Washing machine and control method therefor

Abstract

A washing machine according to the present disclosure comprises: a storage tank configured to store carbon dioxide; a washing tub configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide; a distillation tank configured to accommodate the carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub and vaporize the carbon dioxide therein; a compressor configured to compress the carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub or the distillation tank; a first pressure sensor configured to sense the pressure of the distillation tank; and a controller configured to operate the compressor on the basis of a start of a distillation process and identify a distillation completion time point of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank on the basis of a pressure difference value of pressure values continuously sensed by the first pressure sensor while the distillation process is in progress.

Description

Washing machine and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Generally, a washing machine is a device that washes laundry using water as a laundry solvent. In contrast, there are dry cleaning machines that wash laundry without using water by using laundry solvents that are volatile organic compounds instead of water. Dry cleaning machines can use solvent-based, petroleum-based laundry solvents, etc.

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

[0004] Carbon dioxide can be used as a laundry solvent to replace the aforementioned solvent. Since carbon dioxide has a lower viscosity than water, it can easily penetrate between fibers to remove contaminants. After washing, the carbon dioxide containing foreign substances can be separated from the foreign substances by vaporizing it, and the vaporized carbon dioxide can be reused.

[0005] Since carbon dioxide is a component of the general atmosphere, it does not pollute the environment, and because liquid carbon dioxide is reused by vaporizing and liquefying it, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions is not high, so it can also contribute to achieving carbon neutrality.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of identifying the point of completion of distillation of liquid carbon dioxide in a distillation chamber during a distillation process.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of reducing the amount of residual carbon dioxide and pressure in the flow path connecting the storage tank and the compressor during a distillation stroke and / or a depressurization stroke.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a storage tank provided for storing carbon dioxide; a washing tub provided for washing laundry using carbon dioxide; a distillation tank provided for receiving carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub and for vaporizing carbon dioxide inside the tank; a compressor provided for compressing carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub or the distillation tank; a first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the distillation tank; and a control unit that operates the compressor based on the start of the distillation process and identifies the time of completion of distillation of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank based on the pressure difference value of pressure values ​​continuously detected by the first pressure sensor while the distillation process is in progress.

[0010] A control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include, in a control method for a washing machine comprising a storage tank, a washing tub, a distillation tank, and a compressor, recovering carbon dioxide in the distillation tank through the compressor to the storage tank based on the start of the distillation process, continuously detecting pressure values ​​of the distillation tank while the distillation process is in progress, and identifying the time of completion of distillation of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank based on the pressure difference value of the detected pressure values.

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

[0012] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an operation cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates the process of supplying gaseous carbon dioxide to a washing tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates the process of supplying liquid carbon dioxide to a washing tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates the process of discharging gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide from a washing tub to a distillation tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates the process of recovering carbon dioxide inside a distillation tank into a storage tank in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates the process of recovering carbon dioxide inside the washing tub into a storage tank in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the pressure change of a distillation tank in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for terminating a distillation process when distillation is completed in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates the process of recovering carbon dioxide in the flow path between the compressor and the storage tank into the storage tank when distillation is completed in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for determining the completion of pressure reduction in a pressure reduction step in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for terminating a pressure reduction step when pressure reduction is completed in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates the process of recovering carbon dioxide in the flow path between the compressor and the storage tank into the storage tank when the pressure reduction is completed in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0027] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0030] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0033] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0035] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0036] A washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components inside. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry input opening formed on one side.

[0037] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing a laundry input. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by means of a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be made transparent or translucent so that the interior of the housing is visible.

[0038] The washing machine may include a drum designed to accommodate laundry.

[0039] The drum can rotate inside the housing and perform respective actions according to the washing and rinsing cycles. A number of through holes may be formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum.

[0040] The washing machine may include a drive unit configured to rotate the drum. The drive unit may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum.

[0041] The drive unit can rotate the drum in the forward or reverse direction to perform each operation according to the washing and rinsing cycles.

[0042] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for the user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0043] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0044] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse button. At least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0045] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0046] For example, at least one output interface can convey information to the user regarding the washing course, the washing machine's operating time, and washing / rinse settings. Information regarding the washing machine's operation may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0047] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with an external device via wired and / or wireless means.

[0048] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0049] The communication module can transmit data to external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or home appliances) or receive data from external devices. For example, the communication module can establish communication with servers and / or user devices and / or home appliances and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0050] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0051] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0052] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0053] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices, such as a server, a user device, or other home appliances, through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine (e.g., a drive motor). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation, including washing and rinsing, according to user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum.

[0054] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory for storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor for performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include a storage tank (10), a chiller (11), a washing tub (20), a distillation tank (30), a compressor (50), and a foreign matter tank (70).

[0058] A storage tank (10) may be configured to store carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) may be configured to store gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) may maintain an internal pressure above a predetermined pressure to store liquid carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) may store carbon dioxide at a first pressure level. For example, the first pressure level may be approximately 30 to 70 bar. In other words, the internal pressure of the storage tank (10) may be approximately 30 to 70 bar.

[0059] The storage tank (10) may include a first outlet configured to primarily discharge gaseous carbon dioxide and a second outlet configured to primarily discharge liquid carbon dioxide. The storage tank (10) may include an inlet through which carbon dioxide is introduced from the outside. The first outlet may be formed at a higher position than the second outlet so that liquid carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) is not discharged through the first outlet and gaseous carbon dioxide is primarily discharged. The inlet may be formed at a higher position than the second outlet so that liquid carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) is not discharged through the inlet. For example, the first outlet and the inlet may be formed at a position higher than the maximum liquid level of the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10). However, liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide coexist inside the storage tank (10), and depending on temperature and pressure conditions, liquid carbon dioxide may vaporize into gaseous carbon dioxide or gaseous carbon dioxide may liquefy into liquid carbon dioxide. Accordingly, gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide may be discharged together through the first outlet, liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide may be discharged together through the second outlet, and gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide may be introduced together or liquid carbon dioxide may be introduced through the inlet.

[0060] A chiller (11) may be provided to cool a storage tank (10). By cooling the storage tank (10), the chiller (11) can liquefy gaseous carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10). Through this, gaseous carbon dioxide recovered from the washing tub (20) and the distillation tank (30) can be liquefied. The liquefied carbon dioxide can be discharged from the storage tank (10) back to the washing tub (20) and used for washing. By liquefying the carbon dioxide recovered in a gaseous state, the chiller (11) can cause the carbon dioxide to circulate through the storage tank (10), the washing tub (20), and the distillation tank (30). The chiller (11) may include an evaporator of a heat pump. Alternatively, the chiller (11) may include at least one of various types of cooling devices.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the chiller (11) can liquefy gaseous carbon dioxide recovered from the distillation tank (30) or washing tank (20) to the storage tank (10) before it is introduced into the storage tank (10). This allows liquid carbon dioxide to be introduced into the storage tank (10) instead of gaseous carbon dioxide. Introducing liquid carbon dioxide into the storage tank (10) may be more advantageous in terms of stability than introducing gaseous carbon dioxide. Alternatively, a cooling device other than the chiller (11) may liquefy the gaseous carbon dioxide recovered from the distillation tank (30) or washing tank (20) to the storage tank (10). The cooling device may include an evaporator of a heat pump.

[0062] The washing tub (20) can provide a space for washing laundry using liquid carbon dioxide as a washing solvent. The washing tub (20) can store liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide inside. The washing tub (20) can maintain an internal pressure above a predetermined pressure so that liquid carbon dioxide can be stored inside it. The internal pressure of the washing tub (20) can be maintained at approximately 30 to 60 bar. A drum (not shown) can be rotatably placed inside the washing tub (20).

[0063] The washing tub (20) can be positioned lower than the storage tank (10). Accordingly, carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) can move from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) by gravity without power. Primarily, liquid carbon dioxide can move to the washing tub (20) through the second outlet of the storage tank (10) by gravity.

[0064] Air may be introduced into the washing tub (20) during the process of introducing laundry into the drum inside the washing tub (20). When air is introduced into the washing tub (20), moisture contained in the air may condense during the process of lowering the pressure inside the washing tub (20) after the washing is completed. If moisture introduced between the laundry condenses, the laundry may be damaged. To prevent this, the washing machine (1) may include a vacuum pump (120) provided to discharge air from inside the washing tub (20).

[0065] The distillation tank (30) may be provided to receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tank (20) after washing. Specifically, the distillation tank (30) may contain liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank (20), foreign substances that are dissolved or not dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide, and gaseous carbon dioxide inside.

[0066] The washing machine (1) can recover carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) into the storage tank (10). Gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can move to the input end (suction end) of the compressor (50) due to a pressure difference, and carbon dioxide introduced into the input end of the compressor (50) can move to the storage tank (10) after being compressed by the compressor (50). Liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be vaporized by heat applied to the distillation tank (30). As described above, the vaporized gaseous carbon dioxide moves to the input end of the compressor (50), and after being compressed by the compressor (50), can move to the storage tank (10). By vaporizing the liquid carbon dioxide, foreign substances dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide can be separated from the liquid carbon dioxide. The foreign substances inside the distillation tank (30) can be discharged to the foreign substance tank (70) after the carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) is recovered into the storage tank (10).

[0067] In the above process, gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) becomes high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous carbon dioxide as it passes through the compressor (50). As the temperature of the gaseous carbon dioxide rises by passing through the compressor (50), it can supply heat to the inside of the distillation tank (30) by exchanging heat with the distillation tank (30). During the process of recovering the carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) to the storage tank (10), the temperature of the carbon dioxide passing through the compressor (50) rises, and by supplying this heat of carbon dioxide to the distillation tank (30), the liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be vaporized. According to one embodiment, the high-temperature carbon dioxide passing through the compressor (50) passes through the distillation tank (30) and exchanges heat with the carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30), thereby supplying heat to the distillation tank (30) without including a separate heat source such as a heater. To supply more heat to the distillation tank (30), a heating device such as a heater may be additionally included.

[0068] According to one embodiment, gaseous carbon dioxide recovered from the distillation tank (30) to the storage tank (10) can be liquefied by heat exchange with a chiller (11) or a separate heat exchanger before being introduced into the storage tank (10) and then introduced into the storage tank (10) as liquid carbon dioxide. In other words, the carbon dioxide recovered from the distillation tank (30) to the storage tank (10) can be introduced into the storage tank (10) in a liquid state. To this end, the gaseous carbon dioxide recovered from the distillation tank (30) can be liquefied by the chiller (11) or cooled by a separate heat exchanger not shown in the drawing before being introduced into the storage tank (10). It may be advantageous in terms of safety to liquefy the gaseous carbon dioxide and introduce it as liquid carbon dioxide rather than introducing the gaseous carbon dioxide directly into the storage tank (10).

[0069] The foreign matter tank (70) may be provided to store foreign matter discharged from the distillation tank (30). The user may discharge the foreign matter stored in the foreign matter tank (70) at appropriate intervals. The frequency of emptying the foreign matter tank (70) may vary depending on the capacity of the foreign matter tank (70) and the amount of foreign matter contained in the laundry.

[0070] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may further include a replenishment tank (60).

[0071] The replenishment tank (60) may be provided to replenish carbon dioxide lost during the process of recovering carbon dioxide after washing. The replenishment tank (60) may be provided to store carbon dioxide internally. The replenishment tank (60) may supply carbon dioxide to the washing tub (20). The replenishment tank (60) may be provided to be detachable from the washing machine (1). The replenishment tank (60) may be provided to be replaceable with another replenishment tank. Alternatively, the replenishment tank (60) may be provided to be detachable from the washing machine (1), replenish carbon dioxide internally, and then reattach to the washing machine (1). The pressure inside the replenishment tank (60) may be provided to be equal to or higher than the internal pressure of the storage tank (10). The pressure inside the replenishment tank (60) may be provided to be higher than the internal pressure of the washing tub (20).

[0072] Referring to FIG. 1, the washing machine (1) may include a valve provided on a passage through which carbon dioxide travels. The passage may include a gas passage through which gaseous carbon dioxide travels mainly and a liquid passage through which liquid carbon dioxide travels mainly. The valve may include a gas valve provided to open and close the gas passage through which gaseous carbon dioxide travels mainly. The valve may include a liquid valve provided to open and close the liquid passage through which liquid carbon dioxide travels mainly. The washing machine (1) may include a passage connection part in which a plurality of passages are combined into a single passage or a single passage is branched into a plurality of passages.

[0073] Specifically, the valve may include a first valve (101) to a sixth valve (116). The flow path may include a first flow path (201) to a ninth flow path (209). The flow path connection part may include a first flow path connection part (301) to a fifth flow path connection part (305).

[0074] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, the washing machine (1) may include a control unit (80) that performs overall control.

[0076] The control unit (80) may include a chiller (11), a compressor (50), a sensor unit (90), a valve (101-116), a vacuum pump (120), a driving device (130), a communication unit (140), and a user interface device (150).

[0077] The driving device (130) may include a motor (130a) configured to rotate a drum configured to receive laundry. The driving device (130) can perform respective operations according to the washing process and / or rinsing process by driving the motor (130a) to rotate the drum in the forward or reverse direction.

[0078] The user interface device (150) may include at least one input interface (151) and at least one output interface (152).

[0079] At least one input interface (151) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0080] At least one input interface (151) may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse setting button. At least one input interface (151) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0081] At least one output interface (152) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine (1) to the user.

[0082] For example, at least one output interface (152) can transmit information related to the washing course, the operating time of the washing machine (1), and washing / rinse settings to the user. Information regarding the operation of the washing machine can be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (152) may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0083] The communication unit (140) may include at least one communication module. The communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0084] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0085] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0086] In one embodiment, the communication unit (140) can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local network (LAN) to which the washing machine (1) or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine (1) or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0087] The sensor unit (90) may include at least one sensor that acquires information related to the state of the washing machine (1). The sensor unit (90) may transmit sensor data collected by at least one sensor to the control unit (80).

[0088] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (90) may include a first pressure sensor (91) for detecting pressure inside the distillation tank (30), a second pressure sensor (92) for detecting pressure inside the storage tank (10), a third pressure sensor (93) for detecting pressure inside the washing tank (20), etc.

[0089] The control unit (90) can receive pressure data measured by the first pressure sensor (91), the second pressure sensor (92), and the third pressure sensor (93), respectively. Based on the pressure data received from the first pressure sensor (91), the second pressure sensor (92), and the third pressure sensor (93), the control unit (90) can control the first to sixth valves (101 to 116), the compressor (50), and the vacuum pump (120).

[0090] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) can control the chiller (11), compressor (50), first to sixth valves (101 to 116), vacuum pump (120), driving device (130), etc. to perform a pressurizing stroke, a washing stroke, a rinsing stroke, a distillation stroke and / or a depressurizing stroke.

[0091] The control unit (80) can be electrically connected to the chiller (11), compressor (50), sensor unit (90), valve (101-116), vacuum pump (120), driving device (130), communication unit (140) and user interface device (150).

[0092] The control unit (80) may be composed of hardware such as a CPU, a Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program.

[0093] The control unit (80) may be implemented by including an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine (1), at least one memory (82) for storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor (81) for performing the aforementioned operation using the data stored in the at least one memory (82). In this case, the memory (82) and the processor (81) may each be implemented as separate chips. Additionally, the memory (82) and the processor (81) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0094] The processor (81) can process output signals of a chiller (11), a compressor (50), a sensor unit (90), a valve (101-116), a vacuum pump (120), a driving device (130), a communication unit (140) and / or a user interface device (150), and may include an operation circuit, a memory circuit and a control circuit that output control signals to the chiller (11), a compressor (50), a sensor unit (90), a valve (101-116), a vacuum pump (120), a driving device (130), a communication unit (140), a user interface device (150), etc. based on processing the output signals.

[0095] The memory (82) may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory, S-RAM) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory, D-RAM), and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory: ROM) and EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: EPROM).

[0096] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) can control various configurations of the washing machine (1) according to various processes such as a pressurizing process, a washing process, a rinsing process, a distillation process, and a depressurization process.

[0097] The control unit (80) obtains a pressure difference value of the distillation tank (30) by comparing the previous pressure value and the current pressure value of the distillation tank (30) while the distillation process is in progress, determines whether the distillation of carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) is completed based on the pressure difference value, and if it is determined that the distillation is completed, the distillation process can be terminated.

[0098] The components of the washing machine (1) are not limited to those described above. The washing machine (1) may include various additional components in addition to those described above, and it is also possible to omit some of the components described above.

[0099] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an operation cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 3, the washing machine (1) can sequentially perform a pressurization process (400), a washing process (410), a pressurization process (420), a rinsing process (430), a distillation process (440), and a depressurization process (450), etc., according to user input.

[0101] Carbon dioxide can be supplied to the washing tub (20) by the pressurization process (400). To distinguish between the pressurization process (400) and the pressurization process (420), the pressurization process (400) can be distinguished as an initial pressurization process, and the pressurization process (420) can be distinguished as an intermediate pressurization process.

[0102] The initial pressurization process, the pressurization process (400), may include an air discharge operation for discharging air inside the washing tub (20) and a carbon dioxide supply operation for supplying carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20).

[0103] For air discharge, in one embodiment, the control unit (80) supplies a small amount of gaseous carbon dioxide to the washing tub (20) by temporarily opening and then closing a gas flow path directly connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20), and discharges air to the outside, excluding the gaseous carbon dioxide settled inside the washing tub (20), by opening an air discharge path that discharges air inside the washing tub (20) to the outside. As the air discharge path is opened, the pressure inside the washing tub (20) can reach the level of atmospheric pressure.

[0104] For air discharge, in various embodiments, when laundry is introduced into the washing tub (20) and the door is closed, the control unit (80) can operate the vacuum pump (120) to discharge the air that has entered the washing tub (20) along with the laundry to the outside. As the vacuum pump (120) operates, the inside of the washing tub (20) can become a low pressure close to a vacuum.

[0105] To supply carbon dioxide, the control unit (80) can supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20). The control unit (80) can supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) by opening the flow path between the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (30). By exhausting the air inside the washing tub (20), the inside of the washing tub (20) can be at a low pressure close to a vacuum. Gaseous carbon dioxide and / or liquid carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) can be supplied to the washing tub (20).

[0106] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) may stop the supply of carbon dioxide when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) rises to a preset value of approximately 30 to 60 bar. In the washing process (410), the laundry may be washed. Specifically, foreign substances attached to the laundry may be separated by carbon dioxide, which is a washing solvent.

[0107] The washing process (410) may include a washing operation that washes the laundry by rotating the drum, and a carbon dioxide discharge operation that discharges carbon dioxide and foreign substances inside the washing tub (20) to the distillation tank (30) after washing.

[0108] For washing, the control unit (80) can rotate the motor (130a) in a forward direction (e.g., clockwise) or a reverse direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to rotate the drum through the driving device (130). As the drum rotates, the laundry falls from the upper side to the lower side of the drum, and the laundry can be washed by falling.

[0109] After liquid carbon dioxide is supplied to the washing tub (20), washing can proceed by rotating the drum. Liquid carbon dioxide or detergent dissolved in liquid carbon dioxide has a lower viscosity than water, so it can easily penetrate between fibers and remove contaminants. During this process, foreign substances on the laundry may be dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide or detergent dissolved in liquid carbon dioxide. Some of the foreign substances on the laundry may not be dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide because their polarity is different from that of carbon dioxide.

[0110] To discharge carbon dioxide, the control unit (80) can open the flow path between the washing tub (20) and the distillation tank (30) to discharge carbon dioxide and foreign substances from the washing tub (20) into the distillation tank (30). The control unit (80) can rotate the drum to dehydrate the carbon dioxide discharge. After the washing cycle (410), a rinsing cycle (430) for rinsing the laundry can be performed.

[0111] A pressurization step (420) can be performed before performing a rinsing step (430).

[0112] Carbon dioxide can be supplied to the washing tub (20) after the washing administration (410) and before the rinsing administration (430) by the pressurization administration (420).

[0113] The intermediate pressurization process (420) can perform a carbon dioxide supply operation to supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20), just like the initial pressurization process (400).

[0114] For the supply of carbon dioxide, the control unit (80) can supply carbon dioxide to the washing tub (20). The control unit (80) can supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) by opening a flow path that directly connects the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20). Gaseous carbon dioxide and / or liquid carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) can be supplied to the washing tub (20).

[0115] The rinsing process (430) can rinse the laundry. The rinsing process can be performed once or multiple times.

[0116] The rinsing operation (430) can perform a rinsing operation to rinse the laundry by rotating the drum, and a carbon dioxide discharge operation to discharge carbon dioxide and foreign substances inside the washing tub (20) to the distillation tank (30) after rinsing.

[0117] For rinsing, the control unit (80) can rotate the motor (120a) in a forward direction (e.g., clockwise) or a reverse direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to rotate the drum through the driving device (120). As the drum rotates, the laundry falls from the upper side to the lower side of the drum, and the laundry can be rinsed by falling.

[0118] To discharge carbon dioxide, the control unit (80) can open the flow path between the washing tub (20) and the distillation tank (30) to discharge carbon dioxide and foreign substances from the washing tub (20) into the distillation tank (30). The control unit (80) can rotate the drum to dehydrate during carbon dioxide discharge.

[0119] The distillation process (440) can distill carbon dioxide within the distillation tank (30). The distillation may include recovering the liquid carbon dioxide within the distillation tank (30) to the storage tank (10). For example, the distillation may include vaporizing the liquid carbon dioxide within the distillation tank (30) and transferring it to the storage tank (10).

[0120] The distillation process (440) may include a distillation operation that vaporizes liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) and recovers it to the storage tank (10), and a foreign matter discharge operation that discharges foreign matter in the distillation tank (30) to the foreign matter tank (70).

[0121] For distillation, the control unit (80) can operate the chiller (11) and the compressor (50) and open the flow paths of the distillation tank (30) and the compressor (50) and the compressor (50) and the storage tank (10).

[0122] To discharge foreign substances, the control unit (80) can open the flow path between the distillation tank (30) and the foreign substance tank (70).

[0123] The depressurization process (450) can depressurize the inside of the washing tub (20) to remove laundry from the washing tub (20) after the washing process alone or the rinsing process is completed.

[0124] The depressurization process (450) may include a carbon dioxide recovery operation to recover carbon dioxide in the washing tub (20) to the storage tank (10).

[0125] To recover carbon dioxide, the control unit (80) can operate the chiller (11) and the compressor (50) and open the flow paths of the washing tub (20) and the compressor (50) and the compressor (50) and the storage tank (10).

[0126] FIG. 4 illustrates the process of supplying gaseous carbon dioxide to a washing tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 4, the washing tub (20) can accommodate a drum that is rotatably provided to receive laundry. The washing tub (20) may include a laundry inlet provided to receive laundry into the washing tub (20) and a door provided to open and close it. After opening the door, the user can receive laundry into the drum through the washing tub inlet. When the laundry is received, the user can close the door of the washing tub (20).

[0128] The control unit (80) can operate the vacuum pump (120) so that when laundry is put into the washing tub (20) and the door is closed, the air that has entered the washing tub (20) along with the laundry is discharged to the outside of the washing tub (20).

[0129] The control unit (80) can supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) after the vacuum pump (120) operates.

[0130] The washing machine (1) may include a first flow path (201) connecting a storage tank (10) and a washing tub (20). Gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) may move to the washing tub (20) along the first flow path (201). A first valve (101) and a third valve (103) may be provided on the first flow path (201). A first flow path connection part (301) and a second flow path connection part (302) may be provided on the first flow path (201).

[0131] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) can open the first valve (101) and the third valve (103) to supply gaseous carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20). The pressure inside the storage tank (10) is approximately 30 to 70 bar, and due to the pressure difference between the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20), the gaseous carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) can move into the washing tub (20) without a separate power source.

[0132] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) may close the second valve (102) to prevent gaseous carbon dioxide from the replenishment tank (60) from flowing into the storage tank (10) or gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) from flowing into the replenishment tank (60). Additionally, the control unit (80) may close the sixth valve (106) to prevent gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) from moving to the distillation tank (30).

[0133] The control unit (80) can stop the pressurization process (400, 420) when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) rises to a set value of approximately 30 to 60 bar after the pressurization process (400, 420).

[0134] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) may close the first valve (101) to prevent gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) from moving to the washing tub (20). The first valve (101) may be provided on the path connecting the first path connection (301) and the storage tank (10).

[0135] In the pressurization stroke (400, 420), the control unit (80) may close the second valve (102) to prevent gaseous carbon dioxide from the replenishment tank (60) from moving to the washing tub (20). The second valve (102) may be provided on the path connecting the first path connection (301) and the replenishment tank (60).

[0136] In the pressurization stroke (400, 420), the control unit (80) may close the sixth valve (106) to prevent gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) from moving to the distillation tank (30). The sixth valve (106) may be provided on the passage connecting the second passage connection (302) and the distillation tank (30). In various embodiments, in the pressurization stroke (400, 420), the control unit (80) may supply carbon dioxide from the replenishment tank (60) to the washing tank (20). The control unit (80) may open the second valve (102) and the third valve (103) to supply carbon dioxide from the replenishment tank (60) into the washing tank (20).

[0137] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) can stop the pressurization process (400, 420) when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) rises to a set value of approximately 30 to 60 bar.

[0138] FIG. 5 illustrates the process of supplying liquid carbon dioxide to a washing tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 5, the washing machine (1) may include a second flow path (202) connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20). The second flow path (202) is a liquid flow path through which liquid carbon dioxide mainly travels, and may refer to a flow path different from the first flow path (201), which is a gas flow path through which gaseous carbon dioxide mainly travels. Liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide coexist inside the washing tub (20), and depending on temperature and pressure conditions, the liquid carbon dioxide may vaporize or the gaseous carbon dioxide may liquefy. Accordingly, liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide may travel together along the second flow path (202), and gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide may travel together along the first flow path (201). A fourth valve (104) may be provided on the second flow path (202). The fourth valve (104) may be provided to open and close the second flow path (202).

[0140] The washing machine (1) can supply liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20). Since the storage tank (10) is positioned higher than the washing tub (20), the liquid carbon dioxide in the storage tank (10) can move to the washing tub (20) by gravity without a separate power source.

[0141] The control unit (80) can supply liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) by opening the first valve (101) and the third valve (103) so that the pressure of the storage tank (10) and the pressure of the washing tub (20) are in equilibrium, and by opening the fourth valve (104) while the first valve (101) and the third valve (103) are open.

[0142] The control unit (80) can open the fourth valve (104) to supply liquid carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20). When the control unit (80) opens the fourth valve (104), the liquid carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) can move to the washing tub (20) by gravity.

[0143] The control unit (80) can supply liquid carbon dioxide until the liquid carbon dioxide level inside the washing tub (20) reaches a preset level value.

[0144] The control unit (80) can close the first valve (101), the third valve (103), and the fourth valve (104) when the pressurization stroke (400, 420) ends.

[0145] Meanwhile, after liquid carbon dioxide is supplied to the washing tub (20), washing can proceed by rotating the drum. Liquid carbon dioxide has a lower viscosity than water, so it can easily penetrate between fibers and remove contaminants. During this process, foreign substances on the laundry may be dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide. Some of the foreign substances on the laundry may not be dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide because their polarity is different from that of the carbon dioxide.

[0146] FIG. 6 illustrates the process of discharging gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide from a washing tub to a distillation tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 6, the washing machine (1) can discharge liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances inside the washing tub (20) into the distillation tank (30) when washing is completed or during washing (or when rinsing is completed or during rinsing). At this time, to eliminate the pressure difference between the inside of the washing tub (20) and the inside of the distillation tank (30), the control unit (80) can open the third valve (103) and the sixth valve (106). The third valve (103) and the sixth valve (106) may be provided on the third flow path (203) connecting the washing tub (20) and the distillation tank (30). The third flow path (203) is a gas flow path, and a second flow path connection part (302) may be provided in the third flow path (203). The third valve (103) may be provided upstream of the second flow path connection part (302) in the third flow path (203). The sixth valve (106) may be provided downstream of the second flow path connection (302) in the third flow path (203). Additionally, the control unit (80) may rotate the drum for delidding when discharging liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances.

[0148] The control unit (80) can open the fifth valve (105) to discharge liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances inside the washing tub (20) into the distillation tank (30). The fifth valve (105) may be provided on the fourth flow path (204) connecting the washing tub (20) and the distillation tank (30). The fourth flow path (204) may be a liquid flow path through which liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances travel. The fifth valve (105) may be provided to open or close the fourth flow path (204).

[0149] The distillation tank (30) may be positioned below the washing tank (20). This is to allow liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances inside the washing tank (20) to move to the distillation tank (30) by gravity without a separate power source when the fifth valve (105) is opened.

[0150] The control unit (80) can open the third valve (103) and the sixth valve (106) so that the pressure of the washing tank (20) and the pressure of the distillation tank (30) are in equilibrium, and by opening the fifth valve (105) while the third valve (103) and the sixth valve (106) are open, the liquid carbon dioxide stored in the washing tank (20) can be discharged to the distillation tank (30).

[0151] The control unit (80) can open the fifth valve (105) to discharge liquid carbon dioxide from the washing tub (20) into the distillation tank (30). When the control unit (80) opens the fifth valve (105), liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances inside the washing tub (10) can move to the distillation tank (30) by gravity.

[0152] The control unit (80) can close the third valve (103), the sixth valve (106), and the fifth valve (105) when washing or rinsing is finished.

[0153] FIG. 7 illustrates the process of recovering carbon dioxide inside a distillation tank into a storage tank in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 7, carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) discharged from the washing tank (20) to the distillation tank (30) can be recovered into the storage tank (10).

[0155] The washing machine (1) may include a fifth flow path (205) connecting the input end of the distillation tank (30) and the compressor (50). A seventh valve (107) may be provided on the fifth flow path (205). A third flow path connection (303) may be provided on the fifth flow path (205). The third flow path connection (303) may be located downstream of the seventh valve (107). The third flow path connection (303) may be connected to the washing tank (20). The third flow path connection (303) may connect the eighth flow path (208) and the fifth flow path (205).

[0156] The control unit (80) can move gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) to the input end of the compressor (50) by opening the seventh valve (107). When the seventh valve (107) is opened, gaseous carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) can move along the fifth path (205) and flow into the input end of the compressor (50).

[0157] The washing machine (1) may include a sixth flow path (206) connecting the output end (discharge end) of the compressor (50) and the fourth flow path connection part (304). The sixth flow path (206) may be provided with the fourth flow path connection part (304), the eighth valve (108), and the ninth valve (109). The sixth flow path (206) may include a distillation tank heat exchange part (206a). The eighth valve (108) may be provided downstream of the fourth flow path connection part (304). The ninth valve (109) may be provided downstream of the eighth valve (108). The distillation tank heat exchange part (206a) may be provided between the eighth valve (108) and the ninth valve (109) and may be provided to pass through the distillation tank (30). The fifth Euro connection part (305) may indicate a point where the sixth Euro (206), the seventh Euro (207), and the ninth Euro (209) are connected to each other.

[0158] The control unit (80) can open the eighth valve (108) and the ninth valve (109). When the eighth valve (108) and the ninth valve (109) are opened, high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous carbon dioxide that has passed through the compressor (50) can move through the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a). The distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) is part of the sixth flow path (206) and can pass through the inside of the distillation tank (30) or through the outside of the distillation tank (30) adjacent to the distillation tank (30). High-temperature gaseous carbon dioxide that has passed through the compressor (50) can flow inside the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a). As a result, the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) can maintain a high temperature. The distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) can supply heat to the inside or outside of the distillation tank (30). Liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide can be contained inside the distillation tank (30). Liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be vaporized by heat supplied to the distillation tank (30) from the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a). As the liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes inside the distillation tank (30), foreign substances dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide can be separated from the carbon dioxide. The foreign substances separated from the liquid carbon dioxide can be discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the foreign substance tank (70) by opening the 14th valve (114). To this end, the control unit (80) can open the 14th valve (114).

[0159] The control unit (80) can open the 13th valve (113). When the 8th valve (108) and the 9th valve (109) are opened, gaseous carbon dioxide passing through the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) from the output end of the compressor (50) can move to the 5th flow path connection (305). When the 13th valve (113) is opened, the gaseous carbon dioxide that has moved to the 5th flow path connection (306) can flow into the storage tank (10). At this time, the control unit (80) can close the 12th valve (112) so that the gaseous carbon dioxide that has moved to the 5th flow path connection (305) does not move to the 9th flow path (209).

[0160] Additionally, gaseous carbon dioxide can be heat exchanged with a chiller (11) or an external heat exchanger before flowing into the storage tank (10) from the fifth Euro connection (305), thereby being liquefied into liquid carbon dioxide and flowing into the storage tank (10).

[0161] As described above, the control unit (80) can open the seventh valve (107), the eighth valve (108), the ninth valve (109), and the thirteenth valve (113) to recover carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) into the storage tank (10). Additionally, the control unit (80) can control the chiller (11) and the compressor (50) so that the chiller (11) and the compressor (50) operate. By opening the seventh valve (107), the eighth valve (108), the ninth valve (109), and the thirteenth valve (113), the control unit (80) can move gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50). The flow path (205, 206, 207) connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the storage tank (10) so that the gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50) is called the distillation tank recovery flow path.

[0162] When distillation is completed in the distillation tank (30), the control unit (80) can stop the chiller (11) and compressor (50) and close the valves opened in the distillation process (440) to end the distillation process (440).

[0163] FIG. 8 illustrates the process of recovering carbon dioxide inside the washing tub into a storage tank in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 8, carbon dioxide from the washing tub (20) can be recovered to the storage tank (10) at the end of the distillation process (440) or during the distillation process (440). Hereinafter, the process of reducing the pressure inside the washing tub (20) by recovering carbon dioxide from inside the washing tub (20) to the storage tank (10) in order to withdraw laundry from the washing tub (20) is referred to as depressurization.

[0165] The pressure reduction step (450) may refer to a step of lowering the pressure inside the washing tub (20) to a level similar to atmospheric pressure, such as 1 to 1.5 bar.

[0166] The washing machine (1) may include an eighth flow path (208) connecting the washing tub (20) and the input end of the compressor (50). A tenth valve (110) may be provided on the eighth flow path (208). A third flow path connection (303) may be provided on the eighth flow path (208). The third flow path connection (303) may be provided downstream of the tenth valve (110). The third flow path connection (303) may be connected to a distillation tank (30). The eighth flow path (208) and the fifth flow path (205) may be connected at the third flow path connection (303).

[0167] The washing machine (1) may include a ninth flow path (209) connecting the output end of the compressor (50) and the fourth flow path connection part (304). The ninth flow path (209) may include a washing tub heat exchange part (209a). The ninth flow path (209) may be provided with an eleventh valve (111) and a twelfth valve (112). The eleventh valve (111) may be located upstream of the twelfth valve (112), and the washing tub heat exchange part (209a) may be provided between the eleventh valve (111) and the twelfth valve (112). The washing tub heat exchange part (209a) may pass through the inside of the washing tub (20) or through the outside of the washing tub (20) adjacent to the washing tub (20) as part of the ninth flow path (209).

[0168] In the pressure reduction step (450), the control unit (80) can open the 10th valve (110). When the 10th valve (110) is opened, gaseous carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) can move along the 8th path (208) and flow into the input end of the compressor (50).

[0169] In the pressure reduction step (450), the control unit (80) can open the 11th valve (111). When the 11th valve (111) is opened, the high temperature and high pressure gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the output end of the compressor (50) can travel along the 11th path (211), pass through the washing tub heat exchanger (209a), and move to the 5th path connection (305).

[0170] Since high-temperature gaseous carbon dioxide that has passed through the compressor (50) flows inside the washing tub heat exchanger (209a), the washing tub heat exchanger (209a) can maintain a high temperature. The washing tub heat exchanger (209a) can supply heat to the inside or outside of the washing tub (20). The heat supplied from the washing tub heat exchanger (209a) to the washing tub (20) can prevent the laundry inside the washing tub (20) from being damaged by moisture condensation.

[0171] In the depressurization process (450), the control unit (80) can open the 13th valve (113). When the 13th valve (113) is opened, gaseous carbon dioxide that has moved to the 5th flow path connection (305) can move to the storage tank (10) along the 7th flow path (207). The 7th flow path (207) can connect the 5th flow path connection (305) and the storage tank (10). The 13th valve (113) can be provided on the 7th flow path (207).

[0172] In the depressurization step (450), the control unit (80) opens the 10th valve (110), the 11th valve (111), the 12th valve (112), and the 13th valve (113), thereby allowing gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) to move to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50). Additionally, the control unit (80) can control the chiller (11) and the compressor (50) to operate the chiller (11) and the compressor (50). The path (208, 209, 207) connecting the washing tub (20), the compressor (50), and the storage tank (10) so that gaseous carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) can move to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50) is called the washing tub recovery path.

[0173] The following describes how to identify whether distillation is complete during the distillation process in which liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) is recovered to the storage tank (10). When the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) is vaporized and the liquid carbon dioxide disappears, it can be determined that distillation is complete.

[0174] It is important to accurately determine the completion time of distillation.

[0175] If the completion time of distillation is identified as later than the optimal completion time, the distillation process may not be terminated even though the distillation is actually complete. This can lead to an unnecessarily prolonged distillation process time and result in unnecessary energy consumption due to the delay in terminating the process.

[0176] In addition, if the time of completion of distillation is identified as earlier than the appropriate time of completion, the distillation process may end before the distillation is completed. As a result, not only does liquid carbon dioxide remain in the distillation tank (30), but gaseous carbon dioxide in the flow path connecting the compressor (50) and the storage tank (10) may not be recovered to the storage tank (10) and may remain in an excessive amount. Since the flow path between the compressor (50) and the storage tank (10) is a high-pressure flow path, the more gaseous carbon dioxide remains, the higher the piping pressure may become.

[0177] Accordingly, the washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent the distillation process time from becoming prolonged by accurately determining whether distillation is complete during the distillation process, reduce unnecessary energy consumption, and reduce the amount of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) and the amount of gaseous carbon dioxide remaining in the flow path of the compressor (50) and the storage tank (10), thereby lowering the piping pressure. In other words, distillation efficiency can be increased by accurately determining the time when distillation is complete.

[0178] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 9, when the distillation stroke (440) starts, the control unit (80) can open the valves (107, 108, 109, 113) on the distillation tank recovery path (205, 206, 207) (500).

[0180] The distillation tank recovery path (205, 206, 207) may include a path connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the storage tank (10) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50).

[0181] The control unit (80) can operate the chiller (11) (502) and the compressor (50) (504).

[0182] Accordingly, gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be introduced into the input of the compressor (50). High-temperature and high-pressure gaseous carbon dioxide passing through the compressor (50) can move through the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a). High-temperature carbon dioxide passing through the compressor (50) can flow inside the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a). Liquid carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be vaporized by the heat supplied from the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) to the distillation tank (30). As liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes inside the distillation tank (30), foreign substances dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide can be separated from the carbon dioxide. Gaseous carbon dioxide can be recovered into the storage tank (10).

[0183] The control unit (80) can detect the pressure of the distillation tank (30) through the first pressure sensor (91) whenever a predetermined amount of time elapses during the distillation process (506). The control unit (80) can store the detected pressure of the distillation tank (30) in the memory (82) whenever a predetermined amount of time elapses. As the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) is vaporized by heat exchange and recovered into the storage tank (10), the pressure of the distillation tank (30) may begin to decrease.

[0184] The control unit (80) can sample the pressure of the distillation tank (30) at predetermined intervals.

[0185] The control unit (80) can obtain the pressure difference value of the distillation tank (30) by comparing the previous pressure value and the current pressure value of the distillation tank (30) (508).

[0186] The control unit (80) can obtain a pressure difference value by subtracting the current pressure value from the previous pressure value from the sampled pressure values. The pressure difference value can be obtained by comparing the last value of the sampled pressure values ​​with the value immediately preceding it.

[0187] The control unit (80) can determine whether the pressure difference value of the distillation tank (30) is greater than or equal to a first pressure value, which is a preset value (510). That is, it can determine whether the reduced pressure value is greater than or equal to a first pressure value, which is a preset deviation pressure.

[0188] If the pressure difference value of the distillation tank (30) is less than the first pressure value (510, no), the control unit (80) can move to operation mode 506 and perform the following operation mode.

[0189] The control unit (80) can increase the count count when the pressure difference value is greater than or equal to the first pressure value (510, e.g.). The increased count count can be stored in memory (82).

[0190] The control unit (80) can determine whether the counted number is greater than or equal to a preset number (514).

[0191] If the counted number is less than the preset number (514, no), the control unit (80) can move to operation mode 506 and perform the following operation modes.

[0192] The control unit (80) can identify or determine that distillation is complete when the counted number is greater than or equal to a preset number (514, e.g.) (516).

[0193] For example, if the pressure difference value of the distillation tank (30) is 0.2 bar or more, the count is increased by 1 time, and if the count is 5 times or more, it can be identified that the distillation is complete.

[0194] At the beginning of the distillation process, liquid carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide are contained together in the distillation tank (30). The gaseous carbon dioxide passes through the compressor (50) and the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a), vaporizing the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30). The gaseous carbon dioxide that has passed through the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) is recovered into the storage tank (10).

[0195] In this way, at the beginning of the distillation process, there is no significant change in pressure within the distillation tank (30). However, as the liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes, a change in pressure in the distillation tank (30) occurs gradually, and when almost no liquid carbon dioxide remains, a change in pressure in the distillation tank (30) occurs rapidly.

[0196] Therefore, by confirming the inflection point of this pressure change, it can be determined that no liquid carbon dioxide remains, and based on this, it can be identified that distillation is complete.

[0197] When the control unit (80) identifies that distillation is complete, it may terminate the distillation process (420). The control unit (80) may stop the compressor (50) and the chiller (11) and close the valves (107, 108, 109, 113) on the distillation tank recovery path (205, 206, 207).

[0198] The distillation tank recovery path (205, 206, 207) may include a path connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the storage tank (10) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50).

[0199] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the pressure change of a distillation tank in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 10, the left vertical axis represents the pressure value of the distillation tank (30), and the right vertical axis represents the pressure difference value of the distillation tank (30). The horizontal axis represents the distillation time.

[0201] Pressure may be unstable during the initial stages of distillation.

[0202] For example, during the first 150 seconds after starting the distillation process, the pressure of the distillation tank (30) is unstable, so the deviation of the sampled pressure value is large.

[0203] Therefore, after starting the distillation process, the time is set as a sampling exclusion period, and during this sampling exclusion period, the pressure of the distillation tank (30) may not be sampled.

[0204] The distillation process may be a process of transferring liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) to the storage tank (10).

[0205] When the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) is vaporized and the liquid carbon dioxide disappears, it can be determined that the distillation is complete.

[0206] As distillation proceeds after the sampling exclusion section, a section in which the pressure gradient of the distillation tank (30) is constant and then rapidly increases may occur.

[0207] In the early stages of distillation, the pressure gradient may not be large because the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) begins to vaporize and escape.

[0208] However, as distillation proceeds, liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) vaporizes and only gaseous carbon dioxide remains, so the pressure gradient of the distillation tank (300) can increase rapidly. By using this change in pressure gradient, the point at which the liquid carbon dioxide is depleted can be found. That is, the point at which distillation is completed can be found.

[0209] In addition, the sampled pressure may be partially unstable in the section after the sampling exclusion section. As a result, the pressure difference may be partially unstable. For example, the pressure difference value may not appear consistently as 0, 0, 1, 0, 2, etc. Therefore, the pressure of the distillation tank (30) is sampled every 5 seconds, and the number of times the pressure difference value of the sampled pressure values ​​is 0.2 bar or more is counted, and if it is 5 times or more, it can be determined that the distillation is complete.

[0210] In this way, when the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) vaporizes and disappears, an inflection point is created in the pressure of the distillation tank (30), and by finding this inflection point, it is possible to determine whether the distillation is complete.

[0211] Meanwhile, as gaseous carbon dioxide is recovered into the storage tank (10) during the distillation process, the pressure in the storage tank (10) increases. Therefore, when the distillation process ends, gaseous carbon dioxide that was not introduced into the storage tank (10) may remain in the flow path between the compressor (50) and the storage tank (10).

[0212] This residual gaseous carbon dioxide can increase the piping pressure of the flow paths of the compressor (50) and the storage tank (10). Therefore, by recovering the residual gaseous carbon dioxide to the storage tank (10) before ending the distillation process, the piping pressure of the flow paths of the compressor (50) and the storage tank (10) can be lowered.

[0213] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for terminating a distillation process when distillation is completed in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates a process of recovering carbon dioxide in the flow path between the compressor and the storage tank into the storage tank when distillation is completed in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0214] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the control unit (80) can determine whether distillation is complete in the distillation process (420) (600).

[0215] When the control unit (80) determines that distillation is complete, it can stop the compressor (50) (602) and stop the chiller (11) (604).

[0216] The control unit (80) can open valves (101, 106) on the flow paths (201, 203) of the distillation tank (30) and the storage tank (10) (606).

[0217] By opening the valves (101, 106) on the flow paths (201, 203) of the distillation tank (30) and the storage tank (10) through the control unit (80), gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) can be supplied to the distillation tank (30). Accordingly, the pressure of the storage tank (10) can be lowered and the pressure of the distillation tank (30) can be increased. That is, the pressure of the flow paths (206, 207) of the compressor (50) and the storage tank (10) and the pressure of the flow paths (201, 202) of the storage tank (10) and the distillation tank (30) can be made to be in equilibrium.

[0218] As the pressure in the storage tank (10) decreases, the gaseous carbon dioxide remaining in the compressor (10) and the storage tank (10) moves to the storage tank (10). As a result, the gaseous carbon dioxide remaining in the flow path of the compressor (10) and the storage tank (10) can be recovered to the storage tank (10).

[0219] The control unit (80) can detect the pressure of the storage tank (10) through the second pressure sensor (92) (608).

[0220] The control unit (80) can detect the pressure of the distillation tank (30) through the first pressure sensor (91) (610).

[0221] The control unit (80) can determine whether the pressure value obtained by subtracting the pressure value of the distillation tank (30) from the pressure value of the storage tank (10) is less than or equal to a preset second pressure value (612).

[0222] If the pressure value obtained by subtracting the pressure value of the distillation tank (30) from the pressure value of the storage tank (10) exceeds a preset second pressure value (612, no), the control unit (80) can move to operation mode 608 and perform the following operation mode.

[0223] The control unit (80) can terminate the distillation process when the pressure of the storage tank (10) and the distillation tank (30) is substantially equilibrium.

[0224] Accordingly, the control unit (80) can close the valves (101, 106) on the flow paths (201, 203) of the distillation tank (30) and the storage tank (10) if the pressure value obtained by subtracting the pressure value of the distillation tank (30) from the pressure value of the storage tank (10) is less than or equal to a preset second pressure value (612, e.g.). For example, the second pressure value may be 0 bar, 0.2 bar, or 0.3 bar.

[0225] The control unit (80) can close the valves (107, 108, 109, 113) on the distillation tank recovery path (205, 206, 207) (616).

[0226] Meanwhile, when discharging liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances from inside the washing tub (20) into the distillation tank (30) during the washing process, the third valve (103) and the sixth valve (106) may be opened to eliminate the pressure difference between the inside of the washing tub (20) and the inside of the distillation tank (30), and the fifth valve (105) may be opened to discharge the liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances from inside the washing tub (20) into the distillation tank (30). At this time, when the pressures of the washing tub (20) and the distillation tank (30) become equal pressures, if the pressure of the distillation tank (30) becomes too low after the distillation process is finished, the pressure difference between the washing tub (20) and the distillation tank (30) becomes large, and the temperature of the washing tub (20) may drop rapidly. As a result, if there is moisture in the washing tub (20) or on the laundry, condensation may occur as the temperature of the washing tub (20) drops, which may damage the laundry.

[0227] However, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may open valves (101, 106) on the flow paths (201, 203) of the distillation tank (30) and the storage tank (10) before ending the distillation process, thereby supplying gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the distillation tank (30), so that the pressure of the storage tank (10) is lowered and the pressure of the distillation tank (30) is increased. Therefore, since the pressure of the distillation tank (30) is sufficiently high, damage to the laundry can be prevented in advance during the next washing process.

[0228] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for determining the completion of pressure reduction in a pressure reduction step in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 13, when the pressure reduction stroke (450) starts, the control unit (80) can open the valves (110, 111, 112, 113) on the washing tub return path (208, 209, 207) (700).

[0230] The washing tub recovery path (208, 209, 207) may include a path (208, 209, 207) connecting the washing tub (20), the compressor (50), and the storage tank (10) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) moves to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50).

[0231] The control unit (80) can operate the chiller (11) (702) and the compressor (50) (704).

[0232] Therefore, gaseous carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) can be introduced into the input end of the compressor (50). High-temperature and high-pressure gaseous carbon dioxide passing through the compressor (50) can move through the washing tub heat exchanger (209a). Since high-temperature carbon dioxide passing through the compressor (50) flows inside the washing tub heat exchanger (209a), the washing tub heat exchanger (209a) can maintain a high temperature. The washing tub heat exchanger (209a) can supply heat to the inside or outside of the washing tub (20). The heat supplied from the washing tub heat exchanger (209a) to the washing tub (20) can prevent the laundry inside the washing tub (20) from being damaged by moisture condensation.

[0233] The control unit (80) can detect the pressure of the washing tub (20) through the third pressure sensor (93) (706).

[0234] The control unit (80) can determine whether the pressure value of the washing tub (20) is less than or equal to a third pressure value, which is a preset value (708).

[0235] When the pressure value of the washing tub (20) exceeds the third pressure value, the control unit (80) can move to operation mode 702 and perform the following operation mode.

[0236] The control unit (80) can identify or determine that the pressure reduction is complete if the pressure value of the washing tub (20) is lower than or equal to the third pressure value (710). For example, if the pressure value of the washing tub (20) is lowered to 1.5 bar or less, it can identify that the pressure reduction is complete.

[0237] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for terminating a pressure reduction process when pressure reduction is completed in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 illustrates a process of recovering carbon dioxide in the flow path between the compressor and the storage tank into the storage tank when pressure reduction is completed in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0238] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the control unit (80) can determine whether the pressure reduction is completed in the pressure reduction process (450) (800).

[0239] When the control unit (80) determines that the pressure reduction is complete, it can stop the compressor (50) (802) and stop the chiller (11) (804).

[0240] The control unit (80) can open valves (101, 106) on the flow paths (201, 203) of the distillation tank (30) and the storage tank (10) (806).

[0241] By opening the valve (101, 106) on the flow path (201, 203) of the distillation tank (30) and the storage tank (10) through the control unit (80), gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) can be supplied to the distillation tank (30). Accordingly, the pressure of the storage tank (10) can be lowered and the pressure of the distillation tank (30) can be increased. That is, the pressure of the flow path (209, 207) connecting the compressor (50) and the storage tank (10) and the pressure of the flow path (201, 202) of the storage tank (10) and the distillation tank (30) can be made to be in equilibrium. Since the pressure of the storage tank (10) is lowered, gaseous carbon dioxide remaining in the compressor (10) and the storage tank (10) during the pressure reduction stroke (450) moves to the storage tank (10). As a result, gaseous carbon dioxide remaining in the flow path of the compressor (10) and the storage tank (10) can be recovered into the storage tank (10).

[0242] The control unit (80) can detect the pressure of the storage tank (10) through the second pressure sensor (92) (808).

[0243] The control unit (80) can detect the pressure of the distillation tank (30) through the first pressure sensor (91) (810).

[0244] The control unit (80) can determine whether the pressure value obtained by subtracting the pressure value of the distillation tank (30) from the pressure value of the storage tank (10) is less than or equal to a preset second pressure value (812).

[0245] If the pressure value obtained by subtracting the pressure value of the distillation tank (30) from the pressure value of the storage tank (10) exceeds a preset second pressure value (812, no), the control unit (80) can move to operation mode 808 and perform the following operation mode.

[0246] The control unit (80) can terminate the distillation process when the pressure of the storage tank (10) and the distillation tank (30) is substantially equilibrium.

[0247] Accordingly, the control unit (80) can close the valves (101, 106) on the flow paths (201, 203) of the distillation tank (30) and the storage tank (10) if the pressure value obtained by subtracting the pressure value of the distillation tank (30) from the pressure value of the storage tank (10) is less than or equal to a preset second pressure value (812, e.g.). (814).

[0248] The control unit (80) can close the valves (107, 108, 109, 113) on the distillation tank recovery path (205, 206, 207) (816).

[0249] As described above, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can terminate the distillation process at the time when the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation chamber is distilled during the distillation process, and can reduce the amount of residual carbon dioxide and pressure in the flow path connecting the storage tank and the compressor during the distillation process and / or the depressurization process.

[0250] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a storage tank (10) provided for storing carbon dioxide; a washing tub (20) provided for washing laundry using carbon dioxide; a distillation tank (30) provided for receiving carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub (20) and for vaporizing carbon dioxide inside; a compressor (50) provided for compressing carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) or the distillation tank (30); a first pressure sensor (91) for detecting the pressure of the distillation tank (30); and a control unit (80) that operates the compressor (50) based on the start of the distillation process and identifies the time of completion of distillation of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank based on the pressure difference value of pressure values ​​continuously detected by the first pressure sensor (91) while the distillation process is in progress.

[0251] The control unit (80) can count the number of times the pressure difference value is greater than or equal to a preset first pressure value, and identify the time of completion of distillation based on the counted number being greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0252] The control unit (80) can identify that the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) has been vaporized and distillation is complete based on the fact that the counted number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0253] The washing machine (1) comprises: a first flow path connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the storage tank (10) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50); a distillation tank (30) heat exchanger arranged to pass through the distillation tank (30) on the first flow path; and a first valve for opening and closing the first flow path; and the control unit (80) can stop the compressor (50) and close the first valve based on the time when the distillation is completed.

[0254] The washing machine (1) comprises: a second flow path connecting the storage tank (10) and the distillation tank (30) to supply gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the distillation tank (30); a second valve for opening and closing the second flow path; and a second pressure sensor (92) for detecting the pressure of the storage tank (10). Based on the time of completion of distillation, the control unit (80) may stop the compressor (50), open the second valve to supply gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the distillation tank (30), and close the first valve and the second valve based on the fact that the pressure value of the storage tank (10) is less than or equal to a second pressure value that is preset relative to the pressure value of the distillation tank (30).

[0255] The control unit (80) may start the distillation process after the washing process or rinsing process is completed, or during the washing process or rinsing process.

[0256] The washing machine (1) further includes a third pressure sensor (93) for detecting the pressure of the washing tub (20), and the control unit (80) can operate the compressor (50) based on the fact that a pressure reduction step has started, and can terminate the pressure reduction step based on the fact that the pressure value detected by the third pressure sensor (93) during the pressure reduction step is less than or equal to a preset third pressure value.

[0257] The washing machine (1) comprises: a third path connecting the washing tub (20), the compressor (50), and the storage tank (10) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) moves to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50); a washing tub (20) heat exchanger provided to pass through the washing tub (20) on the third path; and a third valve for opening and closing the third path. At the end of the pressure reduction process, the control unit (80) can stop the compressor (50) and close the third valve.

[0258] The washing machine (1) further comprises: a fourth flow path connecting the storage tank (10) and the distillation tank (30) to supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the distillation tank (30); a fourth valve for opening and closing the fourth flow path; and a fourth pressure sensor (92) for detecting the pressure of the storage tank (10). At the end of the pressure reduction process, the control unit (80) may stop the compressor (50) and open the fourth valve to supply gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the distillation tank (30).

[0259] At the end of the above pressure reduction process, the control unit (80) can close the third valve and the fourth valve based on the fact that the pressure value of the storage tank (10) is less than or equal to a preset fourth pressure value relative to the pressure value of the distillation tank (30).

[0260] A control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include, in a control method for a washing machine comprising a storage tank (10), a washing tub (20), a distillation tank (30), and a compressor (50), recovering carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) through the compressor (50) to the storage tank (10) based on the start of the distillation process; continuously detecting pressure values ​​of the distillation tank (30) while the distillation process is in progress; and identifying the time of completion of distillation of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank based on the pressure difference value of the detected pressure values.

[0261] Identifying the point of completion of distillation may include counting the number of times the pressure difference value is greater than or equal to a preset first pressure value, and identifying the point of completion of distillation based on the fact that the counted number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0262] Identifying the point of completion of the distillation may include identifying that the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) has vaporized and the distillation is complete based on the fact that the counted number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0263] The washing machine (1) comprises: a first flow path connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the storage tank (10) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50); a distillation tank (30) heat exchanger arranged to pass through the distillation tank (30) on the first flow path; and a first valve for opening and closing the first flow path; and may further include closing the first valve while stopping the compressor (50) based on the time of completion of distillation.

[0264] The washing machine (1) comprises: a second flow path connecting the storage tank (10) and the distillation tank (30) to supply gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the distillation tank (30); a second valve for opening and closing the second flow path; and a second pressure sensor (92) for detecting the pressure of the storage tank (10); and may further include stopping the compressor (50), opening the second valve to supply gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the distillation tank (30), and closing the first valve and the second valve based on the fact that the pressure value of the storage tank (10) is less than or equal to a second pressure value that is preset relative to the pressure value of the distillation tank (30).

[0265] The above distillation process may further include starting the distillation process after the washing process or rinsing process is completed, or starting it during the washing process or rinsing process.

[0266] The washing machine (1) may further include a third pressure sensor (93) for detecting the pressure of the washing tub (20), operate the compressor (50) based on the start of the pressure reduction process, and terminate the pressure reduction process based on the pressure value detected by the third pressure sensor (93) being less than or equal to a preset third pressure value during the pressure reduction process.

[0267] The washing machine (1) comprises: a third path connecting the washing tub (20), the compressor (50), and the storage tank (10) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) moves to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50); a washing tub (20) heat exchanger arranged to pass through the washing tub (20) on the third path; and a third valve for opening and closing the third path. Ending the pressure reduction process may include stopping the compressor (50) and closing the third valve.

[0268] The washing machine (1) further comprises: a fourth flow path connecting the storage tank (10) and the distillation tank (30) to supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the distillation tank (30); a fourth valve for opening and closing the fourth flow path; and a fourth pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the storage tank (10). Ending the pressure reduction process may further include stopping the compressor (50) and opening the fourth valve to supply gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the distillation tank (30).

[0269] Terminating the above pressure reduction process may include closing the third valve and the fourth valve based on the fact that the pressure value of the storage tank (10) is less than or equal to a preset fourth pressure value relative to the pressure value of the distillation tank (30).

[0270] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, they may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments.

[0271] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0272] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0273] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been explained with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

Claims

1. A storage tank provided for storing carbon dioxide; A washing tub configured to wash laundry using carbon dioxide; A distillation tank configured to receive carbon dioxide and foreign substances discharged from the washing tub and to vaporize carbon dioxide inside; A compressor provided to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tank or the distillation tank; A first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the distillation tank; and Based on the start of the distillation process, the above compressor is operated, and A washing machine comprising: a control unit that identifies the time of completion of distillation of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank based on the pressure difference value of pressure values ​​continuously detected by the first pressure sensor while the distillation process is in progress.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, Count the number of times the above pressure difference value is greater than or equal to a preset first pressure value, and A washing machine that identifies the point of completion of distillation based on the fact that the above-counted number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above control unit is, A washing machine that identifies that the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank has vaporized and distillation is complete based on the fact that the above-mentioned count is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above washing machine is, A first flow path connecting the distillation tank, the compressor, and the storage tank so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank moves to the storage tank via the compressor; A distillation tank heat exchanger arranged to pass through the distillation tank on the first flow path above; and A first valve for opening and closing the first flow path; comprising, The above control unit is, A washing machine that stops the compressor and closes the first valve based on the time of completion of the distillation.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above washing machine is, A second flow path connecting the storage tank and the distillation tank to supply gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank to the distillation tank; A second valve for opening and closing the second Euro; and A second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the storage tank; comprising, Based on the time of completion of the distillation mentioned above, the control unit, Stop the above compressor, and The second valve is opened so that gaseous carbon dioxide is supplied from the storage tank to the distillation tank, and A washing machine that closes the first valve and the second valve based on the fact that the pressure value of the storage tank is less than or equal to a second pressure value that is preset relative to the pressure value of the distillation tank.

6. In Paragraph 1, A washing machine in which the control unit starts the distillation process after the washing process or rinsing process is completed, or starts the distillation process during the washing process or rinsing process.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above washing machine is, It further includes a third pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the washing tub, and The above control unit is, Based on the fact that the pressure reduction stroke has started, the above compressor is operated, and A washing machine that terminates the pressure reduction process based on the fact that the pressure value detected by the third pressure sensor during the pressure reduction process is less than or equal to a preset third pressure value.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above washing machine is, A third flow path connecting the washing tub, the compressor, and the storage tank so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub moves to the storage tank via the compressor; A washing tub heat exchanger arranged to pass through the washing tub on the above-mentioned third Euro; and A third valve for opening and closing the third Euro; comprising, At the end of the above pressure reduction process, the control unit, A washing machine that closes the third valve while stopping the compressor.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above washing machine is, A fourth flow path connecting the storage tank and the distillation tank to supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank to the distillation tank; A fourth valve for opening and closing the above-mentioned fourth Euro; and A fourth pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the storage tank; further comprising, At the end of the above pressure reduction process, the control unit, Stop the above compressor, and A washing machine that opens the fourth valve to supply gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank to the distillation tank.

10. In Paragraph 9, At the end of the above pressure reduction process, the control unit, A washing machine that closes the third valve and the fourth valve based on the fact that the pressure value of the storage tank is less than or equal to a preset fourth pressure value relative to the pressure value of the distillation tank.

11. A method for controlling a washing machine comprising a storage tank, a washing tub, a distillation tank, and a compressor, wherein Based on the start of the distillation process, the carbon dioxide in the distillation vessel is recovered to the storage tank via the compressor, and During the above distillation process, the pressure values ​​of the distillation vessel are continuously detected, and A control method for a washing machine comprising: identifying the time of completion of distillation of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank based on the pressure difference value of the detected pressure values.

12. In Paragraph 11, Identifying the point of completion of the above distillation is, Count the number of times the above pressure difference value is greater than or equal to a preset first pressure value, and A control method for a washing machine comprising identifying the point of completion of distillation based on the fact that the above-counted number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

13. In Paragraph 11, Identifying the point of completion of the above distillation is, A control method for a washing machine comprising identifying that the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank has vaporized and distillation is complete based on the fact that the above-counted number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

14. In Paragraph 11, The above washing machine is, A first flow path connecting the distillation tank, the compressor, and the storage tank so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank moves to the storage tank via the compressor; A distillation tank heat exchanger arranged to pass through the distillation tank on the first flow path above; and A first valve for opening and closing the first flow path; comprising, A method for controlling a washing machine that further includes stopping the compressor and closing the first valve based on the time of completion of the distillation.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above washing machine is, A second flow path connecting the storage tank and the distillation tank to supply gaseous carbon dioxide from the storage tank to the distillation tank; A second valve for opening and closing the second Euro; and A second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the storage tank; comprising, Stop the above compressor, and The second valve is opened so that gaseous carbon dioxide is supplied from the storage tank to the distillation tank, and A control method for a washing machine further comprising closing the first valve and the second valve based on the fact that the pressure value of the storage tank is less than or equal to a second pressure value that is preset relative to the pressure value of the distillation tank.

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