KR20110004746A - Apparatus for supplying liquid detergent - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An apparatus for supplying liquid detergent is provided so that there is no need for a user to add liquid detergent each time and a desired amount of liquid detergent is timely supplied. CONSTITUTION: An apparatus(100) for supplying liquid detergent comprises a detergent supply unit(110), a nozzle unit(120) and a pump unit(130). The detergent supply unit supplies liquid detergent. The nozzle unit can be moved to a first location or a second position and receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit. The pump unit is installed between the detergent supply unit and the nozzle unit and receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit if the nozzle unit moves to the first location. The pump unit supplies the liquid detergent to the nozzle unit if the nozzle unit moves to the second location.

Description

Liquid detergent supply unit {APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING LIQUID DETERGENT}

The present invention relates to a liquid detergent supply apparatus, and more particularly to a liquid detergent supply apparatus capable of supplying a desired amount of liquid detergent in a timely manner.

In general, a washing machine is a product that removes various contaminants attached to clothes, bedding, etc. by using the emulsification of detergent, friction action of water flow caused by rotation of the pulsator, and impact action of the pulsator on laundry. Appearing automatic washing machine automatically performs a series of processes leading to washing, rinsing and dehydration without user intervention in the middle.

Such a washing machine may be classified into a top-loading washing machine in which the washing tank is set up and a drum washing machine in which the washing tank is laid, depending on the type of the washing tank in which the laundry is accommodated. In addition to the overall height can be reduced, as the washing capacity can be increased and the problems such as foaming hardly occurs, the demand is increasing.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine includes a tub 2 elastically supported by a spring 6 and a damper 7 in a main body 1, and a drum rotatably installed in the tub 2 to accommodate laundry. 3) and a drive unit 4 axially connected to the drum 3. The drive unit 4 is composed of a rotor (not shown) and a stator (not shown), and a drive shaft is connected to the rotor to transmit the driving force of the rotor to the drum 3.

The upper part of the drum (3), the detergent container (8) which is connected to the water supply line (10) is provided, the detergent container drawer (9) which is detachably installed inside the detergent container (8) so that the user can put the detergent ) Is provided. In addition, the front surface of the main body 1 is provided with the door 5 rotatably from side to side at a position facing the opening of the drum 3.

The washing machine configured as described above, after putting the detergent and bleach and the softener of the powder into the detergent container drawer (9) before washing, and set the type of laundry or washing time through a control panel (not shown) Press the start button to automatically run a series of steps from washing to rinsing and dehydration.

On the other hand, liquid detergents that are well diluted in washing water and excellent in emulsification have recently been widely spread. When the liquid detergent is to be put into the washing machine, it is impossible to inject the detergent by opening the door 5 while the washing water is supplied due to the characteristics of the drum washing machine. It must be introduced through the detergent container (8).

According to the above washing machine, when the liquid detergent is directly added to the laundry, the laundry is damaged, and when the liquid detergent is introduced through the detergent container, the detergent input amount is not accurate due to the structural characteristics of the powder detergent. Problems arise. In other words, the detergent container has a structure in which the powder detergent is diluted by an appropriate amount of water to be supplied to the drum, but in the case of the liquid detergent, the detergent can be directly added to the drum even if it is not diluted in the washing water due to its fluidity. The silver powder is for the detergent and the amount of dilution of the powder detergent and the liquid detergent by the wash water can not but be different, which causes a problem that it is difficult to control the amount of detergent detergent. Therefore, there is a need for improvement.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid detergent supply apparatus having an improved structure so as to supply a desired amount of liquid detergent in a timely manner.

Liquid detergent supply apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a detergent supply unit for supplying a liquid detergent; A nozzle unit which is movable to a first position or a second position and receives liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit; And a pump unit provided between the detergent supply unit and the nozzle unit to receive liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit when the first position of the nozzle moves, and to supply liquid detergent to the nozzle unit when the second position of the nozzle moves. do.

The pump unit may include: a housing having an inlet through which liquid detergent is introduced from the detergent supply unit, and housing the liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit therein; A first opening and closing part for opening and closing the inlet; And a second opening / closing part interlocked with the movement of the nozzle part to open and close the housing.

In addition, the second opening and closing portion, the shaft is moved in conjunction with the nozzle portion, the passage in communication with the nozzle portion is formed therein; A stem formed with an inlet hole for communicating the passage with the inside of the housing; And a piston provided outside the shaft to open and close the inlet hole according to the movement of the shaft.

The pump unit may further include an elastic member provided inside the housing to move the nozzle unit moved to the second position to the first position.

In addition, the first opening and closing portion, preferably linked to the movement of the shaft includes a ball valve for opening and closing the inlet.

The piston may friction with the housing to open the inlet hole when the nozzle portion moves to the second position, and the ball valve may open the inlet port by vacuum pressure inside the housing when the nozzle portion moves to the first position. It is preferable.

In addition, the present invention preferably further comprises a nozzle operation unit for moving the nozzle unit.

In addition, the nozzle operation unit, a drive unit for generating a rotational force; And a cam portion that is eccentrically rotated by the driving portion and whose outer circumferential surface is in contact with the nozzle portion to move the nozzle portion.

According to the liquid detergent supply apparatus of the present invention, by supplying the liquid detergent automatically, there is no hassle of the user to put the liquid detergent at the time of washing, it is possible to supply the desired amount of liquid detergent in a timely manner.

In addition, the liquid detergent supply apparatus of the present embodiment can supply the liquid detergent by using a low-cost small motor instead of a large expensive motor, there is an advantage that the volume and weight of the entire apparatus is reduced, manufacturing cost is reduced.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a liquid detergent supply apparatus according to the present invention 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.

2 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid detergent supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a liquid detergent supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is shown in FIG. It is an enlarged sectional view of the principal part of a 1st and 2nd opening and closing part.

2 to 4, the liquid detergent supply apparatus 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) forming the appearance of the washing machine. The liquid detergent supply device injects the liquid detergent into a tub (not shown) installed inside the cabinet to allow the wash water to flow therein.

According to the present embodiment, the liquid detergent supply apparatus 100 includes a detergent supply unit 110, a nozzle unit 120, and a pump unit 130.

The detergent supply unit 110 accommodates detergent therein. In the present embodiment, the liquid detergent is defined as the liquid detergent, the liquid fibrous softener, the liquid bleach, and the like. The detergent supply unit 110 may be accommodated in the cabinet, accommodates the liquid detergent injected from the outside, and supplies the accommodated liquid detergent to the pump unit 130 to be described later.

The detergent supply unit 110 includes a receiving portion 111 for receiving a liquid detergent and a cover portion 115 covering the upper portion of the open receiving portion 111.

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

In addition, the cover 115 is provided to be exposed to the upper portion of the cabinet. The cover part 115 is provided to open and close the accommodating part 111, and a user may inject a liquid detergent into the accommodating part 111 by opening the cover part 115 exposed to the upper part of the cabinet.

The nozzle unit 120 is provided to be movable to the first position a or the second position b. The nozzle unit 120 is connected to the pump unit 130 receives the liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit 110 via the pump unit 130.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the pressing surface 122 is formed at an upper portion of the nozzle unit 120, and a blowing 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 liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit 110.

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

The connection pipe part 125 may be connected to the nozzle part 120. The liquid detergent introduced into the nozzle unit 120 is introduced into the tub through the connection pipe part 125. One side of the connection pipe section 125 is connected to the nozzle unit 120, the other side of the connection pipe section 125 is connected to the 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 operates 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 first position (a) of the nozzle unit 120 moves, and the detergent supply unit 110 when the second position (b) of the nozzle unit 120 moves. Inject the liquid detergent supplied from the nozzle unit 120. The pump unit 130 includes a housing 140, a first opening and closing portion 150, and a second opening and closing portion 160.

The housing 140 is provided between the detergent supply unit 110 and the nozzle unit 120. The housing 140 has an inlet 142 through which the liquid detergent is introduced from the detergent supply unit 110. The housing 140 is a part that temporarily retains the liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 110, and the liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 110 is introduced into the nozzle unit 120 before the housing 140. Will temporarily stay inside

The housing 140 as described above may be connected to the detergent supply unit 110 by the connection unit 170. The connection unit 170 couples the housing 140 to the detergent supply unit 110, and provides a connection path connecting the outlet 112 of the detergent supply unit 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 inside the housing 140, specifically, above the inlet 142. The first opening / closing part 150 may include a ball valve (not shown) seated on the locking step 143 formed around the inlet 142. According to the first opening and closing part 150, the inlet 142 is closed by a ball valve, and the inlet 142 closed by the ball valve is a ball valve when the second position (b) of the nozzle part 120 moves. It is opened as it is raised by the vacuum pressure formed in the housing 140.

The second opening and closing part 160 opens and closes the housing 160 in association with the movement of the nozzle part 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 moved in conjunction with the nozzle unit 120. The shaft 162 is inserted into the housing 140 and provided to move up and down along the nozzle unit 120. In the shaft 162, a flow path F communicating with the nozzle unit 120 is formed.

One side of the shaft 162, more specifically, the lower end of the shaft 162 is provided with a stem 164. An inlet hole 163 is formed between the stem 164 and the shaft 162 to communicate the inside of the housing 140 with the flow path F. As shown in FIG.

On the outside of the shaft 162, a piston 166 is provided. The piston 166 is provided in the housing 140 to open and close the inlet 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 so that the outer surface which is in contact with the inner surface of the housing 140 maintains a predetermined friction force with the inner surface of the housing 140.

The predetermined frictional force here is a frictional force greater than the frictional force generated between the inner side of the piston 166 and the outer side of the shaft 162, but the piston 166 is caused by the locking force of the nozzle unit 120 or the stem 164. ) Means a frictional force that can be moved together as the shaft 162 moves.

Accordingly, the piston 166 opens or closes the inlet hole 163 by a predetermined frictional force as described above, while partially restraining the movement against the movement direction of the shaft 162 when the shaft 162 moves. do.

The elastic member 168 is provided inside the housing 140 to move the nozzle portion 120 moved to the second position (b) to the first position (a). Preferably, the elastic member 168 may be a coil spring whose one side is supported by the locking step 143 of the housing 140 and the other side is supported by the lower portion of the stem 164. The elastic member 168 removes the nozzle part 120 by moving the shaft 162 and the stem 164 moved downward by the nozzle part 120 moved to the second position (b). It provides an elastic force to move to one position (a).

On the other hand, the liquid detergent supply apparatus 100 of the present embodiment may further include a nozzle operation unit 180 for moving the nozzle unit 120. The nozzle manipulation unit 180 includes a driving unit 182 and a cam unit 184.

The driving unit 182 generates a rotational force. The driving unit 182 may be provided with a motor for generating a rotational force. According to the present embodiment, the driving force required for the motor of the driving unit 182 is enough to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 168, which can move the nozzle unit 120 to the second position (b). Is enough. Therefore, the drive unit 182 may be provided with a small motor of low cost instead of an expensive large motor.

The cam portion 184 is rotated eccentrically by the driving unit 182, the outer peripheral surface is in contact with the pressing surface 122 of the nozzle unit 120. According to the cam part 184, when the short diameter portion s side of the cam part 184 contacts the pressing surface 122, the nozzle part 120 is positioned at the first position a, and the cam part 184 is disposed. When the long diameter portion 1 side of the cam portion 184 contacts the pressing surface 122 by rotating, the nozzle portion 120 is pressed by the cam portion 184 to move to the second position b.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the liquid detergent supply device shown in FIG. 3, and FIG.

Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the liquid detergent supply device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, in a state in which the nozzle unit 120 is located at the first position a, as shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle manipulator 180 is operated to operate the long diameter portion of the cam unit 184. l) When the pressing surface 122 is pressed by the contact with the side, the nozzle unit 120 is moved from the first position (a) to the second position (b). Here, the inside of the housing 140 is illustrated as a state in which the liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 110 remains.

As such, when the nozzle unit 120 is moved to the second position (b), the shaft 162 and the stem 164 move in a downward direction in association with the movement of the nozzle unit 120. As the shaft 162 and the stem 164 move in this manner, the piston 166 also moves together, and the piston 166 rubs against the housing 140 such that the movement of the shaft 162 and the stem 162 is partially suppressed. By moving the distance less than 164, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the inlet hole 163 that has been closed is opened. At this time, the inlet 142 is closed by the first opening and closing part 150.

Accordingly, the liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 110 and staying in the housing 140 flows into the flow path F formed inside the shaft 162 through the inlet hole 163. The liquid detergent introduced into the nozzle unit 120 is introduced into the connection pipe part 125 through the ejection hole 124. The liquid detergent introduced into the connection pipe part 125 may be introduced into the tub through the water supply pipe 10.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 3, when the nozzle manipulation unit 180 is operated to contact the pressing surface 122 of the short diameter portion s of the cam unit 184, the pressing force on the nozzle unit 120 is released. . Accordingly, the shaft 162 and the stem 164 are moved upward by the elastic force of the elastic member 168, the nozzle portion 120 is moved to the first position (a) in accordance with the movement of the shaft 162. .

As 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 so that movement of the shaft 162 and the stem is partially suppressed. By moving the distance less than 164, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the inlet hole 163 that has been opened is closed.

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

The detergent injection as described above is continued operation of the nozzle control unit 180, that is, rotation of the cam unit 184, the movement of the first position (a) and the second position (b) of the nozzle unit 120 is repeated accordingly Can be continued.

In addition, since the pump unit 130 injects a predetermined amount of liquid detergent every time the nozzle unit 120 moves, controlling the operation of the nozzle manipulator 180, that is, controlling the rotation speed of the cam unit 184, allows the nozzle unit ( By controlling the number of times of movement of 120 and thus the number of detergent inputs of the pump 130, a desired amount of liquid detergent may be added to the tub.

The liquid detergent supply apparatus 100 of the present embodiment as described above, by automatically introducing the liquid detergent, there is no hassle for the user to inject the liquid detergent at the time of washing, it is possible to add the desired amount of liquid detergent in a timely manner. have.

In addition, the liquid detergent supply apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can be introduced into the liquid detergent by using a low-cost small motor instead of a large expensive motor, the volume and weight of the entire device is reduced, the manufacturing cost is reduced have.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art to which the art belongs can make various modifications and other equivalent embodiments therefrom. I will understand. In addition, the drum type washing machine has been described as an example, but this is merely exemplary, and the present invention may be applied to a washing machine other than the drum type washing machine. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the claims below.

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

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

3 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a liquid detergent supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating main parts of the first and second opening and closing parts illustrated in FIG. 3.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the liquid detergent supply device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating main parts of the first and second opening and closing parts illustrated in FIG. 5.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

100: liquid detergent supply device 110: detergent supply unit

111: receiving portion 112: outlet

115: cover portion 120: nozzle portion

122: press surface 124: jet hole

125 connection part 130 pump part

140: housing 142: inlet

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

162: shaft 163: inlet hole

164: stem 166: piston

168: elastic member 170: connecting portion

180: nozzle operation unit 182: drive unit

184: cam portion

Claims (8)

Detergent supply unit for supplying a liquid detergent; A nozzle unit which is movable to a first position or a second position and receives liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit; And A pump unit provided between the detergent supply unit and the nozzle unit to receive liquid detergent from the detergent supply unit when the first position moves to the nozzle unit, and to supply liquid detergent to the nozzle unit when the second position moves to the nozzle unit. Liquid detergent supply apparatus, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, wherein the pump unit, A housing through which an inlet through which the liquid detergent is introduced from the detergent supply unit is formed, and retains the liquid detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit therein; A first opening and closing part for opening and closing the inlet; And And a second opening and closing part for opening and closing the housing in association with movement of the nozzle part. The method of claim 2, wherein the second opening and closing portion, A shaft which moves in association with the nozzle unit and has a flow passage communicating with the nozzle unit therein; A stem formed with an inlet hole for communicating the passage with the inside of the housing; And And a piston provided on the outside of the shaft to open and close the inlet hole according to the movement of the shaft. The method of claim 3, The pump unit, the liquid detergent supply apparatus further comprises an elastic member provided in the housing to move the nozzle portion moved to the second position to the first position. The method of claim 3, The first opening and closing part, the liquid detergent supply apparatus comprising a ball valve for opening and closing the inlet in conjunction with the movement of the shaft. The method of claim 3, The piston opens the inlet hole by friction with the housing when the second position of the nozzle moves; And the ball valve opens the inlet port by a vacuum pressure inside the housing when the first position of the nozzle moves. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The liquid detergent supply apparatus further comprises a nozzle operation unit for moving the nozzle unit. The method of claim 7, wherein the nozzle operation portion, A driving unit generating a rotational force; And And a cam portion that is eccentrically rotated by the driving portion and whose outer circumferential surface is in contact with the nozzle portion to move the nozzle portion.

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