KR101381143B1 - Washing machine and detecting apparatus for residual quantity of liquid detergent thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The washing machine according to the present invention includes a washing machine main body, a tub accommodating laundry and laundry water, a detergent supply device for supplying a liquid detergent stored in a storage chamber of the detergent container into the tub, and a detergent container. A liquid detergent remaining amount detection device for detecting whether the liquid detergent is sufficient, the liquid detergent remaining amount detection device is inserted into the detergent container and placed in a predetermined position inside the detergent container, an electrode support provided on the upper part of the body, Float coupled to the body so as to be floated but blocked by the electrode support when raised, the first and second electrodes are installed so as to be spaced apart from each other, and the two electrodes in contact with the first and second electrodes when the float is raised Conductively coupled to the float so as to be electrically connected to each other and to be separated from the first and second electrodes when the float descends. In that it comprises the features.

Washing machine, liquid detergent, detergent supply device, remaining amount, detection device, float

Description

Washing machine and detecting apparatus for residual quantity of liquid detergent

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a configuration diagram showing a part of the construction of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 and 4 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view schematically showing a liquid detergent remaining amount detection device of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5A and 5B are side cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the liquid detergent remaining amount detection device of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

 Description of the Related Art [0002]

11 ... main body 12 ... tub

13 ... washing tub 15 ... driving motor

16 ... display device 17 ... buzzer

21 ... pedestal 22 ... frame

23 ... storage box 25 ... storage room

31 ... detergent dispensing device 32 ... detergent dispensing tube

33. Airtight member 41 ... Liquid detergent remaining amount detection device

42.Body 43.Bottom

Float guide part 44a ... Guide dribble

45 ... tube connection 46 ... electrode support

46a ... Connection groove 47 ... Float

48 ... conductor support member 49 ... conductor

51, 52 ... 1,2 electrodes 61 ... detergent container

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine capable of automatically detecting the residual amount of liquid detergent and a liquid detergent residual amount detection device provided therein.

BACKGROUND ART Generally, a washing machine is a pulsator that is rotatably installed on a floor inside a tub, and a pulsator washing machine for washing the laundry and rotating the laundry to perform washing, an agitator protruding in the center of the tub, An agitator washing machine for performing washing by stirring laundry water and a laundry to be washed, and a drum washing machine for rotating the drum rotatably installed in the tub to perform washing while repeatedly raising and lowering the laundry.

These various washing machines are provided with a detergent supply device for supplying an appropriate amount of detergent according to the amount of laundry to be washed, and the detergent supply device is operated when supplying the wash water to the tub so that the detergent is introduced into the tub together with the wash water. There are solid powder detergents and liquid liquid detergents as detergents to be used for washing, and the structure of the washing machine for detergent input varies depending on the type of detergent to be used. Washing machines using liquid detergents have several advantages over washing machines using powder detergents.

For example, a washing machine using a liquid detergent is advantageous in that the installation position of the detergent supply device is free as compared with a washing machine using a powder detergent. That is, since the powder detergent is not easily lifted up to the upper part, the washing machine using the powder detergent is limited to the upper part of the tub, but the liquid detergent is used as a pump The washing machine using the liquid detergent can be installed at the lower part of the tub with the detergent supply device. Therefore, the washing machine using the liquid detergent is free from the disposition of the parts as compared with the washing machine using the powder detergent.

Since the powder detergent is not easy to control the amount of the powder, the washing machine using the powder detergent should directly apply an appropriate amount of detergent to the user depending on the amount of the laundry to be washed. On the other hand, since the amount of the liquid detergent can be easily controlled by using the flow controller, the washing machine using the liquid detergent stores a large amount of detergent at a time and automatically loads a certain amount of the liquid detergent into the tub There are advantages to be able to.

Thus, the washing machine using the liquid detergent has a number of advantages over the washing machine using the powder detergent, but also has the inconvenience that the user must check the remaining amount of the detergent from time to time. That is, if the remaining amount of the liquid detergent is insufficient, washing of the laundry may not be performed smoothly. Therefore, the user must check whether the detergent necessary for washing is sufficient before washing, Make sure that the laundry is not running in a state where the amount of detergent required is insufficient.

Because of this problem, the conventional washing machine using the liquid detergent has a detergent container disposed outside the washing machine, so that the user can easily check the remaining amount of the liquid detergent. To this end, it has been necessary to use a separate transparent detergent container or a transparent or semitransparent detergent container.

However, since the conventional washing machine has to be disposed such that the detergent container is exposed to the outside, a space for installing the detergent container is required and the installation space of the washing machine is increased.

In addition, the conventional washing machine has a limitation that the detergent container must be made transparent or semitransparent. If the detergent container is placed inside the washing machine main body or inside the supporting base for supporting the washing machine main body, there is a problem that the remaining amount of the liquid detergent can not be confirmed.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, it is arranged so that the detergent container is not exposed to the outside, while providing a washing machine that can automatically detect the residual amount of the liquid detergent while reducing the installation space and the liquid detergent residual amount detection device provided therewith. Its purpose is to.

Washing machine according to the present invention for achieving the above object is to accommodate the washing machine body, the laundry to be washed and the water to be installed in the washing machine body, and to supply the liquid detergent stored in the storage chamber of the detergent container into the tub. A detergent supply device and a liquid detergent remaining amount detection device for detecting whether the liquid detergent in the detergent container is sufficient, wherein the liquid detergent remaining amount detection device is inserted into the detergent container and placed in a predetermined position inside the detergent container; An electrode support portion provided on the upper portion of the body, a float coupled to the body so as to be floated thereon, the float being blocked by the electrode support portion when lifted, and the first and second electrodes installed to be spaced apart from each other; Contacting the first and second electrodes to electrically connect the two electrodes when the float rises; And a conductor coupled to the float so as to be separated from the first and second electrodes when the float descends.

Here, the washing machine according to the present invention further includes a detergent injection tube having one end inserted into the detergent container to guide the liquid detergent of the detergent container to the tub, and the body includes the liquid detergent of the detergent container. It has a suction port for suction and can be coupled to one end of the detergent injection tube.

In addition, any one of the float and the body may be provided with a guide groove, and the other may include a guide rib inserted into the guide groove to guide the movement of the float.

In addition, the electrode support portion is provided with a connection groove, the first and second electrodes are installed to be spaced apart from each other in the interior of the connection groove, the conductor is inserted into the connection groove the upper portion of the first and second The width of the upper portion may be reduced to contact the two electrodes.

In addition, an air chamber filled with air may be provided inside the float.

In addition, the washing machine according to the present invention may further include a notification means for notifying the user when the float falls and the conductor falls from the first and second electrodes.

On the other hand, the liquid detergent residual amount detection device of the washing machine according to the present invention for achieving the above object is to detect the residual amount of the liquid detergent stored in the storage chamber of the detergent container, is inserted into the detergent container a predetermined position inside the detergent container A body placed on the body, an electrode support provided on an upper portion of the body, a float coupled to the body so as to be floated thereon, the float being blocked by the electrode support when lifted, and the first and second electrodes being spaced apart from each other; A conductor coupled to the float so that a second electrode and the two electrodes are in electrical contact with each other in contact with the first and second electrodes when the float rises and are separated from the first and second electrodes when the float descends; Characterized in that it comprises a.

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is a drum washing machine in which laundry is washed by a driving motor (15) while a washing tub (13) containing laundry is washed.

1 and 2, the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine main body 11 forming an outer tube, a tub 12 fixedly installed in the washing machine main body 11, To supply the liquid detergent to the inside of the tub 12, the washing tub 13 installed to be rotated by the drive motor 15, the base 21 supporting the washing machine main body 11, and the tub 12. And a detergent supply device 31, a liquid detergent remaining amount detection device 41 for detecting a residual amount of liquid detergent in the detergent container 61, and a controller 18 for controlling the overall operation of the washing machine. The front of the tub 12 and the washing tub 13 are opened for inputting and discharging the laundry and a tub 12 and a door for opening and closing the front of the washing tub 13 14 are installed.

In addition, although not shown, like the conventional washing machine, a washing water supply device for supplying washing water to the inside of the tub 12 is provided in the washing machine body 11 and a washing water supply device for discharging the washing water in the tub 12 And a washing-water discharging device for the washing water.

In addition, a display device 16 for displaying the operating state of the washing machine, remaining amount information of the remaining liquid detergent, the kind of the liquid detergent, and the like is installed on one side of the washing machine main body 11, and on one side of the washing machine main body 11. The buzzer 17 for generating an operation sound or a warning sound according to the operation state or the occurrence of an error is installed.

The pedestal 21 includes a frame 22 for supporting the washer main body 11 and a storage box 23 which is slidably installed in the forward and rearward directions of the frame 22. The front of the holder 23 is provided with a handle 24 for user operation, the interior of the holder 23 is provided with a storage chamber 25 that can accommodate the detergent container 61 and the like.

Detergent supply device 31 is for automatically supplying the liquid detergent stored in the detergent container 61 into the tub 12 is installed on one side of the washing machine body (11). Detergent supply device 31 is connected to the middle of the detergent injection tube 32, one end is inserted into the detergent container 61 and the other end is connected to the tub (12). When the detergent supply device 31 is operated, the liquid detergent of the detergent container 61 flows into the tub 12 through the detergent input tube 32. As the detergent supply device 31, various known fluid moving devices capable of fluid flow can be used.

Detergent injection tube 32 is a flexible tube that can be moved freely by a user operation, one end is a free end that can move the position and the other end is connected to the tub (12). Detergent injection tube 32 is of sufficient length so that one end can be inserted into the detergent container 61 is placed in an unspecified position of the holder (31). One side of the detergent injection tube 32 is provided with a sealing member 33 to block the opening (not shown) of the detergent container 61, one end of the detergent injection tube 32 is inserted. The sealing member 33 blocks the opening of the detergent container 61 while one end of the detergent injection tube 32 is inserted into the detergent container 61 so that the liquid detergent in the detergent container 61 does not dry. The sealing member 33 is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

3 and 4, the liquid detergent remaining amount detection device 41 is coupled to one end of the detergent injection tube 32 and inserted into the detergent container 61 at a predetermined position inside the detergent container 61. The body 42 to be placed, the electrode support 46 provided on the upper portion of the body 42, the float 47 is floatingly coupled to the body 42, and is installed to be spaced apart from each other the electrode support 46 The first and second electrodes 51 and 52 and a conductor 49 coupled to the float 47 so as to contact or leave the first and second electrodes 51 and 52.

Body 42 is provided on the lower portion 43 and the lower portion provided on the bottom so as to be placed on the bottom surface 62 of the detergent container 61 when inserted into the detergent container 61, and moves up and down The float 47 includes a float guide portion 44 to which the float 47 is coupled, and a tube connection portion 45 protruding upward in the center of the bottom portion 43 so as to be positioned inside the float guide portion 44. Detergent injection tube 32 is coupled to the tube connection portion 45. The bottom portion 43 is provided with a suction port 42a capable of sucking liquid detergent and a flow passage 42b for guiding the liquid detergent sucked through the suction port 42a to the detergent injection tube 32. When the bottom portion 43 is inserted into the detergent container 61, it is preferable that the bottom portion 43 is made of a material having a high specific gravity such as metal or rubber so as not to move easily in contact with the bottom surface 62 of the detergent container 61.

A plurality of guide ribs 44a are provided on the outer circumference of the float guide portion 44 in the lifting direction of the float 47. The plurality of guide ribs 44a are inserted into the guide grooves 48a provided in the conductor support member 48 to guide the float 47 and the conductor support member 48. As the conductor support member 48 moves along the guide ribs 44a formed in a straight line, the float 47 and the guide ribs 44a do not rotate but only move up and down. The conductor support member 48 is integrally coupled with the float 47, and a conductor 49 protrudes from the upper portion of the conductor support member 48. Here, the installation position of the guide rib 44a and the guide groove 48a may be interchanged. That is, the structure in which the guide groove is provided in the conductor support part 48 and the guide rib is provided in the float 47 is also possible.

The electrode support 46 is provided above the float guide portion 44 to limit the height of rise of the float 47 and the conductor support member 48 that rise. To this end, the circumferential width of the electrode support part 46 is larger than the circumferential width of the float guide part 44. In addition, a connection groove 46a is provided at one side of the electrode support part 46, and the connection groove 46a is spaced apart from each other so that the first and second electrodes 51 and 52 face each other. Wires 53 and 54 for supplying power are connected to each of the first and second electrodes 51 and 52.

The float 47 has an air chamber 47a in which air is filled therein so as to be floated by the buoyancy force of the liquid detergent. The float 47 is coupled to the lower portion of the conductor support member 48 and lifted together with the conductor support member 48 according to the level of the liquid detergent. As shown, the float 47 may be divided into several parts and may be partially connected to the lower part of the conductor support member 48, or may be formed integrally in a ring shape to form a lower part of the conductor support member 48. Can be combined at once.

The conductor 49 is provided on the upper portion of the conductor supporting member 48 to contact the first and second electrodes 51 and 52 while lifting up and down together with the float 47. Drop from (51) (52). The conductor 49 has a shape in which the upper portion thereof is reduced in width so that the upper portion thereof can be inserted into the connection groove 46a of the electrode support 46. Therefore, when the float 47 floats, the conductor 49 rises and a part of the upper portion thereof is inserted into the connecting groove 46a, and the conductor 49 contacts the first and second electrodes 51 and 52 to form a first layer. The first and second electrodes 51 and 52 are energized. The conductor 49 may be made of a conductive metal having a small resistance so that electrical connection between the first and second electrodes 51 and 52 can be made smoothly.

The liquid detergent remaining amount detection device 41 of the washing machine according to the present invention has a circumferential width smaller than that of the detergent container 61 so as to be inserted into an opening (not shown) of the narrow detergent container 61.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described the operation of the washing machine and the liquid detergent residual amount detection device 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the liquid detergent remaining amount detection device 41 is inserted into the detergent container 61 together with one end of the detergent injection tube 32, the bottom portion 43 of the body 42 is the detergent container (as shown in FIG. 5A). It comes into contact with the bottom surface 62 of 61. At this time, since the detergent injection tube 32 is supported by the sealing member 33, the body 42 may be erected on the bottom surface 62 of the detergent container 61. When one end of the body 42 and the detergent injection tube 32 are immersed in the liquid detergent, the float 47 rises straight along the guide rib 44a by the buoyancy force of the liquid detergent, and thus the conductor support member 48 and the conductor. Raise (49). As a result, a portion of the upper portion of the conductor 49 is inserted into the connection groove 46a of the electrode support portion 46 to be in contact with the first and second electrodes 51 and 52. Accordingly, the first and second electrodes 51 and 52 are energized, and the control device 18 confirms that electricity flows between the first and second electrodes 51 and 52 to the detergent container 61. Judging by sufficient liquid detergent. When the liquid detergent remaining amount detection device 41 is immersed in the liquid detergent, electricity can flow through the liquid detergent between the first and second electrodes 51 and 52, but the resistance of the conductor 49 is much smaller. The influence is negligible, and there is no problem for the controller 18 to confirm the energized state between the first and second electrodes 51 and 52.

As such, when a washing command is applied when the first and second electrodes 51 and 52 are energized, the control unit 18 operates the washing water supply device and the detergent supply device 31 so that the tub 12 is operated. Washing water and liquid detergent are put in the interior of the washing process to proceed normally.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the float 47 and the conductor 49 descend due to their own weight due to the remaining amount of the liquid detergent remaining in the detergent container 61, the respective wires 53 and 54. Even though power is applied through the first and second electrodes 51 and 52, the first and second electrodes 51 and 52 are not energized. When the washing instruction is applied in this state, the controller 18 determines that the remaining amount of the liquid detergent remaining in the detergent container 61 is insufficient because the first and second electrodes 51 and 52 are not energized. This is notified to the user through the display device 16 or the buzzer 17. In addition, the washing water supply device and the detergent supply device 31 are not operated.

In the present invention, the time point at which the control device 18 determines that the remaining amount of the liquid detergent stored in the detergent container 61 is insufficient is set to a time point at which the liquid detergent in the detergent container 61 is less than the maximum amount used once. It is good. If the liquid detergent remains in the detergent container 61 but remains less than the maximum amount used once, since the washing process is not enough liquid detergent may not be supplied to clean the laundry.

In the above description, the washing machine according to the present invention is limited to the drum washing machine, but the present invention can be applied to the pulse washing machine or the agitator washing machine in addition to the drum washing machine.

According to the present invention described above, the liquid detergent remaining amount detection device automatically detects the remaining amount of the liquid detergent remaining in the detergent container, so that the liquid detergent remaining in the detergent container even if the user does not directly check the remaining amount of the liquid detergent. You can determine whether is enough or not enough. Therefore, the detergent container can be positioned so as not to be exposed to the outside of the washing machine body such as the inside of the washing machine body, the lower portion of the washing machine body, and the space for installing the washing machine can be reduced.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the detergent container or detergent container for storing the liquid detergent does not need to be made transparent or translucent as in the prior art, the material of the detergent container or detergent container is not limited as in the prior art.

The present invention described above is not limited to the structure and operation as described and illustrated. In other words, the present invention is susceptible to various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (9)

A washing machine main body, a tub accommodating laundry and washing water, a tub installed inside the washing machine main body, a detergent supply device for supplying a liquid detergent stored in a storage chamber of a detergent container into the tub, and a liquid detergent of the detergent container. A washing machine comprising a liquid detergent remaining amount detection device for detecting whether there is enough, The remaining amount of the liquid detergent detecting device is inserted into the detergent container, the body placed in a predetermined position inside the detergent container, an electrode support provided on the upper portion of the body, and floatingly coupled to the body, the electrode support portion when raised A float in which movement is restricted due to blockage, first and second electrodes installed to be spaced apart from each other, and the two electrodes are electrically connected to each other in contact with the first and second electrodes when the float is raised. Washing machine comprising a conductor coupled to the float so as to be separated from the first and second electrodes when falling. The method of claim 1, Further comprising a detergent inlet tube having one end inserted into the detergent container to guide the liquid detergent of the detergent container to the tub, the body is provided with a suction port for sucking the liquid detergent of the detergent container and the detergent injection Washing machine, characterized in that coupled to one end of the tube. The method of claim 1, One of the float and the body is provided with a guide groove, and the other is provided with a guide rib inserted into the guide groove for guiding the movement of the float. The method of claim 1, The electrode support part is provided with a connection groove, and the first and second electrodes are installed to be spaced apart from each other in the interior of the connection groove, the conductor is inserted into the connection groove the upper portion of the first and second electrodes Washing machine, characterized in that formed in the shape of the upper width is reduced to contact. The method of claim 1, Washing machine, characterized in that the inside of the float is provided with an air chamber filled with air. The method of claim 1, And a notifying means for informing the user when the float descends and the conductor falls from the first and second electrodes. In the liquid detergent residual amount detection device of the washing machine for detecting the residual amount of the liquid detergent stored in the storage chamber of the detergent container, A body inserted into the detergent container and placed in a predetermined position within the detergent container, an electrode support provided on an upper portion of the body, and floated to the body so as to be floated on the body and blocked by the electrode support when lifted; First and second electrodes installed to be spaced apart from each other, and the first and second electrodes contacting the first and second electrodes when the float rises, and electrically connecting the two electrodes to each other, and the first and second electrodes when the float descends. And a conductor coupled to the float to be separated from the second electrode. The method of claim 7, wherein  The detergent container further comprises a detergent introduction tube whose one end is inserted into the detergent container for guiding the liquid detergent of the detergent container into the tub of the washing machine, wherein the body has a suction port for sucking the liquid detergent of the detergent container and the detergent Liquid detergent remaining amount detection device of the washing machine, characterized in that coupled to one end of the input tube. The method of claim 7, wherein Residual liquid detergent detection device of the washing machine, characterized in that the inside of the float is provided with an air chamber filled with air.

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