CN114108265A

CN114108265A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN114108265A
Application number: CN202010903896.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杨帆; 王若云; 姚伯礼
Original assignee: BSH Electrical Appliances Jiangsu Co Ltd
Current assignee: BSH Electrical Appliances Jiangsu Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-01
Filing date: 2020-09-01
Publication date: 2022-03-01
Also published as: EP3960923A1

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine, which comprises a treating agent input device, wherein the treating agent input device comprises an independent treating agent container, a pressing type suction device is arranged on the treating agent container, the suction device comprises a pressure head capable of moving back and forth and a conveying channel connected with the pressure head and communicated with the treating agent container in a fluid mode, the pressure head comprises a liquid outlet, and a pressing device controlled by a control device is arranged opposite to the pressure head and can push the pressure head to move towards the direction close to the treating agent container so that the treating agent can be pumped out of the treating agent container. The independent treating agent container can be taken out from the mounting cavity, so that the integral replacement is convenient, or treating agents are added into the treating agent container. The treating agent does not directly contact the electrical device, the sealing requirement is not considered, and the assembly complexity is reduced.

Description

Washing machine

[ technical field ] A method for producing a semiconductor device

The invention relates to a washing machine, in particular to the technical field of adding a clothes treating agent of the washing machine.

[ background of the invention ]

Washing machines are generally provided with a laundry treatment agent input device, in which a treatment agent is pre-added, which is input into the washing chamber during the running of the washing program. In the conventional liquid/gel type treating agent feeding device, the treating agent is usually in contact with the electric parts. These electrically powered parts include gear pumps, peristaltic pumps, valves, vacuum pumps, etc. for pumping fluids. The liquid will flow into the pump body and then flow out. It is very inconvenient to change the kind of the treating agent. Most gear pumps and peristaltic pumps are expensive in manufacturing cost, large in size, large in occupied space in batch production and high in cost.

In most of the existing treating agent input devices, the treating agent is in contact with air, and is difficult to ensure not to dry after being stored for a long time. Especially when used in higher temperature applications, such as near heating elements, high temperature elements, or in the vicinity of the drying tunnel of an integrated machine for washing and drying clothes. If the user does not use the water treatment agent for a long time, the water in the treatment agent evaporates and dries, so that the viscosity is increased, and the work of the pump body is even influenced.

The existing treatment agent input device generally adopts contact type induction, namely a probe or a sensor is contacted with liquid to induce whether the residual amount of the treatment agent is insufficient. Such sensing is subject to errors, such as variations in liquid level, tilt angle of the machine, and degree of liquid viscosity (which can be related to sensor sticking and surface tension). In addition, it is inconvenient to change the kind of liquid.

Some bottled treatment agent input devices have a valve at the outlet, which is opened to allow the liquid or gel treatment agent to flow out of the outlet under the influence of gravity. Due to the limitations of the internal space and structure of the washing machine, the outlet is often arranged on the side surface of the mounted treating agent bottle, but not on the bottom surface, so that residues are easy to exist, the treating agent is difficult to be thoroughly emptied, and waste is caused.

[ summary of the invention ]

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, which is improved in a treating agent feeding device.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a washing machine including a treating agent input device inputting a liquid or gel treating agent into a washing chamber, the treating agent input device comprises an independent treating agent container, an installation cavity for receiving the treating agent container, and a mixing cavity for receiving the treating agent container and water, the mixing cavity is respectively connected with a water inlet channel and a liquid outlet channel, the liquid outlet channel is connected with the washing cavity so as to guide the liquid mixed by the treating agent and the water into the washing cavity, a pressing type suction device is arranged on the treating agent container, the suction device comprises a pressure head capable of moving back and forth and a conveying channel which is connected with the pressure head and is communicated with the treating agent container in a fluid mode, the pressure head comprises a liquid outlet, and the liquid outlet is communicated with the mixing cavity in space, so that the treating agent enters the mixing cavity after passing through the liquid outlet, the pressure applying device controlled by the control device is arranged opposite to the pressure head, the pressure head can be pushed to move towards the direction close to the treating agent container so as to pump the treating agent out of the treating agent container.

The independent treating agent container can be taken out from the mounting cavity, so that the integral replacement is convenient, or treating agents are added into the treating agent container. In particular, it is convenient to replace the entire set of treating agent container and suction device containing the treating agent. Therefore, the user can change the types of the treating agents very conveniently without considering the residue and cross contamination of different treating agents. And the treating agent is completely separated from the electric device, so that the service life of the electric device is greatly prolonged, and the cost of the electric device required by pumping liquid is reduced. The treating agent directly falls into the mixing cavity from the liquid outlet of the pressure head, the requirement of tightness is not required to be considered, and the assembly complexity is reduced. Moreover, the manufacturing cost of the bottle pressing type treating agent container is not high while the user experience and the product grade are improved, and the bottle pressing type treating agent container is suitable for mass production.

Wherein the suction device comprises an elastic device which acts on the pressure head to reset the pressure head.

The delivery passage is provided with a check valve for restricting the treatment agent in the delivery passage from returning to the treatment agent container. The bottom end of the elastic device is pressed against the check valve.

The pressing device comprises a driving part and a moving part driven by the driving part. The moving part is driven to push the pressure head to move.

In some embodiments, the driving part includes a motor, and the moving part includes a reciprocating mechanism or a rotating mechanism, so that the ram can be pushed multiple times by the motor.

In some embodiments, the moving portion comprises a cam.

In some embodiments, the pressure applicator comprises a solenoid valve comprising a spool that is reciprocable to push the ram.

In some embodiments, the control means is arranged to control the number of times the pressing means pushes the ram in dependence on a previously acquired required dose of treatment agent. The stroke of the pressure applying device for pushing the pressure head is usually fixed, so that the amount of the treating agent which can be pumped out by pushing the pressure head each time is measured in advance, and the times of pushing the pressure head is calculated according to the required adding amount of the treating agent. The required dosage of treating agent may be set by the user or obtained by the control device during the program run according to relevant parameters set or detected by the program.

In some embodiments, the mounting cavity has an opening through which the treatment agent container is mounted into the mounting cavity.

In some embodiments, the washing machine includes a cover to close or open the opening.

In some embodiments, the washing machine includes a detection device disposed adjacent to the treatment agent container, and may transmit a signal associated with the remaining amount of the treatment agent detected to the control device. Because the detection device is not in contact with the treating agent, the detection result cannot be influenced by the viscosity of the treating agent and the like, the detection result can be more accurate, and the service life of the detection device is prolonged.

In some embodiments, the detection device comprises a load cell disposed below the treatment agent container. The remaining condition of the treating agent can be intuitively obtained through the weighing sensor, so that a user can be timely reminded.

In some embodiments, the mounting chamber is provided with a stopper portion that restricts axial movement of the treatment agent container. The limiting part can ensure that the treating agent container can not move when the pressure applying device pushes the pressure head, so that the liquid pumping action is effectively and accurately carried out.

In some embodiments, the stopper portion includes a stopper disposed adjacent to the treatment agent container, the stopper being movable between a first position blocking axial movement of the treatment agent container and a second position allowing axial movement of the treatment agent container.

In some embodiments, the unlocking element acts on the stopper to move the stopper from the first position to the second position.

In some embodiments, an elastic member is arranged in the mounting cavity, and acts on the end face, close to the pressure head, of the treating agent container along the axial direction of the treating agent container, so that the treating agent container is pushed to move in the direction of withdrawing from the mounting cavity when the limiting block moves from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the treating agent container can be pushed out of the mounting cavity at least partially, so that a user can take out the treating agent container conveniently, and the treating agent can be replaced or added conveniently.

The above embodiments may be variously combined.

Some embodiments of the invention will be illustrated in the following description with reference to the drawings.

[ description of the drawings ]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine in which a cover provided on an opening of a mounting chamber is opened to expose a treating agent container;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a treating agent input device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a treating agent input device according to another embodiment thereof;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a detergent container and solenoid valve;

fig. 5 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the washing machine.

[ detailed description ] embodiments

As shown in fig. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a cabinet 2. Inside the cabinet 2, there is provided a washing chamber 3 (shown in fig. 2) for treating laundry, and a separate treating agent input device 4 for inputting a liquid or gel treating agent into the washing chamber 3 during a laundry treatment process, particularly a washing process.

The treating agent introducing means 4 includes a separate treating agent container 5 which is accommodated in a mounting chamber 6 provided in the casing 2. The mounting chamber 6 has an opening 61 provided on the front side of the case 2. The treating agent container 5 is mounted into the mounting chamber 6 through the opening 61. A cover 62 for closing or opening the opening 61 is hinged to the case 2. The stopper 7 is provided near the bottom of the treating agent container 5 to restrict the axial movement of the treating agent container 5.

As shown in fig. 2, the treating agent inlet means 4 comprises a mixing chamber 8 arranged adjacent to the installation chamber 6. In practice the mixing chamber 8 is in spatial communication with the mounting chamber 6. The mixing chamber 8 is connected with the water inlet channel 9 and the liquid outlet channel 11 respectively. The outlet channel 11 is connected to the washing chamber 3 so that the liquid obtained by mixing the treating agent with water can be introduced into the washing chamber 3.

The treating agent container 5 is provided with a push-type suction device 10. The suction device 10 comprises a reciprocally movable pressure head 12 and a conveying channel 13 (shown in fig. 4) connected to the pressure head 12 and extending into the treatment agent container 5. Head 12 contains a discharge orifice 14. The outlet 14 is in spatial communication with the mixing chamber 8 such that the treating agent passes through the outlet 14 and enters the mixing chamber 8. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the head 12 is located above the mixing chamber 8 and the outlet 14 is located downwardly so that the treating agent flows out of the outlet 14 and enters the mixing chamber 8 under the influence of gravity. In other embodiments, the installation chamber 6 and the mixing chamber 8 can also be connected by a pipe, through which the treating agent enters the mixing chamber 8.

A pressure-exerting device 15 controlled by a control device 20 is arranged opposite the pressure head 12 and can push the pressure head 12 in the direction of approaching the treating agent container 5 so as to pump the treating agent out of the treating agent container 5.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the pressing device 15 includes a driving part 151 and a moving part 152 driven by the driving part 151. The moving part 152 may include a reciprocating mechanism, a rotating mechanism, and the like, for example, a cam. The driving part 151 includes a motor. In one embodiment, the motor drives the cam to rotate, which in turn pushes the ram 12 to move. The moving part 152 in fig. 2 shows a side structure of the cam. The front view, i.e. in the direction of the axis of rotation, is a normal cam configuration. Fig. 2 in conjunction with the above text will understand the functional relationship of the cam structure to ram 12 to those skilled in the art.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the pressure applying device 15 may further include a solenoid valve 153. Wherein the solenoid valve 153 includes a spool 154 that reciprocates to push the ram 12, a first spring 155 that acts axially on the spool 154, and a coil 156 that is disposed around the spool 154. The coil 156 is energized to generate electromagnetic force, and after the power is off, the electromagnetic force is removed, and the first spring 155 is engaged to reciprocate the valve element 154.

The pressing device 15 is not limited to the above-described specific embodiment, and may include other various mechanisms that periodically push the adjacent members to move axially.

The control means 20 is arranged to control the number of times the pressing means 15 pushes the ram 12 according to the required dosage of treatment agent obtained beforehand.

As shown in fig. 4, the suction device 10 comprises elastic means 16 acting on the head 12 to restore the head 12. The delivery passage 13 is provided with a check valve 17 for restricting the treatment agent in the delivery passage 13 from returning to the treatment agent container 5. The bottom end of the elastic means 16 is pressed against the non-return valve 17. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the check valve 17 is a ball and the elastic means 16 is a spring.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, a piston 51 is provided in the treating agent container 5. As the amount of the treating agent decreases, the piston 51 moves closer to the ram 12 by the pressure difference, so that the treating agent is sufficiently used. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the functional features of the components simply, and differences may be made in practical applications, for example, in the embodiment including the piston 51, the conveying passage 13 may be made shorter, so that the treating agent in the treating agent container 5 can be discharged sufficiently, and waste can be reduced. In other embodiments, a suction tube can be connected to the bottom of the feed channel 13, and the bottom opening of the suction tube is located at the lowest point of the interior space of the treating agent container 5, so that the treating agent can be discharged sufficiently through the suction tube.

As shown in fig. 1, 4 and 5, a detection device 18 is provided in the installation chamber 6 adjacent to the treatment agent container 5, by means of which detection device 18 a signal relating to the remaining amount of treatment agent can be obtained and transmitted to a control device 20. The control device 20 can then send a residual amount indication signal based on the residual amount information of the treating agent. For example, the display device can be controlled to display the residual treating agent, or a warning signal can be sent out when the residual grain is less than the set value, so as to remind the user of replacement.

In various embodiments, the detection device 18 may be a load cell arranged below the treatment agent container 5; may be an optical sensor that detects a change in the liquid level in the treating agent container 5 or the position of the piston 51; or by detecting the position of the piston 51 in other ways, for example by using a magnetic field-sensitive sensor, and a magnetic substance is provided in the piston 51.

Since the pressing device 15 applies a pushing force to the ram 12, a stopper 30 for restricting the axial movement of the treating agent container 5 is provided in the installation chamber 6.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the stopper portion 30 includes a stopper 31 provided near the bottom of the treating agent container 5. The bottom of the stop block 31 is provided with a second spring 32. Under the action of the second spring 32, the stopper 31 can extend into the space in the mounting cavity 6. And engages with the groove 50 on the treating agent container 5 to restrict the axial movement of the treating agent container 5 with the stopper 31 in the first position. Unlocking piece 33 is in sliding fit with the inclined surface of limiting block 31. The user presses the unlocking member 33 to force the stopper 31 out of engagement with the recess 50, thereby allowing the treating agent container 5 to move axially with the stopper 31 in the second position.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the unlocking member is eliminated relative to the embodiment shown in fig. 2. The stop block 310, in the first position, protrudes into the installation chamber 6 and rests on the bottom surface 53 of the treating agent container 5. Or may extend into a recess 54 provided in the bottom surface 53 of the process vessel 5. If the treating agent container 5 needs to be taken out, the stopper 310 is directly pressed.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, a third spring 63 is provided in the mounting chamber 6. The third spring 63 acts on the end face 55 of the treatment agent container 5 close to the ram 12 in the axial direction of the treatment agent container 5. Thus, when the movement restriction of the treating agent container 5 is released, that is, the

stopper

31, 310 is moved from the first position to the second position, the treating agent container 5 is pushed to move in a direction to withdraw from the mounting chamber 6, and it is convenient for the user to take out the treating agent container 5 for replacement.

In addition to replacement of the treating agent container 5, it is also possible to make the treating agent container 5 openable so that the treating agent can be repeatedly added thereto.

The various embodiments described above and shown in the drawings are merely illustrative of the invention. Any modification of the present invention by a person of ordinary skill in the related art within the scope of the basic technical idea of the present invention is within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising a treatment agent input device (4) for inputting a liquid or gel treatment agent into a washing chamber (3), characterized in that: the treating agent input device comprises an independent treating agent container (5), an installation cavity (6) for accommodating the treating agent container, and a mixing cavity (8) for accommodating the treating agent container and water, wherein the mixing cavity is respectively connected with a water inlet channel (9) and a liquid outlet channel (11), the liquid outlet channel is connected with a washing cavity so as to guide liquid mixed by the treating agent and the water into the washing cavity, a pressing type suction device (10) is arranged on the treating agent container, the suction device comprises a pressure head (12) capable of reciprocating and a conveying channel (13) connected with the pressure head and communicated with the treating agent container in a fluid manner, the pressure head comprises a liquid outlet (14), and the liquid outlet is communicated with the mixing cavity in a space manner, so that the treating agent enters the mixing cavity after passing through the liquid outlet, a pressure applying device (15) controlled by a control device (20) is arranged opposite to the pressure head, the pressure head can be pushed to move towards the direction close to the treating agent container so as to pump the treating agent out of the treating agent container.

2. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the suction device comprises elastic means (16) acting on the pressure head to restore it.

3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: a check valve (17) for limiting the treating agent in the conveying channel to return to the treating agent container is arranged in the conveying channel.

4. A washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the bottom end of the elastic device is pressed against the check valve.

5. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the pressing device comprises a driving part (151) and a moving part (152) driven by the driving part, wherein the moving part is driven to push the pressing head to move.

6. The washing machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein: the driving part comprises a motor, and the moving part comprises a reciprocating mechanism or a rotating mechanism, so that the pressure head can be pushed for multiple times under the driving of the motor.

7. The washing machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein: the moving portion includes a cam.

8. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the pressure applying means comprises a solenoid valve (153) comprising a spool (154) reciprocable to push the ram.

9. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the control means is configured to control the number of times the pressing means pushes the ram in accordance with a required treatment agent dosage acquired in advance.

10. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the mounting chamber has an opening (61) through which the treating agent container is mounted into the mounting chamber.

11. A washing machine as claimed in claim 10, wherein: includes a lid (62) that closes or opens the opening.

12. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein: comprises a detection device (18) arranged adjacent to the treatment agent container and can send a signal related to the remaining amount of treatment agent to the control device.

13. A washing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein: the detection device comprises a weighing sensor arranged below the treating agent container.

14. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the mounting cavity is provided with a limiting part (30) for limiting the axial movement of the treating agent container.

15. A washing machine as claimed in claim 14, wherein: the stopper portion includes a stopper (31, 310) disposed adjacent to the treatment agent container, the stopper being movable between a first position blocking axial movement of the treatment agent container and a second position allowing axial movement of the treatment agent container.

16. A washing machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein: an unlocking member (33) acts on the stopper to move the stopper from the first position to the second position.

17. A washing machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein: an elastic piece (63) is arranged in the mounting cavity and acts on an end face (55) of the treating agent container close to the pressure head along the axial direction of the treating agent container, so that the treating agent container is pushed to move along the direction of withdrawing from the mounting cavity when the limiting block moves from the first position to the second position.