KR102111673B1 - Turbidity sensor and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A first light emitting unit that emits light in the visible light region; A first light receiving unit installed at a position spaced apart from the first light emitting unit, facing the first light emitting unit, and receiving light in a visible light region emitted from the first light emitting unit; And a control unit for determining the turbidity of the solution according to the ratio of the amount of light in the visible region emitted from the first light emitting unit and the amount of light in the visible region received in the first receiving unit. The turbidity of the solution by can be clearly measured.

Description

Turbidity sensor and its control method {TURBIDITY SENSOR AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF}

The disclosed invention relates to a turbidity sensor and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a turbidity sensor capable of measuring turbidity including a liquid detergent as well as a solid detergent and a control method thereof.

Some of the household appliances that use water, such as washing machines and dishwashers, have installed a turbidity sensor to measure the turbidity of water to change the washing or washing process according to the turbidity. These household appliances change the number of washing or washing according to the turbidity measured by the turbidity sensor to reduce the waste of water and make the optimum washing or washing process.

1A and 1B, the turbidity sensor 3 includes a light emitting unit 3a that emits light and a light receiving unit 3b that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 3a, one by one, and emits light. Turbidity of water is measured by using the intensity of light emitted from the part 3a and the intensity of light received from the light receiving part 3b.

That is, when light is emitted at a certain amount of intensity from the light emitting unit 3a, the light except the light scattered by particles floating in the water is received by the light receiving unit 3b to measure the turbidity of water. At this time, the turbidity (F) to be measured can be obtained as a function value according to [Equation 1] below.

[Equation 1]

F (turbidity) = a ㅧ (the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit / the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit)

Here, a is a proportional constant, and as the turbidity of water increases, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 3b decreases as compared to the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 3a, so that the function value of [Equation 1] becomes smaller.

When the turbidity is high as shown in FIG. 1A, since a large amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 3a is scattered by particles in the water, only a part of the light is received by the light receiving unit 3b, so the function value of Equation 1 is small. As shown in FIG. 1B, when turbidity is low, a large amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 3a passes through water and is received by the light receiving unit 3b, so that the function value of Equation 1 increases. The sensor output of the turbidity sensor 3 according to this turbidity is shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the lower the turbidity (C), the higher the sensor output, and the higher the turbidity (D), the lower the sensor output.

The conventional turbidity sensor 3 has a sufficiently large particle size constituting the powder detergent when a powder detergent is used, and is a turbidity sensor according to the amount of detergent and the degree of contamination even with a conventional turbidity sensor using infrared wavelength light. The output of was clearly distinguished.

However, in the case of using a liquid detergent, even if a large amount of liquid detergent is added, the output difference of the sensor is not clear compared to pure water.

In order to solve this problem, one aspect of the disclosed invention is to provide a turbidity sensor capable of clearly measuring the turbidity of a solution by a liquid detergent.

According to an aspect of the disclosed invention, a first light emitting unit for emitting light in the visible light region; A first light receiving unit installed at a position spaced apart from the first light emitting unit, facing the first light emitting unit, and receiving light in a visible light region emitted from the first light emitting unit; It provides a turbidity sensor including a control unit for determining the turbidity of the solution in accordance with the ratio of the amount of light in the visible light region emitted from the first light emitting unit and the amount of light in the visible light region received by the first light receiving unit.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the first light emitting unit further comprises emitting light in the infrared region, and the turbidity sensor is installed facing the first light emitting unit at a position spaced apart from the first light emitting unit, and the first light emitting unit Further comprising a second light receiving unit for receiving the light in the infrared region emitted from, the control unit is visible light according to the ratio of the amount of light in the visible light region emitted from the first light-receiving unit and the visible light region received by the first light-receiving unit It characterized in that to determine the turbidity of the solution measured by, and to determine the turbidity of the solution measured with infrared rays in accordance with the ratio of the amount of light in the infrared region received by the second light-receiving unit and the amount of infrared light emitted from the first light emitting unit Provide a turbidity sensor.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the turbidity sensor includes a second light emitting unit that emits light in the infrared region; And a second light receiving unit installed at a position spaced apart from the second light emitting unit, facing the second light emitting unit, and receiving a light in the infrared region emitted from the second light emitting unit, and the control unit comprising the first light emitting unit. The turbidity of the solution measured with visible light is judged according to the ratio of the amount of visible light emitted from the portion and the amount of visible light received by the first light-receiving portion, and the amount of light and infrared ray emitted from the second light-emitting portion 2 It provides a turbidity sensor characterized in that to determine the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared rays in accordance with the ratio of the amount of light in the infrared region received by the light-receiving unit.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the first light emitting unit further comprises emitting light in the infrared region, the first light receiving unit further comprises receiving light in the infrared region emitted from the first light emitting unit, and the control unit The turbidity of the solution measured with visible light is judged according to the ratio of the amount of light in the visible region emitted from the light-emitting portion and the amount of light in the visible region received by the first light-receiving portion, and the amount of light in the infrared region emitted from the first light-emitting portion And it provides a turbidity sensor characterized in that to determine the turbidity of the solution measured with infrared rays in accordance with the ratio of the amount of light in the infrared region received by the first light-receiving unit.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the turbidity sensor further includes a second light emitting unit that emits light in the infrared region, and the first light receiving unit further comprises receiving light in the infrared region emitted from the second light emitting unit, and the control unit Is determined by the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light according to the ratio of the amount of light in the visible light region emitted from the first light-emitting portion and the amount of light in the visible light region received by the first light-receiving portion, and the infrared region emitted by the second light-emitting portion It provides a turbidity sensor characterized in that to determine the turbidity of the solution measured in infrared light in accordance with the ratio of the amount of light in the infrared region received by the first light-receiving unit of the.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the first light-receiving unit is a multilayer photodiode, a visible light receiving unit formed of a PN junction in a vertical direction; And it includes an infrared receiver consisting of a PN junction in the vertical direction, it provides a turbidity sensor characterized in that the wavelength range of the light received by varying the concentration of impurities constituting each PN junction.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the first light-receiving unit is a multilayer photodiode, a visible light receiving unit formed of a PN junction in a vertical direction; And it includes an infrared receiver consisting of a PN junction in the vertical direction, it provides a turbidity sensor characterized in that the wavelength range of the light received by varying the concentration of impurities constituting each PN junction.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the first light-receiving unit is a photodiode, a visible light receiving unit formed of a PN junction in a horizontal direction; And it includes an infrared receiver consisting of a PN junction in the horizontal direction, it provides a turbidity sensor characterized in that the wavelength range of the light received by varying the concentration of impurities constituting each PN junction.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the first light-receiving unit is a photodiode, a visible light receiving unit formed of a PN junction in a horizontal direction; And it includes an infrared receiver consisting of a PN junction in the horizontal direction, it provides a turbidity sensor characterized in that the wavelength range of the light received by varying the concentration of impurities constituting each PN junction.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the ratio of the amount of light provides a turbidity sensor that is a ratio of "the amount of light in the visible light region received by the first light-receiving unit / the amount of light in the visible light region emitted by the first light-emitting portion".

According to an aspect of the disclosed invention, the turbidity sensor includes: a light emitting unit case configured to direct light emitted from the first light emitting unit to the first light receiving unit; And a light receiving unit case that allows light emitted from the first light emitting unit to enter the first light receiving unit and blocks the scattered light. It provides a turbidity sensor further comprising.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the turbidity sensor provides a turbidity sensor provided with a light emitting part cover surrounding the first light emitting part and a light receiving part cover surrounding the first light receiving part so as not to directly contact the solution.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the sensor control unit, if the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is higher than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared radiation is higher than the second reference value, both the first particle and the second particle are contained in the solution. It is judged that it is present, and the detergent in the solution is determined to be a powder detergent and provides a turbidity sensor characterized by determining the turbidity of the solution based on the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared rays.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the sensor controller determines that the second particle is present in the solution when the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is higher than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is lower than the second reference value. , Detergent in the solution is a liquid detergent, and provides a turbidity sensor characterized by determining the turbidity of the solution based on the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light.

According to an aspect of the disclosed invention, the sensor controller provides a turbidity sensor characterized in that the solution is determined to be clean when the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is lower than the first reference value.

According to an aspect of the disclosed invention, a first step of emitting light in the visible light region; A second step of receiving light in the visible light region; And a third step of determining the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light according to the ratio of the amount of light in the visible light region emitted in the first step and the amount of light in the visible light region received in the second step. Provide a control method.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the first step further emits light in the infrared region; The second step further receives light in the infrared region; In the third step, the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light is determined according to the ratio of the amount of light in the visible light region emitted in the first step and the amount of light in the visible light region received in the second step, and the infrared light emitted in the first step Provided is a control method of a turbidity sensor, characterized in that the turbidity of a solution measured with infrared rays is determined according to the ratio of the amount of light in the region and the amount of light in the infrared region received in the second step.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, in the third step, when the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is higher than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared radiation is higher than the second reference value, the first particle and the second particle are contained in the solution. It is determined that all of them exist, and the detergent in the solution is determined to be a powder detergent and provides a control method of the turbidity sensor, characterized in that the turbidity of the solution is determined based on the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared rays.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, in the third step, when the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is higher than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is lower than the second reference value, it is determined that the second particles exist in the solution. And, it is determined that the detergent in the solution is a liquid detergent, and provides a control method of the turbidity sensor, characterized in that the turbidity of the solution is determined based on the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the third step provides a control method of a turbidity sensor, characterized in that if the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is lower than the first reference value, the solution is determined to be clean.

The turbidity sensor and its control method according to the disclosed invention can clearly measure the turbidity of a solution by a liquid detergent.

In addition, the turbidity sensor and its control method according to the disclosed invention can clearly measure the turbidity of the solution by the first particle and the second particle.

1A is a conceptual diagram of a conventional turbidity sensor and shows a case where turbidity is high.
1B is a conceptual diagram of a conventional turbidity sensor and shows a case where turbidity is low.
2 is an output waveform of a conventional turbidity sensor.
3A is a diagram showing an example of a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
3B is a view showing another example of the turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
3C is a view showing another example of the turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
4A is a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention, showing a case where turbidity is high.
4B is a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention, showing a case where turbidity is low.
5 is a view showing the relationship between the wavelength of light and the scattering rate according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
Figure 6a is a view showing the relationship between the turbidity and sensor output when emitting infrared light in a solution with a second particle.
6B is a view showing the relationship between turbidity and sensor output when light in the visible region is emitted from a solution with first particles.
6C is a view showing a second particle detection graph according to a visible light wavelength range according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
7A is a view showing the output of the first light-receiving unit according to the wavelength and turbidity of the light emitted by the first light-emitting unit according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
7B is a view showing the output of the first light receiving unit according to the sensing distance and the turbidity of the turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
8 is a view showing a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a second embodiment of the disclosed invention.
9 is a view showing a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a third embodiment of the disclosed invention.
10A is a diagram illustrating a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention.
10B is a view showing a first light receiving unit according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention.
10C is a view showing an equivalent circuit of the first light receiving unit according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention.
10D is a view showing a relationship between a wavelength of light and a relative sensitivity according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention.
11 is a view showing a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosed invention.
12 is a view showing a structure of a first light receiving unit according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosed invention.
13 is a view showing a washing machine including a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
14A and 14B are views showing a tub of a washing machine including a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
15A is a first configuration diagram showing a control flow of a washing machine including a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
15B is a second configuration diagram showing a control flow of a washing machine including a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
16 is a configuration diagram showing an example in which the turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention is installed in a dishwasher.
17 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher equipped with a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
18 is an operation flowchart showing a method for measuring turbidity in a dishwasher equipped with a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention.
19 is an operation flowchart of a control method of a turbidity sensor according to various embodiments of the disclosed invention.

It should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings described in this specification are only preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and that there are various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings of the present specification at the time of filing this application. .

First, terms used in the disclosed invention will be briefly described.

The particles can be divided into first particles and second particles. When the powder detergent is dissolved in water, there may be first particles having a larger size generated by the powder detergent and smaller particles having a smaller size than the first particles. The first particle can be detected by light in the infrared region, and the particle size may range from several micrometers (μm) to hundreds of micrometers (μm). The second particle can be detected by light in the visible light region, and the particle size may range from several nanometers (nm) to hundreds of nanometers (nm). The size range of the first particle and the second particle may be changed, respectively, and may have overlapping ranges. In addition, when the liquid detergent is dissolved in water, there may be second particles having a small size generated by the liquid detergent in the water. The second particle can be detected by light in the visible light region, and the particle size may range from several nanometers (nm) to hundreds of nanometers (nm). The range of the size of the second particle can be changed.

In addition, in the present invention, a water tank, a container, and a washing tank may mean similar concepts. In addition, solutions and water may mean similar concepts to each other. Also, turbidity and turbidity may mean similar concepts. In addition, it can be explained in the correct sense depending on the context.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3A is a view showing an example of the turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing another example of the turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention.

In FIG. 3A, the turbidity sensor 40 covers the turbidity sensor 40 so that the turbidity sensor 40 does not come into direct contact with water, and the cover 46 and the cover 46 inside forming the appearance of the turbidity sensor 40. The substrate 44 is installed vertically with respect to the cover 46 to fix the first light-emitting portion 41 and the first light-receiving portion 47, and is installed on the substrate 44 to emit light in the visible light region It may include a first light-emitting portion 41, and a first light-receiving portion 47 for receiving light in the visible light region emitted from the first light-emitting portion 41.

The first light emitting unit 41 may use a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode, and the first light receiving unit 47 may use a light receiving element such as a photo transistor or photo diode.

The first light emitting unit 41 may be disposed inside the light emitting unit case 43 in a structure formed so that the light goes straight in a narrow range, and the first light receiving unit 47 may emit light emitted from the first light emitting unit 41. The first light emitting unit 41 may be disposed to face the straight forward range. The light emitting unit case 43 that allows light to go straight in a narrow range and the light receiving unit case 49 that allows light to be incident on the light receiving unit may include other structures as long as they perform the same function.

In addition, the turbidity sensor 40 receives the amount of light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 41 and the amount of light received by the first light-receiving unit 47 to obtain a ratio of the amount of light, and uses the ratio of the amount of light to determine the turbidity of water And, it may further include a sensor control unit 45 for determining the amount of particles. The particles may include first particles or second particles.

Therefore, when the first light emitting unit 41 emits light in the visible light region at a predetermined amount of intensity, light that passes straight through the water in the container 30 is received by the first light receiving unit 47. Accordingly, the amount of light received by the first light receiving unit 47 is input from the sensor control unit 45 to calculate the ratio of the light amount to measure the turbidity of water. At this time, the turbidity (F) to be measured can be obtained as a function value according to [Equation 2] below.

[Equation 2]

F (turbidity) = a ㅧ (the amount of light in the visible region received by the light-receiving unit / the amount of light in the visible region emitted from the light-emitting unit)

Here, a is a proportional constant, and the amount of light in the visible light region emitted from the light emitting portion is the voltage measured at the light receiving portion when light in the visible light region emitted from the light emitting portion enters the light receiving portion without any obstacle in the middle. A value, and the amount of light in the visible light region received by the light-receiving portion is the value of the voltage measured at the light-receiving portion when the light in the visible light region emitted from the light-emitting portion passes through a solution or the like and is partially scattered and then enters the light-receiving portion. it means. The same can be applied to light in the infrared region.

The higher the turbidity of water, the less the amount of light received by the first light-receiving unit 47 than the amount of light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 41, so that the function value of Equation 2 becomes smaller. In [Equation 2], the light emitting unit may include a first light emitting unit or a second light emitting unit, and the light receiving unit may include a first light receiving unit or a second light receiving unit.

3B, the turbidity sensor 40 according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention may include a structure that does not include the sensor control unit 45. In this case, the role of the sensor control unit 45 may be performed by a device including the turbidity sensor 40.

3C is a view showing another example of the turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention, and the same reference numerals and the same names are used for the same parts as those shown in FIG. 3A to omit overlapping description.

Referring to FIG. 3C, the turbidity sensor 40 includes a cover 46 that forms the appearance of the turbidity sensor 40, a substrate 44a horizontally installed with respect to the cover 46 inside the cover 46, and a substrate ( U-shaped case 44b installed on 44a) to fix the first light-emitting unit 41 and the first light-receiving unit 47, and a first light-emitting unit installed in the case 44b to emit light in the visible light region ( 41), a first light receiving unit 47 for receiving light emitted from the first light emitting unit 41 may be included.

The first light emitting unit 41 outputs light having a predetermined amount of light according to the input control signal, and the first light receiving unit 47 outputs an electrical signal having a predetermined size according to the received light amount. Specifically, the first light receiving unit 47 outputs an electrical signal of a large size in clear water that does not contain contaminants, and outputs an electrical signal of a small size as turbidity increases.

Further, the first light receiving unit 47 outputs an electrical signal having a predetermined size according to the received light amount. Therefore, even if the sensitivity of the first light-receiving unit 47 is decreased due to a change with the passage of time, the first light-receiving unit 47 in clear water without contaminants is maintained in order to maintain the sensitivity above a certain level. It is necessary to perform calibration to output the maximum magnitude electrical signal.

The calibration of the first light receiving unit 47 may be performed by measuring the electrical signal output from the first light receiving unit 47 while adjusting the control signal input to the first light emitting unit 41 in clear water that does not contain contaminants. have. That is, the turbidity sensor 40 may determine the reference value of the control signal input to the first light emitting unit 41 when the electrical signal output from the first light receiving unit 47 has a maximum size.

In this way, the sensitivity of the turbidity sensor 40 is improved by performing the calibration of the first light receiving unit 47.

4A is a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention and shows a case where turbidity is high, and FIG. 4B is a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention and shows a case where turbidity is low to be.

4A, when the turbidity of water in the container 30 is high, the amount of light scattered by the particles in the water is large, so the amount of light received by the first light receiving unit 47 is small.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4b, when the turbidity of the water in the container 30 is low, since the amount of light scattered by the particles in the water is small, the amount of light received by the first light receiving unit 47 is large.

Therefore, when the turbidity is high as shown in FIG. 4A, a large amount of light in the visible light region emitted from the light emitting unit 41 is scattered by particles in the water, so only a portion of the light is received by the first light receiving unit 47, so the sensor output value When this becomes small and the turbidity is low as shown in FIG. 4B, the sensor output value is increased because the light of the many visible light regions emitted from the first light emitting unit 41 passes through water and is received by the first light receiving unit 47.

5 is a view showing the relationship between the wavelength of light and the scattering rate according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the scattering rate of short-wavelength light, such as the visible light region, is higher than that of long-wavelength light, such as the infrared region. This is because light such as infrared light has a low sensitivity due to low scattering rate, and light such as visible light has a high scattering rate and thus high sensitivity. By using this principle, the first light-emitting unit 41 can emit light in the visible light region, and the first light-receiving unit 47 can receive light in the visible light region, so that it is relatively compared to the first particle. As a result, the second particle having a small particle size can be detected. In this way, when using light in the visible region, the amount of light reaching the first light receiving unit 47 can be greatly reduced by increasing the scattering rate according to the amount of the second particles.

Figure 6a is a view showing the relationship between the turbidity and sensor output when emitting infrared light in a solution with a second particle.

Since the particle size of the first particle is sufficiently large, the turbidity sensor using light in the infrared region can clearly distinguish the sensor output according to the amount of particle.

However, as shown in FIG. 6A, since the particle size of the second particle is small, when using a light in the infrared region, the sensor output when a lot of the second particle is input is not significantly different from that of pure water. Does not.

6B is a view showing the relationship between turbidity and sensor output when light in the visible region is emitted from a solution with first particles.

When light in the wavelength range of visible light is used, the scattering rate is high even for the second particles having a relatively small particle size compared to the first particle, so that the amount of light reaching the first light receiving unit 47 can be greatly reduced.

However, since the particle size of the first particle is relatively larger than that of the second particle, when using light in the visible region, the scattering rate is high even if there is only a small amount of the first particle, so the amount of light reaching the first light receiving unit 47 It becomes less.

Therefore, it is preferable to use light in the infrared region to detect the first particle, and it is preferable to use light in the visible light region to detect the second particle.

6C is a view showing a second particle detection graph according to a visible light wavelength range according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention.

Referring to FIG. 6C, when the light in the visible light region is used, a result showing the output of the sensor according to the turbidity can be seen. Since the light in the visible light region has a high scattering rate even for the second particle having a small particle size, the sensor output value of the first light-receiving unit 47 when the turbidity is low (A) and the sensor output value when the turbidity is high (B) It shows a big difference. From this, turbidity can be more accurately determined, and the amount of the second particle can be more accurately determined.

Also, the visible light may have a different scattering rate depending on the wavelength region.

Therefore, it is preferable to use light in the visible light region to determine the turbidity caused by the second particle. Of course, when the light in the visible region is used, turbidity caused by the first particle as well as the second particle may be determined.

After all, the relationship between the light scattering principle and the particle size of the material is summarized in [Table 1] below.

Particle type Characteristic Turbidity detection suitable wavelength 1st particle The particles are big infrared ray Second particle Small particles Visible light

Referring to Table 1, the larger the particle size, the longer the wavelength is suitable for detecting the amount of particles, and the smaller the particle size, the shorter the wavelength is suitable for detecting the amount of particles.

Therefore, in order to detect the second particle, it is preferable that the first light emitting unit 41 can emit light in the visible light region, and the first light receiving unit 47 is visible light emitted from the first light emitting unit 41. It is desirable to be able to receive light in the region. The sensor control unit 45 according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention uses the amount of light in the visible light region emitted by the first light emitting unit 41 and the amount of light in the visible light region received by the first light receiving unit 47 to make visible light. The turbidity of the measured solution can be determined.

In addition, by selecting the appropriate wavelength and the appropriate sensing distance, it is possible to detect both turbidity caused by the first particle and the second particle.

Assuming that the first particle and the second particle are the same amount, the first particle causes a relatively large turbidity, and the second particle causes a relatively small turbidity. That is, since the first particle has a size ranging from a few micrometers to several hundred micrometers, it may cause turbidity of several thousand NTUs in hundreds of Nepthelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs), and the second particle may range from a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers. Since it has the size of, it can cause turbidity of tens to hundreds of NTUs.

As described above, since the range of turbidity caused by the first particle and the second particle is different, when the electric signal output from the first light receiving unit varies according to the change in turbidity according to the range of turbidity, the turbidity sensor 40 may Both turbidity according to the 1st particle and the 2nd particle can be detected.

Specifically, when the sensitivity of the turbidity sensor 40 is relatively high in the low turbidity range and the sensitivity of the turbidity sensor 40 is decreased in the high turbidity range, the turbidity caused by the second particle is precisely determined in the low turbidity range. In the range that can be detected and the turbidity is high, the turbidity caused by the first particle can be detected in a wide range. For example, in a range in which turbidity is approximately within several hundred NTU, a change in output of the turbidity sensor 40 according to a change in turbidity is relatively large, and in a range in which turbidity is in the range of several hundred NTU to several thousand NTU, a turbidity sensor 40 according to the change in turbidity 40 When the output change of) is relatively small, the turbidity sensor 40 can measure both turbidity caused by the second particle and turbidity caused by the first particle with appropriate sensitivity.

The sensitivity of the turbidity sensor 40 to such turbidity varies depending on the wavelength of light emitted from the first light emitting part 41 and the distance d between the first light emitting part 41 and the first light receiving part 47. Can be.

7A is a view showing the output of the first light-receiving unit according to the wavelength and turbidity of light emitted by the first light-emitting unit according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows that the distance d between the first light emitting unit 41 and the first light receiving unit 47 is 21 mm, and the first light emitting unit 41 has an infrared wavelength with a wavelength of 940 nm and a wavelength of 640 nm. The output of the first light-receiving unit according to the turbidity when emitting red visible light and blue visible light having a wavelength of 460 nm is shown. The distance between the first light-emitting unit 41 and the first light-receiving unit 47 in FIG. 7A is arbitrarily selected to determine a tendency of a change in sensitivity according to light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 41 and is limited to this distance. It is not. In addition, the wavelengths of 940 nm, 640 nm, and 460 nm in FIG. 7A are arbitrarily selected from wavelengths of light belonging to the infrared, red visible light, and blue visible light regions, respectively, and are not limited to these wavelengths.

Referring to FIG. 7A, when the first light emitting unit 41 emits light in the infrared region, it can be seen that as the turbidity increases, the size of the electrical signal output by the first light receiving unit 47 gradually decreases. Therefore, when the first light emitting unit 41 emits light in the infrared region, the turbidity sensor 40 can detect turbidity in a wide range, but the turbidity is low and the sensitivity is less than about 300 NTU. That is, when the first light emitting unit 41 emits light in the infrared region, it is possible to detect turbidity up to several thousand NTU, thereby sufficiently detecting turbidity caused by the first particles, but turbidity changes within a range of approximately 300 NTU or less The change in the output signal of the first light-receiving unit 47 is small, so the sensitivity to turbidity caused by the second particle is low.

When the first light emitting unit 41 emits light in the red visible light region, it can be seen that there is a difference in the amount of change in the electrical signal output by the first light receiving unit 47 according to the range of turbidity. That is, since the amount of change in the electrical signal output by the first light receiving unit 47 according to the change in turbidity is relatively large at approximately 300 NTU or less, the sensitivity of the turbidity sensor 40 is large at approximately 300 NTU or less, and at approximately 300 NTU or more, Accordingly, since the amount of change in the electrical signal output from the first light receiving unit 47 is small, turbidity can be detected to a relatively wide range. Therefore, when the first light emitting unit 41 emits light in the red visible light region, the second particle has a greater sensitivity than infrared light, and the first particle can detect turbidity up to a range of 1000 NTU or more.

When the first light emitting unit 41 emits light in the blue visible light region, it can be seen that the difference in the amount of change in the electrical signal output by the first light receiving unit 47 according to the change in turbidity is large. That is, since the amount of change in the electrical signal output by the first light receiving unit 47 according to the change in turbidity is very large at approximately 300 NTU or less, the sensitivity of the turbidity sensor 40 is very large at approximately 300 NTU or less, and the change in turbidity at approximately 300 NTU or more Accordingly, the amount of change in the electrical signal output from the first light receiving unit 47 is small, and the output of the first light receiving unit 47 is approximately 0 at approximately 1000 NTU.

As such, there is a difference in sensitivity and detection range of the turbidity sensor 40 according to the wavelength of light output from the first light emitting unit 41. That is, the turbidity sensor 40 may select light of an appropriate wavelength according to the product used.

For example, in the case of washing machines, liquid detergents as well as powder detergents have been recently used. When using a powder detergent, the first particles become a major contaminant and contamination up to approximately 1000 NTU occurs. When a liquid detergent is used, the second particles become a major contaminant and contamination up to approximately 300 NTU occurs. That is, the washing machine is sensitive to the turbidity caused by the second particle, and it is sufficient if the turbidity caused by the first particle can be detected to about 1000 NTU. Therefore, in the case of the washing machine, it is appropriate for the first light emitting unit 41 to emit light in the blue visible light region.

In the above, the sensitivity of turbidity and the detection range of turbidity according to the wavelength of light output from the first light emitting unit 41 have been described. Hereinafter, the sensitivity of the turbidity and the detection range of the turbidity according to the distance, that is, the sensing distance, between the first light-emitting part 41 and the first light-receiving part 47 will be described using light in the blue visible light region as an example.

7B is a view showing the output of the first light receiving unit according to the sensing distance and the turbidity of the turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention. Specifically, FIG. 7B shows the first light receiving unit 47 according to the turbidity when the sensing distance of the turbidity sensor 40 is 8 mm, 10 mm, or 12 mm when the first light emitting unit 47 emits light in the blue visible light region. Shows the magnitude of the output signal.

Referring to FIG. 7B, it can be seen that the longer the sensing distance of the turbidity sensor 40, the faster the output signal of the first light receiving unit 47 decreases as the turbidity increases. That is, when the sensing distance of the turbidity sensor 40 is 10 mm rather than 8 mm, when the turbidity increases, the output signal of the first light-receiving unit 47 decreases faster, and when the sensing distance of the turbidity sensor 40 is 10 mm Rather, in the case of 12 mm, the output signal of the first light receiving unit 47 decreases faster as the turbidity increases.

Therefore, the longer the sensing distance, the more sensitive the turbidity sensor 40 is. However, when the sensing distance is long, the output signal of the first light receiving unit 47 is “0” at a small turbidity, thereby narrowing the range for detecting the turbidity. Considering this, when the first light emitting unit 47 emits light in the blue visible light region, it is preferable that the sensing distance of the turbidity sensor 40 is 10 mm. That is, it is preferable that the distance between the first light emitting portion 41 and the first light receiving portion 47 is 10 mm.

However, the sensing distance of the turbidity sensor 40 may vary according to the wavelength of light emitted by the first light emitting unit 41 and the product to which the turbidity sensor 40 is applied.

8 is a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a second embodiment of the disclosed invention, and the same reference numerals and the same names are used for the same components as those shown in FIG. 4A to omit overlapping descriptions.

In the turbidity sensor 40 of FIG. 8, the first light emitting unit 41 in the turbidity sensor 40 of FIG. 4A can simultaneously emit light in the visible light region and light in the infrared region. In addition, the second light receiving unit 48 is further added to have two light receiving units 47 and 48. The first light receiving unit 47 can receive light in the visible light region, and the second light receiving unit 48 can receive light in the infrared region.

In FIG. 8, it is preferable that the second light-receiving part 48 is disposed in parallel with the first light-receiving part 47 on the substrate 44 below the first light-emitting part 41 and the first light-receiving part 47.

Accordingly, when the first light-emitting unit 41 simultaneously emits light in the visible light region and light in the infrared region with a certain amount of intensity, the light in the visible light region passing through the water in the container 30 goes straight through the first light-receiving unit 47 ), And light in the infrared region may be received by the second light receiving unit 48.

The sensor control unit 45 according to the second embodiment of the disclosed invention uses visible light from the first light-emitting unit 41 and visible light from the first light-receiving unit 47. The turbidity of the measured solution can be determined.

The sensor control unit 45 according to the second embodiment of the disclosed invention measures infrared light using the amount of light in the infrared region emitted from the first light emitting unit 41 and the amount of light in the infrared region received by the second light receiving unit 48. The turbidity of the solution can be determined.

Accordingly, in the second embodiment of the disclosed invention, the turbidity and infrared rays of the solution measured by visible light using the amount of light emitted from the first light emitting unit 41 and the amount of light received by the first and second light receiving units 47 and 48 The turbidity of the measured solution can all be determined.

9 is a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a third embodiment of the disclosed invention, and the same reference numerals and the same names are used for the same components as those shown in FIG. 4A to omit overlapping descriptions.

The turbidity sensor 40 of FIG. 9 further adds a second light emitting part 42 and a second light receiving part 48 in the turbidity sensor 40 of FIG. 4A to provide two light emitting parts 41, 42 and two light receiving parts ( 47, 48). At this time, the first light emitting unit 41 may emit light in the visible light region, and the second light emitting unit 42 may emit light in the infrared region. The first light-receiving unit 47 can receive light in the visible region, and the second light-receiving unit 48 can receive light in the infrared region.

In FIG. 9, the second light emitting part 42 is preferably disposed in parallel with the first light emitting part 41 on the substrate 44 below the first light emitting part 41 and the first light receiving part 47. In addition, it is preferable that the second light-receiving section 48 is disposed in parallel with the first light-receiving section 47 on the substrate 44 below the first light-emitting section 41 and the first light-receiving section 47.

Therefore, when the first light emitting unit 41 emits light in the visible light region at a certain amount of intensity, light in the visible light region that passes straight through the water in the container 30 is received by the first light receiving unit 47. When the light emitting portion 42 emits light in the infrared region at a predetermined amount of intensity, light in the infrared region going straight through the water in the container 30 may be received by the second light receiving portion 48.

The sensor control unit 45 according to the third embodiment of the disclosed invention uses visible light from the first light-emitting unit 41 and visible light from the first light-receiving unit 47. The turbidity of the measured solution can be determined.

The sensor control unit 45 according to the third embodiment of the disclosed invention measures infrared light using the amount of light in the infrared region emitted from the second light emitting unit 42 and the amount of light in the infrared region received by the second light receiving unit 48. The turbidity of the solution can be determined.

Accordingly, in the third embodiment of the disclosed invention, the amount of light emitted from the first and second light emitting units 41 and 42 and the amount of light received from the first and second light receiving units 47 and 48 are measured by visible light. Both the turbidity of the solution and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared rays can be determined.

FIG. 10A is a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention, and the same reference numerals and the same names are used for the same parts as those shown in FIG. 4A to omit overlapping description.

The first light emitting unit 41 may simultaneously emit light in the visible region and light in the infrared region, and the first light receiving unit 47 may simultaneously receive light in the visible region and light in the infrared region.

Therefore, when the first light emitting part 41 simultaneously emits light in the visible light region and the light in the infrared region with a certain amount of intensity, the light in the visible region and the infrared region passing through the water in the container 30 go straight. The light can be received by the first light receiving unit 47.

The sensor control unit 45 according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention uses the amount of light in the visible light region emitted by the first light emitting unit 41 and the amount of light in the visible light region received by the first light receiving unit 47 to make visible light. The turbidity of the measured solution can be determined.

The sensor control unit 45 according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention measures infrared light using the amount of light in the infrared region emitted from the first light emitting unit 41 and the amount of light in the infrared region received by the first light receiving unit 47. The turbidity of the solution can be determined.

Accordingly, in the fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention, the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light and the turbidity of the solution measured with infrared light using the amount of light emitted from the first light emitting part 41 and the amount of light received by the first light receiving part 47 Turbidity can all be judged.

10B is a view showing a first light receiving unit according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention, and FIG. 9C is a view showing an equivalent circuit of the first light receiving unit.

10B and 9C, the first light receiving unit 47 includes a first region 47c of the p-type region, a second region 47b of the n-type region, and a third region 47a of the p-type region. Is a multi-layer photodiode, and the visible light receiver 47d may be formed by PN junction of the third region 47a and the second region 47b, and the infrared receiver 47e is the first region 47c and the second It may be made of a PN junction of the region 47b.

At this time, the visible light receiving unit 47d and the infrared receiving unit 47e may have different concentrations of impurities constituting each PN junction to change the wavelength band received.

10D is a view showing a relationship between a wavelength of light and a relative sensitivity according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention.

The visible light receiving unit 47d has a high relative sensitivity at a wavelength in the visible light region, and can better receive light in the visible light region. The infrared receiver 47e has a high relative sensitivity at a wavelength in the infrared region, and can better receive light in the infrared region.

As such, the first light receiving unit 47 can simultaneously receive light in the visible light region and light in the infrared region. The first light-receiving unit 47 may be composed of two or more PN junctions, and may have different wavelengths of light received by varying concentrations of impurities constituting each PN junction. The first light receiving unit 47 may include other methods in addition to the methods disclosed in FIGS. 9B to 9D.

In addition, the first light emitting unit 41 may simultaneously emit light in the visible light region and light in the infrared region. The first light emitting unit 41 may be formed of two or more PN junctions, and may have different wavelengths of light emitted by varying concentrations of impurities constituting each PN junction.

The sensor control unit 45 according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention uses the amount of light received by the visible light receiving unit 47d and the infrared receiving unit 47e, and the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light. You can judge all.

11 is a conceptual diagram of a turbidity sensor according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosed invention, and the same reference numerals and the same names are used for the same components as those shown in FIG. 4A to omit overlapping descriptions.

The turbidity sensor 40 of FIG. 11 is a second light emitting part 42 added to the turbidity sensor 40 of FIG. 4A. The first light emitting unit 41 may emit light in the visible light region, and the second light emitting unit 42 may emit light in the infrared region. The first light receiving unit 47 may simultaneously receive light in the visible region and light in the infrared region.

Accordingly, when the first and second light emitting units 41 and 42 simultaneously emit light in the visible light region and light in the infrared region at a predetermined amount of intensity, the light in the visible light region passing straight through the water in the container 30 and Light in the infrared region may be received by the first light receiving unit 47.

The sensor control unit 45 according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosed invention uses visible light from the first light-emitting unit 41 and visible light from the first light-receiving unit 47. The turbidity of the measured solution can be determined.

The sensor control unit 45 according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosed invention measures infrared rays using the amount of light in the infrared region emitted from the second light emitting unit 42 and the amount of light in the infrared region received by the first light receiving unit 47. The turbidity of the solution can be determined.

Accordingly, in the fourth embodiment of the disclosed invention, the turbidity and infrared rays of the solution measured by visible light using the amount of light emitted from the first and second light emitting units 41 and 42 and the amount of light received by the first light receiving unit 47 The turbidity of the measured solution can all be determined.

12 is a view showing a structure of a first light receiving unit according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosed invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the visible light receiving unit 47d and the infrared receiving unit 47e of the first light receiving unit 47 may form a horizontal structure.

In various embodiments of the disclosed invention, the sensor control unit 45 may determine whether the type of detergent in the solution is a liquid detergent or a powder detergent. In addition, the sensor control unit 45 may also determine whether a liquid contaminant is present or a solid contaminant is present in the solution. In addition, the sensor control unit 45 may set a standard for measuring turbidity.

Visible light height height lowness infrared ray height lowness lowness Presence particles First particle and second particle Second particle - Detergent type Powder detergent liquid detergent - Contaminant type Solid contaminants Solid contaminants -

Referring to [Table 2], when the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is higher than the first reference value, it can be considered that the turbidity caused by the first particle or the second particle is high, and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is higher than the second reference value. If it is high, it can be considered that the turbidity caused by the first particles is high. Therefore, in this case, the sensor control unit 45 may determine that both the first particle and the second particle are present in the solution, and may determine that the detergent in the solution is a powder detergent. Alternatively, the sensor control unit 45 may determine that solid contaminants are present in the solution. Then, the sensor control unit 45 determines the turbidity of the solution based on the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared rays.

If the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is higher than the first reference value, it can be considered that the turbidity caused by the first particle or the second particle is high. If the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is lower than the second reference value, the turbidity by the first particle Can be seen as low. Therefore, in this case, the sensor control unit 45 may determine that a lot of second particles are present in the solution, and the detergent in the solution may be determined as a liquid detergent. Alternatively, the sensor control unit 45 may determine that liquid contaminants are present in the solution. Then, the sensor control unit 45 determines the turbidity of the solution based on the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light.

When the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is lower than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is lower than the second reference value, the sensor control unit 45 may determine that the solution is clean. Alternatively, when the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is lower than the first reference value, the sensor control unit 45 may determine that the solution is clean.

Here, the first reference value and the second reference value may be determined by experiments and may be changed.

13 is a view showing a washing machine including a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention, and FIGS. 14A and 14B are tubs of a washing machine including a turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention. It is a drawing.

13, 14A and 14B, the washing machine 50 is rotatably provided inside the main body 51 forming the exterior, the tub 52 accommodating the washing water, and the tub 52 to wash the laundry. The drum 53, the motor 54 for rotating the drum 53, the water supply unit 55 for supplying washing water to the tub 52, the drainage unit 56 for draining the washing water in the tub 52, the drum (53) includes a drying unit (57) for drying the washed laundry inside, a detergent supply unit (58) for supplying detergent to the drum (53), and a turbidity sensor (40) for detecting the turbidity of the washing water.

The tub 52 is provided inside the main body 51, and is formed by combining the front member 52a and the rear member 52b. In addition, the front of the tub 52 is provided with an opening 52c for the user to insert or withdraw laundry, and a drain 52d for discharging the washing water contained in the tub 52 is provided below the tub 52. Is prepared. In addition, a coupling hole 52e for engaging the turbidity sensor 40 is provided at a position adjacent to the drain port 52d.

The turbidity sensor 40 is coupled to the tub 52 through a coupling hole 52e provided in the tub 52. At this time, the turbidity sensor 40 is coupled such that the first light-emitting unit 41 and the first light-receiving unit 47 are located back and forth. That is, when the drum 53 rotates, the turbidity sensor 40 rotates the washing water by allowing the washing water rotating together with the drum 53 to pass between the first light emitting part 41 and the first light receiving part 47. The turbidity sensor 40 can detect the turbidity of all the wash water contained in the drum 53 without being limited to the wash water at a specific location.

In addition, since the turbidity sensor 40 is provided under the tub 52, it is possible to perform calibration of the above-described turbidity sensor 40 using clear washing water that does not contain contaminants when supplying washing water.

15A is a first configuration diagram showing a control flow of a washing machine including a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention, and FIG. 15B is control of a washing machine including a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention. It is a second configuration diagram showing the flow.

In FIGS. 15A and 15B, a washing tank 50 is provided with a water tank 52 for receiving water for washing / rinsing, and the inside of the bottom of the water tank 52 is used to measure the turbidity of water contained in the water tank 52. The turbidity sensor 40 is installed, and a home appliance control unit 54 that receives the turbidity measured by the turbidity sensor 40 and changes the washing / hanging stroke of the washing machine 50 is installed at a predetermined position inside the washing machine 50. .

The turbidity sensor 40 of FIG. 15A has a sensor control unit 45 in itself, and measures the turbidity value by using the ratio of the amount of light emitted from the first light emitting unit 41 and the amount of light received by the first light receiving unit 47, , This measured turbidity value is transmitted to the home appliance control unit 54.

Therefore, the home appliance control unit 54 of FIG. 15A receives the turbidity value measured by the sensor control unit 45 of the turbidity sensor 40 immediately and additionally performs washing / rinsing when the turbidity value is higher than the reference turbidity, and if the turbidity is lower than the reference turbidity, Control to end rinsing.

On the other hand, the turbidity sensor 40 of FIG. 15B does not have a sensor control unit 45 in itself, and outputs the output values of the amount of light emitted from the first light emitting unit 41 and the amount of light received by the first light receiving unit 47. ).

Accordingly, the home appliance control unit 54 of FIG. 15B directly receives the amount of light emitted from the first light emitting unit 41 of the turbidity sensor 40 and the amount of light received by the first light receiving unit 47, and then calculates the ratio of the light amount. If the turbidity of the water is determined, washing / rinsing is additionally performed when the turbidity is higher than the reference turbidity, and washing / rinsing is terminated when the turbidity is lower than the reference turbidity.

16 is a configuration diagram showing an example in which the turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention is installed in a dishwasher, the description of the entire structure of the dishwasher 60 is omitted and the turbidity sensor 40 which is a feature of the disclosed invention ) Will be mainly described with respect to the structure of the installed portion.

In FIG. 16, a washing tank 62 for washing / rinsing is provided inside the dishwasher 60, and a sump 64 for collecting and pumping water supplied into the washing tank 62 is provided at the bottom of the washing tank 62. A turbidity sensor 40 for measuring the turbidity of water may be installed inside the sump 64.

17 is a control block diagram of a dishwasher equipped with a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention, and includes a turbidity sensor 40, a home appliance control unit 66, and a driving unit 68.

The basic operation of the home appliance control unit 66 according to the turbidity measurement of the turbidity sensor 40 is similar to the home appliance control unit 54 of the washing machine 50 shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, and the home appliance control unit 54 of the washing machine 50 The difference from) is that the algorithm is implemented according to the dishwasher's stroke, so if the turbidity is higher than the reference turbidity, washing / rinsing is additionally performed. It is to control so that the washing / rinsing stroke can be performed.

That is, the home appliance control unit 66 can directly receive the turbidity value measured by the sensor control unit 45 of the turbidity sensor 40 and change only the washing / rinsing stroke, and the first light emitting unit 41 of the turbidity sensor 40 The amount of light emitted from and the amount of light received by the first light-receiving unit 47 can be directly input to calculate the ratio of the amount of light, so that the turbidity can be determined.

The driving unit 68 drives the load of the dishwasher 60 according to the driving control signal from the home appliance control unit 66.

The control block diagram of the dishwasher equipped with the turbidity sensor illustrated in FIG. 17 can be similarly applied to a washing machine and other household appliances equipped with a turbidity sensor.

Hereinafter, the operation process and the effect of the turbidity sensor configured as described above and the home appliance having the same will be described.

18 is an operation flowchart showing a method for measuring turbidity in a dishwasher equipped with a turbidity sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosed invention.

In the state in which the dishes to be washed are stored inside the washing tank 20, the home appliance control unit 66 determines whether the washing / rinsing stroke is 100, and in the case of the washing / rinsing stroke, it is necessary for washing / rinsing through the driving unit 68. The water is supplied to the inside of the washing tank 20 (102).

The water supplied into the washing tank 20 flows into the sump 64 provided under the washing tank 20 and is sprayed with dishes stored in the washing tank 20 to proceed with washing / rinsing (104).

When washing / rinsing is performed, not only water but also contaminants on the tableware are washed / rinsed with water and flow into the sump 64, so the turbidity sensor 40 installed inside the sump 64 is provided to measure the turbidity of the water. 1 When the light emitting part 41 emits (releases) light in the visible light region at a certain amount of intensity (106), light that is scattered by particles mixed in the water and straight light while passing through the water in the sump (64) The light is received by the first light receiving unit 47 (108).

Therefore, the sensor control unit 45 calculates the ratio of the amount of light emitted from the first light-emitting unit 41 and the amount of light received by the first light-receiving unit 47 (110), measures the turbidity (TW) of water, and then controls the home appliance control unit ( 66).

Accordingly, the home appliance control unit 66 compares the turbidity (Tw) of water measured by the sensor control unit 45 of the turbidity sensor 40 with a predetermined reference turbidity (Ts) (114), and the measured turbidity (Tw) is If it is greater than the reference turbidity (Ts), after draining (116), the feed / feedback is returned to step 102 in order to further proceed with the washing / rinsing (118), and the subsequent operation is performed.

If the measured turbidity (Tw) is less than the reference turbidity (Ts) as a result of the comparison of step 114, it is determined that the washing / rinsing is completed, and after draining (120), the next stroke is performed (122).

15A to 16 have been described as an example in which the turbidity sensor 40 of the disclosed invention is installed in the washing machine 50 or the dishwasher 60, the present invention is not limited to this, and any home appliance using water, such as a water purifier, etc. It is also applicable to devices. In addition, although the turbidity sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention is described in FIG. 18, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be similarly applied to other embodiments of the disclosed invention.

19 is an operation flowchart of a control method of a turbidity sensor according to various embodiments of the disclosed invention. The control method of the turbidity sensor 40 may include all of the contents disclosed in FIGS. 3A to 18.

The turbidity sensor 40 according to the first embodiment of the disclosed invention may emit light in the visible region or light in the infrared region. (202) At this time, the light in the visible region and the light in the infrared region may be simultaneously or sequentially. Can be released.

The turbidity sensor 40 may receive light in the visible light region or light in the infrared region. At this time, the light in the visible light region and the light in the infrared region may be received simultaneously or sequentially.

The turbidity sensor 40 determines the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light according to the ratio of the amount of light in the visible region emitted and the amount of light in the received visible region, and the amount of light in the emitted infrared region and the amount of light in the received infrared region The turbidity of the solution measured with infrared rays can be determined according to the ratio of (205).

Then, the turbidity sensor 40 may determine whether the type of detergent in the solution is a liquid detergent or a powder detergent. In addition, the turbidity sensor 40 may also determine whether there is a liquid contaminant or a solid contaminant in the solution. In addition, the turbidity sensor 40 may set a standard for measuring turbidity.

The turbidity sensor 40 may determine that the turbidity caused by the first particle or the second particle is high when the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is higher than the first reference value, and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is higher than the second reference value. It may be determined that the turbidity caused by the first particles is high. Therefore, in this case, the turbidity sensor 40 may determine that both the first particles and the second particles are present in the solution, and the detergent in the solution is determined to be a powder detergent. can do. Alternatively, the turbidity sensor 40 may determine that solid contaminants are present in the solution. Then, the turbidity sensor 40 determines the turbidity of the solution based on the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared rays. (206, 208, 210, 121, 214)

The turbidity sensor 40 may determine that the turbidity caused by the first particle or the second particle is high when the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is higher than the first reference value, and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is lower than the second reference value. If it is, it can be determined that the turbidity caused by the first particles is low. Therefore, in this case, the turbidity sensor 40 may determine that a lot of second particles are present in the solution, and the detergent in the solution may be determined to be a liquid detergent. Alternatively, the turbidity sensor 40 may determine that liquid contaminants are present in the solution. Then, the turbidity sensor 40 determines the turbidity of the solution based on the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light. ((206, 208, 216, 118, 220)

When the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is lower than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is lower than the second reference value, the turbidity sensor 40 may determine that the solution is clean. Alternatively, if the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is lower than the first reference value, the turbidity sensor 40 may determine that the solution is clean. (206, 208, 222)

Here, the first reference value and the second reference value may be determined by experiments and may be changed.

In the above, although the first embodiment of the disclosed invention has been illustrated and described, the disclosed invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above and is common in the technical field to which the disclosed invention belongs without departing from the gist of the disclosed invention claimed in the claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit of the disclosed invention.

40: turbidity sensor 41: the first light emitting portion
42: second light emitting unit 43: light emitting unit case
44: substrate 45: sensor control
46a: light emitting unit cover 46b: light receiving unit cover
47: first light receiving unit 48: second light receiving unit

Claims (16)

A light emitting unit that emits visible light and infrared light;
A light receiving unit that receives visible light and infrared light;
The turbidity of the solution measured with visible light is determined according to the ratio of the amount of visible light emitted from the light emitting part to the amount of visible light received by the light receiving part, and the amount of infrared light emitted from the light emitting part and the infrared light received by the light receiving part It includes a control unit for determining the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared rays in accordance with the ratio of the amount of light,
When the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light is greater than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured with infrared light is greater than the second reference value, the controller determines the turbidity of the solution according to the turbidity of the solution measured with infrared light. and,
If the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light is greater than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured with infrared light is less than or equal to the second reference value, the controller controls the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light. Turbidity sensor that determines the turbidity of a solution. According to claim 1,
The light-receiving part is installed facing the light-emitting part at a position spaced apart from the light-emitting part, and a first light-receiving part for receiving visible light emitted from the light-emitting part and facing the light-emitting part at a position spaced apart from the light-emitting part It is installed and includes a second light receiving unit for receiving infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit,
The control unit determines the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light according to the ratio of the amount of visible light emitted from the light emitting unit and the amount of visible light received by the first light receiving unit, and the amount of infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit and the agent 2 Turbidity sensor that determines the turbidity of the solution measured with infrared rays according to the ratio of the amount of infrared light received by the light-receiving unit. According to claim 1,
The light emitting unit includes a first light emitting unit that emits visible light and a second light emitting unit that emits infrared rays,
The light receiving unit, the first light receiving unit is installed facing the first light emitting unit at a position spaced apart from the first light emitting unit to receive visible light emitted from the first light emitting unit, and spaced apart from the second light emitting unit It is installed facing the second light emitting portion at a position and includes a second light receiving portion that receives the infrared light emitted from the second light emitting portion,
The control unit determines the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light according to the ratio of the amount of visible light emitted from the first light-emitting part and the amount of visible light received by the first light-receiving part, and infrared light emitted from the second light-emitting part Turbidity sensor to determine the turbidity of the solution measured with infrared rays according to the ratio of the amount of light and the amount of infrared light received by the second light-receiving unit. delete According to claim 1,
The light emitting part includes a first light emitting part emitting visible light and a second light emitting part emitting infrared light,
The control unit determines the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light according to the ratio of the amount of visible light emitted from the first light emitting unit and the amount of visible light received by the light receiving unit, and the amount of infrared light emitted from the second light emitting unit And a turbidity sensor for determining the turbidity of the solution measured with infrared rays according to the ratio of the amount of infrared light received by the light-receiving unit. According to claim 1,
The ratio of the amount of light is a turbidity sensor that is a ratio of "the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit / the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting unit". According to claim 1,
The turbidity sensor further includes a light-emitting unit case that allows light emitted from the light-emitting unit to go straight to the light-receiving unit and a light-receiving unit case that allows light emitted from the light-emitting unit to enter the light-receiving unit and blocks scattered light. . According to claim 1,
The turbidity sensor further comprises a light-emitting portion cover surrounding the light-emitting portion so as not to directly contact the solution and a light-receiving portion cover surrounding the light-receiving portion to prevent direct contact with the solution. According to claim 1,
When the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is higher than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared radiation is higher than the second reference value, the controller determines that both the first particle and the second particle are present in the solution, and the detergent in the solution. Turbidity sensor to judge that it is a powder detergent. According to claim 1,
When the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is higher than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is lower than the second reference value, the controller determines that the second particles are present in the solution, and the detergent in the solution is a liquid detergent. Turbidity sensor to judge. According to claim 1,
The control unit is a turbidity sensor that determines that the solution is clean when the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is lower than the first reference value. Emits visible light and infrared light;
Receive visible light and infrared light;
Determining the turbidity of the solution measured with visible light according to the ratio of the emitted light amount and the received visible light ratio;
Determining the turbidity of the solution measured with infrared rays according to the ratio of the amount of emitted infrared light and the amount of infrared light received;
If the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is greater than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is greater than the second reference value, the turbidity of the solution is determined according to the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light;
If the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light is greater than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured by infrared light is less than or equal to the second reference value, the turbidity of the solution is determined according to the turbidity of the solution measured by visible light Turbidity sensor control method. delete The method of claim 12,
To determine the turbidity of the solution, if the turbidity of the solution measured using the visible light is higher than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured using the infrared light is higher than the second reference value, the solution contains first particles and second particles. It is determined that all particles are present, and the method of controlling the turbidity sensor includes determining that the detergent in the solution is a powder detergent. The method of claim 12,
Determining the turbidity of the solution is that when the turbidity of the solution measured using the visible light is higher than the first reference value and the turbidity of the solution measured using infrared light is lower than the second reference value, the second particles are present in the solution. The control method of the turbidity sensor comprising determining and determining that the detergent in the solution is a liquid detergent. The method of claim 12,
Determining the turbidity of the solution is a method of controlling a turbidity sensor comprising determining that the solution is clean when the turbidity of the solution measured using the visible light is lower than the first reference value.

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