Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

A washing machine provided with a structure thereof capable of draining and circulating by using a single pump and capable of enhancing washing performance by using a circulation of water and a rotation of a drum, and a control method thereof, in which the structure of the washing machine is simplified through the change of the flow path that enables the draining and the circulation of water by using a general pump while decreasing the number of the components of the washing machine. The manufacturing cost of the washing machine is reduced, because the washing machine accelerates the dissolution of detergent by generating large amount of bubbles by using the circulation of water and the rotation of the drum, without additional components, thereby washing performance of the washing machine is enhanced, and by maintaining the bubbles that are generated, the non-tangible quality that a user feels in the course of washing is enhanced.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the priority benefit of the Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0046673, filed on May 3, 2012, and the priority benefit of the Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0112509, filed on Oct. 10, 2012, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]Embodiments relate to a washing machine capable of enhancing washing performance by using a circulation of water and a rotation of a drum, and a control method thereof.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]In general, a washing machine, that is, a drum washing machine in general, while provided with a tub configured to store water, that is, washing water or rinsing water, a drum rotatably installed at an inside the tub and configured to accommodate a laundry, and a motor to generate rotation force to rotate the drum, is an apparatus configured to have a washing of the laundry at...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a washing machine that uses a single pump to drain and circulate water, which improves washing performance. The machine also has a control method to enhance dissolution of detergent and maintain bubbles for better washing results. This design simplifies the structure of the washing machine, reduces the number of components, and lowers manufacturing costs.

Problems solved by technology

However, a conventional washing machine is needed to be provided with water filled up to the space between the tub and the drum to perform a washing, and thus the consumption of water is large and the detergent is needed to be used in proportion to the amount of the water, and in a case of performing a washing using heat, as to increase the temperature of the water being input into the conventional washing machine, the amount of energy is as large in proportion to the amount of the water.

In addition, as to enhance washing performance of the conventional washing machine, washing water is needed to be effectively delivered to the laundry that is positioned at a center of an inner portion of the conventional washing machine, but due to the structural characteristics of the conventional washing machine, without additional use of water, the height ascension of the washing water is difficult while some of the detergent that is being input into the conventional washing machine along with the washing water may be wasted without being dissolved, and thus the concentration of the washing water may be reduced, and accordingly, a limitation in implementing a high-concentration washing may be present.

However, as to circulate the water or to generate bubbles at an inside the tub, additional components such as a pump, a hose, and other injection-molded product, are needed to be added thereto, and accordingly, an additional process is added in manufacturing the conventional washing machine and the material cost of the conventional washing machine is increased.

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