U.S. patent application number 12/743762 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for laundry treatment machine and a sensor for sensing the quality of water therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Myong Hun Im, Soo Young Oh, Tae Young Park, Kyung Chul Woo.
Application Number | 20100251780 12/743762 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40667993 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100251780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Im; Myong Hun ; et
al. |
October 7, 2010 |
Laundry Treatment Machine And A Sensor For Sensing the Quality of
Water Therefor
Abstract
A wash water sensing apparatus of a laundry treatment machine is
provided. The wash water sensing apparatus includes a sealing cover
coupled to the tub by being inserted into a hole of the tub, the
sealing cover including a through hole; and a sensor body including
a plurality of electrodes for measuring the conductivity of wash
water and coupled to the sealing cover by being inserted into the
through hole. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the structure
of a laundry treatment machine and facilitate the assembly of a
laundry treatment machine.
Inventors: |
Im; Myong Hun; (Seoul,
KR) ; Oh; Soo Young; (Seoul, KR) ; Park; Tae
Young; (Seoul, KR) ; Woo; Kyung Chul; (Seoul,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
1900 K STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
40667993 |
Appl. No.: |
12/743762 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
November 20, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR08/06845 |
371 Date: |
June 2, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/13R |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 2105/10 20200201;
D06F 2105/56 20200201; D06F 34/22 20200201; D06F 2103/22
20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/13.R |
International
Class: |
D06F 35/00 20060101
D06F035/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 20, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0118725 |
Nov 20, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0118726 |
Nov 20, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0118728 |
Nov 21, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0119203 |
Claims
1. A wash water sensing apparatus of a laundry treatment machine,
the wash water sensing apparatus comprising: a sealing cover
coupled to a tub by being inserted into a hole of the tub, the
sealing cover including a through hole; and a sensor body including
a plurality of electrodes for measuring the conductivity of wash
water and coupled to the sealing cover by being inserted into the
through hole.
2. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing
cover is more elastic than the sensor body.
3. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing
cover further includes a cover insertion portion formed so as to be
able to be inserted into the hole of the tub and the outer diameter
of the cover insertion portion is greater than the diameter of the
hole of the tub when the sealing cover is yet to be inserted into
the hole of the tub.
4. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor
body further includes a body insertion portion formed as a
protrusion so as to be able to be inserted into the through hole
and the outer diameter of the body insertion portion is greater
than the diameter of the through hole when the sensor body is yet
to be inserted into the through hole.
5. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor
body is formed through injection molding and the electrodes are
inserted into the sensor body during the formation of the sensor
body.
6. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least
one surface of each of the electrodes is disposed on a level with a
surface of the sensor body.
7. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the
electrodes are inserted into the sensor body so that at least one
surface of each of the electrodes can be exposed on the surface of
the sensor body.
8. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the
electrodes are formed as plates so as to be able to be attached
onto the sensor body.
9. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the sensor
body further includes first and second protrusions facing each
other and the electrodes include first and second electrodes
disposed on the first and second protrusions, respectively.
10. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor
body includes at least three electrodes, at least one of the three
electrodes has a different length from the other electrodes, and at
least two of the three electrodes are selectively used to measure
the conductivity of wash water in consideration of the
concentration of detergent.
11. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein two of
the three electrodes producing a largest voltage variation for a
detergent concentration variation are used to measure the
conductivity of wash water.
12. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein a
detergent concentration section is divided into a first
concentration section and a second concentration section
corresponding to a higher detergent concentration than the first
concentration section according to the concentration of detergent,
the first and second longest electrodes of the three electrodes are
used during the first concentration section, and the longest
electrode and the shortest electrode of the three electrodes are
used during the second concentration section.
13. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein, during a
washing operation, the conductivity of wash water is measured by
applying a current to the longest electrode of the three electrodes
and the shortest electrode of the three electrodes.
14. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 10, wherein, during a
rinsing operation, the conductivity of wash water is measured by
applying a current to the first and second longest electrodes of
the three electrodes.
15. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor
body further includes an optical sensor measuring the pollution
level of wash water.
16. The wash water sensing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the
sensor body also includes first and second protrusions facing each
other and the optical sensor includes a light emitter disposed on
the first protrusion and emitting light and a light receptor
disposed on the second protrusion and receiving the light emitted
by the light emitter.
17. A laundry treatment machine comprising: a tub in which wash
water is loaded; a sealing cover coupled to the tub by being
inserted into a hole of the tub, the sealing cover including a
through hole; and a sensor body including a plurality of electrodes
for measuring the conductivity of wash water and coupled to the
sealing cover by being inserted into the through hole.
18. The laundry treatment machine of claim 17, wherein at least one
surface of each of the electrodes is disposed on a level with a
surface of the sensor body.
19. The laundry treatment machine of claim 17, wherein the sensor
body includes at least three electrodes, at least one of the three
electrodes has a different length from the other electrodes, and at
least two of the three electrodes are selectively used to measure
the conductivity of wash water in consideration of the
concentration of detergent.
20. The laundry treatment machine of claim 17, wherein the sensor
body further includes an optical sensor measuring the pollution
level of wash water.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry treatment machine
and a wash water sensing apparatus of the laundry treatment
machine, and more particularly, to a wash water sensing apparatus
of a laundry treatment machine which has a simple structure and is
easy to install in a laundry treatment machine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Laundry treatment machines are classified into a washing
machine removing dust or dirt from clothes or bedclothes by using
water and detergent and using mechanical operations, a dryer drying
wet laundry by using a dry, hot wind generated by a heater and
using mechanical operations, and a combination washer dryer
performing both a washing function and a drying function.
[0003] A washing machine may include a cabinet forming the exterior
of the laundry treatment machine, a washing tub in which laundry is
washed, a driving unit rotating the washing tub, a water supply
device supplying wash water into the washing tub, and a drain
device discharging wash water from the washing tub.
[0004] The washing machine may also include an electrode sensor
measuring the quality of wash water in the washing tub. The
electrode sensor may include a housing filled with a waterproof
material, a plurality of electrodes inserted in the housing and a
cover coupled to the housing.
[0005] The electrode sensor may be coupled and fixed to the
exterior of a lower part of the washing machine by coupling
elements such as bolts.
[0006] However, since coupling elements such as bolts are required
to couple the electrode sensor to the washing machine, it takes
time and effort to assemble the washing machine, and an additional
sealing operation for preventing a leakage of water through the
connection between the washing tub and the electrode sensor is
required.
DISCLOSURE
[0007] 1. Technical Problem
[0008] The present invention provides a wash water sensing
apparatus of a laundry treatment machine, which is easy to assemble
and install in a laundry treatment machine and can thus contribute
to the reduction of the manufacturing cost of a laundry treatment
machine.
[0009] 2. Technical Solution
[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a wash water sensing apparatus including a sealing cover
coupled to the tub by being inserted into a hole of the tub, the
sealing cover including a through hole; and a sensor body including
a plurality of electrodes for measuring the conductivity of wash
water and coupled to the sealing cover by being inserted into the
through hole. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the structure
of a laundry treatment machine and facilitate the assembly of a
laundry treatment machine.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0011] The wash water sensing apparatus according to the present
invention includes a sealing cover coupled to the tub by being
inserted into a hole of the tub, the sealing cover including a
through hole; and a sensor body including a plurality of electrodes
and coupled to the sealing cover by being inserted into the through
hole. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to
simplify the structure of a laundry treatment machine and
facilitate the assembly of a laundry treatment machine. In
addition, since the sealing cover is pressed into the tub and the
sensor body is pressed into the sealing cover, it is possible to
effectively seal the connection between the tub and the sealing
cover and the connection between the sealing cover and the sensor
body.
[0012] The wash water sensing apparatus according to the present
invention may include at least three electrodes. Thus, it is
possible to precisely determine the amount of detergent by
selectively using the three electrodes according to the
concentration of detergent. In addition, there is no need to use
different electrode sensors for a washing operation and a rinsing
operation. That is, only one electrode sensor may be used for both
a washing operation and a rinsing operation. Therefore, it is
possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of a laundry treatment
machine.
[0013] The wash water sensing apparatus according to the present
invention may include a plurality of electrodes, which are at least
partially on a level with the surface of a sensor body and thus do
not protrude beyond the sensor body. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent foreign materials from being introduced between the
electrodes.
[0014] The wash water sensing apparatus according to the present
invention may include a plurality of electrodes for measuring the
conductivity of wash water and an optical sensor for measuring the
pollution level of wash water. Thus, it is possible to determine
both the conductivity and pollution level of wash water. In
addition, it is possible to improve the performance of a laundry
treatment machine by appropriately adjusting the duration of a
washing process and the temperature of wash water according to the
conductivity and pollution level of wash water.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a drum-type
washing machine having an electrode sensor according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing how a tub
and the electrode sensor shown in FIG. 1 are connected;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded lateral view of the electrode
sensor shown in FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a lateral view of the electrode sensor
shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the electrode
sensor shown in FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
electrode sensor shown in FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a lateral view of the electrode sensor
shown in FIG. 4, as seen from direction A of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an electrode sensor
according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a graph showing the relationship between
the concentration of detergent and the voltage of the electrode
sensor shown in FIG. 8;
[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an electrode
sensor according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an electrode
sensor according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
electrode sensor shown in FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an electrode
sensor according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an electrode
sensor according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates a plan view of a sensor body shown in
FIG. 14, as seen from direction A of FIG. 14;
[0030] FIG. 16 illustrates a plan view of a sensor body of an
electrode sensor according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a wash water
sensing apparatus according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 18 illustrates a plan view of the wash water sensing
apparatus shown in FIG. 17, as seen from direction A of FIG.
17;
[0033] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a wash water
sensing apparatus according to a ninth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0034] FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a wash water
sensing apparatus according to a tenth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
BEST MODE
[0035] The present invention will hereinafter be described more
fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown.
[0036] A laundry treatment machine according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be described,
taking a drum-type washing machine as an example.
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a drum-type
washing machine 1 having an electrode sensor 150 according to a
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to
FIG. 1, the drum-type washing machine 1 may include a cabinet 2
which forms the exterior of the drum-type washing machine 1; a tub
120 which is installed in the cabinet 2 and can accommodate wash
water; a drum 125 which is installed in the tub 120 so as to be
rotatable and can accommodate laundry; a motor 8 which is disposed
at the rear of the drum 125 and drives the drum 125; a water supply
device which supplies water or detergent into the tub 120; and a
drain device which discharges wash water from the tub 120.
[0038] A base 10 may be installed at the bottom of the cabinet 2. A
top cover 12 may be installed at the top of the cabinet 2. A front
cover 14 may be installed at the front of the cabinet 2. A door 16
may be installed on the front cover 14 so as to open or close a
laundry inlet/outlet hole (not shown).
[0039] A control device 18 may be installed on an upper part of the
cabinet 2. The control device 18 may manipulate and control the
operation of the drum-type washing machine 1.
[0040] The water supply device may include a water supply valve 22
which is connected to an external hose 20 and controls the supply
of water through the external hose 20; a first water supply hose 26
which guides water supplied through the water supply valve 22 into
a detergent box 24; and a second water supply hose 28 which guides
wash water, i.e., water mixed with detergent in the detergent box
24, into the tub 120.
[0041] The drain device may include a first drain hose 30 which is
connected to the tub 120 and discharges wash water from the tub
120; a drain pump 32 which is connected to the first drain hose 30
and pumps wash water; and a second drain hose 34 which guides wash
water in the drain pump 32 toward the outside of the cabinet 2.
[0042] The electrode sensor 150 may be disposed in the tub 120. The
electrode sensor 150 may measure the quality of wash water in the
tub 120. The electrode sensor 150 may be disposed at the rear of a
lower part of the tub 120. The electrode sensor 150 may be mounted
into the tub 120 through a hole 5a formed on a rear surface 5 of
the tub 120.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing how the
electrode sensor 150 is coupled to the tub 120, FIG. 3 illustrates
an exploded lateral view of the electrode sensor 150, FIG. 4
illustrates a lateral view of the electrode sensor 150, FIG. 5
illustrates a perspective view of the electrode sensor 150, FIG. 7
illustrates an exploded perspective view of the electrode sensor
150, and FIG. 7 illustrates a lateral view of the electrode sensor
150, as seen from direction A of FIG. 4.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 6, the electrode sensor 150 may
include a sealing cover 60 and a sensor body 70. The sealing cover
60 may be coupled to the tub 120 by being inserted into the hole
5a. The sensor body 70 may include a plurality of electrodes 72 and
may be coupled to the sealing cover by being inserted into a
through hole 61 formed through the sealing cover 60.
[0045] The sealing cover 60 may be coupled to the tub 120 by
pressing the sensor body 70 into the tub 120. Thus, the sealing
cover 60 may be more elastic than the sensor body 70. The sealing
cover 60 may be formed of rubber.
[0046] The sealing cover 60 may include a cover insertion portion
62 which can be inserted into the hole 5a. Referring to FIG. 3,
when the cover insertion portion 62 is yet to be inserted into the
hole 5a, the cover insertion portion 62 may have an outer diameter
d2, which is greater than a diameter d1 of the hole 5a. For
example, the outer diameter d2 may be about 5 mm greater than the
diameter d1. On the other hand, referring to FIG. 4, when the cover
insertion portion 62 is inserted in the hole 5a, the cover
insertion portion 62 may be pressed by the inner circumferential
surface of the hole 5a, and thus, the outer diameter of the cover
insertion portion 62 may be reduced to an outer diameter d2' which
is the same diameter as the diameter d1.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, the sealing cover 60 may also include
first and second ribs 63 and 64. The first and second ribs 63 and
64 may fix the sealing cover 60 into the hole 5a at the front and
the rear, respectively, of a rear surface 5 of the tub 120 when the
sealing cover 60 is coupled to the tub 120. More specifically, the
first and second ribs 63 and 64 may protrude radially from the
cover insertion portion 62. The first and second ribs 63 and 64 may
be a predetermined distance apart from each other. Due to the first
and second ribs 63 and 64, the cover insertion portion 62 of the
sealing cover 60 may be fit in the hole 5a when the sealing cover
60 is inserted in the hole 5a.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, a surface 64a of the second rib 64 may
be placed in contact with the rear surface 5 of the tub 120 when
the sealing cover 60 is inserted into the hole 5a. The surface 64a
of the second rib 64 may be recessed toward the centre of the
through hole 61.
[0049] A hem portion 65 of the sealing cover 60 may be tapered so
that the sealing cover 60 can be easily inserted into the hole
5a.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, the sealing cover 60 may
also include a cover cylinder portion 66 which extend backwards
from the second rib 64 and a number of hook portions 67 which
protrude from the cover cylinder portion 66 so as to be able to be
coupled to the sensor body 70. At least one hook portion 67 may be
formed on the cover cylinder portion 66. Referring to FIGS. 6 and
7, two hook portions 67 may be formed on opposite sides of the
cover cylinder portion 66.
[0051] The sensor body 70 may be formed through injection molding,
and the electrodes 72 may be inserted into the sensor body 70
during the formation of the sensor body 70. For example, two
electrodes 72 may be inserted into the sensor body 70 so that the
ends of the two electrodes 72 can be exposed.
[0052] The sensor body 70 may include a body insertion portion 73
which can be inserted into the through hole 61 and a body cylinder
portion 74 which extends backwards from the body insertion portion
73.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, when the body insertion portion 73 is
yet to be inserted into the through hole 61, the body insertion
portion 73 may have an outer diameter d4 which is greater than a
diameter d3 of the through hole 61. For example, the outer diameter
d4 may be about 2 mm greater than the diameter d3. On the other
hand, referring to FIG. 4, when the body insertion portion 73 is
inserted into the through hole 61, the inner circumferential
surface of the through hole 61 may be pressed by the body insertion
portion 73, and thus, the diameter of the through hole 61 may be
reduced to a diameter d3?which is the same as the outer diameter
d4.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, the sensor body 70 may also
include an engaging protrusion 75 which engages with the hook
portion 67 when the body insertion portion 73 is inserted into the
through hole 61. The engaging protrusion 75 may protrude radially
from a portion of the body insertion portion 74 corresponding to
the hook portions 67. The body cylinder portion 74 may include a
plurality of recessed portions 74a into which the hook portions 67
can be inserted.
[0055] How to assemble the electrode sensor 150 will hereinafter be
described in detail.
[0056] The sealing cover 60 may be pressed into the hole 5a of the
tub 120. Since the sealing cover 60 is formed of rubber and the
outer diameter of the cover insertion portion 61 is greater than
the diameter of the insertion hole 5a when the cover insertion
portion 61 is yet to be inserted into the hole 5a, the cover
insertion portion 61 may be pressed by and thus firmly attached
onto the inner circumferential surface of the hole 5a when the
sealing cover 60 is inserted into the hole 5a.
[0057] Therefore, it is possible to easily install the sealing
cover 60 simply by inserting the sealing cover 60 into the hole 5a
of the tub 120. In addition, since the cover insertion portion 62
is pressed by and thus firmly attached onto the inner
circumferential surface of the hole 5a when the sealing cover 60 is
inserted into the hole 5a, there is no need to additionally seal
the connection between the sealing cover 60 and the hole 5a.
[0058] Once the installation of the sealing cover 60 is complete,
the sensor body 70 may be inserted into the through hole 61 of the
sealing cover 60. Since the outer diameter of the body insertion
portion 73 is greater than the diameter of the through hole 61 when
the sensor body 70 is yet to be inserted into the through hole 61,
the body insertion portion 73 may be pressed by and thus firmly
attached onto the inner circumferential surface of the through hole
61 when the sensor body 70 is inserted into the through hole
61.
[0059] Therefore, it is possible to easily assemble the electrode
sensor 150 simply by inserting the sensor body 70 into the through
hole 61 of the sealing cover 60. In addition, since the body
insertion portion 73 of the sensor body 70 is pressed by and thus
firmly attached onto the inner circumferential surface of the hole
5a when the sensor body 70 is inserted into the through hole 61 of
the sealing cover 60, there is no need to additionally seal the
connection between the sealing cover 60 and the hole 5a.
[0060] The operation of the electrode sensor 150 will hereinafter
be described in detail.
[0061] When laundry is loaded into the drum 125 and wash water is
supplied into the tub 120, the electrode sensor 150 measures the
conductivity of the wash water in the tub 120.
[0062] More specifically, if a voltage is applied to the electrodes
72 of the electrode sensor 150, the electrodes 72 may be
electrically connected, and thus, the electrode sensor 150 may thus
be able to measure the conductivity of the wash water in the tub
120.
[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an electrode sensor
80 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the electrode sensor 80 may include
a sealing cover 84, which is coupled to the tub 120 by being
inserted into the hole 5a of the tub 120, and a sensor body 86,
which is coupled to the sealing cover 84 by being inserted into a
through hole of the sealing cover 84 and includes first through
third electrode sensors 81 through 83. The second exemplary
embodiment is almost the same as the first exemplary embodiment
except that the electrode sensor 80 includes at least three
electrodes and that at least one of the three electrodes has a
different length from the other electrodes. Thus, the second
exemplary embodiment will hereinafter be described, focusing mainly
on differences with the first exemplary embodiment.
[0064] The first and second electrodes 81 and 82 may have the same
length, and the third electrode 83 may be shorter than the first
and second electrodes 81 and 82.
[0065] The operation of the electrode sensor 80 will hereinafter be
described in detail.
[0066] FIG. 9 illustrates a graph showing the relationship between
the concentration of detergent and the voltage of the electrode
sensor 80. Referring to FIG. 9, when a current is applied to the
electrode sensor 80, the concentration of detergent may serve as a
resistor. That is, the higher the concentration of detergent, the
lower the voltage of each of the first through third electrodes 81,
82 and 83 becomes. The more the voltage of an electrode varies
according to the concentration of detergent (i.e., the greater the
slope of a voltage-detergent concentration curve of an electrode),
the better the electrode is able to precisely determine the amount
of detergent.
[0067] Any two of the first through third electrodes 81 through 83
producing a greatest voltage variation for a given detergent
concentration variation may be selectively used. The amount by
which the voltage of each of the first through third electrodes 81
through 83 varies according to the concentration of detergent may
differ from a first concentration section S1 to a second
concentration section S2.
[0068] The first concentration section S1 may correspond to a
period of time during which there is little, if any, detergent
detected, i.e., a period of time during which a rinsing operation
is performed. The second concentration section S2 may correspond to
a period of time during which a wash operation is performed alone
or together with a rinsing operation.
[0069] During the first concentration section S1, the first and
second electrodes 81 and 82 may produce a greatest voltage
variation for any given detergent concentration variation. More
specifically, there is little, if any, detergent detected during
the first concentration section S1. In addition, since the first
and second electrodes 81 and 82 are longer than the third electrode
83, the contact area between each of the first and second
electrodes 81 and 82 and wash water is larger than the contact area
between the third electrode 83 and the wash water. Thus, during the
first concentration section S1, the first and second electrodes 81
and 82 may be selectively used to detect the amount of
detergent.
[0070] On the other hand, during the second concentration section
S2, the third electrode 83 and one of the first and second
electrodes 81 and 82 may produce first a greatest voltage variation
for any given detergent concentration variation. More specifically,
the amount of detergent is greater during the second concentration
section S2 than during the first concentration section S1. Thus,
during the second concentration section S1, the third electrode 83
and one of the first and second electrodes 81 and 82 (particularly,
the first electrode 81) may be selectively used to detect the
amount of detergent.
[0071] Therefore, during the first concentration section S1, a
current may be applied to the first and second electrodes 81 and
82, and thus, the amount of detergent may be determined based on
voltage measurements obtained from the first and second electrodes
81 and 82. On the other hand, during the second concentration
section S2, a current may be applied to the first and third
electrodes 81 and 83, and thus, the amount of detergent may be
determined based on voltage measurements obtained from the first
and third electrodes 81 and 83. In this manner, it is possible to
precisely determine the amount of detergent by selectively using
the first through third electrodes 81 through 83 according to the
concentration of detergent.
[0072] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an electrode
sensor 90 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. The third exemplary embodiment is almost the same as the
second exemplary embodiment except that the electrode sensor 90
includes three electrodes having different lengths. Thus, the third
exemplary embodiment will hereinafter be described, focusing mainly
on differences with the second exemplary embodiment.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 10, the electrode sensor 90 may include
fourth through sixth electrodes 91 through 93. The fourth electrode
91 may be shorter than the fifth electrode 92, and the fifth
electrode 92 may be shorter than the sixth electrode 93. The fourth
through sixth electrodes 91 through 93 may be sequentially arranged
in order of length.
[0074] The electrode sensor 90 may be able to precisely measure the
amount of detergent by selectively using the fourth through sixth
electrodes 91 through 93. In addition, the electrode sensor 90 may
be able to prevent foreign materials from being stuck between the
fourth through sixth electrodes 91 through 93.
[0075] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an electrode
sensor 1100 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded perspective
view of the electrode sensor 1100. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12,
the electrode sensor 1100 may include a sealing cover 1103 coupled
to the tub 120 and a sensor body 1104 coupled to the sealing cover
1103 and including a plurality of electrodes 1102. At least one of
the contact surfaces of wash water in the tub 120 and each of the
electrodes 1102 may be disposed on a level with a surface of the
sensor body 1104.
[0076] More specifically, the electrodes 1102 may be inserted into
a body insertion portion 1105 of the sensor body 1104, and at least
one surface of each of the electrodes 1102 may be exposed on a
front surface 1105a of the body insertion portion 1105, facing the
tub 120.
[0077] Each of the electrodes 1102 may include a first portion
1102a inserted into the body insertion portion 1105 and a second
portion 1102b exposed on the front surface 1105 of the body
insertion portion 1105 and contacting wash water in the tub
120.
[0078] The area of the second portions 1102b of the electrodes 1102
may be determined by the thickness of the electrodes 1102. The area
of the second portions of the electrodes 1102 may be appropriately
adjusted in order to control the performance of the electrode
sensor 1100.
[0079] The operation of the electrode sensor 1100 will hereinafter
be described in detail.
[0080] When laundry is loaded into the drum 125 and wash water is
supplied into the tub 120, the electrode sensor 1100 measures the
conductivity of the wash water in the tub 120.
[0081] More specifically, if a voltage is applied to the electrodes
72 of the electrode sensor 150, the voltage of the electrodes 1102
may vary according to the concentration of detergent in the wash
water in the tub 120. The electrode sensor 1100 may determine the
amount of detergent by measuring the voltage of the electrodes
1102.
[0082] Since the electrodes 1102 do not protrude beyond the sensor
body 1104, it is possible to prevent foreign materials from being
stuck between the electrodes 1102. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent deterioration the performance of the electrode sensor 1100
and thus to increase the lifetime of the electrode sensor 1100.
[0083] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an electrode
sensor 1110 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. The fifth exemplary embodiment is almost the
same as the fourth exemplary embodiment except that an electrode
1112 is attached onto the surface of a sensor body 1114. Thus, the
fifth exemplary embodiment will hereinafter be described, focusing
mainly on differences with the fourth exemplary embodiment.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 13, the electrode 1112 may be attached
onto an outer circumferential surface 1115a of a body insertion
portion 1115 of the sensor body 1114. The electrode 1112 may be
formed as a plate, but the present invention is not restricted to
this. That is, the electrode 1112 may be formed as a stick.
[0085] The electrode 1112 may be bonded onto the outer
circumferential surface 1115a of the body insertion portion 1115 by
an adhesive. A groove (not shown) for accommodating the electrode
1112 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface 1115a.
[0086] According to the fifth exemplary embodiment, it is possible
to increase the contact area between the electrode 1112 and wash
water.
[0087] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an electrode
sensor 1120 according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 15 illustrates a plan view of a sensor
body 1121 of the electrode sensor 1120, as seen from direction A of
FIG. 14. The sixth exemplary embodiment is almost the same as the
fourth exemplary embodiment except that a body insertion portion
1130 of a sensor body 1121 includes first and second protrusions
1131 and 1132, and that first and second electrodes 1141 and 1142
are disposed on the first and second protrusions 1131 and 1132,
respectively. Thus, the sixth exemplary embodiment will hereinafter
be described, focusing mainly on differences with the fourth
exemplary embodiment.
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the first and second
protrusions 1131 and 1132 may protrude toward the tub 120. The
first and second protrusions 1131 and 1132 may face each other.
[0089] A surface 1131a of the first protrusion 1131 on which the
first electrode 1141 is disposed and a surface 1131a of the second
protrusion 1132 on which the second electrode 1142 is disposed may
face each other. Thus, the first and second electrodes 1141 and
1142 may face each other. The first and second electrodes 1131 and
1132 may be attached onto or inserted into the first and second
protrusions 1131 and 1132, respectively.
[0090] The first and second electrodes 1141 and 1142 may be exposed
on the surfaces 1131a of the first and second protrusions 1131 and
1132 and on top surfaces 1131b and 1132b of the first and second
protrusions 1131 and 1132 and may thus be able to contact wash
water.
[0091] FIG. 16 illustrates a plan view of a sensor body of an
electrode sensor according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. The seventh exemplary embodiment is almost the
same as the sixth exemplary embodiment except that first and second
electrodes 1151 and 1152 are disposed on opposite sides of a sensor
body. Thus, the seventh exemplary embodiment will hereinafter be
described, focusing mainly on differences with the sixth exemplary
embodiment.
[0092] More specifically, the first electrode 1151 may be disposed
on a surface 1131c of a first protrusion 1131, and the second
electrode 1152 may be disposed on a surface 1132c of a second
protrusion 1132. The surfaces 1131c and 1132c may be on opposite
sides of the sensor body.
[0093] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a wash water
sensing apparatus 1200 according to an eighth exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, and FIG. 18 illustrates a plan view of
the wash water sensing apparatus 1200, as seen from direction A of
FIG. 17. Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the wash water sensing
apparatus 1200 may include a sealing cover 1201 which is coupled to
the tub 120 by being inserted into the hole 5a of the tub 120; a
sensor body 1202 which is coupled to the sealing cover 1201 by
being inserted into a through hole of the sealing cover 1201; an
optical sensor 1210 which is disposed on one side of the sensor
body 1202 and measures the pollution level of wash water; and an
electrode sensor 1220 which is disposed on the other side of the
sensor body 1202 and measures the conductivity of wash water.
[0094] The sealing cover 1201 may be pressed into the tub 120, and
the sensor body 1202 may be pressed into the sealing cover 1201.
The sealing cover 1201 may be more elastic than the tub 120 or the
sensor body 1202. The sealing cover 1201 may be formed of
rubber.
[0095] The sensor body 1202 may include a body insertion portion
1203 which is formed as a protrusion and can thus be inserted into
the sealing cover 1201 and a body connector portion 1204 which
extends backwards from the body insertion portion 1203 and to which
wires connected to the optical sensor 1220 and the electrode sensor
1210 are coupled.
[0096] The body insertion portion 1203 may be cylindrical. The body
insertion portion 1203 may include first and second protrusions
1205 and 1206 which protrude toward the tub 120. The first and
second protrusions 1205 and 1206 may face each other.
[0097] The optical sensor 1210 may include a light emitter 1211
disposed on the first protrusion 1205 and emitting light and a
light receptor 1212 disposed on the second protrusion 1206 and
receiving the light emitted by the light emitter 1211. A surface of
the first protrusion 1205 on which the light emitter 1211 is
disposed and a surface of the second protrusion 1206 on which the
light receptor 1212 is disposed may face each other.
[0098] The electrode sensor 1220 may include first and second
electrodes 1221 and 1222. The first and second electrodes 1221 and
1222 may be disposed between the first and second protrusions 1205
and 1206. The sensor body 1202 may be formed through injection
molding, and the first and second electrodes 1221 and 1222 may be
inserted into the sensor body 1202 during the formation of the
sensor body 1202. The first and second electrodes 1221 and 1222 may
be a predetermined distance apart from each other.
[0099] The operation of the wash water sensing apparatus 1200 will
hereinafter be described in detail.
[0100] Laundry may be loaded into the drum 125, and wash water
mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub 120. The wash
water in the tub 120 may be polluted by dust and dirt from the
laundry.
[0101] The wash water sensing apparatus 1200 may measure the
quality of the wash water in the tub 120.
[0102] If the light emitter 1211 of the optical sensor 1210 emits
light, the light receptor 1212 of the optical sensor 1210 may
receive the light through the wash water in the tub 120. The more
polluted the wash water is, the less the amount of light received
by the light receptor 121. Therefore, the wash water sensing
apparatus 1200 may determine the pollution level of the wash water
in the tub 120 based on the amount of light received by the light
receptor 1212. Thus, the wash water sensing apparatus 1200 may
determine for how long a washing operation is to be performed and
how much detergent is to be used in the washing operation based on
the pollution level of the wash water in the tub 120.
[0103] If a current is applied to the first and second electrodes
1221 and 1222 of the electrode sensor 1220, the voltage of the
first and second electrodes 1221 and 1222 may vary according to the
concentration of detergent in the wash water in the tub 120. Thus,
the wash water sensing apparatus 1200 may determine the amount of
detergent in the wash water in the tub 120 based on the voltage of
the first and second electrodes 1221 and 1222.
[0104] Therefore, it is possible to appropriately adjust the
duration of a washing process and the temperature of the wash water
in the tub based on measurement data provided by the optical sensor
1210 and the electrode sensor 1220.
[0105] That is, if the measurement data provided by the optical
sensor 1210 and the electrode sensor 1210 indicates that the
pollution level of the wash water in the tub 120 is lower than a
reference pollution level, and that the amount of detergent in the
wash water in the tub 120 is greater than a reference detergent
amount level, the duration of a washing process or the temperature
of the wash water in the tub 120 may be reduced. In the latter
case, it is possible to reduce the heating energy of a heater and
thus to reduce the time and cost required for performing a washing
operation.
[0106] On the other hand, if the measurement data provided by the
optical sensor 1210 and the electrode sensor 1210 indicates that
the pollution level of the wash water in the tub 120 is higher than
the reference pollution level, and that the amount of detergent in
the wash water in the tub 120 is less than the reference detergent
amount level, the duration of a washing process or the temperature
of the wash water in the tub 120 may be increased.
[0107] In this manner, it is possible to improve the performance of
a washing operation by appropriately adjusting the duration of a
washing process and the temperature of wash water based on the
pollution level and conductivity of the wash water.
[0108] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a wash water
sensing apparatus 1230 according to a ninth exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. The ninth exemplary embodiment is almost the
same as the eighth exemplary embodiment except that first and
second electrodes 1231 and 1232 of an electrode sensor 1230 are
disposed on a level with a surface 1202a of a sensor body 1202.
Thus, the ninth exemplary embodiment will hereinafter be described,
focusing mainly on differences with the eighth exemplary
embodiment.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 19, the electrode sensor 1230 may include
the first and second electrodes 1231 and 1232. The first and second
electrodes 1231 and 1232 may be disposed between first and second
protrusions 1205 and 1206. The first and second electrodes 1231 and
1232 may be inserted in the sensor body 1202 so that at least one
surface of each of the first and second electrodes 1231 and 1232
can be exposed on the surface 1202a of the sensor body 1202. The
contact area between wash water and each of the first and second
electrodes 1231 and 1232 may be determined by the thickness of the
first and second electrodes 1231 and 1232. The thickness of the
first and second electrodes 1231 and 1232 may be appropriately
adjusted in order to control the performance of the electrode
sensor 1230.
[0110] Since the first and second electrodes 1231 and 1232 do not
protrude beyond the sensor body 1202, it is possible to prevent
foreign materials from being stuck between the electrodes 1231 and
1232. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration the
performance of the electrode sensor 1230 and the performance of an
optical sensor 1210.
[0111] FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a wash water
sensing apparatus 1240 according to a tenth exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. The tenth exemplary embodiment is almost the
same as the eighth exemplary embodiment except that first and
second electrodes 1241 and 1242 of an electrode sensor 1240 are
attached onto a sensor body 1202. Thus, the tenth exemplary
embodiment will hereinafter be described, focusing mainly on
differences with the eighth exemplary embodiment.
[0112] Referring to FIG. 20, the first and second electrodes 1241
and 1242 may be attached onto first and second protrusions 1205 and
1206, respectively. More specifically, the first and second
electrodes 1241 and 1242 may be disposed on opposite sides of the
sensor body 1202. The first and second electrodes 1241 and 1242 may
be formed as plates. A pair of grooves for accommodating the first
and second electrodes 1241 and 1242 may be respectively formed on
the first and second protrusions 1205 and 1206.
* * * * *