Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine that amplifies the displacement of a tub according to input of laundry such that the displacement of the tub is accurately sensed by a sensor module and a laundry amount detection apparatus thereof. The washing machine includes a housing forming an external appearance thereof, a tub provided in the housing to contain water, an amplification unit to amplify displacement of the tub, and a sensor module to sense weight of laundry using the amplified displacement of the tub.

Abstract: A washing machine having a cabinet, a pressure sensor located in the cabinet, and an air trap having at least one baffle to substantially block water at the air trap. The air trap may have an inlet in communication with a sump of the washing machine and an outlet in communication with a hose coupled to the pressure sensor. The at least one baffle may be partially traversing the air trap to substantially block water from entering the outlet when the cabinet is in a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor for a household device which serves for levelling the appliance and also for weighing the material introduced into the appliance, for example on a laundry unit or crockery and furthermore, in particular for a linen treatment device, for monitoring imbalances. The sensor is based on the principle that a temperature profile, generated by a thermal source, for example, an immersion heater, in a sealed chamber which contains a gas, undergoes a displacement as a result of the acceleration, which is measured by temperature sensors arranged on a flat plate.

Abstract: A washing appliance, particularly a laundry washer or a dishwasher, comprises a tank (2) for loading washing liquor and items to be washed and control means adapted to carry out a predetermined washing program. It further comprises an inclined drain surface (2a) for collecting a portion of the washing liquor and means (6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) for assessing properties of such liquid on the basis of the drainage behavior thereof.

Abstract: A water level control for a washing machine provides an integrated unit that may replace standard mechanical water level controls with a microprocessor-based circuit that may provide for more sophisticated water management in a standard washing machine using a non-microprocessor cycle timer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a housing device provided with a system for detecting the load applied to an element arranged in the housing, an internal part configured in such a way as to hold said element, and an external part for fixing the device to a mechanical group, the internal part being connected to the external part by at least two deformable connection parts in such a way that the internal part can be displaced in relation to the external part under the action of a load applied to the element. The system for detecting the applied load comprises a means for directly detecting the displacement of one of the parts, internal or external, in relation to the other part, external or internal, under the action of a load applied to the element.

Abstract: A device for determining a fill level of liquid within a suds tub of a washing machine, having a fill level sensor by means of which a pressure value generated by the liquid can be determined, the fill level sensor having at least one detection part disposed in a lower area of the suds tub that is covered by the liquid during the washing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for mounting a temperature sensor on a steam generator, which enables easy and convenient mounting of a temperature sensor on a steam generator. For this, the present invention provides a structure for mounting a temperature sensor on a steam generator in a drum type washing machine including a case which is an exterior of the steam generator, the temperature sensor provided to the case for sensing a temperature of steam generated by a heater, a bracket for fixing the temperature sensor, a fastening portion provided to the case for fastening the bracket to the case with separate fastening members, and a bracket rotation preventive portion provided to the case for preventing the bracket from rotating at the time the temperature sensor is mounted.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor for a household device which serves for leveling the appliance and also for weighing the material introduced into the appliance, for example on a laundry unit or crockery and furthermore, in particular for a linen treatment device, for monitoring imbalances. The sensor is based on the principle that a temperature profile, generated by a thermal source, for example, an immersion heater in a sealed chamber which contains a gas, undergoes a displacement as a result of the acceleration, which is measured by temperature sensors arranged on a flat plate.

Abstract: A foam sensor of a drum washing machine is constructed such that a pair of temperature electrode terminals and a foam electrode terminal are supplied with electricity by a single connector, and thus is able to sense an electrical connection by a signal change of the temperature electrode terminals, in a case where electrical connection of the foam electrode terminal is cut off, thereby preventing a false sensing of foam generation caused by electrical short-circuiting of the foam electrode terminal. Furthermore, the foam electrode terminal is provided integral with the connector, and the temperature sensor portion has a thermistor for sensing a temperature of washing water and temperature electrode terminals inserted into the connector, the thermistor and the temperature electrode terminals being connected by a cord, which makes installation easier.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The washing machine detects a back electromotive force of a washing motor, and controls output of an alarm sound by analyzing periodicity of a waveform period of the back electromotive force. The washing machine determines whether a child or pet is in a drum washing machine on the basis of the back electromotive force generated from the washing motor, and informs a user or guardian of the determined result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry machines, and more particularly, to a control unit assembly in a laundry machine which enables easy assembly and accurate alignment of an input device of a printed circuit board with a button portion of a control panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for treating clothes, which can prevent an operation pressure of a compressor of a heat pump from rising, excessively. The clothes treating apparatus includes a housing which forms a holding space for holding clothes, a heat pump for generating hot air for drying laundry in the holding space, a sensing unit mounted to a circulation passage of air being supplied to the holding space or an inlet passage of air introduced to the heat pump for measuring a temperature of the air, and a control unit for controlling a temperature of the housing to drop below a preset temperature if the temperature of the holding space is higher than a preset temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device, comprising an optical sensory array for determining changes in the position of a drum which is mounted in a washing machine at least so as to be pivotable about a swiveling axis. The sensory array is provided with at least one light sensor, at least one modifiable light passage, and at least one light source. The light sensor is directed to portions of light which are emitted by the light source, are dependent upon changes in the light passage, and impinge the light sensor.

Abstract: A panel arrangement for a domestic appliance, having a panel which can be fitted to the domestic appliance such that it is visible from the outside. Indicator and/or operator controls are provided which are mounted on the panel. A printed circuit board comprises control and possibly power electronics and can be arranged in the interior of the domestic appliance. The indicator and/or operator controls are connected to the printed circuit board. At least some of the indicator and/or operator controls are mounted on the panel substantially independently of the layout of the printed circuit board and are connected to the printed circuit board via at least one flexible supply line.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water; a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature representative of the steam generator chamber at a predetermined water level in the steam generator chamber; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to control flow of water through the supply conduit based on the sensed temperature to control the level of water in the steam generator chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a still operation of a washing machine, and more particularly, a washing machine which includes an operation condition of the washing machine in correspondence with each of a plurality of stillness modes and operates according to the operation condition corresponding to any one selected from the plurality of stillness modes. The washing machine includes a controller which, by the selection of any one of a plurality of stillness modes which are distinguished according to a stillness degree of an operation, controls the washing machine according to an operation condition corresponding to the selected stillness mode.

Abstract: A control panel of a laundry machine is disclosed. A control panel of a laundry machine includes a first operation part for selecting one of plural washing courses, a display part displaying the washing course selected by using the first operation part and a control part controlling the display part to display the washing course selected by using the first operation part. According to the control panel, it is unnecessary to print letters of the washing courses in the surface of the control panel. As a result, the exterior design of the control panel 110 may be improved and there may be no concern of the printed courses being erased.

Abstract: The washing machine comprises a support structure in which is suspended a washing chamber in which a laundry drum is mounted to be rotatable, and in which a detector is provided, capable of providing electrical signals indicating the level of the washing liquid in the chamber. The detector comprises an inductive transducer including a coil and an associated core, the relative position of which is variable according to the level of the washing liquid such that the inductance of the coil varies accordingly. The inductive transducer is coupled to the laundry drum in such a way that the inductance of the coil is variable also according to the weight of the load contained in the drum.

Abstract: A detecting device of unbalance conditions, particularly for washing machines (1) and similar household appliances comprising a rotary drum (2a) supported by a tank (2) and activated by a synchronous electric motor (3) with an internal stator (5) having corresponding windings fixedly mounted on a central axis (10). The detecting device comprises an electronic control board (18) for the synchronous motor (3) associated with the stator (5) and incorporating at least one accelerometer (51) to constantly monitor the acceleration of said tank (2) and indirectly the unbalance of said washing machine (1) and the unbalance of a load comprised in the rotary drum (2a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine having an operation unit and a display unit provided, separately. The drum type washing machine includes a cabinet, a front panel secured to a front of the cabinet, an operation unit mounted to the front panel for selection of a washing course, and a display unit mounted to the front of the cabinet separate from the front panel for displaying the washing course received at the operation unit.

Abstract: A three-axis linear position sensor apparatus may include (a) a reference device adapted as a magnetic field generating element, (b) a receiver pad adapted to measure a magnetic field generated by the reference device, and (c) a signal-conditioning and signal-processing electronics adapted to determine a three-axis linear position of the reference device based on the magnetic field measured by the receiver pad.

Abstract: A washing machine having a structure in which operating conditions of the washing machine are inputted by a rotary knob (7), and current operating conditions are displayed by the light emitted from an LED and transmitted through a display unit (130) is disclosed. The interference of the light emitted from the LED is interrupted, whereby the operating conditions of the washing machine are clearly displayed.

Abstract: A method of detecting an item of clothing in the space between a door assembly of a washing machine and an annular gasket interposed between the door assembly and a washing tub of the washing machine. The method further includes taking an action to remove the item of the laundry from the space between the door assembly and the annular gasket.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing machine having a hall sensor wire stably secured to a tub through a rear wall of the tub, thereby preventing the hall sensor wire from freely moving due to vibration transmitted from the tub when operating the washing machine. The washing machine comprises a tub installed in a body of the washing machine to contain water, and a fixing bracket positioned on a rear wall of the tub to prevent movement of at least one hall sensor wire connected with a hall sensor serving to detect a speed of a motor installed on the rear wall of the tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to washing machines, and more particularly, to a washing machine having a lamp device with LED (76,78) mounted to a gasket (40) for lighting an inside of the washing machine, and a method for controlling the same. For this the present invention provides a washing machine including a cabinet (2) having a door (8) on a front, a tub (20) in the tub for holding washing water, a drum (30) rotatably mounted in the tub (20), a gasket (40) mounted to connect openings of the door (8) and the tub (20), and a lamp device (50) provided to the gasket (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to an acceleration sensor for a household device (20) which serves for levelling the appliance and also for weighing the material introduced into the appliance, for example on a laundry unit or crockery and furthermore, in particular for a linen treatment device, for monitoring imbalances. The sensor is based on the principle that a temperature profile, generated by a thermal source, for example, an immersion heater (5), in a scaled chamber (6) which contains a gas, undergoes a displacement as a result of the acceleration, which is measured by temperature sensors arranged on a flat plate (4).

Abstract: A control system for a laundry machine provides a system for engaging a laundry machine in a drop-off mode, allowing an operator to use the machine as necessary to process customer garments without being required to activate the machine via a payment interface. In an embodiment of the invention, the system provides a lock-out function for allowing a machine to be reserved for a specific user holding a predetermined password or code. In a further embodiment of the invention, the laundry machine is configured with a low power and/or shut down facility, whereby the power consumption of the machine may be greatly reduce during idle periods.

Abstract: A washing machine combined with a dryer is provided. In the washing machine combined with a dryer, a tub is provided, a dryer duct is installed outside of the tub to introduce a surrounding air into the tub, a heater is installed in the dryer duct to apply heat to the surrounding air, a temperature sensor is installed in the dryer duct to measure temperature inside the tub or temperature inside the dryer duct, and a dryer fan is installed in the dryer duct to draw in the surrounding air.

Abstract: A laundry appliance can be selectively operated in either manual or automatic modes of operation. In the automatic mode, a laundering operation is initiated upon receiving a single cycle input parameter from the user, preferably through a LCD touch screen display, while relying on additional operating cycle parameters established by factory preset settings or prior consumer established preferences. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a consumer need merely select a single cycle parameter, such as a type of stain adapted to be removed, and the appliance will start based on temperature and other setting parameters taken from memory. However, even with the automatic start feature activated, the user will still be able to adjust pre-established cycle parameters by changing default values after the cycle has started.

Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a door having means for determining an opened state or a closed state. The method may include sensing a first wet laundry amount after initiating a wash cycle of a wash course, sensing a second wet laundry amount upon detection of an open state of the door during the wash cycle. Control of the wash course may be based on the first wet laundry amount, if the open state of the door is not detected during the wash cycle, or control of the wash course may be based on the second wet laundry amount if the open state of the door is detected during the wash cycle.

Abstract: A control panel window assembly of a washing/drying machine includes a control panel with a window hole on which a display part is mounted, wherein a control panel window is mounted at the window hole, and the control panel window includes: a display window formed to cover a portion of the display part; a button portions including a plurality of button portions formed at both sides of the display window. The washing/drying machine having the control panel window assembly can meet the needs of users who prefer a washing/drying machine in harmony with the cabinet made of stainless steel and provide a high-end quality image.

Abstract: A control panel assembly for a washing machine, where the control panel can be easily assembled to the washing machine. The control panel includes a recess provided to an outer case of the washing machine and a control panel mounted in the recess. The control panel includes a first fixing part caught on an upper part of the recess and a second fixing part sliding along a bottom surface of the recess while the first fixing part is caught on the upper part of the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry machines, such as dryers or washing machines, and more particularly, to a laundry machine in which a mounting position of at least an input unit or a display unit of a controller can be changed. The present invention suggests a variety of forms in which at least a component such as a motor or a main control unit in a body of the laundry machine is electrically connected to the changeable controlling unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry machines, such as washing machines or dryers, for washing or drying laundry. The steam generator (50) for a laundry machine includes a housing (80) formed to provide a space for holding water, a heater (55) for heating the water to generate steam, a water level sensor (60) for sensing a water level of the water held in the housing, and a stability maintaining member (70) for maintaining a stable state of the water at a portion to be sensed by the water level sensor (60).

Abstract: A garment refreshing appliance comprising: an enclosure for receiving at least one garment to be refreshed, a support positioned in said enclosure to receive and suspend said garment in said enclosure, an air moving device arranged to circulate a flow of air within said enclosure, and an air duct associated with said air moving device to direct said circulating flow of air within said enclosure, said air duct having a plurality of flow directing vanes associated therewith to direct said recirculating flow of air against said garment.

Abstract: Disclosed are a selection member coupling apparatus for a clothing handler and a coupling method thereof. The selection member coupling apparatus for the clothing handler includes a selection member, a selection member guiding member for guiding an operation of the selection member by having a front surface to which the selection member is coupled, a plurality of light emitting devices for emitting light according to an option selected by the selection member, and a transparent window coupled to the selection member guiding member with covering the plurality of light emitting devices.

Abstract: A signal inspection apparatus of a commercial washing machine that is capable of inspecting whether a signal generated from the commercial washing machine is abnormal is disclosed. The signal inspection apparatus includes a connector configured to be connected to ports of a machine body of the commercial washing machine, through which the exchange of a signal between the machine body and a charge settlement device is achieved, and a display unit for displaying whether the signal inputted through the ports is abnormal.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a washing volume for receiving laundry. The washing machine also includes an ozone inlet for providing ozone to the washing volume and an ozone outlet for receiving gaseous ozone from the washing volume. An ozone sensor is provided for measuring the gaseous ozone passing through the ozone outlet. A controller may be connected to the ozone sensor to receive an ozone measurement and to determining a degree of disinfection by the washing cycle.

Abstract: There is provided a method for constructing a menu in a washing machine integrally having a drier where communication is possible. The method includes the steps of: transmitting sent data if a power is applied; reading received data that depends on transmission of the sent data; judging a connection state of the drier and the washing machine using the read and received data and displaying differently contents of a menu screen displayed on the display unit according to the judgment results. Therefore, a menu construction is changed depending on a communication state of the drier and the washing machine, so that whether one machine is independently used or works in cooperation with the other machine can be more easily recognized and a menu selection and checking are easy, thus user convenience can be improved.

Abstract: A control method of a washing machine enables the output of a plurality of melodies indicative of any one of a plurality of operational states of the washing machine. The method of controlling the washing machine includes the steps of assigning at least one audio signal according to a specific operational state of the washing machine among a plurality of operational states, monitoring the specific operational state of the washing machine, and outputting the at least one audio signal according to the specific operational state.

Abstract: A control panel assembly for a washing machine is provided. The control panel assembly is installed at a case of the washing machine so that a user can handle the washing machine. The control panel assembly includes a circuit board, a cover and a member. The circuit board includes a given area having one or more displays densely attached thereon. The cover is attached on a case of the washing machine so as to cover the circuit board, and includes one window for showing all of the displays. The member is configured to be detachable from the window to thereby divide the window into several areas. The control panel assembly may further include a member attached on the window to thereby divide the window into several areas or cover boundaries between the displays.

Abstract: A button assembly and a washing machine having the same, by which a simplified structure enabling to perform assembly and disassembly of the button assembly are disclosed. The button assembly includes a panel having at least one button hole, at least one push button inserted in the at least one button hole in part, and an elastic part coupled to the panel to prevent the at least one push button from being separated from the panel and to elastically support a rear side of the at least one push button.

Abstract: Control panels for a drum type washing machine, and a dryer including a first control panel mounted on a position for a drum type washing machine or a dryer, having a key part for applying a command for controlling the drum type washing machine or the dryer, and a display part for displaying an image in accordance with the command applied through the key part, a second control panel mounted on a position for the drum type washing machine or the dryer in symmetry with the first control panel, having a key part for applying a command for controlling the drum type washing machine or the dryer, and a display part for displaying an image in accordance with the command applied through the key part, in symmetry with the key part, and the display part in the first control panel respectively, and a first, and a second controlling parts connected to the first control panel or the second control panel, for controlling operation of the appliances according to the command of the user applied through the first control pane

Abstract: The present invention relates to an avatar image processing unit applicable to various kind of electronic products for representing information on operation or control of the product with an avatar, and a washing machine having the same applied thereto. The avatar image processing unit of the present invention applied to a home appliance enables to represent a basic direction of use, and states of operation progress and control with mobile characters. The voice presentation related to movement of the avatar enables more accurate transmission of information, which enhances visibility of information to improve information transmission performance, and permits to put emphasis on an entertainment factor of the present consumer trend. A variety of representation is possible by downloading and storing new avatar from a server with an external device, which permits a variety of operation state representations proper for operation conditions, thereby enhancing competitiveness of the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for displaying usage guidelines of a washing machine, and more particularly, to a method and device for displaying usage guidelines of a washing machine wherein a user can be guided in all the washing processes by the respective stages. The present invention is characterized in that usages of the washing machine by the respective stages are provided to an inexperienced person who does not know well the usages, that actual processes are performed when the user follows the provided instructions, and that the user can personally check and troubleshoot simple problems which may occur when utilizing the washing machine. According to the present invention, there is an additional advantage in that various functions and usages of the washing machine can be more conveniently and efficiently utilized with the aid of a wash help.

Abstract: A front-loading type clothes washing machine comprises a washing tub, a drum which is rotatable within said washing tub about a horizontal or inclined center of rotation and capable of containing the items to be washed, a door assembly for closing the tub and an annular bellow-type gasket interposed between the door assembly and the washing tub. The washing machine further comprises a safety device having a sensor disposed in the zone of the annular gasket and adapted to detect when at least an item of laundry is present in said zone, in order to prevent any possible damage to such item of laundry.

Abstract: A control panel assembly for a washing machine, where the control panel can be easily assembled to the washing machine. The control panel includes a recess provided to an outer case of the washing machine and a control panel mounted in the recess. The control panel includes a first fixing part caught on an upper part of the recess and a second fixing part sliding along a bottom surface of the recess while the first fixing part is caught on the upper part of the recess.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a washing machine including a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within the cabinet and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The control system includes a plurality of supports including two diagonally arranged supports. The plurality of supports are configured to support the washing machine on a surface. At least one load sensor is positioned with respect to each support of the two diagonally arranged supports. The at least one load sensor is configured to detect at least one force component applied to each support by a load within the wash basket. The at least one load sensor is further configured to generate a signal representative of the at least one force component. A controller is in signal communication with the at least one load sensor. The controller is configured to detect an operating load placement condition within the wash basket in response to at least one signal received from the at least one load sensor.

Abstract: Described is a position sensor device for determining a position of a movable object. The position sensor device includes (a) a magnetic field source fixed on a movable object, (b) a first magnetic field detector located at a first position and detecting a first magnetic field signal characteristic for a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source at the first position, (c) a second magnetic field detector located at a second position and detecting a second magnetic field signal characteristic for a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source at the second position, and (d) a position determining unit determining a position of the magnetic field source based on a comparison of the first magnetic field signal and the second magnetic field signal.