U.S. patent application number 11/536159 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for method for water supply in laundry device.
Invention is credited to Han Ki Cho, Ho Sung Jang, Dong Min Kim, Jae Cheol Lyu, Chang Woo Son, Jong Sun Yoon.
Application Number | 20070130700 11/536159 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37852946 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070130700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cho; Han Ki ; et
al. |
June 14, 2007 |
METHOD FOR WATER SUPPLY IN LAUNDRY DEVICE
Abstract
A method for water supply in a laundry device is disclosed. An
object of the present invention is to provide a method for water
supply in a laundry device which prevents detergent from
remaining/being stuck in/to a dispenser body by discharging
detergent/wash water more smoothly. A method for water supply in a
laundry device includes (a) step for supplying water; (b) step for
temporarily stopping water supply for a predetermined time in the
middle of the water supply; and (c) step for re-starting water
supply after the predetermined time and finishing water supply to a
predetermined water level.
Inventors: |
Cho; Han Ki; (Girmhae-si,
KR) ; Yoon; Jong Sun; (Jinju-si, KR) ; Jang;
Ho Sung; (Hadong-gun, KR) ; Son; Chang Woo;
(Gimhae-si, KR) ; Kim; Dong Min; (Dong-gu, KR)
; Lyu; Jae Cheol; (Changwon-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KED & ASSOCIATES, LLP
P.O. Box 221200
Chantilly
VA
20153-1200
US
|
Family ID: |
37852946 |
Appl. No.: |
11/536159 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/158 ;
68/17R |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 2204/086 20130101;
D06F 2202/085 20130101; D06F 35/00 20130101; D06F 2103/04 20200201;
D06F 2103/18 20200201; D06F 33/34 20200201; D06F 39/088 20130101;
D06F 2105/02 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
008/158 ;
068/017.00R |
International
Class: |
D06F 35/00 20060101
D06F035/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0091804 |
Claims
1. A method for water supply in a laundry device comprising: (a)
step for supplying water; (b) step for temporarily stopping water
supply for a predetermined time in the middle of the water supply;
and (c) step for re-starting water supply after the predetermined
time and finishing water supply to a predetermined water level.
2. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the water level of (a) and (c) step is sensed by a
water level sensor which outputs frequencies corresponding to a
sensed water level.
3. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 1, wherein (a) step comprises steps of, controlling a water
supply valve based on a control signal for performing cycles to
start water supply; sensing the laundry amount during the water
supply and setting a water level corresponding to the sensed
laundry amount; and defining the set water level as the
predetermined water level of (c) step.
4. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 1, wherein (b) step is performed, if the present water level
according to the water supply of (a) step reaches a water level
frequency prior to a discretional predetermined value with respect
to the water level frequency corresponding to the predetermined
water level, compared with the predetermined frequency
corresponding to the predetermined water level of (c) step.
5. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 3, wherein (b) step is performed, if the present water level
according to the water supply of (a) step reaches a water level
frequency prior to a discretional predetermined value with respect
to the water level frequency corresponding to the predetermined
water level, compared with the predetermined frequency.
6. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 4, wherein the discretional predetermined value is a
frequency between 0.1.about.0.5 kHz.
7. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 4, wherein the predetermined time for temporarily stopping
the water supply in (b) step is between 1.about.5 sec.
8. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 4, wherein (b) step is performed at least one time after the
water supply starts.
9. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 4, wherein (b) step is performed at least one time during the
water supply, in case that the water supply of (a) step is for a
main washing.
10. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 9, wherein (b) step is performed in the beginning of the
water supply.
11. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 9, wherein on/off of the water supply valve is alternatively
repeated in (b) step.
12. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 11, wherein the on/off operation, which is one time of (b)
step, is repeatedly performed within 3 to 10 times.
13. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the water supply of (c) step is finished, if the
present water level according to the water re-supply reaches the
predetermined water level frequency.
14. The method for water supply in a laundry device as claimed in
claim 3, wherein the water supply of (c) step is finished, if the
present water level according to the water re-supply reaches the
predetermined water level frequency.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the Patent Korean
Application No. 10-2005-0091804, filed on Sep. 30, 2005, which are
hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a laundry device, more
particularly, to a detergent box assembly having a new structure
which can supply detergent smoothly.
[0004] 1. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] In general, a laundry device is classified into a pulsator
type washing machine having a drum vertically mounted therein and a
drum type washing machine having a drum horizontally mounted
therein.
[0006] Since the drum is horizontally mounted in the drum type
washing machine as mentioned above, washing is performed by
dropping the laundry loaded into the drum.
[0007] A detergent box assembly, one of compositions of the drum
type washing machine, is employed for supplying various kinds of
detergents used in washing together with wash water.
[0008] As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional detergent box assembly
includes a dispenser body 10 in communication with a tub 2 by a
bellows 12, a detergent box 20 drawably provided within the
dispenser body 10 for holding various detergents therein and a wash
water dispenser 30 for supplying wash water into the detergent box
20.
[0009] An outlet pipe 11 is outwardly projected from the dispenser
body 10 and in communication with a rear lower portion of the
dispenser body 10. The bellows 12 is connected to the outlet pipe
11.
[0010] When washing is performed in a state of detergent being
supplied into the detergent box 20, wash water is supplied. The
wash water is supplied into the space having detergent therein
through the dispenser body 10.
[0011] Thus, the detergent is discharged into the dispenser body 10
together with the wash water, and then the detergent and wash water
pass through the outlet pipe 11 and the bellows 12 to be supplied
into the tub 2.
[0012] However, according to the conventional detergent box
assembly, if wash water reaches a predetermined level and water
supply is stopped, the detergent flowing from the detergent box 20
into the dispenser body 10 cannot be discharged through the outlet
pipe 11 smoothly. In spite of the remaining detergent, the water
level is lowered drastically. Thereby, there may be a problem that
the detergent is remaining within the dispenser body 10 due to the
decrease of water currents.
[0013] Also, while the detergent and wash water are discharged
through the outlet pipe 11, too much wash water is discharged and
some of the wash water forms vortex. Thereby, since the wash water
which has formed vortex goes around an end of the outlet pipe 11,
some of the wash water and detergent which flows along the vortex
are not discharged. Thus, there may be another problem that the
detergent remains within the dispenser body 10.
[0014] At that time, since the detergent which remains around the
outlet pipe 11 of the dispenser body 10 contains some moisture, the
detergent is getting cakery, not in a powdery state, to be stuck on
the portion adjacent to the outlet pipe 11.
[0015] Also, there may be still another problem in the conventional
detergent box assembly. When wash water is supplied, the stuck
detergent prevents the wash water from being discharged through the
outlet pipe.
[0016] Especially, the stuck detergent is getting increased every
washing. Still worse, the stuck detergent closes some portion of
the outlet pipe 11 to cause backflow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method
for water supply in a laundry device.
[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide a method
for water supply in a laundry device which prevents detergent from
remaining/being stuck in/to a dispenser body by discharging
detergent/wash water more smoothly.
[0019] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0020] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a method for water supply in a laundry
device includes: (a) step for supplying water; (b) step for
temporarily stopping water supply for a predetermined time in the
middle of the water supply; and (c) step for re-starting water
supply after the predetermined time and finishing water supply to a
predetermined water level.
[0021] Here, (a) step includes steps of controlling a water supply
valve based on a control signal for performing cycles to start
water supply; sensing the laundry amount during the water supply
and setting a water level corresponding to the sensed laundry
amount; and defining the set water level as the predetermined water
level of (c) step.
[0022] Also, (b) step is performed, if the present water level
according to the water supply of (a) step reaches a water level
frequency prior to a discretional predetermined value with respect
to the water level frequency corresponding to the predetermined
water level, compared with the predetermined frequency
corresponding to the predetermined water level of (c) step.
[0023] At that time, the discretional predetermined value may be a
frequency between 0.1.about.0.5 kHz.
[0024] Also, the predetermined time for temporarily stopping the
water supply in (b) step may be between 1.about.5 sec.
[0025] Preferably, (b) step is performed at least one time after
the water supply starts.
[0026] Also, preferably, (b) step is performed at least one time
during the water supply, in case that the water supply of (a) step
is for a main washing.
[0027] Furthermore, (b) step may be performed in the beginning of
the water supply.
[0028] On/off of the water supply valve may be alternatively
repeated in (b) step.
[0029] The on/off operation, which is one time of (b) step, may be
repeatedly performed within 3 to 10 times.
[0030] The water supply of (c) step is finished, if the present
water level according to the water re-supply reaches the
predetermined water level frequency.
[0031] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating key parts of a
conventional drum type washing machine according to the prior
art;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a block view illustrating a laundry device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating key parts of a
detergent box assembly of the laundry device according to the
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0036] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for water
supply in the laundry device according to the embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0038] Referring to the drawings, a method for water supply in a
laundry device according to the present invention will be described
as follows.
[0039] First of all, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a preferred
embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail.
[0040] A laundry device according to the embodiment of the present
invention includes a water supply valve 110, a detergent box
assembly 120, a tub 130, a water level sensor 140 and a controller
150, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0041] The water supply valve 110 selectively opens/closes a pipe
way of a water supply pipe 4 connected to a water pipe 5.
[0042] The water supply valve 110 is controlled to be on/off by the
controller 150.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the detergent box assembly 120 includes
a detergent box 121, a dispenser body 122 and a wash water
dispenser 123. The detergent box 121 holds detergent therein and
the detergent box 121 is provided within the detergent. The
dispenser body 122 supplies wash water drawn through the water
supply pipe 4 into the detergent box 121.
[0044] An outlet pipe 124 is projectedly formed in a downside of a
rear surface of the dispenser body 122. An end of a bellows 125 is
connected to the outlet pipe 124 and the other end of the bellows
125 is connected to the tub 130.
[0045] At that time, the wash water dispenser 123 is connected to
the water supply pipe 4.
[0046] Next, the tub 130 stores wash water therein and a drum 131
for having the laundry therein is rotatably mounted within the tub
to perform actual washing therein.
[0047] The water level sensor 140 senses a water level of the tub
130 and transmits water level frequencies variable based on a water
level to the controller 150.
[0048] The controller 150 controls various operation parts of the
laundry device such as various valves and a motor. Commonly, the
controller 150 is a micom and a water level frequency value for the
laundry amount is stored in look-up-the-table method.
[0049] A method for controlling water supply in the laundry device
having the above configurations according to the embodiment of the
present invention will be described, referring to FIG. 4.
[0050] The method for controlling water supply in the laundry
device according to the embodiment of the present invention
includes a water supply step (S100), a temporary stop step (S200)
and a final water supply step (S300).
[0051] Each step will be described in detail.
[0052] First, the water supply step (S100) is performed by the
controller 150 of the laundry, if a control signal for performing
washing is inputted.
[0053] At that time, the control signal is created by a user's
operation of various switches provided on a control panel (not
shown) and the controller 150 receives the signal.
[0054] If the signal is inputted in the middle of checking whether
a signal for performing cycles is inputted by the controller 150,
the controller 150 controls the water supply valve 110 to perform
water supply (S120).
[0055] Here, when the water supply valve 110 is on, the water
supply is opened.
[0056] Wash water supplied through the water pipe 5 is flowing
along the water supply pipe 4 and passes through the wash water
dispenser 123, to be supplied into the detergent box 121. Hence,
the wash water together with detergent stored in the detergent box
121 is flowing to the dispenser body 122, the outlet pipe 124 and
the bellows 125 in order. Finally, the wash water is supplied into
the tub 130.
[0057] While the above water supply steps are performed, the
controller 150 operates the drum 131 to sensing the laundry amount
and sets a water level corresponding to the sensed laundry amount
(S130).
[0058] At that time, the set water level is diffused and defined as
a water level frequency (hereinafter, a predetermined frequency) to
be stored in the controller 150. The controller 150 determines when
the water supply is finished based on the set water level.
[0059] Next, the temporary stop step (S200) will be described in
detail.
[0060] In the temporary step (S200), water supply is temporarily
stopped for a predetermined time before the water supply is
finished.
[0061] Here, the time when the water supply is finished is the time
when the water level reaches the predetermined frequency F1 stored
in the controller 150.
[0062] The temporary stop step (S200) is performed if the water
level frequency F2 sensed by the water level sensor reaches a
frequency F3 prior to a discretional predetermined value with
respect to the predetermined frequency F1.10.
[0063] That is, the controller 150 repeatedly receives the present
water level frequency F2 sensed by the water level sensor 140
(S210) and repeatedly checks whether the frequency F2 reaches the
frequency F3 (for example 19.5 kHz) prior to 0.5 kHz with respect
to the predetermined frequency Fl(for example 20 kHz (S220). Hence,
if the present water level frequency F2 reaches the frequency F3,
the controller 150 controls the water supply valve 110 to stop
water supply temporarily (S230). At that time, the discretional
predetermined value is a frequency between 0.5.about.0.1 kHz.
[0064] Alternatively, the discretional predetermined value may be
out of the range.
[0065] However, if the discretional predetermined value is more
than a frequency of 0.5 kHz, the next step of the final water
supply (S300) should be performed for a relatively long time. Thus,
detergent may be remaining again. Also, if the discretional
predetermined value is less than a frequency of 0.1 kHz, the final
water supply step (S300) may not be performed for a enough time to
remove remaining detergent. Thereby, it is not preferred.
[0066] Preferably, the time for stopping the water supply in the
temporary stop step (S200) is between 1.about.5 sec.
[0067] Alternatively, the time may also be out of the range.
However, if the water supply is stopped during the time longer than
the maximum of the above range, detergent may be stuck. Thus, even
though the next step of final water supply is performed, the stuck
detergent may not be removed smoothly. If the water supply is
stopped during the time shorter than the minimum of the above
range, that is, the final water supply is started before the range
of the time, water currents are not changed enough. Thus, detergent
and wash water are not discharged through the outlet pipe 124, and
come around the outlet pipe 124. Thereby, the detergent may remain
near the outlet pipe 124 after the final water supply step (S300)
is completed, which is not preferred.
[0068] As described above, when the series of water supply stop
step are performed, most wash water temporarily remaining within
the body dispenser is discharged through the outlet pipe 124. At
that time, detergent which may not discharged together with the
wash water may be remaining in a portion near the outlet pipe 124
within the dispenser body 122.
[0069] However, the remaining detergent will be completely removed
in the final water supply step (S300) which will be described
later.
[0070] Meanwhile, the temporary stop step (S200) may be performed
one time and alternatively may be performed at least two times, as
needed.
[0071] Next, the final water supply step (S300) will be described
in detail.
[0072] In the final water supply step (S300), after the temporary
stop step (S200) is completed, the water supply valve 110 is
controlled to re-start water supply to the predetermined frequency
(that is, the final water level). Thereby, detergent remaining in a
portion near the outlet pipe 124 of the dispenser body 122 is
completely removed.
[0073] More specifically, the detergent, which is not discharged
through the outlet pipe 124 of the dispenser body 122 in the water
supply step (s100), is remaining in a portion of the bottom of the
dispenser body 122 near the outlet pipe 124. But, before the
detergent is stuck and getting hard, the re-water supply of the
final water supply step (S300) is performed and the detergent may
be completely discharged through the outlet pipe 124.
[0074] At that time, the reason why the detergent is not completely
discharged is that some of wash water forms vortex due to too much
discharge of the wash water such that the wash water turns around
an entrance of the outlet pipe 124. That is, some of detergent is
around together with the wash water turning around the outlet pipe
124 and remains near the outlet pipe 124 during the temporary stop
step (S200) after the water supply step (S100).
[0075] Thus, thanks to the sequential performance of the water
supply step (S100), the temporary stop step (S200) and the final
water supply step (S300), the detergent is preventing from
remaining within the dispenser body 122.
[0076] The method for water supply in the laundry device according
to the embodiment of the present invention may be alternated.
[0077] For example, the time when detergent and wash water are
mixedly supplied may be in a preliminary washing or a main
washing.
[0078] In the preliminary washing, the detergent may be perfectly
prevented from remaining within the dispenser body 122 by the
processes described above. When water supply is performed for a
long time such as in the main washing, the detergent is flowing to
a front portion within the dispenser body 122 due to the vortex
generated in the portion near the outlet pipe 124 and stuck on the
front portion.
[0079] Thus, when water supply is performed for a long time such as
in the main washing, it is preferred that the water supply valve
110 is controlled to be on/off at least one time.
[0080] Also, preferably, the on/off control of the water supply
valve 110 is performed in the beginning of the water supply,
because most of detergent is moving together with wash water into
the dispenser body 122 in the beginning of the water supply.
[0081] At that time, the on/off control of the water supply valve
110 may be varied based on the time of entire water supply, and it
is preferred that the on/off control of the water supply valve 110
is more than 3 times and less than 10 times.
[0082] If the on/off control of the water supply valve 110 is
performed too often, the entire water supply is increased to cause
user's dissatisfaction, and if the on/off control of the water
supply valve 110 is not performed for a long time, detergent may be
flowing to a front portion within the dispenser body 122.
[0083] The method for water supply in the laundry device may be
varied into various embodiments, as needed.
[0084] Described before, the method for water supply in the laundry
device has following advantageous effects.
[0085] First, since water supply is temporarily stopped and
re-started, the method for water supply in the laundry device of
the present invention has an advantageous effect that detergent is
prevented from remaining within the dispenser body.
[0086] Second, since the time before the water supply is completed
is perceived through the water level frequency checked by the water
level sensor, it is possible to determine the precise time for
water supply, for temporarily stopping water supply and for final
water supply.
[0087] Third, since the on/off control of the water supply is
additionally performed in case the water supply is performed for a
long time, the problem of remaining detergent can be solved
perfectly.
[0088] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *