U.S. patent application number 14/019454 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-07 for control method for wall-mounted drum washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation. Invention is credited to Ui Kun HWANG, Sung Su JOO, Jae Min LEE, Ju Dong LEE.
Application Number | 20170254010 14/019454 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49633624 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170254010 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
LEE; Ju Dong ; et
al. |
September 7, 2017 |
CONTROL METHOD FOR WALL-MOUNTED DRUM WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
A control method for a wall-mounted drum washing machine, which
removes foams remaining in a detergent box and a conditioner box at
a final stage of a spin-drying process of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine, thereby maintaining the detergent box and the
conditioner box in a clean state.
Inventors: |
LEE; Ju Dong; (Incheon,
KR) ; HWANG; Ui Kun; (Bucheon-si, KR) ; LEE;
Jae Min; (Incheon, KR) ; JOO; Sung Su;
(Bucheon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dongbu Daewoo Electronics
Corporation
Seoul
KR
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140068873 A1 |
March 13, 2014 |
|
|
Family ID: |
49633624 |
Appl. No.: |
14/019454 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/1420130101; G01B
5/24 20130101; D06F 2210/00 20130101; D06F 2202/085 20130101; G01P
15/00 20130101; D06F 2222/00 20130101; D06F 37/02 20130101; D06F
2204/10 20130101; D06F 2202/12 20130101; Y10T 307/766 20150401;
D06F 35/007 20130101; D06F 37/267 20130101; D06F 35/005 20130101;
D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 39/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/02 20060101
D06F033/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 14, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0101977 |
Sep 14, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0101979 |
Sep 14, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0101980 |
Claims
1. A control method for a wall-mounted drum washing machine,
comprising: receiving, by a control unit, a rinsing level measured
through a water level sensor, after a washing process is completed;
determining a final number of rinsing processes according to the
rinsing level; and performing the rinsing process according to the
final number of rinsing processes.
2. The control method of claim 1, wherein the determining of the
final number of rinsing processes comprises: determining whether or
not the rinsing level is equal to or more than a preset reference
level; and determining an additional number of rinsing processes
when the rinsing level is equal to or more than the preset
reference level.
3. The control method of claim 2, wherein the control unit
determines the additional number of rinsing processes according to
the corresponding relation between the rinsing level and the number
of rinsing processes, which is previously stored in a memory
unit.
4. The control method of claim 3, wherein the final number of
rinsing processes is determined according to an initial number of
rinsing processes and the additional number of rinsing
processes.
5. A control method for a wall-mounted drum washing machine
including a detergent box and a conditioner box which are inserted
into a tub through a front panel, the control method comprising:
reducing, by a control unit, the RPM of a motor during a
spin-drying process; opening, by the control unit, a water supply
valve for a preset foam removal time, when the RPM of the motor
reaches a preset reference speed; and stopping, by the control
unit, the motor to complete the spin-drying process, after the foam
removal time passes.
6. The control method of claim 5, wherein the control unit rotates
the motor at the reference speed for the foam removal time.
7. A control method for a wall-mounted drum washing machine
including a detergent box and a conditioner box which are inserted
into a tub through a front panel, the control method comprising:
stopping, by a control unit, control for a motor during a
spin-drying process; determining, by the control unit, whether or
not a foam removal condition is satisfied, after the control for
the motor is stopped; opening, by the control unit, a water supply
valve for a preset foam removal time, when it is determined that
the foam removal condition is satisfied; and stopping, by the
control unit, the motor to complete the spin-drying process, after
the foam removal time passes.
8. The control method of claim 7, wherein the foam removal
condition is satisfied when the RPM of the motor reaches a preset
reference speed.
9. The control method of claim 8, wherein the control unit rotates
the motor at the reference speed for the foam removal time.
10. The control method of claim 7, wherein the foam removal
condition is satisfied when a preset time passes from the time at
which the control for the motor is stopped.
11. The control method of claim 10, wherein the control unit
rotates the motor at an RPM at the time at which the preset time
passed, for the foam removal time.
12. A control method for a wall-mounted drum washing machine which
is installed at a predetermined height from the ground such that a
drain pipe is extended, the control method comprising: maintaining,
by a control unit, the RPM of a motor at a preset speed during a
deceleration section of a spin-drying process; supplying water for
a preset time after the RPM of the motor is maintained at the
preset speed; and stopping the motor to end the spin-drying
process, after the preset time passes.
13. The control method of claim 12, wherein the deceleration
section comprises a section in which the motor is stopped after the
RPM of the motor reaches a maximum speed, during the spin-drying
process.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to Korean
application number 10-2012-0101977, 10-2012-0101979 and
10-2012-0101980, filed on Sep. 14, 2012, which is incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a control method for a
wall-mounted drum washing machine, and more particularly, to a
control method for a wall-mounted drum washing machine, which may
effectively remove foams formed by detergent when a washing process
is performed through the wall-mounted drum washing machine.
[0003] A general wall-mounted drum washing machine includes a
cabinet, a tub movably installed in the cabinet and containing
water therein, a drum rotatably installed in the tub and housing
laundry therein, a driving unit to provide power to the drum, a
water supply device supplying wash water to the tub, and a drain
device discharging wash water from the tub to the outside of the
cabinet.
[0004] When a user puts laundry into the drum and starts a washing
process, wash water is supplied into the tub and the drum by
operation of the water supply device, and the washing process is
started as the drum is rotated by the operation of the driving
unit.
[0005] After the washing process is ended, the wash water having
been contained in the tub and the drum is discharged to the outside
of the cabinet through the drain device by operation of the drain
device.
[0006] The related art of the present invention is based on Korean
Patent Laid-open Publication No. 10-2011-0023877 which discloses a
direct drive apparatus for a drum-washing machine including a
cover-integrated stator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
control method for a wall-mounted drum washing machine, which
differently determines the number of rinsing processes according to
foams formed by detergent when a washing process is performed
through the wall-mounted drum washing machine, thereby effectively
removing remaining foams.
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
control method for a wall-mounted drum washing machine, which
removes foams remaining in a detergent box and a conditioner box at
a final stage of a spin-drying process of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine, thereby maintaining the detergent box and the
conditioner box in a clean state.
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
control method for a wall-mounted drum washing machine, which
supplies water for a preset time at a final stage of a spin-drying
process of the wall-mounted drum washing machine, thereby removing
detergent residues in an elongated drain pipe.
[0010] In one embodiment, a control method for a wall-mounted drum
washing machine includes: receiving, by a control unit, a rinsing
level measured through a water level sensor, after a washing
process is completed; determining a final number of rinsing
processes according to the rinsing level; and performing the
rinsing process according to the final number of rinsing
processes.
[0011] The determining of the final number of rinsing processes may
include: determining whether or not the rinsing level is equal to
or more than a preset reference level; and determining an
additional number of rinsing processes when the rinsing level is
equal to or more than the preset reference level.
[0012] The control unit may determine the additional number of
rinsing processes according to the corresponding relation between
the rinsing level and the number of rinsing processes, which is
previously stored in a memory unit.
[0013] The final number of rinsing processes may be determined
according to an initial number of rinsing processes and the
additional number of rinsing processes.
[0014] In another embodiment, there is a control method for a
wall-mounted drum washing machine including a detergent box and a
conditioner box which are inserted into a tub through a front
panel. The control method includes: reducing, by a control unit,
the RPM of a motor during a spin-drying process; opening, by the
control unit, a water supply valve for a preset foam removal time,
when the RPM of the motor reaches a preset reference speed; and
stopping, by the control unit, the motor to complete the
spin-drying process, after the foam removal time passes.
[0015] The control unit may rotate the motor at the reference speed
for the foam removal time.
[0016] In another embodiment, there is provided a control method
for a wall-mounted drum washing machine including a detergent box
and a conditioner box which are inserted into a tub through a front
panel. The control method includes: stopping, by a control unit,
control for a motor during a spin-drying process; determining, by
the control unit, whether or not a foam removal condition is
satisfied, after the control for the motor is stopped; opening, by
the control unit, a water supply valve for a preset foam removal
time, when it is determined that the foam removal condition is
satisfied; and stopping, by the control unit, the motor to complete
the spin-drying process, after the foam removal time passes.
[0017] The foam removal condition may be satisfied when the RPM of
the motor reaches a preset reference speed.
[0018] The control unit may rotate the motor at the reference speed
for the foam removal time.
[0019] The foam removal condition may be satisfied when a preset
time passes from the time at which the control for the motor is
stopped.
[0020] The control unit may rotate the motor at an RPM at the time
at which the preset time passed, for the foam removal time.
[0021] In another embodiment, there is provided a control method
for a wall-mounted drum washing machine which is installed at a
predetermined height from the ground such that a drain pipe is
extended. The control method includes: maintaining, by a control
unit, the RPM of a motor at a preset speed during a deceleration
section of a spin-drying process; supplying water for a preset time
after the RPM of the motor is maintained at the preset speed; and
stopping the motor to end the spin-drying process, after the preset
time passes.
[0022] The deceleration section may include a section in which the
motor is stopped after the RPM of the motor reaches a maximum
speed, during the spin-drying process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is an operation state diagram illustrating an elastic
assembly unit of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 is an expanded view of a portion A illustrated in
FIG. 5.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting structure of
the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a front panel mounting
structure of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a water level sensor
mounting structure and a drain unit of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the drain unit of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a rear view of a rear panel of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which
a door of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention is opened.
[0036] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a box unit mounting structure
of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a connection structure
between guide protrusions and guide grooves of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0038] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bypass unit of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the front panel including
the bypass unit of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a detergent box
mounting structure of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a conditioner box
mounting structure of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent box
mounting structure of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the conditioner
box mounting structure of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 22 is an expanded cross-sectional view of the detergent
box mounting structure of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
[0045] FIG. 23 is an expanded cross-sectional view of the
conditioner box mounting structure of the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a misassembling prevention
unit of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an overflow prevention
unit of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the drum of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the drum of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 28 is cross-sectional view of the drum of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 29 is a block configuration diagram of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0052] FIG. 30 is an operation flowchart of a control method for
the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 32 is a graph illustrating RPM change of a motor with
time in the control method for the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0055] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with a fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 35 is a graph illustrating RPM change of the motor with
time in the control method for the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0058] FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an installation state of a
drain pipe in the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 37 is a flowchart for explaining the control method for
the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the fifth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 38 is a graph illustrating RPM change of the motor with
time in the control method for the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0061] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0062] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
includes a rear panel 10 mounted on a wall surface, a tub 20
containing wash water therein and supported by the rear panel 10, a
drum 23 rotatably installed in the tub 20 and housing laundry
therein, a driving unit 40 providing power to rotate the drum 23, a
water supply device 74 and 74a supplying wash water to the tub 20,
and a drain device 75 discharging wash water from the tub 20 to the
outside.
[0064] A front panel 50 having an opening 54 formed therein is
installed on the tub 20, and a box unit 30 is installed on the rear
panel 10 so as to surround the tub 20.
[0065] A cover unit 32 is installed at the front of the box unit 30
so as to cover the front panel 50.
[0066] The front panel 50 is covered by the cover unit 32, the
cover unit 32 is elastically coupled and reliably fixed to the box
unit 30, and the box unit 30 is coupled to the rear panel 10
mounted on the wall surface W (refer to FIG. 8) through a coupling
member or the like. Thus, a damper or damping spring for supporting
the front side of the tub 20 does not need to be separately
provided unlike the conventional wall-mounted drum washing machine,
but the front side of the tub 20 may be supported while vibrations
at the front side of the tub 20 are reduced.
[0067] The cover unit 32 includes a door 1060 installed to open and
close, and the front panel 50 includes a detergent box 90 and a
conditioner box 100, which are detachably installed (refer to FIG.
17).
[0068] When a user wants to perform a washing operation, the user
opens the door 60 from the cover unit 32 of the drum washing
machine installed on the wall surface W, and puts laundry into the
drum 23.
[0069] Then, the user separates the detergent box 90 and the
conditioner box 100 mounted on the front panel 50, puts detergent
and fabric conditioner into the detergent box 90 and the
conditioner box 100, respectively, and then inserts the detergent
box 90 and the conditioner box 100 into the front panel 50.
[0070] When the user closes the door 60 and operates a manipulation
unit 21a, wash water is supplied into the tub 20 by the water
supply device 74 or 74a, and power is applied to the driving unit
40. Then, the drum 23 is rotated to start the washing
operation.
[0071] After the washing operation is completed, the wash water is
discharged to the outside of the box unit 30 according to operation
of the drain device 75.
[0072] In the present embodiment, since the small drum 23 having a
weight of 2.about.4 kg is installed in the rear panel 10 mounted on
the wall surface, baby clothes, underwear, and shirts, which need
to be frequently washed, may be easily washed without a burden.
[0073] Thus, although a user has a small amount of laundry, the
user may perform a washing operation without worrying about
consuming wash water and electricity. That is, whenever a user has
a small amount of laundry, the user may perform a washing operation
without a burden.
[0074] Furthermore, the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention includes a
control block 22, a power line 11a, and a guide unit 12. The
control block 22 is installed on the rear panel 10, the power line
11a is extended from the control block 22 to the outside of the
rear panel 10, and the guide unit 12 is provided on the rear
surface of the rear panel 10, guides the power line 11a to the
outside of the rear panel 10, and fixes the power line 11a.
[0075] In the present embodiment, since the rear panel 10 includes
the guide unit 12, the power line 11a may be extended in a side
direction of the rear panel 10. Thus, the rear panel 10 may be
easily mounted on the wall surface.
[0076] The power line 11a of the wall-mounted drum washing machine
in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is fixed
along the guide unit 12 formed on the rear panel 10 so as to be
extended in the circumferential direction of the rear panel 10, and
exposed to the outside of the rear panel 10.
[0077] The power line 11a extended from the control block 22 is
extended toward the guide unit 12 through the rear panel 10.
[0078] The rear panel 10 has a through-hole 11 through which the
power line 11a passes, and the control block 22 is installed on a
front surface 10a of the rear panel 10.
[0079] The power line 11a extended from the control block 22 is
extended toward the rear surface of the rear panel 10 through the
through-hole 11, and guided along the guide unit 12 provided on the
rear surface of the rear panel 10 in the circumferential direction
of the rear panel 10.
[0080] Thus, since the power line 11a is exposed to the outside
toward the rear panel 10, a part of the power line 11a, exposed to
the outside of the drum washing machine, is disposed adjacent to
the wall surface W. Therefore, the power line 11a may be disposed
to be closely attached to the wall surface W.
[0081] Since the power line 11a is extended to the rear surface of
the rear panel 10 and then exposed to the outside at the top or
bottom side of the rear panel 10, the exterior of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine may be elegantly finished.
[0082] The guide unit 12 includes a fixing portion 12a which guides
the power line 11a extended through the through-hole 11 to one side
of the rear panel 10 and fixes the power line 11a.
[0083] The fixing portion 12a is formed on the rear surface of the
rear panel 10, and fixes the power line 11a in a space between the
rear panel 10 and the wall surface W.
[0084] Thus, the power line 11a extended to the rear surface of the
rear panel 10 is not moved by vibrations generated during a washing
operation, but fixed at a predetermined position.
[0085] The rear panel 10 includes a plurality of reinforcement ribs
13a formed on the rear surface thereof and a plurality of radial
ribs 13 formed radially from the center of the rear panel.
[0086] The fixing portion 12a is formed by cutting a part of the
radial rib 13. The plurality of radial ribs 13 are disposed at a
predetermined interval from each other, thereby forming a space in
which the power line 11a is disposed.
[0087] The rear panel 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular
shape of which the corners are rounded. Furthermore, the rear panel
10 may be formed in various shapes such as circular shape or
elliptical shape, and the present invention is not limited to the
above-described shape of the rear panel 10.
[0088] Since the circumference of the rear panel 10 is bent toward
the wall, a space is formed between the rear panel 10 and the wall
(refer to FIG. 2).
[0089] As the space is formed, the plurality of reinforcement ribs
13c and radial ribs 13 may be formed on the rear surface of the
rear panel 10 without interfering with the wall surface W.
[0090] Thus, since the strength of the rear panel 10 is reinforced
by the reinforcement ribs 13c and the radial ribs 13, it is
possible to prevent the rear panel 10 from being deformed or broken
by vibrations generated by the rotations of the drum 23.
[0091] The through-hole 11 is formed at the bottom of the rear
panel 10, and a plurality of fixing portions 12a formed by cutting
the radial ribs 13 form a path through the power line 11a
passes.
[0092] That is, the plurality of fixing portions 12a are
successively formed so that the power line 11a may be extended to
the top of the rear panel 10 while forming a curve close to a
semicircular shape.
[0093] As the plurality of fixing portions 12a are arranged at a
predetermined interval to the top of the rear panel 10, the power
line 11a inserted into the fixing portions 12a may be guided from
the bottom to the top of the rear panel 10.
[0094] Between the respective radial ribs 13, an installation hole
portion 13a is formed, and a cable member 13b wound around the
power line 11a is fixed to the installation hole portion 13a by a
coupling member.
[0095] The cable member 13b may be formed of a wire which maintains
a shape deformed by an external force or a material having a
similar property.
[0096] Thus, when the power line 11a is surrounded by the cable
member 13b and the cable member 13b is fixed to the installation
hole portion 13a through the coupling member, it is possible to
prevent the power line 11a from moving to the outside of the fixing
portion 12a.
[0097] The rear panel 10 has a first through-groove 12b formed in
the circumference thereof such that the power line 11a guided along
the fixing portions 12a is exposed to the outside at the top of the
rear panel 10.
[0098] Thus, the power line 11a is exposed to the outside at the
top of the rear panel 10 through the first through-groove 12b.
[0099] The rear panel 10 has a second through-groove 12c formed in
the bottom circumference thereof such that the power line 11a
extended from the through-hole 11 is exposed to the outside at the
bottom of the rear panel 10.
[0100] Thus, when the power line 11a is extended toward the bottom
of the rear panel 10, the power line 11a is exposed to the outside
of the rear panel 10 through the second through-groove 12c.
[0101] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 6 is an operation state diagram illustrating an
elastic assembly unit of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is
an expanded view of a portion A illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a
cross-sectional view of a mounting structure of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0102] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
further includes a reinforcement unit 14 connecting the tub 20 and
the rear panel 10 and surrounding the tub 20.
[0103] The rear panel 10 is formed in a panel shape and mounted on
the wall surface W, and the cylindrical tub 20 is formed to
protrude to the front side from the front surface 10a of the rear
panel 10.
[0104] The reinforcement unit 14 formed at the connection between
the tub 20 and the rear panel 11 surrounds an inner end portion of
the tub 20 in a ring shape.
[0105] Since the reinforcement unit 14 surrounds the inner end
portion of the tub 20, a load applied to the connection between the
tub 20 and the rear panel 10 is distributed.
[0106] Thus, it is possible to prevent the inner end portion of the
tub 20 from being deformed or broken.
[0107] Furthermore, since the plurality of radial ribs 13 and
reinforcement ribs 13c are formed on the rear surface of the rear
panel 10, the strength of the rear panel 10 is improved. Therefore,
the rear panel 10 may be prevented from being deformed or
broken.
[0108] Since the reinforcement unit 14 is integrated with the
reinforcement ribs 13c, the reinforcement unit 14 may prevent the
deformation of the inner end portion of the tub 20, and the
reinforcement ribs 13c may prevent the deformation of the rear
panel 10.
[0109] Thus, the strength of the connection between the tub 20 and
the rear panel 10 is improved.
[0110] The tub 20 is formed to protrude to the front side from the
rear panel 10, and the reinforcement ribs 13 are formed to protrude
to the rear side from the rear panel 10.
[0111] Since the reinforcement unit 14 protrudes to the front side
from the rear panel 10 and is integrally connected to the tub 20,
the reinforcement unit 14 may surround the inner end portion of the
tub 20, and connects the tub 20 and the rear panel 10 at a position
protruding from the front surface 10a.
[0112] The top of the reinforcement unit 14 is bent to be
integrally connected to the tub 20. As the top of the reinforcement
unit 14 is bent, a space 14a is formed between the tub 20 and the
bottom of the reinforcement unit 14.
[0113] Furthermore, a front end portion of the reinforcement unit
14 and the front surface 10a of the rear panel 10 form a stair
shape.
[0114] Thus, the rear panel 10 having the tub 20 integrated therein
may be manufactured through a first mold K1 disposed at the front
surface 10a of the rear panel 10, a second mold K2 disposed at the
rear surface of the rear panel 10, and a third mold K3 disposed at
a side surface of the rear panel 10 and the tub 20 (refer to FIG.
11).
[0115] Through the above-described mold process, the rear panel 10,
the tub 20, and the reinforcement unit 14 are integrally
formed.
[0116] The rear panel 10 has a receiving portion 15 formed on the
circumference thereof, to which the box unit 30 is coupled.
[0117] Thus, when the rear panel 10 and the box unit 30 are
assembled to each other, an end portion of the box unit 30 may be
precisely received on the receiving portion 15 formed on the
circumference of the rear panel 10.
[0118] The receiving portion 15 is disposed at the rear side from
the front surface 10a of the rear panel 10, and the reinforcement
unit 14, the front surface 10a, and the receiving portion 15 are
disposed to form a stair shape.
[0119] Therefore, when the box unit 30 and the rear panel 10 are
assembled, the end portion of the box unit 30 may be precisely
disposed on the receiving portion 15 through a step portion formed
between the receiving portion 15 and the front surface 10a.
[0120] Furthermore, since the inner end portion of the tub 20 is
surrounded by the reinforcement unit 14 protruding from the front
surface 10a, the strength of the connection between the tub 20 and
the rear panel 10 may be improved.
[0121] The reinforcement unit 14, the front surface 10a, and the
receiving portion 15 form a stair shape protruding to the front
side toward the reinforcement unit 14 from the receiving portion
15.
[0122] Therefore, after the rear panel 10 integrated with the tub
20 is completely manufactured, the mold disposed at the side of the
rear panel 10 and the tub 20 may be easily separated.
[0123] Furthermore, since the reinforcement unit 14, the front
surface 10a, and the receiving portion 15 form a stair shape
protruding to the front side toward the tub 20, the reinforcement
unit 14, the front surface 10a, and the receiving portion 15 are
prevented from interfering with the mold for forming the stair
shape, when the mold is retreated toward the outside.
[0124] The rear panel 10 has a through-hole 16 into which a
coupling member 16a is inserted to be coupled to the wall surface
W, and a buffer member 16c is interposed between the through-hole
16 and the wall surface W.
[0125] The front side of the rear panel 10 has a rectangular shape
or a similar shape to the rectangular shape, and the rear panel 10
includes a plurality of through-holes 16 formed at four corners
thereof, respectively (refer to FIG. 8).
[0126] The plurality of radial ribs 13 and reinforcement ribs 13c
are formed on the rear surface of the rear panel 10 having the
through-holes 16 formed therein.
[0127] The radial ribs 13 are successively formed to be spaced at a
predetermined interval from the through-holes 16, and the
reinforcement ribs 13c are formed to connect the respective radial
ribs 13.
[0128] The coupling member 16a is inserted into the through-hole 16
so as to be coupled to the wall surface W, and a nut member 16b to
be coupled to the coupling member 16a is closely attached to the
front surface 10a of the rear panel 10.
[0129] The vibrations generated during the washing operation are
transmitted by the nut member 16b which closely attaches the
coupling member 16a to the rear panel 10.
[0130] In the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention, since the nut member 16b
is positioned on the front surface 10a, a gap is formed between the
nut member 16b and the wall surface W, and the reinforcement ribs
13 and the buffer member 16c are interposed in the gap so as to
suppress the vibrations of the drum 23 from being transmitted to
the wall surface W.
[0131] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a front panel mounting
structure of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a
perspective view of a water level sensor mounting structure and a
drain unit of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a
cross-sectional view of the drain unit of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 12 is a rear view of the rear panel of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0132] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
further includes a coupling unit 17 (refer to FIG. 5) and a
disposition portion 17b. The coupling unit 17 is provided in the
rear panel 10 such that a driving shaft 23a of the drum 23 is
rotatably installed. The disposition portion 17b serves to prevent
the driving unit 40 (refer to FIG. 2) connected to the driving
shaft 23a from interfering with the wall surface W.
[0133] Since the coupling unit 17 is provided in the center of the
rear panel 10 and connects the driving unit 40 to the drum 23
installed in the tub 20, the power provided by the driving unit 40
is transmitted to the drum 23.
[0134] The disposition portion 17b is formed by concaving the rear
surface of the rear panel 10 to the front side. Since the driving
unit 40 is positioned inside the disposition portion 17b, a driving
wheel 42 rotated by the operation of the driving unit 40 is
prevented from interfering with the rear panel 10 and the wall
surface W.
[0135] The driving unit 40 includes a motor 41 to provide power to
rotate the drum 23, the driving wheel 42 connected to the driving
shaft 23a, and a belt 43 to transmit the power of the motor 41 to
the driving wheel 42.
[0136] The motor 41 is installed on the front surface 10a of the
rear panel 10, and has a rotating shaft 41a extended to the rear
surface of the rear panel 10 through the rear panel 10.
[0137] The driving wheel 42 is positioned inside the disposition
portion 17b provided at the rear surface of the rear panel 10, and
connected to the driving shaft 23a.
[0138] The belt 43 is installed to interconnect the rotating shaft
41a of the motor 41a and the driving wheel 42.
[0139] Thus, when the power of the motor 41 is transmitted to the
driving wheel 42 by the belt 43 so as to rotate the driving wheel
42, the drum 23 connected to the driving shaft 23a is rotated to
perform a washing operation.
[0140] The coupling unit 17 (refer to FIG. 5) includes a rotation
hole 17c formed in the rear panel 10 and a bearing 17d installed in
the rotation hole 17c so as to rotatably support the driving shaft
23a.
[0141] The driving shaft 23a is rotatably installed in the rear
panel 10 through the bearing 17d installed in the rotation hole
17c.
[0142] The drum 23 is installed at the front end of the driving
shaft 23a, and the driving wheel 42 is installed at the rear end of
the driving shaft 23a.
[0143] The disposition portion 17b is formed by concaving the rear
surface of the rear panel 10 to the front side such that the
driving unit 40 is disposed in the disposition portion 17b.
[0144] Specifically, the disposition portion 17b is formed by
concaving the central portion of the rear panel 10, where the
driving wheel 42 is positioned, to the front side.
[0145] Thus, the driving wheel 42 positioned in the disposition
portion 17b may be rotated so as not to interfere with the rear
panel 10 and the wall surface W.
[0146] The motor 41 may be positioned on the rear surface of the
rear panel 10 so as to be directly connected to the driving shaft
23a. That is, a direct connection-type motor may be installed,
instead of the driving unit 40 described in the present embodiment
of the present invention.
[0147] This structure may be easily understood by those skilled in
the art to which the present invention pertains, and thus the
detailed descriptions of other embodiments are omitted herein.
[0148] The motor 41 has a pair of fixing hole portions 41b formed
therein, and the rear panel 10 has a pair of boss portions 17a
formed to protrude to the front side. The fixing hole portions 41b
are inserted into the boss portions 17a.
[0149] The fixing hole portions 41b protrude from both side
surfaces of the motor 41 in the side direction, and are then bent
in the downward direction.
[0150] The boss portions 17a protrude to the front side from the
front surface 10a of the rear panel 10, and the fixing hole
portions 41b are inserted into the boss portions 17a.
[0151] Thus, when the fixing holes 41b of the motor 41 are inserted
into the boss portions 17a, the motor 41 is primarily assembled at
a precise position.
[0152] The motor 41 is installed at the bottom of the front surface
10a of the rear panel 10, and disposed between the pair of boss
portions 17a so as to be primarily assembled. Then, the motor 41
and the front surface 10a are coupled through a coupling
member.
[0153] The motor 41 is primarily coupled to the rear panel 10 by
the fixing hole portions 41b and the boss portions 17a, and
secondarily coupled to the rear panel 10 by the separate coupling
member 16a.
[0154] Therefore, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed
between the motor 41 and the rear panel 10 due to the vibrations
generated when the motor 41 is driven.
[0155] Furthermore, the coupling member may be inserted into the
fixing hole portions 41b, thereby further increasing the coupling
force between the fixing hole portions 41b and the boss portions
17a.
[0156] The rear panel 10 includes a protrusion 18 installed
thereon, where the water level sensor 19 is installed. The
protrusion 18 has an attachment/detachment hole 18a for separating
the water level sensor 19.
[0157] The water level sensor 19 is a pressure sensor installed in
a separate pipe diverging from a drain pipe connected to the bottom
of the tub 20.
[0158] The water level sensor 19 serves to sense the internal
pressure of the tub 20 and determine the amount of wash water
contained in the tub 20.
[0159] The water level sensor 19 is disposed at the top of the tub
20, and installed on the protrusion 18 protruding to the front side
from the rear panel 10.
[0160] The protrusion 18 protrudes to the front side from the rear
panel 10, the attachment/detachment hole 18a is formed on the top
surface of the protrusion 18, and the water level sensor 19 is
installed on the front surface of the protrusion 18.
[0161] The water level sensor 19 has a hook formed thereon. When
the hook is inserted through the front surface of the protrusion
18, the hook is inserted into the protrusion 18, and the water
level sensor 19 is mounted.
[0162] When the water level sensor 19 needs to be replaced because
of a long-term washing operation, an operator inserts a tool into
the attachment/detachment hole 18a to push the hook to the outside
of the protrusion 18. Then, the water level sensor 19 may be easily
separated.
[0163] The front panel 50 having the opening 53 formed therein is
installed on the tub 20, and a hinge portion 62 to connect the door
60 which opens/closes the opening 53 is supported by the front
panel 50.
[0164] The hinge portion 62 is formed at one side of the opening 53
and has a curved panel shape extended in a vertical direction, and
supports 62a protruding from the upper and lower parts of the hinge
portion 62 are rotatably connected to the upper and lower parts of
the door 60.
[0165] The rear panel 10 includes the box unit 30 to surround the
tub 20, and the box unit 30 includes the cover unit 32 to cover the
front panel 50.
[0166] The hinge portion 62 connected to the door 60 is supported
by the coupling member coupled to the front panel 50 through the
cover unit 32 (refer to FIG. 13).
[0167] The front panel 50 has a larger thickness than the cover
unit 32, and includes a plurality of reinforcement ribs formed on
the front surface thereof. Thus, a support force to support the
door 60 may be improved.
[0168] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which
the door of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention is opened. FIG. 14 is
an exploded view of a box unit mounting structure of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a
connection structure between guide protrusions and guide grooves of
the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention.
[0169] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bypass unit of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the
front panel including the bypass unit of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0170] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17, the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
further includes a control unit 21 installed on the front panel 50
and a bypass unit 70 to bypass wash water dropping toward the
control unit 21.
[0171] The control unit 21 is installed at the bottom of the front
surface of the front panel 50 so as to be connected to the
manipulation unit 21a installed on the cover unit 32.
[0172] The bypass unit 70 is disposed over the control unit 21.
Thus, the wash water flowing downward along the tub 20 drops in the
side directions of the tub 20 along the bypass unit 70.
[0173] Therefore, it is possible to prevent a malfunction and
damage of the drum washing machine, which may occur when water is
introduced into the control unit 21.
[0174] The bypass unit 70 includes a bypass rib 71 disposed between
the control unit 21 and the opening 53.
[0175] The wash water flowing downward along the tub 20 is guided
toward the edge of the tub 20 along the bypass rib 71, which makes
it possible to prevent the wash water from dropping toward the
control unit 21.
[0176] The bypass rib 71 is formed to be elongated in the
side-to-side direction, and both ends of the bypass rib 71 are bent
while forming a curved surface in the downward direction.
[0177] Therefore, the wash water dropping onto the top surface of
the bypass rib 71 flows toward both ends of the bypass rib 71.
[0178] Inside the bypass rib 71, a heater 72 is installed to heat
wash water.
[0179] The heater 72 which receives power to heat wash water
contained in the tub 20 is connected to an electric device. The
electric device of the heater 72 is not contacted with wash water
because of the bypass rib 71.
[0180] The water supply device 74 and 74a (refer to FIG. 3) is
connected to the top of the rear panel 10, and the rear panel 10
includes the drain unit 80 (refer to FIGS. 9 and 10) which prevents
wash water dropping from the water supply device 74 and 74a from
flowing toward the control unit 21.
[0181] The water supply device 74 and 74a includes a plurality of
water supply valves 74 (refer to FIG. 3) installed in the rear
panel 10 and a water supply pipe 74a connecting the water supply
valves 74 to the tub 20 and connecting the water supply valves 74
to a water supply source.
[0182] The water supply pipe 74a is inserted into the rear surface
of the rear panel 10 through the second through-groove 12c (refer
to FIG. 2) formed at the bottom of the rear panel 10, and extended
to the top of the rear panel 10 along the circumferential surface
of the tub 20 so as to be connected to the water supply valves
74.
[0183] When the water supply valve 74 malfunctions or is broken,
wash water supplied along the water supply pipe 74a may flow
downward along the circumferential surface of the tub 20.
[0184] In the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention, the drain unit 80
discharges the wash water flowing toward the bottom of the tub 20
to the outside of the rear panel 10.
[0185] The drain unit 80 includes a blocking rib 81, a drain hole
82, and a guide rib 83. The blocking rib 81 protrudes from the tub
20. The drain hole 82 is formed in the rear panel 10 so as to face
the blocking rib 81. The guide rib 83 guides wash water flowing
through the drain hole 82 toward the circumference of the rear
panel 10.
[0186] The blocking rib 81 is formed in a funnel shape over both
sides of the tub 20, and integrated with the circumferential
surface of the tub 20.
[0187] Thus, the wash water flowing along the tub 20 is contained
in the blocking rib 81.
[0188] The drain hole 82 is formed at the bottom of the
funnel-shaped space formed by the blocking rib 81 and the
circumferential surface of the tub 20, and formed through the rear
panel 10 such that the front surface 10a and the rear surface of
the rear panel 10 communicate with each other.
[0189] Therefore, the wash water flowing along the circumferential
surface of the tub 20 from the water supply valves 74 is collected
by the blocking rib 81, and moved toward the rear surface of the
rear panel 10 through the drain hole 82.
[0190] The guide rib 83 is formed in a ring shape on the rear
surface of the rear panel 10, and the drain hole 82 is disposed
outside the guide rib 83 and formed through the front and rear
surfaces of the rear panel 10.
[0191] The wash water flowing along the circumferential surface of
the tub 20 is collected by the blocking rib 81, moves toward the
rear surface of the rear panel 10 along the drain hole 82, and then
moves toward the circumference of the rear panel 10 along the guide
rib 83. Then, the wash water drops downward.
[0192] The wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention further includes an elastic
assembly unit 39 (refer to FIG. 3) which connects the box unit 30
and the rear panel 10 such that an elastic force is generated
between the cover unit 32 and the box unit 30.
[0193] The box unit 30 and the cover unit 32 form the outer wall of
the wall-mounted drum washing machine, and provide an elastic force
to each other.
[0194] Therefore, the box unit 30 and the cover unit 32 are
assembled by applying an external force in a reverse direction of
the elastic force generated by the box unit 30 and the cover unit
32.
[0195] Even after the box unit 30 and the cover unit 32 are
assembled, an elastic force to restore the box unit 30 and the
cover unit 32 to the original state still exists.
[0196] Thus, the coupling force among the box unit 30, the cover
unit 32, and the rear panel 10 is improved by the elastic
force.
[0197] The elastic assembly unit 39 includes a ring portion 31a, a
lock groove portion 33, and the receiving portion 15. The ring
portion 31a is formed in the connection hole 31. The lock groove
portion 33 is formed in the cover unit 32 such that the ring
portion 31a is inserted into the lock groove portion 33. The
receiving portion 15 is formed in the rear panel 10 so as to
receive the box unit 30.
[0198] The box unit 30 has the connection hole 31 formed at the
front side thereof, and the cover unit 32 is installed in the
connection hole 31. The ring portion 31a formed in the connection
hole 31 is inserted into the lock groove portion 33 formed on the
circumference of the cover unit 32.
[0199] The receiving portion 15 is disposed at the rear side from
the end of the box unit 30 such that a gap (a) is formed between
the end of the box unit 30 and the receiving portion 15 when the
box unit 30 having the cover unit 32 assembled thereto is received
on the rear panel 10 (refer to FIG. 7).
[0200] Therefore, when the box unit 30 and the cover unit 32 are
received on the rear panel 10 having the front panel 50 installed
thereon after the box unit 30 and the cover unit 32 are assembled,
the end of the box unit 30 is disposed with the gap (a) from the
receiving portion 15.
[0201] When the box unit 30 and the rear panel 10 are assembled, an
operator presses the front surface of the box unit 30 toward the
receiving portion 15 such that the end of the box unit 30 is
closely attached to the receiving portion 15 while the cover unit
32 and the box unit 30 are deformed. Then, the box unit 30 and the
rear panel 10 are coupled to each other.
[0202] The box unit 30 and the rear panel 10 have a plurality of
assembling holes 10b formed at the top and bottom thereof and
coupled to the coupling members. Specifically, two assembling holes
10b are formed at the top, and two assembling holes 10b are formed
at the bottom.
[0203] Thus, even after the box unit 30 is completely assembled,
the coupling members are not exposed to the front surface of the
cover unit 32 and the box unit 30.
[0204] The receiving portion 15 has guide grooves 15a formed
therein, and the box unit 30 has guide protrusions 38 formed to be
inserted into the guide grooves 15a.
[0205] Therefore, when the box unit 30 is received on the receiving
portion 15, the box unit 30 may be disposed in such a manner that
the guide protrusions 38 are inserted into the guide grooves 15a.
Then, the box unit 30 may be assembled at a precise position of the
rear panel 10.
[0206] The cover unit 32 includes a mounting hole 36 and a curved
surface portion 36a. The door 60 is installed in the mounting hole
36, and the curved surface portion 36a is inclined to the outside
of the box unit 30 from the mounting hole 36 toward the lock groove
portion 33 (refer to FIG. 5).
[0207] The circumference of the cover unit 32 has a shape to
protrude to the front side, due to the curved surface portion
36a.
[0208] Therefore, when the box unit 30 is pressurized toward the
receiving portion 15 in a state where the cover unit 32 and the box
unit 30 are coupled to each other, the end of the box unit 30 is
moved toward the receiving portion 15 while the curved surface
portion 36a is straightened.
[0209] The cover unit 32 includes a mounting groove 37 formed
between the mounting hole 36 and the curved surface portion 36a,
and the hinge portion 62 of the door 60 passes through the mounting
groove 37.
[0210] After the hinge portion 62 is received in the mounting
groove 37, the coupling member is coupled to the front panel 50
through the hinge portion 62 and the mounting groove 37.
[0211] Therefore, although the hinge portion 62 seems to be coupled
to the cover unit 32, the hinge portion 62 is supported by the
front panel 50.
[0212] The front panel 50 includes first and second supports 51 and
52 integrated therein. The first support 51 is coupled to the hinge
portion 62, and the second support 52 supports the cover unit
32.
[0213] The coupling member passing through the hinge portion 62 and
the mounting groove 37 is coupled to the first support portion
51.
[0214] When the cover unit 32 and the box unit 30 are pressurized
toward the receiving portion 15, the second support 52 serves as a
lever. Therefore, as the curved surface portion 36a of the cover
unit 32 is straightened, the end of the box unit 30 is moved toward
the receiving portion 15.
[0215] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a detergent box
mounting structure of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is
a cross-sectional view of a conditioner box mounting structure of
the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an exploded
perspective view of the detergent box mounting structure of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view
of the conditioner box mounting structure of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0216] FIG. 22 is an expanded cross-sectional view of the detergent
box mounting structure of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is
an expanded cross-sectional view of the conditioner box mounting
structure of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a diagram
illustrating a misassembling prevention unit of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine in accordance with the second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0217] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 24, the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
further includes a detergent box 90 detachably installed in the
front panel 50 through the cover unit 32.
[0218] Since the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the wall
surface W, a distance between the box unit 30 and the tub 20
housing a small drum and a distance between the cover unit 32 and
the front panel 50 are inevitably set to a small value.
[0219] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detergent box 90
is not installed in the cover unit 32 or the box unit 30, but
detachably installed in the rear panel 10 through the cover unit
32.
[0220] The front panel 50 has a first insertion hole portion 54
into which the detergent box 90 is inserted, and the first
insertion hole portion 54 has a first water supply hole 54b
connected to the water supply pipe 74a.
[0221] The first insertion hole portion 54 is formed to protrude to
the front side from the front surface of the front panel 50, and
the first water supply hole 54b into which the water supply pipe
74a is inserted is formed at the top of the circumferential surface
of the first insertion hole portion 54.
[0222] Since the water supply pipe 74a is inserted and connected to
the first water supply hole 54b, water leakage does not occur
between the water supply pipe 74a and the first water supply hole
54b.
[0223] Furthermore, sine the detergent box 90 is detachably
installed in the first insertion hole portion 54 and the water
supply pipe 74a is connected to the first water supply hole 54b, a
separate detergent box 90 is not installed in the box unit 30 or
the cover unit 32, but detergent and wash water are mixed in the
front panel 50 and then directly supplied into the tub 20.
[0224] The detergent box 90 includes a first housing portion 91 and
a first handle 92. The first housing portion 91 is inserted into
the first insertion hole portion 54. The first handle 92 is
rotatably connected to the first housing portion 91, and detachably
coupled to the front panel 50.
[0225] The first housing portion 91 is formed in a container shape
of which the top surface is opened, and the first handle 92 is
rotatably coupled to the front surface of the first housing portion
91.
[0226] Therefore, when the first handle 92 is rotated after the
first housing portion 91 is inserted into the first insertion hole
portion 54, a locking operation is performed between the first
handle 92 and a first lock hole portion 34 of the cover unit
32.
[0227] When the first handle 92 is rotated, the first housing
portion 91 and the first handle 92 run idle with respect to each
other. Therefore, the first housing portion 91 is not rotated.
[0228] The first housing portion 91 has a remaining water hole 91a
formed therein. Thus, wash water supplied to the tub 20 through the
first housing portion 91 does not remain in the first housing
portion 91, but is discharged toward the tub 20 through the
remaining water hole 91a.
[0229] The remaining water hole 91a is formed at the internal
bottom of the first housing portion 91, and inclined toward the
inside of the tub 20.
[0230] Therefore, the wash water discharged along the remaining
water hole 91a from the first housing portion 91 is collected into
the tub 20.
[0231] The remaining water hole 91a has a backflow prevention
protrusion 91c to prevent wash water from flowing backward.
[0232] Thus, the wash water discharged from the first housing
portion 91 is prevented from flowing backward through the gap
between the first housing portion 91 and the first insertion hole
portion 54.
[0233] The backflow prevention protrusion 91c is formed to protrude
downward from the bottom surface of the remaining water hole
91a.
[0234] Therefore, the wash water introduced through the gap between
the first housing portion 91 and the first insertion hole portion
54 along the bottom surface of the first housing portion 91, that
is, the bottom surface of the remaining water hole 91a stands on
the backflow prevention protrusion 91c and then drops downward so
as to be collected into the tub 20.
[0235] The first insertion hole portion 54 has a first step portion
54c to prevent wash water from being introduced through the gap
between the first housing portion 91 and the first insertion hole
portion 54.
[0236] The first step portion 54c is formed by expanding the lower
portion of the first insertion hole portion 54 in the downward
direction.
[0237] As the gap between the first housing portion 91 and the
first insertion hole portion 54 increases, wash water introduced
through the gap between the bottom surface of the first housing
portion 91 and the first insertion hole portion 54 is discharged
toward the tub.
[0238] The first housing portion 91 has a first induction panel 91b
formed on the rear surface of the first housing portion 91 and
having a smaller height than both side surfaces thereof. Thus, when
wash water supplied to the first housing portion 91 overflows, the
overflowing wash water is supplied toward the tub 20 through the
first induction panel 91b.
[0239] The first induction panel 91b of the first housing portion
91 is formed to have a smaller height than both side panels of the
first housing portion 91.
[0240] Thus, when wash water supplied along a first water supply
hole 54b is stored in the first housing portion 91 and then
overflows from first housing portion 91, the wash water drops
toward the tub 20 over the top of the first induction panel
91b.
[0241] The wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention further includes a conditioner
box 100 detachably installed in the second insertion hole portion
55 through the cover unit 32.
[0242] When a washing operation is performed in a state where a
fabric conditioner is contained in the conditioner box 100, wash
water is supplied to the conditioner box 100 during a rinsing
process. Then, the conditioner and the wash water are supplied into
the tub 20.
[0243] The conditioner box 100 includes a second housing portion
101 and a second handle 102. The second housing portion 101 is
inserted into the second insertion hole portion 55 and has a siphon
portion 103 formed therein. The second handle 102 is rotatably
connected to the second housing portion 101 and detachably coupled
to the front panel 50.
[0244] The second housing portion 101 is formed in a container
shape of which the top surface is opened, and the second handle 102
is rotatably coupled to the front surface of the second housing
portion 101.
[0245] Therefore, when the second handle 102 is rotated after the
second housing portion 101 is inserted into the second insertion
hole portion 55, a locking operation is performed between the
second handle 102 and a second lock hole portion 35 of the cover
unit 32.
[0246] When the second handle 102 is rotated, the second housing
portion 101 and the second handle 102 run idle with respect to each
other. Therefore, the second housing portion 101 is not
rotated.
[0247] The second housing portion 101 has the siphon portion 103
installed therein. Therefore, when wash water is supplied to the
second housing portion 101, the wash water and the fabric
conditioner do not remain in the second housing portion 101 due to
a siphon effect, but are discharged toward the tub 20.
[0248] The second insertion hole portion 55 has a second step
portion 55c to discharge wash water introduced through a gap
between the second housing portion 101 and the second insertion
hole portion 55 toward the tub 20.
[0249] The second step portion 55c is formed by expanding the lower
portion of the second insertion hole portion 55 in the downward
direction.
[0250] As the gap between the second housing portion 101 and the
second insertion hole portion 55 increases, wash water introduced
to the gap between the bottom of the second housing portion 101 and
the second insertion hole portion 55 does not remain, but is
discharged toward the tub 20.
[0251] The second housing portion 101 includes a second induction
panel 101a formed on the rear surface thereof and having a smaller
height than both side surfaces thereof. Thus, when wash water
supplied to the second housing portion 101 overflows, the
overflowing wash water is supplied to the tub 20 along the second
induction panel 101a.
[0252] The second induction panel 101a of the second housing
portion 101 is formed to have a smaller height than both side
surfaces of the second housing portion 101.
[0253] Therefore, when the wash water supplied along a second
supply hole 55b is stored in the second housing portion 101 and
then overflows from the second housing portion 101, the wash water
drops toward the tub 20 over the top of the second induction panel
101a.
[0254] The bottom surface of the second housing portion 101 is
inclined toward the siphon portion 103.
[0255] The wash water or fabric conditioner remaining on the bottom
surface of the second housing portion 101 moves toward the siphon
portion 103 along the inclined bottom surface. Therefore, the wash
waster or fabric conditioner does not remain in the second housing
portion 101 due to the operation of the siphon portion 103.
[0256] The siphon portion 103 includes a discharge pipe 103a and a
cover portion 103b. The discharge pipe 103a protrudes upward from
the bottom surface of the second housing portion 101. The cover
portion 103b covers the top of the discharge pipe 103a while spaced
at a predetermined interval from the discharge pipe 103a.
[0257] When wash water is supplied to the second housing portion
101 containing fabric conditioner, the wash water and the fabric
conditioner are discharged toward the discharge pipe 103a along the
gap between the discharge pipe 103a and the cover portion 103b due
to the siphon effect.
[0258] Furthermore, the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention includes a
misassembling prevention unit 59 to prevent the detergent box 90
and the conditioner box 100 from being switched and inserted.
[0259] Since the first and second housing portions 91 and 101 have
a similar shape and size to each other, a user may switch and
insert the detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100.
[0260] In the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention, the misassembling
prevention unit 59 prevents the detergent box 90 and the
conditioner box 110 from being switched and inserted.
[0261] Therefore, it is possible to prevent a user's mistake.
Specifically, it is possible to prevent a washing operation from
being started in a state where the conditioner box 100 is inserted
into the first insertion hole portion 54 and the detergent box 90
is inserted into the second insertion hole portion 55.
[0262] The first handle 92 has a first lock portion 92a formed
thereon, and the first lock hole portion 34 of the cover unit 32
into which the first handle 92 is inserted has a first stopper 34a
to restrict the rotation of the first lock portion 92a.
[0263] The first handle 92 has a first coupling groove 91d formed
on the rear surface thereof, into which a first hook portion 92b of
the first housing portion 91 is rotatably inserted. Thus, the first
handle 92 and the first housing portion 91 are connected to run
idle with respect to each other.
[0264] The first handle 92 has a pair of first lock portions 92a
formed on the circumferential surface thereof, and the first lock
hole portion 34 of the cover unit 32 has a pair of first stoppers
34a formed at a predetermined distance from each other such that
the first lock portions 92a are locked to the first stoppers
34a.
[0265] The first stoppers 34a are formed in a protrusion shape to
protrude to the center from the circumference of the first lock
hole portion 34, and arranged at two positions of the first lock
hole portion 34 so as to be spaced from each other.
[0266] When the first handle 92 is inserted into the first lock
hole portion 34 and then rotated in a state where the first lock
portions 92a and the first stoppers 34a are disposed to be spaced
from each other, the first lock portions 92a and the first stoppers
34a overlap each other.
[0267] Therefore, the first handle 92 is locked so as not to be
separated from the first lock hole portion 34.
[0268] At this time, since the first handle 92 and the first
housing portion 91 run idle with respect to each other, it is
possible to prevent the detergent contained in the first housing
portion 91 from pouring.
[0269] The second handle 102 has a pair of second lock portions 104
formed thereon, and the second lock hole portion 35 of the cover
unit 32, into which the second handle 102 is inserted, has a pair
of second stoppers 35a to restrict the rotation of the second lock
portions 104.
[0270] The second handle 102 has a second coupling groove 101b
formed on the rear surface thereof, into which a second hook
portion 102a of the second housing portion 101 is rotatably
inserted. Thus, the second handle 102 and the second housing
portion 101 are connected to run idle with respect to each
other.
[0271] The second handle 102 has the pair of second lock portions
104 formed on the circumferential surface thereof, and the second
lock hole portion 35 of the cover unit 32 has the pair of second
stoppers 35a formed at a predetermined distance from each other
such that the second lock portions 104 are locked to the second
stoppers 35a.
[0272] The second stoppers 35a are formed in a protrusion shape to
protrude to the center from the circumference of the second lock
hole portion 35, and are formed at two positions of the second lock
hole portion 35 so as to be spaced at a predetermined distance from
each other.
[0273] When the second handle 102 is inserted into the second lock
hole portion 35 and then rotated in a state where the second lock
portions 104 and the second stoppers 35a are disposed to be spaced
from each other, the second lock portions 104 and the second
stoppers 35a overlap each other.
[0274] Therefore, the second handle 102 is locked so as not to be
separated from the second lock hole portion 35.
[0275] At this time, since the second handle 102 and the second
housing portion 101 are connected to run idle with respect to each
other, it is possible to prevent the fabric conditioner contained
in the second housing portion 101 from pouring.
[0276] The first lock hole portion 34 has a first blocking panel
54a extended from the top thereof toward the first housing portion
91, and the second lock hole portion 35 has a second blocking panel
55a extended from the top thereof toward the second housing portion
101.
[0277] The first blocking panel 54a is disposed at the top of the
first housing portion 91 when the first housing portion 91 is
inserted, and disposed close to the first handle 92 in a state
where the first housing portion 91 is inserted into the first
insertion hole portion 54.
[0278] Therefore, when wash water is supplied through the first
water supply hole 54b, the wash water overflowing to the outside of
the first housing portion 91 may be prevented from leaking toward
the first handle 92.
[0279] The second blocking panel 55a is disposed at the top of the
second housing portion 101 when the second housing portion 101 is
inserted, and disposed close to the second handle 102 in a state
where the second housing portion 101 is inserted into the second
insertion hole portion 55.
[0280] When wash water is supplied through the second water supply
hole 55b, the wash water overflowing to the outside of the second
housing portion 101 may be prevented from leaking toward the second
handle 102.
[0281] The misassembling prevention unit 59 includes a blocking
portion 56 formed on the first blocking panel 54a extended from the
first insertion hole portion 54 toward the first housing portion 91
and interfering with the siphon portion 103.
[0282] The siphon portion 103 formed in the second housing portion
101 is formed in an elongated shape to protrude toward the top of
the second housing portion 101.
[0283] When the second housing portion 101 is inserted into the
first insertion hole portion 54, the siphon portion 103 and the
blocking portion 56 interfere with each other such that the second
housing portion 101 cannot be inserted into the first insertion
hole portion 54.
[0284] Thus, it is possible to prevent a user's mistake. For
example, it is possible to prevent a washing operation from being
started in a state where the detergent box 90 and the conditioner
box 100 are switched and inserted.
[0285] Furthermore, the door 60 installed on the front panel 50 has
sensing grooves 61 into which the first and second handles 92 and
102 are inserted (refer to FIG. 13).
[0286] When the door 60 is closed in a state where the first and
second handles 92 and 102 are not completely locked, the first and
second handles 92 and 102 are not inserted into the sensing groove
portion 61.
[0287] Therefore, the user cannot close the door 60 in a state
where the first and second handles 92 and 102 are not completely
locked. As such, when the drum washing machine is not imperfectly
set, a normal washing operation cannot be performed.
[0288] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an overflow prevention
unit of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention.
[0289] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 25, the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
further includes an air discharge port 123 and a clogging
prevention portion 120. The air discharge port 123 is formed in the
rear panel 10 so as to discharge air stored in the tub 20. The
clogging prevention portion 120 serves to prevent clogging of the
air discharge port 123.
[0290] Through the air discharge port 123 formed at the top of the
central portion of the rear panel 10, high-pressure air inside the
tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the tub 20.
[0291] The air discharge port 123 includes a ventilation pipe 125
to guide the air discharged from the tub 20 to the outside, and the
ventilation pipe 125 is extended toward the second through-groove
12c by the guide unit 12.
[0292] The ventilation pipe 125 may be coupled to the installation
hole portion 13a in a state where the cable member 13b is wounded
around the ventilation pipe 125, like the power line 11a.
[0293] The clogging prevention portion 120 includes a foaming
portion 121 formed in the rear panel 10 so as to expand an end
portion of the air discharge port 123.
[0294] Since the foaming portion 121 has a larger diameter than the
air discharge port 123, the foaming portion 121 prevents the air
discharge port 123 from clogging with foam formed in the tub
20.
[0295] The clogging prevention portion 120 further includes the
guide unit 12 formed in the rear panel 10 such that the ventilation
pipe 125 connected to the air discharge port 123 is extended toward
a higher position than the air discharge port 123.
[0296] Both of the power line 11a and the ventilation pipe 125 may
be inserted into the guide unit 12. When the cable member 13b
wounded around the ventilation pipe 125 is coupled to the
installation hole portion 1013a by the coupling member 16a, the
ventilation pipe 125 may be prevented from coming off to the
outside of the fixing portion 12a.
[0297] The ventilation pipe 125 extended to the inside of the
fixing portion 12a is extended toward the bottom of the rear panel
10, and exposed to the outside of the rear panel 10 through the
second through-groove 12c.
[0298] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the drum of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the
drum of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is cross-sectional
view of the drum of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0299] Referring to FIGS. 26 to 28, the drum 23 of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention is formed to have a larger diameter B than the
depth A of the drum 23. At this time, the depth A of the drum 23
indicates a distance from the front surface 23c to the rear surface
23d of the drum 23.
[0300] Since the diameter B of the drum 23 is larger than the depth
A thereof, that is, the diameter B is set to a relatively large
value and the depth A is set to a relatively small value, the
front-to-rear length of the drum 23 may be reduced when the same
capacity is intended to be implemented.
[0301] Since the front-to-rear length of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine is reduced, it is possible to reduce the protrusion
of the drum washing machine from the wall surface W.
[0302] In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention,
the depth A of the drum 23 is set to 120 to 130 mm. When the drum
23 is formed to have a depth of less than 120 mm, it may be
difficult to house laundry between the front surface 23c and the
rear surface 23d of the drum 23. Therefore, it becomes inconvenient
to put the laundry.
[0303] Furthermore, when the drum 23 is formed to have a depth of
more than 130 mm, the front-to-rear length of the drum washing
machine may be increased so that the drum washing machine occupies
a large installation space. Therefore, the exterior quality of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine may be degraded, and the space
occupied by the drum washing machine may be increased to reduce a
user's action radius.
[0304] Therefore, when the depth A of the drum 23 is set to 120 to
130 mm, it may become easy to put the laundry, and the exterior
quality of the drum washing machine may be improved. Furthermore,
the protrusion of the drum washing machine may be reduced to
increase a user's action radius.
[0305] The diameter B of the drum 23 may be set 3 to 3.2 times
larger than the depth A of the drum 23.
[0306] When the diameter B of the drum 23 is less than a value
which is three times larger than the depth A of the drum 23, the
drum 23 has a relatively large depth. Thus, the protrusion of the
drum washing machine from the wall surface W increases.
[0307] Therefore, as described above, the front-to-rear length of
the drum washing machine is increased so that the drum washing
machine occupies a large installation space. Thus, the exterior
quality of the wall-mounted drum washing machine may be degraded,
and the space occupied by the drum washing machine may be increased
to reduce a user's action radius.
[0308] When the diameter B of the drum 23 is more than a value
which is 3.2 times larger than the depth A of the drum 23, the
horizontal and vertical sizes of the product are increased.
Therefore, the area of the wall surface W required for mounting the
drum washing machine may be increased to make it difficult to
install the drum washing machine.
[0309] Therefore, when the diameter B of the drum 23 is set 3 to
3.2 times larger than the depth A of the drum 23, it may become
easy to put the laundry, the exterior quality of the drum washing
machine may be improved, and the protrusion of the drum washing
machine may be reduced to increase a user's action radius.
[0310] Furthermore, the shortest distance C from the circumference
of the drum 23 to an input hole 23b is set 0.4 to 0.8 times smaller
than the depth A of the drum 23.
[0311] When the shortest distance C from the circumference of the
drum 23 to the input hole 23b is less than a value which is 0.4
times smaller than the depth A of the drum 23, the space required
for housing laundry may be reduced to make it inconvenient to put
the laundry. In this case, the laundry put into the drum 23 may
come out of the drum 23.
[0312] Furthermore, when the shortest distance C from the
circumference of the drum 23 to the input hole 23b exceeds a value
which is 0.8 times smaller than the depth A of the drum 23, the
size of the input hole 23b may be reduced to make it inconvenient
to take out the laundry.
[0313] Therefore, when the shortest distance C from the
circumference of the drum 23 to the input hole 23b is set 0.4-0.8
times smaller than the depth A of the drum 23, it may become easy
to put laundry, and the exterior quality of the drum washing
machine may be improved. Furthermore, the protrusion of the drum
washing machine may be reduced to increase a user's action
radius.
[0314] The drum 23 includes a plurality of protrusions 23e formed
on the rear surface 23d thereof, and the protrusions 23e are
arranged to be spaced at a predetermined distance from each other
and connected to the driving unit 40.
[0315] The operation of the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention will be
described as follows.
[0316] First, when the wall-mounted drum washing machine is
installed, four coupling members 16a are installed on the wall
surface W, and the buffer member 16c is inserted into the coupling
members 16a. Then, the rear panel 10 is mounted on the wall surface
W such that the coupling members 16a are inserted into the
through-holes 16 of the rear panel 10.
[0317] The coupling members 16a protruding toward the front surface
10a of the rear panel 10 through the through-holes 16 are coupled
to the nut members 16b, and the nut members 16b are closely
attached to the front surface 10a.
[0318] Then, when the cover unit 32 and the box unit 30 are
assembled and the box unit 30 is put on the rear panel 10, the end
portion of the box unit 30 is received on the receiving portion 15,
and the guide protrusions 38 are inserted into the guide grooves
15a. Then, the box unit 30 is received at the precise position of
the rear panel 10.
[0319] At this time, the end of the box unit 30 is disposed to be
spaced at a predetermined interval from the receiving portion 15.
While pressing the box unit 30 and the cover unit 32 toward the
receiving portion 15, the operator inserts the coupling members 16a
into the upper and lower parts of the box unit 30 such that the box
unit 30 is coupled to the rear panel 10.
[0320] After the installation of the wall-mounted drum washing
machine is completed, the box unit 30, the cover unit 32, and the
rear panel 10 are fastened by an elastic force generated between
the box unit 30 and the cover unit 32. Therefore, the coupling
force among the respective parts may be improved.
[0321] When a user wants to perform a washing operation, the user
opens the door 60, puts laundry into the drum 23, separates the
detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100, puts detergent and
fabric conditioner into the first and second housings 91 and 101,
and inserts the first and second housings 91 and 101 into the first
and second insertion hole portions 54 and 55, respectively.
[0322] At this time, the first insertion hole portion 54 has the
blocking portion 56 extended downward from the first blocking panel
54a. Thus, when the conditioner box 100 is inserted into the first
insertion hole portion 54, the siphon portion 103 and the blocking
portion 56 interfere with each other. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent a user's mistake of switching and inserting the detergent
box 90 and the conditioner box 100.
[0323] After the detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100 are
inserted into the first and second insertion hole portions 54 and
55, the user rotates the first and second handles 92 and 102 such
that the first and second lock portions 92a and 104 overlap the
first and second stoppers 34a and 35a, respectively. Then, the
detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100 are locked.
[0324] Then, when the user presses the manipulation unit to start a
washing operation, the water supply valves are opened to supply
wash water to the tub 20.
[0325] At this time, the wash water supplied to the detergent box
90 through the first water supply hole 54b along the water supply
pipe 74a is stored in the first housing portion 91.
[0326] Then, when the wash water is continuously supplied, the wash
water overflows from the top of the first induction panel 91b so as
to be supplied into the tub 20.
[0327] When the supply of the wash water is completed, the motor 41
is driven according to an operation signal transmitted from the
control block 22, and power transmitted along the belt 43 from the
rotating shaft 41a of the motor 41 rotates the driving wheel 42 and
the drum 23 to perform the washing operation.
[0328] In the present embodiment, since the tub 20, the rear panel
10, and the reinforcement unit 14 are integrally formed, it is
possible to prevent the tub 20 from being moved by vibrations
generated while the drum 23 is rotated. Furthermore, the buffer
member 16c interposed between the rear panel 10 and the wall
surface W may prevent the vibrations of the drum 23 from being
transmitted to the wall surface W.
[0329] Thus, it is possible to provide the drum washing machine
which may be installed on the wall surface and includes the power
line 11a of which the extension direction is varied.
[0330] FIG. 29 is a block configuration diagram of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0331] Referring to FIG. 29, components which are used in a control
method for the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail. The wall-mounted drum washing machine includes the
manipulation unit 21a, the water level sensor 19, the control unit
140, the motor 41, the water supply device 74 and 74a, the drain
device 75, and a memory unit 126.
[0332] The manipulation unit 21a serves to receive various control
commands from a user, and includes various keys which are installed
on the front surface of the wall-mounted drum washing machine and
used to control a washing process, a rinsing process, and a
spin-drying process. Through the manipulation unit 21a, a user may
directly input the operation number of each process, a water level,
a time, a water temperature, whether or not to input detergent, the
amount of detergent and the like.
[0333] The washing process refers to a process in which a user
injects wash water and detergent into the drum 23 and operates the
motor 41 to remove old stains, at the initial stage of the
operation of the wall-mounted drum washing machine. The rinsing
process refers to a process in which a user injects clean water
into the drum 23 and operates the motor 41 to cleanly rinse the
laundry. The spin-drying process refers to a process in which the
laundry is spin-dried through a centrifugal force generated by
rotating a the drum 23 at high speed.
[0334] The water level sensor 19 serves to measure the level of
water supplied to the drum 23 during each process and input the
measured level to the control unit 21. In the present embodiment,
the water level sensor 19 not only measures the level of wash water
to determine the start of the washing process, but also measures
the rinsing level of foam formed by detergent to determine whether
or not a proper amount of detergent is used.
[0335] The rinsing level indicates a level which is measured before
the rinsing process is performed after the washing process is
completed. When the rinsing level is measured, the foam formed by
the detergent is included. Thus, as the amount of foam increases,
the rinsing level increases.
[0336] The motor 41 rotates the drum 23 in a forward/reverse
rotation direction or rotates the drum 23 at a preset RPM according
to a control signal of the control unit 140.
[0337] The water supply device 74 and 74a serves to supply water
required for the drum 23 during each process, according to the
control signal of the control unit 140. The water supply device 74
and 74a includes a water supply pipe 74 and a water supply valve
74a. The water supply pipe 74 has one side connected to a water
pipe or tap so as to transfer water to the drum 23. The water
supply valve 74a is installed in the water supply pipe and
opens/closes the water supply pipe to supply water to the drum or
block water.
[0338] The drain device 75 discharges water stored in the drum 23
to the outside of the wall-mounted drum washing machine according
to the control signal of the control unit 140. The drain device 75
includes a drain pipe, a drain valve, and a drain pump, which are
not illustrated in the drawings. The drain pipe has one side
connected to the tub 20 so as to transfer water stored in the tub
20 to the outside of the wall-mounted drum washing machine. The
drain valve is installed in the drain pipe and opens/closes the
drain pipe to discharge water to the outside or block water. The
drain pump forcibly discharges water stored in the tub 20 to the
outside of the wall-mounted drum washing machine.
[0339] The memory unit 126 is configured to store a lookup table
indicating the corresponding relation among the initial number of
rinsing processes which is initially set by a user or previously
set, the rinsing level, and the number of rinsing processes, and
transmit the value to the control unit 140 according to a command
of the control unit 140.
[0340] At this time, as the rinsing level increases, it may
indicate that a large amount of foam is formed by the detergent.
Thus, according to the corresponding relation of the lookup table,
the number of rinsing processes increases as the rinsing level
increases.
[0341] The control unit 140 controls the overall operations of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention. In the present embodiment, since the
control unit 140 receives the rinsing level measured after the
washing process and automatically adds a rinsing process, the
cleaning ability of the drum washing machine may be improved.
[0342] At this time, in order to determine an additional number of
rinsing processes, the control unit 140 receives the corresponding
relation between the rinsing level and the number of rinsing
processes, which is previously stored in the memory unit 126.
[0343] The operation of the control unit 140 will be described in
detail with reference to FIG. 30.
[0344] FIG. 30 is an operation flowchart of the control method for
the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0345] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, the control method for the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.
First, the control unit 140 performs a washing process according to
a value inputted through the manipulation unit 21a, and receives
information on the number of rinsing processes, which is initially
set, from the memory unit 126, at step S10. Then, the control unit
140 measures a rinsing level through the water level sensor 19
after the washing process is completed, at step S20.
[0346] Then, the control unit 140 determines a final number of
rinsing processes according to the rinsing level measured by the
water level sensor 19 at steps S30 and 32. At this time, the final
number of rinsing processes does not indicate the number of rinsing
processes, which is initially set by a user or internally set in
the wall-mounted drum washing machine, but indicates the total
number of rinsing processes including additional rinsing processes
which are determined according to the rinsing level.
[0347] The step of determining the final number of rinsing
processes includes determining whether the rinsing level measured
by the water level sensor 19 is equal to or more than a preset
reference level at step S30, and adding rinsing processes when the
rinsing level is equal to or more than the preset reference level
at step S32.
[0348] The preset reference level indicates a rinsing level at
which additional rinsing processes are required. When an excessive
amount of detergent is used, foam is formed by the detergent so as
to increase the rinsing level. Thus, additional rinsing processes
are needed.
[0349] Furthermore, as the rinsing level increases, the additional
number of rinsing processes also increases. At this time, in order
to determine the additional number of rinsing processes, the
control unit 140 receives the corresponding relation between the
rinsing level and the number of rinsing processes, which is
previously stored in the memory unit 126.
[0350] That is, according to the corresponding relation between the
rinsing level and the number of rinsing processes which is
previously stored in the memory unit 126, the control unit 140
determines n rinsing processes which are additionally required,
where n is a natural number, and then determines the final number
of rinsing processes.
[0351] However, when the measured rinsing level is less than the
preset reference level, the initial number of rinsing processes may
be set to the final number of rinsing processes.
[0352] Then, the control unit 140 performs rinsing processes by the
determined final number at step S40. As described above, when the
rinsing level exceeds the preset reference level, the final number
of rinsing processes may increase by n from the initial number of
rinsing processes, and when the rinsing level is less than the
preset reference level, the initial number of rinsing processes may
be set to the final number of rinsing processes.
[0353] In the control method for the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the first embodiment of the present
invention, when a proper amount of detergent or more is used while
a washing operation is performed by the wall-mounted drum washing
machine, the level of foam formed by the detergent may be measured.
When the level exceeds the reference level, rinsing processes may
be automatically added to improve the cleaning ability of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine.
[0354] Furthermore, the washing operation of the wall-mounted drum
washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention may be performed by adding rinsing processes, without
adding separate parts. Thus, since the design of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine does not need to be changed, a manufacturing
cost may be reduced.
[0355] Referring to FIG. 29, components which are used in control
methods for the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance
with second to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail. The wall-mounted drum washing machine includes
an RPM detection unit 130, the control unit 140, the motor 41, the
water supply valve 74, and the drain device 75.
[0356] The RPM detection unit 130 is configured to detect the RPM
of the motor 41 and transmit the detected RPM to the control unit
140.
[0357] The RPM detection unit 130 may include a hall sensor (not
illustrated) attached on a stator (not illustrated) of the motor 41
and configured to generate a pulse signal whenever a magnetic force
radiated from a permanent magnet attached on a rotor (not
illustrated) of the motor 41 is detected.
[0358] Furthermore, the RPM detection unit 130 may include an
encoder configured to measure the RPM of the motor 41.
[0359] The control unit 140 reduces the RPM of the motor 41 during
a deceleration section of a spin-drying process of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine. When the RPM of the motor 41 reaches a
reference speed (a), the control unit 140 opens the water supply
valve 74 to supply water to one or more of the detergent box 90 and
the conditioner box 100 for a foam removal time t.sub.F, in order
to remove foams of the detergent box 90 and the conditioner box
100.
[0360] Then, the control unit 140 operates the drain device 75 to
discharge the water supplied to the tub 20, in order to remove the
foams.
[0361] The reference speed (a) indicates the RPM of the motor 41,
which is set to a reference value for removing foams of the
detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100 after the spin-drying
process is completed. The reference speed (a) may be selected in
various manners depending on the specifications of products or
systems to be applied. For example, the reference speed may be
selected as 300 RPM.
[0362] Furthermore, the foam removal time t.sub.F indicates a time
during which the water supply valve 74 is opened to supply water to
the detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100, in order to
remove foams of the detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100.
The foam removal time t.sub.F may be selected in various manners
depending on the specifications of products or systems to be
applied.
[0363] At this time, the foam removal time t.sub.F may be set in
such a manner that a small amount of water is supplied and the drum
23 is not dipped into the water.
[0364] That is, the amount of water supplied to remove the foams of
the detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100 may be set to such
a level as not to dip the drum 23, while filling the detergent box
90 and the conditioner box 100.
[0365] The control unit 140 may rotate the motor 41 at the
reference speed (a) for the foam removal time t.sub.F in which the
water supply valve 74 is opened.
[0366] For example, when the RPM of the motor 41 decreases to the
reference speed of 300 RPM, the control unit 140 may maintain the
RPM of the motor 41 at the reference speed (a) of 300 RPM for the
foam removal time t.sub.F.
[0367] As the control unit 140 constantly maintains the RPM of the
motor 41 for the foam removal time t.sub.F in which the water
supply valve 74 is opened, the supplied water may be prevented from
being introduced into the drum 23.
[0368] The control unit 140 may stop the control for the motor 41
during the deceleration section of the spin-drying process of the
wall-mounted drum washing machine, unlike the above-described
method. In this case, the motor 41 is continuously rotated by
inertia, and the RPM of the motor 41 gradually decreases.
[0369] At this time, the control unit 140 receives the RPM of the
motor 41 from the RPM detection unit 130 and checks whether or not
the RPM of the motor 41 reaches the reference speed (a). When the
RPM of the motor 41 decreases to the reference speed (a), the
control unit 140 opens the water supply valve 74 to supply water to
one or more of the detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100 for
the foam removal time t.sub.F, thereby removing the foams of the
detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100.
[0370] Even in this case, the control unit 140 may rotate the motor
41 at the reference speed (a) for the foam removal time t.sub.F in
which the water supply valve 74 is opened, thereby preventing the
supplied water from being introduced into the drum 23.
[0371] Referring to FIG. 29, the motor 41 rotates the drum 23, and
the operation is controlled by the control unit 140 as described
above.
[0372] The water supply valve 74 is a valve to restrict water
supplied from a water supply source, and opening/closing of the
water supply valve 74 is controlled by the control unit 140.
[0373] The water supply valve 74 may include two water supply
valves 74 to supply water to the water detergent box 90 and the
conditioner box 100, respectively.
[0374] When the water supply valve 74 is opened, water is supplied
to the detergent box 90 or the conditioner box 100 through the
water supply pipe 74a. Then, the water supplied to the detergent
box 90 or the conditioner box 100 is supplied to the tub 20.
[0375] The drain box 75 discharges the water supplied to the tub
20, and the operation is controlled by the control unit 140.
[0376] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the control method for
the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 is a graph
illustrating the RPM change of the motor with time in the control
method for the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0377] Hereafter, referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the control method
for the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the
second embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail.
[0378] First, the control unit 140 receives information on the RPM
of the motor 41 from the RPM detection unit 130 during a
spin-drying process, and determines whether or not the RPM reaches
a maximum speed Max, at step S100.
[0379] When the RPM of the motor 41 reaches the maximum speed Max,
the control unit 140 determines whether or not a maintenance time
t.sub.M passes, at step S110. During the maintenance time t.sub.M,
the maximum speed Max is maintained for the spin-drying
process.
[0380] Then, when the maintenance time t.sub.M passed, the control
unit 140 reduces the RPM of the motor 41 to end the spin-drying
process, at step S120.
[0381] Then, the control unit 140 checks whether or not the RPM of
the motor 41 reaches the reference speed (a) at step S130.
[0382] When the RPM of the motor 41 reaches the reference speed
(a), the control unit 140 opens the water supply valve 74 at step
S140, and rotates the motor 41 at the reference speed (a) at step
S150.
[0383] On the other hand, when the RPM of the motor 41 does not
reach the reference speed (a), the control unit 140 returns to the
step S120 in which the control unit 140 reduces the RPM of the
motor 41.
[0384] Then, the control unit 140 checks whether or not a preset
foam removal time t.sub.F passes from the time at which the water
supply valve 74 is opened, at step S160. When the foam removal time
t.sub.F passes, the control unit 140 closes the water supply valve
74 at step S170, and stops the motor 41 at step S180.
[0385] That is, the control unit 140 removes the foams of the
detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100 by opening the water
supply valve 74 while rotating the motor 41 at the reference speed
(a), for the foam removal time t.sub.F.
[0386] Then, the control unit 140 operates the drain device 75 to
discharge the water supplied into the tub 20, and then ends the
spin-drying process.
[0387] As such, when the motor 41 is rotated at the reference speed
(a) to supply water, the foams of the detergent box 90 and the
conditioner box 100 may be removed while the water is prevented
from being introduced into the drum 23.
[0388] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the control method for
the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0389] In the above-described second embodiment, it has been
described that, when the maintenance time t.sub.M passes, the
control unit 140 reduces the RPM of the motor 41 to the reference
speed (a). However, when the spin-drying process is completed, the
control unit 140 may stop the control for the motor 41.
[0390] That is, when the RPM of the motor 41 reaches the maximum
speed Max at step S200 and the maintenance time t.sub.M for
maintaining the maximum speed Max passes at step S210, the control
unit 140 stops the control for the motor 41 at step S220.
[0391] When the control for the motor 41 is stopped, the RPM of the
motor 41 gradually decreases.
[0392] Then, the control unit 140 receives the RPM of the motor 41
from the RPM detection unit 130 at step S230, and checks whether or
not the RPM of the motor 41 reaches the reference speed (a) at step
S240.
[0393] When the RPM of the motor 41 reaches the reference speed
(a), the control unit 140 opens the water supply valve 74 at step
S250, and rotates the motor 41 at the reference speed (a) at step
S260.
[0394] Then, steps S270 to S290 in which the control unit 140
determines whether or not the foam removal time t.sub.F passes,
closes the water supply valve 74, and stops the motor 41 may be
performed in the same manner as the steps S160 to S180 of the
above-described embodiment. Thus, the detailed descriptions thereof
are omitted.
[0395] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating the control method for
the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the fourth
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is a graph
illustrating RPM change of the motor with time in the control
method for the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0396] In the above-described second and third embodiments, it has
been described that, when the RPM of the motor 41 reaches the
reference speed (a), the control unit 140 opens the water supply
valve 74.
[0397] However, when a preset time t.sub.s passes from the time at
which the control unit 140 stopped the control for the motor 41
because the maintenance time t.sub.M passed, the control unit 140
may open the water supply valve 74 to remove the foams of the
detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100.
[0398] Referring to FIG. 34, when the RPM of motor 41 reaches the
maximum speed Max at step S300 and the maintenance time t.sub.M for
maintaining the maximum speed Max is passes at step S310, the
control unit 140 stops the control for the motor 41 at step
S320.
[0399] When the control unit 140 stops the control for the motor
41, the RPM of the motor 41 gradually decreases.
[0400] Then, the control unit 140 receives the RPM of the motor 41
from the RPM detection unit 130 at step S330, and checks whether or
not the preset time t.sub.s passes from the time at which a
spin-drying process is completed, at step S340.
[0401] The preset time t.sub.s indicates a reference time for
removing foams of the detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100
after the spin-drying process is completed, and may be selected in
various manners depending on the specifications of products or
systems to be applied.
[0402] When the preset time t.sub.s passes from the time point at
which the spin-drying process is completed, the control unit 140
opens the water supply valve 74 at step S350, and rotates the motor
41 at a speed (b) when the preset time t.sub.s passed, at step
S360.
[0403] Then, steps S370 to S390 in which the control unit 140
determines whether or not the foam removal time t.sub.F passes,
closes the water supply valve 74, and stops the control for the
motor 41 may be performed in the same manner as the steps S160 to
S180 of the above-described embodiment. Thus, the detailed
descriptions thereof are omitted herein.
[0404] In the control method of the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the second to fourth embodiments of the
present invention, water is supplied for a predetermined time at
the final stage of the spin-drying process in the wall-mounted drum
washing machine in which the detergent box 90 and the conditioner
box 100 are integrated with the tub 20, thereby removing the foams
introduced into the detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100
during the spin-drying process.
[0405] Furthermore, while the water supply valve 74 is opened to
supply water, the control unit 140 may rotate the motor 41 at a
predetermined speed to remove the foams introduced into the
detergent box 90 and the conditioner box 100, while preventing the
water from being introduced into the drum 23.
[0406] Furthermore, whenever the rinsing process is completed,
foams introduced into the detergent box 90 and the conditioner box
100 or detergent residue may be removed. Thus, the detergent box 90
and the conditioner box 100 may be cleanly maintained to thereby
increase consumers' satisfaction.
[0407] In the present embodiments, the wall-mounted drum washing
machine has been taken as an example for description. However, this
is only an example, and the present invention may be applied to
other products.
[0408] Furthermore, in the second to fourth embodiments of the
present invention, a case in which the time during which the water
supply valve 74 is opened is equal to the time during which the
motor 41 is rotated at a predetermined speed (a or b) has been
taken as an example for description. However, the opening time of
the water supply valve 74 and the rotation time of the motor 41 may
be selected as different values within the range in which the
objective of the present invention may be accomplished.
[0409] Referring to FIG. 29, components which are used in a control
method for the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail. The wall-mounted drum washing machine includes the RPM
detection unit 130, the control unit 140, the motor 41, the water
supply valve 74, and the drain device 75.
[0410] The RPM detection unit 130 detects the RPM of the motor 41
and transmits the detected RPM to the control unit 140.
[0411] The RPM detection unit 130 may include a hall sensor (not
illustrated) attached on a stator (not illustrated) of the motor 41
and configured to generate a pulse signal whenever a magnetic force
radiated from a permanent magnet attached to a rotor (not
illustrated) of the motor 41 is detected.
[0412] The RPM detection unit 130 may include an encoder to measure
the RPM of the motor 41.
[0413] The control unit 140 reduces the RPM of the motor 41 during
a deceleration section of a spin-drying process of the wall-mounted
drum washing machine. When the RPM of the motor 41 reaches a preset
speed, the control unit 140 opens the water supply valve 74 to
supply water while maintaining the preset speed, for a preset time.
Then, detergent residue remaining in the drain pipe may be
discharged.
[0414] During the spin-drying process, the drain device 75 is
opened. Thus, while water is supplied, detergent residue in the
drain pipe 75a may be discharged by the supplied water, and
detergent residue in the tub 20 may be discharged together.
Therefore, the spin-drying process may be ended in a clean
state.
[0415] At this time, the control unit 140 may rotate the motor 41
at the preset speed of 300 RPM, thereby preventing the supplied
water from being introduced into the drum 23.
[0416] FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an installation state of
the drain pipe in the wall-mounted drum washing machine in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0417] As illustrated in FIG. 36, the wall-mounted drum washing
machine has a small capacity and is installed on a wall surface at
a predetermined height. Thus, the drain pipe 75a may be installed
to be extended.
[0418] Thus, when foams or detergent residues are not smoothly
discharged because of the bent drain pipe 75a while the drain
device 75 is operated to discharge water through the drain pipe
75a, the foams or detergent residues may be left in the drain pipe
75a and thus cause a drain defect.
[0419] In order to prevent clogging of the drain pipe, water may be
applied to remove detergent residues in the drain pipe, before the
spin-drying process is finished. Thus, it is possible to prevent a
drain defect caused by the clogging of the drain pipe, while
maintaining the drain pipe in a clean state.
[0420] FIG. 37 is a flowchart for explaining the control method for
the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the fifth
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38 is a graph
illustrating RPM change of the motor with time in the control
method for the wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with
the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0421] Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, the control method for the
wall-mounted drum washing machine in accordance with the fifth
embodiment of the present invention is performed as follows. First,
the control unit 140 receives the RPM of the motor 41 through the
RPM detection unit 130 and determines whether or not the RPM
reaches a maximum speed Max, during a spin-drying process, at step
S400.
[0422] When the RPM of the motor 41 reaches the maximum speed Max,
the control unit 140 determines whether or not a maintenance time
t.sub.M passes at step S410. During the maintenance time t.sub.M,
the maximum speed Max is maintained.
[0423] At this time, when the maintenance time t.sub.M passes, the
control unit 140 reduces the RPM of the motor 41 so as to end the
spin-drying process, at step S420.
[0424] Then, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the RPM
of the motor 41 reaches a preset speed (a), at step S430.
[0425] When the RPM of the motor 41 reaches the preset speed (a),
the control unit 140 maintains the preset speed (a) at step S440,
and opens the water supply valve 74 to supply water for a preset
time t.sub.W, at steps S450 and S460.
[0426] As the water supply valve 74 is opened to supply water in a
state where the preset speed (a) is maintained, the supplied water
may be prevented from being introduced into the drum 23.
[0427] Furthermore, as the water is supplied at a final stage of
the spin-drying process, detergent residues in the drain pipe 75a
may be removed to prevent a drain defect caused by clogging of the
drain pipe 75a. Furthermore, the drain pipe 75a may be maintained
in a clean state.
[0428] After the water is supplied for the preset time, the control
unit 140 closes the water supply valve 74 and stops the motor 41,
at steps S470 and S480. Then, the spin-drying process is ended.
[0429] In the control method for the wall-mounted drum washing
machine in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present
invention, water may be supplied for the preset time at the final
stage of the spin-drying process. Thus, the detergent residues in
the elongated drain pipe 75a may be removed to prevent clogging of
the drain pipe 75a.
[0430] Furthermore, while the water supply valve 74 is opened to
supply water, the motor 41 may be rotated at the preset speed so as
to remove detergent residues and foams remaining in the tub 20,
which makes it possible to maintain the tube 20 in a clean
state.
[0431] In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention,
when a proper amount of detergent or more is used while a washing
process is performed through the wall-mounted drum washing machine,
the level of foams formed by the detergent may be measured. When
the level exceeds the reference level, a predetermined number of
rinsing processes may be added to improve the cleaning ability of
the wall-mounted drum washing machine.
[0432] Furthermore, in the wall-mounted drum washing machine
including the detergent box and the conditioner box which are
inserted into the tub, water may be supplied for a predetermined
time at the final stage of the spin-drying process, thereby
removing foams introduced into the detergent box or conditioner box
during the spin-drying process.
[0433] Furthermore, water may be supplied for a predetermined time
at the final stage of the spin-drying process so as to remove
detergent residue in the elongated drain pipe. Thus, it is possible
to prevent clogging of the drain pipe caused by the detergent
residues. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a drain defect
caused by the clogging of the drain pipe and maintain the drain
pipe in a clean state.
[0434] The embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed
above for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions
are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.
* * * * *