Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a washing unit for performing washing by using a fluid other than water as a washing agent; and a cooling unit vaporizing or condensing the washing agent. The washing unit comprises: a washing tub into which laundry is put; a distillation tank in which a liquid washing agent and a gaseous washing agent are stored; a washing compressor which sucks air inside the washing tub and discharges the air to the outside, or sucks the gaseous washing agent stored in the distillation tank and supplies same to the washing tub; a washing agent flow converter connected to the outlet of the washing compressor; and a washing agent channel which connects the washing tub, the distillation tub, the washing compressor, and the washing agent flow converter. The cooling unit comprises: a refrigerant compressor which compresses refrigerant; a refrigerant flow converter connected to the outlet of the compressor; a first heat exchanger disposed inside the distillation tank; a second heat exchanger disposed inside or outside the washing tank; an expansion valve disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to expand the refrigerant into a low-temperature / low-pressure two-phase refrigerant; and a refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant compressor, the refrigerant flow converter, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger.

Description

washing machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine that performs washing using carbon dioxide or R1336 mzz(Z) refrigerant, etc., instead of water.

[0002] In the case of a conventional washing device (Prior Art 1) that uses carbon dioxide as a washing solvent (fluid), carbon dioxide is used as a washing solvent while moving between a washing tub and a distillation tank, which are pressure vessels, and a cooler that functions to change the phase of gaseous carbon dioxide into a liquid state is installed separately outside the washing tub.

[0003] Since the aforementioned cooler occupies a considerably large volume similar in size to the washing tub, there are many limitations to miniaturizing carbon dioxide washing machines for household installation.

[0004] According to Prior Art 2, a heat pump cycle is applied to condense steam permeated inside the washing tub and on the laundry during the drying process, discharge it to the outside of the washing machine, and recirculate only air from which moisture has been removed back into the washing tub. In the case of such a washing device, the washing water used as a washing solvent undergoes a phase change from a gaseous state to a liquid state by the heat pump cycle, and the washing water that has undergone the phase change to a liquid state is discarded to the outside of the washing device. That is, the water condensed into a liquid state by the evaporator constituting the heat pump cycle cannot be reused after being discarded to the outside of the washing machine. Therefore, if carbon dioxide or a refrigerant is used as a washing solvent instead of water in the washing device of Prior Art 2, there is a problem that the carbon dioxide or refrigerant, which is the washing solvent, must be refilled before every wash.

[0005] In addition, since the conventional carbon dioxide washing device disclosed in Prior Art 1 is configured to allow the washing solvent to be reused, whereas the washing device of Prior Art 2 is configured to discard the washing solvent after a single use, Prior Art 1 and Prior Art 2 are in a negative teaching relationship, so there is a limitation that combining the two prior arts is not technically easy.

[0006] Prior Art 1: Korean Published Patent No. 10-2023-0107498 (July 17, 2023)

[0007] Prior Art 2: Korean Published Patent No. 10-2005-0061876 (June 23, 2005)

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a laundry device suitable for household use by miniaturizing a means responsible for the function of changing the phase of a laundry solvent into a liquid state, wherein a carbon dioxide or refrigerant used as a laundry solvent circulates inside the laundry device and alternates between a gaseous and a liquid state to perform washing.

[0009] A washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a washing unit that performs washing using a fluid other than water as a detergent; and a cooling unit that vaporizes or condenses the detergent, wherein the washing unit comprises: a washing tub into which laundry is introduced; a distillation tank in which a liquid detergent and a gaseous detergent are stored; a washing compressor that sucks in air inside the washing tub and discharges it to the outside or sucks in the gaseous detergent stored in the distillation tank and supplies it to the washing tub; a detergent flow converter connected to the outlet of the washing compressor; and a detergent flow path connecting the washing tub, the distillation tank, the washing compressor, and the detergent flow converter, and wherein the cooling unit comprises: a refrigerant compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a refrigerant flow converter connected to the outlet of the compressor; a first heat exchanger disposed inside the distillation tank; a second heat exchanger disposed inside or outside the washing tub; and an expansion valve disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to expand the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant. The device includes a refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant compressor, the refrigerant flow converter, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger, and is characterized in that, at a specific point in the washing process, the refrigerant flow converter is variably controlled so that the cooling unit operates as either a cooling cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant compressor flows to the first heat exchanger or a heat pump in which the refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant compressor flows to the second heat exchanger.

[0010] The washing process described above includes: a vacuuming step for discharging air inside the washing tub to lower the pressure inside the washing tub to a vacuum state; a gas supply step for supplying a gaseous detergent to the washing tub; a primary liquid supply step for supplying a liquid detergent to the washing tub; a washing step; a primary drain step for discharging the liquid detergent containing contaminants to the distillation tank after washing is completed; a secondary liquid supply step for supplying the liquid detergent to the washing tub; a rinsing step; a secondary drain step for discharging the liquid detergent containing contaminants to the distillation tank after rinsing is completed; a gas recovery step for recovering the gaseous detergent present in the washing tub to the distillation tank; and a residual gas discharge step for exhausting the gaseous detergent remaining in the washing tub to the outside.

[0011] The above-mentioned detergent flow path comprises: a compression flow path connecting the inlet port of the detergent flow converter and the outlet of the washing compressor; a first flow path connecting the washing tub and the first port of the detergent flow converter; a second flow path connecting the second port of the detergent flow converter and the suction port of the compressor; a third flow path having one end connected to the third port of the detergent flow converter; a fourth flow path and a fifth flow path branched off from the other end of the third flow path; and a sixth flow path connecting the washing tub and the distillation tank, wherein the fourth flow path extends to the outside from the other end of the third flow path, and the fifth flow path is connected to the distillation tank from the other end of the third flow path.

[0012] The washing unit comprises a first valve disposed on the sixth path; a second valve disposed on the fifth path; a third valve disposed on the fourth path; and a fourth valve disposed on the first path.

[0013] In the above vacuuming process, the air inside the washing tub is discharged to the outside along the air discharge path, and the air discharge path is characterized by being a path that sequentially connects the first path, the second path, the compression path, the third path, and the fourth path.

[0014] In the above vacuuming process and the above residual gas discharge process, the first valve and the third valve are opened, and the cooling unit is maintained in a stopped state.

[0015] In the above gas supply process, the gas inside the distillation tank is supplied to the washing tank along the 6th flow path.

[0016] In the above gas supply process, the first valve is opened and the cooling unit is maintained in a stopped state.

[0017] In the above first and second liquid supply strokes, the gaseous detergent inside the distillation tank is supplied to the washing tank along the liquid detergent supply path, and the liquid detergent supply path is characterized by being a path that sequentially connects the fifth path, the third path, the second path, and the first path.

[0018] In the above first and second liquid supply strokes, the second valve and the fourth valve are opened, and the cooling unit is characterized by operating in the cooling cycle.

[0019] In the above first and second drain strokes, the liquid detergent inside the washing tub is discharged into the distillation tank along the sixth path.

[0020] In the above first and second drain strokes, the first valve is opened, and the cooling unit is maintained in a stopped state.

[0021] In the above first and second draining steps, in order to prevent a drop in temperature inside the washing tub, a ventilation process is performed to supply the gaseous detergent of the distillation tank to the washing tub.

[0022] In the above ventilation process, the washing compressor operates and the second valve and the fourth valve are opened, so that the gaseous washing agent of the distillation tank flows along the fifth path, the third path, the second path, the compression path, and the first path and is supplied to the washing tank.

[0023] In the above first and second drain strokes, the washing tub is characterized by repeating forward and reverse rotation.

[0024] In the above gas recovery process, the gaseous detergent inside the washing tub is recovered to the distillation tank along the recovery path, and the recovery path is characterized by being a path that sequentially connects the first path, the second path, the compression path, the third path, and the fifth path.

[0025] In the above gas recovery process, the fourth valve and the second valve are opened, and the cooling unit is characterized by operating as a heat pump.

[0026] The above-mentioned detergent path further includes a residual gas discharge path that branches off from a certain point of the above-mentioned first path and extends to the outside, and is characterized in that the above-mentioned fourth valve is opened during the residual gas discharge process.

[0027] The above-mentioned detergent is characterized by being carbon dioxide or R1336 mzz(Z) refrigerant.

[0028] The above-mentioned laundry agent flow converter includes a laundry four-way valve, and the above-mentioned refrigerant flow converter includes a refrigerant four-way valve.

[0029] According to the washing device according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration, the following effects are achieved.

[0030] First, since the refrigerant cycle takes over the function of the cooler and can be designed with a smaller volume than conventional coolers, there is an advantage in that waterless laundry devices using carbon dioxide or refrigerants as laundry solvents can be produced for household use.

[0031] Second, by applying a refrigerant cycle, not only is a phase change of the washing solvent, carbon dioxide, or refrigerant enabled, but the amount of carbon dioxide or refrigerant wasted can be minimized because it is circulated during the washing process without being discarded outside the washing device.

[0032] Third, since only the washing tub is installed indoors and the remaining components of the washing device can be installed in an outdoor space, including a veranda or machine room, there is an advantage in that the volume of the washing tub can be increased.

[0033] Fourth, carbon dioxide or refrigerant exists in a high-pressure state inside the washing tub only during the washing process; otherwise, the high-pressure carbon dioxide or refrigerant always exists in a distillation tank installed outdoors. Therefore, even if a leak of carbon dioxide or refrigerant occurs in the distillation tank, the carbon dioxide or refrigerant does not enter the indoor space, which has the advantage of ensuring safety.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the entire washing process performed in a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagram showing airflow during the vacuuming process.

[0037] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flow of the detergent during the gas supply process.

[0038] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the flow of the detergent during the primary liquid supply process.

[0039] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of the detergent during the first drain process.

[0040] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the flow of the detergent during the gas recovery process.

[0041] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the flow of the detergent during the residual gas discharge process after gas recovery.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a washing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, a washing device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a washing unit in which carbon dioxide or a refrigerant (e.g., R1336 mzz(Z)) used as a washing solvent circulates, and a cooling unit in which a refrigerant used as a refrigerant for condensing or evaporating the carbon dioxide or refrigerant used as a washing solvent circulates. The cooling unit may be defined as a refrigerant cycle. It should be noted that the refrigerant used in the cooling cycle is a different type of refrigerant from the refrigerant used as a washing solvent.

[0045] In the following description, carbon dioxide is used as a washing solvent, but it should be noted that the washing device according to the present invention includes the use of R1336 mzz(Z) refrigerant instead of carbon dioxide. That is, it should be noted that "carbon dioxide" described below should be interpreted as "carbon dioxide or R1336 mzz(Z) refrigerant."

[0046] In detail, the washing unit comprises a washing tub (11) into which laundry is introduced and the entire washing process is performed, a distillation tank (14) in which liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (11) is stored, a compressor (13) that operates to supply gaseous carbon dioxide to the washing tub (11) or to recover gaseous carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (11), a four-way valve (12) connected to the outlet of the compressor (13), and a washing flow path connecting the components. Here, the compressor (13) may be defined as a washing compressor as a compressor that compresses carbon dioxide used as a washing solvent, and the four-way valve (12) may be defined as a washing four-way valve.

[0047] The above washing four-way valve (12) includes an inlet port (121), a first port (122), a second port (123), and a third port (123).

[0048] The above washing path includes a compression path (150) connecting the outlet of the washing compressor (13) and the inlet port (121) of the washing four-way valve (12). The compression path (150) can be understood as a path through which high-pressure carbon dioxide compressed in the washing compressor (13) flows.

[0049] Additionally, the washing path further includes a first path (151) connecting the washing tub (11) and the first port (122) of the washing four-way valve (12), a second path (152) connecting the second port of the washing four-way valve (12) and the suction port of the compressor (13), a third path (153) with one end connected to the third port (124) of the washing four-way valve (12), a fourth path (154) and a fifth path (155) branched off from the other end of the third path (153), and a sixth path (156) connecting the washing tub (11) and the distillation tank (14).

[0050] In detail, the fourth Euro (154) extends from the other end of the third Euro (153) and extends outside through the indoor wall (W). And, the fifth Euro (155) branches off from the other end of the third Euro (153) and is connected to the distillation tank (14).

[0051] Additionally, the washing unit may include a plurality of valves disposed in the washing path. The plurality of valves may include a first valve (161) disposed on the sixth path (156), a second valve (162) disposed on the fifth path (155), a third valve (163) disposed on the fourth path (154), and a fourth valve (164) disposed on the first path (151).

[0052] Meanwhile, the cooling unit or refrigerant cycle comprises a compressor (21) that compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state, a four-way valve (22) connected to the outlet of the compressor (21), a first heat exchanger (23) connected to the four-way valve (22), a second heat exchanger (25) connected to the first heat exchanger (23), an expansion valve (24) provided between the first heat exchanger (23) and the second heat exchanger (25), and a refrigerant pipe (26) connecting the components constituting the cooling unit. The compressor (21) is a compressor that compresses carbon dioxide used as a refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state. To distinguish it from the washing compressor (13), the compressor (21) may be defined as a refrigerant compressor, and the four-way valve (22) may be defined as a refrigerant four-way valve.

[0053] The flow of the refrigerant is described when the above refrigerant cycle operates as a cooling cycle.

[0054] When the above refrigerant cycle operates as a cooling cycle, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed in the refrigerant compressor (21) passes through the refrigerant four-way valve (22) and flows into the first heat exchanger (23). At this time, the first heat exchanger (23) operates as a condenser that releases heat. The refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger (23) undergoes a phase change into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and then expands into a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant while passing through the expansion valve (24). The refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (24) flows into the second heat exchanger (25). At this time, the second heat exchanger (25) operates as an evaporator that absorbs heat. The refrigerant passing through the second heat exchanger (25) is converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and then returns to the refrigerant compressor (21).

[0055] The flow of the refrigerant is explained when the above refrigerant cycle operates as a heat pump.

[0056] When the above refrigerant cycle operates as a heat pump, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed in the refrigerant compressor (21) passes through the refrigerant four-way valve (22) and flows into the second heat exchanger (23). At this time, the second heat exchanger (25) operates as a condenser. The refrigerant passing through the second heat exchanger (925) undergoes a phase change into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and then expands into a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant while passing through the expansion valve (24). The refrigerant passing through the expansion valve (24) flows into the first heat exchanger (23). At this time, the first heat exchanger (923) operates as an evaporator that absorbs heat. The refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger (23) is converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and then returns to the refrigerant compressor (21).

[0057] The washing tub (11) can be housed in a cabinet and defined as an indoor unit (A), and the indoor unit (A) can be placed indoors. On the other hand, components excluding the washing tub (11) can be housed in a separate cabinet distinct from the cabinet constituting the indoor unit (A) and defined as an outdoor unit (B), and the outdoor unit (B) can be placed in a separate space distinct from the indoor unit (A), that is, an outdoor space.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the entire washing process performed in a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, the user opens the door of the washing tub (11), puts in laundry, closes the door, and presses the washing start button. Then, the washing compressor (13) operates to expel air inside the washing tub (11) to the outside, thereby making the inside of the washing tub (11) a vacuum (S11).

[0060] Afterwards, gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (14) is supplied to the washing tank (11) (S12), and when the pressure inside the washing tank (11) reaches a set pressure, the supply of carbon dioxide is stopped. Here, the set pressure may be, for example, about 5.1 bar, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] When the supply of carbon dioxide in a gaseous state is completed, the supply of carbon dioxide in a liquid state (primary liquid supply) is performed (S13). Specifically, for the supply of carbon dioxide in a liquid state, a cooling cycle is operated in the cooling unit, and the carbon dioxide in a gaseous state in the distillation tank (14) undergoes a phase change to a liquid state and is supplied into the washing tank (11). Specific details regarding this will be explained in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0062] When the supply of liquid carbon dioxide is completed, the washing tub (11) repeats forward and reverse rotation while the washing process is performed for a set time (S14).

[0063] When the washing process ends after the set time has elapsed, a first drain process is performed (S15). Specifically, in the first drain process, liquid carbon dioxide in the washing tank (11) is discharged into the distillation tank (14).

[0064] In order to prevent the discharge of liquid carbon dioxide from being delayed due to a decrease in pressure inside the washing tub (11) during the process of discharging the liquid carbon dioxide, a ventilation process is performed to supply gaseous carbon dioxide into the washing tub (11) simultaneously with the discharge of liquid carbon dioxide.

[0065] In detail, when the above ventilation process begins, the washing compressor (13) operates to supply gaseous carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (14) to the washing tub (11). Then, as the pressure inside the washing tub (11) is maintained at a constant level during the process of discharging liquid carbon dioxide, the liquid carbon dioxide is discharged smoothly.

[0066] In the above aeration process, gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (14) flows along the fifth flow path (155), the third flow path (153), the second flow path (152), the compression flow path (150), and the first flow path (151) and is supplied to the washing tank.

[0067] In addition, during the liquid carbon dioxide discharge process, the washing tub (11) may repeatedly rotate in forward and reverse directions to allow the liquid carbon dioxide absorbed in the laundry to be discharged to the outside of the washing tub (11). And, when the discharge of liquid carbon dioxide is completed, the ventilation process is also terminated.

[0068] Meanwhile, when the first drain process is completed, liquid carbon dioxide is supplied into the washing tub (11) (second liquid supply) (S16). The second liquid supply process is carried out in the same way as the first liquid supply process described above.

[0069] When the second liquid supply is completed, the washing tub (11) repeats forward and reverse rotation for a set time to perform the laundry rinsing process (S17).

[0070] When the rinsing process is finished after the set time has elapsed, a second drain process is performed (S17), and the second drain process is performed in the same way as the first drain process.

[0071] When the second drain process is completed, a heat pump cycle is operated in the cooling unit to perform a gas recovery process (S19) in which gaseous carbon dioxide present inside the washing tub is recovered to the distillation tank (14). The gas recovery process is terminated when the pressure inside the washing tub (11) is reduced to a set pressure. Here, the set pressure may be approximately 2.5 bar, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The above set pressure is determined by the allowable compression ratio of the washing compressor (13). The compression ratio can be defined as discharge pressure / suction pressure, and if the washing compressor (13) is operated under conditions exceeding the allowable compression ratio, it may exceed the reliability allowable range of the washing compressor (13), which may result in damage to the compressor or performance degradation.

[0073] For example, in the case of a compressor with an allowable compression ratio of 15, if the discharge pressure is 38 bar, the suction pressure cannot be lowered to less than 2.5 bar. Here, the suction pressure corresponds to the pressure inside the washing tub (11), and the discharge pressure corresponds to the pressure inside the distillation tank (14). Therefore, when the pressure inside the washing tub (11) reaches 2.5 bar during the recovery process, the recovery process can no longer be performed. In this state, the recovery process is terminated.

[0074] Even after the gas recovery process is completed, the pressure inside the washing tub (11) is higher than the pressure outside the washing tub (11), i.e., atmospheric pressure, so the washing tub (11) cannot be opened. In this state, a residual gas discharge process (S20) is performed to discharge gaseous carbon dioxide remaining inside the washing tub (11) to the outside.

[0075] When the residual gas discharge process begins, the flow path is changed by the washing four-way valve (22), and the gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the washing compressor (13) is discharged to the outside. Then, when the discharge of residual gas is completed and the internal pressure of the washing tub (11) drops to atmospheric pressure or a pressure close to atmospheric pressure, the washing tub (11) can be opened to remove the laundry.

[0076] Below, the aforementioned laundry process will be explained in detail step by step with reference to the drawings. Each step described below may also be defined as a course.

[0077] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the airflow during the vacuuming process.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3, when laundry is put into the washing tub (11) and the door is closed, a vacuuming process is performed to create a vacuum inside the washing tub (11).

[0079] To do this, the third valve (163) and the fourth valve (164) are opened so that the air inside the washing tub (11) is discharged to the outside through the opening of the passage.

[0080] In detail, when the third and fourth valves (163, 164) are open and the washing compressor (13) is operated, the air inside the washing tub (11) flows along the first flow path (151) and enters the washing four-way valve (12) through the first port (122) of the washing four-way valve (12). Then, the air that enters the washing four-way valve (12) flows along the second flow path (152) and enters the washing compressor (13).

[0081] Then, the air introduced into the washing compressor (13) is compressed in the washing compressor (13) and then guided to the third path (153) through the compression path (150), the inlet port (121) of the washing four-way valve (12), and the third port (124). Then, the air flowing along the third path (153) is discharged to the outside along the fourth path (154).

[0082] And, the air flow path can be defined as an air discharge path. And, during the vacuuming process, the cooling unit is kept in a non-operating state. When the inside of the washing tub (11) becomes a vacuum, the third and fourth valves (163, 164) are closed and the washing compressor (13) stops.

[0083] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flow of the detergent during the gas supply process.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, when the first valve (161) is opened while the inside of the washing tub (11) is under vacuum, gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (14) is supplied into the inside of the washing tub (11) along the sixth path (156). Then, the first valve (161) is kept open until the pressure inside the washing tub (11) reaches a set pressure, and the set pressure may be 5.1 bar. At this time, the sixth path (156) may be defined as a gaseous detergent supply path.

[0085] During the gas supply process, the above cooling unit remains in a non-operational state.

[0086] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the flow of the detergent during the primary liquid supply process.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, when the pressure inside the washing tub (11) reaches a set pressure due to the supply of gaseous carbon dioxide, the first valve (161) is closed, the second valve (162) and the fourth valve (164) are opened, and the washing compressor (13) is operated.

[0088] Along with this, the cooling unit operates in a refrigerant cycle. That is, the refrigerant compressed in the refrigerant compressor (21) circulates along the refrigerant four-way valve (22), the first heat exchanger (23), the expansion valve (24), and the second heat exchanger (25).

[0089] Specifically, since the first heat exchanger (23) operates as a condenser that releases heat, the liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (14) undergoes a phase change into gaseous carbon dioxide, thereby increasing the amount of gaseous carbon dioxide. Then, the gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (14) flows along the fifth flow path (155), the third flow path (153), the washing four-way valve (12), the second flow path (152), the washing compressor (13), the washing four-way valve (12), and the first flow path (151) and flows into the washing tank (11). The flow path through which the gaseous carbon dioxide flows can be defined as a liquid detergent supply flow path.

[0090] Gaseous carbon dioxide introduced into the washing tub (11) is cooled into liquid carbon dioxide as it passes through the second heat exchanger (25), which operates as an evaporator that absorbs heat. Then, when the pressure inside the distillation tank (14) drops to a set pressure, it is determined that the liquid carbon dioxide has been supplied in the set amount, and the supply of the liquid carbon dioxide is stopped. The set pressure may be approximately 12 to 15 bar, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the supply of liquid carbon dioxide may be stopped when the pressure inside the washing tub (11) reaches the set pressure, as it is determined that the liquid carbon dioxide has been supplied in the set amount.

[0091] When the supply of liquid carbon dioxide is completed, the operation of the cooling unit and the washing compressor (13) is stopped, and only the washing tub (11) is rotated in forward and reverse directions to perform the washing process.

[0092] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the flow of the detergent during the first drain process.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 6, after the washing process is performed for a set time, a primary drain process is performed to discharge the washing solvent contaminated during the washing process, namely liquid carbon dioxide.

[0094] In detail, when the washing tub (11) stops, the first valve (161) is opened so that the liquid carbon dioxide collected at the bottom of the washing tub (11) is discharged to the distillation tank (14) along the sixth path (156). At this time, the washing tub (11) may be rotated in forward and reverse directions so that the liquid carbon dioxide absorbed by the laundry is also discharged. In this process, the sixth path (156) may be defined as a liquid detergent discharge path.

[0095] In addition, to prevent the liquid carbon dioxide from being discharged smoothly as the pressure inside the washing tub (11) drops during the draining process, a ventilation operation can be performed to supply gaseous carbon dioxide into the washing tub (11).

[0096] When the ventilation operation begins, the second valve (152) and the fourth valve (164) are opened, and the washing compressor (13) is operated. Then, the gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (14) flows along the fifth path (155) and the third path (153) and enters the washing four-way valve (12). Then, the gaseous carbon dioxide that enters the washing four-way valve (12) flows along the second path (153), the washing compressor (13), the washing four-way valve (12), and the first path (151) and is supplied into the washing tank (11). At this time, the path through which the gaseous carbon dioxide flows can be defined as a ventilation path.

[0097] During the above first drain process, the cooling unit is maintained in a stopped state.

[0098] In addition, when all the liquid carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (11) is discharged into the distillation tank (14), the first valve (161), the second valve (162), and the fourth valve (164) are closed, and the operation of the washing compressor (13) stops.

[0099] And, a second liquid supply process for rinsing is performed, and since the second liquid supply process is the same as the first liquid supply process above, a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0100] Also, since the rinsing process is the same as the washing process above, a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0101] And, when the rinsing process is finished, a second drain process is performed, and since the second drain process is also identical to the first drain process, a redundant explanation is omitted.

[0102] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the flow of the detergent during the gas recovery process.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 7, when the secondary drain process is completed, a gas recovery process is performed to recover the gaseous carbon dioxide remaining inside the washing tank (11) to the distillation tank (14).

[0104] When the above gas recovery process starts, the cooling unit operates in a heat pump cycle, so that the second heat exchanger (25) operates as a condenser that releases heat, and the first heat exchanger (23) operates as an evaporator that absorbs heat.

[0105] Additionally, a recovery path is opened to allow gaseous carbon dioxide inside the washing tank (11) to be recovered into the distillation tank (14). The recovery path can be understood as a path through which gaseous carbon dioxide flows along the first path (151), washing four-way valve (12), second path (152), washing compressor (13), compression path (150), washing four-way valve (12), third path (153), and fourth path (154).

[0106] The small amount of liquid carbon dioxide remaining inside the washing tub (11) is also completely vaporized by the heat released from the second heat exchanger (25). Then, the gaseous carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (11) is recovered into the distillation tank (14) along the recovery path. Then, the first heat exchanger (23) absorbs heat from the gaseous carbon dioxide recovered into the distillation tank (14) so ​​that the recovered gaseous carbon dioxide condenses into liquid carbon dioxide.

[0107] Meanwhile, as carbon dioxide gas is discharged from the washing tub (11) during the gas recovery process, the internal pressure and temperature of the washing tub (11) decrease. As a result, when removing the laundry after washing is complete, damage to the laundry or condensation of moisture on the surface of the laundry may occur.

[0108] In the past, to prevent this phenomenon, the recovered gaseous carbon dioxide was allowed to pass through the inside of the washing tub again to release heat and then be recovered into the distillation tank, or a separate heater was installed inside the washing tub.

[0109] However, in the case of the present invention, since the second heat exchanger (25) operates as a condenser, it has the effect of preventing the internal temperature of the washing tub (11) from dropping.

[0110] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the flow of the detergent during the residual gas discharge process after gas recovery.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 8, even after the gas recovery process is finished, the pressure inside the washing tub (11) is higher than atmospheric pressure, so the door of the washing device cannot be opened.

[0112] In this state, a residual gas discharge process is performed to forcibly discharge gaseous carbon dioxide remaining inside the washing tub (11) to the outside. In the residual gas discharge process, the fourth valve (164) and the third valve (163) are opened and the washing compressor (13) is operated, just like in the washing tub vacuuming process. Then, the carbon dioxide gas remaining inside the washing tub (11) is discharged to the outside along the first path (151), washing four-way valve (12), second path (152), washing compressor (13), washing four-way valve (12), third path (153), and fourth path (154). The path through which the residual gas flows can be defined as the residual gas discharge path and is the same as the vacuuming path.

[0113] When residual gas is discharged and the internal pressure of the washing tub (11) becomes equal to atmospheric pressure, the residual gas discharge process is terminated and the laundry is removed.

[0114] Alternatively, a discharge port (DP) may be installed at a point in the first Euro (151), and a residual gas discharge path (157) may be extended from the discharge port (DP). Then, the fourth valve (164) is opened, and the residual gas remaining in the washing tub (11) is naturally discharged to the outside due to the pressure difference. Then, the pressure in the bottom of the washing tub (11) is lowered to atmospheric pressure, allowing the door of the washing device to be easily opened to remove the laundry.

[0115] The above residual gas exhaust path may be joined at any point of the above air exhaust path or extended independently to the outside.

[0116] Meanwhile, a structure is also possible in which the second heat exchanger (25) is separated from the outside of the washing tub (11) and a separate heater is installed inside the washing tub (11) to prevent the temperature inside the washing tub (11) from rapidly decreasing during the gas recovery process. In this case, the second heat exchanger (25) may be a plate-type heat exchanger that performs only heat exchange without mixing the detergent and the refrigerant.

[0117] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a washing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 9, a washing device (10a) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a washing unit and a cooling unit, similar to the washing device (10) according to the previous embodiment.

[0119] However, the cooling unit provided in the washing device (10a) according to the present embodiment has a difference in that the refrigerant four-way valve is not connected to the outlet side of the refrigerant compressor (21), and the refrigerant circulates in only one direction.

[0120] Specifically, at the point when the cooling unit operates, that is, during the first liquid supply process, the second liquid supply process, and the gas recovery process, the cooling unit operates in a refrigerant cycle, so that the first heat exchanger (23) operates as a condenser and the second heat exchanger (25) operates as an evaporator.

[0121] The cooling unit constituting the washing device (10a) according to the present embodiment includes a refrigerant compressor (21), a first heat exchanger (23) connected to the outlet of the refrigerant compressor (21), an expansion valve (24) connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger (23), and a second heat exchanger (25) connected to the outlet of the expansion valve (24). The refrigerant compressor (21), the first heat exchanger (23), the expansion valve (24), and the second heat exchanger (25) are connected by a refrigerant pipe (26), so that the refrigerant circulates. That is, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows into the first heat exchanger (23), and the second heat exchanger (23) acts as a condenser. The refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (23) undergoes a phase change into a two-phase refrigerant while passing through the expansion valve (24) and then flows into the second heat exchanger (25). The second heat exchanger (25) acts as an evaporator, and the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger (25) returns to the refrigerant compressor (21).

[0122] A washing unit constituting a washing device (10a) according to the present embodiment includes a washing tub (11), a distillation tank (14), a liquid storage tank (27), a washing compressor (13), and a heater (H) disposed within the washing tub (11).

[0123] In detail, the liquid storage tank (27) is a storage tank in which a liquid detergent is stored, and can be installed at a higher position than the washing tank (11). Also, the distillation tank (14) can be installed at a lower position than the washing tank (11).

[0124] Additionally, the second heat exchanger (25) is housed inside the liquid storage tank (27), and the first heat exchanger (23) is housed inside the distillation tank (14).

[0125] The washing compressor (13) is placed on a gas flow path (104) connecting the distillation tank (14) and the cold storage tank (27). The liquid storage tank (27) and the washing tank (11) are connected by a supply flow path (102), and the washing tank (11) and the distillation tank (14) are connected by a first discharge flow path (103).

[0126] An exhaust passage (101) may be extended on one side of the washing tub (11), and an opening / closing valve (V) and a vacuum pump (19) may be installed on the exhaust passage (101). Then, to create a vacuum in the washing tub (11), the opening / closing valve (V) is opened and the vacuum pump (19) is operated so that the air inside the washing tub (11) can be discharged to the outside along the exhaust passage (101).

[0127] On the other side of the washing tub (11), a second discharge path (105) may be extended and connected to the inlet of the washing compressor (13). Additionally, an opening / closing valve (V) may be installed in the supply path (102), the first discharge path (103), the second discharge path (105), and the gas path (104), respectively.

[0128] Unlike the previous embodiment, the second heat exchanger (25) is different in that it is housed in the liquid storage tank (27) separated from the washing tank (11).

[0129] In addition, the heater (H) is placed inside the washing tub (11) to prevent the internal temperature of the washing tub (11) from dropping during the gas recovery process.

[0130] According to this configuration, the cooling unit is characterized by always operating in a refrigerant cycle during the liquid carbon dioxide supply process for washing and the gas recovery process. That is, the first heat exchanger (23) acts only as a condenser, and the second heat exchanger (25) acts only as an evaporator, which is different from the previous embodiment.

[0131] Specifically, in order to supply gaseous carbon dioxide to the washing tank (11) after the vacuum is completed, the opening / closing valve (V) installed in the first discharge path (103) is opened so that gaseous carbon dioxide stored in the distillation tank (14) is supplied to the washing tank (11).

[0132] And, in order to supply liquid carbon dioxide to the washing tub (11), the opening / closing valve (V) installed in the supply path (102) is opened so that the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the liquid storage tank (27) is supplied to the washing tub (11) along the supply path (102).

[0133] At this time, the washing compressor (13) may be operated to supply gaseous carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (14) to the liquid storage tank (27) through the gas flow path (104). At the same time, the cooling unit may be operated to cause the second heat exchanger (25) to operate as an evaporator, thereby causing the gaseous carbon dioxide supplied to the liquid storage tank (27) to undergo a phase change into liquid carbon dioxide.

[0134] In order to discharge liquid carbon dioxide after the washing and rinsing cycles are completed, the opening / closing valve (V) installed in the first discharge path (103) is opened so that the liquid carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (11) is discharged into the distillation tank (14). In this process, the heater (H) is operated to prevent the temperature inside the washing tub (11) from dropping rapidly.

[0135] From the above description, it can be seen that the first discharge channel (103) functions as a gas supply channel for supplying gaseous carbon dioxide to the washing tub, and at the same time functions as a liquid discharge channel for discharging liquid carbon dioxide from the washing tub. Therefore, the first discharge channel (103) may be defined as a compatible channel.

[0136] Meanwhile, in order to recover gaseous carbon dioxide after the liquid carbon dioxide discharge is completed, the opening / closing valve (V) on the second discharge path (105) is opened so that gaseous carbon dioxide flows along the second discharge path (105), the washing compressor (13), and the gas path (104) and is supplied to the liquid storage tank (27).

[0137] At the same time, the cooling unit operates so that the gaseous carbon dioxide supplied to the liquid storage tank (27) is condensed into liquid carbon dioxide and stored in the liquid storage tank (27). Here, as the cooling unit operates, the first heat exchanger (23) acts as a condenser, so the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (14) vaporizes, and a problem may occur in which the internal pressure of the distillation tank (14) rises excessively. To prevent this, the opening / closing valve (V) on the gas flow path (104) is opened during the gas recovery process so that the gaseous carbon dioxide increasing in the distillation tank (14) is also discharged into the liquid storage tank (27). Then, the pressure of the distillation tank (14) can be maintained at a constant level.

Claims

1. A washing unit that performs washing using a fluid other than water as a washing agent; and It includes a cooling unit that vaporizes or condenses the above detergent, and The above washing unit is, Washing tub into which laundry is fed; A distillation tank in which liquid and gaseous detergents are stored; A washing compressor that sucks in air from inside the washing tub and discharges it to the outside, or sucks in gaseous washing tub stored in the distillation tank and supplies it to the washing tub; A laundry agent flow converter connected to the outlet of the above-mentioned washing compressor; and It includes a detergent flow path connecting the washing tub, the distillation tank, the washing compressor, and the detergent flow converter, and The above cooling unit is, A refrigerant compressor that compresses the refrigerant; A refrigerant flow converter connected to the outlet of the above compressor; A first heat exchanger disposed inside the above distillation tank; A second heat exchanger disposed inside or outside the washing tub; An expansion valve disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to expand the refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant; and It includes refrigerant piping connecting the refrigerant compressor, the refrigerant flow converter, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger, and A washing device characterized in that, at a specific point during the washing process, the refrigerant flow converter is variably controlled so that the cooling unit operates as either a cooling cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant compressor flows to the first heat exchanger or a heat pump in which the refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant compressor flows to the second heat exchanger.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above washing process is, A vacuuming process that discharges air from inside the washing tub to lower the pressure inside the washing tub to a vacuum state; A gas supply process for supplying a gaseous laundry agent to the washing tub; A first liquid supply process for supplying liquid detergent to the washing tub; Laundry administration; A first drain process for discharging the liquid detergent containing contaminants into the distillation tank after washing is completed; A secondary liquid supply process for supplying liquid detergent to the washing tub; Rinsing administration; A secondary drain process for discharging the liquid detergent containing contaminants into the distillation tank after rinsing is completed; A gas recovery process for recovering the gaseous detergent present in the washing tub to the distillation tank; and A washing device comprising a residual gas exhaust process for exhausting residual washing agent remaining in the washing tub to the outside.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above laundry agent Euro is, A compression channel connecting the inlet port of the above-mentioned laundry agent flow converter and the outlet of the above-mentioned laundry compressor; A first flow path connecting the washing tub and the first port of the detergent flow converter; A second flow path connecting the second port of the above-mentioned detergent flow converter and the suction port of the above-mentioned compressor; A third Euro, one end of which is connected to the third port of the detergent flow converter; A fourth euro and a fifth euro divided at the other end of the third euro; and It includes a sixth flow path connecting the washing tank and the distillation tank, and The above-mentioned 4th Euro is, Extending outdoors from the other end of the aforementioned third Euro, and The above 5th Euro is, A laundry device characterized by being connected to the distillation tank at the other end of the third Euro.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above washing unit is, A first valve disposed on the above-mentioned sixth Euro; A second valve disposed on the above-mentioned fifth Euro; A third valve disposed on the above-mentioned fourth Euro; and A washing device comprising a fourth valve disposed on the first Euro.

5. In Paragraph 4, In the above vacuuming process, the air inside the washing tub is discharged to the outside along the air discharge path, and The above air exhaust passage is, A washing device characterized by a path that sequentially connects the first path, the second path, the compression path, the third path, and the fourth path.

6. In Paragraph 5, In the above vacuuming process and the above residual gas discharge process, The first valve and the third valve are opened, A washing device characterized by the above cooling unit being maintained in a stationary state.

7. In Paragraph 4, A washing device characterized in that, in the above gas supply process, the gas inside the distillation tank is supplied to the washing tank along the 6th flow path.

8. In Paragraph 7, In the above gas supply administration, The above-mentioned first valve is opened, and A washing device characterized by the above cooling unit being maintained in a stationary state.

9. In Paragraph 4, In the above first and second liquid supply processes, The gaseous detergent inside the above distillation tank is supplied to the above washing tank along the liquid detergent supply path, and The above liquid detergent supply path is, A washing device characterized by a path that sequentially connects the above-mentioned fifth path, the above-mentioned third path, the above-mentioned second path, and the above-mentioned first path.

10. In Paragraph 9, In the above first and second liquid supply processes, The second valve and the fourth valve are opened, A washing device characterized by the above cooling unit operating with the above cooling cycle.

11. In Paragraph 4, In the above first and second drain strokes, A washing device characterized by the liquid detergent inside the washing tub being discharged into the distillation tank along the sixth path.

12. In Paragraph 11, In the above first and second drain strokes, The above-mentioned first valve is opened, and A washing device characterized in that the above cooling unit is maintained in a stationary state.

13. In Paragraph 12, In the above first and second drain strokes, A washing device characterized by the fact that a ventilation process is performed to supply the gaseous washing agent of the distillation tank to the washing tub in order to prevent a drop in temperature inside the washing tub.

14. In Paragraph 13, In the above ventilation process, The above washing compressor operates, and The second valve and the fourth valve are opened, The gaseous laundry agent of the above distillation tank is, A washing device characterized by flowing along the above-mentioned fifth Euro, the above-mentioned third Euro, the above-mentioned second Euro, the above-mentioned compression Euro, and the above-mentioned first Euro and being supplied to the washing tub.

15. In Paragraph 2, In the above first and second drain strokes, A washing device characterized by the washing tub repeating forward and reverse rotation.

16. In Paragraph 4, In the above gas recovery process, The gaseous detergent inside the washing tub is recovered to the distillation tank along the recovery path, and The above recovery euro is, A washing device characterized by a path that sequentially connects the first path, the second path, the compression path, the third path, and the fifth path.

17. In Paragraph 16, In the above gas recovery process, The above-mentioned fourth valve and the above-mentioned second valve are opened, A laundry device characterized by the above cooling unit operating as a heat pump.

18. In Paragraph 4, The above laundry agent Euro is, It further includes a residual gas exhaust path that branches off from a certain point of the first Euro and extends outdoors, and In the above residual gas discharge process, A washing device characterized by the opening of the above-mentioned fourth valve.

19. In Paragraph 1, The above detergent is, A washing machine characterized by carbon dioxide or R1336 mzz(Z) refrigerant.

20. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned laundry agent flow converter includes a laundry four-way valve, and The above refrigerant flow converter is a washing device including a refrigerant four-way valve.

Images