Patent Publication Number: US-11021824-B2

Title: Accessory used for washing machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a National Stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/KR2017/003760, filed on Apr. 6, 2017, which claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2016-0043325, filed on Apr. 8, 2016. The disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an accessory put into a washer by having an ultrasonic generator and a turbidity sensor, and more particularly, to a washer accessory suitable for raising washing efficiency and rinsing efficiency by ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator and recommending a preferable rinsing count to a user based on ringing water&#39;s contamination level sensed by a turbidity sensor provided to the accessory. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Generally, a laundry treating device includes a washer, a drier, a styler and the like. And, the washer may include a drying function. 
     The washer may be mainly classified into a pulsator washer having a drum stand up in a vertical direction (i.e., a laundry entrance is disposed on a top side of a cabinet) or a drum washer having a drum lie in a horizontal direction (i.e., a laundry entrance is disposed on a front side of a cabinet). 
     Such a washer can be driven through manipulation of a manipulating unit provided to a cabinet of the washer after inputting treatment targets, detergent and the like to the laundry treating device. 
     A driving cycle of a washer can be mainly classified into a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle and a dewatering cycle. 
     In the washing cycle, a desired course is selected from a plurality of courses and an appropriate amount of detergent can be then inputted. And, the rinsing cycle can be performed at least once depending on a contamination level of a treatment target (i.e., laundry). 
     Meanwhile, detergent contains surfactant. In the washing cycle, contaminants attached to a wash target can be removed through a process for the surfactant to be attached to and detached from the laundry. 
     In doing so, if the process for the surfactant to be attached to and detached from the laundry is accelerated, wash efficiency can be increased. Hence, ongoing efforts are made to study the wash efficiency increase. For example, if ultrasonic vibration is applied to a washing water in the washing cycle, the process for the surfactant to be attached to and detached from the laundry can be accelerated. 
     Moreover, in the rinsing cycle, although a user can adjust the count of the rinsing cycle, it is difficult for the user to determine how many rinsing cycles are necessary to remove detergent and contaminants remaining in the laundry after the washing cycle. 
     Namely, if the count of the rinsing cycles is too small, the detergent and contaminants remaining in the laundry cannot be removed completely. On the contrary, if the count of the rinsing cycles is too big, a consumption amount of a rinsing water increases. 
     Therefore, many ongoing efforts are made to research and develop a process for increasing a washing efficiency and a rinsing efficiency by vibrating a washing or rinsing water within a drum in a washing cycle and a washer accessory capable of recommending a preferable count of rinsing cycles. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Task 
     One technical task of the present invention is to provide a washer accessory capable of increasing a washing efficiency and a rinsing efficiency by applying ultrasonic waves to at least one of a washing water and a rinsing water through a ultrasonic generator. 
     Another technical task of the present invention is to provide a washer accessory capable to recommending, to a user, whether a prescribed rinsing count is preferable (i.e., a preferable rinsing count) by detecting a contamination level (or turbidity) of a rinsing water. 
     Further technical task of the present invention is to provide a washer accessory easily applicable to a related art washer. 
     Technical Solutions 
     In one technical aspect of the present invention, provided herein is a washer accessory used for a washer of a top loading type including a cabinet, a drum rotatably installed within the cabinet, the drum having an open top side to receive a treatment target therein, and a laundry entrance provided to a top side of the cabinet, the washer accessory including a body forming an exterior by having a sealed internal space, at least one ultrasonic generator provided inside the body, and a control unit configured to control the at least one ultrasonic generator, wherein the body is formed in a manner that a weight center of the body is located at a lower side. 
     For example, the body may be formed in a manner that a cross-sectional area gradually decreases toward a top side from a bottom side. 
     Here, the ultrasonic generator may be preferably provided to a lower part within the body. 
     Moreover, the washer accessory may further include a turbidity sensor configured to sense a turbidity of a washing or rinsing water received within the drum and a third communication module configured to communicate with at least one of a first communication module provided to the washer and a second communication module provided to an external terminal. 
     And, data sensed by the turbidity sensor may be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module and the second communication module through the third communication module. 
     Moreover, the turbidity sensor may be disposed inside the body, a sensing window may be formed at a location corresponding to the turbidity sensor in the body, and the sensing window may be formed of a transparent material. 
     Moreover, a weight of the body may be preferably determined so that at least one portion of the body is submerged in a washing or rinsing water at a height equal to or greater than a height of the turbidity sensor in the body. 
     Moreover, the turbidity sensor may be preferably disposed above the ultrasonic generator. 
     Moreover, the data sensed by the turbidity sensor may be transmitted to the at least one of the first communication module and the second communication module through the third communication module when a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle end. 
     The washer accessory may further include a memory storing information of an additional rinsing count corresponding to the turbidity of the washing or rinsing water in form of a table. And, the information of the additional rinsing count corresponding to the data may be transmitted to the at least one of the first communication module and the second communication module through the third communication module together with the data sensed by the turbidity sensor. 
     Moreover, when the data sensed by the turbidity sensor and the information of the additional rinsing count are transmitted to the at least one of the first communication module and the second communication module, a stop signal for stopping the washer for a preset time may be transmitted together. 
     Moreover, the third communication module may receive information of an additional rinsing count actually performed in the washer from one of the first communication module and the second communication module. 
     Here, if the control unit determines that an additional rinsing count transmitted from the third communication module is different from the actually performed additional rinsing count, a turbidity of a rinsing water in a last rinsing cycle and information of an additional rinsing count corresponding to the turbidity may be transmitted to the at least one of the first communication module and the second communication module through the third communication module. 
     Moreover, the turbidity of the rinsing water in the last rinsing cycle and the information of the additional rinsing count corresponding to the turbidity may be transmitted to the at least one of the first communication module and the second communication module, a stop signal for stopping the washer for a preset time is transmitted together. 
     Moreover, a plurality of the ultrasonic generators may be disposed on a bottom side of the body along a circumferential direction of the body by being spaced apart from each other with a preset spacing. 
     Moreover, the turbidity sensor may be located at a radial-direction center portion of the body and a pair of the sensing windows may be provided to oppose each other at a height corresponding to the turbidity sensor. 
     Moreover, at least one weight for adjusting total weight of the accessory may be detachably provided inside of the body. 
     Advantageous Effects 
     According to the present invention, it is able to provide a washer accessory capable of increasing a washing efficiency and a rinsing efficiency by applying ultrasonic waves to at least one of a washing water and a rinsing water through a ultrasonic generator. 
     According to the present invention, it is able to provide a washer accessory capable to recommending, to a user, a preferable rinsing count by detecting a contamination level (or turbidity) of a rinsing water. 
     According to the present invention, it is able to provide a washer accessory easily applicable to a related art washer. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a washer accessory provided within a washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2 ( a )  to  2  ( c ) are perspective diagrams of a washer accessory provided within a washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram showing that an accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention floats on a washing or rinsing water in a washer. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing connection relationship of major components of a washer accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention, a washer and an external terminal. 
         FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  are diagrams showing a display unit of an external terminal communicating with at least one of a washer and an accessory. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR 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. A washer described in the following conceptually includes a top loading washer and a front loading washer. An accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applicable to both a top loading washer and a front loading washer, and more preferably, to the top loading washer. 
     Meanwhile, since a damping structure, a water supply structure, a drain structure and the like, which can be provided within a washer, are identical or similar to those of a related art washer, details of general structures of the related art washer shall be omitted from the description of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a washer accessory provided within a washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     For clarity of the following description, a washer to which an accessory is applied may be limited to a top loading washer. The reason for this is to enable the accessory to operate in a manner of floating on a washing or rinsing water received in the washer. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a washer  1  may have a configuration of a top loading type including a cabinet  10  forming an exterior, a drum  30  provided within the cabinet  10 , and a laundry entrance provided to a top side of the cabinet  10 . 
     Moreover, the washer  1  may further include a tub  40  configured to receive a washing water therein by being disposed to enclose lateral and bottom sides of the drum  30  within the cabinet  10 , a pulsator  50  configured to provide a turning force to the washing water in the drum  30 , and a drive unit  55  rotating the pulsator  50 . 
     The drum  30  is rotatably provided within the cabinet  10 , and may be provided with a turning force by the drive unit  55 . 
     The entrance  15  can be open/closed by a door  20 , and a top cover  25  may be further provided between the door  20  and the entrance  15 . A laundry target can be put into the drum  30  through the entrance  15  while the door  20  and the top cover  25  are open. 
     The door  20  and the top cover  25  may be disposed on the top side of the cabinet  100  located to oppose the entrance  15 . 
     By the drive unit  55 , the drum  30  and the pulsator  50  can be rotated simultaneously or either the drum  30  or the pulsator  50  can be rotated. By the drive unit  55 , the drum  30  and the pulsator  50  can be rotated in the same direction or rotated in opposite directions, respectively. 
     In order to enable the drum  30  and the pulsator  50  to be rotated in the same direction or opposite directions by a single drive unit  555 , a non-illustrated structure such as a clutch may be applicable among the drive unit  55 , the drum  30  and the pulsator  50 . 
     The washer  1  may include a drain valve  61  for discharging a washing or rinsing water in the tub  40 , a drain passage  63  and a drain pump  65 . 
     By driving the drain pump  65  and the drain valve  61 , the washing or rinsing water in the tub  40  can be externally discharged through the drain passage  63 . 
     The washer  1  may include a water supply passage and a water supply valve  73 . Water supplied from an external hydrant can be supplied into the tub  40  through the water supply passage  71  by driving the water supply valve  73 . 
     In doing so, the water supply passage  71  may be configured to pass through a detergent box not shown in the drawing. In a water supplying process, a detergent in the detergent box can be supplied into the tub  40  together with water. 
     The washer  1  may include a first communication module (not shown) for communication with at least one of an accessory and an external terminal described later and a first display unit  80  for manipulating the washer  1  and displaying information. 
     In some implementations, in the drum  30  of the washer  1 , an accessory  100  configured to sense turbidity (or contamination level) of at least one of the washing water and the rinsing water and generate ultrasonic waves can be received. 
     Such an accessory is described in detail with reference to other drawings as follows. 
       FIGS. 2 ( a )  to  2  ( c ) are perspective diagrams of a washer accessory provided within a washer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 2 ( a )  is a top-view perspective diagram of an accessory,  FIG. 2 ( b )  is a lateral-view perspective diagram of the accessory, and  FIG. 2 ( c )  is a bottom-view perspective diagram of the accessory. 
     An accessory described in the following is applicable to all washers of a top loading type such as the aforementioned washer  1 . Here, the washer of the top loading type may mean a washer including a tub having an open top, a drum having an open top, and a rotatable shaft vertically provided to an installation surface so as to rotate the drum. 
     First of all, referring to  FIGS. 2 ( a )  to  2  ( c ), a washer accessory  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body  110  forming an exterior, at least one ultrasonic generator  120  provided inside the body  110 , and a control unit C controlling the ultrasonic generator  120 . And, a weight center of the body  110  may be positioned in a lower side. 
     For example, the body  110  may be formed in a manner that a cross-sectional area gradually decreases toward a top side from a bottom side. Moreover, a weight center of the body  110  may be positioned in a lower center portion of the body  110 . 
     Hence, in a state that a washing or rinsing water is supplied within the washer  1 , the accessory  100  may float in a standing state (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     Moreover, at least one weight (not shown) may be provided to a lower side within the body  110 . 
     The weight may be detachably provided inside the body  110  so as to adjust total weight of the accessory  100 . Preferably, the weight is detachably provided to a lower center portion within the body  110 . 
     Since the body  110  of the accessory  100  is formed airtight, an air layer is formed within the body  110 , whereby the accessory  100  can float on the washing or rinsing water. In doing so, in order for a portion of the accessory  100  to sink in the washing or rinsing water so as to enable a turbidity sensor (described later) to submerge in the washing or rinsing water, a weight of the accessory  100  can be set or adjusted. 
     The ultrasonic generator  120  can be controlled by the control unit C so as to generate ultrasonic waves toward a washing/rinsing water in a washing/rinsing cycle. 
     Preferably, the ultrasonic generator  120  is provided to a lower part within the body  110 . 
     This is to effectively generate ultrasonic waves toward the washing/rinsing water from the ultrasonic generator  120  in case that the body  110  in the standing state floats in the washing/rinsing water. 
     The ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic generator  120  can vibrate the washing/rinsing water through the body  110 . As the action of surfactant attached to and detached from a wash target is accelerated by the vibration of the washing/rinsing water, washing/rinsing efficiency can be raised. 
     Preferably, a plurality of the ultrasonic generators  120  can be provided to a lower side within the body  110  in a manner of being spaced apart from each other by a preset space along a circumferential direction of the body  110  [cf.  FIG. 2 ( c ) ]. 
     In some implementations, the washer accessory  100  according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a turbidity sensor  130  configured to sense a turbidity (or contamination level) of a rinsing water received within the drum  30 . 
     The turbidity sensor  130  is disposed inside the body  110 , and a sensing window  115  may be formed at a location corresponding to the turbidity sensor  130  in the body  110 . Here, the sensing window  115  may be formed of a transparent material. 
     The sensing window  115  and the body may be sealed using a sealing member not shown in the drawing. 
     Thus, the turbidity sensor  130  can sense a turbidity or contamination level of a washing/rinsing water through the sensing window  115 . 
     In order to enable at least one portion of the body  110  to be submerged in a washing/rinsing water over a height at which the turbidity sensor  130  is disposed in the body  130 , a weight of the body  110  can be determined. Here, the weight of the body  110  may be set through a selective use of the aforementioned weight or a material change of the body. 
     Namely, only if the accessory floats on the rinsing water while the turbidity sensor  130  is submerged in the rinsing water at least, the turbidity or contamination level of the rinsing water can be sensed through the turbidity sensor  130  and the sensing window  115 . 
     Moreover, referring to  FIG. 3 , since the turbidity sensor  130  senses turbidity not in a depth direction of the rinsing water but in a radial direction thereof while submerging in the rinsing water, accuracy of the turbidity detection for the rinsing water can be improved. 
     Particularly, the turbidity sensor  130  can be located at a radial center portion of the body  110 . Here, a pair of the sensing windows  115  may be disposed so as to oppose each other at the height corresponding to the turbidity sensor  130 . Hence, the turbidity sensor  130  can be configured to sense turbidity of the rinsing water through at least one of a pair of the sensing windows  115 . 
     Moreover, the turbidity sensor  130  may be disposed above the ultrasonic generator  120 . The reason for this is to promote enhancement of the washing/rinsing efficiency through generation of downward ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic generator  120  and raise the aforementioned sensing accuracy of the turbidity sensor  130 . 
     For example, if the turbidity sensor  130  is configured to sense turbidity of the rinsing water toward a downward direction of the accessory  100 , accurate turbidity may not be sensed due to the depth of the washing/rinsing water. (Namely, the turbidity of the rinsing water may be sensed relatively higher than actual turbidity.) 
     On the contrary, if the turbidity sensor  130  is disposed to sense turbidity of the rinsing water toward a lateral side of the accessory  100 , since the width of the tub is smaller than the depth (i.e., height) of the tub, it becomes possible to sense a relatively accurate turbidity of the rinsing water (cf.  FIG. 3 ). 
     The washer accessory  100  according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a power input unit  105  provided to a top end of the body  110  and a battery  160  supplying power to the accessory  100 . 
     The power input unit  105  may be configured in form of a push button. If the power input unit  105  is pressed, power may be supplied to the accessory  100  or the power supplied to the accessory  100  may be cut off. 
     The battery  160  may be configured to be chargeable. Here, the battery  160  may be configured to be charged by a wireless charging system known to the public in general. 
     In some implementations, the accessory  100  may further include a third communication module configured to communicate with at least one of a first communication module provided to a washer described later and a second communication module provided to an external terminal. 
     Hereinafter, with reference to another drawing, a configuration in which a washer accessory  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention communicates with a washer and an external terminal is described in detail. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing connection relationship of major components of a washer accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention, a washer and an external terminal. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a washer accessory  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an ultrasonic generator  120  and a turbidity sensor  130 , which are controlled a the control unit C. 
     The control unit C can control the ultrasonic generator  120  to be activated during one of a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle. 
     Moreover, if the power input unit  105  shown in  FIG. 2  is activated, the accessory  100  may be supplied with power of a battery  160  through a power supply unit  150 . 
     The accessory  100  may be configured to communicate with at least one of a washer  1  and an external terminal  200 . 
     Particularly, the washer  1  includes a first communication module  90 , the external terminal  200  includes a second communication module  290 , and the accessory  100  may include a third communication module  190  configured to communicate with at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290 . 
     Moreover, the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  may be configured to communicate with each other. 
     For example, the first communication module  90 , the second communication module  290  and the third communication module  190  may be configured to communicate with each other by Wi-Fi communication, RFID communication or the like. 
     Particularly, data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130  provided to the accessory  100  may be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190 . 
     For example, if the data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130  is transmitted to the first communication module  90  through the third communication module  190 , information based on the data can be displayed on a first display unit  80  provided to the washer  1 . 
     On the other hand, if the data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130  is transmitted to the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190 , information based on the data can be displayed on a second display unit  280  provided to the external terminal  200 . 
     Therefore, a user can obtain turbidity of a rinsing water and information on a preferable count rinsing count. Here, each of the first and second display units  80  may include a touch-imputable touch panel. 
     Particularly, the data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130  can be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190  when washing and rinsing cycles of the washer  1  end. 
     For example, when the washing and rinsing cycles of the washer  1  end, before a dewatering cycle is entered the data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130  can be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190 . 
     When the washing and rinsing cycles of the washer  1  end, the third communication module  190  is assumed as receiving a signal for the end from at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290 . 
     Moreover, if the dewatering cycle proceeds, an alarm for taking the accessory  100  out of the washer may be displayed on at least one of the first display unit  80  of the washer  1  and the second display unit  280  of the external terminal  200 . 
     Namely, if the accessory  100  is received in the drum of the washer  1  during the dewatering cycle, the accessory  100  may be damaged by the rotation of the drum. 
     Meanwhile, when the washing and rinsing cycles end, a preferable additional rinsing count can be determined by the control unit C based on the turbidity of the rinsing water. 
     For example, the accessory  100  may further include a memory  140  configured to store information on an additional rinsing count corresponding to turbidity of a rinsing water in form of a table (i.e., a correspondence table). 
     And, the information on the additional rinsing count corresponding to the data can be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190  together with the data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130 . 
     Namely, the data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130  and the information on the additional rinsing count corresponding to the data can be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190  at a timing of at least one of an end of the washing cycle of the washer  1  and an end of a first rinsing cycle (i.e., 1-time rinsing cycle). 
     Moreover, the data and information transmitted to the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  from the third communication module  190  can be displayed on the first display unit  80  of the washer  1  and the second display unit  280  of the external terminal  200 . 
     Therefore, through the information displayed at least one of the first display unit  80  and the second display unit  280 , a user can obtain the turbidity of the rinsing water and the information on the preferable additional rinsing count. 
     In some implementations, when the data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130  and the information on the additional rinsing count are transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290 , a stop signal for stopping the washer  1  for a preset time may be transmitted as well. 
     Namely, if the data sensed previously by the turbidity sensor  130  and the information on the additional rinsing count are transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290 , a user can obtain the information on the preferable rinsing count (or a preferable additional rinsing count) through the first display unit  80  of the washer  1  and the second display unit  280  of the external terminal  200 . 
     In doing so, a user can set up an additional rinsing count through the first display unit  80  or the second display unit  280 . And, it is necessary to stop driving the washer  1  during a time for user&#39;s information check and additional rinsing count setup. 
     Therefore, when the washing cycle ends or the rinsing cycle ends once, the data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130 , the information on the additional rinsing count and the stop signal for stopping the washer  1  for the preset time can be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  together. 
     In this case, the stop signal may be displayed on at least one of the first display unit  80  and the second display unit  280 . Simultaneously, the operation of the washer  1  may be stopped for the preset time. 
     Meanwhile, after checking the information displayed on the first display unit  80  or the second display unit  280 , the user can set up a rinsing count or an additional rinsing count. 
     In doing so, the user can set and execute a rinsing count different from a preferable rinsing count recommended through at least one of the first display unit  80  and the second display unit  280 . 
     For example, the third communication module  190  can receive information on a rinsing count actually executed in the washer  1  from one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290 . 
     In doing so, if the control unit C determines that the rinsing count (i.e., a preferable recommended rinsing count) transmitted from the third communication module  190  is different from the actually executed rinsing count, a turbidity of a rinsing water in a last rinsing cycle and information on an additional rinsing count corresponding to the turbidity can be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190 . 
     Preferably, if the control unit C determines that the rinsing count (i.e., a preferable recommended rinsing count) transmitted from the third communication module  190  is greater than the actually executed rinsing count, a turbidity of a rinsing water in a last rinsing cycle and information on an additional rinsing count corresponding to the turbidity can be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190 . 
     And, the turbidity of the rinsing water and the information on the additional rinsing count corresponding to the turbidity can be displayed on at least one of the first display unit  80  of the washer  1  and the second display unit  280  of the external terminal  200 . 
     Moreover, the user may determine whether to additionally progress a rinsing cycle through one of the first display unit  80  and the second display unit  280  and set up an additional rinsing count again. 
     Namely, since a count of actually performed rinsing cycles is smaller than a recommended rinsing count based on the turbidity of a rinsing water, rinsing efficiency may be lowered. Hence, it is necessary to inform the user of relevant information. 
     Furthermore, if the control unit C determines that the rinsing count (i.e., a preferable recommended rinsing count) transmitted from the third communication module  190  is different from the actually executed rinsing count, a stop signal for stopping the washer  1  for a preset time can be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190 . 
     Namely, when a turbidity of a rinsing water in a last rinsing cycle and information on an additional rinsing count corresponding to the turbidity are delivered to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290 , a stop signal for stopping the washer  1  for a preset time can be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190 . 
     For example, if the control unit C determines that the rinsing count (i.e., a preferable recommended rinsing count) transmitted from the third communication module  190  is smaller than the actually executed rinsing count, a turbidity of a rinsing water in a last rinsing cycle, information on an additional rinsing count corresponding to the turbidity and the stop signal can be transmitted to at least one of the first communication module  90  and the second communication module  290  through the third communication module  190 . 
     The reason for this is to enable a user to determine necessity for additional rinsing and set up an additional rinsing count, based on the information obtained through at least one of the first display unit  80  and the second display unit  280 . 
     As described above, data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130  and information on a preferable additional rinsing count can be displayed on at least one of the first display unit  80  and the second display unit  280 . 
     For clarity of understanding, an embodiment of displaying data sensed by the turbidity sensor  130  and information on a preferable additional rinsing count on the second display unit  280  of the external terminal  200  is described with reference to other drawings as follows. 
       FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  are diagrams showing a display unit of an external terminal communicating with at least one of a washer and an accessory. 
     A user inputs a wash target to a washer and may then put the aforementioned accessory  100  into a drum of the washer. 
     In case of a general washer, since a drum is possibly rotated to check a laundry amount before water supply, it is preferable that the accessory  100  is put into the drum after rotation of the drum for checking the laundry amount. Namely, the accessory  100  is preferably put into the washer as soon as water is supplied or after completion of water supply. 
     Moreover, before the accessory  100  is put into the drum, the user can input a power through the power input unit  105  provided to the accessory  100 . 
     In doing so, whether the third communication module  190  provided to the accessory  100  is normally communicating with a second communication module  280  of an external terminal  200  can be displayed on a display unit  280  of the external terminal  200 . 
     If both a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle are completed, the external terminal  200  may receive information relevant to a turbidity of a rinsing water (i.e., a turbidity of a rinsing water in a last rinsing cycle) and information relevant to an additional rinsing count based on the turbidity from the accessory  100 . 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , on the second display unit  280  of the external terminal  200 , text information  281  on a wash completion and text information  282  on a turbidity of a rinsing water in a last cycle can be displayed. 
     Moreover, graph information  283  on the turbidity of the rinsing water may be displayed on the display unit  280  in form of a bar graph and description (e.g., turbidity level information) of a level  284  for a turbidity may be displayed next to the graph information  283 . 
     Furthermore, an input unit related to ‘additional rinsing  286 ’ and ‘wash end  287 ’ may be displayed on the display unit  280  so as to be selected through a user&#39;s touch. 
     In this case, by referring to the aforementioned information, the user can determine whether to perform an additional rinsing or end a wash. 
     For example, if the user selects ‘additional rinsing’, a screen of the second display unit  280  may be switched to the screen shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a preferable additional rinsing count  288  is displayed on the second display unit  280 . And, the displayed additional rinsing count may be incremented/decremented or cancelled in response to user&#39;s selection. 
     In doing so, the preferable additional rinsing count  288  may be displayed as a popup window on the screen shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Thus, the user can check the information on the turbidity of the rinsing water and the information on the preferable additional rinsing count, which are transmitted from the accessory  100  put into the washer  1 , through the external terminal  200 . 
     Moreover, based on the information checked through the external terminal  200 , the user can easily determine whether to perform an additional rinsing and set up an additional rinsing count.