KR101256141B1 - Device for injecting liquid detergent in a washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry additive supply device for a washing machine to supply laundry additives such as liquid detergent, fabric softener, and bleach, which are supplied during washing, in an accurate amount, the water supply unit supplying washing water to a drum of the washing machine; An additive supply unit accommodating the laundry additive therein and connected to the water supply unit such that the laundry additive is introduced into the water supply unit and supplied to the drum by a pressure difference generated by the wash water supplied to the drum; And it is characterized in that it comprises a pressure holding unit is installed in the water supply to maintain the pressure so that the wash water is supplied to the drum at a constant pressure.

Washing machine, washing water, liquid detergent, pressure

Description

Washing additive supply device of washing machine {DEVICE FOR INJECTING LIQUID DETERGENT IN A WASHING MACHINE}

The present invention relates to a laundry additive supply device for a washing machine, and more particularly, to a laundry additive supply device for a washing machine to supply a laundry additive, such as a liquid detergent, a fabric softener, a bleach, and the like in an accurate amount.

Generally, a washing machine is a product that removes various contaminants attached to clothes and bedding by using emulsification of detergent, friction action of water flow due to rotation of pulsator, and impact action of pulsator on laundry. Fully automatic washing machine automatically proceeds a series of processes leading to washing, rinsing, and dehydration without user intervention.

Such a washing machine may be roughly classified into a top-loading washing machine in which the washing tank is standing and a drum washing machine in which the washing tank is laid, depending on the type of the washing tank in which the laundry is accommodated. Among them, the drum washing machine can not only reduce the overall height than the top-loading washing machine, but also can increase the washing capacity and hardly cause problems such as poking. Therefore, the demand for the washing machine is increasing.

In the conventional drum washing machine, after washing powder, detergent, bleach and fabric softener into the detergent container before washing, the type of laundry or the washing time are set through the control panel and the start button is pressed. A series of processes leading to dehydration are automatic.

On the other hand, liquid detergents that are well diluted in washing water and excellent in emulsification have recently been widely spread. When the liquid detergent is to be put into the washing machine, it is impossible to inject the detergent by opening the door provided at the side in the state where the washing water is supplied due to the characteristics of the drum washing machine. It must be injected through.

In the conventional washing machine as described above, when the liquid detergent is directly added to the laundry, the laundry is damaged, and a problem that is difficult to input in an appropriate amount is very difficult. To prevent this, even when the liquid detergent is introduced through the detergent container, Since the dilution amount of the powder detergent and the dilution amount of the liquid detergent are different, it is difficult to add the liquid detergent in an appropriate amount as in the case of directly putting in the laundry.

The present invention has been made in order to improve the conventional problems as described above, to provide a laundry additive supply apparatus for a washing machine that can supply the laundry additives, such as liquid detergent, bleach, fabric softener, etc. supplied to the drum during washing in an accurate amount. The purpose is.

Washing additive supply apparatus for a washing machine according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is a water supply unit for supplying wash water to the drum of the washing machine; An additive supply unit accommodating the laundry additive therein and connected to the water supply unit such that the laundry additive is introduced into the water supply unit and supplied to the drum by a pressure difference generated by the wash water supplied to the drum; And a pressure maintaining part installed at the water supply part to maintain the pressure so that the washing water is supplied to the drum at a constant pressure.

Here, the water supply unit may include a first water supply pipe connected to the drum; A second feed pipe branched from the first feed pipe and connected to the drum; A first and a second water supply valve configured to open and close the first and second water supply pipes, respectively; The water supply pipe of any one of the first and second water supply pipes may be connected to the drum via the additive supply part and the pressure maintaining part.

In addition, it characterized in that it further comprises a water collecting tank for collecting the wash water supplied through the first and second water supply pipe, respectively.

In addition, the additive supply unit receiving tank containing the laundry additive; A pressure reducing unit installed in the water supply unit to lower the pressure of the washing water supplied; And it characterized in that it comprises a supply pipe connecting the receiving tank and the decompression unit.

In addition, the pressure maintaining unit is a storage tank for storing the wash water flowing into the water supply; And a constant pressure pump for discharging the washing water of the water storage tank to a constant pressure so that the washing water of the water storage tank is supplied to the drum via the additive supply unit.

In addition, the pressure maintaining unit is characterized in that it further comprises a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the wash water stored in the water storage tank.

According to the laundry additive supply apparatus of the washing machine according to the present invention as described above, since the washing water for supplying the laundry additives such as liquid detergent, bleach, fabric softener is supplied to the drum at a constant pressure, the liquid detergent supplied to the drum during washing, Laundry additives such as bleaches and fabric softeners can be supplied in the correct amounts.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, the thicknesses of the lines and the sizes of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. In addition, the terms described below are defined in consideration of the functions of the present invention, which may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user, the operator. Therefore, definitions of these terms should be made based on the contents throughout this specification.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a laundry additive supply apparatus for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a side view showing the configuration of a washing machine applied laundry additive supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a laundry additive supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention in more detail. .

1 and 2, the washing machine 1 according to the present invention has a cabinet 3 having a front surface opened and a door 3a installed at an opening thereof, and is installed in a flowable manner within the cabinet 3 and is washed. Tub 5 to receive fresh water, a drum (7) rotatably installed inside the tub (5) and containing laundry, and a laundry additive supply device for supplying washing water and laundry additives to the tub ( 100).

In addition, the washing machine 1 further includes a driving device 8 installed at the tub 5 and connected to the drum 7 to rotate the drum 7, and a drain pipe 9 for discharging the washing water to the outside.

The laundry additive supply device 100 includes a water supply unit 110 for supplying washing water to the drum 7, and a laundry additive is accommodated therein, and the laundry additive is supplied to the drum 7 through the water supply unit 110. An additive supply unit 120 connected to the water supply unit 110 so that the laundry additive is introduced into the drum 7, and a pressure maintaining unit installed at the water supply unit 110 and discharging the washing water at a constant pressure to the drum 7 side. 130.

The water supply unit 110 may open and close the first and second water supply pipes 11 and 113 connected to the drum 7 and the wash water supplied to the first and second water supply pipes 111 and 113, respectively. And first and second water supply valves 111a and 113a installed in the first and second water supply pipes 111 and 113, respectively. In this case, the first and second water supply pipes 111 and 113 are connected to the water source so that the washing water is introduced or blocked according to the opening and closing of the first and second water supply valves 111a and 113a.

In addition, the first water supply pipe 111 of the water supply unit 110 is supplied with laundry additives such as a liquid detergent, a bleach, a fabric softener, and the like by washing water supplied from a water supply source to the first water supply pipe 111, and the drum together with the washing water ( It is connected to the drum 7 via the pressure maintaining unit 130 and the additive supply unit 120 to be introduced into 7). The second water supply pipe 113 is directly connected to the drum 7 so that the washing water supplied from the water supply source is directly supplied to the drum 7.

Meanwhile, the laundry additive supply device 100 further includes a collecting tank 140 to be supplied to the drum 7 after the wash water supplied through the first and second water supply pipes 111 and 113 is collected. The collection tank 140 is further provided in the laundry additive supplying device 100 by diluting the laundry additive supplied through the first water supply pipe 111 with the wash water supplied through the second water supply pipe 113 to wash. This is to prevent the laundry from being damaged by the additive.

The pressure maintaining unit 130 for discharging the wash water flowing into the water supply unit 110 at a constant pressure may include a storage tank 121 in which the washing water flowing into the first water supply pipe 111 is stored, and the washing water at a constant pressure. It includes a constant pressure pump 123 to. The reservoir tank 121 and the positive pressure pump 123 are installed on the first water supply pipe 111, and the reservoir tank 121 is provided with a water level sensor 123 for detecting the level of the wash water being stored.

The reservoir 121 stores the washing water above a predetermined level so that the washing water may be supplied at a constant pressure by the positive pressure pump 123.

The positive pressure pump 123 stores the wash water stored in the water storage tank 121 so that laundry additives such as a liquid detergent, a bleach, and a fabric softener, which are accommodated in the additive supply unit 130, are supplied to the first water supply pipe 111 according to the weight of the laundry. It is discharged at a constant pressure toward the additive supply unit 130.

When the washing water stored in the water storage tank 121 is above a predetermined level, the pressure maintaining unit 130 configured as described above blocks the first water supply valve 111a of the first water supply pipe 111 and blocks the water supply of the washing water. When the water level of the wash water stored in the water storage tank 121 is below a predetermined water level, the driving of the constant pressure pump 123 is stopped and the first water supply valve 111a is opened to wash the water to the water storage tank 121.

The additive supply unit 130 for supplying the laundry additive to the first water supply pipe 111 by the washing water supplied at a constant pressure by the positive pressure pump 123 includes an accommodation tank 131 in which the laundry additive is accommodated, and the first water supply pipe ( And a pressure reducing unit 133 installed in the 111 to lower the pressure of the wash water supplied to the first water supply pipe 111, and a supply pipe 135 connecting the receiving tank 131 and the pressure reducing unit 133.

Here, the receiving tank 131 is provided with first to third receiving spaces (131a, 131b, 131c) to accommodate the laundry additives, such as liquid detergent, bleach, fabric softener and the like, respectively.

The supply pipe 135 includes first to third supply pipes 135a, 135b, and 135c to be connected to the first to third accommodation spaces 131a, 131b, and 131c, respectively.

Decompression unit 133 is a liquid detergent, bleach, and fabric softener are respectively accommodated in the first to third receiving space (131a, 131b, 131c) selectively through the first to third supply pipe (135a, 135b, 135c) The first to third pressure reducing units 133a, 133b, and 133c are supplied to the first water supply pipe 111. The first to third pressure reducing units 133a, 133b, and 133c are connected to the first to third supply pipes 135a, 135b, and 135c, respectively.

In addition, the inner diameter of the first to third pressure reducing units 133a, 133b, and 133c is smaller than the inner diameter of the first water supply pipe 111. As such, when the inner diameters of the first to third pressure reducing parts 133a, 133b, and 133c are smaller than the inner diameters of the first water supply pipe 111, the first to third pressure reducing parts 133a, 133b, and 133c may be used. The flow width of the washing water flowing into the water supply pipe 111 is narrowed, and as the speed of the washing water passing through the first to third pressure reducing parts 133a, 133b, and 133c increases, the pressure drop in the first water supply pipe 111 is increased. Is generated. Therefore, the laundry additive contained in the first to third accommodation spaces 131a, 131b, and 131c is supplied to the first water supply pipe 111.

On the other hand, the first water supply pipe 111 is a branch extending from the constant pressure pump 123 so that each of the first to third pressure-reducing parts (133a, 133b, 133c) are branched, and each flow path is formed. The flow path includes first to second control valves 133a, 133b, and 133c to selectively block and supply the wash water supplied to the first to third pressure reducing units 133a, 133b, and 133c. Each of the flow paths branched from the first water supply pipe 111 is connected to the water collecting tank 140.

The additive supply unit 130 configured as described above includes liquid detergents, bleaches, and fabric softeners respectively accommodated in the first to third accommodating spaces 131a, 131b, and 131c according to the washing or rinsing stroke of the washing machine 1. Controlled to feed. For example, when the washing stroke is performed in the washing machine 1, first, the first control valve 137a is “ON”, and the second and third control valves 137b and 137c are “OFF” while the first accommodation space. The liquid detergent of 131a is supplied to the first water supply pipe 111. When the supply of the liquid detergent is completed, the second control valve 137b is “ON”, and the first and third control valves 137a and 137c are “OFF” while the bleach agent of the second accommodation space 131b is first. It is supplied to the water supply pipe 111.

In addition, when the rinsing stroke is performed in the washing machine 1, the third control valve 137a is “ON” before the final rinsing is performed, and the first and second control valves 137a and 137b are “OFF” and the third is turned off. The fabric softener in the accommodation space 131c is supplied to the first water supply pipe 111.

In addition, the additive supply unit 130 supplies the washing water to a constant pressure by the positive pressure pump 123 of the pressure maintaining unit 120 when the washing water is selectively supplied to the first to third pressure reducing units 133a, 133b, and 133c. Therefore, the pressure drop is constantly generated in the first water supply pipe 111. Accordingly, the laundry additives of the first to third accommodation spaces 131a, 131b, and 131c are supplied in a precise and constant amount.

The laundry additive supply device 100 according to the present invention includes a control unit 150 for controlling the water supply unit 110, the pressure maintaining unit 120, and the additive supply unit 130 according to the washing stroke and the rinsing stroke of the washing machine 1. It includes more.

The controller 150 “ON” the first and second water supply valves 111a and 113a so that the washing water is supplied to the first and second water supply pipes 111 and 113 when the washing stroke is performed in the washing machine 1. When the wash water is stored in the tank 121 or more above a certain level, the first water supply valve 111a is turned “OFF”. The controller 150 turns on the first control valve 137a so that the liquid detergent is supplied to the first water supply pipe 111 by a constant pressure, and operates the constant pressure pump 123. At this time, the second and third control valves 137b and 137c are “OFF”.

Subsequently, when the supply of the liquid detergent is completed, the controller 150 “ON” the second control valve 137b so that the bleach is supplied to the first water supply pipe 111, and operates the positive pressure pump 123. At this time, the first and third control valves 137a and 137c are turned “OFF”.

In addition, when the supply of the liquid detergent and the bleach is completed, the controller 150 performs the washing stroke and the rinsing stroke, and “ON” the third control valve 137c to supply the fabric softener before the final rinse is performed. The positive pressure pump 123 is operated. At this time, the first and second control valves 137a and 137b are turned “OFF”.

A laundry additive supplying method of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a laundry additive supplying method of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 3, when the laundry is put into the drum 7, the weight of the laundry is detected by a weight sensing unit (not shown) (S10), and the controller 170 controls the tub according to the weight sensing of the weight sensing unit. (5) calculate the amount of water supplied to the wash water and the amount of the liquid detergent, bleach, fabric softener according to the water supply amount (S20). The washing water supply amount and the liquid detergent, the bleach, and the softening agent of the fabric softener according to the present embodiment are preferably calculated as the level of the washing water corresponding to the weight of the laundry.

When the input amount of the water supply, the liquid detergent, the bleach, and the fabric softener is calculated (S20), the first and second water supply valves 111a and 113a are turned “ON” while washing water is supplied through the first and second water supply pipes 111 and 113. Water is supplied to the drum 7 (S30). At this time, when the wash water supplied through the first water supply pipe 111 is stored in the water storage tank 121 at a predetermined level or more, the first water supply valve 111a is turned “OFF” while supplying the washing water to the first water supply pipe 111. This is blocked, and the wash water is continuously supplied to the second water supply pipes 111 and 113.

While washing water is continuously supplied to the second water supply pipe 113, the positive pressure pump 123 is operated to supply liquid detergent and bleach through the first water supply pipe 111 (S40). In the liquid detergent and bleach supplying step (S40), the controller 150 "ON" the first control valve 137a so that the liquid detergent flows into the first water supply pipe 111 by the first pressure reducing unit 133a. And the constant pressure pump 123 is operated while the third control valves 137b and 137c are turned “OFF”.

When the supply of the liquid detergent is completed, the controller 150 “ON” the second control valve 137b so that the bleach is introduced into the first water supply pipe 111 by the second pressure reducing part 133b. The constant pressure pump 123 is operated with the control valves 137a and 137c turned off.

When the supply of the liquid detergent and the bleach is completed (S40), the washing operation is performed while the drum 7 is rotated by the driving device 8 (S50). At this time, the second water supply valve 113a is “OFF”, and the water supply of the washing water supplied through the second water supply pipe 113 is stopped.

When the washing stroke is completed (S50), the washing water is selectively supplied to the second water supply pipe 113 through the control of the second water supply valve 113a to perform a rinsing stroke (S60).

Then, the control unit 150 determines whether the final rinsing of the rinsing stroke (S70), and in the case of the final rinsing, operates the positive pressure pump 123 to supply the fabric softener (S80). In the fabric softener supplying step (S80), the control unit 150 turns on the third control valve 137c to “ON” so that the fabric softener flows into the first water supply pipe 111 by the third pressure reducing unit 133c. 2 The positive pressure pump 123 is operated with the control valves 137a and 137b turned OFF.

When the fabric softener is supplied (S80), the final rinsing process is performed to rinse the laundry (S90).

Next, with reference to Figure 4 will be described a laundry additive supply apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a laundry additive supply apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In describing the laundry additive supply apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, the same parts as in the embodiment are used in the same part, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the laundry additive supply device 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the additive supply unit 130 may include a liquid detergent, a bleach, and a fabric softener by one pressure reducing unit 139 in the first water supply pipe 111. Optional).

Specifically, the first water supply pipe 111 is provided with a decompression unit 139, the decompression unit 139 is connected to the first to third receiving spaces (131a, 131b, 131c) of the receiving tank 131, respectively It is connected to the receiving tank 131 by the first to third supply pipes (138a, 138b, 138c). That is, the decompression unit 139 and the receiving tank 131 are branched into the first to third supply pipes 138a, 138b, and 138c to be connected to the first to third receiving spaces 131a, 131b, and 131c, respectively. 138).

In addition, first to third control valves 137a, 137b, and 137c are provided in the first to third supply pipes 138a, 138b, and 138c, respectively. The first to third supply pipes 138a, 138b, and 138c are selectively opened and closed according to the on / off of the first to third control valves 137a, 137b, and 137c. And a fabric softener is selectively supplied to the first water supply pipe 111 through the pressure reducing unit 139.

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but this is merely exemplary, and various modifications and equivalent other embodiments of the present invention may be made by those skilled in the art. I understand that it is possible. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the claims below.

1 is a side view showing the configuration of a washing machine to which a laundry additive supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing in more detail the configuration of the laundry additive supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a laundry additive supplying method of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a laundry additive supply apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

♠ Code description for the main part of the drawing ♠

1: washing machine 3: cabinet

5: tub 7: drum

100: laundry additive supply device 110: water supply

120: pressure holding unit 130: additive supply unit

140: collecting tank 150: control unit

Claims (6)

A water supply unit for supplying washing water to the drum of the washing machine; An additive supply unit accommodating the laundry additive therein and connected to the water supply unit such that the laundry additive is introduced into the water supply unit and supplied to the drum by a pressure difference generated by the wash water supplied to the drum; And And a pressure holding unit installed at the water supply unit to maintain the pressure so that washing water is supplied to the drum at a constant pressure. The additive supply unit, An accommodation tank in which the laundry additive is accommodated; A pressure reducing unit installed in the water supply unit to lower the pressure of the washing water supplied; And Washing additive supply apparatus for a washing machine comprising a; supply pipe for connecting the receiving tank and the decompression unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the water supply unit A first water pipe connected to the drum; A second feed pipe branched from the first feed pipe and connected to the drum; A first and a second water supply valve configured to open and close the first and second water supply pipes, respectively; The water supply pipe of any one of the first or second water supply pipe is connected to the drum via the additive supply unit and the pressure holding unit washing additive supply apparatus for a washing machine, characterized in that. The method of claim 2, Washing additive supply apparatus for a washing machine, characterized in that it further comprises a collecting tank for collecting the wash water supplied through the first and second water supply pipes, respectively. delete According to claim 1, wherein the pressure maintaining portion A storage tank for storing the washing water flowing into the water supply unit; And A constant pressure pump for discharging the washing water of the water storage tank to a constant pressure so that the washing water of the water storage tank is supplied to the drum via the additive supply unit; Washing additive supply device for a washing machine comprising a. 6. The method of claim 5, The pressure maintaining unit washing additive supply apparatus for a washing machine further comprises a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the wash water stored in the water storage tank.

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