detergent is added to the washing tub, except for some fabrics that come into contact with the detergent. The present invention provides a detergent injection structure for effectively washing water-soluble stains in a washing machine that uses carbon dioxide.

[0206] Again, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the present invention is a washing machine that uses carbon dioxide as a solvent, and in order to remove not only oil-soluble contaminants but also water-soluble contaminants, detergent and additives are supplied from a detergent tank (171) and an additive tank (172), respectively, and carbon dioxide is supplied from a distillation tank (120), so that these can be mixed well before being put into the washing tank (110) without being put into the washing tank (110) separately and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0207] And, in order to mix the detergent, detergent additive, and carbon dioxide well and supply them to the washing tub, a mixer (180) is included to mix the detergent, detergent additive, and liquid carbon dioxide.

[0208] The carbon dioxide of the liquid that has passed through the distillation tank (120) and cooler (140) is supplied to the mixer (180), and the detergent and additive in the detergent and additive tank (170) are also supplied to the mixer (180) and mixed.

[0209] The above mixer (180) may be equipped as a pressure vessel, similar to the above distillation tank (120).

[0210] And, after first sending the detergent and detergent additive to the mixer (170), the gaseous carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (120) must be supplied to the mixer (180) to maintain a certain pressure so that the detergent in the mixer (180) does not freeze, and then the liquid carbon dioxide must be supplied to the mixer (180).

[0211] For this purpose, a first pipe (210) connecting the distillation tank (120) and the mixer (180) may be further included.

[0212] The above first pipe (210) communicates with the upper part of the distillation tank (120) and supplies the gaseous carbon dioxide of the distillation tank (120) to the upper part of the mixer (180).

[0213] The above first pipe (210) can be connected to the mixer (180) by bypassing the cooler (140).

[0214] In addition, the mixed liquid mixed in the above mixer (180), that is, the mixed liquid containing carbon dioxide, detergent, and additives, can be supplied to the washing tank (110) through the second pipe (220).

[0215] In addition, the flow of the mixed liquid supplied from the mixer (180) to the washing tank (110) can be controlled by opening and closing the upper valve or lower valve provided in the mixer (180).

[0216] In addition, the mixer (180) equipped to mix detergent, detergent additive, and carbon dioxide must maintain a constant pressure and temperature so that the water-soluble detergent does not freeze, so it receives gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank (120) to prevent the water-soluble detergent in the mixer (180) from freezing, and then sends the detergent, additive, and carbon dioxide mixture (hereinafter referred to as “mixed solution”) mixed in the mixer (180) to the washing tank (110).

[0217] In addition, when sending the mixed solution from the mixer (180) to the washing tank (110), it has a structure in which paths are formed at the top and bottom of the mixer (180), and these paths are opened and closed individually or simultaneously to move the mixed solution to the washing tank (110).

[0218] In addition, the present invention may have a structure having a total of two tanks, a washing tank (110) and a distillation tank (120), or may have a structure having a total of three tanks, a washing tank (110), a distillation tank (120), and a storage tank (190). In addition, the present invention may have a structure having a total of four or more tanks, including a washing tank (110), a distillation tank (120), a storage tank (190), and a supplementary tank.

[0219] The configuration of the present invention is composed of a washing tank (110), a distillation tank (120), a compressor (130), a cooler (140), a contaminant separator (150), an additive regenerator (160), a detergent container (171), an additive container (172), a mixer (180), and a plurality of valves that can open and close pipes (channels) connecting each component.

[0220] A washing machine having two tanks, a washing tank (110) and a distillation tank (120), stores the contaminated carbon dioxide solvent in the distillation tank (120) after completing the Nth wash in the washing tank (110), and separates pure carbon dioxide and contaminants in the distillation tank (120) during the N+1th wash, and the pure carbon dioxide is discharged in gaseous form, condensed while passing through a cooler (140), and then supplied to the washing tank (110). On the other hand, the contaminants remaining in the distillation tank (120) are sent to a contaminant separator (150) and discharged to the outside. In the present invention, in order to remove water-soluble contaminants well, a water-soluble contaminant removing detergent and a laundry additive that helps the detergent mix well with carbon dioxide must be used, so that pure carbon dioxide is separated in the distillation tank (120), and the remaining contaminants and laundry additives are discharged in an additive regenerator (160), the contaminants are regenerated, and the laundry additives are stored in an additive tank (172).

[0221] In addition, a detergent container (171) is placed adjacent to the additive container (172), and these are individually connected to a mixer (180). The mixer (182) is a component that plays a role in evenly mixing detergent, laundry additive, and carbon dioxide. When carbon dioxide, which is a solvent, is supplied from the distillation tank (120), it mixes the detergent, laundry additive, and carbon dioxide and supplies them to the washing tank (110). Since the mixer (180) is configured to receive carbon dioxide, a high-pressure vessel must be used.

[0222] At this time, carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) is condensed while passing through the cooler (140) and then supplied to the mixer (180) through the third pipe (230).

[0223] And, the third pipe (230) can be joined to the first pipe (210).

[0224] And, one end of the first pipe (210) passes through the side of the mixer (180) and is bent downward to form a discharge portion (212), and a discharge port is formed at the lower end of the discharge portion (212), and the discharge port is formed adjacent to the bottom surface of the mixer (180). And, the carbon dioxide in the form of a gas or liquid that has passed through the first pipe (210) is discharged toward the bottom surface of the mixer (180) through the discharge port of the discharge portion (212).

[0225] As described above, if the discharge port is positioned at the bottom of the mixer (180), the additives and detergents located at the bottom due to their high specific gravity are better mixed with the discharged carbon dioxide.

[0226] For reference, when comparing the specific gravity of detergent, additive, and carbon dioxide, the additive has the highest specific gravity and carbon dioxide has the lowest specific gravity. Furthermore, the detergent has a similar or lower specific gravity than the additive and a higher specific gravity than carbon dioxide.

[0227] Accordingly, when carbon dioxide is supplied to the lower part of the mixer (180) while detergent and additives are supplied and received inside the mixer (180), the carbon dioxide, which has a relatively low specific gravity, flows upwards more than the detergent and additives, and in this process, the detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide can be mixed.

[0228] In addition, since water-soluble detergents contain a large number of water components, the detergent may freeze when the temperature is low. To prevent this, a pressure gauge (181) may be installed in a mixer (180) or a pipe capable of measuring the pressure of the mixer (180) to control the pressure of the mixer (180) so that it does not fall into the range where the detergent freezes. The pressure of the mixer (180) can be controlled by the amount of gaseous carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) through the first pipe (210). A first valve (211) may be installed in the first pipe (210) to control the flow of gaseous carbon dioxide flowing toward the mixer (180).

[0229] The configuration of the first valve (211) can control the amount of carbon dioxide supplied from the storage tank (120) to the mixer (180).

[0230] In addition, an inlet for pouring detergent and a detergent container stopper (173) for opening and closing the inlet are provided on the upper part of the detergent container (171), so that the detergent container stopper (173) can be opened and detergent can be poured into the detergent container (171) through the inlet. After the detergent is poured, the inlet can be closed again with the detergent container stopper (173).

[0231] In the case of the present invention, after the washing tank (110) and the mixer (180) connected to the washing tank (110) are made into a vacuum state, the detergent and additives in the detergent container (171) and the additive container (172) can be supplied to the mixer (180) by using the pressure difference.

[0232] At this time, the washing tank (110) and the mixer (180) connected to the washing tank (110) can reach a vacuum state by the suction pressure of the compressor (130).

[0233] In addition, the washing tank (110) and the mixer (180) connected to the washing tank (110) may reach a vacuum state lower than atmospheric pressure due to the suction pressure generated while the vacuum pump (270) is operating.

[0234] The detergent in the detergent container (171) is supplied to the mixer (180) through the detergent supply pipe (241) connecting the upper part of the detergent container (171) and the lower part of the mixer (180), and the additive in the additive container (172) is supplied to the mixer (180) through the additive supply pipe (242) connecting the upper part of the additive container (172) and the lower part of the mixer (180).

[0235] A detergent valve (243) and an additive valve (244) are installed in the detergent supply pipe (241) and the additive supply pipe (242), respectively.

[0236] The above detergent container (171) and additive container (172) are at atmospheric pressure (1 bar), and in this state, the washing tub (110) and the mixer (180) connected to the washing tub (110) are made into a vacuum state, and when the detergent valve (243) and the additive valve (244) are opened, the detergent in the detergent container (171) and the additive in the additive container (172) flow into the mixer (180) due to the force caused by the pressure difference.

[0237] In addition, when the mixer (180) is vacuumed to lower the pressure, and the detergent and additives are moved to the mixer (180), the temperature inside the mixer (180) decreases, causing the detergent and additives to freeze.

[0238] Accordingly, the first valve (211) is opened, and the gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank (120) is supplied to the mixer (180) through the first pipe (210), thereby increasing the pressure inside the mixer (180). At this time, the gaseous carbon dioxide can be supplied so that a pressure is formed at which the water-soluble detergent supplied to the mixer (180) does not freeze.

[0239] And, as described above, carbon dioxide gas is sent from the distillation tank (120) to the mixer (180) to primarily mix the detergent and additives in the mixer (180), and then the liquid carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and condensed while passing through the cooler (140) is introduced into the mixer (180) to secondarily mix.

[0240] And the mixed solution containing detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide solvent is supplied to the washing tank (110) through the second pipe (220).

[0241] In this way, when a mixture of detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide solvent is supplied to the washing tub (110), the detergent can evenly contact the clothes, so that water-soluble contaminants in the laundry can be removed more easily.

[0242] Meanwhile, when sending a mixture of detergent, detergent additive, and carbon dioxide solvent from the mixer (180) to the washing tank (110), the mixture can be made to flow to the second pipe (220) through a plurality of pipes (221, 222) and a plurality of valves (223, 224).

[0243] The above second pipe (220) can be connected to the lower side of the mixer (180) through the first discharge pipe (221), and can be connected to the upper side of the mixer (180) through the second discharge pipe (222).

[0244] In addition, a first discharge valve (223) may be installed in the first discharge pipe (221), and a second discharge valve (224) may be installed in the second discharge pipe (222).

[0245] For example, when sending the mixed liquid from the mixer (180) to the washing tank (110), the second discharge valve (224) located at the top can be opened to send the mixed liquid to the second pipe (220) through the second discharge pipe (222), and then the first discharge valve (223) located at the bottom can be opened to send the mixed liquid to the second pipe (220) through the first discharge pipe (221).

[0246] As described above, the mixed solution supplied through the second pipe (220) is supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0247] In addition, a second pipe valve (225) that controls the flow of the mixed liquid flowing toward the washing tank (110) may be installed in the second pipe (220).

[0248] The above second pipe valve (225) can be controlled to open only in situations where supply of mixed liquid to the washing tank is required.

[0249] Meanwhile, the reason why the mixed solution is first supplied to the second discharge pipe (222) located at the upper part of the mixer (180) as described above and the mixed solution is later supplied to the first discharge pipe (221) located at the lower part of the mixer (180) is as follows.

[0250] In the case of the mixer (180), since it is a pressure vessel, it is advantageous to design it to have a small diameter and a long length even if it has the same volume. However, since the additives and detergents have large specific gravity, they are located at the bottom of the mixer (180). In addition, since the carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) is initially mixed relatively well, the mixed liquid at the top of the mixer (180) is also in a state where the detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide are well mixed, so the mixed liquid at the top can be supplied to the washing tank (110). Therefore, the mixed liquid is first supplied to the second discharge pipe (222) located at the top of the mixer (180).

[0251] Afterwards, if the mixed liquid that has been at the top for a certain period of time is sent to the washing tank (110) and carbon dioxide is not supplied from the distillation tank (120), the detergent and additives do not sink to the bottom due to the density difference.

[0252] And, the mixed liquid in which the detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide are evenly mixed is located at the bottom of the mixer (180). Therefore, it is necessary to supply the well-mixed mixed liquid at the bottom of the mixer (180) to the washing tank (110), and for this purpose, the mixed liquid is later supplied to the first discharge pipe (221) located at the bottom of the mixer (180).

[0253] That is, the mixed solution located on the upper side of the mixer (180) is first supplied to the washing tank (110), and then the mixed solution located on the lower side of the mixer (180) is supplied to the washing tank (110), so that the well-mixed mixed solution can be supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0254] Additionally, the detergent, additive, and carbon dioxide supplied to the mixer (180) can be mixed by the flow generated as the carbon dioxide supplied to the lower part of the mixer (180) rises due to its relatively low specific gravity.

[0255] Additionally, a mixer (182) can be installed in the mixer (180) so that the detergent, additive, and carbon dioxide can be mixed evenly.

[0256] The above-mentioned stirrer (182) is connected to a motor (183) and can rotate inside the mixer (180) so that the detergent, additive, and carbon dioxide introduced into the mixer (180) are evenly mixed.

[0257] The above-mentioned stirrer (182) can rotate so that the fluid inside the above-mentioned mixer (180) is mixed in an up-and-down direction.

[0258] The above-mentioned stirrer (182) may also rotate so that the fluid inside the mixer (180) is mixed horizontally.

[0259] In addition, detergent and additives are first added to the mixer (180), and then carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and condensed while passing through the cooler (140) is supplied to the mixer (180), and the agitator (182) is operated so that the detergent, detergent additive, and carbon dioxide are evenly mixed, and then the mixed solution can be sent from the mixer (180) to the washing tank (110).

[0260] In addition, when a mixer (182) is installed within the mixer (180), the detergent, additive, and carbon dioxide are evenly mixed within the mixer (180). Therefore, by opening the second discharge valve (224), the mixed solution can be supplied to the second discharge pipe (222) located at the top of the mixer (180).

[0261] In the structure described above, the process of supplying a mixture of detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide to the washing tank (110) is described.

[0262] First, after putting laundry in the washing tub (110), the mixer (180) is also vacuumed during the process of vacuuming the washing tub (110).

[0263] For reference, the compressor (130) can be operated to create a vacuum in the washing tank (110) and the mixer (180).

[0264] In addition, the vacuum pump (270) can be operated to create a vacuum state in the washing tub (110) and the mixer (180) connected to the washing tub (110).

[0265] At this time, the second pipe valve (225) is opened, so that the air of the mixer (180) as well as the air of the washing tub (110) can flow toward the washing tub (110) through the second pipe (220) and be sucked by the vacuum pump (270).

[0266] At this time, the second pipe valve (225) is opened, so that the air of the mixer (180) as well as the air of the washing tub (110) can flow toward the washing tub (110) through the second pipe (220) and be sucked by the vacuum pump (270).

[0267] Then, the detergent in the detergent container (171) and the additive in the additive container (172) are moved by the pressure difference to the vacuum mixer (180).

[0268] For reference, the detergent container (171) and additive container (172) are at atmospheric pressure.

[0269] In addition, a separate pump may be provided, and the detergent in the detergent container (171) and the additive in the additive container (172) may be moved to the mixer (180) by the operation of the pump.

[0270] And, some of the gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank (120) is supplied to the mixer (180) to form a pressure that prevents the detergent or additive from freezing.

[0271] Then, the liquid carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and passed through the cooler (140) is sent to the mixer (180), and the mixed detergent, additive, and carbon dioxide mixture is supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0272] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the basic configuration and cycle of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 5 is a drawing depicting in more detail the structure of the junction shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, only detergent and additives are mixed in the mixer (180).

[0273] And, carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and condensed while passing through the cooler (140) can be discharged from the mixer (180) and supplied to the washing tank (110) by mixing with detergent and additives flowing into the washing tank (110).

[0274] That is, carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and condensed while passing through the cooler (140) can be supplied to the washing tank (110) without passing through the mixer (180).

[0275] Referring to FIG. 4, the present invention is a washing machine that uses carbon dioxide as a solvent, and in order to remove not only oil-soluble contamination but also water-soluble contamination, detergent and additives are supplied and mixed from a detergent container (171) and an additive container (172), respectively, and the mixed detergent and additives are supplied to a washing tub (110) through a second pipe (220).

[0276] And, carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and condensed while passing through the cooler (140) is supplied to the washing tank (110) through the third pipe (230).

[0277] At this time, the third pipe (230) is joined to the second pipe (220).

[0278] At this time, the second pipe (220) may be joined with the third pipe (230).

[0279] And, at the confluence (250) of the second pipe (220) and the third pipe (230), the detergent and additive mixture and the carbon dioxide of the third pipe (230) can be mixed and supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0280] The above mixer (180) may be equipped as a pressure vessel, similar to the above distillation tank (120).

[0281] And, after first sending the detergent and detergent additive to the mixer (170), the gaseous carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (120) must be supplied to the mixer (180) to maintain a certain pressure so that the detergent in the mixer (180) does not freeze, and then the liquid carbon dioxide must be supplied to the mixer (180).

[0282] For this purpose, a first pipe (210) connecting the distillation tank (120) and the mixer (180) may be further included.

[0283] The above first pipe (210) communicates with the upper part of the distillation tank (120) and supplies the gaseous carbon dioxide of the distillation tank (120) to the upper part of the mixer (180).

[0284] The above first pipe (210) can be connected to the mixer (180) by bypassing the cooler (140).

[0285] In addition, the mixed liquid mixed in the above mixer (180), i.e., the mixed liquid containing the detergent and additive, can be supplied to the washing tank (110) through the second pipe (220).

[0286] At this time, carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) is condensed while passing through the cooler (140) and then supplied to the washing tank (110) through the third pipe (230).

[0287] And, the second pipe (220) can be joined with the third pipe (230).

[0288] Comparing FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the remaining configurations can be understood to be the same, except for the feature that carbon dioxide passing through the cooler (140) is not supplied to the mixer (180) but is supplied to the washing tank (110) through the third pipe (230), and the second pipe (220) is joined to the third pipe (230).

[0289] Referring to FIG. 4, carbon dioxide passing through the cooler (140) is supplied to the mixer (180) and is not mixed with detergent and detergent additives, but can be supplied to the washing tank (110) through the junction (250), which is the junction of the second pipe (220) and the third pipe (230).

[0290] At this time, the liquid carbon dioxide flowing along the third pipe (230) and the detergent and additive mixture flowing along the second pipe (220) need to be evenly mixed and supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0291] Referring to Fig. 5, the junction (250) may be formed in the third pipe (230). The junction (250) may be formed in the second pipe (220). The junction (250) may be formed on both sides of the second pipe (220) and the third pipe (230).

[0292] In the following description, an example is given of a case where a joining portion (250) is formed in a third pipe (230).

[0293] The shape of the above-mentioned joining portion (250) has a structure in which the length of the flow path, i.e. the inner diameter, is reduced, maintained for a certain period, and then expanded, similar to an ejector.

[0294] That is, a reduced portion (251) whose inner diameter is gradually reduced from one side (left side in FIG. 5) to the other side (right side in FIG. 5) based on the flow direction of carbon dioxide (left-right direction in FIG. 5) is formed, an intermediate portion (252) whose inner diameter is maintained constant is formed, and an expanded portion (253) whose inner diameter is gradually expanded can be formed.

[0295] And, a second pipe (220) can be joined to the intermediate section (252) so that the detergent and additive mixture supplied from the mixer (180) can be introduced into the intermediate section (252).

[0296] When a junction (250) is formed as described above, when the liquid carbon dioxide flows through the junction (250) to the washing tank (110), the pressure at the junction (250) is lowered by Bernoulli's principle, and due to this lowered pressure, the detergent and additive mixture in the mixer (180) is sucked into the junction (250), mixed with the liquid carbon dioxide, and moved to the washing tank (110).

[0297] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5, the inner diameter (B) of the middle portion (252) needs to be formed smaller than the inner diameter (A) of the third pipe (230). (i.e., A>B)

[0298] In addition, the greater the difference between the inner diameter (A) of the third pipe (230) and the inner diameter (B) of the middle portion (252), the greater the pressure drop, so that the detergent and additive mixture in the mixer (180) is easily sucked into the junction (250) and combined with the liquid carbon dioxide.

[0299] And, after the detergent and additive mixture is combined with the liquid carbon dioxide at the junction (250), it can be supplied to the washing tank (110) through the third pipe (230).

[0300] A third pipe valve (235) that controls the flow of detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide joined at the junction (250) to the washing tank (110) may be installed in the third pipe (230).

[0301] The process of supplying detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide to the washing tank (110) in the above structure is described.

[0302] First, after putting laundry in the washing tub (110), the mixer (180) is also vacuumed during the process of vacuuming the washing tub (110).

[0303] For reference, the compressor (130) can be operated to create a vacuum in the washing tank (110) and the mixer (180).

[0304] In addition, the vacuum pump (270) can be operated to create a vacuum state in the washing tub (110) and the mixer (180) connected to the washing tub (110).

[0305] At this time, the second pipe valve (225) is opened, so that the air of the mixer (180) as well as the air of the washing tub (110) can flow toward the washing tub (110) through the second pipe (220) and be sucked by the vacuum pump (270).

[0306] Then, the detergent in the detergent container (171) and the additive in the additive container (172) are moved by the pressure difference to the vacuum mixer (180).

[0307] For reference, the detergent container (171) and additive container (172) are at atmospheric pressure.

[0308] In addition, a separate pump may be provided, and the detergent in the detergent container (171) and the additive in the additive container (172) may be moved to the mixer (180) by the operation of the pump.

[0309] And, some of the gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank (120) is supplied to the mixer (180) to form a pressure that prevents the detergent or additive from freezing.

[0310] Then, the liquid carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and passed through the cooler (140) is sent to the washing tank (110) through the third pipe (230).

[0311] At this time, a junction (250) is formed in the third pipe (230) with its inner diameter maintained in a reduced state to a certain extent, and due to the pressure difference, the detergent and additive mixture mixed in the mixer (180) is sucked into the junction (250) and combined with carbon dioxide, so that the detergent, additive, and carbon dioxide are supplied together to the washing tank (110).

[0312] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the basic configuration and cycle of a washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0313] In this embodiment, only detergent and additives are mixed in the mixer (180).

[0314] And, carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and condensed while passing through the cooler (140) is stored in the storage tank (190) and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0315] In addition, the detergent and additives discharged from the above mixer (180) and flowing into the washing tank (110) can be supplied to the washing tank (110) separately from the carbon dioxide.

[0316] That is, carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and condensed while passing through the cooler (140) is stored in the storage tank (190) without passing through the mixer (180) and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0317] Referring to FIG. 6, the present invention is a washing machine that uses carbon dioxide as a solvent, and in order to remove not only oil-soluble contamination but also water-soluble contamination, detergent and additives are supplied and mixed from a detergent container (171) and an additive container (172), respectively, and the mixed detergent and additives are supplied to a washing tub (110) through a second pipe (220).

[0318] And, carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and condensed while passing through the cooler (140) is stored in the storage tank (190) through the third pipe (230) and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0319] Referring to Fig. 6, the third pipe (230) passes through the distillation tank heat exchanger (121) and supplies the liquid carbon dioxide that has passed through the cooler (140) to the washing tank (110).

[0320] And, a storage tank (190) in which the condensed carbon dioxide is stored is stored in the third pipe (230).

[0321] In addition, a first intermediate valve (231) is installed in the third pipe (230) to control the flow of carbon dioxide from the cooler (140) side to the storage tank (190).

[0322] In addition, a second intermediate valve (232) is installed in the third pipe (230) to control the flow of carbon dioxide from the storage tank (190) side to the washing tank (110).

[0323] Accordingly, when carbon dioxide flows from the cooler (140) side to the storage tank (190), the first intermediate valve (231) can be opened, and when carbon dioxide is supplied from the storage tank (190) to the washing tank (110), the second intermediate valve (232) can be opened.

[0324] The above mixer (180) may be equipped as a pressure vessel, similar to the above distillation tank (120).

[0325] And, after first sending the detergent and detergent additive to the mixer (170), the gaseous carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (120) must be supplied to the mixer (180) to maintain a certain pressure so that the detergent in the mixer (180) does not freeze, and then the liquid carbon dioxide must be supplied to the mixer (180).

[0326] For this purpose, a first pipe (210) connecting the distillation tank (120) and the mixer (180) may be further included.

[0327] The above first pipe (210) communicates with the upper part of the distillation tank (120) and supplies the gaseous carbon dioxide of the distillation tank (120) to the upper part of the mixer (180).

[0328] The above first pipe (210) can be connected to the mixer (180) by bypassing the cooler (140).

[0329] In addition, the mixed liquid mixed in the above mixer (180), i.e., the mixed liquid containing the detergent and additive, can be supplied to the washing tank (110) through the second pipe (220).

[0330] At this time, carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) is condensed while passing through the cooler (140), stored in the storage tank (190) through the third pipe (230), and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0331] As another example, carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) is condensed while passing through the cooler (140) and then supplied directly to the washing tank (110) through the third pipe (230). That is, the storage tank (190) may be omitted depending on the situation.

[0332] Comparing FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the remaining configuration can be understood to be the same, except for the feature that carbon dioxide passing through the cooler (140) is not supplied to the mixer (180) but is stored in the storage tank (190) through the third pipe (230).

[0333] Referring to FIG. 6, carbon dioxide passing through the cooler (140) is supplied to the mixer (180) and is not mixed with detergent and laundry additives, but is stored in the storage tank (190) through the third pipe (230) and then supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0334] At this time, the detergent and additive mixture mixed in the mixer (180) is supplied to the washing tank (110) through the second pipe (220).

[0335] The process of supplying detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide to the washing tank (110) in the above structure is described.

[0336] First, after putting laundry in the washing tub (110), the mixer (180) is also vacuumed during the process of vacuuming the washing tub (110).

[0337] For reference, the compressor (130) can be operated to create a vacuum in the washing tank (110) and the mixer (180).

[0338] In addition, the vacuum pump (270) can be operated to create a vacuum state in the washing tub (110) and the mixer (180) connected to the washing tub (110).

[0339] At this time, the second pipe valve (225) is opened, so that the air of the mixer (180) as well as the air of the washing tub (110) can flow toward the washing tub (110) through the second pipe (220) and be sucked by the vacuum pump (270).

[0340] Then, the detergent in the detergent container (171) and the additive in the additive container (172) are moved by the pressure difference to the vacuum mixer (180).

[0341] For reference, the detergent container (171) and additive container (172) are at atmospheric pressure.

[0342] In addition, a separate pump may be provided, and the detergent in the detergent container (171) and the additive in the additive container (172) may be moved to the mixer (180) by the operation of the pump.

[0343] And, some of the gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank (120) is supplied to the mixer (180) to form a pressure that prevents the detergent or additive from freezing.

[0344] Then, the liquid carbon dioxide supplied from the distillation tank (120) and passed through the cooler (140) is stored in the storage tank (190) through the third pipe (230). Then, the carbon dioxide in the storage tank (190) is supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0345] And, the detergent and additive mixture mixed in the mixer (180) is supplied to the washing tank (110) through the second pipe (220).

[0346] However, at this time, before the carbon dioxide in the liquid stored in the storage tank (190) is supplied to the washing tank (110), the detergent and additive mixture mixed in the mixer (180) is first supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0347] Additionally, in this embodiment, a liquid pipe (280) that guides the carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (190) toward the mixer (180) may be optionally provided.

[0348] That is, the above liquid pipe (280) may or may not be provided.

[0349] When the above liquid pipe (280) is provided, a liquid pipe valve (281) that controls the flow of liquid carbon dioxide flowing from the storage tank (190) toward the mixer (180) may be installed in the liquid pipe (280).

[0350] Therefore, when the liquid pipe valve (281) is opened, the liquid carbon dioxide in the storage tank (190) can flow toward the mixer (180).

[0351] The process of supplying detergent, additives, and carbon dioxide to the washing tank (110) in the above structure is described.

[0352] First, after putting laundry in the washing tub (110), the mixer (180) is also vacuumed during the process of vacuuming the washing tub (110).

[0353] For reference, the compressor (130) can be operated to create a vacuum in the washing tank (110) and the mixer (180).

[0354] In addition, the vacuum pump (270) can be operated to create a vacuum state in the washing tub (110) and the mixer (180) connected to the washing tub (110).

[0355] At this time, the second pipe valve (225) is opened, so that the air of the mixer (180) as well as the air of the washing tub (110) can flow toward the washing tub (110) through the second pipe (220) and be sucked by the vacuum pump (270).

[0356] Then, the detergent in the detergent container (171) and the additive in the additive container (172) are moved by the pressure difference to the vacuum mixer (180).

[0357] For reference, the detergent container (171) and additive container (172) are at atmospheric pressure.

[0358] In addition, a separate pump may be provided, and the detergent in the detergent container (171) and the additive in the additive container (172) may be moved to the mixer (180) by the operation of the pump.

[0359] And, some of the gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank (120) is supplied to the mixer (180) to form a pressure that prevents the detergent or additive from freezing.

[0360] Then, by opening the liquid pipe valve (281), the liquid carbon dioxide in the storage tank (190) is sent to the mixer (180) through the liquid pipe (280), and the mixed detergent, additive, and carbon dioxide solution in the mixer (180) is supplied to the washing tank (110).

[0361] According to the present invention, a washing machine using carbon dioxide can remove not only oil-soluble contamination but also water-soluble contamination, and thus has the advantage of providing differentiated washing performance compared to existing washing machines that can remove contamination mainly involving oil-soluble contamination.

[0362] In addition, there is an advantage in that the cost of parts and pump maintenance can be reduced by supplying detergent and additives through pressure difference while the mixer and washing tank are in a vacuum state without using a hydraulic pump required to send detergent and additives to the mixer and washing tank.

[0363] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be readily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing tank including a washing tank heat exchanger that forms a space in which laundry is put inside and the laundry is processed, and maintains a constant temperature of carbon dioxide inside the washing tank; A distillation tank for separating pollutants contained in the liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank; A compressor that sucks in and discharges carbon dioxide in a gaseous state stored in the distillation tank; A cooler that condenses and liquefies the gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank; A washing machine including a mixer in which at least two or more selected from among detergent, additives, and liquid carbon dioxide that has passed through the cooler to be supplied to the washing tank and at least one chemical additive to be supplied to the washing tank are mixed.

2. In paragraph 1, A washing machine in which the liquefied carbon dioxide passing through the cooler is supplied to the mixer and mixed with at least one chemical additive, detergent, and additive.

3. In paragraph 1, A detergent container connected to the above mixer and storing detergent; and A washing machine further comprising an additive container connected to the above mixer and storing an additive.

4. In paragraph 3, A detergent supply pipe connecting the detergent container and the mixer; A detergent valve installed in the detergent supply pipe to control the flow of detergent flowing into the mixer; An additive supply pipe connecting the detergent container and the mixer; A washing machine including an additive valve installed in the additive supply pipe to control the flow of the additive flowing into the mixer.

5. In paragraph 4, A washing machine in which, when the washing tub and the mixer are in a vacuum state and the detergent valve and the additive valve are opened, the detergent in the detergent container flows into the mixer due to the pressure difference, and the additive in the additive container flows into the mixer.

6. In paragraph 1, A washing machine further comprising a second pipe connecting the mixer and the washing tub to deliver the mixed liquid from the mixer to the washing tub.

7. In paragraph 6, A first discharge pipe connecting the lower part of the above mixer and the second pipe; A first discharge valve installed in the first discharge pipe to control the flow of the mixed liquid flowing from the mixer to the second pipe; A second discharge pipe connecting the upper part of the above mixer and the second pipe; A washing machine including a second discharge valve installed in the second discharge pipe and controlling the flow of the mixed liquid flowing from the mixer to the second pipe.

8. In paragraph 7, By opening the second discharge valve, the mixed liquid in the upper part of the mixer is first supplied to the washing tank, A washing machine that opens the first discharge valve to supply the mixed solution at the bottom of the mixer to the washing tub.

9. In paragraph 1, A washing machine having an agitator installed in the above mixer, which is connected to a motor and rotates to create a forced flow so that detergent, at least one chemical additive, additive, and carbon dioxide introduced into the mixer are mixed.

10. In paragraph 1, A washing machine including a first pipe connecting the upper part of the distillation tank and the mixer by bypassing the cooler.

11. In paragraph 10, A washing machine in which gaseous carbon dioxide from the distillation tank is supplied to the mixer through the first pipe while detergent and additives are supplied to the mixer.

12. In paragraph 10, A washing machine in which the liquid carbon dioxide condensed in the above cooler is supplied to the mixer through the third pipe, mixed with detergent and additives in the mixer, and then supplied to the washing machine.

13. In paragraph 12, A washing machine in which the third pipe is joined to the first pipe, and the liquid carbon dioxide condensed in the cooler flows along the third pipe and then joins the first pipe to be supplied to the mixer.

14. In paragraph 10, A washing machine in which one side of the first pipe is connected to the upper part of the distillation tank, and the other side penetrates the side of the mixer and is bent downward from the inside of the mixer to form a discharge portion.

15. In paragraph 14, A washing machine in which a discharge port for discharging carbon dioxide is formed at the bottom of the discharge portion, and the discharge port is formed adjacent to the bottom of the mixer.

16. In paragraph 1, A third pipe that guides the condensed liquid carbon dioxide passing through the cooler toward the washing tank; and A washing machine including a second pipe having one end connected to the mixer and the other end joined to the third pipe to guide detergent and additives mixed in the mixer to the third pipe.

17. In paragraph 16, A washing machine in which a joining portion having a narrow inner diameter is formed in the third pipe, and the second pipe is joined to the joining portion.

18. In paragraph 17, The above joining part is, A reduced section formed with an inner diameter that gradually narrows along the direction of carbon dioxide flow; A middle part formed so that the inner diameter is maintained constant and is connected to the above-mentioned reduced part; A washing machine including an extension portion connected to the above-mentioned intermediate portion and having an inner diameter that is gradually widened.

19. In paragraph 1, A third pipe that guides the condensed liquid carbon dioxide passing through the above cooler toward the washing tank; A washing machine including a storage tank installed in the third pipe to store liquid carbon dioxide and supply it to the washing tank.

20. In paragraph 19, A washing machine including a second pipe having one end connected to the mixer and the other end connected to the washing tub, and guiding the detergent and additives mixed in the washing tub to the washing tub.

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