Main body comprising coating layer, and home appliance comprising same

Abstract

A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a main body comprising an opening formed on the front surface thereof; a cylindrical tub which is disposed inside the main body and which accommodates water; and a drum rotatably disposed in the tub. The main body can include: a frame including a metal material; a primer resin which is disposed over the frame and which includes a first primer resin and a second primer resin, the first primer resin having an average molecular weight (MW) of 25,000-30,000 g / mol and the second primer resin having an average molecular weight (MW) of 20,000-25,000 g / mol; a base resin laminated on the primer resin; and a clear resin laminated on the base resin.

Description

A main body including a coating layer, and a home appliance including the same

[0001] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a main body of a home appliance comprising a coating layer for high brightness and high linearity.

[0002] Household appliances refer to electronic and electrical devices used in the home, and may include devices that help make housework more convenient and improve the quality of life, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners.

[0003] Recently, home appliances are being manufactured to play an important role in terms of design and interior aesthetics, in addition to their practical purposes. For example, the main body (e.g., housing) forming the exterior of a home appliance may include coating layers of various shapes to provide high-brightness and / or high-linearity exterior materials.

[0004] In home appliances, a low-molecular-weight resin coating layer may be used to increase the brightness and linearity of a coating layer formed to wrap around the frame of the exterior material. However, a low-molecular-weight resin coating layer may result in low adhesion to the frame of the exterior material and poor processability. Accordingly, the design of a coating layer having high brightness and high linearity is discussed to provide an aesthetic appearance when viewed from the outside while maintaining adhesion to the frame of the exterior material and processability.

[0005] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body having an opening formed on the front surface, a cylindrical tub disposed inside the main body and formed to receive water, and a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub. The main body may include a frame comprising a metal material, a primer resin disposed over the frame comprising a first primer resin and a second primer resin, wherein the average molecular weight (MW) of the first primer resin is 25,000 to 30,000 g / mol and the average molecular weight (MW) of the second primer resin is 20,000 to 25,000 g / mol, a base resin laminated on the primer resin, and a clear resin laminated on the base resin.

[0006] In a home appliance including an exterior material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the exterior material may include a frame including a metal material, a primer resin disposed over the frame and comprising a first primer resin and a second primer resin, wherein the average molecular weight (MW) of the first primer resin is 25,000 to 30,000 g / mol and the average molecular weight (MW) of the second primer resin is 20,000 to 25,000 g / mol, a base resin laminated on the primer resin, and a clear resin laminated on the base resin.

[0007] A coating composition according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a primer resin layer comprising a first primer resin and a second primer resin, wherein the average molecular weight (MW) of the first primer resin is 25,000 to 30,000 g / mol and the average molecular weight (MW) of the second primer resin is 20,000 to 25,000 g / mol; a base resin layer disposed on the primer resin layer having an average molecular weight (MW) of 11,000 to 13,000 g / mol; and a clear resin layer disposed on the base resin layer having an average molecular weight (MW) of 7,000 to 9,000 g / mol. The mixing ratio of the first primer resin and the second primer resin may be 1:1.5 to 2.5.

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

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

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a main body forming the exterior of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a drawing for verifying the corrosion resistance of a main body forming the exterior of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0015] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0016] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] In this document, each of the phrases such as "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.

[0018] In this document, the term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0019] In this document, terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0020] In this document, terms such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "side," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0021] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0022] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0023] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0024] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0025] A home appliance according to one embodiment may include a clothing processing device. A washing machine, which is one of the clothing processing devices, can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying operations. A washing machine is an example of a clothing processing device, and a clothing processing device is a concept that encompasses a device for washing clothing (clothing to be washed, clothing to be dried), a device for drying clothing, and a device capable of performing both washing and drying of clothing.

[0026] A washing machine according to one embodiment may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for loading or unloading laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. A washing machine according to one embodiment may include a washing machine with a loading method other than a top-loading washing machine and a front-loading washing machine.

[0027] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water flow 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. A front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine capable of drying laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine capable of drying may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensation device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. As an example, the washing machine capable of drying may include a heat pump device. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines with washing methods other than those described above.

[0028] A washing machine according to one embodiment may include a housing that accommodates various components inside. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry input opening formed on one side.

[0029] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing a laundry input. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by means of a hinge. At least one part of the door may be made transparent or translucent so that the interior of the housing is visible.

[0030] The washing machine may include a tub provided inside the housing to store water. The tub is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned inside the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

[0031] The tub can be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated during the rotation of the drum and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0032] The washing machine may include a drum designed to accommodate laundry.

[0033] The drum may be positioned inside the tub such that a drum opening provided on one side corresponds to a laundry inlet and a tub opening. Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening in sequence to be received inside the drum or withdrawn from the drum.

[0034] The drum can rotate inside the tub and perform respective actions according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying cycles. A number of holes are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum so that water stored in the tub can flow into the interior of the drum or out of the exterior of the drum.

[0035] The washing machine may include a drive unit configured to rotate the drum. The drive unit may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may pass through the tub and be connected to the drum.

[0036] The drive unit can rotate the drum in the forward or reverse direction to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, or drying cycles.

[0037] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in 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 dispenser and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent dispenser. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent dispenser.

[0038] 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 from an external water source to the tub. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0039] The washing machine may include a detergent dispenser configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent dispenser may include a manual detergent dispenser in which the user must add the detergent to be used for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent dispenser that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount during a wash cycle. The detergent dispenser may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent dispenser may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with the detergent by passing through the detergent dispenser. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied into the tub. The term "detergent" is used as a collective term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container 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.

[0040] The 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 from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0041] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for the user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0042] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0043] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. 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 touchpad, a touchscreen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0044] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0045] For example, at least one output interface can convey information to the user regarding the washing course, the washing machine's operating time, and washing settings, rinse settings, and spin settings. Information regarding 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.

[0046] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with an external device via wired and / or wireless means.

[0047] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0048] The communication module can transmit data to external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or home appliances) or receive data from external devices. For example, the communication module can establish communication with servers and / or user devices and / or home appliances and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0049] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or 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 GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as 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).

[0050] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices, such as a server, a user device, or other home appliances, through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or 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 (e.g., drive motor, water supply valve). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0053] 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 for storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor for performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in 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.

[0054] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are drawings intended to describe a washing machine (1), which is one of the household appliances. FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are drawings illustrated as examples for convenience of explanation, and the scope of rights of this document is not limited thereto.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a main body (10) that accommodates various components inside. The main body (10) may have an overall cuboidal shape. The main body (10) may include an opening formed on the front (or front cover (10a)). Two or more of the faces of the main body (10) may be formed integrally. Each face of the main body (10) may be manufactured separately and assembled. The main body (10) may be formed, for example, by press molding from a sheet metal material or by injection molding from a resin material.

[0058] 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 individually formed or integrally formed. For example, the left / right side covers (10c) and the rear cover (10d) included in the main body (10) may be integrally formed to form a side-rear cover. The front cover (10a), upper cover (10b), left / right side covers (10c), rear cover (10d), or lower cover (10e) included in the main body (10) may provide an internal housing. The internal housing may include an internal space in which various components constituting the washing machine (1) can be stored or mounted.

[0059] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the main body (10) may include a steel plate structure. In the main body (10), at least one of the front cover (10a), top cover (10b), left / right side cover (10c), rear cover (10d), or bottom cover (10e) may be composed of a steel plate structure.

[0060] According to one embodiment, a door (20) for opening and closing the opening may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening of the main body (10). The door (20) may be rotatably connected to a hinge fixed to one side of the main body (10). The door (20) may be provided, for example, with at least a portion being transparent or translucent so that the interior is visible. A user may open and close the door (20) to load laundry into a drum (40) located inside the main body (10) or to take laundry out of the drum (40). The door (20) may be locked by a locking device (not shown) so that it does not open 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 a transparent tempered glass material so as to allow viewing of the interior of the main body (10), for example, but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a tub (30) fixedly disposed inside the main body (10). The tub (30) may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening (31) may be provided on the front of the tub (30) at a position corresponding to an opening of the main body (10). The tub (30) may store washing water. A drain (32) for draining washing water may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30). The drain (32) may be connected to, for example, a drainage section (80).

[0062] 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 dampening the vibration.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drum (40) provided inside a tub (30). The drum (40) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A front plate (43) and a rear plate (44) may be disposed 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 receive laundry. The drum (40) may rotate inside the tub (30) by receiving rotational power from a drive unit (60). While rotating inside the tub (30), the drum (40) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the drum (40) may include a lifter (41) and / or a plurality of through holes (42). The lifter (41) may lift the laundry while the drum (40) rotates, causing the laundry to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby allowing multiple sides of the laundry to be washed evenly. The through holes (42) may be passages formed to allow water or laundry water contained in the tub (30) to flow into the interior of the drum (40), or to discharge water or laundry water inside the drum (40) to the outside. In one example, the lifter (41) or the through holes (42) may be omitted.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a control panel (50) that supports interaction between the user and the washing machine (1). The control panel (50) may be positioned on the front top of the main body (10) as shown in FIG. 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In one example, the control panel (50) may include an input section (51) and a display section (52).

[0066] 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, washing setting information (e.g., start / stop operation, course selection, time selection, etc.) of the washing machine (1) 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 the 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 via 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 based on the user's voice may be obtained through the microphone.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) may display various washing setting information and / or operating status information of the washing machine (1) entered by the user. The display unit (52) may include various types of display panels, such as LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, Micro LED, etc. For example, the display unit (52) may be implemented as a touch screen with a touch pad provided on the front, and this document is not limited to a specific type of display means. According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) may include any type of audio display means, including a speaker, and may display each of the aforementioned information as an auditory signal through such audio display means. According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) may operate to provide the user with auditory information to guide user input and / or information related to the currently ongoing process. According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) may provide information regarding the total amount of water used during the washing process and / or the amount of water used for each process. For example, the display unit (52) may separately provide information on the amount of water supplied during the washing process and the amount of water supplied during the rinsing process.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drive unit (60) for rotating the drum (40). The drive unit (60) may include a motor (61) and a drive shaft (62) for transmitting the driving force generated from the motor (61) to the drum (40). The motor (61) is composed of a fixed stator (611) and a rotor (612) that rotates by electromagnetically interacting with the stator (611), so as to convert electric force into mechanical rotational force. The rotational force generated from the motor (61) can be transmitted to the drum (40) through the drive shaft (62). The drive shaft (62) may be pressed into the rotor (612) of the motor (61) and arranged to rotate together with the rotor (612). A portion of the drive shaft (62) may penetrate the rear wall of the tub (30) to connect the drum (40) and the motor (61). The drive unit (60) can rotate the drum (40) in the forward or reverse direction to perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying operations.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a water supply unit (70) for supplying washing water to a drum (40) and / or a 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 supply source. One of the at least one water supply pipe (71) may be connected to a detergent supply device (13) provided within the main body (10). Here, the interior of the detergent supply device (13) may be partitioned into a plurality of spaces, and each space may be provided to receive detergent or rinse agent, etc. Washing water passing through the detergent supply device (13) may be supplied to the tub (30) along with the detergent (or rinse agent) through the detergent supply pipe (131). At least one of the other water supply pipes (71) can be directly connected to the tub (30). For example, the washing water supplied through the water supply pipe (71) directly connected to the tub (30) can be supplied directly to the tub (30) without passing through an intermediate configuration such as a detergent supply device (13).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drain section (80) for draining washing water contained in a drum (40) and / or a tub (30). The drain section (80) may include a drain valve (81), a first drain pipe (82), a second drain pipe (83), or a pump chamber (84). The drain section (80) may be positioned, 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).

[0071] According to one embodiment, a drain valve (81) may be provided to open and close a drain (32). When the drain valve (81) is opened, the washing water contained in the tub (30) may flow through the drain (32) to the drain section (80).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may form a flow path that guides the washing water to be discharged to the outside. For convenience of explanation, the upstream end relative to the pump room (84) is referred to as the first drain pipe (82) and the downstream end as the second drain pipe (83). The first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may be formed as a single unit. The first drain pipe (82) may, for example, be connected to the drain (32) at one end and connected to the pump room (84) at the other end. The washing water may move into the pump room (84) along the first drain pipe (82). The second drain pipe (83) may, for example, be connected to the pump room (84) at one end and connected to the outside of the washing machine (1) at the other end. Thus, 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).

[0073] According to one embodiment, a pump room (84) is provided at the bottom of the tub (30) to store water or laundry water drained from the tub (30). Inside the pump room (84), for example, a drainage pump (841) for discharging the stored water or laundry water to the outside may be provided. The water or laundry water pumped by the drainage pump (841) may be guided to the outside of the main body (10) through a second drain pipe (83).

[0074] 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 mass bodies (153) disposed in the annular channel (151a) and moving along the annular channel (151a) to perform a balancing function of the drum (40). The plurality of mass bodies (153) may have, for example, a ball shape (sphere shape). The plurality of mass bodies (153) may move in a direction opposite to the direction of eccentricity generated in the drum (40) by the laundry when the drum (40) rotates, thereby compensating for the eccentricity generated by the laundry.

[0075] 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 balancer (150) mounted on the front plate (43) and the rear plate (44) is identical overall, the following description will focus on the balancer (150) mounted on the front plate (43) of the drum (40).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the balancer housing (151) may be manufactured by injection forming with a plastic material such as polypropylene, ABS resin (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), for example. According to one embodiment, the balancer housing (151) may be manufactured by joining by a heat fusion method.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a vibration sensor (106). The vibration sensor (106) may be placed on the outer surface of the drum (40) to detect vibrations of the drum (40). According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor (106) may be placed at the front and / or rear of the drum (40). Here, the front of the drum (40) may refer to the direction of the front plate (43), and the rear of the drum (40) may refer to the direction of the rear plate (44). The vibration sensor (106) may detect vibrations while the drum (40) is rotating, and a control unit (e.g., the control unit (110) of FIG. 3) may calculate the eccentricity value of the drum (40) based on the vibration value measured by the vibration sensor (106).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can measure the eccentricity value at the front of the drum (40) and the eccentricity value at the rear of the drum (40) using a single vibration sensor (106). For example, the vibration sensor (106) may be an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor (or an inertial measurement device). The IMU sensor may 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.

[0079] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a control unit within a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 3, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include at least one of 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 drainage unit (80), or a display unit (52).

[0081] Below, the description of parts that overlap with the configuration described in FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2 is omitted.

[0082] 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.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the dewatering sensor (91) is a sensor provided to detect the water level in the tub (30) and may be provided to determine the progress of dewatering during the dewatering process. The control unit (110) receives information regarding the water level in the tub (30) from the dewatering sensor (91) and can use it as a reference for controlling the dewatering process.

[0084] According to one embodiment, a current sensor (92) may be provided to detect the current flowing through 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 introduced into the rotating drum based on the estimated torque value.

[0085] According to one embodiment, a door sensor (93) may be provided to determine whether the user has closed the door (20) before the control unit (110) performs a washing operation.

[0086] According to one embodiment, a light sensor (94) may be provided to check the degree of contamination inside the washing machine (1) (e.g., tub (30)) by measuring the reflectance of a portion of the inner surface of the washing machine (1). A control unit (110) (or processor) receives the degree of contamination inside the washing machine (1) from the light sensor (94), determines whether to clean (e.g., whether tub cleaning is required), and transmits this to the user via a display unit (52), etc., or can proceed with cleaning by executing at least one command that is pre-set (or stored) in a memory (e.g., memory (120) of FIG. 3).

[0087] 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 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.

[0088] 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, or a server on a mobile communication network established, for example, according to technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include, for example, voice call signals, video call call signals, or various forms of data related to the transmission and reception of text / multimedia messages.

[0089] 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 within a range including internet technologies not listed above.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module is for short-range communication and can support short-range communication using at least one of the following technologies: Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus). The short-range communication module can 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 where another device is located, for example, through a short-range wireless communication network. Here, the wireless short-range communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the location information module may be, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wi-Fi module as a module for obtaining the location of the washing machine (1). If the washing machine (1) utilizes a GPS module, it may receive information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) by using signals sent from GPS satellites. If the washing machine (1) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, it may receive information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) based on information from a Wireless Access Point (AP) that transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the Wi-Fi module.

[0092] 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).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may, for example, control hardware or software components connected to the control unit (110) by running an operating system or application, 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 for processing, and store various data in non-volatile memory.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can control the washing process using a signal received from, for example, an input unit (51) or a communication unit (100). Specifically, the control unit (110) can control at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spin cycle, or a drying cycle. To control at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spin cycle, or a drying cycle, the control unit (110) can control the operation of a driving unit (60), a water supply unit (70), or a drainage unit (80). At this time, the control unit (110) can receive operation information regarding the washing machine (1) from the sensor unit (90) and perform feedback control.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the memory (120) may store data that supports various functions of the washing machine (1). The memory (120) may store, for example, a number of applications used in the washing machine (1), data for the operation of the washing machine (1), and commands. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Additionally, at least some of these applications may be stored in the memory (120) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine (1). The applications may be stored in the memory (120), for example, and driven by the control unit (110) to perform the operation (or function) of the washing machine (1). According to some embodiments, the memory (120) may be included as part of the configuration of the control unit (110).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may further include a speaker (130). The speaker (130) may be provided to provide the user with auditory information, for example, to guide user input or information related to the current ongoing process.

[0097] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a main body forming the exterior of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region (S) of the main body (10) of the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of the main body (10) of a washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the main body (10) of the washing machine (10) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0099] The embodiment of FIG. 4 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 3 and the embodiment of FIG. 5.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 4, the main body (10) (e.g., exterior material) forming the exterior of the washing machine (1) may be formed by press molding from a sheet metal material or injection molding from a resin material. According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include a frame (310) and a coating layer (330) (e.g., coating composition) disposed on the frame (310) (e.g., coated or deposited). According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include a frame (310), a plating layer (320) disposed on the frame (310), and a coating layer (330) (e.g., coating composition) disposed on the plating layer (320) (e.g., coated).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (330) may have a structure in which a plurality of resin layers are laminated. The coating layer (330) may include a primer resin (331), a base resin (332), and a clear resin (333).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include at least one of a front cover (e.g., front cover (10a) of FIG. 1), a top cover (e.g., top cover (10b) of FIG. 1), a left / right side cover (e.g., left / right side cover (10c) of FIG. 1), a rear cover (e.g., rear cover (10d) of FIG. 1), or a bottom cover (e.g., bottom cover (10e) of FIG. 1). A coating layer (330) may be formed on the outer surface of the front cover (10a) (e.g., front PCM (front pre-coated metal)) among the covers, which can directly provide a aesthetic impression to the user. However, the coating layer (330) is not limited to forming an exterior appearance on the front cover (10a) of the main body (10), but may be placed (e.g., coated and deposited) on various exterior appearances that are easily visible from the outside, such as the top cover (10b) or the left / right side cover (10c).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the frame (310) can be formed to protect the main body (10) of the washing machine (1) and to have high durability. The frame (310) can support the overall shape of the washing machine (1). The frame (310) may include at least one of metal or plastic. For example, the frame (310) may be formed of stainless steel (SUS) material.

[0104] According to one embodiment, a plating layer (320) may be disposed on the frame (310). For example, the upper surface of the frame (310) may be chemically treated to improve the corrosion resistance of the main body (10) and to improve the durability of the frame (310) which includes steel.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the plating layer (320) (or chemical treatment layer) may be a zinc plating layer. For example, the zinc plating layer may be formed by performing a zinc coating process on the surface of a frame (310) containing steel to block the steel of the frame (310) from coming into direct contact with oxygen or moisture and to limit (e.g., prevent or reduce) corrosion. The zinc plating layer may increase adhesion to a resin layer, thereby improving bonding strength with a resin layer placed on the zinc plating layer.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the plating layer (320) can be formed on the frame (310) through at least one process of electrogalvanizing, hot-dip galvanizing, zinc spraying, or zinc-aluminum coating.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (330) may be disposed on the frame (310) or the plating layer (320). For example, the coating layer (330) may be provided directly on the frame (310), or the coating layer (330) may be provided on the plating layer (320) after the plating layer (320) has been provided on the frame (310).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (330) may have a structure in which a plurality of resin layers are laminated, and may be formed by a composite coating process. For example, after one resin layer is applied, a drying and curing process may be performed, and the process may be repeated a specified number of times to form a structure in which a plurality of resin layers are laminated.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (330) may include a primer resin (331), a base resin (332), and a clear resin (333). After the primer resin (331) is applied on the frame (310) or the plating layer (320), a drying and curing process may be performed. Subsequently, after the base resin (332) is applied on the primer resin (331), a drying and curing process may be performed. Subsequently, after the clear resin (333) is applied on the base resin (332), a drying and curing process may be performed. Accordingly, by using a plurality of resin layers, different functional characteristics of each resin layer can be provided to the main body (10) (e.g., exterior material) through the coating layer (330).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (330) may be designed to form a layer having low molecular weight characteristics of a base resin (332) and / or a clear resin (333) to improve brightness and / or linearity (to have high brightness and / or high linearity), and to form a composite material of a primer resin (331) to improve adhesion and processability that are reduced accordingly.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the primer resin (331), base resin (332), and clear resin (333) each form a layer and may be laminated in the order of primer resin (331), base resin (332), and clear resin (333) on the frame (310) or plating layer (320). The primer resin (331), base resin (332), and clear resin (333) each have polyester resin as the main component and may include various other components such as resins, additives, or pigments.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the primer resin (331) may include a first primer resin (331a) and a second primer resin (331b). According to one embodiment, the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b) may have different average molecular weights (hereinafter, average molecular weight (MW)) and may be formed at a specified mixing ratio.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the average molecular weight (MW) of the first primer resin (331a) may have a value greater than or equal to the average molecular weight (MW) of the second primer resin (331b). For example, the average molecular weight (MW) of the first primer resin (331a) may be approximately 25,000 to 30,000 g / mol. The average molecular weight (MW) of the second primer resin (331b) may be approximately 20,000 to 25,000 g / mol.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the amount (weight (wt) %) of the second primer resin (331b) contained in the primer resin (331) may be greater than the amount (weight (wt) %) of the first primer resin. For example, the specified mixing ratio between the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b) may be approximately 2:3 to 1:4. For example, the specified mixing ratio between the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b) may be approximately 1:1.5 to 2.5. For example, the specified mixing ratio between the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b) may be approximately 1:2.

[0115] The higher the average molecular weight (MW), the better the processability, adhesion, and corrosion resistance, and the lower the average molecular weight (MW), the better the brightness and linearity. According to one embodiment, the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b) have a relatively high average molecular weight (MW) value (e.g., a value higher compared to the average molecular weight (MW) of the base resin (332) and the clear resin (333)), and the second primer resin (331b), which has a relatively higher transition temperature (Tg) value than the first primer resin (331a), can provide stronger adhesion. Additionally, in the coating layer (330), as the second primer resin (331b) is blended in a larger amount (weight (wt) %) than the first primer resin (331a), strong adhesion can be provided between the frame (310) or the plating layer (320). Accordingly, the coating layer (330) can provide an exterior material that is strongly bonded without peeling off from the frame (310) or the plating layer (320).

[0116] Hereinafter, with reference to [Table 1], the transition temperature (Tg) and composition (e.g., raw material composition) of the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b) will be explained.

[0117]

[0118] Referring to [Table 1] above, the transition temperature (Tg) of the first primer resin (331a) may be lower than the transition temperature of the second primer resin (331b). For example, the transition temperature of the first primer resin (331a) may be approximately 7°C, and the transition temperature of the second primer resin (331b) may be approximately 67°C. As the transition temperature is relatively higher, the crosslinking density of the resin may be denser, and chemical resistance and adhesion may be excellent, while as the transition temperature is relatively lower, the coating film may be softened, and processability may be excellent.

[0119] According to the present disclosure, a coating layer structure (e.g., paint composition) forming a main body (10) (e.g., exterior material) may be composed of a base resin (332) and / or a clear resin (333) of low molecular weight resin to have high linearity and / or high brightness, and accordingly, a specific primer resin (331) may be designed to improve processability, corrosion resistance, or adhesion that would otherwise be compromised. For example, a second primer resin (331b) with a high transition temperature (Tg) value and high crosslinking density, which suppresses moisture penetration and thus has relatively high adhesion, and a first primer resin (331a) with a low transition temperature (Tg) value and low crosslinking density, which has relatively poor adhesion and good processability, can be blended in an optimal ratio (e.g., the ratio specified above) to provide a coating layer with improved processability, corrosion resistance, and adhesion.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the first primer resin (331a) comprises an acid, and the acid may comprise at least one aromatic compound and at least one aliphatic compound. For example, aromatic compounds are compounds having a planar cyclic structure and are raw materials with excellent chemical resistance and mechanical properties. The first primer resin (331a) may comprise at least one of raw materials such as benzene, toluene, phenol, naphthalene, or aniline. For example, aliphatic compounds are compounds having a linear or branched chain structure and are raw materials with excellent processability and paint compatibility. The first primer resin (331a) may comprise at least one of raw materials such as hexane, ethylene, propane, butane, or hexene.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the first primer resin (331a) comprises an alcohol, and the alcohol may be a compound mixed with a long-chain alcohol and a short-chain alcohol. For example, the long-chain alcohol is an alcohol in which the carbon chain contains eight or more carbon elements, and is a raw material with excellent processability, wear resistance, pigment dispersibility, and linearity. The first primer resin (331a) may comprise at least one of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, or behenyl alcohol. For example, the short-chain alcohol is an alcohol in which the carbon chain contains one to four carbon elements, and is a raw material with excellent hardness, chemical resistance, salt water resistance, and adhesion. The first primer resin (331a) may include at least one of methanol, ethanol, propanol, or butanol.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the primer resin (331) may form a thickness between approximately 10% and 20% of the coating layer (330). For example, the primer resin (331) may have a thickness smaller than that of the base resin (332) and the clear resin (333). For example, the primer resin (331) may have a length of 5 ± 2 μm.

[0123] The composition of the primer resin (331) is described below with reference to [Table 2].

[0124]

[0125] Referring to [Table 2] above, the primer resin (331) of the coating layer (330) may include additional resins, pigments, and / or additives together with the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b). According to one embodiment, the first primer resin (331a) (e.g., Polymer Polyester Resin A of Table 2) among the primer resins (331) may have a composition of approximately 10 to 20 wt% relative to the total weight, and the second primer resin (331b) (e.g., Polymer Polyester Resin B of Table 2) among the primer resins (331) may have a composition of approximately 30 to 40 wt% relative to the total weight. According to one embodiment, the primer resin (331) may be named the first polyester resin layer as it contains polyester resin as a main component. The primer resin (331) can be named at least one of a primer resin layer, a first coating layer, or a first layer.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the primer resin (331) may include at least one of an epoxy resin, a curing resin, or a phenolic resin as the additional resin. The epoxy resin may provide chemical resistance and interlayer adhesion of the primer resin (331), the curing resin may enhance the curability of the primer resin (331), and the phenolic resin may provide adhesion of the primer resin (331).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the primer resin (331) further comprises the pigment, and the pigment may have a composition of approximately 5 to 10 wt% by weight and may provide the rust prevention and hiding power of the primer resin (331).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the primer resin (331) may include at least one of an anti-settling agent, an acrylic defoamer, a curing accelerator, or an adhesion-promoting additive as an additional auxiliary agent. The anti-settling agent prevents pigment settling, the acrylic defoamer controls bubbles, the curing accelerator provides curing acceleration, and the adhesion-promoting additive provides adhesion between the material and the layer.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the base resin (332) is placed over the primer resin (331) and may have a value smaller than the average molecular weight (MW) of the primer resin (331) (e.g., the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b)). According to one embodiment, the base resin (332) is placed between the primer resin (331) and the clear resin (333) and may have a value larger than the average molecular weight (MW) of the clear resin (333). For example, the average molecular weight (MW) of the base resin (332) may be approximately 11,000 to 13,000 g / mol.

[0130] The average molecular weight (MW) of the base resin (332) forming the coating layer (330) of the present disclosure is a low molecular weight polyester resin having a value smaller than the average molecular weight (MW) of a general base resin, and can form a coating layer (330) with improved high linearity and high brightness.

[0131] Below, the composition of the base resin (332) is explained with reference to [Table 3].

[0132]

[0133] Referring to [Table 3] above, the base resin (332) of the coating layer (330) may include additional resins, pigments, additives, and / or auxiliary materials such as thinner, along with the polyester resin which is the main resin. According to one embodiment, the base resin (332) may be named a second polyester resin layer as it contains polyester resin as a main component. The base resin (332) may be named at least one of a base resin layer, a second coating layer, or a second layer.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the base resin (332) may include a melamine resin, which is a curing resin, as the additional resin. The melamine resin can enhance the curability of the base resin (332).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the base resin (332) may include a pigment as an additive. The pigment may provide various colors of the coating layer (330).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the base resin (332) may include at least one of an antifoaming agent or a curing accelerator as the additive. The antifoaming agent may be an acrylic polymer and may provide antifoaming and leveling properties of the base resin (332), and the curing accelerator may promote the curing of the base resin (332).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the base resin (332) may include at least one of an ester-based thinner or a ketone-based thinner as the thinner. The ester-based thinner can improve the leveling properties of the base resin (332), and the ketone-based thinner can provide excellent dilution properties.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the base resin (332) may form a thickness between approximately 40% and 50% of the coating layer (330). For example, the base resin (332) may have a greater thickness than the primer resin (331). For example, the base resin (332) may have a thickness similar to that of the clear resin (333). For example, the base resin (332) may have a length of approximately 15 ± 2 μm.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the clear resin (333) is placed on the base resin (332) and may have a value smaller than the average molecular weight (MW) of the primer resin (331) (e.g., the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b)) and the average molecular weight (MW) of the base resin (332). For example, the average molecular weight (MW) of the clear resin (333) may be approximately 7,000 to 9,000 g / mol.

[0140] The average molecular weight (MW) of the clear resin (333) forming the coating layer (330) of the present disclosure is a low molecular weight polyester resin having a value smaller than the average molecular weight (MW) of a general clear resin, and can form a coating layer (330) with improved high linearity and high brightness.

[0141] The composition of the clear resin (333) is described below with reference to [Table 4].

[0142]

[0143] Referring to [Table 4] above, the clear resin (333) of the coating layer (330) may include additional resins, additives, and / or auxiliary materials such as thinner, along with the polyester resin which is the main resin. According to one embodiment, the clear resin (333) may be named a third polyester resin layer as it contains polyester resin as a main component. The clear resin (333) may be named at least one of a clear resin layer, a third coating layer, or a third layer.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the clear resin (333) may include melamine resin as a curing resin as the additional resin. The melamine resin may provide curability enhancement to the clear resin (333).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the clear resin (333) may include at least one of an antifoaming agent or a curing accelerator as the additive. The antifoaming agent may be an acrylic polymer and may provide antifoaming properties to the clear resin (333), and the curing accelerator may promote the curing of the clear resin (333).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the clear resin (333) may include at least one of an ester-based thinner or a ketone-based thinner as the thinner. The ester-based thinner can improve the leveling properties of the clear resin (333), and the ketone-based thinner can provide excellent dilution properties.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the clear resin (333) may form a thickness between approximately 40% and 50% of the coating layer (330). For example, the clear resin (333) may have a greater thickness than the primer resin (331). For example, the clear resin (333) may have a thickness similar to that of the base resin (332). For example, the clear resin (333) may have a length of approximately 15 ± 2 μm.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (330) provides high linearity and high brightness to the main body (10) (e.g., exterior material) by means of a base resin (332) and / or a clear resin (333), and the gloss level may have a value of 95 GU or higher when measured at 60 degrees (angle) of GU (gloss unit).

[0149] Below, the glossiness of the coating layer (330) is explained with reference to [Table 5].

[0150]

[0151] Referring to [Table 5] above, it can be seen that for the main body of a conventional home appliance (e.g., exterior material), the gloss level is 85 GU or less when measured at 60 degrees (angle) of the gloss unit. For example, referring to [Table 5] above, which measures the average gloss level of samples (#1, #2, #3) of the main body of a conventional home appliance, it can be seen that the gloss level is approximately 84.5 GU at 60 degrees (angle) of the gloss unit and approximately 68.0 GU at 85 degrees (angle) of the gloss unit.

[0152] Referring to [Table 5] above, it can be seen that the main body (10) (e.g., exterior material) of the present disclosure provides high linearity and high brightness as the gloss level increases compared to conventional home appliances. For example, referring to [Table 5] above, which measures the average gloss level of samples (#1, #2, #3) of the main body of the home appliance, it can be seen that it has a gloss level of approximately 98.2 GU at 60 degrees (angle) of GU (gloss unit) and a gloss level of approximately 95.8 GU at 85 degrees (angle) of GU (gloss unit).

[0153] FIG. 5 is a drawing for verifying the corrosion resistance of a main body forming the exterior of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 5, the configuration of the main body (e.g., the main body (10) of FIG. 4) of the washing machine (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) may be partly or entirely the same as the configuration of the main body (10) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) (e.g., exterior material) forming the exterior of the washing machine (1) may be formed by press molding from a sheet metal material or injection molding from a resin material. According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include a frame (e.g., the frame (310) of FIG. 4) and a coating layer (e.g., the coating layer (330) of FIG. 4) disposed on the frame (310). According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include a frame (310), a plating layer (e.g., the plating layer (320) of FIG. 4) disposed on the frame (310), and a coating layer (330) disposed on the plating layer (320) (e.g., the coating layer).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (330) may have a structure in which a plurality of resin layers are laminated. The coating layer (330) may include a primer resin (e.g., primer resin (331) of FIG. 4), a base resin (e.g., base resin (332) of FIG. 4), and a clear resin (e.g., clear resin (333) of FIG. 4).

[0157] Referring to FIG. 5, in order to compare the corrosion resistance of the main body (10) of the washing machine (1), the conditions related to the composition of the base resin (332) and the clear resin (333) in the coating layer (330) were kept the same, and the mixing ratio of the primer resin (331) was varied (hereinafter, corrosion resistance experiment). For example, the average molecular weight (MW) of the base resin (332) was fixed at approximately 11,000 to 13,000 g / mol, and the average molecular weight (MW) of the clear resin (333) was fixed at approximately 7,000 to 9,000 g / mol.

[0158] In the corrosion resistance test, the primer resin (331) may include a first primer resin (e.g., the first primer resin (331a) of FIG. 4) (hereinafter, the first primer resin (A)), and a second primer resin (e.g., the first primer resin (331b) of FIG. 4) (hereinafter, the second primer resin (B)). In the corrosion resistance test, the primer resin (331) may include a second primer resin (331b) (hereinafter, the second primer resin (B)), and a third primer resin (hereinafter, the third primer resin (C)). The average molecular weight (MW) of the first primer resin (A) may be approximately 25,000 to 30,000 g / mol. The average molecular weight (MW) of the second primer resin (B) may be approximately 20,000 to 25,000 g / mol. The average molecular weight (MW) of the third primer resin can be approximately 11,000 to 13,000 g / mol.

[0159] In the corrosion resistance test, the mixing ratio of the first primer resin (A) and the second primer resin (B) (or the mixing ratio of the second primer resin (B) and the third primer resin (C)) was adjusted differently, while the conditions of other additives of the primer resin (331) were kept the same. For example, the epoxy resin was fixed at approximately 15 to 20 wt% relative to the total weight. The curing resin was fixed at approximately 3 to 8 wt% relative to the total weight. The anti-corrosion pigment was fixed at approximately 7 wt% relative to the total weight. The white pigment was fixed at approximately 5 to 10 wt% relative to the total weight.

[0160] Corrosion resistance tests were conducted using primer resins (A, B, C) in a total of four formulations. In the first experimental example, the mixing ratio of the first primer resin (A) to the second primer resin (B) was approximately 2:1; in the second experimental example, the mixing ratio of the first primer resin (A) to the second primer resin (B) was approximately 1:1; in the third experimental example, the mixing ratio of the first primer resin (A) to the second primer resin (B) was approximately 1:2; and in the fourth experimental example, the mixing ratio of the second primer resin (B) to the third primer resin (C) was approximately 1:1.

[0161] In the corrosion resistance test, the lab specimens of the first to fourth experimental examples were each subjected to a salt spray test. The salt spray test was conducted by spraying a 5% NaCl solution onto the lab specimens for approximately 8 hours, followed by a 16-hour rest period as one cycle, and performing a total of 10 cycles to verify the results. Each lab specimen was positioned at a 45° angle to prevent the salt from accumulating, and X-cuts were made on the surface of the lab specimens to verify the experimental results.

[0162] As a result of the corrosion resistance test, the specimen of the 4th experimental example showed swelling on the 4th day, while the specimens of the 1st experimental example and the 2nd experimental example showed swelling on the 10th day. In contrast, the specimen of the 3rd experimental example did not show swelling even on the 10th day. Accordingly, the specimen of the 3rd experimental example showed the best results in corrosion resistance, and it was confirmed that the coating layer (330) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, having a mixing ratio of the 1st primer resin (A) and the 2nd primer resin (B) of approximately 1:2, has the most advantageous structure for adhesion.

[0163] Below, additional experimental data is explained through [Table 6] to compare the corrosion resistance, alkali resistance, cold bending conditions, and the effects of the Ericsson conditions of the main body (10) of the washing machine (1).

[0164] Based on the premise that adhesion was best when the mixing ratio of the first primer resin (A) (average molecular weight (MW) is approximately 25,000 to 30,000 g / mol) and the second primer resin (B) (average molecular weight (MW) is approximately 20,000 to 25,000 g / mol) was approximately 1:2 in the salt spray test for the corrosion resistance results (e.g., see FIG. 5), the following experiments (corrosion resistance, alkali resistance, cold bending conditions, and Erichson conditions) are experiments to verify the results when the ratio of the first primer resin (A) is fixed and the second primer resin (B) is varied.

[0165] Below, [Table 6] shows the experimental results for corrosion resistance, alkali resistance, cold bending conditions, and Erichson conditions according to the primer mixing ratio.

[0166]

[0167] Referring to [Table 6] above, the experiments (corrosion resistance, alkali resistance, cold bending condition, and Erichson condition) were conducted with a fixed amount of the first primer resin (A) and a ratio of the second primer resin (B) to the first primer resin (A) of approximately 2, 3, 4, and 5 times, for a total of four formulations (e.g., Experimental Example 5, Experimental Example 6, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8).

[0168] The corrosion resistance test method is the same as the test method of Fig. 5 (e.g., salt spray test), and the results of the corrosion resistance test confirmed that there were no problems with corrosion resistance in Experimental Example 5, Experimental Example 6, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8. Since adhesion increases as the ratio of the second primer resin (B) to the first primer resin (A) increases, no swelling occurred in any of the Experimental Examples even after 10 days.

[0169] The alkali resistance test method involves immersing the sealed side portion of each of the Lab specimens of the above experimental examples (e.g., Experimental Example 5, Experimental Example 6, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8) in a 5% NaOH solution for approximately 48 hours (e.g., half immersion). If swelling or bubbles occur, it can be confirmed that the adhesion performance is inadequate. As a result of the alkali resistance test, it was confirmed that there were no problems with alkali resistance in Experimental Example 5, Experimental Example 6, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8. Since adhesion and chemical resistance increase as the ratio of the second primer resin (B) to the first primer resin (A) increases, no swelling or bubbles occurred in any of the experimental examples even after 10 days.

[0170] The cold bending condition test method is an experiment to check whether cracking (e.g., bursting) occurs when each of the Lab specimens of the above experimental examples (e.g., Experimental Example 5, Experimental Example 6, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8) is folded in half after being refrigerated. For example, each of the above Lab specimens was left at 0°C for approximately 1 hour, and then 0T bending was performed. As a result of the cold bending condition test, it was confirmed that, in addition to Experimental Example 5, Experimental Example 6, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8 exhibited a phenomenon of coating layer peeling (e.g., paint peeling). As processability decreased as the ratio of the second primer resin (B) to the first primer resin (A) increased, it was confirmed that only Experimental Example 5 produced a result effective for the cold bending condition.

[0171] The Erichson condition test method is an experiment to verify whether delamination occurs when each of the Lab specimens of the above experimental examples (e.g., Experimental Example 5, Experimental Example 6, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8) is cut at regular intervals (e.g., regular pattern shape) and then pressed with a rod-shaped steel structure. For example, an experiment was performed in which each of the above Lab specimens was # cut at intervals of 5 mm * 5 mm, and then each of the above Lab specimens was extruded by pressing approximately 6 mm through a steel structure. As a result of the Erichson condition test, it was confirmed that there were no problems with the Erichson condition for Experimental Example 5, Experimental Example 6, Experimental Example 7, and Experimental Example 8.

[0172] The corrosion resistance, alkali resistance, cold bending condition, and Erichson condition tests are intended to identify a primer resin with optimized adhesion and processability according to the mixing ratio of the first primer resin (A) and the second primer resin (B), and it was confirmed that the coating layer (330) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, having a mixing ratio of the first primer resin (A) and the second primer resin (B) of approximately 1:2, has the most advantageous structure for adhesion and processability.

[0173] Generally, the body (e.g., exterior material) of an electronic device (e.g., home appliance) may include a frame and a coating layer formed by laminating multiple resin layers disposed on the frame. The coating layer is formed from a combination of resins having an average molecular weight above a certain level to ensure adhesion to the frame, and consequently, it may be difficult to increase linearity and / or brightness. A body (e.g., exterior material) of an electronic device (e.g., home appliance) having low linearity and / or brightness may not be able to provide the aesthetic design of a home appliance where decorative qualities are emphasized.

[0174] In a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the coating layer of the main body (e.g., exterior material) may provide a structure in which a primer resin, a base resin, and a clear resin are laminated. The primer resin is formed by a specific combination of a first primer resin and a second primer resin, thereby providing high brightness and / or high linearity of the coating layer, which can improve the aesthetic appearance of the main body (e.g., exterior material).

[0175] In a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the coating layer of the main body (e.g., exterior material) may provide a structure in which a primer resin, a base resin, and a clear resin are laminated. The primer resin is formed by a combination of a first primer resin and a second primer resin, thereby providing strong adhesion to a frame (or plating layer).

[0176] In a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the coating layer of the main body (e.g., exterior material) may provide a structure in which a primer resin, a base resin, and a clear resin are laminated. The primer resin comprises a first primer resin and a second primer resin, and by combining the first primer resin, which has a higher average molecular weight compared to the second primer resin, and the second primer resin, which has a higher transition temperature compared to the first primer resin, a coating layer with high brightness and high adhesion may be provided.

[0177] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0178] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10) having an opening formed on the front, a cylindrical tub (30) disposed inside the main body and formed to contain water, and a drum (40) rotatably disposed inside the tub. The main body (10) may include a frame (310) comprising a metal material, a primer resin (331) disposed over the frame and comprising a first primer resin (331a) and a second primer resin (331b), wherein the average molecular weight (MW) of the first primer resin is 25,000 to 30,000 g / mol and the average molecular weight (MW) of the second primer resin is 20,000 to 25,000 g / mol, a base resin (332) laminated on the primer resin, and a clear resin (333) laminated on the base resin.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the mixing ratio of the first primer resin and the second primer resin may be 1:1.5 to 2.5.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the glossiness of the outer surface of the main body measured at an angle of 85 GU (gloss unit) may be 90 GU or higher.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the glossiness of the outer surface of the main body measured at an angle of 85 GU (gloss unit) may be 95 GU or higher.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the transition temperature (Tg) of the first primer resin (331a) may be 7°C, and the transition temperature (Tg) of the second primer resin (331b) may be 67°C.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the average molecular weight (MW) of the clear resin (333) may be 7,000 to 9,000 g / mol.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the average molecular weight (MW) of the base resin (332) may be 11,000 to 13,000 g / mol.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the first primer resin (331a) comprises an acid, and the acid may comprise at least one aromatic compound and at least one aliphatic compound.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the second primer resin (331b) comprises an acid, and the acid may comprise at least one aromatic compound.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the main body may further include a zinc plating layer (320) disposed between the frame and the primer resin and plated on the surface of the frame.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b) may include at least one of an epoxy resin, a cured resin, a phenolic resin, or a pigment, based on a polymer polyester resin.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the first primer resin (331a) comprises an alcohol, and the alcohol may be a mixed compound of long-chain alcohol and short-chain alcohol.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the second primer resin (331b) comprises an alcohol, and the alcohol may be composed of a short-chain alcohol.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the primer resin of the coating layer may have a thickness greater than that of the base resin and the clear resin.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the first primer resin (331a) of the primer resin may be approximately 10 to 20 wt% of the total weight, and the second primer resin (331b) of the primer resin may be approximately 30 to 40 wt% of the total weight.

[0193] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in a home appliance including an exterior material, the exterior material may include a frame (310) including a metal material, a primer resin (331) disposed over the frame and including a first primer resin (331a) and a second primer resin (331b), wherein the average molecular weight (MW) of the first primer resin is 25,000 to 30,000 g / mol and the average molecular weight (MW) of the second primer resin is 20,000 to 25,000 g / mol, a base resin (332) laminated on the primer resin, and a clear resin (333) laminated on the base resin.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the mixing ratio of the first primer resin and the second primer resin is 1:1.5 to 2.5, and the glossiness of the outer surface of the main body measured at an angle of 85 GU (gloss unit) may be 90 GU or higher.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the glossiness of the outer surface of the main body measured at an angle of 85 GU (gloss unit) may be 95 GU or higher.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the transition temperature (Tg) of the first primer resin (331a) may be 7°C, and the transition temperature (Tg) of the second primer resin (331b) may be 67°C.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the average molecular weight (MW) of the clear resin (333) may be 7,000 to 9,000 g / mol.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the average molecular weight (MW) of the base resin (332) may be 11,000 to 13,000 g / mol.

[0199] A coating composition (330) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a primer resin layer (331) comprising a first primer resin (331a) and a second primer resin (331b), wherein the average molecular weight (MW) of the first primer resin is 25,000 to 30,000 g / mol and the average molecular weight (MW) of the second primer resin is 20,000 to 25,000 g / mol; a base resin layer (332) disposed on the primer resin layer and having an average molecular weight (MW) of 11,000 to 13,000 g / mol; and a clear resin layer (333) disposed on the base resin layer and having an average molecular weight (MW) of 7,000 to 9,000 g / mol.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the mixing ratio of the first primer resin and the second primer resin may be 1:1.5 to 2.5.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the transition temperature (Tg) of the first primer resin (331a) is 7°C and the transition temperature (Tg) of the second primer resin (331b) is 67°C, and the coating composition may have a glossiness of 90 GU or more measured at an angle of 85 GU (gloss unit).

Claims

1. In the washing machine (1), A main body (10) including an opening formed on the front surface; A cylindrical tub (30) disposed inside the main body and formed to contain water; and It includes a drum (40) rotatably disposed within the above tub, and The above main body (10) is, A frame (310) including a metal material; A primer resin (331) disposed over the above frame and comprising a first primer resin (331a) and a second primer resin (331b), wherein the average molecular weight (MW) of the first primer resin is 25,000 to 30,000 g / mol and the average molecular weight (MW) of the second primer resin is 20,000 to 25,000 g / mol; A base resin (332) laminated on the primer resin above; and A washing machine comprising a clear resin (333) laminated on the above base resin.

2. In Paragraph 1, A washing machine in which the mixing ratio of the first primer resin and the second primer resin is 1:1.5 to 2.

5.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, A washing machine having a glossiness of 90 GU or higher on the outer surface of the main body, measured at an angle of 85 GU (gloss unit).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, A washing machine having a glossiness of 95 GU or higher on the outer surface of the main body, measured at an angle of 85 GU (gloss unit).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, A washing machine in which the transition temperature (Tg) of the first primer resin (331a) is 7°C and the transition temperature (Tg) of the second primer resin (331b) is 67°C.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, A washing machine in which the average molecular weight (MW) of the clear resin (333) is 7,000 to 9,000 g / mol.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, A washing machine in which the average molecular weight (MW) of the base resin (332) is 11,000 to 13,000 g / mol.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, The washing machine, wherein the first primer resin (331a) comprises an acid, and the acid comprises at least one aromatic compound and at least one aliphatic compound.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The washing machine, wherein the second primer resin (331b) comprises an acid, and the acid comprises at least one aromatic compound.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, A washing machine, wherein the main body further comprises a zinc plating layer (320) disposed between the frame and the primer resin and plated on the surface of the frame.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, The washing machine, wherein the first primer resin (331a) and the second primer resin (331b) are based on a polymer polyester resin and comprise at least one of an epoxy resin, a cured resin, a phenolic resin, or a pigment.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, A washing machine, wherein the first primer resin (331a) comprises alcohol, and the alcohol is a mixed compound of long-chain alcohol and short-chain alcohol.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 12, The second primer resin (331b) above comprises alcohol, and the alcohol is composed of short-chain alcohol, a washing machine.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 13, A washing machine in which the primer resin of the coating layer has a greater thickness than the base resin and the clear resin.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 14, A washing machine in which the first primer resin (331a) of the primer resin is approximately 10 to 20 wt% of the total weight, and the second primer resin (331b) of the primer resin is approximately 30 to 40 wt% of the total weight.

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