Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof and, more particularly, to a washing machine in which withdrawal of a drawer is restricted by a locking device while the washing machine is operating, and a control method thereof.

In general, a washing device refers to a device capable of performing washing and/or drying of clothes, etc. Here, one washing device can perform either one of the washing or drying function or both of the washing and drying functions.

Recently, washing machines provided with a steam supplying apparatus for refresh functions such as wrinkle removal, odor removal, static electricity removal, etc. are being used.

A household is generally equipped with one large-capacity washing machine. Thus, when a user wants to sort laundry by type and wash the sorted laundry separately, the user has to operate the washing machine multiple times.

For example, if the user wants to sort laundry by adult clothing, underwear, and baby clothing, the user would have to operate the washing machine twice: first for the adult clothing, and second for the underwear and the baby clothing. Due to this, a relatively long time and a relatively large amount of energy are required for doing laundry in such a manner.

In addition, when it comes to energy consumption, it is not desirable to use the traditional large-capacity washing machine for a small load of laundry. Washing courses of such a large-capacity washing machine are mostly set for a large load of laundry. Accordingly, even when a small load of laundry is washed, a relatively large amount of water may be used.

Furthermore, since a relatively large-sized drum or inner tub is rotated in such a large-capacity washing machine, power consumption may also be relatively high. Moreover, since the washing courses of a large-capacity washing machine are mostly set for a large load of laundry, it takes a relatively long time to do the laundry.

In addition, since it is desirable to frequently wash such items as underwear and baby clothes, demand for a relatively small-capacity washing machine rather than a traditional large-capacity washing machine has been increasing.

A representative example of such a small-capacity washing machine is the pedestal washing machine, which is generally produced in the form of a drawer that is drawable from a case. Here, withdrawal of the drawer has to be restricted according to the operational state of the washing machine, and for this, various locking devices can be applied.

However, when additional members such as a locking device are added to the washing machine in the manufacturing process thereof, occurrence of noise and vibration may be unavoidable due to clearances formed between the members, and this may cause inconvenience for users.

Accordingly, research and development is underway to provide a washing machine having a structure capable of implementing an appropriate locking function and, at the same time, minimizing occurrence of noise and vibration caused by the clearance between members.

With regard to such a washing machine, <CIT> (hereinafter referred to as "related art <NUM>") discloses a pedestal washing machine.

Specifically, related art <NUM> discloses a pedestal washing machine including a case, a drawer installed within the case to be drawn out from the case in the front direction, an outer tub installed within the drawer to receive washing water, and an inner tub formed to rotate and receive laundry within the outer tub.

However, related art <NUM> only discloses that the drawer can be drawn out from the case such that the pedestal washing machine can be appropriately used as necessary, and does not consider any feature of appropriately restricting withdrawal of the drawer according to the operational state of the washing machine.

Moreover, <CIT>(hereinafter referred to as "related art <NUM>") discloses a pedestal washing machine having a locking device.

Specifically, related art <NUM> discloses a pedestal washing machine including a case, a drawer formed to slide within the case and do laundry, and a locking device capable of fixing the drawer within the case such that the drawer is not drawn out from the case.

Although a locking device capable of restricting withdrawal of the drawer is disclosed in related art <NUM>, the locking device of related art <NUM> may be implemented merely by applying a general latching structure to a washing machine. Accordingly, related art <NUM> does not consider any feature for preventing noise and vibration from occurring in the locking device when the washing machine is operating. Further prior art washing machines are known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

As described above, traditional washing machines have a limitation in that when a locking device is applied to the washing machines, noise and vibration may occur due to a clearance formed between members of the locking device when the washing machine is operating.

The present invention is directed to addressing said shortcomings of existing washing machines. According to the invention a washing machine according to claim <NUM> and a control method according to claim <NUM> is provided.

Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferable exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, are just given as examples.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention, as well as the following detailed description of the embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, there is shown in the drawings an exemplary embodiment, it being understood, however, that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made if within the wording of the claims. The use of the same reference numerals or symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will become apparent from the descriptions of aspects herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects disclosed herein but may be implemented in various different forms. The aspects are provided to make the description of the present disclosure thorough and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It is to be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the claims.

The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, the number of elements given in the drawings are merely exemplary, and thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated details. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

In relation to describing the present disclosure, when the detailed description of the relevant known technology is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description may be omitted.

The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" means any of the following: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

Hereinafter, preferable exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail referring to the attached drawings. In the following description, known functions or features will be omitted in order to clarify the gist of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been installed. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which a drawer has been drawn out from a case. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed below another washing machine <NUM> or a laundry dryer to serve as a pedestal and, at the same time, may perform at least one of a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation, or an air-drying operation for a small load of laundry.

Specifically, the washing machine <NUM> according to the present invention includes a case <NUM> and a drawer <NUM>. The case <NUM> includes a receiving space formed therein, and one surface of the case <NUM> is open. Here, the case <NUM> may be produced to have an appropriate size and a relatively strong structure such that the other washing machine <NUM> may be put onto the case <NUM>.

The drawer <NUM> may be drawn out forward from the case <NUM>. That is, the drawer <NUM> is installed within the case <NUM> so as to slide towards the open surface of the case <NUM>, and configured to perform at least one of the washing, rinsing, spin-drying, or air-drying operations for laundry.

For this, an outer tub <NUM> may be installed in the drawer <NUM> in a supported manner. Here, an upper frame may be disposed in the drawer <NUM> so as to cover an upper portion of the drawer <NUM>, and the outer tub <NUM> may be formed integrally with the upper frame.

A door <NUM> may be installed in an upper opening of the outer tub <NUM>. A door frame may be formed in the outer tub <NUM> to protrude from an inner wall surface of the outer tub <NUM> in a circumferential direction, and a door sealing material may be installed in the door <NUM>. Accordingly, when the door <NUM> is closed, the door sealing material may come into contact with the door frame to thereby seal an upper portion of the outer tub <NUM>.

In addition, a hook may be installed in the door <NUM>. The hook may be inserted into a hook groove formed in the inner wall surface of the outer tub <NUM>. The hook may be supported by a spring installed therein. In addition, the end of the hook may form a gentle slope, such that when sufficient force is applied to open or close the door <NUM>, the hook may be inserted into the hook groove or released therefrom.

An inner tub <NUM> may be positioned within the outer tub <NUM>. A plurality of through holes may be formed in the inner tub <NUM> such that washing water can flow into and out of the inner tub <NUM> therethrough. Here, the inner tub <NUM> may include a pulsator.

A motor <NUM> may be fixed to an outer bottom surface of the outer tub <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may be an outer rotor-type motor <NUM>, and a stator thereof may be fixed to the outer bottom surface of the outer tub <NUM>. Also, a rotational shaft of a rotor may penetrate a bottom of the outer tub <NUM> to be connected to a bottom of the inner tub <NUM>.

A drain pipe <NUM> may be connected to a lower portion of the outer tub <NUM> for drainage. One end of the drain pipe <NUM> may be fixed to the case <NUM> to be connected to outside of the case <NUM>, and the other end of the drain pipe <NUM> may be connected to the lower portion of the outer tub <NUM>. A drain pump may be installed to be connected to the drain pipe <NUM>.

A portion of the drain pipe <NUM> may be formed as a corrugated pipe which can be extended in a length direction thereof. Accordingly, when the drawer <NUM> is drawn out forward, the corrugated pipe may be extended. Here, a telescopic structure may be used instead of the corrugated pipe.

A washing water supply pipe <NUM> may be connected to an upper portion of the outer tub <NUM> for water supply. One end of the washing water supply pipe <NUM> may be connected to the upper portion of the outer tub <NUM>, and the other end of the washing water supply pipe <NUM> may be connected to a water supply valve. The washing water supply pipe <NUM> may also include a corrugated pipe.

A control panel may be installed on a front surface of the drawer <NUM>. The control panel may be an input interface for receiving input of commands for operations of the washing machine <NUM> such as washing course and the like, and may be provided with various buttons and a knob. Also, the control panel, as a display for visually displaying operation information of the washing machine <NUM>, may be provided with an LCD window and/or an LED lamp.

Here, the control panel may be provided with a main controller configured to control the motor <NUM> and the water supply valve or the drain pump.

A locking device <NUM> may be installed for the purpose of restricting sliding of the drawer <NUM> within the case <NUM>, and may maintain a state in which the drawer <NUM> is within the case <NUM>. Here, the locking device <NUM> may preferably include an electronic component so as to be controlled by the main controller.

For example, the locking device <NUM> may be needed to be controlled such that the drawer <NUM> is not drawn out from the case <NUM> while an operation of the washing machine <NUM> is being performed, that is, while the inner tub <NUM> is rotating. If the drawer <NUM> is drawn out from the case <NUM> while the inner tub <NUM> is rotating, relatively strong vibration may occur. Accordingly, the main controller may be configured to detect a rotating state of the inner tub <NUM> and control the locking device <NUM>.

Here, the rotating state of the inner tub <NUM> may also be detected through a rotating state of the motor <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exemplary view illustrating a state of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the drawer has been locked by a locking device. <FIG> is a view illustrating, in more detail, a holder, a lever, and an elastic member of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking device <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> includes a holder <NUM>, a lever <NUM>, and an elastic member <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> is installed on an inner wall surface of the case <NUM>, and may support the lever <NUM> when the lever <NUM> is inserted into the holder <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is installed in the drawer <NUM> and can be inserted into the holder <NUM>. When it is required to restrict withdrawal of the drawer <NUM>, the lever <NUM> is inserted into the holder <NUM> so as to restrict sliding of the drawer <NUM> with respect to the holder <NUM>.

That is, when the lever <NUM> is inserted into the holder <NUM>, sliding of the drawer <NUM> coupled to the lever <NUM> is restricted by the holder <NUM> coupled to the case <NUM>. On the contrary, when the lever <NUM> is not inserted into the holder <NUM>, no restraining force is applied between the drawer <NUM> and the case <NUM>, and thus the drawer <NUM> may freely slide into and out of the case <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> is installed in a portion of the holder <NUM> to which the lever <NUM> is inserted, and thus when the lever <NUM> is inserted into the holder <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> comes into close contact with the lever <NUM> in a clearance space between the holder <NUM> and the lever <NUM>. That is, the elastic member <NUM> may be interposed between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM> when the lever <NUM> is inserted into the holder <NUM>, and as each of the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM> comes into close contact with the elastic member <NUM>, the lever <NUM> may be fastened to the holder <NUM>.

Accordingly, a fastening force between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM> may be improved, and restriction of withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> may be more stably maintained.

As described above, in the washing machine <NUM>, as the lever <NUM> installed in the drawer <NUM> is inserted into the holder <NUM> installed on the inner wall surface of the case <NUM>, sliding of the drawer <NUM> with respect to the case <NUM> is restricted. Accordingly, a locking function may be appropriately implemented while the washing machine <NUM> is operating, and thus operations of the washing machine <NUM> may be safely performed.

In particular, as the clearance between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM> is reduced by interposing the elastic member <NUM> therebetween, noise and vibration that may occur in the clearance between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM> while the washing machine <NUM> is operating may be reduced.

The clearance between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM> may be generated due to a manufacturing error caused in the process of manufacturing the washing machine <NUM>. Further, even if the washing machine <NUM> is produced in a very precise manner, generation of the clearance may be inevitable due to, for example, an operational error caused by a deformation or the like during an operation of the washing machine <NUM>.

Accordingly, by interposing the elastic member <NUM> between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM>, any clearance therebetween caused by any error may be filled, and thus any issue relating to noise and vibration may be resolved.

As described above, in the washing machine <NUM>, the locking function may be performed as the elastic member <NUM>, installed in a portion of the holder <NUM> to which the lever <NUM> is inserted, comes into close contact with the lever <NUM> in the clearance between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM>. Accordingly, the noise and vibration caused due to the clearance between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM> may be reduced, and thus user convenience and durability of members may be improved.

<FIG> is a side view illustrating a state in which the elastic member has been installed in the holder of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a state in which the lever has been inserted into the holder through the elastic member of <FIG>. <FIG> is a transverse sectional view illustrating a state in which the lever has been inserted into the holder through the elastic member of <FIG>.

Hereinafter, the locking device <NUM> in the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail referring to <FIG>.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member <NUM> is formed in plate shape in which a through hole <NUM> is formed, and the lever <NUM> is insertable into the holder <NUM> through the through hole <NUM> to thereby restrict sliding of the drawer <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may be formed in a plate shape.

That is, the elastic member <NUM> may be formed of a planar member of a plate shape, wherein a plane thereof may be disposed along a longitudinal direction. In addition, the through hole <NUM>, corresponding to the shape of the lever <NUM>, may be formed in a central portion of the elastic member <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may move in a lateral direction with respect to the elastic member <NUM> to be inserted into the holder <NUM> through the through hole <NUM>. Then, when the lever <NUM> is inserted into the holder <NUM> through the through hole <NUM>, an outer circumference of the lever <NUM> may be completely surrounded by the elastic member <NUM>.

Accordingly, no portion of the lever <NUM> comes into direct contact with the holder <NUM>, and only indirect contact is possible between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM> through the elastic member <NUM>. As a result, a displacement difference between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM> may be offset by the elastic member <NUM>, and thus the noise and vibration occurring between the lever <NUM> and the holder <NUM> may be further reduced.

As described above, the elastic member <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be formed in a plate shape, and the lever <NUM> is inserted into the holder <NUM> through the through hole <NUM> formed in the elastic member <NUM> such that withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> is restricted. Accordingly, an outer circumference of the lever <NUM> may be completely surrounded by the elastic member <NUM>, and thus the noise and vibration may be minimized.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the embodiment, a cut portion <NUM> may be formed in at least a portion of the elastic member <NUM> that surrounds the through hole <NUM>. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> may be formed in such a shape that a portion of the elastic member <NUM> that surrounds the through hole <NUM> is cut along a radial direction thereof.

As described in detail above, for the lever <NUM> to be inserted into the holder <NUM> through the through hole <NUM> formed in the elastic member <NUM>, a lateral movement direction of the lever <NUM> has to correspond to a formation position of the through hole <NUM> in the elastic member <NUM>.

However, due to, for example, deformation caused by use of the washing machine <NUM>, a situation may occur in which the lateral movement direction of the lever <NUM> does not precisely correspond to the formation position of the through hole <NUM> in the elastic member <NUM>.

Here, if the through hole <NUM> is not sufficiently large compared to the shape of the lever <NUM>, the lever <NUM> cannot be inserted into the holder <NUM> through the through hole <NUM>, and as a result, the function of restricting withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> may not be implemented.

On the contrary, if the through hole <NUM> is too large compared to the shape of the lever <NUM>, the lever <NUM> may not come into close contact with the elastic member <NUM> and may move within the through hole <NUM>, which may lead to additional noise and vibration.

Accordingly, it is desirable for the through hole <NUM> to be formed only in a size precisely corresponding to the shape of the lever <NUM>, and at the same time, for the cut portion <NUM> to be formed in at least a portion of the elastic member <NUM> that surrounds the through hole <NUM>, such that even when the lateral movement direction of the lever <NUM> does not precisely correspond to the formation position of the through hole <NUM>, the lever <NUM> can be inserted into the holder <NUM> through the through hole <NUM> having the cut portion <NUM>.

As described above, in the washing machine <NUM> according to the embodiment, as at least a portion of the elastic member <NUM> that surrounds the through hole <NUM> is cut, the lever <NUM> may be inserted into the holder <NUM> through the through hole <NUM> even when the lateral movement direction of the lever <NUM> does not precisely correspond to the formation position of the through hole <NUM>. Accordingly, even when an interruption occurs between the lever <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> due to, for example, a manufacturing error or an operational error, a locking function may be smoothly implemented.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment, a coupling portion <NUM> may be formed in the holder <NUM> to protrude from the holder <NUM> towards the elastic member <NUM> so as to support the elastic member <NUM>.

As described in detail above, when the lever <NUM> is inserted into the holder <NUM> through the through hole <NUM>, pressure caused by lateral movement of the lever <NUM> may be applied to the elastic member <NUM>, which may cause the elastic member <NUM> to be pulled or pushed.

Here, if the elastic member <NUM> is not firmly supported in the holder <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> may deviate from the original position thereof, and thus the function of preventing occurrence of noise and vibration may not be implemented.

Accordingly, it is required to firmly support the elastic member <NUM> by forming the coupling portion <NUM> in the holder <NUM> such that the elastic member <NUM> does not deviate from the original position thereof.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the present disclosure, since the coupling portion <NUM> formed to protrude from the holder <NUM> supports the elastic member <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> may be stably fixed to the holder <NUM> even when pressure caused by the lateral movement of the lever <NUM> is applied to the elastic member <NUM>.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the locking device <NUM> may further include a locking motor <NUM> providing driving force by which the lever <NUM> is inserted into the holder <NUM>. That is, when the locking motor <NUM> is driven, the lever <NUM> may move in the lateral direction and may be inserted into the holder <NUM>. In addition, the locking motor <NUM> may move the lever <NUM> in the opposite direction such that the lever <NUM> is released from the holder <NUM>.

Here, the locking motor <NUM> may be electrically connected to a separate power source and drive the lever <NUM> by converting electric energy to kinetic energy.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment, since the driving force for inserting the lever <NUM> into the holder <NUM> is provided by the locking motor <NUM>, the function of restricting withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> may be more precisely and easily performed.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment, each of the holder <NUM> and the lever <NUM> may be installed to be symmetric with respect to the locking motor <NUM> in both directions of the locking motor <NUM>. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> and the lever <NUM> may be installed such that sliding of the drawer <NUM> is restricted by inner wall surfaces of the case <NUM> facing each other at either side of the case <NUM>.

Even when withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> is restricted through the holder <NUM> and the lever <NUM>, the installation state of the drawer <NUM> with respect to the case <NUM> may be changed when a relatively large external force is applied thereto.

Here, if the drawer <NUM> is supported with respect to only one of the inner wall surfaces of the case <NUM>, the drawer <NUM> may be warped when it is positioned within the case <NUM>, which may lead to major functional problems of the washing machine <NUM>.

Accordingly, it is required that the drawer <NUM> is supported with respect to both of the inner wall surfaces of the case <NUM> facing each other at either side of the case <NUM> such that no warpage of the drawer <NUM> occurs in a sliding direction thereof.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment, a pair of levers <NUM> respectively may be inserted into a pair of holders <NUM> installed in the inner side surfaces of the case <NUM> at either side thereof to restrict withdrawal of the drawer <NUM>. Accordingly, eccentric pressure may be prevented from being applied between the drawer <NUM> and the case <NUM>, and thus the function of restricting withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> may be more stably performed.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the locking device <NUM> may further include a switch <NUM> for receiving input of a signal for operating the locking motor <NUM> therethrough. That is, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a switch <NUM> may be installed in the washing machine <NUM> such that a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> can be inputted through the switch <NUM>.

A situation may arise in which the user wants to draw out the drawer <NUM> while an operation of the washing machine <NUM> is being performed. Here, forcibly drawing out the drawer <NUM> may cause damage to the washing machine <NUM>. Therefore, it is required to allow a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> to be inputted through the switch <NUM>, such that other components of the washing machine <NUM> are operated according to the inputted signal.

For example, it may be preferable that, in response to a signal being inputted through the switch <NUM>, the main controller, which was described above, performs control such that operation of the inner tub <NUM> is paused, and then a locked state of the locking device <NUM> is released.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment, since a signal for drawing out the drawer <NUM> is inputted through the switch <NUM>, the user may draw out the drawer <NUM> from the case <NUM> when a situation requiring withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> occurs while an operation is being performed in the washing machine <NUM>.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the locking device <NUM> may further include a display <NUM> configured to display that the drawer <NUM> is in a state in which sliding thereof has been restricted, according to whether the lever <NUM> has been inserted into the holder <NUM>.

That is, the display <NUM> may visually display, to the user, whether withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> has been restricted.

For example, the user who wants to draw out the drawer <NUM> while an operation of the washing machine <NUM> is being performed may input a signal through the switch <NUM>. Then, the display <NUM> may display a time point when the user would be able to draw out the drawer <NUM> from the case <NUM>.

Or, if the user unintentionally pushes the switch <NUM>, the display <NUM> may display that the drawer <NUM> is in a locked state, and may require the user to confirm that the user really wants to draw out the drawer <NUM>.

In the washing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment, since the display <NUM> notifies the user of the locked state of the washing machine <NUM> by displaying that the drawer <NUM> is in a state in which withdrawal has been restricted, the display <NUM> may help the user with selection of a signal that the user wants to input to the washing machine <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The control method of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described referring to <FIG>. Here, the control method of the washing machine according to the present embodiment may include main features of the washing machine <NUM> described in detail above. Therefore, the description of the control method of the washing machine will be made referring to <FIG> together.

First, before an operation of the washing machine <NUM> is started, the locking device <NUM> may be switched to a lock mode (S100). Here, the lock mode refers to a state in which withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> has been restricted. So, in the lock mode, the locking device <NUM> may be controlled such that the drawer <NUM> is not unnecessarily drawn out from the case <NUM> while an operation of the washing machine <NUM> is being performed.

In S100, the lever <NUM>, which is installed in the drawer <NUM>, may be inserted into the holder <NUM>, which is installed in the inner wall surface of the case <NUM>. Here, the elastic member <NUM>, which is installed in a portion of the holder <NUM> to which the lever <NUM> is inserted, may come into close contact with the lever <NUM> in the clearance between the holder <NUM> and the lever <NUM>.

Next, an operation may be performed in the drawer <NUM> (S200). That is, at least one of a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation, or an air-drying operation for laundry may be performed in the drawer <NUM> in a state in which withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> has been restricted.

Thereafter, when the operation is completed, the locking device <NUM> may be switched to an unlock mode (S300). Here, the unlock mode refers to a state in which withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> is not restricted, and in which, as the operation of the washing machine <NUM> has been completed, the user can draw out the drawer <NUM>. Accordingly, the locking device <NUM> may be controlled such that withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> is not restricted.

In the control method of the washing machine according to the present embodiment, S200 may include S220 in which, in response to a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> being inputted through the switch <NUM>, the display <NUM> displays that the locking device <NUM> is in the lock mode.

That is, it may be determined whether a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> has been inputted through the switch <NUM> (S210). On the basis of a determination that a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> has not been inputted, the washing machine <NUM> may proceed to S300 after completing the operation of S200.

On the contrary, in response to a determination that a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> has been inputted, the display <NUM> may display that the locking device <NUM> is in the lock mode, in order to confirm whether the user really wants to draw out the drawer <NUM>, or whether the switch <NUM> has been operated by mistake.

Here, S200 may further include S240 in which, in response to a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> being additionally inputted through the switch <NUM> after S220, the mode of the locking device <NUM> is changed to the unlock mode after the operation being performed is temporarily paused.

That is, after the display <NUM> displays that the locking device <NUM> is in the lock mode in S220, it may be determined whether a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> has been additionally inputted through the switch <NUM> (S230). If the user recognizes that the switch <NUM> has been operated by mistake and does not additionally input a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM>, the washing machine <NUM> may proceed to S300 after performing the operation being performed.

On the contrary, when a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> has been additionally inputted, which means the user really wants to draw out the drawer <NUM>, the operation being performed may be temporarily paused, and then the locking device <NUM> may be controlled such that the drawer <NUM> can be drawn out.

As described above, in the control method of the washing machine according to the present embodiment, in response to a signal for withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> being repeatedly inputted, the operation being performed may be temporarily paused, and then the restriction of withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> may be released. Accordingly, the control method of the washing machine according to the present embodiment may include a process of confirming whether the user really wants to draw out the drawer <NUM> or whether the user has inputted a signal by mistake.

Furthermore, S200 may further include S250 in which the mode of the locking device <NUM> is returned to the lock mode in response to the drawer <NUM> being put back into the case <NUM> after S240.

That is, when the user pushes the drawer <NUM> back into the case <NUM> after the drawer <NUM> is drawn out from the case <NUM> by the user after S240, it may be assumed that there is no longer a situation requiring withdrawal of the drawer <NUM>.

That is, when the user pushes the drawer <NUM> back into the case <NUM>, it may be assumed that the user intends to resume the operation of the washing machine <NUM>. Accordingly, it may be required to restrict withdrawal of the drawer <NUM> again such that the operation of the washing machine <NUM> is stably performed.

Claim 1:
A washing machine (<NUM>) comprising:
a case (<NUM>) in which a receiving space is formed, and of which one surface is open;
a drawer (<NUM>) installed within the case (<NUM>) so as to slide towards the open surface of the case (<NUM>) and configured to perform at least one of a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation, or an air-drying operation for laundry; and
a locking device (<NUM>) installed so as to restrict sliding of the drawer (<NUM>) within the case (<NUM>),
wherein the locking device (<NUM>) comprises:
a holder (<NUM>) installed on an inner wall surface of the case (<NUM>);
a lever (<NUM>) installed in the drawer (<NUM>) so as to be insertable into the holder (<NUM>); and
an elastic member (<NUM>) installed in a portion of the holder (<NUM>) to which the lever (<NUM>) is insertable, so as to come into close contact with the lever (<NUM>) in a clearance between the holder (<NUM>) and the lever (<NUM>),
wherein
the lever (<NUM>) is configured to come into indirect contact with the holder (<NUM>) through the elastic member (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the elastic member (<NUM>) is formed in a shape in which a through hole (<NUM>) is formed, and
wherein the lever (<NUM>) is insertable into the holder (<NUM>) through the through hole (<NUM>) so as to restrict sliding of the drawer (<NUM>).