KR101646248B1 - Apparatus for supplying liquid detergent and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a liquid detergent supply device and a control method thereof. The disclosed invention includes: a detergent supply part for supplying a liquid detergent; A nozzle unit movably provided in the first position or the second position to receive the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit and to introduce the liquid detergent into the water supply pipe; A pump unit provided between the detergent supply unit and the nozzle unit to receive the detergent from the detergent supply unit when the nozzle unit moves to the first position and to supply the liquid detergent to the nozzle unit when the nozzle unit is moved to the second position; And a nozzle operating unit for moving the nozzle unit and maintaining the nozzle unit in the first position upon completion of the introduction of the detergent.

According to the present invention, since the detergent is automatically supplied, the user does not need to input the detergent every time during washing, and a desired amount of detergent can be supplied in a timely manner. In addition, The second opening / closing unit is maintained in a closed state, thereby preventing the liquid detergent from leaking arbitrarily through the nozzle unit after completion of the introduction of the detergent.

Washing machine, liquid detergent, water supply

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING LIQUID DETERGENT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF [0002]

The present invention relates to a liquid detergent supply device, and more particularly, to a liquid detergent supply device and a control method thereof capable of timely supplying a desired amount of liquid detergent.

Generally, a washing machine removes various pollutants adhered to clothes, bedding, etc. by using the emulsifying action of the detergent, the friction action of the water stream due to the rotation of the pulsator, and the impact action of the pulsator on the laundry. In the emerging automatic washing machine, a series of processes leading to washing, rinsing and dehydration are automatically carried out without user intervention in the middle.

Such a washing machine may be classified into a top-loading type washing machine in which a washing tub is installed according to the type of washing tub in which laundry is received, and a drum type washing tub in which a washing tub is laid. The demand for washing clothes is increasing more and more because the whole height can be reduced as compared with the conventional washing machine,

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a drum type washing machine.

1, the washing machine includes a tub 2 that is resiliently supported by a spring 6 and a damper 7 in a main body 1, a drum 2 rotatably installed in the tub 2, 3 and a driving unit 4 connected to the drum 3 in an axial direction. The driving unit 4 is composed of a rotor (not shown) and a stator (not shown), and the driving shaft is connected to the rotor to transmit the driving force of the rotor to the drum 3.

The upper portion of the drum 3 is provided with a detergent container 8 connected to the water pipe 10 and a detergent container drawer 9 . A door 5 is provided on the front surface of the main body 1 so as to be rotatable in the lateral direction at a position facing the opening of the drum 3.

In the washing machine constructed as described above, powdered detergent, bleaching agent, fabric softener and the like are put into a detergent drawer 9 before washing, and then the type of laundry, the washing time and the like are set through a control panel If you press the start button, a series of processes from washing to rinsing and dehydration will proceed automatically.

On the other hand, recently, liquid detergents having good dilution in washing water and excellent emulsifying action are widely spread. When the liquid detergent is to be introduced into the washing machine, it is impossible to open the door 5 with the detergent in the state where the washing water is supplied due to the characteristics of the drum washing machine. Therefore, It must be supplied through the detergent container 8.

According to the washing machine as described above, when the liquid detergent is directly injected into the laundry, the laundry may be damaged. When the liquid detergent is injected through the detergent container, the detergent dosing amount Problems arise. That is, the detergent container has a structure in which the powder detergent is diluted in an appropriate amount by the wash water supplied to the drum and is injected into the drum. However, in the case of the liquid detergent, Is a powder detergent. The dilution amount of the powder detergent by the washing water and the dilution amount of the liquid detergent have to be different from each other, which makes it difficult to control a desired detergent input amount. Therefore, there is a need to improve this.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid detergent supply device and a control method thereof, which are improved in structure so that a desired amount of liquid detergent can be supplied in a timely manner.

A liquid detergent supply device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a detergent supply part for supplying a liquid detergent; A nozzle unit that receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit and injects the liquid detergent into the water supply pipe; And a pump unit provided between the detergent supply unit and the nozzle unit to receive the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit or to supply the supplied liquid detergent to the nozzle unit.
The apparatus may further include a nozzle operating unit for maintaining the nozzle unit in a predetermined position when the detergent is supplied.
In the present invention, the nozzle operating portion includes: a driving portion for generating a rotational force; And a cam portion that is eccentrically rotated by the driving portion and has an outer circumferential surface contacting the nozzle portion to move the nozzle portion.
The present invention further includes a sensing switch unit for sensing the position of the nozzle unit.
In the present invention, the sensing switch unit may include: a switch unit installed on the cam unit to operate in conjunction with rotation of the cam unit; And a sensing unit for sensing an operation of the switch unit.
In the present invention, the driving unit is a motor capable of controlling the position of the rotating shaft.
In the present invention, the driving unit includes a motor capable of freely rotating the rotary shaft when the operation stops.
In the present invention, the pump unit receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit or supplies the supplied liquid detergent to the nozzle unit according to the position of the nozzle unit.
In the present invention, the pump unit receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit when the nozzle unit is positioned at the first position, and supplies the liquid detergent to the nozzle unit when the nozzle unit is positioned at the second position.
In the present invention, the pump unit includes a housing having an inlet through which the liquid detergent flows from the detergent supply unit, and a liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit is received therein.
In the present invention, the pump unit may include: a first opening / closing unit for opening / closing the inlet; And a second opening and closing part for opening and closing the housing in cooperation with the movement of the nozzle part.
In the present invention, Detecting whether the liquid detergent has been charged after the liquid detergent has been charged; And maintaining the nozzle unit at the set position upon completion of the injection of the liquid detergent.
In the present invention, the step of maintaining the nozzle unit in a state of being positioned at the set position uses a motor capable of controlling the position of the rotary shaft as the driving unit.
In the present invention, the step of maintaining the nozzle unit in a state of being positioned at the set position uses a motor capable of freely rotating the rotation shaft at the time of stopping the operation.

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INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the liquid detergent supply device and the control method therefor of the present invention, by supplying the detergent automatically, it is possible to supply a desired amount of detergent in a timely manner without the user having to input the detergent every time during washing.

In addition, the liquid detergent supply device of the present embodiment is advantageous in that the liquid detergent can be supplied using an inexpensive small-sized driving motor instead of an expensive large-sized driving motor, thereby reducing the volume and weight of the entire apparatus and reducing manufacturing costs.

In addition, in the liquid detergent supply device of this embodiment, the nozzle portion is maintained in the first position and the second opening and closing portion is kept closed when the detergent is completely charged, so that the liquid detergent can be leaked through the nozzle portion Can be prevented.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a liquid detergent supply device and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience of explanation, 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.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a liquid detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main portions of the first and second opening and closing portions shown in FIG. 4; FIG.

2 to 5, a liquid detergent supply device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a washing machine (not shown). Preferably, the liquid detergent supply device 100 is installed on a cabinet (not shown) which forms the appearance of the washing machine. The liquid detergent supply device injects liquid detergent into a tub (not shown) installed inside the cabinet so that the washing water can be introduced into the cabinet.

The liquid detergent supply device 100 includes a detergent supply unit 110, a nozzle unit 120, a pump unit 130, and a nozzle control unit 180.

The detergent supply part 110 receives the liquid detergent therein. In this embodiment, the liquid detergent is defined as collectively referred to as a liquid detergent, a liquid fabric softener, a liquid bleaching agent and the like. The detergent supply unit 110 can be accommodated in the cabinet and accommodates the liquid detergent injected from the outside, and supplies the detergent liquid to the pump unit 130 to be described later.

The detergent supply part 110 includes a receiving part 111 for receiving the liquid detergent and a lid part 115 for covering the upper part of the opened receiving part 111.

According to the present embodiment, an outlet 112 is formed at one side of the receiving portion 111, more specifically at the side of the receiving portion 111 adjacent to the pump portion 130. The liquid detergent contained in the receiving portion 111 is supplied to the pump portion 130 through the outlet 112.

In addition, the lid part 115 is provided so as to be exposed to the upper part of the cabinet. The lid part 115 is provided to open and close the receiving part 111 and the user can open the lid part 115 exposed to the upper part of the cabinet and inject the liquid detergent into the receiving part 111.

The nozzle unit 120 is provided movably in the first position (a) or the second position (b). The nozzle unit 120 is connected to the pump unit 130 and receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit 110 through the pump unit 130.

A pushing surface 122 is formed at an upper portion of the nozzle unit 120 and an ejection hole 124 communicating with the inside of the pump unit 130 is formed in the nozzle unit 120. [ The nozzle unit 120 moves to the first position (a) or the second position (b) and receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit 110.

Here, the first position (a) is defined as a position at which the upward movement of the nozzle unit 120 is completed, and the second position (b) is defined as a position at which the downward movement of the nozzle unit 120 is completed do. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

The connection pipe 125 may be connected to the nozzle unit 120. The liquid detergent to be injected into the nozzle part 120 is introduced into the tub through the connection tube part 125. One side of the connection tube portion 125 is connected to the nozzle portion 120 and the other side of the connection tube portion 125 is connected to a water supply pipe 10 for supplying wash water to the tub.

The pump unit 130 is provided between the detergent supply unit 110 and the nozzle unit 120. The pump unit 130 is operated in conjunction with the movement of the nozzle unit 120. That is, the pump unit 130 receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit 110 when the nozzle unit 120 moves to the first position (a), and when the detergent supply unit 110 To the nozzle unit 120. The liquid detergent supplied to the nozzle unit 120 is supplied to the nozzle unit 120. [ The pump unit 130 includes a housing 140, a first opening and closing unit 150, and a second opening and closing unit 160.

The housing 140 is provided between the detergent supply part 110 and the nozzle part 120. An inlet 142 through which the liquid detergent flows from the detergent supply part 110 is formed in the housing 140. The housing 140 temporarily retains the liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 110. The liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 110 is supplied to the housing 140 before being injected into the nozzle unit 120. [ As shown in FIG.

The housing 140 may be connected to the detergent supply unit 110 by the connection unit 170. The connection part 170 connects the housing 140 to the detergent supply part 110 while providing a connection path connecting the outlet 112 of the detergent supply part 110 and the inlet 142 of the housing 140.

The first opening and closing part 150 is provided to open and close the inlet 142. The first opening and closing part 150 is disposed in the interior of the housing 140, specifically, above the inlet 142. The first opening and closing part 150 may include a ball valve (not shown) that is seated on the latching protrusion 143 formed around the inlet 142. According to the first opening / closing part 150, the inlet port 142 is closed by the ball valve, and the inlet port 142 closed by the ball valve is closed when the ball valve 120 is moved to the second position (b) And is opened as it is raised by the vacuum pressure formed inside the housing 140.

The second opening / closing unit 160 opens and closes the housing 160 in conjunction with the movement of the nozzle unit 120. The second opening and closing portion 160 includes a shaft 162, a stem 164, a piston 166, and an elastic member 168.

The shaft 162 is connected to the nozzle unit 120 and moves in conjunction with the nozzle unit 120. The shaft 162 is inserted into the housing 140 and is vertically movable along the nozzle unit 120. In the shaft 162, a flow path F communicating with the nozzle part 120 is formed.

At one side of the shaft 162, more specifically, at the lower end of the shaft 162, a stem 164 is provided. An inflow hole 163 for communicating the inside of the housing 140 with the flow path F is formed between the stem 164 and the shaft 162.

On the outside of the shaft 162, a piston 166 is provided. The piston 166 is disposed inside the housing 140 to open and close the inflow hole 163 according to the movement of the shaft 162 and is disposed between the shaft 162 and the housing 140. The piston 166 is provided such that the outer surface thereof contacting the inner surface of the housing 140 maintains a predetermined frictional force with the inner surface of the housing 140.

Here, the predetermined frictional force is a frictional force greater than the frictional force generated between the inner surface of the piston 166 and the outer surface of the shaft 162, but the frictional force generated by the nozzle portion 120 or the stem 164 causes the piston 166 Of the shaft 162 can be moved together with the movement of the shaft 162.

Accordingly, the piston 166 opens or closes the inflow hole 163 by a certain frictional force as described above while restraining the movement of the shaft 162 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the shaft 162 do.

The elastic member 168 is disposed inside the housing 140 to move the nozzle unit 120 moved to the second position b to the first position a. The elastic member 168 may be a coil spring whose one side is supported by the engagement step 143 of the housing 140 and the other side is supported by the lower portion of the stem 164. The elastic member 168 moves the shaft 162 and the stem 164 moved downward by the nozzle unit 120 moved to the second position b to move the nozzle unit 120 in the upward direction. 1 position (a).

Meanwhile, the liquid detergent supply device 100 of the present embodiment may further include a nozzle operation unit 180 for moving the nozzle unit 120. The nozzle operating portion 180 includes a driving portion 182 and a cam portion 184.

The driving unit 182 generates rotational force. The driving force required for the driving motor of the driving unit 182 can be reduced by the driving force required to move the nozzle unit 120 to the second position b or to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 168 Sufficient is enough. Therefore, the driving unit 182 can be provided with a low-cost small-sized driving motor instead of an expensive large-sized driving motor.

The cam portion 184 is eccentrically rotated by the driving portion 182 and the outer peripheral surface thereof is brought into contact with the pressing surface 122 of the nozzle portion 120. [ According to this cam portion 184, when the short side portion s of the cam portion 184 contacts the pressing surface 122, the nozzle portion 120 is positioned at the first position (a), and the cam portion 184 The nozzle portion 120 is pushed by the cam portion 184 and moved to the second position b when the long diameter portion 1 side of the cam portion 184 rotates and comes into contact with the pressing surface 122. [

As an example, the driving unit 182 may include a motor capable of controlling the position of a rotating shaft (not shown). Preferably, the motor provided in the driving unit 182 may be a step motor or a servo motor capable of controlling the position of the rotary shaft.

The drive unit 182 including the motor adjusts the position of the rotation axis so that the side of the small diameter portion s of the cam portion 184 comes into contact with the pressing surface 122 when the detergent is completely charged, ) In the first position (a).

As another example, the driving unit 182 may include a motor capable of freely rotating the rotary shaft when the operation is stopped.

The driving unit 182 including such a motor is in a state in which the rotation of the rotary shaft is enabled when the operation of the motor is stopped upon completion of the introduction of the detergent. The urging force applied to the nozzle unit 120 is released and the nozzle unit 120 is moved to the first position a by the elastic force of the elastic member 168. As a result, Is maintained in the state of being located at the first position (a).

According to the present embodiment, the driving force required of the motor of the driving unit 182 is such that the nozzle unit 120 can be moved to the second position b, in other words, the elastic force of the elastic member 168 can be overcome Is sufficient. Therefore, the driving unit 182 can be provided with a low-cost small-sized motor instead of an expensive large-sized motor.

Meanwhile, the liquid detergent supply device 100 of the present embodiment may further include a controller 190. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the entire washing machine, while controlling the operation of the nozzle operating unit 180, specifically, the driving unit 182.

The control unit 190 controls the operation of the motor when the motor provided in the driving unit 182 is a step motor or a servo motor capable of controlling the position of the rotary shaft, And controls the operation. The rotation axis of the motor is adjusted so that the side of the short side portion s of the cam portion 184 is in contact with the pushing surface 122. Accordingly, (a).

The control unit 190 controls the operation of the motor in the case where the motor provided in the driving unit 182 is a motor capable of freely rotating the rotary shaft when the motor stops operating. Thus, the nozzle unit 120 is moved to the first position (a) .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the liquid detergent supply device shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of main portions of the first and second opening and closing portions shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a method of controlling a liquid detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling the liquid detergent supply device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 8. Fig.

4, when the nozzle unit 120 is positioned at the first position (a), the nozzle control unit 180 is operated under the control of the control unit 190 as shown in FIG. 6 The nozzle portion 120 is moved from the first position a to the second position b when the pressing surface 122 is pressed by the contact of the cam portion 184 with the long side portion 1 side. Here, the inside of the housing 140 is illustrated as a state in which the detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 110 is in a stagnated state.

When the nozzle unit 120 is moved to the second position b as described above, the shaft 162 and the stem 164 are moved in the downward direction in conjunction with the movement of the nozzle unit 120. When the shaft 162 and the stem 164 are moved as described above, the piston 166 also moves together. The piston 166 rubs against the housing 140 and its movement is restricted to some extent, As shown, the closed inflow hole 163 is opened. At this time, the inlet 142 is closed by the first opening and closing part 150.

The liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 110 and staying in the housing 140 flows into the flow path F formed in the shaft 162 through the inlet hole 163, The liquid detergent is supplied to the connecting tube portion 125 through the spray hole 124. [ The liquid detergent supplied to the connection pipe portion 125 can be introduced into the tub through the water supply pipe 10.

3, when the nozzle operating portion 180 is operated under the control of the controller 190 and the side of the small diameter portion s of the cam portion 184 contacts the pressing surface 122, the nozzle portion 120 ) Is released. The shaft 162 and the stem 164 are moved upward by the elastic force of the elastic member 168 and the nozzle unit 120 is moved to the first position a according to the movement of the shaft 162 .

When the shaft 162 and the stem 164 move as described above, the piston 166 also moves together. The piston 166 rubs against the housing 140 and its movement is restricted to some extent, The inlet hole 163, which has been opened, is closed.

At this time, the ball valve of the first opening and closing part 150 is raised by the generated vacuum pressure as the liquid detergent is injected into the nozzle part 120 from the inside of the housing 140 when the second opening and closing part 160 is opened, The liquid detergent contained in the detergent supply part 110 and the connection part 170 is supplied to the inside of the housing 140 through the opened inlet 142. [

The detergent injection is continued until the nozzle unit 180 is rotated, that is, the rotation of the cam unit 184 is continued, whereby the movement of the nozzle unit 120 at the first position (a) and the movement at the second position (b) Can be continued.

When the operation of the nozzle control unit 180 is controlled, that is, by controlling the number of revolutions of the cam unit 184, the nozzle unit 120 is rotated by the pump unit 130, 120, and the number of times the detergent is injected into the pump unit 130, the desired amount of the liquid detergent can be introduced into the tub.

According to the present embodiment, the controller 190 controls the operation of the motor to control the number of revolutions of the cam portion 184, adjust the number of movements of the nozzle portion 120 and the number of times the detergent is injected into the pump portion 130 , So that a desired amount of liquid detergent can be introduced into the tub.

When the liquid detergent is charged by the above process (S10), the controller 190 detects whether the detergent dispensing is completed, that is, whether a desired amount of liquid detergent has been put into the tub (S20). For example, the control unit 190 may measure the number of times the detergent is injected through the rotation of the motor and the number of revolutions of the cam unit 184 to detect whether the detergent is completely inserted. Specifically, the control unit 190 can detect whether the detergent has been charged by measuring the number of revolutions of the cam unit 184 and the number of times of injecting the detergent by using the relationship between the number of revolutions per second of the motor and the driving time of the motor.

If it is detected that the detergent injection is completed, the nozzle unit 120 is maintained in the first position (S30).

For example, when the motor provided in the drive unit 182 is a step motor or a servo motor capable of controlling the position of the rotary shaft, the control unit 190 controls the cam unit 184 such that the short- The nozzle unit 120 can be maintained in the first position (a) by controlling the operation of the motor.

As another example, when the motor provided in the driving unit 182 is a motor capable of freely rotating the rotary shaft when the operation stops, the operation of the motor is stopped so that the nozzle unit 120 is moved to the first position (a) State.

The operation of the nozzle operating portion 180 is stopped in a state in which the nozzle portion 120 is not positioned at the first position a so that the position of the nozzle portion 120 is fixed at a position other than the first position a The liquid detergent may leak through the nozzle unit 120 even though the operation of the nozzle control unit 180 is stopped and the introduction of the detergent is stopped.

The leakage of the liquid detergent may occur when foreign matter enters between the ball valve and the inlet 142 of the first opening and closing part 150 and the first opening and closing part 150 fails to close the inlet 142 properly. When the back siphon phenomenon occurs due to the vacuum pressure formed inside the water supply pipe 10 or when the washing water of the water supply pipe 10 flows back to the pump unit 130 through the nozzle unit 120 .

The liquid detergent supply device 100 of the present embodiment maintains the nozzle unit 120 in a state in which the nozzle unit 120 is positioned at the first position (a) when the detergent is completely filled, thereby keeping the second opening and closing unit 160 closed. It is possible to prevent the liquid detergent from leaking through the nozzle unit 120 after completion of the injection.

The liquid detergent supply device 100 of the present embodiment as described above is capable of automatically applying a liquid detergent to the liquid detergent supply device 100 so that a user can input the desired amount of the liquid detergent in a timely manner have.

In addition, the liquid detergent supply device 100 of the present embodiment can dispense the liquid detergent by using a low-cost small-sized driving motor instead of an expensive large-size driving motor, thereby reducing the volume and weight of the entire apparatus, There are advantages.

In addition, the liquid detergent supply device 100 of the present embodiment maintains the nozzle unit 120 at the first position (a) when the detergent is completely charged, and when the detergent is completely charged, the second opening and closing unit 160 is closed It is possible to prevent the liquid detergent from leaking arbitrarily through the nozzle unit 120 after the completion of the introduction of the detergent.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid detergent supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing an operating state of the liquid detergent supply device shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a liquid detergent supply device according to the present invention.

For convenience of description, the same or similar structures and functions as those of the above-described embodiment are referred to by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

9 to 11, a liquid detergent supply device 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a nozzle control unit 280, a sensing switch unit 285, and a control unit 290.

The nozzle operating portion 280 includes a driving portion 282 and a cam portion 184. According to the present embodiment, the driving unit 282 includes a motor for generating rotational force. The motor provided in the driving unit 282 need not be a motor capable of controlling the position of a rotary shaft (not shown) or a motor capable of freely rotating the rotary shaft when the operation is stopped. That is, the driving unit 282 may be equipped with a general motor whose operation is determined only by the power supply.

The sensing switch unit 285 senses the position of the nozzle unit 120. According to the present embodiment, the sensing switch unit 285 is exemplified as including the switch unit 286 and the sensing unit 287.

The switch portion 286 is operated in conjunction with the rotation of the cam portion 184. According to the present embodiment, one side of the switch portion 286 is in contact with the cam portion 184, and the other side thereof is rotatably installed in the sensing portion 287 to be described later.

The switch unit 286 may be rotated up and down about the other side of the sensing unit 287 when the cam unit 184 rotates. For example, while the rotation of the cam portion 184 is in a direction in which the one side of the switch portion 286 is in the direction of approaching the long neck portion 1, the switch portion 286 is rotated in the upward direction, and the rotation of the cam portion 184 The switch portion 286 is rotated in the downward direction by its own weight while the switch portion 286 is in the direction in which the one side of the switch portion 286 and the short side portion s are close to each other.

The sensing unit 287 senses the operation of the switch unit 286. The sensing unit 287 is connected to the other side of the switch unit 286, and is preferably fixed to the driving unit 282. The sensing portion 287 senses when one side of the switch portion 286 is located at the highest position, that is, when one side of the switch portion 286 contacts the long diameter portion 1 of the cam portion 184.

As one example, the sensing portion 287 includes a contact sensor that senses contact with the switch portion 286, and the contact sensor contacts the other side of the switch 286 when one side of the switch 286 is positioned at the highest position And detects the operation of the switch unit 286.

According to the present embodiment, when one side of the switch portion 286 contacts the long diameter portion 1 of the cam portion 184, since the short diameter portion s of the cam portion 184 is in contact with the nozzle portion 120, The nozzle unit 120 is in the first position (a). The sensing switch unit 285 of this embodiment senses when one side of the switch unit 286 contacts the long diameter portion 1 of the cam unit 184 so that the nozzle unit 120 is positioned at the first position a .

When it is detected that the nozzle unit 120 is located at the first position (a), the detection switch unit 285 transmits a signal to the control unit 290. The control unit 290 detects the completion of the introduction of the detergent and stops the operation of the driving unit 182 immediately after the signal is transmitted from the sensing switch unit 285 in the state where the detergent input is completed Thereby maintaining the state in which the nozzle section 120 is positioned at the first position (a).

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. I will understand. Also, although the drum type washing machine has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be applied to washing machines other than the drum type washing machine. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a drum type washing machine.

2 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a liquid detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a liquid detergent supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of main portions of the first and second opening and closing portions shown in Fig.

6 is a sectional view showing an operating state of the liquid detergent supply device shown in Fig.

7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of main parts of the first and second opening and closing portions shown in Fig.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a liquid detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid detergent supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a sectional view showing an operating state of the liquid detergent supply device shown in Fig.

11 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a liquid detergent supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Related Art [0002]

100, 200: liquid detergent supply device 110: detergent supply part

111: receptacle 112: outlet

115: lid part 120: nozzle part

122: pushing surface 124: ejection hole

125: connection part 130: pump part

140: housing 142: inlet

150: first opening and closing part 160: second opening and closing part

162: shaft 163: inflow hole

164: stem 166: piston

168: elastic member 170:

180, 280: nozzle operating parts 182, 282:

184: cam portion 190, 290:

285: Detection switch part 286: Switch part

287:

Claims (14)

A detergent supply unit for supplying a liquid detergent; A nozzle unit that receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit and injects the liquid detergent into the water supply pipe; A pump unit provided between the detergent supply unit and the nozzle unit for receiving the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit or supplying the supplied liquid detergent to the nozzle unit; And And a nozzle operating unit for maintaining the nozzle unit in a set position when the detergent injection is completed, Wherein the nozzle operating portion includes a driving portion for generating a rotational force, a cam portion eccentrically rotated by the driving portion, an outer circumferential surface contacting the nozzle portion to move the nozzle portion, and a sensing switch portion sensing the position of the nozzle portion, The pump unit includes a housing having an inlet through which the liquid detergent flows from the detergent supply unit, a liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit is received therein, a first opening and closing unit for opening and closing the inlet, And a second opening and closing part for opening and closing the housing, Wherein the second opening / closing portion is a shaft which is moved in conjunction with the nozzle portion and in which a flow path communicating with the nozzle portion is formed, a stem on which an inflow hole communicating the flow path and the inside of the housing is formed, And a piston which opens and closes the inflow hole in accordance with the movement of the shaft, Wherein the piston rubs against the housing to open the inflow hole when the nozzle portion is in the second position, The outer surface of the piston contacting the inner surface of the housing maintains a predetermined frictional force with the inner surface of the housing, The pump unit further includes an elastic member provided inside the housing to move the nozzle unit moved to the second position to the first position, And a locking protrusion for supporting the elastic member is protruded from the housing. delete delete delete delete The method according to claim 1, Wherein the driving unit is a motor capable of controlling a position of a rotating shaft. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the driving unit includes a motor capable of freely rotating the rotary shaft when the operation stops. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the pump unit receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit or supplies the supplied liquid detergent to the nozzle unit according to the position of the nozzle unit. 9. The method of claim 8, Wherein the pump unit supplies liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit when the nozzle unit is in the first position and supplies the liquid detergent to the nozzle unit when the nozzle unit is in the second position. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the detection switch unit comprises: a switch unit installed on the cam unit to operate in conjunction with rotation of the cam unit; And And a sensing unit for sensing an operation of the switch unit. delete Injecting a liquid detergent; Detecting whether the liquid detergent has been charged after the liquid detergent has been charged; And And maintaining the nozzle unit at the set position when the liquid detergent is completely charged, The pump unit includes a housing having an inlet through which the liquid detergent flows from the detergent supply unit, a liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit, and a first opening / closing unit that opens and closes the inlet. And a second opening and closing part for opening and closing the housing, Wherein the second opening / closing portion is a shaft which is moved in conjunction with the nozzle portion and in which a flow path communicating with the nozzle portion is formed, a stem on which an inflow hole communicating the flow path and the inside of the housing is formed, And a piston which opens and closes the inflow hole in accordance with the movement of the shaft, Wherein the piston rubs against the housing to open the inflow hole when the nozzle portion is in the second position, The outer surface of the piston contacting the inner surface of the housing maintains a predetermined frictional force with the inner surface of the housing, The pump unit further includes an elastic member provided inside the housing to move the nozzle unit moved to the second position to the first position, Wherein the housing is formed with a latching protrusion for supporting the elastic member. 13. The method of claim 12, Wherein the step of maintaining the nozzle unit at the setting position includes using a motor capable of controlling the position of the rotating shaft as the driving unit. 13. The method of claim 12, Wherein the step of maintaining the nozzle unit in a state of being positioned at the setting position uses a motor capable of freely rotating the rotary shaft at the time of stopping the operation as the driving unit.

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