Contamination sensing assembly and home appliance comprising same

Abstract

A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a main body including an opening formed on the front surface thereof; a cylindrical tub disposed inside the main body and formed to accommodate water; a cover structure disposed to pass through a portion of the rear surface of the tub; and a sensor which is disposed to face the cover structure and which detects whether one surface of the cover structure is contaminated. The sensor can be disposed to be adjacent to a half point of the outer diameter of the cylindrical tub.

Description

Contamination detection assembly and home appliance including same

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a contamination detection assembly for checking the level of contamination inside a home appliance and a home appliance including the same.

[0002] A washing machine is a home appliance used to wash clothing, towels, bedding, and other items. There are two types: drum-type washing machines, which wash laundry by repeatedly raising and lowering a rotating drum (e.g., a drum), and electric washing machines, which wash laundry using the water currents generated by a pulsator as the drum rotates.

[0003] The cycles performed by a washing machine, regardless of the type of washing machine, may include a washing cycle in which detergent and water are supplied to a rotating drum containing laundry and the laundry is washed while the rotating drum is rotated, a rinsing cycle in which water is supplied to the rotating drum and the laundry is rinsed while the rotating drum is rotated, and a dehydration cycle in which water supplied to the rotating drum is discharged to the outside and the moisture from the laundry is removed by rotating the rotating drum.

[0004] Typically, calcium in tap water and surfactants in detergents used during washing react with each other to produce insoluble metallic soap, some of which can adhere to the walls inside the washing machine. These adherents readily combine with fiber debris and foreign substances separated from laundry, which, along with moisture, can cause the proliferation of contaminants such as microorganisms (e.g., fungi). These contaminants then combine with regular laundry during washing, causing dirt and odor, and failing to provide the cleaning performance desired by the user.

[0005] A typical washing machine can measure the level of internal contamination by placing a sensor, but it may be difficult to accurately measure the level of contamination if the sensor is placed in a place with less contamination or in a place with a fast water flow to facilitate detection by the sensor.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a home appliance may include a main body having an opening formed on a front surface, a cylindrical tub arranged inside the main body and formed to receive water, a cover structure arranged to penetrate a portion of a rear surface of the tub, and a sensor arranged to face the cover structure and to detect whether one surface of the cover structure is contaminated. The sensor may be arranged adjacent to a point halfway along the outer diameter of the cylindrical tub.

[0007] A contamination detection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a transparent cover structure and a sensor disposed facing the transparent cover structure for detecting contamination on one surface of the transparent cover structure. The sensor may be disposed adjacent to a point halfway along the outer diameter of the cylindrical tub.

[0008] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a control unit in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed in one direction.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of a tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a contamination detection assembly (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a contamination detection assembly (200a) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0018] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0019] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0021] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0022] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0023] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0024] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0025] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0026] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0027] According to various embodiments, home appliances may include a clothing treatment device. A washing machine, one such clothing treatment device, can perform washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a clothing treatment device, and the term "clothing treatment device" encompasses devices that wash clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothing, and devices capable of both washing and drying clothing.

[0028] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet for loading or removing laundry is provided facing upward, or front-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet is provided facing forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines of other loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0029] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a dryer that can dry the laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine with a dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the washing machine with a dryer may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

[0030] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0031] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing to be viewed.

[0032] A washing machine may include a tub provided within a housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned within the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to a laundry inlet.

[0033] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates, thereby reducing the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0034] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0035] The drum may be positioned within the tub such that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may be sequentially passed through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be accommodated within the drum or taken out from the drum.

[0036] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform each of the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations. The cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a number of perforations, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0037] A washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate a drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum by penetrating the tub.

[0038] The driving device can rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0039] A washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to a tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0040] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0041] A washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to a tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of detergent during a wash cycle. The detergent supply device may include a detergent compartment for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent compartment may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0042] A washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0043] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0044] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0045] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0046] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0047] For example, at least one output interface may transmit information related to the washing cycle and operating time of the washing machine, as well as washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0048] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0049] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0050] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0051] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0052] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0053] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0054] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine, such as a drive motor and a water inlet valve. The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to a user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water inlet valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0055] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figures 1 and 2 are drawings for overall explanation of a washing machine (1), one of the home appliances. Figures 1 and 2 are drawings provided as examples for convenience of explanation, and the scope of rights of this document is not limited thereto.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a main body (10) that accommodates various components therein. The main body (10) may have an overall hexahedral shape. The main body (10) may include an opening formed on the front surface (or the front cover (10a)). Two or more of the respective surfaces of the main body (10) may be formed integrally. Each surface of the main body (10) may be manufactured separately and then assembled. The main body (10) may be formed, for example, by press molding using a sheet metal material or by injection molding using a resin material.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include a front cover (10a), an upper cover (10b), left / right side covers (10c), a rear cover (10d), or a lower cover (10e). The components included in the main body (10) may be configured individually or may be configured integrally. For example, the left / right side covers (10c) and the rear cover (10d) included in the main body (10) may be formed integrally to form a side / rear cover. The front cover (10a), the upper cover (10b), the left / right side covers (10c), the rear cover (10d), or the lower cover (10e) included in the main body (10) may form an internal housing. The internal housing may include an internal space in which various components constituting the washing machine (1) may be stored or mounted.

[0061] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the body (10) may include a steel plate structure. In the body (10), at least one of the front cover (10a), the upper cover (10b), the left / right side covers (10c), the rear cover (10d), or the lower cover (10e) may be composed of a steel plate structure.

[0062] According to one embodiment, a door (20) that opens and closes the opening may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening of the main body (10). The door (20) may be rotatably coupled to a hinge fixed to one surface of the main body (10). For example, at least a portion of the door (20) may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the inside may be visible. A user may open and close the door (20) to load laundry into the drum (40) located inside the main body (10) or to take laundry out of the drum (40). The door (20) may be locked, for example, by a locking device (not shown) so as not to be opened while the washing machine (1) is in operation. According to one embodiment, the door (20) may include a door frame (21) and a glass member (22). The glass member (22) may be formed of, for example, a transparent tempered glass material so that the inside of the main body (10) may be visible, but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a tub (30) fixedly arranged inside the main body (10). The tub (30) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening (31) may be provided at a position corresponding to the opening of the main body (10) on the front of the tub (30). The tub (30) may store washing water. A drain hole (32) for draining washing water may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30). The drain hole (32) may be connected to, for example, a drainage unit (80).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a damper (12). The damper (12) may be provided to connect the main body (10) and the tub (30). One side of the damper (12) may be fixed to the inner surface of the main body (10) and the other side may be fixed to the tub (30). The damper (12) may be provided to absorb vibration energy transmitted to the tub (30) and / or the main body (10) when the drum (40) rotates, thereby attenuating the vibration.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drum (40) provided inside a tub (30). The drum (40) may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open. A front plate (43) and a rear plate (44) may be arranged on the front and rear sides of the drum (40), respectively. A drum opening may be provided in the front plate (43) at a position corresponding to the opening of the main body (10) and the tub opening (31) of the tub (30). The drum (40) may accommodate laundry. The drum (40) may receive rotational power from a driving unit (60) and rotate inside the tub (30). The drum (40) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration while rotating inside the tub (30).

[0066] In one embodiment, the drum (40) may include a lifter (41) and / or a plurality of holes (42). The lifter (41) lifts laundry while the drum (40) rotates, causing the laundry to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby allowing multiple surfaces of the laundry to be washed evenly. The holes (42) may be passages formed so that water or washing water contained in the tub (30) may flow into the interior of the drum (40), or water or washing water inside the drum (40) may be discharged to the exterior. In one example, the lifter (41) or the holes (42) may be omitted.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a control panel (50) that supports interaction between a user and the washing machine (1). The control panel (50) may be positioned on the upper front side of the main body (10) as illustrated in FIG. 1, but the present document is not limited thereto. In one example, the control panel (50) may include an input unit (51) and a display unit (52).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the input unit (51) may include any type of user input means for obtaining user input for controlling the washing machine (1). The user may input power on / off of the washing machine (1), washing setting information (e.g., operation start / stop, course selection, time selection, etc.), etc., through the input unit (51). According to one embodiment, the input unit (51) may be a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch, but the present document is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit (51) may be in the form of a jog shuttle that a user can grasp and rotate. According to one embodiment, the input unit (51) may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting information remotely through a remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input unit (51) as an infrared signal. According to one embodiment, the input unit (51) may include a microphone. Setting information by the user's voice may be obtained through the microphone.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) can display various washing setting information input by the user and / or operating status information of the washing machine (1). The display unit (52) can include various types of display panels, such as LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, and Micro LED. For example, the display unit (52) can be implemented as a touch screen with a touch pad provided on the front, and the present document is not limited to a specific type of display means. According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) can include any type of audio display means, including a speaker, and can display each of the above-described information as an auditory signal through such audio display means. According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) can operate to provide the user with information for guiding the user's input and / or information related to the currently running cycle audibly. According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) can provide information on the total amount of water used during the washing process and / or the amount of water used for each cycle. For example, the display unit (52) can separately provide information on the amount of water supplied during the operation of performing the washing process and the amount of water supplied during the operation of performing the rinsing process.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a driving unit (60) for rotating the drum (40). The driving unit (60) may include a motor (61) and a driving shaft (62) for transmitting driving force generated by the motor (61) to the drum (40). The motor (61) may be configured with a fixed stator (611) and a rotor (612) that rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator (611), thereby converting electrical power into mechanical rotational power. The rotational power generated by the motor (61) may be transmitted to the drum (40) through the driving shaft (62). The driving shaft (62) may be provided to be press-fitted into the rotor (612) of the motor (61) and to rotate together with the rotor (612). A portion of the driving shaft (62) may penetrate the rear wall of the tub (30) to connect the drum (40) and the motor (61). The driving unit (60) can rotate the drum (40) forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a water supply unit (70) for supplying washing water to the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). The water supply unit (70) may include at least one water supply pipe (71) and at least one water supply valve (72). At least one water supply pipe (71) may be provided to supply washing water into the interior of the tub (30) using an external water source. One of the at least one water supply pipe (71) may be connected to a detergent supply device (13) provided in the main body (10). Here, the detergent supply device (13) may have an interior divided into a plurality of spaces, and detergent or rinsing agent may be provided in each space. Washing water passing through the detergent supply device (13) may be supplied to the tub (30) together with detergent (or rinsing agent) through the detergent supply pipe (131). At least one of the water supply pipes (71) may be directly connected to the tub (30). For example, washing water supplied through the water supply pipe (71) directly connected to the tub (30) may be supplied directly to the tub (30) without passing through an intermediate component such as a detergent supply device (13).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drain (80) for draining washing water contained in the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). The drain (80) may include a drain valve (81), a first drain pipe (82), a second drain pipe (83), or a pump chamber (84). The drain (80) may be arranged, for example, at the bottom of the tub (30) to discharge washing water discharged from the tub (30) to the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the drain valve (81) may be arranged to open and close the drain port (32). When the drain valve (81) is opened, the washing water contained in the tub (30) may flow through the drain port (32) to the drain portion (80).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may form a path that guides the washing water to be discharged to the outside. For convenience of explanation, the upstream side with respect to the pump room (84) is referred to as the first drain pipe (82) and the downstream side is referred to as the second drain pipe (83). The first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may be formed integrally. For example, one end of the first drain pipe (82) may be connected to the drain port (32) and the other end may be connected to the pump room (84). The washing water may move into the pump room (84) along the first drain pipe (82). The second drain pipe (83) may, for example, one end may be connected to the pump room (84) and the other end may be connected to the outside of the washing machine (1). Therefore, the washing water passing through the pump room (84) may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1) along the second drain pipe (83).

[0075] According to one embodiment, a pump room (84) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30) to store water or wash water drained from the tub (30). For example, a drain pump (841) may be provided inside the pump room (84) to discharge the stored water or wash water to the outside. The water or wash water pumped by the drain pump (841) may be guided to the outside of the main body (10) through a second drain pipe (83).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a balancer (150). The balancer (150) may include a balancer housing (151) forming an annular channel (151a) and a plurality of masses (153) arranged in the annular channel (151a) to perform a balancing function of the drum (40) while moving along the annular channel (151a). The plurality of masses (153) may have, for example, a ball shape (spherical shape). The plurality of masses (153) may move in a direction opposite to the direction of eccentricity generated in the drum (40) by laundry when the drum (40) rotates, thereby compensating for the eccentricity generated by the laundry.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the balancer (150) may be mounted on at least one of the front plate (43) and the rear plate (44) of the drum (40). Since the balancers (150) mounted on the front plate (43) and the rear plate (44) are the same overall, the following description will focus on the balancer (150) mounted on the front plate (43) of the drum (40).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the balancer housing (151) may be manufactured through injection molding using a plastic material such as polypropylene or ABS resin (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). According to one embodiment, the balancer housing (151) may be manufactured through a method of joining using a heat fusion method.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a vibration sensor (106). The vibration sensor (106) may be disposed on the outer surface of the drum (40) to detect vibration of the drum (40). According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor (106) may be disposed at the front and / or rear of the drum (40). Here, the front of the drum (40) may refer to the direction toward the front plate (43), and the rear of the drum (40) may refer to the direction toward the rear plate (44). The vibration sensor (106) may detect vibration while the drum (40) rotates, and the control unit (120) may calculate an eccentricity value of the drum (40) based on the vibration value measured by the vibration sensor (106).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can measure the eccentricity of the front of the drum (40) and the eccentricity of the rear of the drum (40) using one vibration sensor (106). For example, the vibration sensor (106) can be an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor (or inertial measurement device). The IMU sensor can be configured to measure acceleration corresponding to linear motion and angular velocity corresponding to rotational motion for each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

[0081] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a control unit in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include an input unit (51), a sensor unit (90), a communication unit (100), a control unit (110), a memory (120), a driving unit (60), a water supply unit (70), a drain unit (80), or a display unit (52).

[0083] Below, the description of the overlapping parts with the configuration described in FIGS. 1 and 2 is omitted.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (90) may include a dehydration sensor (91), a current sensor (92), a door sensor (93), or a light sensor (94), but this is exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the dehydration sensor (91) is a sensor designed to detect the water level within the tub (30), and may be provided to determine the progress of the dehydration process when performing the dehydration process. The control unit (110) may receive information regarding the water level within the tub (30) from the dehydration sensor (91) and use it as a reference for controlling the dehydration process.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the current sensor (92) may be provided to detect the current flowing to the motor (61) of the driving unit (60). The control unit (110) may estimate the torque value applied to the motor (61) using the current value measured by the current sensor (92). The control unit (110) may, for example, estimate the amount of laundry loaded into the rotating drum based on the estimated torque value.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the door sensor (93) may be provided to determine whether the user has closed the door (20) before the control unit (110) performs the washing operation.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the light sensor (94) may be provided to check the degree of contamination inside the washing machine (1) by measuring the reflectivity of a portion of the inner surface of the washing machine (1) (e.g., tub (30)). The control unit (110) (or processor) may receive the degree of contamination inside the washing machine (1) from the light sensor (94), determine whether to wash (e.g., whether to wash the tub), and may convey the information to the user through the display unit (52) or the like, or execute at least one command preset (or stored) in a memory (e.g., memory (120) of FIG. 3) to proceed with washing.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (100) may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the washing machine (1) and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine (1) and another device, or between the washing machine (1) and an external server. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (100) may also include one or more modules that connect the washing machine (1) to one or more networks. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (100) may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, or a location information module.

[0090] According to one embodiment, a mobile communication module may transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network constructed according to, for example, technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include, for example, various forms of data such as voice call signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia message transmission and reception.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the wireless Internet module may be, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), but is not limited thereto, and may transmit and receive data according to at least one wireless Internet technology, including Internet technologies not listed above.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module may support short-range communication using at least one of, for example, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The short-range communication module may support wireless communication between the washing machine (1) and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine (1) and another device, or between the washing machine (1) and a network in which the other device is located, for example, via a short-range wireless communication network. Here, the wireless short-range communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the location information module may be, for example, a module for obtaining the location of the washing machine (1), and may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a Wi-Fi module. When the washing machine (1) utilizes a GPS module, information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) can be received using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. When the washing machine (1) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) can be received based on information from a wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can control the overall operation of the washing machine (1). To this end, the control unit (110) may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The control unit (110) may be, for example, a microcontroller (MCU).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may control hardware or software components connected to the control unit (110) by, for example, driving an operating system or application program, and may also perform various data processing and operations. In addition, the control unit (110) may load commands or data received from at least one of the other components into volatile memory and process them, and store various data in non-volatile memory.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can control the washing process using, for example, a signal received from the input unit (51) or the communication unit (100). Specifically, the control unit (110) can control at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydration cycle, or a drying cycle. The control unit (110) can control the operation of the driving unit (60), the water supply unit (70), or the drain unit (80) to control at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle, or the drying cycle. At this time, the control unit (110) can receive operation information about the washing machine (1) from the sensor unit (90) and perform feedback control.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the memory (120) can store data supporting various functions of the washing machine (1). The memory (120) can store, for example, a plurality of application programs (or applications) used in the washing machine (1), data for the operation of the washing machine (1), and commands. At least some of these application programs can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs can be stored in the memory (120) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine (1). The application programs can be stored in the memory (120), for example, and driven by the control unit (110) to perform operations (or functions) of the washing machine (1). According to some embodiments, the memory (120) may be included as a part of the control unit (110) configuration.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may further include a speaker (130). The speaker (130) may be provided to audibly provide the user with information for guiding the user's input or information related to the current cycle.

[0099] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed in one direction.

[0100] FIG. 5 is a front view of a tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] According to one embodiment, a washing machine (e.g., a washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a body (e.g., a body (10) of FIGS. 1 and 2), a tub (30), a drum (e.g., a drum (40) of FIGS. 1 and 2), and / or a contamination detection assembly (200). The configuration of the tub (30) of FIGS. 4 to 6 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the tub (30) of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the tub (30) is fixedly arranged inside the main body (10), and a drum (40) may be arranged inside the tub (30). The tub (30) has a cylindrical shape with an open front, and the drum (40) arranged inside the tub (30) may also have a corresponding shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape with an open front). A driving device (e.g., a driving unit (60)) for rotating the drum (40) is arranged on the rear surface (35) of the tub (30), and a part of the driving device (e.g., a driving shaft (62) of FIG. 2) may be arranged to penetrate the rear surface (35) of the tub (30).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the contamination detection assembly (200) may be disposed adjacent to the rear surface (35) and / or the rear surface (35) of the tub (30). The contamination detection assembly (200) may include a cover structure (201) and a sensor (e.g., sensor (300) of FIG. 7) disposed adjacent to the cover structure (201). The configuration of the sensor (300) may be partially or completely identical to the configuration of the optical sensor (94) of FIG. 4.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the cover structure (201) may include an outer portion (202) extending from the rear surface (35) of the tub (30) and protruding outwardly from the rear surface (35) of the tub (30), and an inner space (203) opening toward the inside of the tub (30) and into which water contained within the tub (30) can flow.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the sensor (300) may include a light-emitting element that is arranged to face at least one surface of the cover structure (201) and is formed to emit light toward the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201), and a light-receiving element that receives (or receives) light reflected from one surface of the cover structure (201) among the light emitted from the light-emitting element. According to one embodiment, the sensor (300) may be a light sensor.

[0107] In one embodiment, the cover structure (201) and / or the sensor (300) may be disposed adjacent to a hole (36) disposed in the center of the cylindrical tub (30). In one embodiment, the cover structure (201) and / or the sensor (300) may be disposed adjacent to a point at half the outer diameter (D) of the cylindrical tub (30) (e.g., the center (O) of the tub (30)). For example, the cover structure (201) and / or the sensor (300) may be disposed adjacent to a point that is halfway from one end of the diameter passing through the center (O) of the cylindrical tub (30) (e.g., the center (0)). In one embodiment, the cover structure (201) and / or the sensor (300) may be disposed adjacent to a drive shaft (62) disposed to pass through the hole (36) in the center of the cylindrical tub (30).

[0108] The cover structure (201) may be formed in a structure in which contaminants such as microorganisms (e.g., fungi) easily occur, as some of the water (e.g., residual water) remains in the inner space (203) after washing is performed. For example, the rotation of the drum (40) is centered on the drive shaft (62) arranged at the center of the tub (30) and the drum (40), and the flow rate becomes stronger the farther away from the drive shaft (62), so that contamination may not easily occur. Accordingly, the cover structure (201) may be formed in a structure in which the cover structure (201) is arranged adjacent to the drive shaft (62), and the closer it is to the drive shaft (62), the more water is likely to accumulate, or the weaker the flow rate, so that contamination may easily occur. The sensor (300) may sense the state of the point in which the water is likely to accumulate, or the flow rate becomes weak, so that contamination may easily occur.

[0109] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a contamination detection assembly (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the contamination detection assembly (200) of FIG. 5 and / or FIG. 6 taken along the line AA`.

[0110] According to one embodiment, a washing machine (e.g., a washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a body (e.g., a body (10) of FIGS. 1 and 2), a tub (30), a drum (e.g., a drum (40) of FIGS. 1 and 2), and / or a contamination detection assembly (200). The configuration of the tub (30) of FIG. 7 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the tub (30) of FIGS. 1 to 5. The configuration of the contamination detection assembly (200) of FIG. 7 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the contamination detection assembly (200) of FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the tub (30) is fixedly arranged inside the main body (10), and a drum (40) may be arranged inside the tub (30). The tub (30) has a cylindrical shape with an open front, and the drum (40) arranged inside the tub (30) may also have a corresponding shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape with an open front).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the contamination detection assembly (200) may include a cover structure (201) and a sensor (300) disposed adjacent to the cover structure (201).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the cover structure (201) may be arranged to penetrate a portion of the rear surface (35) of the tub (30). The cover structure (201) may include an outer portion (202) extending from the rear surface (35) of the tub (30) and having at least a portion protruding in the direction of the rear surface (35) of the tub (30) (e.g., in the -X-axis direction), and an inner space (203) that is opened toward the inside of the tub (30) and is formed so that water contained in the tub (30) can flow in. The inner space (203) has a recess or groove shape formed such that one side of the cover structure (201) is open, and the overall shape of the cover structure (201) may be somewhat similar to a cup.

[0114] In one embodiment, the inner side of the outer portion (202) of the cover structure (201) can define an inner space (203). The outer portion (202) of the cover structure (201) can include a first wall (210) covering a rearward direction (or rearward space) of the inner space (203), and a second wall (220) extending from an edge of the first wall (210) and covering a lateral direction (or lateral space) of the inner space (203).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first wall (210) and the second wall (220) may form an integrated structure made of the same material. For example, the first wall (210) and the second wall (220) may be made of a transparent material. For example, the first wall (210) and the second wall (220) may be a monolithic support body or a single piece (or one body), and at least a portion of the monolithic support body may be exposed to the rear surface (35) of the tub (30) and may be a structure that extends seamlessly from the first wall (210) to the second wall (220). Referring to FIG. 7, the hatching disclosed in the cover structure (201) is an example, and does not describe that the cover structure (201) is made of different materials in the hatched area and the non-hatched area. For example, the cover structure (201) may be made of the same material as a whole.

[0116] In one embodiment, the first wall (210) and the second wall (220) may be composed of different materials. For example, the first wall (210) facing the sensor (300) may be composed of a transparent material, and the second wall (220) may be composed of a non-transparent material. The first wall (210) made of a transparent material may be manufactured by insert injection molding together with the second wall made of a non-transparent material.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the outer portion (202) may have a cylindrical shape or a polygonal columnar shape. For example, when the first wall (210) of the outer portion (202) has a circular plate shape, the second wall (220) may have a circular columnar shape extending from the first wall (210). For example, when the first wall (210) of the outer portion (202) has a square plate shape, the second wall (220) may have a square columnar shape extending from each corner of the square plate, and may include a plurality of faces facing in different directions.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the first wall (210) of the outer portion (202) may include a first surface (211) facing the inside of the tub (30) and a second surface (212) facing the outside of the tub (30). Considering the thickness of the second wall (220) and the design of the inner space (203), the first surface (211) may be formed to have a smaller size than the second surface (212). The first surface (211) and the second surface (212) may be formed substantially parallel and may be an area through which light emitted from the sensor (300) passes. For example, the sensor (300) may detect light emitted from the sensor (300) that passes through a portion of the first wall (210) and is reflected on the first surface (211).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the second wall (220) of the outer portion (202) may include a third face (221) facing the inside of the tub (30) and a fourth face (222) facing the outside of the tub (30). The second wall (220) may be shaped to extend from one side (or one end) of the tub (30), and a portion of the second wall (220) may be fitted into the tub (30). According to one embodiment, the second wall (220) of the cover structure (201) and the tub (30) may be formed as an integrated structure.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the third surface (221) and the fourth surface (222) may be formed so as not to be parallel to each other. The third surface (221) may be formed to have a designated inclination with respect to the fourth surface (222). For example, when looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200), the fourth surface (222) may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the rear surface (35) of the tub (30), or to be slightly inclined (e.g., inclined by 20 degrees or less) with respect to the vertical direction. The third surface (221) may form an acute angle (θ) with respect to the fourth surface (222). The third surface (221) may form an inclined surface with respect to the fourth surface (222).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the outer surface (e.g., the third surface (221)) and the inner surface (e.g., the fourth surface (222)) of the second wall (220) of the outer portion (202) formed to surround the inner space (203) may be formed to face different directions. The third surface (221) of the outer portion (202) may be arranged substantially parallel to a drive shaft (e.g., the drive shaft (62) of FIG. 2) arranged at the center of the tub (30). At least a portion of the fourth surface (222) of the outer portion (202) may form a surface inclined at an acute angle with respect to the drive shaft (62).

[0122] According to one embodiment, when looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200), the second wall (220) may include a second-first wall (220a) arranged toward the +Y side and a second-second wall (220b) arranged toward the -Y side. For example, the second-first wall (220a) and the second-second wall (220b) may be different walls facing each other when the cover structure (201) has a polygonal columnar shape. For example, the second-first wall (220a) and the second-second wall (220b) may be parts of one wall forming a cylinder when the cover structure (201) has a cylindrical shape, facing each other.

[0123] According to one embodiment, when looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200), the 2-1 wall (220a) may include a 3-1 surface (221a) forming an inner surface and a 4-1 surface (222a) forming an outer surface. When looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200), the 2-2 wall (220b) may include a 3-2 surface (221b) forming an inner surface and a 4-2 surface (222b) forming an outer surface. According to one embodiment, when looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200), the 2-1 wall (220a) may have a thickness that sequentially varies from the outer side of the tub (30) toward the inner side. For example, the 3-1 surface (221a) may form an inclined surface that gets closer to the 4-1 surface (222a) as it goes from the outer side of the tub (30) toward the inner side. Accordingly, the 2-1 wall (220a) may have a thickness that sequentially decreases from the outside to the inside of the tub (30). According to one embodiment, when looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200), the 2-2 wall (220b) may have a thickness that sequentially varies from the outside to the inside of the tub (30). For example, the 3-2 surface (221b) may form a slope that moves away from the 4-2 surface (222b) as it moves from the outside to the inside of the tub (30). Accordingly, the 2-2 wall (220b) may have a thickness that sequentially increases from the outside to the inside of the tub (30).

[0124] According to one embodiment, when looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200), the 3-1 surface (221a) of the 2-1 wall (220a) and the 3-2 surface (221b) of the 2-2 wall (220b) may be arranged substantially parallel. When looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200), the 4-1 surface (222a) of the 2-1 wall (220a) and the 4-2 surface (222b) of the 2-2 wall (220b) may be arranged substantially parallel. When looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200), the 3-1 surface (221a) of the 2-1 wall (220a) and the 4-1 surface (222a) of the 2-2 wall (220b) may be arranged not to be parallel.

[0125] In one embodiment, the first surface (211) of the first wall (210) may be substantially perpendicular to the third surface (221) of the second wall (220). The first surface (211) of the first wall (210) may have a greater surface roughness than the third surface (221) of the second wall (220). For example, the first surface (211) of the first wall (210) may be designed as a surface on which contaminants such as microorganisms (e.g., fungi) are likely to grow, and may have an increased surface area compared to the other surface (e.g., the third surface (221)) to facilitate contact with the contaminants. For example, as shown in the enlarged view (B), the first surface (211) of the first wall (210) may have a pattern surface on which irregularities are formed, or on which concave / convex portions are repeatedly formed.

[0126] In one embodiment, the first surface (211) of the first wall (210) may be referred to as a corrosion surface as it forms a surface that is prone to contamination. In one embodiment, the first surface (211) of the first wall (210) may be referred to as a measurement surface as it is a surface for the sensor (300) to measure.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201) is defined by the first side (211) and the third side (221), and the opening (203a) formed to allow water to flow in may be a space on one side facing in the opposite direction to the first side (211).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201) may have a first length (L1). The first length (L1) may be named as the depth of the inner space (203) and may be designed in various ways so that water contained in the inner space (203) is difficult to easily escape due to movement such as shaking of the tub (30). For example, when the distance between the 3-1 side (221a) and the 3-2 side (221b) of the inner space (203) is defined as the second length (L2), the first length (L1) may be greater than the second length (L2). The second length (L2) may be the diameter of a circle when the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201) has a cylindrical shape, and may be the maximum length of a surface forming a column when the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201) has a polygonal column shape. The direction of the second length (L2) may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of the first length (L1). The cover structure (201) of the present disclosure is designed so that the length of the depth of the inner space (203) (e.g., the first length (L1)) is larger than the size of the passage of the inner space (203) through which water flows in (e.g., the second length (L2)), so that water flowing into the inner space (203) may have difficulty escaping.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201) may be a storage space from which water cannot easily escape after it has entered. For example, the inner space (203) may have a third surface (221) of the second wall (220) formed as an inclined surface with respect to a horizontal plane (e.g., a horizontal plane based on a level, or a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity). The inclined surface may be inclined downward as it approaches the first wall (210). Accordingly, the cover structure (201) may form a structure in which, during washing, a portion of the water contained in the tub (30) easily moves to the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201) and is difficult to escape. Water contained in the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201) remains on a rough transparent window (e.g., the first surface (211) of the first wall (210)) and may provide an environment conducive to the growth of contaminants such as microorganisms (e.g., fungi). The sensor (300) can detect this, confirm contamination of the tub (30) or drum (40), measure the degree of contamination, and transmit the result to the control unit.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the sensor (300) may include a light-emitting element (301) that is arranged to face at least one surface of the cover structure (201) and is formed to emit light toward the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201), and a light-receiving element (302) that receives (or receives) light reflected from one surface of the cover structure (201) among the light emitted from the light-emitting element (301). According to one embodiment, the sensor (300) may be a light sensor. The sensor (300) may be electrically connected to a control unit (e.g., the control unit (110) of FIG. 3).

[0131] In one embodiment, the sensor (300) may be positioned such that one surface from which light is emitted and transmitted faces a first wall (210) made of a transparent window. For example, in the sensor (300), one surface of a light-emitting element (301) from which light is emitted and one surface of a light-receiving element (302) from which reflected light is received may be arranged parallel to the first surface (211) of the first wall (210). For example, in the sensor (300), the light-emitting surface from which light is emitted may be arranged parallel to the first surface (211) of the first wall (210) of the cover structure (201).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the sensor (300) can measure the reflectivity of one surface (e.g., the first surface (211)) of the cover structure (201) to determine the degree of contamination within the tub (30) (or drum (40)). For example, light emitted from the light-emitting element (301) of the sensor (300) reaches the inner surface (e.g., the first surface (211)) of the cover structure (201) through the first wall (210) of the transparent material of the cover structure (201) and is reflected, and the sensor (300) can measure the reflectivity of the light by determining the degree to which the reflected light is transmitted to the light-receiving element (302).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the reflectivity may vary depending on the degree of contamination of the first surface (211) of the cover structure (201). For example, when a large amount of contaminants such as microorganisms (e.g., fungi) are distributed on the first surface (211) forming the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201), the reflectivity may decrease, and when the first surface (211) of the cover structure (201) has few or no contaminants such as microorganisms (e.g., fungi) and is therefore clean, the reflectivity may increase.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the sensor (300) measures the reflectivity of the first surface (211) through the amount of light received by the light receiving element (302) (e.g., reflected light reflected on the first surface (211)), and transmits the result to the control unit, so that the control unit can determine the contamination status of the first surface (211). For example, the control unit compares the reflectivity of the first surface (211) with a preset reflectivity (e.g., a reference value previously stored in a memory (e.g., a memory (120) of FIG. 3)), and if the measured reflectivity of the first surface (211) is lower than the preset reference value, the control unit determines that the first surface (211) is contaminated, and performs an appropriate cleaning process according to the type of the washing machine (1). For example, the display unit (e.g., the display unit (52) of FIG. 3) may indicate that a full wash is necessary, or the cleaning process may be automatically performed according to the full wash mode.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the contamination detection assembly (200) may include a cover member (303) that covers the sensor (300). The cover member (303) is arranged to surround the sensor (300), and at least a portion thereof may extend from the cover structure (201) to form an integrated structure. The cover member (303) may be designed in various forms to protect the sensor (300) from external impact and prevent external foreign substances from entering.

[0136] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a contamination detection assembly (200a) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] According to one embodiment, a washing machine (e.g., a washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a body (e.g., a body (10) of FIGS. 1 and 2), a tub (30), a drum (e.g., a drum (40) of FIGS. 1 and 2), and / or a contamination detection assembly (200a). According to one embodiment, the contamination detection assembly (200a) may include a cover structure (201), and a sensor (300) disposed adjacent to the cover structure (201).

[0138] The configuration of the contamination detection assembly (200a) of FIG. 8 can be applied to the configuration of the contamination detection assembly (200) of FIG. 7. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on configurations different from the configuration of the contamination detection assembly (200) of FIG. 7.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the cover structure (201) may include an outer portion (202) extending from the rear surface (35) of the tub (30) and formed such that at least a portion thereof protrudes in the direction of the rear surface (35) of the tub (30) (e.g., in the -X-axis direction), and an inner space (203) opened toward the inside of the tub (30) and formed such that water contained within the tub (30) can flow in.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the outer portion (202) of the cover structure (201) may include a first wall (210) covering the rear surface of the inner space (203), and a second wall (220) extending from an edge of the first wall (210) and covering a side surface of the inner space (203).

[0141] In one embodiment, the first wall (210) and the second wall (220) may form an integrated structure made of the same material. For example, the first wall (210) and the second wall (220) may be made of a transparent material.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first wall (210) and the second wall (220) may be composed of different materials. For example, a portion of the second wall (220) facing the sensor (300) may be composed of a transparent material, and the remaining portion of the second wall (220) and the first wall (210) may be composed of a non-transparent material.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the first wall (210) of the outer portion (202) may include a first surface (211) facing the inside of the tub (30) and a second surface (212) facing the outside of the tub (30). The first surface (211) and the second surface (212) of the first wall (210) may be formed to be substantially parallel.

[0144] In one embodiment, the second wall (220) of the outer portion (202) may include a third face (221) facing the inside of the tub (30) and a fourth face (222) facing the outside of the tub (30). A portion of the second wall (220) may be an area through which light emitted from the sensor (300) passes. For example, the sensor (300) may detect light emitted from the sensor (300) that passes through a portion of the second wall (220) and is reflected on the third face (221).

[0145] According to one embodiment, when looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200a), the second wall (220) may include a second-first wall (220a) arranged toward the +Y side and a second-second wall (220b) arranged toward the -Y side. The second-first wall (220a) may include a third-first surface (221a) forming an inner surface and a fourth-first surface (222a) forming an outer surface. The second-second wall (220b) may include a third-second surface (221b) forming an inner surface and a fourth-second surface (222b) forming an outer surface.

[0146] According to one embodiment, when looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200a), the 2-1 wall (220a) may have a thickness that sequentially varies from the outside to the inside of the tub (30). For example, the 3-1 surface (221a) may form a slope that gets closer to the 4-1 surface (222a) as it goes from the outside to the inside of the tub (30). Accordingly, the 2-1 wall (220a) may have a thickness that sequentially decreases from the outside to the inside of the tub (30).

[0147] According to one embodiment, when looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200a), the 2-2 wall (220b) may have a thickness that sequentially varies from the outside to the inside of the tub (30). For example, the 3-2 surface (221b) may form a slope that moves away from the 4-2 surface (222b) from the outside to the inside of the tub (30). Accordingly, the 2-2 wall (220b) may have a thickness that sequentially increases from the outside to the inside of the tub (30).

[0148] According to one embodiment, when looking at the cross-section of the contamination detection assembly (200a), the 2-2 wall (220b) may have a constant thickness as it goes from the outside to the inside of the tub (30). For example, the 3-2 surface (221b) may be arranged parallel to the 4-2 surface (222b). In order for the sensor (300) to detect the 3-2 surface (221b) by passing through the 4-2 surface (222b), at least a portion of the 2-2 wall (220b) may be formed to have a constant thickness so that the direction of movement of light according to the refractive index does not change. In this case, the 3-2 surface (221b) may form a surface inclined at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0149] In one embodiment, a portion of the third surface (221) of the second wall (220) (e.g., the third-second surface (221b)) may have a greater surface roughness than another portion of the third surface (221) of the second wall (220) and the first surface (211) of the first wall (210). For example, a portion of the third surface (221) of the second wall (220) facing the sensor may be designed as a surface where contaminants such as microorganisms (e.g., fungi) are likely to develop, and may have an increased surface area to facilitate contact with contaminants compared to the other surfaces forming the inner space (203). For example, as shown in the enlarged view (C), the third surface (221) of the second wall (220) facing the sensor (300) may form a pattern surface with a repeated pattern of unevenness or concave / convex surfaces.

[0150] In one embodiment, a portion of the third surface (221) of the second wall (220) facing the sensor (300) (e.g., the third-second surface (221b)) may be designated as a corrosion surface as a surface that is easily contaminated. In one embodiment, a portion of the third surface (221) of the second wall (220) facing the sensor (300) (e.g., the third-second surface (221b)) may be designated as a measurement surface as a surface that the sensor (300) measures.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201) may be a storage space from which water cannot easily escape after it has entered. For example, the inner space (203) may have a third surface (221) of the second wall (220) form an inclined surface (e.g., a third-second surface (221b)) with respect to a horizontal plane (e.g., a horizontal plane based on a level, or a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity). The inclined surface may incline downward as it approaches the first wall (210). Accordingly, the cover structure (201) may form a structure in which, during washing, a portion of the water contained in the tub (30) easily moves to the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201) and then is difficult to escape. Water contained in the inner space (203) of the cover structure (201) remains on the rough transparent window (e.g., the third-second surface (221b) of the second wall (220)) and may provide an environment conducive to the growth of contaminants such as microorganisms (e.g., fungi). The sensor (300) can detect this, confirm contamination of the tub (30) or drum (40), measure the degree of contamination, and transmit the result to the control unit.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the sensor (300) may be disposed facing a portion of a third surface (221) of a second wall (220) of a cover structure (201) (e.g., the third-second surface (221b)), and may include a light-emitting element (301) formed to emit light toward an inner space (203) of the cover structure (201), and a light-receiving element (302) that receives light reflected from one surface of the cover structure (201) among the light emitted from the light-emitting element (301). Referring to FIG. 8, the sensor (300) is disposed below the second wall (220), but is not limited thereto, and the position of the sensor (300) may be designed in various ways. For example, the sensor (300) may be disposed facing the top or side of the second wall (220) where an area where a contamination source occurs can be well measured.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the sensor (300) can measure the reflectivity of one surface of the cover structure (201) (e.g., a part of the third surface (221) facing the sensor (300) (e.g., the third-second surface (221b))) to determine the degree of contamination within the tub (30). For example, light emitted from the light-emitting element (301) of the sensor (300) reaches the inner surface (e.g., the third surface (221)) of the cover structure (201) through the second wall (220) of the transparent material of the cover structure (201) and is reflected, and the sensor (300) can measure the reflectivity of the light by determining the degree to which the reflected light is transmitted to the light-receiving element (302).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the contamination detection assembly (200a) may include a cover member (303) that covers the sensor (300). The cover member (303) is arranged to surround the sensor (300), and at least a portion thereof may extend from the cover structure (201) to form an integrated structure. The cover member (303) may be designed in various ways to protect the sensor (300) from external impact and prevent external foreign substances from entering.

[0155] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a contamination detection assembly including a cover structure formed to allow contamination sources to easily occur and a sensor for measuring the contamination level of the cover structure to accurately measure the internal contamination level.

[0156] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a contamination detection assembly for a washing machine includes a cover structure made of a transparent material, and the cover structure may have an inner space formed with an inclined surface relative to a horizontal plane (e.g., a horizontal plane based on a level, or a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity) so as to facilitate the generation of contamination sources. The formed inclined surface forms a structure in which some of the water contained in the washing machine (e.g., a tub) easily moves to the inner space of the cover structure and is difficult to escape, thereby providing an environment in which contamination sources such as microorganisms (e.g., fungi) are likely to occur.

[0157] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a contamination detection assembly for a washing machine includes a cover structure made of a transparent material, and the cover structure may be positioned adjacent to the center of a cylindrical tub (e.g., a drive shaft) to facilitate contamination generation. Accordingly, the cover structure may form a structure that maintains a state of water accumulation as it approaches the drive shaft, or a structure that facilitates contamination generation due to a low flow rate.

[0158] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a contamination detection assembly for a washing machine includes a cover structure made of a transparent material and a sensor. The inner surface of the cover structure, where the sensor measures the contamination level, may be formed to have a larger surface area than the other surfaces. This inner surface, with its large surface area, may provide an environment conducive to the growth of contaminants such as microorganisms (e.g., fungi).

[0159] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0160] An electrical appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (e.g., 10 in FIG. 2) having an opening formed in a front surface, a cylindrical tub (e.g., 30 in FIG. 7) disposed inside the main body and formed to receive water, a cover structure (e.g., 201 in FIG. 7) disposed to penetrate a portion of a rear surface of the tub, and a sensor (e.g., 300 in FIG. 7) disposed facing the cover structure for detecting contamination of one surface of the cover structure.

[0161] In one embodiment, the sensor may be positioned adjacent to a point halfway along the outer diameter of the cylindrical tub.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the cover structure (e.g., 201 in FIG. 7) may include an outer portion (e.g., 202 in FIG. 7) extending from the rear surface of the tub and protruding outwardly from the rear surface, and an inner space (e.g., 203 in FIG. 7) that is open toward the inside of the tub and forms a space into which water contained within the tub can flow.

[0163] According to one embodiment, at least one surface of the cover structure facing the sensor may be formed of a transparent material.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the cover structure and the sensor may be disposed adjacent to a drive shaft (e.g., 62 in FIG. 2) disposed at the center of the cylindrical tub.

[0165] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the outer portion of the cover structure can define the inner space.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the outer portion of the cover structure may include a first wall (e.g., 210 in FIG. 7) covering a rearward direction of the inner space, and a second wall (e.g., 220 in FIG. 7) extending from an edge of the first wall (e.g., 210 in FIG. 7) and covering a lateral direction of the inner space.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the first wall of the outer portion of the cover structure is arranged to face the sensor, and the first wall includes a first surface (e.g., 211 in FIG. 7) facing the inside of the tub, and a second surface (e.g., 212 in FIG. 7) facing the outside of the tub (e.g., 30 in FIG. 7), and the first surface and the second surface may be formed substantially parallel.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the second wall of the outer portion of the cover structure includes a third surface facing the inside of the tub (e.g., 221 in FIG. 7) and a fourth surface facing the outside of the tub (e.g., 222 in FIG. 7), wherein the third surface may have a designated slope with respect to the fourth surface.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the inner surface of the first wall of the cover structure may have a greater surface roughness than the inner surface of the second wall.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the inner surface of the first wall of the cover structure may form a pattern surface in which unevenness is formed or concave or convex portions are repeatedly formed.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the second wall of the cover structure may be formed to have a thickness that sequentially varies from the outside to the inside of the tub.

[0172] In one embodiment, the second wall may include a plurality of faces extending from an end of the first wall and facing in different directions.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the outer surface of the second wall of the outer portion is arranged substantially parallel to a drive shaft disposed at the center of the tub, and at least a portion of the inner surface of the second wall can be inclined at an acute angle with respect to the drive shaft.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the depth of the inner space of the cover structure has a first length (e.g., L1 in FIG. 7), and a width of the inner space perpendicular to the depth has a second length (e.g., L2 in FIG. 7), and the first length may be greater than the second length.

[0175] In one embodiment, the sensor may be adjacent to a first wall of the outer portion facing the rear of the tub, and a light emitting surface of the sensor may be arranged parallel to the first wall.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the home appliance may further include a cover member (e.g., 303 of FIG. 7) covering the sensor. The sensor cover member may have an integrated structure extending from the outer portion of the cover structure.

[0177] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a contamination detection assembly (e.g., 200 of FIG. 7) may include a transparent cover structure (e.g., 201 of FIG. 7), and a sensor (e.g., 300 of FIG. 7) disposed facing the transparent cover structure and configured to detect contamination of one surface of the transparent cover structure.

[0178] In one embodiment, the sensor may be positioned adjacent to a point halfway along the outer diameter of the cylindrical tub.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the transparent cover structure (e.g., 201 in FIG. 7) may include an outer portion (e.g., 202 in FIG. 7) extending from the rear surface of a cylindrical tub (e.g., 30 in FIG. 7) of a washing machine and protruding outwardly from the rear surface, and an inner space (e.g., 203 in FIG. 7) that is open toward the inside of the tub and forms a space into which water contained in the tub can flow.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the transparent cover structure and the sensor may be disposed adjacent to a drive shaft disposed at the center of the cylindrical tub.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the outer portion of the cover structure may include a first wall (e.g., 210 in FIG. 7) covering a rearward direction of the inner space, and a second wall (e.g., 220 in FIG. 7) extending from an edge of the first wall (e.g., 210 in FIG. 7) and covering a lateral direction of the inner space.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the second wall of the outer portion of the cover structure includes an inner surface facing the inside of the tub and an outer surface facing the outside of the tub, wherein the inner surface can have a specified slope with respect to the outer surface.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the inner surface of the first wall of the cover structure facing the inside of the tub may have a greater surface roughness than the inner surface of the second wall.

[0184] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0185] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0186] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0187] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0188] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0189] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0190] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0191] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0192] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0193] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

Claims

1. In home appliances, A body (10) including an opening formed on the front; A cylindrical tub (30) arranged inside the main body and formed to accommodate water; A cover structure (201) arranged to penetrate a portion of the rear surface of the above tub; and It is arranged facing the cover structure and includes a sensor (300) for detecting whether one side of the cover structure is contaminated, The above sensor is placed adjacent to the point 1 / 2 of the outer diameter of the cylindrical tub, the home appliance.

2. In paragraph 1, A home appliance, wherein at least one side of the cover structure facing the sensor is formed of a transparent material.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above cover structure and the above sensor are arranged adjacent to the drive shaft (62) arranged at the center of the cylindrical tub, the home appliance.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above cover structure (201) is An outer portion (202) extending from the rear of the tub and protruding in the outer direction of the rear; and A home appliance comprising an inner space (203) that is open toward the inside of the tub and forms a space into which water contained within the tub can flow.

5. In paragraph 4, An appliance in which the inner surface of the outer portion of the cover structure defines the inner space.

6. In paragraph 4 or 5, A home appliance, wherein the outer portion of the cover structure includes a first wall (210) covering the rear direction of the inner space, and a second wall (220) extending from the edge of the first wall (210) and covering the side direction of the inner space.

7. In paragraph 6, The first wall of the outer portion of the cover structure is arranged to face the sensor, and the first wall includes a first surface (211) facing the inside of the tub, and a second surface (212) facing the outside of the tub (30). A home appliance, wherein the first side and the second side are formed substantially parallel to each other.

8. In paragraph 6 or 7, The second wall of the outer portion of the cover structure includes a third surface (221) facing the inside of the tub, and a fourth surface (222) facing the outside of the tub, A home appliance, wherein the third surface has a specified inclination with respect to the fourth surface.

9. In paragraphs 6 to 8, A home appliance, wherein the inner surface of the first wall of the cover structure has a greater surface roughness than the inner surface of the second wall.

10. In paragraph 9, A home appliance, wherein the inner surface of the first wall of the cover structure forms a pattern surface in which unevenness is formed or concave or convex portions are repeatedly formed.

11. In clauses 6 to 10, A home appliance, wherein the second wall of the cover structure is formed to have a thickness that sequentially changes from the outside to the inside of the tub.

12. In any one of paragraphs 6 and 11, An appliance, wherein the second wall extends from an end of the first wall and includes a plurality of faces facing different directions.

13. In any one of paragraphs 6 to 12, The outer surface of the second wall of the outer portion is arranged substantially parallel to the driving shaft arranged at the center of the tub, An appliance, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the second wall is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the driving shaft.

14. In paragraphs 4 to 13, The depth of the inner space of the cover structure has a first length (L1), and the width of the inner space perpendicular to the depth has a second length (L2). A home appliance wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

15. In paragraph 4 or paragraph 13, A home appliance, wherein the sensor is adjacent to the first wall of the outer portion facing the rear of the tub, and the light emitting surface of the sensor is arranged parallel to the first wall.

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