Washing machine with detection device

Abstract

A washing machine including a combined detecting device adapted to detect both a water level and vibration of the washing machine. The washing machine includes a water tub adapted to contain wash water, a washing device adapted to wash laundry contained in the water tub, and a combined detecting device which detects both a water level and vibration of the water tub. The combined detecting device includes a case coupled to the water tub and having an inlet for use in the passage of air, a pressure pipe connected between a lower portion of the water tub and the inlet of the case, a pressure sensor which detects pressure variation in the case, and a vibrator member reciprocably installed in the case and which induces the pressure variation in the case during generation of the vibration.

1 . A washing machine comprising a water tub adapted to contain wash water, a washing device adapted to wash laundry contained in the water tub, and a combined detecting device which detects both a water level and vibration of the water tub, the combined detecting device comprising: 
 a case coupled to the water tub and having an inlet for use in the passage of air;    a pressure pipe connected between a lower portion of the water tub and the inlet of the case;    a pressure sensor which detects pressure variation in the case; and    a vibrator member reciprocably installed in the case and which induces the pressure variation in the case during generation of the vibration.    
   
   
       2 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensor is installed at an opposite side of the inlet of the case.  
   
   
       3 . The washing machine according to  claim 2 , wherein the vibrator member includes: 
 a flexible connector member which connects an outer periphery of the vibrator member to an inner peripheral surface of the case in a substantially air-tight manner, and to permit reciprocation of the vibrator member; and    a through-hole perforated through the vibrator member.    
   
   
       4 . The washing machine according to  claim 3 , wherein the vibrator member is installed in the case between the inlet of the case and the pressure sensor.  
   
   
       5 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the combined detecting device further comprises: 
 an outlet formed at the case at an opposite side of the inlet; and    a connection pipe connected between the outlet and the pressure sensor and which allows the pressure sensor to detect the pressure variation transmitted through the outlet.    
   
   
       6 . The washing machine according to  claim 5 , wherein the vibrator member includes: 
 a flexible connector member which connects an outer periphery of the vibrator member to an inner peripheral surface of the case in a substantially air-tight manner, and to permit reciprocation of the vibrator member; and    a through-hole perforated through the vibrator member.    
   
   
       7 . The washing machine according to  claim 6 , wherein the vibrator member is installed in the case between the inlet and the outlet.  
   
   
       8 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensor comprises a piezoelectric element.  
   
   
       9 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the combined detecting device further comprises an amplification circuit which amplifies a electric signals outputted from the pressure sensor.