Washing machine and method for controlling same

Abstract

This washing machine comprises: a storage tank that stores carbon dioxide; a washing tub that accommodates carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank and laundry; a distillation tank that accommodates carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub and vaporizes the received carbon dioxide; a compressor that compresses carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank or carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank; and a pressure flow path connected to the washing tub so as to supply carbon dioxide pressurized by the compressor to the washing tub.

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 and a control method thereof capable of controlling the pressure and temperature of a washing tub during a pressurization stroke, a washing stroke, and / or a rinsing stroke.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a storage tank for storing carbon dioxide; a washing tub for receiving carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank and laundry; a distillation tank for receiving carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub and vaporizing the received carbon dioxide; a compressor for compressing carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank or carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank; and a pressure passage connected to the washing tub so as to supply carbon dioxide pressurized by the compressor to the washing tub.

[0009] A control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a storage tank for storing carbon dioxide; a washing tub for receiving carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank and laundry; a distillation tank for receiving carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub and vaporizing the received carbon dioxide; a compressor for compressing carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank; and a pressure passage connected to the storage tank, the compressor, and the washing tub. The control method comprises: detecting at least one of pressure and temperature inside the washing tub; and performing a compression pressurization process for supplying carbon dioxide pressurized by the compressor to the washing tub based on the fact that the at least one detected value is less than a predetermined value. The compression pressurization process may include simultaneously operating the compressor and opening the pressure passage so that the carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank moves to the washing tub through the compressor.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an operation cycle of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates the process of supplying gaseous carbon dioxide to a washing tub in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates the process of supplying liquid carbon dioxide to a washing tub in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates the process of supplying gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid carbon dioxide from a washing tub to a distillation tub in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates the process of recovering carbon dioxide inside a distillation tank into a storage tank in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates the process of recovering carbon dioxide inside the washing tub into a storage tank in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates the process of supplying carbon dioxide from a storage tank to a washing tub by means of a compressor in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates the process of supplying carbon dioxide from a distillation tank to a washing tub by means of a compressor in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates the process of supplying carbon dioxide from a storage tank to a washing tub by means of a compressor and the process of supplying carbon dioxide from a distillation tank to a washing tub by means of a compressor in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 18 illustrates the process of circulating carbon dioxide discharged from a washing tub in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to a washing tub by means of a circulation pump and a constant temperature bath.

[0028] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 24 illustrates another example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0036] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The washing machine may include a drum designed to accommodate laundry.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The drive unit can rotate the drum in the forward or reverse direction to perform respective operations according to the washing and rinsing cycles.

[0050] 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.

[0051] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0052] 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.

[0053] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with an external device via wired and / or wireless means.

[0056] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 suction end of the compressor (50) due to a pressure difference, and carbon dioxide introduced into the suction 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 suction 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).

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 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).

[0077] 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.

[0078] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may further include a replenishment tank (60).

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] Specifically, the valve may include a first valve (101), a second valve (102), a third valve (103), a fourth valve (104), a fifth valve (105), a sixth valve (106), a seventh valve (107), an eighth valve (108), a ninth valve (109), a tenth valve (110), an eleventh valve (111), a twelfth valve (112), a thirteenth valve (113), a fourteenth valve (114), and a sixteenth valve (116). The flow path may include a first flow path (201), a second flow path (202), a third flow path (203), a fourth flow path (204), a fifth flow path (205), a sixth flow path (206), a seventh flow path (207), an eighth flow path (208), a ninth flow path (209), a tenth flow path (210), and an eleventh flow path (211). The Euro connection section may include a first connection section (301), a second connection section (302), a third connection section (303), a fourth connection section (304), a fifth connection section (305), a sixth connection section (307), and an eighth connection section (308).

[0082] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 2, the washing machine (1) may include a control unit (80) that performs overall control.

[0084] The washing machine (1) may include a control unit (80) including a processor (81) and a memory (82), a chiller (11), a compressor (50), a sensor unit (90), a valve (101-116), a driving device (120), a communication unit (130), and a user interface device (140).

[0085] The driving device (120) may include a motor (120a) provided to rotate a drum provided to receive laundry. The driving device (120) can perform respective operations according to the washing process and / or rinsing process by driving the motor (120a) to rotate the drum, which is rotatably provided inside the washing tub (20) and receives laundry inside, in the forward or reverse direction.

[0086] The communication unit (130) 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In one embodiment, the communication unit (130) 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 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).

[0090] The user interface device (140) may include at least one input interface (141) and at least one output interface (142).

[0091] At least one input interface (141) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0092] At least one input interface (141) 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 (141) 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.

[0093] At least one output interface (142) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine (1) to the user.

[0094] For example, at least one output interface (142) can transmit information to the user regarding the washing course, the operating time of the washing machine (1), and washing / rinsing settings. Information regarding the operation of the washing machine can be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (142) may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0095] 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).

[0096] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (90) may include a water level sensor (91) for detecting the water level inside the washing tub (20), a pressure sensor (92) for detecting the pressure inside the washing tub (20), and a temperature sensor (93) for detecting the temperature inside the washing tub (20). Instead of the pressure sensor (92) and the temperature sensor (93), a pressure-temperature sensor (92, 93) may be included. The pressure-temperature sensor (92, 93) may output at least one detection value among temperature and pressure.

[0097] In various embodiments, the sensor unit (90) may include a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the storage tank (10), a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the storage tank (10), a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the distillation tank (30), a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the distillation tank (30), etc.

[0098] In one embodiment, the water level sensor (91) can detect the internal pressure of the connecting hose connected to the washing tub (20) and output an electrical signal corresponding to the detected pressure to the control unit (80). At this time, the water level of the connecting hose may be the same as the water level of the washing tub (20). As the water level of the washing tub (20) rises, the water level of the connecting hose rises, and as the water level of the connecting hose rises, the pressure inside the connecting hose may increase.

[0099] The control unit (80) can obtain the water level of the connecting hose, i.e., the water level of the washing tub (20), based on the pressure of the connecting hose detected by the water level sensor (91). For example, the water level sensor (91) can detect a frequency that changes according to the pressure of the connecting hose. The control unit (80) can obtain the water level of the washing tub (20) by analyzing the frequency of the electrical signal (water level frequency) corresponding to the output value of the water level sensor (91).

[0100] The control unit (80) can receive water level data, pressure data, and temperature data detected by the sensor unit (90).

[0101] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may receive water level data, pressure data, and temperature data detected by the water level sensor (91), pressure sensor (92), and temperature sensor (93), respectively. The control unit (80) may control the compressor (50) and the first to sixth valves (101 to 116) based on the water level data, pressure data, and temperature data received from the water level sensor (91), pressure sensor (92), and temperature sensor (93).

[0102] The control unit (80) can control the chiller (11), compressor (50), first to sixth valves (101 to 116), driving device (120), etc. to perform a pressurizing stroke, a washing stroke, a rinsing stroke, a distillation stroke and / or a depressurizing stroke.

[0103] The control unit (80) can be electrically connected to the chiller (11), compressor (50), sensor unit (90), valve (101-116), driving device (120), communication unit (130) and user interface device (140).

[0104] The control unit (80) may be composed of hardware such as a CPU, a Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program.

[0105] 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.

[0106] The processor (81) can process output signals of the chiller (11), compressor (50), sensor unit (90), valve (101-116), driving unit (120), communication unit (130) and / or user interface device (140), and may include an operation circuit, a memory circuit, and a control circuit that outputs control signals to the chiller (11), compressor (50), sensor unit (90), valve (101-116), driving unit (120), communication unit (130), user interface device (140), etc. based on processing the output signals.

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an operation cycle of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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) as an intermediate pressurization process.

[0113] The initial pressurization operation (400) can perform an air discharge operation to discharge air inside the washing tub (20) and a carbon dioxide supply operation to supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20).

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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 a vacuum pump to discharge the air that has entered the washing tub (20) along with the laundry to the outside. As the vacuum pump operates, the inside of the washing tub (20) can become a low pressure close to a vacuum.

[0116] 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).

[0117] FIG. 4 illustrates the process of supplying gaseous carbon dioxide to a washing tub in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] 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).

[0119] When laundry is introduced into the washing tub (20) and the door is closed, the control unit (80) can discharge the air that has entered the washing tub (20) along with the laundry to the outside of the washing tub (20). At this time, the control unit (80) can supply a small amount of gaseous carbon dioxide to the washing tub (20) by temporarily opening and then closing the valve (101, 103) of the gas flow path (201) that directly connects the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20). After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit (80) can discharge the air to the outside, excluding the gaseous carbon dioxide that has settled inside the washing tub (20), by opening the valve (114) of the air discharge path that discharges the air inside the washing tub (20) to the outside.

[0120] The control unit (80) can supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) after exhausting the air inside the washing tub (20) to the outside.

[0121] The washing machine (1) may include a first flow path (201), which is a gas flow path that directly connects the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20). 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).

[0122] 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.

[0123] The control unit (80) can equalize the pressure of the storage tank (10) and the pressure of the washing tub (20) by opening 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).

[0124] 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).

[0125] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) can stop the supply of gaseous carbon dioxide when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) rises to a preset value of approximately 30 to 60 bar.

[0126] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) may close the first valve (101) to prevent 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 connecting part (301) and the storage tank (10).

[0127] 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).

[0128] In the pressurization stroke (400, 420), the control unit (80) may close the sixth valve (106) to prevent carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) from moving to the distillation tank (30). The sixth valve (106) may be provided on the path connecting the second path connection (302) and the distillation tank (30).

[0129] In various embodiments, during the pressurization stroke (400, 420), the control unit (80) can supply carbon dioxide from the replenishment tank (60) to the washing tub (20). The control unit (80) can open the second valve (102) and the third valve (103) to supply carbon dioxide from the replenishment tank (60) into the washing tub (20).

[0130] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) can stop the supply of gaseous carbon dioxide when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) rises to a preset value of approximately 30 to 60 bar.

[0131] FIG. 5 illustrates the process of supplying liquid carbon dioxide to a washing tub in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 5, the washing machine (1) may include a second flow path (202), which is a liquid flow path that directly connects 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. 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).

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] In the pressurization process (400, 420), 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.

[0136] In the pressurization process (400, 420), 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.

[0137] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) can close the first valve (101), the third valve (103), and the fourth valve (104) when the pressurization process ends.

[0138] Referring again to FIG. 3, the laundry process (410) can wash the laundry. Specifically, foreign substances attached to the laundry can be separated by carbon dioxide, which is a laundry solvent, or by a detergent dissolved in carbon dioxide.

[0139] The washing operation (410) can perform a washing operation to wash 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 washing.

[0140] For washing, 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 washed by falling.

[0141] 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.

[0142] To discharge carbon dioxide, the control unit (80) can open the flow path between the washing tub (20) and the distillation tank (30) when washing is completed, thereby discharging 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.

[0143] After the washing process (410), a rinsing process (430) to rinse the laundry can be performed.

[0144] A pressurization step (420) can be performed before performing a rinsing step (430).

[0145] 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).

[0146] 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).

[0147] 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).

[0148] The rinsing process (430) can rinse the laundry. The rinsing process (430) can be performed once or multiple times.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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 an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] 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) during the washing cycle (410) or the rinsing cycle (430). 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.

[0154] 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).

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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).

[0157] In the washing process (410) and rinsing process (430), the control unit (80) can open the fifth valve (105) to supply liquid carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20). When the control unit (80) opens the fifth valve (105), the liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances inside the washing tub (10) can move to the distillation tank (30) by gravity.

[0158] In the washing process (410) or rinsing process (430), the control unit (80) can close the third valve (103), the sixth valve (106), and the fifth valve (105) when the washing process (410) or rinsing process (430) ends.

[0159] Referring again to FIG. 3, the distillation process (440) can distill carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30). The distillation may include recovering the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) to the storage tank (10). For example, the distillation may include vaporizing the liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation tank (30) and transferring it to the storage tank (10).

[0160] 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).

[0161] 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).

[0162] To discharge foreign substances, the control unit (80) can open the flow path between the distillation tank (30) and the foreign substance tank (70).

[0163] FIG. 7 illustrates the process of recovering carbon dioxide inside a distillation tank into a storage tank in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] 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).

[0165] The washing machine (1) may include a fifth flow path (205) connecting the distillation tank (30) and the suction end of 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).

[0166] The control unit (80) can move gaseous carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) to the suction 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 suction end of the compressor (50).

[0167] The washing machine (1) may include a sixth flow path (206) connecting the 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.

[0168] 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 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 inside the distillation tank (30) can be vaporized by heat supplied to the distillation tank (30) from the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a). Liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide can be contained inside the distillation tank (30). As the liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes inside the distillation tank (30), the foreign substances dissolved in the liquid carbon dioxide can be separated from the carbon dioxide. The foreign substances separated from the carbon dioxide can be discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the foreign substance tank (70) by opening the 13th valve (113). To this end, the control unit (80) can open the 13th valve (113).

[0169] When the eighth valve (108) and the ninth valve (109) are opened, the control unit (80) allows carbon dioxide that has passed through the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) from the discharge end of the compressor (50) to move to the fifth flow path connection (305). The carbon dioxide that has moved to the fifth flow path connection (305) can flow into the storage tank (10). At this time, the control unit (80) can close the twelfth valve (112) so that the carbon dioxide that has moved to the fifth flow path connection (305) does not move to the ninth flow path (209).

[0170] 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).

[0171] As described above, the control unit (80) can open the seventh valve (107), the eighth valve (108), and the ninth valve (109) 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), and the ninth valve (109), the control unit (80) can allow carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to move to the storage tank (10) via the compressor (50). The flow paths (205, 206, 207) connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), the chiller (11), 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) are called distillation tank recovery flow paths.

[0172] The control unit (80) can end the distillation process (440) by stopping the compressor (50) when distillation is completed in the distillation process (440) and closing all valves that were opened in the distillation process.

[0173] Referring again to FIG. 3, the depressurization step (450) can depressurize the inside of the washing tub (20) to remove laundry from the washing tub (20) after the washing step alone or the rinsing step is completed.

[0174] 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).

[0175] 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).

[0176] FIG. 8 illustrates the process of recovering carbon dioxide inside the washing tub into a storage tank in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] 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 or during the distillation process. 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.

[0178] The pressure reduction step (450) may refer to lowering the pressure inside the washing tub (20) to a level similar to atmospheric pressure, such as 1 to 1.5 bar.

[0179] The washing machine (1) may include an eighth flow path (208) connecting the washing tub (20) and the suction 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).

[0180] The washing machine (1) may include a ninth flow path (209) connecting the discharge 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).

[0181] In the pressure reduction step (450), the control unit (80) can open the 10th valve (110). When the 10th valve (110) is opened, carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) can move along the 8th path (208) and flow into the suction end of the compressor (50).

[0182] 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 carbon dioxide discharged from the discharge end of the compressor (50) can travel along the 9th path (209), pass through the washing tub heat exchanger (209a), and move to the 5th path connection (305).

[0183] In the depressurization process (450), the control unit (80) can open the 12th valve (112). When the 12th valve (112) is opened, 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).

[0184] Since high-temperature 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.

[0185] As described above, after putting laundry into the washing tub (20), the washing tub door is closed and the air inside the washing tub (20) is discharged to the outside, but some air may remain inside the washing tub (20). There is moisture in the air remaining inside the washing tub (20), and this moisture may condense as the pressure inside the washing tub (20) decreases. This is because when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) decreases, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) decreases.

[0186] If moisture that has penetrated the laundry condenses, the laundry may be damaged. To prevent this, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) must be maintained above freezing even during the depressurization process (450). For example, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be maintained at approximately 10 degrees or higher. Although a separate heater may be included to raise the temperature inside the washing tub (20), this is not energy efficient, so the washing machine (1) according to the present disclosure can supply heat to the inside of the washing tub (20) using the heat of high-temperature carbon dioxide that has passed through the compressor (50). Specifically, heat can be supplied to the washing tub (20) by allowing the path through which the high-temperature carbon dioxide that has passed through the compressor (50) flows to pass through the inside or outside of the washing tub (20).

[0187] In the pressure reduction process (450), the control unit (80) can open the 10th valve (110), the 11th valve (111), and the 12th valve (112). When the 10th valve (110), the 11th valve (111), and the 12th valve (112) are opened, carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) moves along the 8th path (208) and flows into the suction end of the compressor (50), and the high temperature and high pressure carbon dioxide discharged from the discharge end of the compressor (50) moves along the 9th path (209), passes through the washing tub heat exchanger (209a), and moves to the 5th path connection part (305), and the carbon dioxide that has moved to the 5th path connection part (305) can move to the storage tank (10) along the 7th path (207).

[0188] By opening the 10th valve (110), the 11th valve (111), and the 12th valve (112), the carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) can 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), the chiller (11), and the storage tank (10) so that the 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.

[0189] FIG. 9 illustrates the process of supplying carbon dioxide from a storage tank to a washing tub by means of a compressor in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 9, a washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pressure passage (210, 211) connected to the washing tub (20) so that pressurized carbon dioxide is supplied to the washing tub (20) to control the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20).

[0191] The pressure passage (210, 211) may include a first pressure passage (210, 211) configured to allow carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) to move to the washing tub (20).

[0192] The first pressure passage (210, 211) may include a passage (210, 211) connecting the storage tank (10), the compressor (50), and the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) moves to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50).

[0193] The control unit (80) can move carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) through the compressor (50) by operating the compressor (50) while opening the first pressure passage (210, 211) in at least one of the pressurization stroke (400, 420), washing stroke (410), and rinsing stroke (430). Accordingly, the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be increased.

[0194] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) can increase the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) by moving carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) in the initial pressurization stroke (400) and / or intermediate pressurization stroke (420) through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20).

[0195] The first pressure passage (210, 211) may include an eleventh passage (211) connecting the storage tank (10) and the suction end of the compressor (50). A sixteenth valve (116) may be provided on the eleventh passage (211). A sixth passage connection (306) and an eighth passage connection (308) may be provided on the eleventh passage (211). The sixth passage connection (306) may be provided upstream of the sixteenth valve (116). The first passage (201) and the eleventh passage (211) may be connected at the sixth passage connection (306). The eighth passage connection (308) may be provided downstream of the sixteenth valve (116). The fifth passage (205) and the eleventh passage (211) may be connected at the eighth passage connection (308).

[0196] Additionally, the first pressure passage (210, 211) may include a tenth passage (210) connecting the discharge end of the compressor (50) and the washing tub (20). A fifteenth valve (115) may be provided on the tenth passage (210). A seventh passage connection (307) may be provided on the tenth passage (210). The seventh passage connection (307) may be provided upstream of the fifteenth valve (115). The seventh passage connection (307) may be connected to the washing tub (20). The sixth passage (206) and the tenth passage (210) may be connected at the seventh passage connection (307).

[0197] In the pressurization stroke (400, 420), the control unit (80) can open the first valve (101) and the 16th valve (116). When the first valve (101) and the 16th valve (116) are opened, carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) can move along the 11th path (211) and flow into the suction end of the compressor (50).

[0198] In the pressurization stroke (400, 420), the control unit (80) can open the 15th valve (115). When the 15th valve (115) is opened, the high temperature and high pressure carbon dioxide discharged from the discharge end of the compressor (50) can move along the 10th path (210) and move to the washing tub (20).

[0199] In the pressurization stroke (400, 420), the control unit (80) can open the 16th valve (116) and the 15th valve (115). When the 16th valve (116) and the 15th valve (115) are opened, carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) moves along the 11th path (211) and flows into the suction end of the compressor (50), and high temperature and high pressure carbon dioxide discharged from the discharge end of the compressor (50) can move along the 10th path (210) and move to the washing tub (20).

[0200] The control unit (80) operates the compressor (50) by opening the 16th valve (116) and the 15th valve (115), so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) can pass through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20).

[0201] Accordingly, the control unit (80) can increase the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) by moving the carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) in the initial pressurization stroke (400) and / or intermediate pressurization stroke (420) through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20).

[0202] In the conventional method, gaseous carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) is supplied to the washing tub (20) by the pressure difference between the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20), and liquid carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) is supplied to the washing tub (20) by gravity alone, so the pressure of the washing tub (20) is determined according to the initial pressure of the storage tank (10). That is, if the initial pressure of the storage tank (10) is too low, the pressure of the washing tub (20) is also lowered, and the temperature of the washing tub (20) may be lower than the preset temperature value. As a result, washing performance and rinsing performance may be reduced.

[0203] However, the washing machine (1) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can move carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50), thereby increasing the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) as desired. As a result, when using detergent, the dissolution of the detergent and the separation of contaminants can be facilitated, thereby improving washing performance and rinsing performance.

[0204] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 10, the pressurization stroke (400, 420) may include at least one of a non-compressive pressurization stroke and a compressed pressurization stroke.

[0206] The non-compressed pressurization process is a gravity-based pressurization process, which can supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) by gravity without a separate compression pressurization source.

[0207] In the non-compressed pressurization process, the control unit (80) can supply non-compressed 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). The control unit (80) can supply carbon dioxide stored in the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) by gravity without compression by opening the fourth valve (104) while the first valve (101) and the third valve (103) are open.

[0208] The compression pressurization process is a compressor-based pressurization process, and after compressing carbon dioxide through the compressor (50), the compressed carbon dioxide can be supplied to the washing tub (20).

[0209] The compression pressurization process can supply carbon dioxide compressed and pressurized by the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20) through the pressure passage (e.g., the first pressure passage (210, 211)) before the washing process (410) or the rinsing process (430).

[0210] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) can open the valves (101, 103, 104) of the flow path (201, 202) that directly connect the storage tank (10) and the washing tank (20) to supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tank (20) after discharging the air inside the washing tank (20) to the outside (500). At this time, the control unit (80) detects the pressure inside the storage tank (10), and if the pressure inside the storage tank (10) is too high, it can operate the chiller (11) to lower the pressure inside the storage tank (10) and then open the valves (101, 103, 104). This is because, when the pressure inside the storage tank (10) is too high, it is difficult to lower the pressure inside the washing tub (20) by supplying carbon dioxide to the washing tub (20), so the valves (101, 103, 104) can be opened after sufficiently lowering the pressure inside the storage tank (10) through the chiller (11). For example, if the target pressure value of the washing tub (20) is 40 bar, and the pressure of the storage tank (10) is 60 bar, the pressure of the washing tub (20) may not reach 40 bar even after pressure equilibrium and may remain at 50 bar. Therefore, carbon dioxide can be supplied from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) after sufficiently lowering the pressure of the storage tank (10) by operating the chiller (11).

[0211] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may, in the pressurization stroke (400, 420), open the first valve (101) and the third valve (103) of the first flow path (201), which is a gas flow path directly connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20), and then open the valve (104) of the second flow path (202), which is a liquid flow path directly connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20).

[0212] The control unit (80) can equalize the pressure of the storage tank (10) and the pressure of the washing tub (20) by opening the first valve (101) and the third valve (103). Additionally, the control unit (80) can move the liquid carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) by gravity by opening the fourth valve (104). Liquid carbon dioxide can be supplied until the liquid carbon dioxide level inside the washing tub (20) reaches a preset level value.

[0213] The control unit (80) can detect the water level inside the washing tub (20) through the water level sensor (91) during the pressurization process (400, 420) (510).

[0214] The control unit (80) can determine whether the water level of the washing tub (20) is above a predetermined water level (520).

[0215] The control unit (80) can detect at least one of the pressure and temperature of the washing tub (20) when the water level of the washing tub (20) is above a predetermined water level (520, e.g.). (530).

[0216] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) can detect the pressure inside the washing tub (20) through the pressure sensor (92) and detect the temperature inside the washing tub (20) through the temperature sensor (93).

[0217] The control unit (80) can determine whether the detected value is less than a predetermined value (540). The detected value may include a washing tub pressure value detected by a pressure sensor (92) and a washing tub temperature value detected by a temperature sensor (93). For example, the predetermined value may include a target pressure value and a target temperature value for optimal washing performance or rinsing performance. As an example, the target pressure value and the target temperature value may be 40 bar and the corresponding 10°, respectively.

[0218] When the detection value is less than a predetermined value (540, e.g.), the control unit (80) can open the 15th valve (115) and the 16th valve (116) of the first pressure passage (210, 211) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) moves through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20) (550). At this time, the control unit (80) can close the second passage (202) by closing the 4th valve (104).

[0219] The control unit (80) can operate the compressor (50) (560).

[0220] For example, if the pressure inside the washing tub (20) is less than 40 bar, the initial pressure of the storage tank (10) is low, so the washing tub (20) is in a low pressure state. When the compressor (50) is operated together with opening the 16th valve (116) and the 15th valve (115), carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) moves along the 11th path (211) and flows into the suction end of the compressor (50), and high-temperature and high-pressure carbon dioxide discharged from the discharge end of the compressor (50) moves along the 10th path (210) and moves to the washing tub (20). Thus, the pressure inside the washing tub (20) can be increased to reach 40 bar. In addition, even if the temperature inside the washing tub (20) is less than 10°, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be increased to reach 10° in the same way.

[0221] Meanwhile, if the detection value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (540, no), the control unit (80) stops the compressor (570), closes the first valve (101), the third valve (103), and the fourth valve (104) of the passage (201, 202) directly connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20) (580), and closes the 15th valve (115) and the 16th valve (116) of the first pressure passage (210, 211) (590). Accordingly, the control unit (80) can stop the process of controlling the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20).

[0222] In this way, the washing machine (1) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) to a desired level, thereby improving washing performance and rinsing performance.

[0223] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the flow of carbon dioxide in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates the process of supplying carbon dioxide from a distillation tank to a washing tub by a compressor in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0224] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first valve (101) to a fourth valve (114) and a seventh valve (117). A flow path may include a first flow path (201) to a ninth flow path (209) and a twelfth flow path (212). A flow path connection may include a first flow path connection (301) to a fifth flow path connection (305) and a ninth flow path connection (309).

[0225] A washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pressure passage (205, 206, 212) connected to the washing tub (20) so that pressurized carbon dioxide is supplied to the washing tub (20) to control the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20).

[0226] The pressure passage (205, 206, 212) may include a second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) provided to allow carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to move to the washing tank (20).

[0227] The second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) may include a passage (205, 206, 212) connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the washing tank (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the washing tank (20) via the compressor (50).

[0228] The control unit (80) can move carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the washing tank (20) through the compressor (50) by operating the compressor (50) while opening the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) in at least one of the pressurization stroke (400, 420), washing stroke (410), and rinsing stroke (430). Accordingly, the pressure and temperature inside the washing tank (20) can be increased.

[0229] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) can increase the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) by moving carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20) during the initial pressurization stroke (400) and / or the intermediate pressurization stroke (420).

[0230] The second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) may include the fifth passage (205), the sixth passage (206), and the twelfth passage.

[0231] A 17th valve (117) may be included on the 12th path (212). A 9th path connection (309) may be provided on the 12th path (212). The 9th path connection (309) may be provided upstream of the 17th valve (117). The 6th path (206) and the 12th path (212) may be connected at the 9th path connection (309). At the 9th path connection (309), the 12th path (212) may be connected to the downstream path of the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) in the 6th path (206). The 12th path (212) may be branched from the 6th path (206) at the 9th path connection (309) and connected to the washing tank (20).

[0232] In the pressurization stroke (400, 420), the control unit (80) can open the seventh valve (107). When the seventh valve (107) is opened, carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can move along the fifth path (205) and flow into the suction end of the compressor (50).

[0233] In the pressurization stroke (400, 420), the control unit (80) can open the eighth valve (108). When the eighth valve (108) is opened, high temperature and high pressure carbon dioxide discharged from the discharge end of the compressor (50) can travel along the eighth path (208) and pass through the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a).

[0234] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) can open the 17th valve (117). When the 17th valve (117) is opened, the high temperature and high pressure carbon dioxide that has passed through the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) can move along the 12th path (212) to the washing tank (20). At this time, since the 16th valve (116) is closed, the high temperature and high pressure carbon dioxide that has passed through the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) cannot move toward the storage tank (10) and can move along the 12th path (212) to the washing tank (20).

[0235] In the pressurization process (400, 420), the control unit (80) opens the 7th valve (107), the 8th valve (108), and the 17th valve (117), thereby allowing carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) to flow into the suction end of the compressor (50) along the 5th path (205), and high-temperature and high-pressure carbon dioxide discharged from the discharge end of the compressor (50) can move to the washing tank (20) along the 12th path (212) via the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a) along the 8th path (208).

[0236] The control unit (80) operates the compressor (50) by opening the 7th valve (107), the 8th valve (108), and the 17th valve (117), so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) can pass through the compressor (50) to the washing tank (20).

[0237] Accordingly, the control unit (80) can increase the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) by moving the carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20) during the initial pressurization stroke (400) and / or the intermediate pressurization stroke (420). Meanwhile, if carbon dioxide is present in the distillation tank (30) because the distillation stroke (440) was not performed in the previous cycle, the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be increased by moving the carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20). Additionally, if there is no carbon dioxide or insufficient carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) during the initial pressurization stroke (400), the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be increased by moving the carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20) only during the intermediate pressurization stroke (420), where carbon dioxide remains inside the distillation tank (30). Additionally, the carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) is to be recovered to the storage tank (10) during the distillation process (440), and the carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) can be transferred to the washing tank (20), thereby reducing the subsequent distillation process operation and shortening the distillation process time.

[0238] A washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can move carbon dioxide discharged from a distillation tank (30) through a compressor (50) to a washing tub (20), thereby increasing the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) as desired. As a result, when using detergent, the dissolution of detergent and separation of contaminants can be facilitated, thereby improving washing performance and rinsing performance.

[0239] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 13, the pressurization stroke (400, 420) may include at least one of a non-compressive pressurization stroke and a compressed pressurization stroke.

[0241] The compression pressurization process is a compressor-based pressurization process, and after compressing carbon dioxide through the compressor (50), the compressed carbon dioxide can be supplied to the washing tub (20).

[0242] The compression pressurization process can supply carbon dioxide compressed and pressurized by the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20) through the pressure passage (e.g., second pressure passage (205, 206, 212)) before the washing process (410) or the rinsing process (430).

[0243] The control unit (80) can open the valves (101, 103, 104) of the flow path (201, 202) that directly connect the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20) to supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) after discharging the air inside the washing tub (20) to the outside during the pressurization stroke (400, 420) (600).

[0244] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may, in the pressurization stroke (400, 420), open the first valve (101) and the third valve (103) of the first flow path (201), which is a gas flow path directly connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20), and then open the valve (104) of the second flow path (202), which is a liquid flow path directly connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20).

[0245] The control unit (80) can equalize the pressure of the storage tank (10) and the pressure of the washing tub (20) by opening the first valve (101) and the third valve (103). Additionally, the control unit (80) can move the liquid carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) by gravity by opening the fourth valve (104). Liquid carbon dioxide can be supplied until the liquid carbon dioxide level inside the washing tub (20) reaches a preset level value.

[0246] The control unit (80) can detect the water level inside the washing tub (20) through the water level sensor (91) during the pressurization process (400, 420) (610).

[0247] The control unit (80) can determine whether the water level of the washing tub (20) is above a predetermined water level (620).

[0248] The control unit (80) can detect at least one of the pressure and temperature of the washing tub (20) when the water level of the washing tub (20) is above a predetermined water level (620, e.g.). (630).

[0249] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) can detect the pressure inside the washing tub (20) through the pressure sensor (92) and detect the temperature inside the washing tub (20) through the temperature sensor (93).

[0250] The control unit (80) can determine whether the detected value is less than a predetermined value (640). The detected value may include a washing tub pressure value detected by a pressure sensor (92) and a washing tub temperature value detected by a temperature sensor (93). For example, the predetermined value may include a target pressure value (e.g., 40 bar) and a target temperature value (e.g., 10°).

[0251] When the detection value is less than a predetermined value (640, e.g.), the control unit (80) can open the 7th valve (117), the 8th valve (108), and the 17th valve (117) of the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the washing tank (20) via the compressor (50) (650). At this time, the control unit (80) can close the 4th valve (104) to close the second passage (202). Additionally, the control unit (80) can open the 7th valve (117), the 8th valve (108), and the 17th valve (117) of the 2nd pressure passage (205, 206, 212) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the washing tank (20) via the compressor (50) when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor detecting the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) is greater than or equal to a preset pressure value. That is, when there is sufficient carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30), carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) can be moved to the washing tank (20) via the compressor (50). The control unit (80) can operate the compressor (50) (660).

[0252] For example, if the pressure inside the washing tub (20) is less than 40 bar, the initial pressure of the storage tank (10) is low, and since the washing tub (20) is in a low pressure state, the compressor (50) is operated by opening the 7th valve (107), the 8th valve (108), and the 17th valve (117). Then, carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30) flows into the suction end of the compressor (50) along the 5th path (205), and the high temperature and high pressure carbon dioxide discharged from the discharge end of the compressor (50) can move to the washing tub (20) along the 8th path (208), pass through the distillation tank heat exchanger (206a), and then move along the 12th path (212). Thus, the pressure inside the washing tub (20) can be increased to reach 40 bar. In addition, even if the temperature inside the washing tub (20) is less than 10°, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be increased to reach 10° in the same way.

[0253] Meanwhile, if the detection value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (640, no), the control unit (80) stops the compressor (670), closes the first valve (101), the third valve (103), and the fourth valve (104) of the passage (201, 202) directly connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20) (680), and closes the seventh valve (107), the eighth valve (108), and the seventh valve (117) of the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) (690). Accordingly, the control unit (80) can stop the process of controlling the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20).

[0254] In this way, the washing machine (1) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can also adjust the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) to a desired level, thereby improving washing performance and rinsing performance.

[0255] FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the flow of carbon dioxide in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 illustrates the process of supplying carbon dioxide from a storage tank to a washing tub by a compressor and the process of supplying carbon dioxide from a distillation tank to a washing tub by a compressor in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0256] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first valve (101) to a seventh valve (117). A flow path may include a first flow path (201) to a eleventh flow path (212). A flow path connection may include a first flow path connection (301) to a ninth flow path connection (309).

[0257] A washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include pressure passages (210, 211) (205, 206, 212) connected to the washing tub (20) so that pressurized carbon dioxide is supplied to the washing tub (20) to control the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20).

[0258] The pressure passages (210, 211) (205, 206, 212) may include a first pressure passage (210, 211) and a second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) arranged to supply pressurized carbon dioxide to the washing tub (20).

[0259] The first pressure passage (210, 211) may include a passage (210, 211) connecting the storage tank (10), the compressor (50), and the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) moves to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50).

[0260] The second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) may include a passage (205, 206, 212) connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the washing tank (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the washing tank (20) via the compressor (50).

[0261] The control unit (80) can move carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) through the compressor (50) by operating the compressor (50) while opening the first pressure passage (210, 211) during the pressurization stroke (400, 420). Accordingly, the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be increased.

[0262] Additionally, the control unit (80) can move carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the washing tank (20) through the compressor (50) by operating the compressor (50) while opening the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) during the pressurization process (400, 420). Accordingly, the pressure and temperature inside the washing tank (20) can be increased.

[0263] The control unit (80) can selectively open the first pressure passage (210, 211) or the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) during the pressurization process (400, 420) to move carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50), or carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50).

[0264] The control unit (80) detects the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) during the pressurization process (400, 420), and if the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) is greater than or equal to a preset pressure value, it can open the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212). That is, if there is sufficient carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30), the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) can be opened first to be used for pressurizing the washing tank (20).

[0265] The control unit (80) detects the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) during the pressurization process (400, 420), and if the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) is less than a preset pressure value, it can open the first pressure passage (210, 211).

[0266] FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 16, a washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first valve (101) to a fourth valve (114), a first eighth valve (118), and a ninth valve (119). A flow path may include a first flow path (201) to a ninth flow path (209) and a thirteenth flow path (213). A flow path connection may include a first flow path connection (301) to a fifth flow path connection (305), a tenth flow path connection (310), and an eleventh flow path connection (311).

[0268] A washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pressure passage (213) connected to a washing tub (20) so that pressurized or depressurized carbon dioxide is supplied to the washing tub (20) to control the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20).

[0269] The pressure passage (213) may include a third pressure passage (213) that is configured to allow carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) to circulate through the outside of the washing tub (20).

[0270] The third pressure passage (213) may include a 13th passage (213) connecting the inlet and outlet of the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) circulates to the washing tub (20) via the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160). The inlet of the washing tub (20) is an inlet through which liquid carbon dioxide is introduced from the storage tank (10), and may be an inlet connected to the second passage (202). The outlet of the washing tub (20) is an outlet through which liquid carbon dioxide and foreign substances are discharged from the washing tub (20), and may be connected to the fourth passage (204).

[0271] The 13th flow path (213) may be provided with the 18th valve (118), the circulation pump (150), the constant temperature bath (160), and the 19th valve (119). The 13th flow path (213) may be provided with the 9th flow path connection (309) connected to the outlet of the washing tub (20) and the 11th flow path connection (311) connected to the inlet of the washing tub (20). The 13th flow path (213) and the 4th flow path (204) may be connected at the 10th flow path connection (310). The 13th flow path (213) and the 2nd flow path (202) may be connected at the 11th flow path connection (311). The 19th valve (119) may be provided upstream of the circulation pump (150). The 20th valve (120) may be provided downstream of the constant temperature bath (160).

[0272] The circulation pump (150) can move liquid carbon dioxide from the outlet of the washing tub (20) through the constant temperature bath (150) to the inlet of the washing tub (20).

[0273] The constant temperature bath (160) can maintain the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide circulated by the circulation pump (150) at a predetermined temperature. The constant temperature bath (150) can lower the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide circulated through the heating device and cooling device when it is high and raise it when it is low. Since the washing tub (20) is affected by the ambient temperature, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) may be high when the ambient temperature is high, and the temperature inside the washing tub (20) may be low when the ambient temperature is low. Therefore, the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide circulating through the washing tub (20) can be adjusted to a target temperature through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160).

[0274] FIG. 17 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0275] Referring to FIG. 17, the washing machine (1) may include a control unit (80) that performs overall control.

[0276] The control unit (80) may include a chiller (11), a compressor (50), a sensor unit (90), valves (101-114, 118, 119), a driving device (120), a communication unit (130), a user interface device (140), a circulation pump (150), and a constant temperature bath (160).

[0277] 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).

[0278] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (90) may include a water level sensor (91) for detecting the water level inside the washing tub (20), a pressure sensor (92) for detecting the pressure inside the washing tub (20), a first temperature sensor (93) for detecting the temperature inside the washing tub (20), and a second temperature sensor (94) for detecting the temperature inside the constant temperature tub (160).

[0279] In various embodiments, the sensor unit (90) may include a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the storage tank (10), a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the storage tank (10), a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the distillation tank (30), a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the distillation tank (30), etc.

[0280] The control unit (80) can receive water level data, pressure data, and temperature data detected by the sensor unit (90).

[0281] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may receive water level data, pressure data, and temperature data detected by the water level sensor (91), pressure sensor (92), first temperature sensor (93), and second temperature sensor (94), respectively. The control unit (80) may control the compressor (50) and the first to sixth valves (101 to 114, 118, 119) based on the water level data, pressure data, and temperature data received from the water level sensor (91), pressure sensor (92), first temperature sensor (93), and second temperature sensor (94).

[0282] The control unit (80) can control the chiller (11), compressor (50), first to sixth valves (101 to 114, 118, 119), driving device (120), circulation pump (150), and constant temperature bath (160), etc., to perform a pressurizing stroke, a washing stroke, a rinsing stroke, a distillation stroke and / or a depressurizing stroke.

[0283] The control unit (80) can be electrically connected to the chiller (11), compressor (50), sensor unit (90), valves (101-114, 118, 119), driving device (120), communication unit (130) and user interface device (140), circulation pump (150) and constant temperature bath (160).

[0284] The control unit (80) may include at least one processor (81) and at least one memory (82).

[0285] The processor (81) can process output signals of a chiller (11), a compressor (50), a sensor unit (90), valves (101-114), a driving device (120), a communication unit (130), a user interface device (140), a circulation pump (150) and / or a constant temperature bath (160), and may include an arithmetic circuit, a memory circuit, and a control circuit that outputs control signals to the chiller (11), a compressor (50), a sensor unit (90), valves (101-114, 118, 119), a driving device (120), a communication unit (130), a user interface device (140), a circulation pump (150), a constant temperature bath (160), etc. based on processing the output signals.

[0286] FIG. 18 illustrates the process of circulating carbon dioxide discharged from a washing tub in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to a washing tub by means of a circulation pump and a constant temperature bath.

[0287] Referring to FIG. 18, the control unit (80) can circulate liquid carbon dioxide from the outlet of the washing tub (20) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) to the inlet of the washing tub (20) by operating the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) together with opening the third pressure passage (213) during at least one of the pressurization stroke (400, 420), washing stroke (410), and rinsing stroke (430). Accordingly, the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be increased.

[0288] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) can increase the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) by circulating liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature tub (160) to the washing tub (20) during the washing process (410) and / or the rinsing process (430).

[0289] In the washing process (410) and / or rinsing process (430), the control unit (80) may open the 18th valve (118) and the 19th valve (119) on the third pressure path (213). When the 18th valve (118) and the 19th valve (119) are opened, liquid carbon dioxide inside the washing tub (20) may be circulated into the washing tub (20) along the 13th path (213) via the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160).

[0290] For example, if the temperature inside the washing tub (20) is high, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be lowered by passing through the constant temperature bath (160) to lower the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide and then circulating it. If the temperature inside the washing tub (20) is low, the temperature inside the washing tub (20) can be raised by passing through the constant temperature bath (160) to raise the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide and then circulating it. The set temperature of the constant temperature bath can be determined based on the temperature and pressure inside the washing tub.

[0291] The control unit (80) can move liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50) by operating the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) together with opening the 18th valve (118) and the 19th valve (119).

[0292] Accordingly, the control unit (80) can increase the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) by circulating liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) during the washing cycle (410) and / or rinsing cycle (430) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature tub (160) to the washing tub (20).

[0293] A washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can circulate carbon dioxide discharged from a washing tub (20) to the washing tub (20) via a circulation pump (150) and a constant temperature bath (160), thereby increasing the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) as desired. Liquid carbon dioxide can be circulated during washing or rinsing, allowing the detergent to be mixed evenly when using detergent, making it easy to dissolve the detergent, and the circulating liquid carbon dioxide can provide mechanical force to the laundry, allowing foreign substances to be easily separated from the laundry. As a result, washing performance and rinsing performance can be improved.

[0294] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0295] Referring to FIG. 19, the control unit (80) can rotate the drum to perform washing or rinsing in the washing process (410) and / or rinsing process (430) (700).

[0296] The control unit (80) can detect at least one of the pressure and temperature of the washing tub (20) (710).

[0297] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) can detect the pressure inside the washing tub (20) through the pressure sensor (92) and detect the temperature inside the washing tub (20) through the first temperature sensor (93).

[0298] The control unit (80) can determine whether the detected value is less than a predetermined value (720). The detected value may include a washing tub pressure value detected by a pressure sensor (92) and a washing tub temperature value detected by a first temperature sensor (93). For example, the predetermined value may include a target pressure value (e.g., 40 bar) and a target temperature value (e.g., 10°).

[0299] When the detection value is less than a predetermined value (720, e.g.), the control unit (80) can open the 18th valve (118) and the 19th valve (119) of the third pressure passage (113) so that liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) can be circulated to the washing tub (20) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) (730).

[0300] The control unit (80) can operate the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) (740).

[0301] For example, if the temperature inside the washing tub (20) is less than 10°, the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) are operated together with opening the 18th valve (118) and the 19th valve (119), so that liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) can move into the washing tub (20) via the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) along the 13th path (213). Thus, as the circulating liquid carbon dioxide passes through the constant temperature bath (160), the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide increases, thereby raising the temperature inside the washing tub (20) to reach 10°.

[0302] Meanwhile, if the detection value is greater than a predetermined value (720, no), the control unit (80) can stop the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) (750) and close the 18th valve (118) and the 19th valve (119) of the third pressure passage (213) (760). Accordingly, the control unit (80) can stop the process of controlling the pressure and temperature inside the washing bath (20).

[0303] In this way, the washing machine (1) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can also adjust the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) to a desired level, thereby improving washing performance and rinsing performance.

[0304] FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0305] Referring to FIG. 20, a washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first pressure passage (210, 211) and a third pressure passage (213).

[0306] The first pressure passage (210, 211) may include a passage (210, 211) connecting the storage tank (10), the compressor (50), and the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) moves to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50).

[0307] The third pressure passage (213) may include a 13th passage (213) connecting the inlet and outlet of the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) circulates to the washing tub (20) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160).

[0308] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may open the first pressure passage (210, 211) during the initial pressurization stroke (400) and / or the intermediate pressurization stroke (420).

[0309] The control unit (80) can move carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20) by opening the first pressure passage (210, 211) and operating the compressor (50), thereby increasing the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20).

[0310] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may open the third pressure passage (213) during the washing stroke (410) and / or rinsing stroke (430).

[0311] The control unit (80) can increase the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) by operating the compressor (50) while opening the third pressure passage (213), thereby allowing carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) to be circulated to the washing tub (20) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160).

[0312] FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0313] Referring to FIG. 21, a washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) and a third pressure passage (213).

[0314] The second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) may include a passage (205, 206, 212) connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the washing tank (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the washing tank (20) via the compressor (50).

[0315] The third pressure passage (213) may include a 13th passage (213) connecting the inlet and outlet of the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) circulates to the washing tub (20) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160).

[0316] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may open the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) during the initial pressurization stroke (400) and / or the intermediate pressurization stroke (420).

[0317] The control unit (80) can move carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) through the compressor (50) to the washing tank (20) by operating the compressor (50) while opening the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212), thereby increasing the pressure and temperature inside the washing tank (20).

[0318] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may open the third pressure passage (213) during the washing stroke (410) and / or rinsing stroke (430).

[0319] The control unit (80) can increase the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) by operating the compressor (50) while opening the third pressure passage (213), thereby allowing carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) to be circulated to the washing tub (20) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160).

[0320] FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the carbon dioxide flow of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0321] Referring to FIG. 22, a washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first pressure passage (210, 211), a second pressure passage (205, 206, 212), and a third pressure passage (213).

[0322] The first pressure passage (210, 211) may include a passage (210, 211) connecting the storage tank (10), the compressor (50), and the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) moves to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50).

[0323] The second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) may include a passage (205, 206, 212) connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the washing tank (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the washing tank (20) via the compressor (50).

[0324] The third pressure passage (213) may include a 13th passage (213) connecting the inlet and outlet of the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) circulates to the washing tub (20) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160).

[0325] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may selectively open the first pressure passage (210, 211) or the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) during the initial pressure stroke (400) and / or the intermediate pressure stroke (420).

[0326] The control unit (80) detects the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) during the initial pressurization process (400) and / or the intermediate pressurization process (420), and if the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) is greater than or equal to a preset pressure value, it can open the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212). That is, if there is sufficient carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30), the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) can be opened first to be used for pressurizing the washing tank (20).

[0327] The control unit (80) detects the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) during the initial pressurization stroke (400) and / or the intermediate pressurization stroke (420), and if the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) is less than a preset pressure value, it can open the first pressure passage (210, 211).

[0328] The control unit (80) can move carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20) by opening the first pressure passage (210, 211) and operating the compressor (50), thereby increasing the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20).

[0329] The control unit (80) can move carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) through the compressor (50) to the washing tank (20) by operating the compressor (50) while opening the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212), thereby increasing the pressure and temperature inside the washing tank (20).

[0330] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may open the third pressure passage (213) during the washing stroke (410) and / or rinsing stroke (430).

[0331] The control unit (80) can increase the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) by operating the compressor (50) while opening the third pressure passage (213), thereby allowing carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) to be circulated to the washing tub (20) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160).

[0332] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0333] Referring to FIG. 23, the control unit (80) can open the valves (101, 103, 104) of the flow path (201, 202) that directly connect the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20) to supply carbon dioxide from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) after discharging the air inside the washing tub (20) to the outside during the pressurization stroke (400, 420) (800).

[0334] In one embodiment, the control unit (80) may, in the pressurization stroke (400, 420), open the first valve (101) and the third valve (103) of the first flow path (201), which is a gas flow path directly connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20), to equalize the pressure of the storage tank (10) and the pressure of the washing tub (20), and then open the valve (104) of the second flow path (202), which is a liquid flow path directly connecting the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20), while the first valve (101) and the third valve (103) are open.

[0335] The control unit (80) can detect the water level inside the washing tub (20) through the water level sensor (91) during the pressurization process (400, 420) (810).

[0336] The control unit (80) can determine whether the water level of the washing tub (20) is above a predetermined water level (820).

[0337] The control unit (80) can detect the pressure of the washing tub (20) through the pressure sensor (92) when the water level of the washing tub (20) is above a predetermined level (820, e.g.) (830).

[0338] The control unit (80) can determine whether the pressure value of the washing tub (20) is less than a predetermined pressure value (840).

[0339] The control unit (80) can open the valves of the first pressure passage (210, 211) or the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) if the pressure value of the washing tub (20) is less than a predetermined pressure value (840, e.g.) (850).

[0340] The control unit (80) may open the 15th valve (115) and the 16th valve (116) of the first pressure passage (210, 211) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) moves through the compressor (50) to the washing tank (20), or open the 7th valve (107), the 8th valve (108), and the 17th valve (117) of the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves through the compressor (50) to the washing tank (20). At this time, the control unit (80) detects the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) during the pressurization stroke (400, 420), and if the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) is greater than or equal to a preset pressure value, it may open the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212). That is, if there is enough carbon dioxide inside the distillation tank (30), the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) can be opened first to be used for pressurizing the washing tank (20).

[0341] The control unit (80) can operate the compressor (50) (860).

[0342] For example, when the pressure inside the washing tub (20) is less than 40 bar, carbon dioxide is supplied to the washing tub (20) through the first pressure passage (210, 211), and the compressor (50) can be operated by opening the 16th valve (116) and the 15th valve (115). When the 16th valve (116) and the 15th valve (115) are opened and the compressor (50) is operated, carbon dioxide inside the storage tank (10) moves along the 11th passage (211) and flows into the suction end of the compressor (50), and high-temperature and high-pressure carbon dioxide discharged from the discharge end of the compressor (50) can move along the 10th passage (210) and move to the washing tub (20). Thus, the pressure inside the washing tub (20) can be increased to reach 40 bar.

[0343] Meanwhile, if the pressure value of the washing tub (20) is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure value (840, no), the control unit (80) stops the compressor (870), closes the first valve (101), the third valve (103), and the fourth valve (104) of the passage (201, 202) that directly connects the storage tank (10) and the washing tub (20) (880), closes the 15th valve (115) and the 16th valve (116) of the first pressure passage (210, 211), or closes the 7th valve (107), the 8th valve (108), and the 17th valve (117) of the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) (890). Accordingly, the control unit (80) can stop the process of controlling the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20).

[0344] The control unit (80) can perform washing after adjusting the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) (900).

[0345] In this way, the washing machine (1) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) to a desired level, thereby improving washing performance and rinsing performance.

[0346] FIG. 24 illustrates another example of a flowchart of a control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0347] Referring to FIG. 24, the control unit (80) can rotate the drum to perform washing or rinsing in the washing process (410) and / or rinsing process (430) (1000).

[0348] The control unit (80) can detect the temperature of the washing tub (20) through the temperature sensor (91) (1010).

[0349] The control unit (80) can determine whether the temperature value of the washing tub (20) is less than a predetermined temperature value (1020).

[0350] When the temperature value of the washing tub (20) is less than a predetermined temperature value (1020, e.g.), the control unit (80) can open the 18th valve (118) and the 19th valve (119) of the third pressure passage (113) so that liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) can be circulated to the washing tub (20) through the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) (1030).

[0351] The control unit (80) can operate the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) (1040).

[0352] For example, if the temperature inside the washing tub (20) is less than 10°, the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) are operated together with opening the 18th valve (118) and the 19th valve (119), so that liquid carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) can move into the washing tub (20) via the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature bath (160) along the 13th path (213). Thus, as the circulating liquid carbon dioxide passes through the constant temperature bath (160), the temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide increases, thereby raising the temperature inside the washing tub (20) to reach 10°.

[0353] Meanwhile, if the temperature value of the washing tub (20) is above a predetermined temperature value (1020, no), the control unit (80) can stop the circulation pump (150) and the constant temperature tub (160) (1050) and close the 18th valve (118) and the 19th valve (119) of the third pressure passage (213) (1060). Accordingly, the control unit (80) can stop the process of controlling the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20).

[0354] In this way, the washing machine (1) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) to a desired level, thereby improving washing performance and rinsing performance.

[0355] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a storage tank (10) for storing carbon dioxide; a washing tub (20) for receiving carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) and laundry; a distillation tank (30) for receiving carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub (20) and for vaporizing the received carbon dioxide; a compressor (50) for compressing carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) or carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30); and a pressure passage connected to the washing tub (20) so as to supply carbon dioxide pressurized by the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20).

[0356] The above pressure passage may include a first pressure passage (210, 211) connecting the storage tank (10), the compressor (50), and the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) moves to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50).

[0357] The washing machine (1) may further include: a first valve for opening and closing the first pressure passage (210, 211); and a control unit (80) for controlling the compressor (50) and the first valve so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) moves through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20).

[0358] The washing machine (1) further includes a water level sensor (91) for detecting the water level of the washing tub (20); and a pressure temperature sensor (92, 93) for outputting at least one detection value among the pressure and temperature of the washing tub (20). The control unit (80) can start a first operation of moving carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) through the compressor (50) based on the detection value output by the pressure temperature sensor being less than the predetermined value when the water level of the washing tub (20) detected by the water level sensor (91) is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, and can terminate the first operation based on the detection value being greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0359] The above pressure passage may include a second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the washing tank (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the washing tank (20) via the compressor (50).

[0360] The washing machine (1) may further include: a second valve that opens and closes the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212); and a control unit (80) that controls the compressor (50) and the second valve so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves through the compressor (50) to the washing tank (20).

[0361] The washing machine (1) further includes a water level sensor (91) for detecting the water level of the washing tub (20); and a pressure temperature sensor (92, 93) for outputting at least one detection value among the pressure and temperature of the washing tub (20); and the control unit (80) can start a second operation of moving carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the washing tub (20) through the compressor (50) based on the detection value output by the pressure temperature sensor (92, 93) being less than the predetermined value when the water level of the washing tub (20) detected by the water level sensor (91) is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, and can terminate the second operation based on the detection value being greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0362] The washing machine (1) further includes a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the distillation tank (30); and the control unit (80) can detect the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) through the pressure sensor based on the fact that the detected value output by the pressure temperature sensor is less than a predetermined value, and can start a second operation of moving carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the washing tank (20) through the compressor (50) based on the fact that the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure value.

[0363] The above pressure passage may include: a first pressure passage (210, 211) connecting the storage tank (10), the compressor (50), and the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) moves to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50); and a second pressure passage (205, 206, 212) connecting the distillation tank (30), the compressor (50), and the washing tub (20) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50).

[0364] The washing machine (1) may further include: a first valve for opening and closing the first pressure passage (210, 211); a second valve for opening and closing the second pressure passage (205, 206, 212); and a control unit (80) for controlling the compressor (50) and the first valve so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) moves through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20), and for controlling the second valve and the compressor (50) so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) moves through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20).

[0365] The washing machine (1) further comprises: a water level sensor (91) for detecting the water level of the washing tub (20); a pressure temperature sensor (92, 93) for outputting at least one detection value among the pressure and temperature of the washing tub (20); and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the distillation tank (30); and the control unit (80) may perform a second operation of moving carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50) based on the fact that when the water level of the washing tub (20) detected by the water level sensor (91) is greater than or equal to a predetermined water level value, the detection value output by the pressure temperature sensor (92, 93) is less than a predetermined value and the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) detected by the pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure value, prior to the first operation of moving carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50).

[0366] The washing machine (1) may include a compression pressurization step in which carbon dioxide pressurized by the compressor (50) is supplied to the washing tub (20) through the pressure passage before the washing step or rinsing step.

[0367] A control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: detecting at least one of pressure and temperature inside a washing tub (20); and performing a compression pressurization process to supply carbon dioxide pressurized by a compressor (50) to the washing tub (20) based on the fact that the at least one detected value is less than a predetermined value.

[0368] Before detecting at least one of the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20), it may further include performing a non-compressible pressurization process of directly supplying carbon dioxide from a storage tank (10) in which carbon dioxide is stored to the washing tub (20).

[0369] Detecting at least one of the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) may include detecting the water level of the washing tub (20) and detecting at least one of the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub (20) based on the water level of the washing tub (20) being greater than or equal to a predetermined water level value.

[0370] Performing the above compression pressurization process may include starting a first operation to move carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) through the compressor (50) to the washing tub (20) based on the detection value being less than a predetermined value, and ending the first operation based on the detection value being greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0371] Performing the above compression pressurization process may include starting a second operation to move carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the washing tank (20) via the compressor (50) based on the detection value being less than a predetermined value, and ending the second operation based on the detection value being greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0372] Performing the above compression pressurization process may include detecting the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) through a pressure sensor based on the detection value being less than a predetermined value, and starting a second operation to move the carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the washing tank (20) via the compressor (50) based on the pressure inside the distillation tank (30) being greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure value.

[0373] Performing the above compression pressurization process includes initiating a first operation to move carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank (10) to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50) or a second operation to move carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank (30) to the washing tub (20) via the compressor (50) based on the detection value being less than a predetermined value, and the priority of the second operation may be higher than the priority of the first operation.

[0374] Performing the above compression pressurization process may further include performing the above compression pressurization process before the washing process or rinsing process.

[0375] 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.

[0376] 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.

[0377] 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.

[0378] 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

Storage tank for storing carbon dioxide; A washing tub that accommodates carbon dioxide discharged from the above storage tank and laundry; A distillation tank that receives carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub and vaporizes the received carbon dioxide; A compressor for compressing carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank or carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank; and A washing machine comprising: a pressure passage connected to the washing tub so that carbon dioxide pressurized by the compressor is supplied to the washing tub. In paragraph 1, The above pressure passage is, A first pressure passage connecting the storage tank, the compressor, and the washing tub; comprising, A washing machine in which carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank is compressed by the compressor, and the compressed carbon dioxide is moved to the washing tub through the first pressure passage. In paragraph 2, The above washing machine is, A first valve for opening and closing the first pressure passage; and A washing machine further comprising: a control unit that controls the compressor to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank and opens the first valve so that the carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank moves to the washing tub through the compressor. In paragraph 3, The above washing machine is, A water level sensor for detecting the water level of the washing tub; and Further comprising a pressure and temperature sensor that outputs at least one detection value among the pressure and temperature of the washing tub; The above control unit is, A washing machine that, when the water level of the washing tub detected by the water level sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined water level value, starts a first operation of moving carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank through the compressor to the washing tub based on the detection value output by the pressure and temperature sensor being less than a predetermined value, and terminates the first operation based on the detection value being greater than or equal to the predetermined value. In paragraph 1, The above pressure passage is, It further includes a second pressure passage connecting the distillation tank, the compressor, and the washing tank; and A washing machine in which carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank is compressed by the compressor, and the compressed carbon dioxide is transferred to the washing tub through the second pressure passage. In paragraph 5, The above washing machine is, A second valve for opening and closing the second pressure passage; and A washing machine further comprising: a control unit that controls the compressor to compress carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank and opens the second valve so that the carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank moves to the washing tub through the compressor. In paragraph 6, The above washing machine is, A water level sensor for detecting the water level of the washing tub; and Further comprising a pressure and temperature sensor that outputs at least one detection value among the pressure and temperature of the washing tub; The above control unit is, A washing machine that, when the water level of the washing tub detected by the water level sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined water level value, starts a second operation of moving carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank through the compressor to the washing tub based on the detection value output by the temperature and pressure sensor being less than a predetermined value, and terminates the second operation based on the detection value being greater than or equal to the predetermined value. In paragraph 6, The above washing machine is, A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the distillation vessel; further comprising, The above control unit is, A washing machine that detects the pressure inside the distillation tank through the pressure sensor based on the fact that the detected value output by the pressure temperature sensor is less than a predetermined value, and starts a second operation of moving carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank through the compressor to the washing tank based on the fact that the pressure inside the distillation tank is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure value. In paragraph 1, The above pressure passage is, A first pressure passage connecting the storage tank, the compressor, and the washing tub so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank is compressed by the compressor and the compressed carbon dioxide moves to the washing tub; and A washing machine comprising: a second pressure passage connecting the distillation tank, the compressor, and the washing tank so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank is compressed by the compressor and the compressed carbon dioxide moves to the washing tank. In Paragraph 9, The above washing machine is, A first valve for opening and closing the first pressure passage; A second valve for opening and closing the second pressure passage; and Control the first valve and the compressor so that carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank moves to the washing tub via the compressor, and A washing machine further comprising: a control unit that controls the second valve and the compressor so that carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank moves through the compressor to the washing tub. In Paragraph 10, The above washing machine is, A water level sensor for detecting the water level of the washing tub above; A pressure and temperature sensor that outputs at least one detection value among the pressure and temperature of the washing tub; and Further comprising a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the distillation vessel; and The above control unit is, A washing machine that, when the water level of the washing tub detected by the water level sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined water level value, performs a second operation of moving carbon dioxide discharged from the distillation tank to the washing tub via the compressor based on the fact that the detected value output by the pressure temperature sensor is less than a predetermined value and the internal pressure of the distillation tank detected by the pressure sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure value, in priority over a first operation of moving carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank to the washing tub via the compressor. In paragraph 1, The above washing machine is, A washing machine comprising: a compression pressurization stroke that supplies carbon dioxide pressurized by the compressor to the washing tub through the pressure passage before the washing stroke or rinsing stroke. A control method for a washing machine comprising: a storage tank for storing carbon dioxide; a washing tub for receiving carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank and laundry; a distillation tank for receiving carbon dioxide discharged from the washing tub and vaporizing the received carbon dioxide; a compressor for compressing carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank; and a pressure passage connected to the storage tank, the compressor, and the washing tub. Detecting at least one of the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub; Performing a compression pressurization process to supply carbon dioxide pressurized by a compressor to the washing tub based on the fact that at least one of the detected values ​​is less than a predetermined value; comprising Performing the above compression and pressurization process is, A method for controlling a washing machine, comprising operating the compressor to move carbon dioxide discharged from the storage tank to the washing tub through the compressor and simultaneously opening the pressure passage. In Paragraph 13, A control method for a washing machine further comprising performing a non-compressible pressurization process of directly supplying carbon dioxide from a storage tank in which carbon dioxide is stored to the washing tub before detecting at least one of the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub. In Paragraph 13, Detecting at least one of the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub is, Detecting the water level of the washing tub above, and A control method for a washing machine comprising detecting at least one of the pressure and temperature inside the washing tub based on the fact that the water level of the washing tub is greater than or equal to a predetermined water level value.

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