US20070285261A1 - Float Switch of Washing Machine - Google Patents
Float Switch of Washing Machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070285261A1 US20070285261A1 US10/558,093 US55809305A US2007285261A1 US 20070285261 A1 US20070285261 A1 US 20070285261A1 US 55809305 A US55809305 A US 55809305A US 2007285261 A1 US2007285261 A1 US 2007285261A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- float
- switch
- switch body
- sensor
- sides
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers
- D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F33/47—Responding to irregular working conditions, e.g. malfunctioning of pumps
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/081—Safety arrangements for preventing water damage
Definitions
- the present invention relates to float switches for sensing an amount of washing water leaked from a tub or a water supply device in a washing machine, more particularly, to a float switch in a washing machine, which can prevent infiltration of washing water to a sensor in the float switch.
- the washing machine washes laundry through washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles to remove soil stuck to clothes, beddings, and so on held in a drum by using action of water supplied to the tub in the washing machine, and detergent.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram showing an inside of a related art washing machine.
- the related art washing machine is provided with a casing 2 , a tub 10 in the casing 2 for holding washing water, a drum 20 rotatably mounted in the tub 10 for holding the laundry, a motor 30 for supporting and rotating the drum 20 , a water supply device 40 over the tub 10 for supplying washing water from an outside of the washing machine to the tub 10 , and a drain device 50 for under the tub 10 for draining the washing water from the tub 10 to an outside of the washing machine.
- the float switch 4 is provided with a switch body 6 , a float 7 mounted in a switch body 6 movable in up/down direction, and a sensor 8 for sensing a position according to rise of the float 7 .
- the washing water is supplied to the tub 10 through the water supply device 40 , and held therein.
- the float switch in the related art washing machine is liable to suffer from damage and mal-operation due to infiltration of the dropped washing water between a gap in an upper surface of the switch body.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a float switch in a washing machine, which can prevent a sensor therein suffering from damage and mal-operation due to infiltration of the washing water thereto.
- a float switch in a washing machine includes a switch body forming an exterior of the float switch, a float in the switch body for moving up/down by washing water, a sensor for sensing a position of the float, and a water protector for preventing the washing water from infiltrating to the sensor.
- the water protector is a “ ” shaped bracket over an upper surface of the switch body.
- a float switch in a washing machine includes a switch body divided into two sides, having a floating portion for rising up of leaked washing water, and a sensor space for mounting a sensor for sensing a level of the washing water in the floating portion, both formed therein, a float in the floating portion for floating on a surface of the washing water, a sensor in the sensor space for measuring a height of the float, and a water protector for preventing the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor space.
- the water protector is a bracket at one of the divided two sides of the switch body over the sensor space to cover a joining surface of the divided two sides of the switch body from over the joining surface.
- the bracket may have a “ ” shape.
- the floating portion has openings in a side surface for flowing in of the washing water.
- the float switch further includes a soft member connected between one sides of the switch body divided into two sides.
- the float switch further includes at least one fastening means for fastening the switch body.
- the fastening means includes a hook at one of sides of the switch body divided into two sides, and a hook hole opposite to the hook for receiving and holding the hook.
- At least one of the fastening means is formed over the sensor space.
- a float switch in a washing machine includes a switch body divided into two sides, having a floating portion for rising up of leaked washing water, and a sensor space for mounting a sensor for sensing a level of the washing water in the floating portion, both formed therein, a float in the floating portion for floating on a surface of the washing water, and a sensor in the sensor space for measuring a height of the float, wherein one of the two sides of the switch body includes a portion over the sensor space extended to cover a portion of the other side of the switch body over the sensor space.
- the float switch further includes a soft member connected between one sides of the switch body divided into two sides.
- the float switch further includes at least one fastening means for fastening the switch body.
- the fastening means includes a hook at one of sides of the switch body divided into two sides, and a hook hole opposite to the hook for receiving and holding the hook.
- At least one of the fastening means is formed over the sensor space.
- the float switch of the washing machine of the present invention can prevent malfunction and fault of the float switch by preventing the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor, thereby improving reliability of the washing machine.
- the “ ” shaped bracket or the extension of the upper surface of one of sides of the switch body where the sensor space is of the water protector has a simple structure, and therefore, is easy to fabricate.
- the fastening means at a portion where the water protector is enables firm fastening of the water protector to the upper surface of the portion of the switch body where the sensor space is, to improve water protecting capability to prevent infiltration of leaked washing water.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram showing an inside of a related art washing machine
- FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram showing an inside of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention having a float switch of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention applied thereto;
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the float switch in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the float switch in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a float switch in a washing machine in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram showing an inside of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention having a float switch of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention applied thereto
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the float switch in FIG. 2
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the float switch in FIG. 3
- the washing machine includes a casing 52 , a tub 60 in the tub 60 for holding washing water, a drum 70 rotatably mounted in the casing 52 for holding laundry, a motor 80 for rotating the drum 70 , a water supply device 90 over the tub 60 for supplying washing water from an outside of the washing machine to the tub 60 , a drain device 92 under the tub 60 for draining the washing water from an inside to an outside of the washing machine, a float switch 100 on a bottom of the casing 52 for sensing leakage of the sensing water, and a controller (not shown) for controlling the washing machine by the user or according to information on water leakage sensed.
- the casing 52 includes side panels (not shown) forming opposite sides thereof, a back panel 56 forming a rear thereof, a base 54 forming a bottom thereof, a front cover 58 forming a front thereof having a hole 58 a for introducing laundry, and a top cover forming a top thereof.
- float switch 100 on the base 54 forming the bottom of the casing 52 of the washing machine, for sensing leaked washing water.
- the float switch 100 includes a switch body 102 forming an exterior thereof, a float 108 in the switch body 102 , for moving up/down according to the leaked washing water, and a sensor 110 for sensing a position of the float 108 .
- the switch body 102 has a water protector 120 for protecting the sensor 110 against infiltration of dropped washing water.
- the switch body 102 is divided in left 103 /right 104 sides for convenience of assembly.
- one sides of the left 103 /right 104 sides of the divided switch body 102 are connected to each other with a soft member 105 .
- the soft member 105 having ends respectively connected to the left 103 /right 104 sides of the divided switch body 102 enables the switch body 102 to fold, or open divided in left/right sides as the soft member 105 is bent.
- the soft member 105 is formed of a material the same with a material of the switch body 102 .
- the material of the soft member 105 is not limited thereto, but the soft member 105 may be formed of other materials, such as silicone.
- the floating portion 105 has openings 106 in a side for introduction of the leaked washing water into the floating portion 107 in communication with an outside of the switch body 102 .
- the floating portion 107 there is a float mounted thereon.
- the float 108 is formed of a material, such as Styrofoam, for floating on a surface of the washing water introduced into the floating portion 107 , with a circumferential surface formed smaller than the floating portion 107 , and an upward projection 108 a from an upper surface thereof.
- the sensor space 109 is formed over the floating portion 107 .
- a sensor 110 for sensing a position of the projection 108 a on the float 108 , and transmitting a signal the sensor 110 sensed to a controller (not shown), thereby enabling to measure a level of the leaked washing water.
- the switch body 102 has the water protector 120 for preventing the washing water dropping from the drum 70 from infiltrating into the sensor space 109 .
- the water protector 120 prevents the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor space 109 through a gap between the left/right sides 103 / 104 of the switch body.
- the water protector 120 is provided over the portion of the switch body 102 where the sensor space 109 is.
- the water protector 120 is a “ ” shaped bracket 122 at one side of the upper surface of the portion of the switch body 102 divided into two parts where the sensor space 109 is.
- the “ ” shaped bracket 122 has a vertical surface attached to a side surface of one side of the switch body 104 , and a horizontal surface covering an upper surface of a portion of the other side of the switch body 103 where the sensor space is 109 , such that the bracket 122 extends to overlap with the sensor space 109 for a predetermined distance.
- the covering of the upper surface, the joining portion of the left/right sides 103 / 104 , of the switch body where the sensor space 109 is with the horizontal surface of the “ ” shaped bracket 122 enables to prevent the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor space 109 .
- the float switch 100 includes fastening means for fastening the divided sides of the switch body 102 of the float switch 100 .
- the fastening means includes hooks 104 a and 122 a at one of the sides 103 , and 104 of the switch body, and hook holes 103 a, and 103 b opposite to the hooks 104 a and 122 a for receiving, and holding the hooks 104 a and 122 a, respectively.
- At least one of the fastening means of the hooks 104 a and 122 a, and the hook holes 103 a, and 103 b is formed on the switch body 102 , and it is more preferable that a first hook 104 a and a first hook hole 103 a are formed opposite to a portion of the switch body 102 connected with the soft member 105 , and a second hook 122 a, and a second hook hole 103 b are formed on the upper surface of a portion where the water protector 120 is.
- the second hook 122 a and the second hook hole 103 b formed at a portion where the water protector 120 is enables firm joining of the “ ” shaped bracket 122 with the upper surface of the portion of the switch body 102 where the sensor space 109 is, thereby improving water protecting capability.
- the “ ” shaped bracket 122 can be joined with the switch body 102 more firmly, and since the “ ” shaped bracket 122 presses the one side 104 of the switch body from a side, the portion of the switch body 102 where the sensor space 109 is can be joined more firmly.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a float switch in a washing machine in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein a water protector is an extension of an upper surface 220 of a portion of one side 202 of the divided switch body where the sensor space 209 is to cover an upper surface of a portion of the other side 203 of the switch body where the sensor space 209 is.
- washing water is supplied to the washing machine.
- the washing water is supplied to the tub 60 through the water supply device 90 , and then, the washing machine performs washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles according to received operation order.
- a portion of the washing water supplied to the washing machine may leak, and drop onto a base 54 , the bottom of the casing 52 .
- the washing water flows into the floating portion 105 through the openings 106 in the float switch 100 , making the float 108 to move up.
- the sensor 110 sensing information on a position of the projection 108 a on the float 108 , transmits a signal of the sensing to the controller (not shown).
- the controller Upon reception of the signal, the controller (not shown) either stops the washing machine, or indicates information on leakage of washing water, and an amount thereof to an outside of the washing machine.
- the float switch of the washing machine of the present invention can prevent malfunction and fault of the float switch by preventing the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor.
- the float switch of the washing machine of the present invention can prevent malfunction and fault of the float switch by preventing the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor, thereby improving reliability of the washing machine.
- the “ ” shaped bracket or the extension of the upper surface of one of sides of the switch body where the sensor space is of the water protector has a simple structure, and therefore, is easy to fabricate.
- the second hook and the second hook hole at a portion where the water protector is enables firm fastening of the water protector to the upper surface of the portion of the switch body where the sensor space is, to improve water protecting capability to prevent infiltration of leaked washing water.
- the present invention has a substantially high industrial applicability.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
- Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
- Switches Operated By Changes In Physical Conditions (AREA)
Abstract
In general, the washing machine washes laundry through washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles to remove soil stuck to clothes, beddings, and so on held in a drum (70) by using action of water supplied to the tub (60) in the washing machine, and detergent. To achieve above object, in one aspect of the present invention, a float switch (100) in a washing machine includes a switch body (102) forming an exterior of the float switch (100), a float (108) in the switch body (102) for moving up/down by washing water, a sensor (110) for sensing a position of the float (108), and a water protector (120) for preventing the washing water from infiltrating to the sensor (110). The water protector (120) is a “” shape bracket over an upper surface of the switch body (102).
Description
- The present invention relates to float switches for sensing an amount of washing water leaked from a tub or a water supply device in a washing machine, more particularly, to a float switch in a washing machine, which can prevent infiltration of washing water to a sensor in the float switch.
- In general, the washing machine washes laundry through washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles to remove soil stuck to clothes, beddings, and so on held in a drum by using action of water supplied to the tub in the washing machine, and detergent.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram showing an inside of a related art washing machine. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , the related art washing machine is provided with acasing 2, atub 10 in thecasing 2 for holding washing water, adrum 20 rotatably mounted in thetub 10 for holding the laundry, amotor 30 for supporting and rotating thedrum 20, awater supply device 40 over thetub 10 for supplying washing water from an outside of the washing machine to thetub 10, and adrain device 50 for under thetub 10 for draining the washing water from thetub 10 to an outside of the washing machine. - In the meantime, there is a
float switch 4 in thecasing 2, for sensing washing water leaked from the water supply device, or the tub, and dropped on a bottom of thecasing 2. - The
float switch 4 is provided with aswitch body 6, a float 7 mounted in aswitch body 6 movable in up/down direction, and asensor 8 for sensing a position according to rise of the float 7. - The operation of the related art washing machine will be described.
- Upon introducing the laundry into the
drum 20, closing the door, and putting the washing machine into operation, the washing water is supplied to thetub 10 through thewater supply device 40, and held therein. - Then, when the
motor 30 rotates thedrum 20, the laundry in thedrum 20 is washed by action of the washing water, and then, washing of the laundry is completed through a rinsing cycle, a spinning cycle, and a drying cycle. - In the meantime, during the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the spinning cycle, it is liable that a portion of the washing water leaks during the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the spinning cycle, and drops down onto a bottom of the
casing 2. If the leaked washing water fills the bottom of thecase 2 greater than a predetermined amount, the float 7 rises, such that thesensor 8 senses it; - However, the float switch in the related art washing machine is liable to suffer from damage and mal-operation due to infiltration of the dropped washing water between a gap in an upper surface of the switch body.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a float switch in a washing machine, which can prevent a sensor therein suffering from damage and mal-operation due to infiltration of the washing water thereto.
- To achieve above object, in one aspect of the present invention, a float switch in a washing machine includes a switch body forming an exterior of the float switch, a float in the switch body for moving up/down by washing water, a sensor for sensing a position of the float, and a water protector for preventing the washing water from infiltrating to the sensor.
-
- Meanwhile, in another aspect of the present invention, a float switch in a washing machine includes a switch body divided into two sides, having a floating portion for rising up of leaked washing water, and a sensor space for mounting a sensor for sensing a level of the washing water in the floating portion, both formed therein, a float in the floating portion for floating on a surface of the washing water, a sensor in the sensor space for measuring a height of the float, and a water protector for preventing the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor space.
- The water protector is a bracket at one of the divided two sides of the switch body over the sensor space to cover a joining surface of the divided two sides of the switch body from over the joining surface.
-
- The floating portion has openings in a side surface for flowing in of the washing water.
- The float switch further includes a soft member connected between one sides of the switch body divided into two sides.
- The float switch further includes at least one fastening means for fastening the switch body.
- The fastening means includes a hook at one of sides of the switch body divided into two sides, and a hook hole opposite to the hook for receiving and holding the hook.
- At least one of the fastening means is formed over the sensor space.
- In the meantime, in another aspect of the present invention, a float switch in a washing machine includes a switch body divided into two sides, having a floating portion for rising up of leaked washing water, and a sensor space for mounting a sensor for sensing a level of the washing water in the floating portion, both formed therein, a float in the floating portion for floating on a surface of the washing water, and a sensor in the sensor space for measuring a height of the float, wherein one of the two sides of the switch body includes a portion over the sensor space extended to cover a portion of the other side of the switch body over the sensor space.
- The float switch further includes a soft member connected between one sides of the switch body divided into two sides.
- The float switch further includes at least one fastening means for fastening the switch body.
- The fastening means includes a hook at one of sides of the switch body divided into two sides, and a hook hole opposite to the hook for receiving and holding the hook.
- At least one of the fastening means is formed over the sensor space.
- The float switch of the washing machine of the present invention can prevent malfunction and fault of the float switch by preventing the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor, thereby improving reliability of the washing machine.
-
- The fastening means at a portion where the water protector is enables firm fastening of the water protector to the upper surface of the portion of the switch body where the sensor space is, to improve water protecting capability to prevent infiltration of leaked washing water.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings;
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram showing an inside of a related art washing machine; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram showing an inside of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention having a float switch of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention applied thereto; -
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the float switch inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the float switch inFIG. 3 ; and -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a float switch in a washing machine in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. - Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
-
FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram showing an inside of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention having a float switch of a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention applied thereto,FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the float switch inFIG. 2 , andFIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of the float switch inFIG. 3 - Referring to
FIG. 2 , the washing machine includes acasing 52, atub 60 in thetub 60 for holding washing water, adrum 70 rotatably mounted in thecasing 52 for holding laundry, amotor 80 for rotating thedrum 70, awater supply device 90 over thetub 60 for supplying washing water from an outside of the washing machine to thetub 60, adrain device 92 under thetub 60 for draining the washing water from an inside to an outside of the washing machine, afloat switch 100 on a bottom of thecasing 52 for sensing leakage of the sensing water, and a controller (not shown) for controlling the washing machine by the user or according to information on water leakage sensed. - The
casing 52 includes side panels (not shown) forming opposite sides thereof, aback panel 56 forming a rear thereof, abase 54 forming a bottom thereof, afront cover 58 forming a front thereof having ahole 58a for introducing laundry, and a top cover forming a top thereof. - Moreover, there is a
float switch 100 on thebase 54 forming the bottom of thecasing 52 of the washing machine, for sensing leaked washing water. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , thefloat switch 100 includes aswitch body 102 forming an exterior thereof, afloat 108 in theswitch body 102, for moving up/down according to the leaked washing water, and asensor 110 for sensing a position of thefloat 108. - The
switch body 102 has awater protector 120 for protecting thesensor 110 against infiltration of dropped washing water. - It is preferable that the
switch body 102 is divided in left 103/right 104 sides for convenience of assembly. - Moreover, it is preferable that one sides of the left 103/right 104 sides of the divided
switch body 102 are connected to each other with asoft member 105. - That is, the
soft member 105 having ends respectively connected to the left 103/right 104 sides of the dividedswitch body 102 enables theswitch body 102 to fold, or open divided in left/right sides as thesoft member 105 is bent. - It is the most preferable that the
soft member 105 is formed of a material the same with a material of theswitch body 102. However, the material of thesoft member 105 is not limited thereto, but thesoft member 105 may be formed of other materials, such as silicone. - Inside of the
switch body 102, there are a floatingportion 107 for rising up of the leaked washing water, and asensor space 109 for mounting a sensor for sensing a level of the washing water in thefloating portion 105. - The
floating portion 105 hasopenings 106 in a side for introduction of the leaked washing water into the floatingportion 107 in communication with an outside of theswitch body 102. - In the
floating portion 107, there is a float mounted thereon. It is preferable that thefloat 108 is formed of a material, such as Styrofoam, for floating on a surface of the washing water introduced into the floatingportion 107, with a circumferential surface formed smaller than the floatingportion 107, and anupward projection 108 a from an upper surface thereof. - It is preferable that the
sensor space 109 is formed over the floatingportion 107. - In the
sensor space 109, there is asensor 110 for sensing a position of theprojection 108 a on thefloat 108, and transmitting a signal thesensor 110 sensed to a controller (not shown), thereby enabling to measure a level of the leaked washing water. - The
switch body 102 has thewater protector 120 for preventing the washing water dropping from thedrum 70 from infiltrating into thesensor space 109. - That is, the
water protector 120 prevents the washing water from infiltrating into thesensor space 109 through a gap between the left/right sides 103/104 of the switch body. - Since the washing water drops onto an upper surface of a portion of the
switch body 102 where thesensor space 109 is, it is preferable that thewater protector 120 is provided over the portion of theswitch body 102 where thesensor space 109 is. -
- That is, referring to
FIG. 4 , the “” shapedbracket 122 has a vertical surface attached to a side surface of one side of theswitch body 104, and a horizontal surface covering an upper surface of a portion of the other side of theswitch body 103 where the sensor space is 109, such that thebracket 122 extends to overlap with thesensor space 109 for a predetermined distance. -
- Moreover, the
float switch 100 includes fastening means for fastening the divided sides of theswitch body 102 of thefloat switch 100. - It is preferable that the fastening means includes
hooks sides holes hooks hooks - It is preferable that at least one of the fastening means of the
hooks switch body 102, and it is more preferable that afirst hook 104 a and afirst hook hole 103 a are formed opposite to a portion of theswitch body 102 connected with thesoft member 105, and asecond hook 122 a, and asecond hook hole 103 b are formed on the upper surface of a portion where thewater protector 120 is. -
- That is, since the vertical surface of the “” shaped
bracket 122 is attached to the side surface of the oneside 104 of the switch body, the “” shapedbracket 122 can be joined with theswitch body 102 more firmly, and since the “” shapedbracket 122 presses the oneside 104 of the switch body from a side, the portion of theswitch body 102 where thesensor space 109 is can be joined more firmly. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a float switch in a washing machine in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein a water protector is an extension of anupper surface 220 of a portion of oneside 202 of the divided switch body where thesensor space 209 is to cover an upper surface of a portion of the other side 203 of the switch body where thesensor space 209 is. - Accordingly, as an
extended portion 220 of the upper surface of the portion where the one side of thesensor space 209 is covers the joining portion at the upper portion of the two sides of theswitch body 202, infiltration of washing water into thesensor space 209 is prevented. - Other parts of the float switch in the washing machine in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention are the same with the embodiment described before, the parts and operation thereof will be omitted.
- The operation of the float switch in a washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.
- Upon applying power, and operation order, to the washing machine after introducing laundry into the washing machine, washing water is supplied to the washing machine.
- The washing water is supplied to the
tub 60 through thewater supply device 90, and then, the washing machine performs washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles according to received operation order. - In the meantime, a portion of the washing water supplied to the washing machine may leak, and drop onto a
base 54, the bottom of thecasing 52. As a level of the dropped washing water rises, the washing water flows into the floatingportion 105 through theopenings 106 in thefloat switch 100, making thefloat 108 to move up. - A portion of the washing water dropped onto the upper surface of the
switch body 102 where thesensor space 109 can not infiltrate into thesensor space 109, but flows down along an outside surface of theswitch body 102, and, therefrom, flows into the floatingportion 105 owing to the “” shapedbracket 122 of thewater protector 120 over thesensor space 109 of theswitch body 102. - If the leaked washing water exceeds a predetermined amount, to make the
float 108 to move up more than a predetermined height, thesensor 110, sensing information on a position of theprojection 108 a on thefloat 108, transmits a signal of the sensing to the controller (not shown). - Upon reception of the signal, the controller (not shown) either stops the washing machine, or indicates information on leakage of washing water, and an amount thereof to an outside of the washing machine.
- Thus, the float switch of a washing machine is described with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and the drawings, but applicable to a dishwasher, too.
- Accordingly, the float switch of the washing machine of the present invention can prevent malfunction and fault of the float switch by preventing the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor.
- The float switch of the washing machine of the present invention can prevent malfunction and fault of the float switch by preventing the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor, thereby improving reliability of the washing machine.
-
- The second hook and the second hook hole at a portion where the water protector is enables firm fastening of the water protector to the upper surface of the portion of the switch body where the sensor space is, to improve water protecting capability to prevent infiltration of leaked washing water.
- Thus, the present invention has a substantially high industrial applicability.
Claims (15)
1. A float switch in a washing machine comprising:
a switch body forming an exterior of the float switch;
a float in the switch body for moving up/down by washing water;
a sensor for sensing a position of the float; and
a water protector for preventing the washing water from infiltrating to the sensor.
3. A float switch in a washing machine comprising:
a switch body divided into two sides, having a floating portion for rising up of leaked washing water, and a sensor space for mounting a sensor for sensing a level of the washing water in the floating portion, both formed therein;
a float in the floating portion for floating on a surface of the washing water;
a sensor in the sensor space for measuring a height of the float; and
a water protector for preventing the washing water from infiltrating into the sensor space.
4. The float switch as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the water protector is a bracket at one of the divided two sides of the switch body over the sensor space to cover a joining surface of the divided two sides of the switch body from over the joining surface.
6. The float switch as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the floating portion has openings in a side surface for flowing in of the washing water.
7. The float switch as claimed in claim 3 , further comprising a soft member connected between one sides of the switch body divided into two sides.
8. The float switch as claimed in claim 3 , further comprising at least one fastening means for fastening the switch body.
9. The float switch as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the fastening means includes;
a hook at one of sides of the switch body divided into two sides, and
a hook hole opposite to the hook for receiving and holding the hook.
10. The float switch as claimed in claim 8 , wherein at least one of the fastening means is formed over the sensor space.
11. A float switch in a washing machine comprising:
a switch body divided into two sides, having a floating portion for rising up of leaked washing water, and a sensor space for mounting a sensor for sensing a level of the washing water in the floating portion, both formed therein;
a float in the floating portion for floating on a surface of the washing water; and
a sensor in the sensor space for measuring a height of the float,
wherein one of the two sides of the switch body includes a portion over the sensor space extended to cover a portion of the other side of the switch body over the sensor space.
12. The float switch as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising a soft member connected between one sides of the switch body divided into two sides.
13. The float switch as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising at least one fastening means for fastening the switch body.
14. The float switch as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the fastening means includes;
a hook at one of sides of the switch body divided into two sides, and
a hook hole opposite to the hook for receiving and holding the hook.
15. The float switch as claimed in claim 13 , wherein at least one of the fastening means is formed over the sensor space.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020040028255A KR101082566B1 (en) | 2004-04-23 | 2004-04-23 | Plot switch of washing machine |
KR10-2004-0028255 | 2004-04-23 | ||
PCT/KR2005/001164 WO2005113881A1 (en) | 2004-04-23 | 2005-04-22 | Float switch of washing machine |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070285261A1 true US20070285261A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
Family
ID=35428432
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/558,093 Abandoned US20070285261A1 (en) | 2004-04-23 | 2005-04-23 | Float Switch of Washing Machine |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070285261A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101082566B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE112005000090B4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005113881A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITTO20090480A1 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2010-12-24 | Bitron Spa | INTEGRATED COMPONENT FOR DISHWASHER MACHINE |
CN109509676A (en) * | 2018-12-27 | 2019-03-22 | 宁波美高厨具有限公司 | Microswitch bracket and its excess flow protection device of application |
US20200325611A1 (en) * | 2019-04-10 | 2020-10-15 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Laundry treating apparatus |
US11401650B2 (en) * | 2018-11-14 | 2022-08-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Tub for washing machine and washing machine having the same |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101203564B1 (en) * | 2005-11-02 | 2012-11-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Process of treating water leakage in drum washer |
DE102006047952A1 (en) * | 2006-10-10 | 2008-04-17 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Domestic appliance with a collecting device for leakage water |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19841372C1 (en) * | 1998-09-10 | 2000-02-17 | Miele & Cie | Safety device is for washing machines and dishwashers and has float-operated electrical switch to control water supply |
ATE247733T1 (en) | 2002-03-22 | 2003-09-15 | Bonferraro Spa | FLOOD PREVENTION DEVICE FOR DISHWASHER OR WASHING MACHINE |
-
2004
- 2004-04-23 KR KR1020040028255A patent/KR101082566B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2005
- 2005-04-22 WO PCT/KR2005/001164 patent/WO2005113881A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-04-22 DE DE112005000090T patent/DE112005000090B4/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-04-23 US US10/558,093 patent/US20070285261A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITTO20090480A1 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2010-12-24 | Bitron Spa | INTEGRATED COMPONENT FOR DISHWASHER MACHINE |
US11401650B2 (en) * | 2018-11-14 | 2022-08-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Tub for washing machine and washing machine having the same |
CN109509676A (en) * | 2018-12-27 | 2019-03-22 | 宁波美高厨具有限公司 | Microswitch bracket and its excess flow protection device of application |
US20200325611A1 (en) * | 2019-04-10 | 2020-10-15 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Laundry treating apparatus |
US11560660B2 (en) * | 2019-04-10 | 2023-01-24 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Laundry treating apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE112005000090T5 (en) | 2007-03-15 |
WO2005113881A1 (en) | 2005-12-01 |
KR101082566B1 (en) | 2011-11-10 |
DE112005000090B4 (en) | 2012-04-19 |
KR20050102929A (en) | 2005-10-27 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEE, WOON YONG;REEL/FRAME:018725/0383 Effective date: 20061208 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |