Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

An apparatus and method for detecting water leakage in a washing machine, and for controlling a main inlet valve accordingly, are provided. The apparatus includes a leakage container for accumulating leaking water; and a leakage detector for detecting an accumulation of leaking water in the leakage container. The method includes steps of supplying water to a tub; determining whether a water leakage condition exists; and shutting off the supply of water to the tub, if it is determined that a water leakage condition exists.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A washing machine comprising: 
 leakage containment means for accumulating leaking water; and    leakage detection means for detecting an accumulation of leaking water in said leakage containment means.    
     
     
         2 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , said leaking containment means comprising a cabinet having a plurality of sides and a bottom.  
     
     
         3 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said cabinet is formed by a plurality of connected side panels forming a bottom opening and a bottom panel having a perimeter, connected to a bottom edge of each connected side panel, for closing the bottom opening formed by the side panels.  
     
     
         4 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality connected side panels comprises a bottom flange formed at the bottom edge of each side panel to be bent inward.  
     
     
         5 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the perimeter of the bottom panel rests atop the bottom flanges of the side panels and is secured to the side panels.  
     
     
         6 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 5 , further comprising sealing means to seal the bottom panel to the side panels.  
     
     
         7 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 6 , said sealing means comprising: 
 compression means passing through the perimeter of the bottom panel and the bottom flanges; and    a packing member inserted between the bottom flanges and the bottom panel and compressed by said compression means.    
     
     
         8 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 2 , said leakage detection means comprising a switch activated by a predetermined level of accumulation of leaking water in said leakage containment means.  
     
     
         9 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 8 , said leakage detection means further comprising: 
 a switch support for supporting said switch at an upper end, connected at a lower end to an inner surface of the bottom of the cabinet, said support having an interior space of a predetermined height and having at least one perforation allowing water flow from said leakage containment means to the interior space of said switch support; and    a float member having a predetermined buoyancy, disposed in the interior space of said switch support such that said float member is brought into contact with said switch by floating, to thereby activate said switch, if the accumulation of leaking water in said leakage containment means reaches the predetermined level.    
     
     
         10 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said switch is a tactile switch having a sensitivity allowing operation by the buoyancy of said float member.  
     
     
         11 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 9 , said switch support comprising a switch mount for securely positioning said switch above said float member.  
     
     
         12 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 1 , said leakage detection means outputting a leakage detection signal if the accumulation of leaking water in said leakage containment means reaches a predetermined level.  
     
     
         13 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising: 
 a main inlet valve for supplying water to a tub;    a microcomputer, receiving the leakage detection signal from said leakage detection means, for outputting at least one control signal to shut off said main inlet valve if the accumulation of leaking water in said leakage containment means reaches the predetermined level.    
     
     
         14 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 13 , further comprising warning means, receiving the at least one control signal from said microcomputer, for informing the user of the status of the washing machine including an indication of the accumulation of leaking water in said leakage containment means reaching the predetermined level.  
     
     
         15 . A washing machine control method comprising steps of: 
 supplying water to a tub;    determining whether a water leakage condition exists; and    shutting off the supply of water to the tub, if it is determined that a water leakage condition exists.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the supply of water is controlled by a main inlet valve.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising a step of generating a sensed water leakage signal, if it is determined that a water leakage condition exists.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising a step of generating a warning signal, if it is determined that a water leakage condition exists.