WO2024058291A1

WO2024058291A1 - Washing machine accessory, and washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2024058291A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/013862
Authority: WO
Inventors: 심홍조; 김성혁; 김현우
Original assignee: 엘지전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2022-09-16
Filing date: 2022-09-16
Publication date: 2024-03-21

Abstract

A washing machine accessory comprises: a housing including a flow path open at both ends; a filter which covers the inlet and outlet of the flow path and removes bubbles; a turbidity sensor formed on the flow path; and a wireless communication module which transmits information received from the turbidity sensor to an external device, wherein the washing machine accessory can accurately measure turbidity, thus making it possible to accurately calculate the duration of a rinse cycle.

Description

Washing Machine Accessories and Washing Machines

The present invention relates to washing machine accessories and washing machines.

Generally, a clothing treatment device includes a washing machine, dryer, styler, etc., and the washing machine may include a drying function.

The washing machine performs a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle, and the washing time can be determined depending on the initial washing cycle and the weight of the laundry put into the drum. If the amount of laundry is too much or too little than the standard weight, the administration time may be affected. Additionally, if the laundry is wet, it is judged to be heavier than the actual weight and there is a problem of setting an unnecessarily long time.

Rinsing time may be determined based on the initially measured weight of laundry, but can be increased or decreased by measuring the turbidity of the washing water. At this time, regular washing machine detergents that create too many bubbles have the problem of lengthening washing times because it is difficult to accurately measure turbidity.

The dehydration process is performed by distributing the foam evenly inside the drum and then rotating the drum at high speed. At this time, if there are too few guns, the guns are not distributed evenly, which may result in additional time to balance the drum by evenly distributing the guns within the drum.

In this way, the washing time may be determined by various factors and may change from the initially scheduled seta period. However, from the user's perspective, if the washing time changes, there is a problem of leaving the laundry unattended if the washing continues longer than expected or ends too early. When measuring the accurate time first and then adjusting it, other factors may unnecessarily change the washing time. There is a need to prevent fluctuations from occurring.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a washing machine accessory that can accurately predict washing time.

A housing including a flow path open at both ends; a filter that covers the inlet and outlet of the flow path and removes bubbles; A turbidity sensor formed on the flow path; and a wireless communication module that transmits the information received from the turbidity sensor to an external device.

It is coupled to the inside of the filter and further includes an elastic tube having an outer diameter corresponding to the size of the flow path, and the elastic tube can be inserted into the inlet and outlet of the flow path to fix the filter.

The turbidity sensor may include a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit disposed on opposite sides of one point of the flow path.

The flow path includes a first flow path extending from the inlet; a second flow path bent from the first flow path; and a third flow path bent from the second flow path and connected to the outlet, and the turbidity sensor may be located in the second flow path.

The first flow path and the third flow path may be parallel.

It may include a piezo element that applies vibration to the flow path.

It includes a contact humidity sensor exposed to the outer surface of the housing, and when the wireless communication module detects moisture from the humidity sensor, it can transmit the detected humidity to an external device.

It includes a plurality of force sensors provided in the housing, and the wireless communication module can transmit the amount of impact detected by the force sensor to the external device.

The housing has a cube shape with six sides, and the force sensor can be located on at least three sides.

and a location information sensor including at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor provided in the housing, and the wireless communication module may transmit motion information of the housing acquired from the location information sensor to the external device.

The housing has a cube shape with six sides and may further include a wireless charging coil provided on one side of the housing.

Cabinets that form the exterior; a drum rotatably provided in the cabinet to accommodate laundry; a driving unit that rotates the drum; a water supply unit supplying water into the drum; A wireless communication module that transmits and receives wireless signals; and a control unit that controls the driving unit, the water supply unit, and the wireless communication module to perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle, wherein the wireless communication module is configured to measure the first turbidity level provided by a washing machine accessory inserted into the drum. A washing machine is provided that receives information and resets the rinsing cycle time based on the first turbidity information.

It further includes a turbidity sensor located at the bottom of the cabinet, and the control unit cleans the turbidity sensor when a difference between the first turbidity information received from the washing machine accessory and the second turbidity information measured by the turbidity sensor occurs by more than a standard value. You can implement one of the tax change recommendations.

The wireless communication module receives the humidity of the laundry provided by a washing machine accessory inserted into the drum, and the control unit performs a pre-spin cycle when the humidity is higher than the standard humidity, and then calculates the weight of the laundry in the drum and the drum. Washing time can be calculated by measuring the rotational moment of inertia.

The wireless communication module receives the amount of impulse provided by the washing machine accessory inserted into the drum, and the control unit determines that the amount of laundry is small when the amount of impact is greater than the first standard value, and determines that the amount of laundry is large when the amount of impulse is less than the second standard value. Thus, the washing time can be calculated.

The wireless communication module may receive motion information provided by a washing machine accessory inserted into the drum, and provide a horizontal correction alarm for the washing machine when the motion information shows an irregular pattern.

According to the present invention, accurate turbidity measurement is possible using a washing machine accessory, and the rinsing cycle time can be accurately calculated.

In addition, washing machine accessories can detect humidity and calculate the exact amount of laundry, allowing you to optimally set the washing time.

In addition, the type of laundry can be detected through the amount of impact detected by the washing machine accessory, so you can wash by selecting a cycle according to the laundry.

In addition, washing efficiency can be improved and noise reduced by detecting the tilt of the washing machine through the movement of washing machine accessories and guiding it to be level.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present invention should be understood as being given only as examples.

Figure 1 shows a system equipped with the laundry treatment devices of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows the structures of a washing machine and a mini washing machine among the laundry treatment devices of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing a method of inserting the washing machine accessory of the present invention into a washing machine.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the washing machine accessory of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the operation of a washing machine accessory according to the arrangement of the force sensor and the volume of laundry.

Figure 6 is a graph showing values detected by the force sensor of a washing machine accessory.

Figure 7 is a graph visualizing the movement of washing machine accessories measured by the position detection sensor.

Figure 8 is a graph showing the results of measurement using a turbidity sensor provided in the washing machine.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path of the housing according to the present invention.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the process of washing using the washing machine accessory of the present invention.

11 to 13 are diagrams illustrating a terminal screen for providing the user with the status of the washing machine during washing and controlling the washing machine through an external terminal using the washing machine accessory of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification, identical and similar reference numbers are assigned to identical and similar configurations even in different embodiments, and the description is replaced with the first description. As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical idea disclosed in this specification by the attached drawings.

Figure 1 shows a home appliance system and an online system in which the laundry treatment apparatus of the present invention is deployed.

The laundry treatment device of the present invention includes a washing machine (10) that performs an arbitrary washing course or washing option that performs a washing cycle to remove foreign substances from clothes using water and detergent, and is provided near or below the washing machine to wash the clothes. It may include a mini washing machine 60 that performs any washing course or washing option that performs a washing cycle to remove foreign substances using water and detergent.

The washing machine 10 may be equipped as a front load type in which clothes are loaded at the front, and the mini washing machine 60 may be equipped as a top load type in which clothes are loaded at the top.

As shown, the mini washing machine 60 is placed at the bottom of the washing machine 10, so that the height of the inlet of the washing machine 10 can be raised. In this case, the mini washing machine 60 may be provided as a drawer type that is pulled forward so that the inlet into which clothes are put is exposed.

Additionally, the mini washing machine 60 may be placed on top of the washing machine 10. Accordingly, the user can easily access the mini washing machine 60.

Meanwhile, the laundry treatment device of the present invention includes a drying device 20 that performs any drying course or drying option to dry moisture-containing clothes that have been washed in the washing machine 10 or the mini washing machine 60. can do.

Among the laundry treatment devices of the present invention, a user can place the washing machine 10 and the drying device 20 together indoors, and can additionally include the mini washing machine 60.

As a result, the mini washing machine 60 can wash clothes that are relatively small in volume and frequently washed, such as underwear and baby clothes. Additionally, clothing that is bulky and rarely washed, such as jeans and blankets, can be washed using the washing machine 10.

Meanwhile, one or more of the washing machine 10, the drying device 20, and the mini washing machine 60 can be connected to the Internet network through a router (AP, 30). At least one of the washing machine 10, drying device 20, and mini washing machine 60 is equipped with a communication module and can be connected to the router, and the server 50 provided by the manufacturer of the clothes processing device is The washing machine 10, dryer 20, and mini washing machine 60 can be recognized, registered, and controlled through the port information of the router 30.

If the user possesses an external terminal 40 equipped with a communication module such as a smartphone, the external terminal 40 connects to the server 10 through the Internet network to use the washing machine 10 and the dryer. (20), one or more of the mini washing machines (60) can be controlled.

Additionally, the user may register one or more of the washing machine 10, drying device 20, and mini washing machine 60 with the server 50 through the external terminal 40.

In addition, when there is notification information to the user or updates to courses or options for one or more of the washing machine 10, drying device 20, and mini washing machine 60, the server 50 Notification can be made at (40).

Meanwhile, the washing machine 10, the drying device 20, and the mini washing machine 60 may be equipped to communicate with each other.

Any one of the washing machine 10, the drying device 20, and the mini washing machine 60 is connected to the washing machine 10, the drying device 20, and the It may be equipped to communicate with the remaining two of the mini washing machines (60). For this purpose, the washing machine 10, the drying device 20, and the mini washing machine 60 may be equipped with a communication module such as WIFI.

Additionally, the washing machine 10, the drying device 20, and the mini washing machine 60 may be equipped to communicate with each other without going through the server 50. For example, the washing machine 10, the drying device 20, and the mini washing machine 60 may be equipped to communicate with each other through a Bluetooth communication module.

The washing machine 10, drying device 20, and mini washing machine 60 are equipped to communicate with each other, can be equipped to share each other's status, and can be equipped to display each other's status. .

For example, the user may be equipped to check the status of the drying device 20 and the mini washing machine 60 through the washing machine 10. Therefore, even if the drying device 20 and the mini washing machine 60 are arranged to be spaced apart from the washing machine 10 or are in a position that disappears from the user's field of view when looking at the washing machine 10, the user The status of the dryer 20 and the mini washing machine 60 can be displayed through the washing machine 10.

The washing machine 10, drying device 20, and mini washing machine 60 provide the name of each course or option, the selection status of each course or option, the performance status of each course or option, and the status of each course or option. It may be provided so that completion status, each error or notification status can be shared or displayed to each other.

In addition, one of the washing machine 10, the drying device 20, and the mini washing machine 60 has its own operating panel that receives commands. It may be equipped to operate the other two devices.

The washing machine 10, drying device 20, and mini washing machine 60 can transmit control commands to each other through their respective communication modules or servers 10, and may be equipped to receive control commands.

Accordingly, even if the washing machine 10, drying device 20, and mini washing machine 60 are separated from each other, the user can control other devices with one device, thereby improving convenience.

Figure 2 shows an example of the internal structure of the washing machine 10 and the mini washing machine 20.

Unlike shown, the washing machine 10 and the mini washing machine 20 can be separated and provided independently.

The washing machine 10 includes a cabinet 1 forming the exterior, a tub 2 accommodated in the cabinet 1 and storing water, and a drum 3 rotatably provided in the tub 2 to store water. ), a driving unit 32 coupled to the tub 2 to rotate the drum 3, a water supply unit 23 provided to supply water to the tub 2, and water in the tub 2 It may include a drain part 25 provided to drain the water.

The tub 2 and the drum 3 may be provided with an input port for putting clothes in the front, and the cabinet 1 may further include a door 132 for opening and closing the input port.

The driving unit 32 includes a stator 321 coupled to the rear of the tub 2, a rotor 322 rotated by the stator 321, and a stator 322 coupled to the rotor 322 to form the drum 3. It may include a rotation axis 323 that rotates.

The water supply unit 23 may include a water supply pipe 231 that communicates with an external water supply source and the tub 2, and a water supply valve 232 that opens and closes the water supply pipe 231.

Of course, the water supply unit 23 may further include a detergent box that is provided to be withdrawn from the front of the cabinet 1 and is provided to inject detergent into the tub 2, and the water supply pipe 231 is configured to inject detergent into the tub 2. It may be provided in communication with the box.

The drain unit 25 may include a drain pipe 251 provided at the bottom of the tub 2, and a drain pump 252 coupled to the drain pipe 252 to provide power to discharge water.

The washing machine 10 may further include a support portion 22 for supporting the tub 2 to the cabinet 1, and may include a heater H1 for heating the water inside the tub 2. You can.

In addition, the washing machine 10 may further include a hot air supply unit Ha provided to supply hot air to the tub 2.

Meanwhile, it may include a control panel (P) or a washing control unit that receives commands to display or control the status of the washing machine 10. The control panel (P) may be provided coupled to the cabinet (1).

In addition, the control panel (P) operates at least one of the driving unit 32, the water supply valve 232, the drain pump 252, the heater H1, and the hot air supply unit (Ha) to remove foreign substances from clothing. Can be equipped to perform any wash course and wash option. The washing course and washing options may be comprised of a series of control methods that can perform all of the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and dehydration cycle.

The mini washing machine 60 includes a mini cabinet 1C forming the exterior, a mini tub 2C accommodated in the mini cabinet 1C and storing water, and the mini tub 2C is rotatably provided to store water. A mini drum (3C) for storage, a mini drive unit (32C) coupled to the mini tub (2C) to rotate the mini drum (3C), and a mini water supply unit provided to supply water to the mini tub (2C) 23C) and a mini drain part 25C provided to drain water from the mini tub 2C.

The mini cabinet (1C) may be provided at the lower part of the cabinet (1) to support the cabinet (1). Of course, it is not excluded that the mini cabinet is placed on top of the cabinet 1.

The mini cabinet may be provided integrally with the cabinet 1.

The mini tub (2C) and the mini drum (3C) may be provided with an inlet for inputting clothing at the top, and the mini cabinet (1C) may further include a mini door (132C) for opening and closing the inlet. .

The mini drive unit (32C) is coupled to a mini stator (321C) coupled to the lower part of the mini tub (2C), a mini rotor (322C) rotated by the mini stator (321C), and the mini rotor (322C). It may include a mini rotation shaft (323C) that rotates the mini drum (3C).

The mini water supply unit 23C may include a mini water supply pipe 231C that communicates with an external water supply source and the mini tub 2C, and a mini water supply valve 232C that opens and closes the mini water supply pipe 231C.

Of course, the mini water supply unit 23C may further include a mini detergent box that is provided to be withdrawable from the front of the cabinet 1 and is provided to inject detergent into the mini tub 2C, and the mini water supply pipe ( 231C) may be provided in communication with the detergent box.

The mini drain unit (25C) includes a mini drain pipe (251C) provided at the bottom of the mini tub (2C) and a mini drain pump (252C) that is coupled to the mini drain pipe (252C) and provides power to discharge water. It can be included.

The mini washing machine (60C) may further include a mini support portion (22C) that supports the mini tub (2C) to the mini cabinet (1C), and a mini heating heater that heats the water inside the mini tub (2C). (H2) may be included.

Additionally, the mini washing machine 60 may further include a hot air supply unit (HaC) provided to supply hot air to the mini tub 2C.

Meanwhile, it may include a mini control panel (PC) or a mini control unit that receives commands to display or control the status of the mini washing machine 60. The mini control panel (PC) may be provided coupled to the mini cabinet (1C).

In addition, the mini control panel (PC) operates at least one of the mini driving unit (32C), mini water supply valve (232C), mini drain pump (252C), mini heater (H2), and mini hot air supply unit (HaC). It can be equipped to perform any washing course and washing option to remove foreign substances from clothing. The washing course and washing options may be comprised of a series of control methods that can perform all of the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and dehydration cycle.

The mini washing machine 60 is provided to be withdrawn forward from the mini cabinet 1c and may further include a drawer D that accommodates the mini tub 2c. The drawer (D) may include a front cover (DC) at the front to open and close the entrance through which the drawer (D) is withdrawn from the mini cabinet (1C).

The mini control panel (PC) may be placed on the front cover (DC).

The washing machine (10) has a washing cycle that removes contamination from laundry using water mixed with detergent, a rinsing cycle that removes contaminants and detergents separated from the laundry by putting clean water into the drum (3), and a physical washing cycle that removes the water from the laundry. It can be divided into a dehydration process that removes it with force.

It may further include a drying stroke of applying hot air. If the heater is omitted in the washing machine 10, the drying stroke cannot be performed, and the drying stroke may be performed through a separate dryer.

Drum (3) The washing machine (10) detects the weight and moment of inertia of the laundry after putting it into the drum (3) inside the cabinet and before starting the washing cycle. The weight of laundry can be measured using a scale provided on the drum (3).

However, depending on the type of laundry, even if the weight is the same, if there is laundry that has a large moment of inertia and is bulky, such as a blanket, so it does not lean to one side and fills the drum (3), the moment of inertia may appear small.

Since the moment of inertia plays an important role in determining washing power, the optimal RPM and washing time of the drum 3 can be derived by detecting the weight and moment of inertia of the laundry.

However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to accurately set the washing time if the appropriate amount of laundry is not put in or the appropriate detergent is not used.

For example, when the amount of laundry is too small to generate the centrifugal force of the drum 3, there is a problem that the time for rotating the drum 3 before the washing cycle or spin-drying cycle is prolonged in order to balance the laundry.

In addition, when the laundry is wet, the weight is perceived to be greater than the actual amount of laundry, so the washing time is initially set longer. If the washing time is reduced or not reduced later, the washing is performed for an unnecessarily long time, which may damage the fabric of the laundry.

In addition, if a detergent that foams too much is used, the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor 611 in the washing machine 10 may be inaccurately measured due to foam, thereby prolonging the rinsing cycle time. To remove foam, the washing time becomes longer, so an appropriate detergent must be used, but it is difficult for the user to know.

Since the sensor provided in the washing machine 10 itself is located outside the drum 3, there is a problem in that it is difficult to accurately detect the situation inside the drum 3. Accordingly, the present invention provides a washing machine accessory 600 that is inserted into the drum 3 to detect the situation inside the drum 3 and perform an optimized washing cycle based on this.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing a method of inserting the washing machine accessory 600 of the present invention into the washing machine 10. The washing machine accessory 600 of the present invention is placed inside the drum 3 together with laundry by opening the door 132 of the washing machine 10 and inserting it into the drum 3 (135). It is located inside the drum (3) and can directly contact the laundry, so it can measure more accurate values than other sensors located inside the cabinet (2) of the washing machine (10).

The ball washing machine accessory inserted into the drum 3 of the washing machine 10 rotates with the rotation of the drum 3 and may have a spherical shape to minimize friction with the clothes. Alternatively, considering convenience of charging and placement of the force sensor 623, the housing 610 may be configured in a cube shape as shown in FIG. 3. However, the edges can be configured to have a curved surface to minimize friction with laundry.

The washing machine accessory 600 prevents laundry from becoming tangled when it rotates in the drum 3 and increases washing effectiveness by pounding fabric and creating space between laundry.

In particular, the washing machine accessory 600 of the present invention can solve the problem of inaccurate stroke time of the washing machine 10 by collecting humidity, impact amount, and movement information from inside the drum 3 and providing the information to the washing machine 10. The washing machine 10 can use the information collected from the washing machine accessory 600 to determine the condition of the laundry, provide accurate time information to the user, and select an administration time setting and washing method appropriate for the laundry.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the washing machine accessory 600 of the present invention. The washing machine accessory 600 of the present invention includes a housing 610 on which a plurality of sensors are mounted, and the mounted sensors are located at the same location as the humidity sensor 622, turbidity sensor 611, force sensor 623, and gyro sensor. It may include an information sensor 624, etc.

A battery (not shown) may be included to supply power to the sensor, and since the charging terminal for charging the battery has a waterproof problem, the charging terminal may be omitted and wireless charging may be performed through the wireless charging coil 631.

Additionally, in order to transmit information collected by the sensor to the washing machine 10, a wireless communication module (not shown) for wireless communication with the washing machine 10 may be included.

The housing 610 may have a cube shape as shown in FIG. 3 . It can be configured in a circular shape, but a cube shape is easier to mount components inside, and the wireless charging coil 631 for wireless charging needs to have a flat surface in order to contact the wireless charging device.

In addition, in order to accurately determine the impact direction of the force sensor 623, the housing 610 can be configured in a hexahedral shape and the force sensor 623 can be placed on three sides. Even though the housing 610 has a cube shape, the edges may be curved to prevent laundry from being damaged.

The housing 610 may generate noise when it collides with the drum 3, so it may include an elastic material such as rubber or silicon.

As shown in FIG. 3 , when the washing machine accessory 600 is put into the drum 3 together with laundry, the washing machine 10 measures the weight of the laundry before washing and rotates the drum 3 to measure the moment of inertia.

At this time, when wet laundry is put in, the weight is measured as being heavier compared to the actual laundry weight, so the exact laundry weight cannot be determined and the washing time may increase. To detect whether the laundry is wet, the washing machine accessory 600 of the present invention may include a humidity sensor 622 exposed to the outer surface of the housing 610.

The humidity sensor 622 includes two electrodes 6221, and when moisture comes into contact with the electrodes, current flows between the pair of electrodes 6221. The washing machine accessory 600 is inserted into the drum 3 and comes into direct contact with the laundry, so when the laundry is wet, current flows through the pair of electrodes 6221, which can be detected by the humidity sensor 622.

In other words, since it is wet laundry, it is heavier than the actual laundry weight, so the spin cycle can be performed for about 1 minute to measure the weight accurately. Afterwards, the weight can be measured again to determine the exact weight. Alternatively, the washing time can be set based on the amount of laundry less than the measured weight, taking into account wetness.

A force sensor 623 can be provided to measure volume beyond simply measuring weight alone. The force sensor 623 generates an electrical signal when pressure is applied, and when it collides with the drum 3, the force sensor 623 is pressed and can generate a signal.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the force sensor 623 and the operation of the washing machine accessory 600 according to the volume of laundry. As shown in (a) of FIG. 5, the force sensor 623 can be placed on three sides of a cube-shaped force sensor. It is not necessarily limited to this and may include only one force sensor 623, but may include a plurality of force sensors 623 arranged in different directions to measure the exact amount of impact.

Figure 6 is a graph showing the value detected by the force sensor 623 of the washing machine accessory 600.

When there is a small amount of laundry as shown in (a) of FIG. 5, the force sensor 623 of the washing machine accessory 600 increases the number of times it collides with the drum 3, so that a large impact is detected as shown in (a) of FIG. 6. You can. In this case, the washing machine 10 may determine that the amount or volume of laundry inside the drum 3 is small.

At this time, the user can be advised to add more as the amount of fabric is too small, and the dehydration process time can be set considering that it takes more time to achieve balance during dehydration. However, since the amount of laundry is small, the washing cycle time can be set short.

Meanwhile, as shown in (c) of FIG. 5, in the case of bulky laundry such as blankets, the amount of impact detected by the force sensor 623 appears small as shown in (b) of FIG. 6. Considering that bulky laundry consumes a lot of water, the rinse cycle time can be increased and the spin-drying intensity can be increased. You can change the washing mode to blanket washing mode.

It may further include a position detection sensor 624 that detects a change in the position of the washing machine accessory 600, such as a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor. The position detection sensor 624 moves within the drum 3 of the washing machine accessory 600. can be detected.

Figure 7 is a graph visualizing the movement of the washing machine accessory 600 measured by the position sensor 624. If it moves with a uniform pattern as shown in (a) of FIG. 7, it means that the washing machine 10 is stably horizontal and the laundry is evenly distributed within the drum 3.

However, if the movement of the washing machine accessory 600 shows a pattern of flowing down in one direction as shown in Figure 7 (b), the washing machine 10 is not balanced and the washing machine 10 must be leveled. It can detect the direction of tilt and guide the user to level it. Additionally, by detecting the degree of inclination, the rotation direction and number of rotations of the leveling legs on the floor can be suggested to the user. (see Figure 13)

Figure 8 is a graph showing the results of measurement using the turbidity sensor provided in the washing machine 10. The dots on the graph are the values measured by the turbidity sensor, and the range of detected values is very wide. The value that consistently appears above a certain level (200) at the bottom indicates that the actual washing water is contaminated, and the reason the value appears in a wider range than that is because foam enters the turbidity sensor and does not measure accurate turbidity.

Depending on the number of rinses, foam decreases, turbidity decreases, and the washing water becomes clear, but accurate measurement of turbidity is difficult due to foam. Additionally, since the turbidity sensor is located at the bottom of the washing machine 10, contaminants such as scale adhere to it, making it difficult for it to function properly when used for a long period of time.

Accordingly, the washing machine accessory 600 of the present invention is equipped with its own turbidity sensor 611 and can accurately measure the contamination level of washing water without being affected by foam. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path 611 of the housing 610 according to the present invention.

The washing machine accessory 600 includes a flow path 611 penetrating the inside of the housing 610 and may include a turbidity sensor 611 disposed on the flow path 611. One side and the other side of the flow path 611 are connected to the outside of the housing 610, and wash water from the outside, that is, inside the drum 3, can flow in and pass through the flow path 611.

The flow path 611 has an inlet 612 and an outlet located in different directions, a first flow path 6111 extending vertically from the inlet 612, a second flow path 6112 bent from the first flow path 6111, and a second flow path 6112. It may be configured as a third flow path 6113 that is bent again from the flow path 6112 and leads to the outlet.

The inlet 612 and outlet of the flow path 611 are not necessarily distinguished, and one end of the flow path 611 may be either an inlet 612 through which washing water flows or an outlet.

The first flow path 6111 and the third flow path 6113 may be arranged parallel to each other, and the second flow path 6112 is bent at the first flow path 6111 to reduce the flow rate of the washing water flowing in from the inlet 612. I order it. If the washing water flows too quickly in the flow path 611, it is difficult to measure the turbidity of the washing water.

The second flow path 6112 may be configured to have an angle of approximately 90° with the first flow path 6111. If the angle is too large, the flow speed is too fast, the angle is too small, and a U-shaped section may be formed on the flow path 611.

Since there is a problem of washing water accumulating in the U-shaped bent portion, as shown in FIG. 9, the first flow path 6111 has an angle of about 90° with the second flow path 6112, and the second flow path 6112 and the third flow path are connected to each other. (6113) can also be configured to have an angle of about 90°. The bent portion of the flow path 611 can be configured to form a curve so that the wash water flows smoothly without impact.

A piezo element 627 that applies vibration to the flow path 611 may be added so that the wash water passes through the flow path 611 without stagnating. When an electrical signal is applied, vibration can be applied to promote the flow of washing water in the flow path 611.

In this embodiment, the piezo element 627 is located on the outlet 612 side, but the location is not limited to this. It can be arranged considering the arrangement of the turbidity sensor 611 and other sensors, and a plurality of them may be provided.

The turbidity sensor 611 located on the flow path 611 can measure the turbidity of the washing water flowing in through the flow path 611. As shown in FIG. 9, the turbidity sensor 611 may be located at the same distance from both ends of the flow path 611, and has a light emitting part 611a and a light receiving part 611b on both sides in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the flow path 611. ) can be placed.

The light emitting unit 611a may include an LED module, and the light receiving unit 611b may include a photodiode. The light emitting part 611a and the light receiving part 611b are located inside the housing 610, but are exposed to moisture through the flow path 611, so they can be covered with a transparent waterproof cap. The rinsing cycle time can be set by measuring the degree of contamination of the washing water through the extent to which the light emitted from the light emitting unit 611a is received by the light receiving unit 611b.

In order to remove bubbles from the washing water flowing into the flow path 611, the inlet 612 and outlet of the flow path 611 may include a mesh-shaped filter 615 that does not allow bubbles to pass through the filter 615. Since foam is removed from one wash water, the contamination level of the wash water can be accurately measured. In order to fix the filter 615 to the flow path 611, it may include a cylindrical elastic tube 616 coupled to the inner surface of the filter 615.

The turbidity sensor 611 of the washing machine accessory 600 measures the turbidity of the washing water from which foam has been removed, can detect the degree of contamination of the washing water, and can adjust the rinsing cycle time.

The turbidity sensor provided in the washing machine (10) itself cannot accurately measure the contamination level of the washing water due to foam, but since not only contaminants but also foam must be removed through the rinsing cycle, the value of the turbidity sensor of the washing machine (10) itself is also measured. It can be used to determine the rinse cycle time.

Even after the rinsing cycle is repeated multiple times, if the difference between the values of the turbidity sensor of the washing machine 10 and the turbidity sensor 611 of the washing machine accessory 600 is too large, it is determined that there is a lot of foam and the user is advised to use a detergent that generates less foam. can be suggested to

Alternatively, the user may be guided to clean the turbidity sensor by considering that the turbidity sensor of the washing machine 10 is contaminated. (see Figure 12)

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the process of washing using the washing machine accessory 600 of the present invention. It includes a method of additionally controlling the washing machine accessory 600 using information received from during the washing process without the washing machine accessory 600. Colored steps in the flowchart relate to control methods using information collected from the washing machine accessory 600.

First, the washing tub is rotated to calculate the weight and moment of inertia of the laundry to set the washing time (S111). At this time, when moisture is detected by the sensor of the washing machine 10 (S113), the laundry is judged to be wet and a spin-drying cycle (pre-spinning) can be performed to accurately measure the weight (S115).

Preliminary dehydration can be performed for a set amount of time, or can be performed in proportion to the detected weight. Since the purpose is to reduce the weight error and not to increase the washing time, there is no need to completely dehydrate, so the dehydration time does not need to be long, so in this example, it was set to 1 minute.

At this time, the moisture measurement can be performed again if the humidity does not fall below a certain level. However, in order not to increase the washing time, the weight and moment of inertia can be calculated immediately without additional pre-spinning (S117, S119).

The washing cycle time, rinsing cycle time, and spin-drying cycle time can be set based on the measured weight and moment of inertia. During the later washing process, the time can be adjusted depending on the turbidity of the washing water and the material of the laundry.

Once the calculation of the weight of the laundry and the moment of inertia of the drum 3 is completed, the washing cycle begins (S121). The washing cycle is a process of adding a certain amount of water and detergent and then rotating the drum (3) to induce friction on the laundry to remove contaminants. Unlike the dehydration stroke, the drum (3) rotates while changing its rotation direction and the rotation speed is not too fast.

At this time, the washing machine accessory 600 located inside the drum 3 moves inside the drum 3 and rolls or falls inside the drum 3 when the amount of laundry is small or the volume of the laundry is small. At this time, the washing machine accessory 600 receives a large impact.

On the other hand, if the laundry is cotton-filled winter clothes or blankets, the impact of the washing machine accessory 600 may be small and the moving distance may be short since they are soft.

The characteristics of the laundry can be extracted by detecting the amount of impact applied to the washing machine accessory 600 using the force sensor 623 (S123). For example, if it is not in the blanket washing mode but the amount of impact is too low, you can change to the blanket washing mode and adjust the washing time (S125).

Alternatively, if the amount of impact is large, the laundry is judged to be thin or thin, and the washing time and padding can be adjusted. In addition, the movement of the washing machine accessory 600 according to the laundry can be extracted by combining information acquired from the position sensor such as the acceleration sensor or gyro sensor described above.

By learning the pattern of the force sensor 623 through artificial intelligence, you can classify the material and capacity of laundry and set the optimal washing time and washing method simply by inserting the washing machine accessory 600.

In particular, the washing machine accessory 600 of the present invention is provided with a plurality of force sensors 623, and can derive an accurate movement pattern of the washing machine accessory 600 by summarizing the amount of impact of each force sensor 623.

When the washing cycle is completed, a rinsing cycle is performed (S131). The rinsing cycle is a cycle of pouring clean water into the drum 3 to remove dirt and detergent attached to laundry, and can be performed multiple times.

Generally, a set number of rinse cycles and a set time are performed according to the selected washing cycle. However, if the level of contamination detected by the turbidity sensor 611 does not fall below the standard value (S133, S135), the rinsing time and number of cycles can be increased ( S137).

At this time, since the value obtained from the turbidity sensor 611 of the washing machine 10 itself may be an inaccurate value due to foam, the level of contamination of the washing water can be accurately determined based on the information extracted from the washing machine accessory 600. It can be derived.

If the turbidity sensor 611 value is above a certain turbidity, the washing time can be readjusted by adding rinsing time, and the amount of foam can also be measured by using the turbidity sensor 611 value of the washing machine 10 itself. However, as described above, if the turbidity sensor 611 of the washing machine 10 itself is contaminated and an accurate value cannot be extracted, only the value of the turbidity sensor 611 of the washing machine accessory 600 may be used.

If the error between the turbidity sensor 611 value of the washing machine accessory 600 and the turbidity sensor value of the washing machine 10 is large, it may be determined that the turbidity sensor of the washing machine 10 is contaminated, and the user may be guided to wash. .

When the turbidity falls below the standard, the rinsing process can be terminated and the dehydration process can be performed (S141). During the spin-drying cycle, the washing time can be adjusted using the humidity sensor 622 of the washing machine accessory 600 until moisture below a certain level is detected.

11 to 13 show a terminal screen for providing the user with the status of the washing machine 10 during washing using the washing machine accessory 600 of the present invention and controlling the washing machine 10 through an external terminal. It is a drawing.

When the washing machine accessory 600 is inserted into the drum 3, the washing machine 10 is connected to the accessory through short-distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and can receive information about the washing machine accessory 600.

By transmitting this to the terminal connected to the washing machine 10, the terminal creates or activates the washing machine accessory 600 icon (①) on the screen as shown in (a) of Figure 11, and when this is selected, the washing machine accessory is displayed as shown in (b) of Figure 11. You can check the collected information at (600). Alternatively, the washing machine accessory 600 may directly communicate wirelessly with the terminal to transmit information.

The washing machine accessory 600 can display the progress of the washing cycle and the remaining time (②). Washing power (③) can be provided based on the amount of impact detected by the force sensor 623. The greater the amount of impact detected by the force sensor 623 of the washing machine accessory 600, the greater the effect of friction between laundry and water, resulting in superior washing power. Based on this, washing power can be displayed numerically. The rotation speed of the motor and the impact amount of the force sensor 623 are proportional, but as the period of use increases, the RPM value of the motor of the washing machine 10 may decrease, so washing power can be increased based on the value of the force sensor 623 of the washing machine accessory 600. The RPM value can be adjusted.

The contamination level of washing water measured using the turbidity sensor 611 can be provided (④). In the drawing, only the value measured by the washing machine accessory 600 is shown for the contamination level of the washing water, but the turbidity sensor of the washing machine 10 and the value can also be provided.

FIG. 12 shows a screen that provides additional information to the user by comparing the contamination level of washing water measured by the turbidity sensor 611 of the washing machine accessory 600 and the turbidity sensor of the washing machine 10. As shown in (a), the values of the two turbidity sensors 611 can be compared to determine the appropriate amount of foam or whether the turbidity sensor of the washing machine 10 is contaminated.

(b) provides information on detergents specifically for the drum 3 to the user and can guide the user to use a detergent suitable for the washing machine 10. You can display a button to connect directly to the shopping mall and make a purchase.

As shown in (c), the turbidity sensor 611 inside the washing machine 10 can be cleaned by determining that the turbidity sensor of the washing machine 10 is contaminated. In the case of a washing machine (10) that is not equipped with a turbidity sensor (611) washing function, the firmware is updated to supply washing water intensively around the turbidity sensor (611) and rotate the drum (3) to induce friction. can be controlled.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 11, the presence or absence of wet laundry can be determined and provided to the user before washing (⑤), and whether the washing machine 10 is leveled can be determined through the position detection sensor 624. It can be provided to users (⑥).

Figure 13 shows a screen of a terminal that measures the horizontality of the washing machine 10 and guides the user to correct the eccentricity. As shown in (a) of FIG. 13, the movement of the washing machine accessory 600 can be visually provided and guidance can be provided to solve the problem.

(b) can specifically provide information on how to operate the leveling legs on the floor to level the washing machine 10.

According to the present invention, accurate turbidity measurement is possible using the washing machine accessory 600, and the rinsing cycle time can be accurately calculated.

Additionally, the washing machine accessory 600 can detect humidity and calculate an accurate amount of laundry, allowing the washing time to be optimally set.

In addition, the type of laundry can be detected through the amount of impact detected by the washing machine accessory 600, so washing can be done by selecting a stroke according to the laundry.

In addition, washing efficiency can be improved and noise can be reduced by detecting the tilt of the washing machine 10 through the movement of the washing machine accessory 600 and guiding it to be level.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in any respect and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A housing including a flow path open at both ends;

a filter that covers the inlet and outlet of the flow path and removes bubbles;

A turbidity sensor formed on the flow path; and

A washing machine accessory including a wireless communication module that transmits the information received from the turbidity sensor to an external device.
According to clause 1,

It is coupled to the inside of the filter and further includes an elastic tube having an outer diameter corresponding to the size of the flow path,

A washing machine accessory, characterized in that the elastic tube is inserted into the inlet and outlet of the flow path to fix the filter.
According to paragraph 1,

The turbidity sensor is

A washing machine accessory, comprising a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit disposed on opposite sides of one point of the flow passage.
According to paragraph 1,

The euro is

a first flow path extending from the inlet;

a second flow path bent from the first flow path; and

It includes a third flow path bent from the second flow path and connected to the outlet,

A washing machine accessory, characterized in that the turbidity sensor is located in the second flow path.
According to paragraph 4,

A washing machine accessory, characterized in that the first flow path and the third flow path are parallel.
According to clause 1,

A washing machine accessory comprising a piezo element that applies vibration to the flow path.
According to clause 1,

Includes a contact-type humidity sensor exposed to the outer surface of the housing,

The wireless communication module is a washing machine accessory characterized in that when moisture is detected by the humidity sensor, the detected humidity is transmitted to an external device.
According to clause 1,

It includes a plurality of force sensors provided in the housing,

The wireless communication module is a washing machine accessory characterized in that it transmits the amount of impact detected by the force sensor to the external device.
According to clause 8,

The housing has a cube shape with six sides.

A washing machine accessory, characterized in that the force sensor is located on at least three sides.
According to paragraph 1,

A location information sensor including at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor provided in the housing,

The wireless communication module is a washing machine accessory, characterized in that it transmits motion information of the housing acquired from the location information sensor to the external device.
According to paragraph 1,

The housing has a cube shape with six sides.

A washing machine accessory, further comprising a wireless charging coil provided on one side of the housing.
Cabinets that form the exterior;

a drum rotatably provided in the cabinet to accommodate laundry;

a driving unit that rotates the drum;

a water supply unit supplying water into the drum;

A wireless communication module that transmits and receives wireless signals; and

It includes a control unit that controls the driving unit, the water supply unit, and the wireless communication module to perform a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process,

The wireless communication module receives first turbidity information provided by a washing machine accessory inserted into the drum,

A washing machine, characterized in that the rinsing cycle time is reset based on the first turbidity information.
According to clause 12,

It further includes a turbidity sensor located at the bottom of the cabinet.

The control unit

When there is a difference between the first turbidity information received from the washing machine accessory and the second turbidity information measured by the turbidity sensor by more than a standard value.

A washing machine characterized in that it performs one of the cleaning of the turbidity sensor or a detergent change recommendation.
According to clause 12,

The wireless communication module receives the humidity of the laundry provided by a washing machine accessory inserted into the drum,

The control unit,

A washing machine characterized in that, when the humidity is higher than the standard humidity, the washing time is calculated by measuring the weight of the laundry in the drum and the rotational moment of inertia of the drum after performing a pre-spin cycle.
According to clause 12,

The wireless communication module receives the impulse provided by the washing machine accessory inserted into the drum,

The washing machine is characterized in that the control unit determines that the amount of laundry is small when the impact amount is greater than or equal to a first reference value, and determines that the amount of laundry is large when the amount of impact is less than or equal to a second reference value to calculate the washing time.
According to clause 12,

The wireless communication module receives motion information provided by a washing machine accessory inserted into the drum,

A washing machine, characterized in that it provides a horizontal correction alarm of the washing machine when the motion information shows an atypical pattern.