KR100672525B1 - Control Method of Washer Having Steam Generator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control method of a washing machine to protect the components of the steam generator from air exposure, in a control method of a washing machine having a steam generator for generating high temperature steam and supplying the inside of the drum (Drum) Performing water supply to the steam generator at a predetermined time period during a washing operation; Calculating a total water supply time to the steam generator; Then, when the washing administration is completed, or the calculated total water supply time has elapsed a predetermined water level water supply time elapses, the water supply to the steam generating device is stopped.

Therefore, the present invention can prevent the parts such as the heater from being exposed to the air by keeping the washing water in the steam generator at the full water level at all times. In addition, it is possible to improve the reliability of the product by solving the inability to adjust the level of the steam generator due to the failure of the water level sensor.

Steam / Heater / Air Exposure / Corrosion / Water Level Sensors / Full Water Level

Description

Control Method of Washer Having Steam Generator

1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a general steam jet drum washing machine

2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1

3 is a perspective view showing a steam generator mounted on the drum washing machine of FIG.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part cut to explain the internal structure of the steam generator

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a control related configuration of the steam generator in the present invention

6 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a washing machine having a steam generator according to the present invention.

7 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of a control method of a washing machine having a steam generator according to the present invention;

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

100: steam generator 110: heater

120: water level sensor 200: water supply valve

300: temperature sensor 400: control unit

The present invention relates to a steam generator for use in a washing machine, and more particularly to a control method of a washing machine to protect the components of the steam generator from air exposure.

In general, a washing apparatus includes a pulsator type washing machine in which a drum is erected in a vertical direction, a drum washing machine in which the drum is laid in a horizontal direction, a combined-use washing machine including a drying function, and a dryer which performs drying of clothes and the like. Included.

Among the above washing machines, the pulsator type washing machine, the drum washing machine, and the combined dry washing machine usually perform washing-related strokes using washing water.

However, since the washing-related administration requires a large amount of washing water, efforts have recently been made to minimize the amount of washing water used for washing.

It is provided by this is a steam generator, the steam generator serves to assist the washing stroke proceeds by using a small amount of washing water.

1 and 2, a description will be given of a general steam jet drum washing machine.

As shown, a conventional steam jet drum washing machine is installed to be suspended by a damper assembly 55 while being installed to be suspended by a spring 54 in the cabinet 52 and the cabinet 52 forming an exterior. The tub 56 is installed, the drum 58 is rotatably installed inside the tub 56, the laundry 58 and the laundry 58 are contained, and the drum 56 is installed to be connected to the drum 58 behind the tub 56. A motor (60) for rotating (58), a steam generator (70) positioned above the tub (56) for heating wash water with high-temperature, high-pressure steam and supplying it into the drum (58); Is installed at the bottom of the 56 is configured to include a pump device 80 to circulate by pumping the wash water of the tub (56).

In addition, the drum washing machine is a water supply means 62 for supplying washing water into the tub 56 and the drum 58, and a drain pump assembly for draining the washing water inside the tub 56 and the drum 58. 66 is further included, the steam generator 70 is connected to the water supply means 62 is installed.

Specifically, the water supply means 62 is installed so as to be connected between the first water supply valve 62a for controlling the water supply to the drum 58, the first water supply valve 62a and the tub 56, detergent Is stored in the detergent box assembly 62b, the second water supply valve 62a 'for adjusting the water supply to the steam generator 70, the detergent box assembly 62b and the steam generator 70, and The first and the second water supply passages 62c and 62c 'connected to each other, and one end of the steam generator 70 are connected to each other, and the other end is positioned inside the tub 56 and the drum 58 to supply steam. And a steam flow path 62d for feeding into the tub 56 and the drum 58.

The first water supply passage 62c is installed to be connected to the detergent box assembly 62b from the first water supply valve 62a so that the wash water is supplied to the drum 58, and the second water supply passage 62c 'is provided. ) Is installed to be connected to the steam generator 70 from the second water supply valve 62a 'to allow the wash water to be supplied to the steam generator 70.

In addition, the end 62d ′ is formed in a nozzle shape so that the steam flow path 62d may be injected at a high speed, and passes through the gasket 57 connected between the tub 56 and the cabinet 52. 56 and the drum 58 are installed to be located inside.

In particular, the steam generator 70 is largely as shown in Figure 3 and 4, the case 1, the heater 2, the water level sensor 3, the temperature sensor 4, and the thermo fuse ( 5) is configured to include.

Here, the case (1) forms the appearance of the steam generating device to form a water storage space for storing the moisture required for steam generation.

At this time, a water supply pipe 1a connected to the second water supply passage 62c 'is formed at one side of the case 1, and the vapor evaporated in the case is formed at the other side of the case 1 in the drum 58. A steam discharge pipe 1b is formed to be connected to the steam flow path 62d so as to be supplied to the furnace.

The heater 2 is installed along the horizontal direction on the bottom space in the case 1. At this time, the heater 2 is a sheath heater, and two terminals at both ends are coupled to be exposed to the outside of either side of the case 1.

The heater 2 serves to generate steam by heating the water stored in the case 1 by the heat generated.

The water level sensor 3 and the temperature sensor 4 are respectively installed through one side of the upper surface of the case 1.

At this time, the water level sensor 3 serves to detect the level of water contained in the case 1, the temperature sensor 4 serves to detect the temperature inside the case (1). do.

In addition, the thermo fuse 5 is provided at a portion where the terminal of the heater 2 is positioned to cut off power supplied to the heater 2 when the heater 2 is excessively heated.

With this configuration, when the steam generator 70 is operated, the second water supply valve 62a 'is opened so that the washing water is formed inside the case 1 through the second water supply passage 62c'. Watered by

When water is supplied to the steam generator 70 up to the set water level, the second water supply valve 62a 'is blocked and the heater 2 is generated. At this time, while the washing water level is heated to the case 1 through the heat of the heater 2 is generated steam is generated.

Thereafter, the generated steam is injected into the tub 56 and the drum 58 while flowing along the steam flow path 62d.

The high temperature, high pressure steam injected from the steam generating apparatus 70 is used during the washing stroke.

However, when the above-described steam generator 70 malfunctions due to a failure of the water level sensor, the internal water level may not be accurately determined, resulting in an inability to adjust the water level, even though the heater 2 is exposed to the air. A situation arises in which the heater 2 is continuously heated.

In particular, as the heater 2 continuously generates heat, a temperature of the inside of the case 1 rises rapidly due to overheating of the heater 2, causing a fire.

That is, as the heater 2 is overheated, heat deformation of the case 1 is generated by radiant heat of the heater 2, and the heat-deformed case 1 is in contact with the heater 2 to ignite fire. To cause.

In addition, the water level in the steam generator 70 is lowered below the heater protection level for sufficiently immersing the heater 2, there is a problem that the surface is corroded when the heater is exposed to air for a long time.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a control method of a washing machine to prevent corrosion by protecting metal parts, such as heaters constituting the steam generator from air exposure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method of a washing machine to effectively escape from the level adjustment of the steam generator due to the malfunction of the water level sensor.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a control method of a washing machine having a steam generator for generating a high-temperature steam to supply the inside of the drum (Drum), the steam generation at a predetermined time period during the washing stroke Performing water supply to the device; Calculating a total water supply time to the steam generator; And, if the washing administration is completed, or the calculated total water supply time has passed the predetermined water level water supply time elapsed, the control method of the washing machine having a steam generator comprising the step of stopping the water supply to the steam generator. To provide.

In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a heater for heating the water supplied to the inside, and a water level sensor for detecting the internal water level having a steam generator for injecting high-temperature steam to the drum (Drum) A control method of a washing machine, comprising: (1) counting a water supply progress time while supplying steam to a steam generator when a driving command of the steam generator is input; Detecting a current water level due to the water supply through a water level sensor to determine whether the current water level is a predetermined full water level level (2); Determining whether the counted water supply progress time passes a preset full water level water supply time when the current level detected by the water level sensor does not reach a preset high level water level (3); Stopping the water supply to the steam generator when the current water level detected by the water level sensor reaches a preset high water level level or when the counted water supply progress time elapses a preset high water level water supply time; Then, the control method of the washing machine having a steam generator comprising the step (5) of driving the heater to heat the water supplied water and then spraying high temperature steam into the drum.

Therefore, according to the present invention, by keeping the water level of the steam generator at a full water level, it is possible to protect internal components such as a heater or a water level sensor from air exposure, and to solve a level control inability state due to a malfunction of the water level sensor.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention that can specifically realize the above object will be described.

In the present invention, since the components of the washing machine provided with the steam generator are the same as in the related art, the overall description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, the steam generator 100 is installed above the tub of the washing machine to generate hot steam and spray the steam into the drum.

At this time, the steam generating device 100 is installed along the horizontal direction on the bottom space in the case and the heater 110 for heating the water stored in the case with high-temperature steam, and to detect the water level of the water stored in the case It is composed of a water level sensor 120 for.

Here, the water level sensor 120 may use a water pressure sensor or an electrode sensor to detect the water level inside the case.

Then, the temperature sensor 300 for detecting the internal temperature of the drum is installed between the tub and the drum of the washing machine, the control unit 400 for controlling the overall system of the washing machine is the temperature of the drum detected through the temperature sensor 300 As a result, the steam generator 100 is controlled on / off.

In addition, the water supply valve 200 is a means for adjusting the water supply to the steam generator 100, it is operated according to the command of the controller 400.

The present invention maintains a high water level at all times by opening the water supply valve 200 at a predetermined period and supplying water to the steam generator 100 even though the steam generator 100 is not driven. Do it.

On the other hand, in preparation for the erroneous detection due to the failure of the water level sensor 120, the water level of the steam generator 100 can be determined through the water supply progress time as well as the water level detection through the water level sensor 120.

By the above configuration, the control method of the washing machine according to the present invention will be described.

First embodiment

The present embodiment is characterized in that the wash water of the steam generator 100 is always kept at a full water level in order to protect components such as the heater 110 and the water level sensor 120 from air exposure.

Referring to Figure 6, the control method of the washing machine according to the present embodiment will be described.

When the user starts the stroke in the washing conditions that do not include the steam generating stroke (S51), the water supply to the steam generating device 100 is periodically performed while the washing stroke is in progress.

In detail, the water supply valve 200 of the steam generator 100 is turned on at a predetermined water supply unit time T to perform water supply (S53).

At this time, the water supply valve 200 is opened and the washing water is supplied to the case of the steam generator 100.

When the water supply unit time T has elapsed (S55), the water supply valve 200 is turned off during the water supply unit time T (S57), and it is determined whether the washing stroke is completed (S59).

As a result of the determination (S59), if the current washing stroke is in progress, the water supply valve 200 is on (Total On-time), that is, the total water supply time (water supply times * water supply unit time (T)) by calculating the calculation It is determined whether the total water supply time has passed the preset high water level water supply time T1 (S61).

Here, the high water level water supply time T1 means a time required for water supply to the high water level of the steam generator 100 based on the lowest water pressure in the water pressure condition of the home.

In addition, the level of full water level of the steam generator 100 is determined as the level of the water level sensor 120 as well as the heater 110 is not exposed to the air.

As a result of the determination (S61), if the total water supply time does not pass the full water level water supply time (T1), the water supply unit steam (100) is re-watered for each water supply unit time (T) and the processes (S53 to S61) are performed. Repeat.

On the other hand, when the washing step is completed (S59), the water supply to the steam generator 100 is also stopped (S63).

In addition, when the determination step (S61), the washing stroke is long so that the entire water supply time for the steam generator 100 has passed the full water level water supply time (T1), the water supply to the steam generator 100 is stopped during the washing stroke.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when the steam generator 100 is not driven during the washing stroke, water is supplied to the steam generator 100 and maintained at the full water level so that the heater 110 is not exposed to the air at all times. do.

Second embodiment

This embodiment is characterized by determining the water level by counting the time required for water supply in preparation for the failure of the water level sensor 120.

Referring to Figure 7, the control method of the washing machine according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, when driving of the steam generator 100 is required during the washing stroke (S11), the water supply valve 200 is turned on for water supply to the steam generator 100 and the water supply progress time is counted (S13). ).

Subsequently, the current level of the steam generator 100 is periodically detected through the water level sensor 120 (S15).

It is determined whether the current water level H detected by the water level sensor 120 reaches a preset full water level H1 (S17).

Here, the water level H1 of the steam generator 100 is determined as the level of water level at which the water level sensor 120 as well as the heater 110 is not exposed to air.

As a result of the determination (S17), if the current water level does not reach the high water level H1, it is suspected that the water level sensor 120 is misdetected, and whether the water supply progress time being counted has passed the preset high water level water supply time T1. It is determined (S19).

At this time, the high water level water supply time (T1) refers to the time required to supply water to the full water level of the steam generator 100 on the basis of the lowest water pressure of the normal water pressure conditions of the home.

As a result of the determination (S19), if the counted water supply progress time does not pass the high water level water supply time T1, the water supply to the steam generator 100 is continued.

On the other hand, if the current water level detected by the determination result (S17) (S19), the water level sensor 120 reaches the high water level (H1) or the water supply progress time counted elapsed the high water level water supply time (T1) The water supply is stopped by turning off 200 (S21).

Subsequently, the heater 110 is heated to heat the washing water stored in the steam generator 100 with high temperature steam, and then sprayed to a drum (S23).

At this time, the internal temperature of the drum is increased due to the high temperature steam injected from the steam generator 100, and it is determined whether the current temperature of the drum reaches a predetermined target temperature (S25).

As a result of the determination (S25), when the current temperature of the drum reaches the target temperature, the heater 110 is turned off (S27) and re-enter the process (S13) to perform a rewatering to the steam generator 100.

As such, the steam generation stroke using the steam generator 100 is performed while repeating the processes S13 to S25 for a predetermined stroke time (S29 and S31).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the cycle is repeatedly operated in the order of water supply, heater heating, steam injection, the washing water always stays near the full water level during the operation of the steam generator 100.

In addition, the present embodiment may adjust the water level of the steam generator 100 through the water supply progress time counted during water supply in preparation for the erroneous detection of the water level sensor 120.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified by those skilled in the art as can be seen from the appended claims, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. .

The control method of the washing machine having the steam generator according to the present invention described above has the following effects.

First, it is possible to prevent components such as a heater from being exposed to the air by always keeping the wash water in the steam generator at a full water level. As a result, system failure can be minimized by preventing corrosion due to air exposure.

Second, it is possible to improve the reliability of the product by solving the inability to adjust the water level of the steam generator due to the failure of the water level sensor.

Claims (4)

In the control method of the washing machine having a steam generator for generating a high temperature steam and supplying the inside of the drum (Drum), Performing a water supply to the steam generator at a predetermined time period while a laundry administration is in progress; Calculating a total water supply time to the steam generator; And, When the washing administration is completed or the calculated total water supply time passes the predetermined full water level water supply time, the water supply to the steam generator is stopped. Control method. The method of claim 1, The control method of the washing machine having a steam generator, characterized in that the water supply to the steam generator periodically performs a predetermined time unit while the stroke is in the washing administration condition that the steam generator is not driven. In the control method of the washing machine comprising a heater for heating the water supplied to the inside, and a water level sensor for detecting the internal water level, the steam generator for injecting a high temperature steam to the drum (Drum), Counting (1) the water supply progress time while supplying steam to the steam generator when a driving command of the steam generator is input; Detecting a current water level due to the water supply through a water level sensor to determine whether the current water level is a predetermined full water level level (2); Determining whether the counted water supply progress time passes a preset full water level water supply time when the current level detected by the water level sensor does not reach a preset high level water level (3); Stopping the water supply to the steam generator when the current water level detected by the water level sensor reaches a preset high water level level or when the counted water supply progress time elapses a preset high water level water supply time; And, Subsequently, after driving the heater to heat the water supplied, the step (5) of injecting a high temperature steam into the drum control method of a washing machine having a steam generator. The method of claim 3, wherein Determining whether the internal temperature of the drum reaches a preset target temperature due to the steam injected from the steam generator; As a result of the determination, when the internal temperature of the drum reaches the target temperature, the step of stopping the driving of the heater and re-water supply to the steam generator (7), Subsequently, repeating the steps (1) to (7) for a predetermined steam injection time, the control method of the washing machine having a steam generator, characterized in that further comprising.

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