KR20100066173A - Washing machine and method for washing - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: Washing machine and method are provided to display the amount of detergent stored in a storage through a display unit if the detergent amount is not sufficient for washing. CONSTITUTION: A washing machine(100) is composed of a main body(111), a storage(186), a detergent path(164), and a detergent regulating unit. The main body includes a washing tub(120). A detergent bin(200) is placed at the main body. The storage temporarily stores the detergent flowing out from the detergent bin. The detergent path guides the detergent to be put into the washing tub from the storage. The detergent regulating unit controls the detergent flow passing through the detergent path.

Description

Washing machine and method for washing}

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine in which detergent is automatically supplied.

In general, a washing machine is a device that washes laundry through a process such as washing, rinsing, and dehydrating to remove contamination from clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as 'laundry') using water, detergent, and mechanical action.

The washing machine is rotatably disposed inside the washing tank in which water and laundry are accommodated, and the washing tank is rotated by the driving mechanism to wash the laundry. The washing machine further includes a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the washing tank, and a drainage mechanism for draining the water in the washing tank to the outside. The detergent supply mechanism which supplies a detergent to the inside of a washing tank is arrange | positioned on the water supply flow path of a water supply mechanism. The detergent supply mechanism includes a dispenser disposed in communication with the water supply passage, and a detergent box disposed in the dispenser so as to be accessible to the dispenser and accommodate various detergents.

Therefore, the conventional washing machine draws out the detergent box from the dispenser, and then puts powder detergent or liquid detergent into the detergent box, and inserts the detergent box back into the dispenser. At this time, when the water supply mechanism is operated, the powder detergent or the liquid detergent in the detergent box is supplied into the washing tank by the water flowing along the water supply passage of the water supply mechanism.

In the washing machine according to the related art, since the user directly inputs the detergent into the detergent box, the washing machine is repeatedly put into the detergent box every time the laundry is washed, thereby reducing the ease of use of the washing machine. In addition, since the amount of detergent added to the detergent box is intuitively determined by the user, the amount of detergent is too much, the detergent is wasted, or the amount of detergent is too small, so there is a problem that the washing performance is reduced.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can be automatically supplied by the appropriate amount of detergent.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a detergent container containing a detergent is seated.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which detergents can be automatically supplied using a detergent container containing a commercially available detergent.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, the main body having a washing tank and a removable detergent container containing detergent on the upper surface, and a storage unit for temporarily storing the detergent flowing out of the detergent container; And a detergent passage for guiding the detergent stored in the storage unit to be introduced into the washing tank, and a detergent adjusting unit for controlling the flow of the detergent passing through the detergent passage.

In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine having a washing tank and a detachable detergent container containing a detergent on the upper surface is seated, and the detergent container coupled to the main body and the detergent container is coupled to the main body And a detergent passage for guiding the detergent flowing out of the detergent container into the washing tank, and a detergent control unit for controlling the flow of the detergent passing through the detergent passage.

In order to achieve the above object, the washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the detergent container containing the detergent is seated on the upper surface of the main body of the washing machine, the detergent container is fixed and the detergent of the detergent container is leaked, and the detergent container The detergent flowing out from the detergent flows through the detergent flow path, and the detergent flowing through the detergent flow path during the washing step includes the step of flowing into the washing tank inside the washing machine body.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

According to the washing machine and washing method of the present invention has one or more of the following effects.

First, there is an advantage that the detergent is automatically supplied as necessary during washing.

Second, there is an advantage that the convenience of the user is improved by using a detergent container containing detergents sold in the market as it is connected to the washing machine.

Third, there is also an advantage that the removable container is convenient.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and the general knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the person having the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining a washing machine and a washing method according to embodiments of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the washing machine shown in FIG.

The washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a main body 111 on which a detachable detergent container 200 containing an detergent is formed on the upper surface of the washing machine 100, and a door that opens and closes one side of the main body to allow laundry to enter and exit the main body. 112, a washing tub 120 provided inside the main body to wash the laundry, a detergent passage 164 guiding the detergent flowing out of the detergent container into the washing tank, and a flow of detergent passing through the detergent passage. It includes a detergent control unit 168 to adjust.

The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control panel 116 for a user interface and a controller 105 for executing an instruction for the washing machine to perform each step of the washing method.

The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a detergent box 114. The detergent box 114 may be mounted by sliding on the main body 111 or may be fixed to the main body 111. According to another embodiment, the detergent box 114 may or may not be removed by the user.

The washing tank 120 is to accommodate laundry and detergent and washing water, and the washing tank 120 is disposed to be buffered by the spring 115 and the damper 117 inside the main body 111. The washing tub 120 includes a tub 122 having wash water and detergent contained therein, and a drum formed with a plurality of handmade rotatably disposed inside the tub to accommodate laundry therein and to pass the wash water and detergent in the tub. 124 and a lifter 126 disposed on the inner surface of the drum to scoop the laundry to a certain height and then drop the laundry upon rotation of the drum. The drum 124 is rotated by receiving a rotational force by the drive unit 113 provided in the main body 111.

In the main body 111, a washing water supply valve 131 into which washing water is introduced from an external water source, a mixing unit 133 in which washing water and detergent introduced into the washing water supply valve are mixed, and washing water mixed in the mixing unit. And a wash water supply passage 132 through which the liquid detergent flows, and a water supply passage 134 through which the wash water and the detergent flowing out of the detergent box 114 flow into the tub 122.

The mixing unit 133 is provided between the wash water supply valve 131 and the wash water supply passage 132. The wash water supplied through the wash water supply valve 131 may be mixed with the detergent flowing out of the detergent container 200 in the mixing unit 133. The detergent spilled from the detergent container 200 may be directly supplied to the detergent box 114 without using the mixing unit 133. That is, the wash water supplied through the wash water supply valve 131 may be mixed in the detergent and the detergent box 114 leaked from the detergent container 200.

In addition, inside the main body 111, the circulation bellows 135 which is discharged to circulate the washing water and the detergent in the tub 122, the circulation pump 136 for circulating the washing water and the detergent, and the washing water and the detergent flow. It is preferable that the circulation flow path 137 is provided.

In addition, the main body 111 has a drain bellows 141 which is discharged to drain the washing water and the detergent in the tub 122, a drain pump 142 for discharging the washing water and the detergent, and the washing water and the detergent are outside. It is preferable that a drain passage 143 provided to the drain is provided.

The structure or arrangement of the washing tank 120 and the main body 111 described above may be changed by those skilled in the art.

Detergent can 200 is removable, the commercially available detergent container containing the detergent can be used as it is, may be used by storing the detergent in the detergent container provided with the washing machine. The detergent contained in the detergent container 200 is preferably a liquid detergent.

The main body 111 has a detergent container 200 detachable on the upper surface. The main body 111 may have a detergent container fixing part 185 fixing the detergent container 200 on an upper surface thereof. The detergent container fixing part 185 may be variously formed according to the shape of the detergent container 200, and may fix one side or the bottom of the detergent container.

The upper surface of the main body 111 is preferably formed so that a plurality of detergent containers containing a washing detergent, a rinsing detergent (fiber softener) and a bleaching detergent may be seated. The upper surface of the main body 111 is preferably formed in accordance with the shape of one side of the detergent container 200, it may be formed of an elastic member that can be deformed according to the shape of the detergent container.

The detergent passage 164 guides the detergent flowing out of the detergent container 200 to be introduced into the washing tank 120. The detergent passage 164 guides the detergent flowing out of the detergent container 200 to the mixing unit 133 to be mixed with the washing water. The detergent mixed with the wash water flows into the tub 122 via the wash water supply passage 132 and the water supply passage 134. The detergent mixed with the wash water flows into the tub 122 via the wash water supply passage 132, the detergent box 114, and the water supply passage 134.

The detergent adjusting unit 168 is provided in the detergent passage 164 to adjust the flow of the detergent passing through the detergent passage. Detergent adjusting unit 168 may be implemented as a valve, it is preferably implemented as a pump for flowing detergent. The detergent control unit 168 may be implemented as a pump for extruding and pumping the detergent flow path 164. Detergent adjusting unit 168 is controlled by the control unit 105 to adjust the amount of detergent to be injected into the washing tank 120 according to the amount of laundry and water, the washing course.

Detergent adjusting unit 168 is adjusted by the command of the control unit 105 so that the detergent as much as the user wants from the detergent container 200. Detergent adjusting unit 168 is automatically adjusted by the control unit 105 through the interface. According to another embodiment, the detergent control unit 168 may be adjusted by the user through the control panel 116.

The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a storage unit 186 for temporarily storing the detergent flowing out of the detergent container 200. The storage unit 186 may temporarily store the detergent so that one or more washing may be performed even when the detergent of the detergent container 200 is used up.

The washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an indicator 186a which can check the amount of the detergent introduced into the storage unit 186. The indicator 186a may be variously implemented as a device capable of sensing the amount of liquid, such as an electronic sensitive sensor, a magnetic force sensor, and a floating device. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the indicator 186a is implemented as a transparent window for viewing the storage unit 186 made of a transparent material.

The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a detergent container coupling part 192 that couples the detergent container 200 to the upper surface of the main body 111. Detailed description of the detergent container coupling unit 192 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a concentration selector 189 for selecting a concentration of the detergent stored in the detergent container 200.

The concentration selector 189 selects the concentration of the detergent according to the type of the detergent. If the detergent is concentrated twice, select the concentration twice in the concentration selector. According to the concentration selected by the concentration selector 189, the detergent control unit 168 adjusts the amount of detergent injected into the washing tank 120 by the controller 105. On the other hand, the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a concentration selector 182 for selecting the concentration of the detergent stored in the detergent container 200 in the control panel 116. The concentration selector 189 or the concentration selector 182 is connected to the controller 105.

3 is a partially enlarged view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the main body 111 of the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a detergent inlet 194 may be formed on the upper surface of the detergent inlet flowing out of the detergent container 200, and according to an embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine may further include a cover 196 for opening and closing the detergent inlet.

Detergent inlet 194 is preferably formed in plurality in accordance with the type of detergent container, in one embodiment of the invention three detergent inlets are formed. The detergent flowing into the detergent inlet 194 is preferably stored in the storage unit 186.

The cover part 196 is provided to cover the detergent inlet 194 when the detergent container 200 is not seated on the upper surface of the main body 111. Cover portion 196 is preferably coupled to the hinge together with the detergent container coupling portion 192.

Detergent container coupling unit 192 is preferably an identification mark according to the type of detergent container is coupled. Detergent container coupling unit 192 may be different in color to match the type of detergent container, such as detergent for washing, rinsing detergent (fiber softener) and bleach detergent. In addition, the type of detergent container coupled to the detergent container coupling unit 192 may be displayed in letters. In addition, the detergent container on the upper surface of the main body 111 may be displayed in color or letters.

4 is a partially enlarged view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The detergent container coupling unit 192 has an outlet fixing part 311 for fixing the detergent outlet of the detergent container 200, a button pressing part 312 for pressing the detergent outlet button 210 of the detergent container 200, and a user's hand. Handle portion 313 to rotate the detergent container coupling portion 192, and the rotary connection connecting the detergent container coupling portion 192 and the storage unit 186 so that the detergent container coupling portion 192 can be rotated ( 314).

Outlet fixing part 311 is to fix the detergent outlet of the detergent container 200, it can be implemented in various ways depending on the shape of the detergent outlet, in one embodiment of the present invention "C" or "U" partly opened. It is embodied in the shape of being fitted to the detergent outlet as a ruler shape. Fixing the detergent outlet of the detergent container 200 toward the opening. The wedge-shaped protrusion 315 at the end of the outlet fixing part 311 is fitted into the slot 316 formed on the upper surface of the main body 111 so that the outlet fixing part 311 can detachably fix the detergent outlet of the detergent container 200. Can be.

The button pressing unit 312 is to press the detergent outflow button 210 of the detergent container when the detergent container 200 is fixed, it can be implemented in various ways depending on the position and shape of the detergent outflow button, in one embodiment of the present invention It is implemented in a plate shape extending from the government 311.

Handle portion 313 is to allow the user to rotate the detergent container coupling portion 192, in one embodiment of the present invention is implemented in a plate shape formed in a direction perpendicular to the outlet fixing portion 311.

The rotary connector 314 is connected to the detergent container coupling unit 192 and the storage unit 186 is implemented so that the detergent container coupling unit 192 can rotate.

The structure of the above-described detergent container coupling unit 192 may be variously implemented by those skilled in the art according to the shape of the detergent container 200.

Storage unit 186 of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a thread (188). The thread 188 corresponds to the thread formed on the lower surface of the main body 111. The user may rotate and remove the storage unit 186 from the upper surface of the main body 111.

The storage unit 186 is coupled to the storage unit coupling unit 178. Storage unit coupling portion 178 may be coupled by a screw passing through the top surface of the main body 111 and the flange 190.

Referring to the operation and washing method of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

The detergent container 200 is mounted on the upper surface of the main body 111. The detergent container coupling unit 192 fixes the detergent container 200, and when the detergent discharge button 210 is pressed, the detergent of the detergent container is leaked. The spilled detergent is temporarily stored in the storage unit 186.

The door 112 is opened to load laundry into the drum 124 of the washing tub 120. When the washing machine 100 is operated after the door 112 is closed, the quantity of laundry put into the drum 124 is sensed, and a water supply level, a supply amount of detergent, a washing time, and the like are set according to the quantity.

The washing water supply valve 131 is opened to supply washing water by a set amount from an external water source. In addition, the detergent control unit 168 is operated to supply the detergent stored in the storage unit 186 by the set amount. When a plurality of storage unit 186 is provided, a cleaning detergent is supplied.

When the detergent control unit 168 is operated, the detergent stored in the storage unit 186 flows into the mixing unit 133 via the detergent passage 164.

Washing water and detergent are mixed in the mixing unit 133 and flows into the tub 122 of the washing tank 120 through the washing water supply passage 132 and the water supply passage 134.

When the supply of wash water and detergent is completed in the tub 122, the driving unit 113 is operated to rotate the drum 124 for a predetermined time. At this time, the wash water and the detergent circulates inside and outside the washing tank by the circulation pump 136.

When the above-described washing stroke is completed, the driving unit 113 is stopped and the drain pump 142 is operated to drain the washing water and the detergent used for washing to the outside. Then, the washing water supply valve 131 is opened to wash water again from an external water source, and the detergent adjusting unit 168 is operated to supply a rinsing detergent by a set amount.

Washing water and detergent are mixed in the mixing unit 133 is introduced into the tub 122 of the washing tank 120 through the water supply passage 134, the drive unit 113 is operated to rotate the drum 124 for a set time Rinse stroke is made.

When the above-described rinsing stroke is completed, the driving unit 113 is stopped and the drain pump 142 is operated to drain the washing water and the detergent to the outside, and a dewatering stroke and a drying stroke are performed according to the setting.

In the above-described process, if the amount of detergent stored in the storage unit 186 is not sufficient as necessary for washing, it is displayed to the outside by the indicator 186a.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a control system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The control system includes a control unit 105, a control panel interface 1702 connected to the control panel to receive input from the user and showing the output to the user, and a storage unit 1704 for storing instructions of a washing method performed by the control unit 105. ), An interface 1706a, 1706b, and 1706c interlocked with the detergent control units 168a, 168b, and 168c, an interface 1708 interlocked with the wash water supply valve 131, and an interface interlocked with the driving unit 113. 1710, an interface 1712 interlocking with the circulation pump 136, an interface 1714 interlocking with the concentration selector 189, and an interface 1716 interlocking with the water level sensing device 1718, and the like. And a communication bus 1720 interlocked.

As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and the present invention is not limited to the technical scope of the present invention. Of course, various modifications are possible by a person of knowledge.

That is, the present invention is not limited to the drum type washing machine, but can also be applied to a water type washing machine for introducing detergent. In addition, the present invention can be applied to various washing apparatuses such as a dishwasher in which detergent is used.

As described above, those skilled in the art may understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the following claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the equivalent concept are included in the scope of the present invention. Should be interpreted.

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

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a partially enlarged view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the detergent container coupling portion of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a control system of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: washing machine 111: main body

112: door 120: washing tank

122: tub 124: drum

164: detergent euro 168: detergent control unit

185: detergent container fixing part 186: storage part

186a: indicator 189: concentration selector

192: detergent container coupling portion 194: detergent inlet

196: cover 200: detergent container

Claims (23)

A main body including a washing tank and a detachable detergent container having a detergent on the upper surface thereof; A storage unit for temporarily storing the detergent flowing out of the detergent container; A detergent passage for guiding the detergent stored in the storage unit into the washing tank; And Washing machine including a detergent control unit for adjusting the flow of the detergent passing through the detergent passage. The method of claim 1, The main body is a washing machine provided with a detergent container fixing portion for fixing the detergent container on the upper surface. The method of claim 1, The washing machine further includes a detergent container coupling unit provided in the main body and coupling the detergent container to the main body. The method of claim 3, wherein The detergent container coupling portion washing machine to press the detergent outflow button of the detergent container to allow the detergent to flow out of the detergent container. The method of claim 3, wherein The washing machine coupled to the detergent container is an identification mark according to the type of the detergent container is coupled. The method of claim 1, The main body has a detergent inlet through which the detergent flowing out of the detergent container is formed on the upper surface, Washing machine further comprises a cover for opening and closing the detergent inlet. The method of claim 1, Washing machine further comprises an indicator for checking the amount of the detergent introduced into the storage. The method of claim 1, The detergent control unit is a washing machine pump for flowing the detergent. The method of claim 8, The detergent control unit is a washing machine for extruding and pumping the detergent passage. The method of claim 1, Washing machine further comprises a concentration selector for selecting the concentration of the detergent is provided in the main body and stored in the detergent container. A main body including a washing tank and a detachable detergent container having a detergent on the upper surface thereof; A detergent container coupling part provided on the main body and coupling the detergent container to an upper surface of the main body; A detergent passage for guiding the detergent flowing out of the detergent container into the washing tank; And Washing machine including a detergent control unit for adjusting the flow of the detergent passing through the detergent passage. The method of claim 11, The main body is a washing machine provided with a detergent container fixing portion for fixing the detergent container on the upper surface. The method of claim 11, The detergent container coupling portion washing machine to press the detergent outflow button of the detergent container to allow the detergent to flow out of the detergent container. The method of claim 11, The washing machine coupled to the detergent container is an identification mark according to the type of the detergent container is coupled. The method of claim 11, The main body has a detergent inlet through which the detergent flowing out of the detergent container is formed on the upper surface, Washing machine further comprises a cover for opening and closing the detergent inlet. The method of claim 11, The washing machine further includes a storage unit provided in the main body to temporarily store the detergent flowing out of the detergent container. The method of claim 16, Washing machine further comprises an indicator for checking the amount of the detergent introduced into the storage. The method of claim 11, The detergent control unit is a washing machine pump for flowing the detergent. The method of claim 18, The detergent control unit is a washing machine for extruding and pumping the detergent passage. The method of claim 11, Washing machine further comprises a concentration selector for selecting the concentration of the detergent is provided in the main body and stored in the detergent container. The detergent container containing the detergent is seated on the upper surface of the main body of the washing machine; The detergent container is fixed and the detergent of the detergent container is leaked; The detergent flowing out of the detergent container flows through a detergent passage; And And washing the detergent flowing through the detergent flow path into the washing tank inside the washing machine body during the washing stroke. The method of claim 21, The laundry method further comprises the step of temporarily storing the detergent flowing out from the detergent container in the storage. The method of claim 21, The detergent is a washing method introduced into the washing tank by a detergent control unit.

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