JP2001129291A - Liquid detergent input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid detergent input device for controlling a flow rate adapted to a using liquid detergent even in either kind of liquid detergent. SOLUTION: In a device having a liquid detergent input device 20 inside an upper cover 15 for covering an upper part of an outer box 11 for internally arranging a wash tub 24, a flow control member 45 for controlling a flow rate of a liquid detergent is arranged in a detergent outflow port 35 of the liquid detergent input device 20 to properly control the flow rate in response to respective liquid detergents A, B....

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid detergent dispenser for a washing machine, and more particularly, to a liquid detergent for a washing machine capable of dispensing an appropriate amount of liquid detergent into a washing tub using any kind of liquid detergent. The present invention relates to a detergent introduction device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a liquid detergent supply device is provided inside a top cover of a washing machine, and a liquid detergent is supplied into a washing tub by controlling the time according to the water level. Has become.

[0003] However, when various types of liquid detergents are used recently, the amount of liquid detergent used with respect to the amount of water used becomes larger or smaller only by controlling the time, and the optimum amount of liquid detergent is accurately supplied. I couldn't.

[0004] Therefore, in order to make the supply amount different depending on the type of the liquid detergent, the supply time of the solenoid valve is controlled in accordance with the liquid detergent that uses a large amount or in accordance with the specified liquid detergent.

[0005] Therefore, in this type of liquid detergent introduction device, the liquid detergent to be used is limited, so that not only cannot various types of liquid detergents be used effectively, but also the use of this liquid detergent introduction device is very inconvenient. There was a problem that it was.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a liquid detergent supply device capable of supplying an optimum amount of liquid detergent using any type of liquid detergent.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus having a liquid detergent input device inside an upper cover for covering an upper portion of an outer box having a washing tub therein. Since the flow control member for controlling the flow rate of the liquid detergent is provided at the outlet, an optimal amount of the liquid detergent can be supplied to any type of liquid detergent.

Further, in the invention of claim 2, since the flow rate control of the liquid detergent input device is performed according to the type of the liquid detergent used, the use efficiency of the liquid detergent input device can be improved.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the flow rate control at the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device is performed by arranging a flow rate control member having a hole having an appropriate size in contact with the valve portion. Even with the liquid detergent described above, the flow rate can be controlled accurately.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, the type of the liquid detergent is displayed on the flow rate control member for controlling the flow rate of the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device, and the liquid detergent is exchanged according to the used liquid detergent. Exact flow control can be performed for each used liquid detergent.

Further, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the flow rate control member for controlling the flow rate of the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent input device displays the amount of the used liquid detergent with respect to the amount of the used water, and exchanges the amount according to the corresponding liquid detergent. Thus, it is possible to select only the ratio of the amount of detergent to the amount of water regardless of the brand of the detergent, so that the flow rate control of the used liquid detergent can be performed very easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, the flow rate of the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device is controlled by arranging a cylindrical flow rate control member having a hole having an appropriate size in horizontal contact with the valve portion. , The flow rate of the liquid detergent can be controlled accurately.

Further, according to the present invention, the type of the liquid detergent is displayed on the cylindrical flow rate control member for controlling the flow rate of the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device, and the flow rate is controlled by rotating the liquid detergent in accordance with the used liquid detergent. Therefore, accurate flow control can be easily performed according to the type of liquid detergent.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, the amount of used detergent with respect to the amount of used water is displayed on the cylindrical flow rate control member for controlling the flow rate of the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device, and the corresponding display is adjusted and rotated. Since the flow rate is controlled, the flow rate of the liquid detergent with respect to the used water amount can be easily and accurately controlled.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a liquid detergent charging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In general, a washing machine 10 is provided with a substantially square outer box 11 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and an outer tub 13 which is swingably supported by an elastic suspension mechanism 12 is provided therein. .

An upper cover 15 provided with an entrance 14 through which laundry is taken in and out is provided at an upper portion of the outer box 11 so as to cover the outer tub 13 and the like.

Although not shown, an operation panel 16 is provided at the front of the upper cover 15 and includes electronic devices such as a water level sensor and a microcomputer. The operation panel 16 controls the motor 18, detects the water level, calculates the amount of water, and controls the motor 18. Control, 0N of solenoid valve 41
OFF control and the like are performed. This top cover 1
A folding lid 19 is attached to the rear of the door 5 so as to open and close the entrance 14.

Further, inside the upper cover 15, there is provided a liquid detergent supply device 20 as shown in detail in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, etc., for controlling the flow rate of the liquid detergent.
Further, a water supply device 22 having a water supply valve 21 is provided inside the upper cover 15 to supply water from a water supply or the like.

A large number of dehydration holes 23 are provided inside the outer tank 13.
The inner tank 24 is provided with a stirrer 25 at the bottom. A drive mechanism 17 having the motor 18 and the like is provided at a lower portion of the outer tub 13. During the washing, the rotation of the inner tub 24 is controlled by the control of the electronic device to rotate the agitator 25, and the same operation of the electronic device is performed at the time of dehydration. Under the control, the inner tank 24 and the stirring body 25 are both rotated.

A drain valve 26 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 13.
A drain hose 27 is provided to drain washing water and the like. Further, a ring-shaped inner cover 28 is attached to the upper opening edge of the outer tub 13,
The upper end of the inner tank 24 is covered.

A balancer 29 is provided on the upper opening edge of the inner tank 24 so as not to swing excessively.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the liquid detergent feeding device 20.
And the like, a liquid detergent storage section 31 is provided.
An inlet 33 having a cap 32 is provided on the upper left side of the liquid detergent storage section 31 so that various kinds of liquid detergents can be injected. A detergent outlet 35 provided with a solenoid valve 34 and the like is provided at the bottom right end of the liquid detergent reservoir 31.
And a liquid detergent is supplied to the inner tank 24.

Bosses 36, 36 are provided on both right outer sides of the liquid detergent storage section 31, and a solenoid valve case 38 is attached by screws 37, 37. Ribs 41 and 42 are provided on the inside of the bosses 36 and 36 on both right outer sides of the liquid detergent storage section 31 and on the inside of the solenoid valve case 38 so as to fix and support the solenoid valve 34.

Guide grooves 43, 43 extending vertically are attached to the outside of the solenoid valve case 38, and a flow control member 45 is fitted through a through hole 44 opened in the upper cover 15. . Also, this solenoid valve case 3
8 is provided with a hole 47 provided with a rubber packing 46 in the lower central portion.
Is provided to open and support the tip of the detergent outlet 35. Further, a detergent inlet 4 inclined toward the inner tank 24 is provided at a lower portion of the outside of the solenoid valve case 38.
8, the liquid detergent whose flow rate is controlled is supplied to the inner tank 24.
To be thrown in.

As shown in FIG. 6, the electromagnetic valve 34 is a plunger 5 having an electromagnetic coil 51 and a rubber valve body 52 mounted thereon.
3. It is composed of an extruding spring 54 wound around the plunger 53 and the like. The valve body 52 of the solenoid valve 34 is fitted into an annular groove 55 formed inside the middle of the detergent outlet 35, and the valve body 52 is slid from the annular groove 55 for a predetermined time by the urging of the electromagnetic coil 51 so that the detergent outlet is provided. 35 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 7, the flow control member 45a is provided with a rubber plate-like member 56, which includes a liquid detergent A having an A characteristic, for example, a rubber detergent having a diameter conforming to the trade name "Spark". A cylindrical body 57a is attached. A liquid detergent A corresponding to the amount of water (30 L) is provided on the upper part of the plate member 56.
Is displayed (40 mL) to facilitate selection of the flow rate control member 45a.

As shown in FIG. 8, the flow control member 45b is provided with a rubber plate-like member 56, which includes a liquid detergent B having a B characteristic, for example, a rubber detergent having a diameter conforming to the trade name "Attack". A cylindrical body 57b is attached. A liquid detergent B corresponding to the amount of water (30 L) is provided on the upper part of the plate member 56.
Is displayed (25 mL) to facilitate selection of the flow rate control member 45b.

As shown in FIG. 9, the flow rate control member 45c is provided with a rubber plate-like member 56, and a rubber cylinder 57c having a diameter suitable for the liquid detergent C having C characteristics is attached thereto. The upper part of the plate member 56 has a water amount (30 L)
The amount (20 mL) of liquid detergent B corresponding to is displayed,
The selection of the flow control member 45c is facilitated.

FIG. 10 shows a fully-automatic washing machine 1 of 5.0 kg.
Solenoid valve 3 for water level and amount of water supplied to inner tank 24
4 is an example showing the relationship between the opening time (second) of the detergent outlet 35 and the supply amount (mL) of the various liquid detergents A, B, and C with respect to the supply water level.

The operation of the liquid detergent dispenser 20 of the washing machine 10 thus constructed will be described.

First, the folding lid 19 of the washing machine 10 is opened, the cap 32 of the liquid detergent introduction device 20 is removed, and for example, the liquid detergent A having a trade name of “spark” is injected into the liquid detergent storage 31. Next, the flow control member 45a suitable for the liquid detergent A is taken out, and the guide groove 43,
43 and the opening of the cylindrical portion 57a is connected to the detergent outlet 35.
To the opening at the tip of After this operation, the laundry is put into the inner tub 24 and then the water supply valve 21 is opened to supply water from the water supply device 22 with an amount of water suitable for the laundry.

When the preliminary operation is completed, the operation panel 16 is operated to drive the driving device 17 to rotate the agitator 25 to wash the laundry.

By this washing, the sensor detects the water level of the inner tub 24 as "medium" and the water amount as "42 L", and calculates the charging time of the liquid detergent A by 10.5 seconds by the corresponding processing such as the microcomputer. As a result, the solenoid valve 34 is energized for 10.5 seconds, and the detergent outlet 35 is opened as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 during this time.

By this opening, the amount of the liquid detergent A is determined by the diameter of the cylindrical body 57a of the flow control member 45a, that is, the amount is 56.
Only mL is charged from the liquid detergent storage 31 into the inner tank 24 via the detergent outlet 35 and the detergent inlet 48.

Therefore, when the liquid detergent A is used for the laundry, 56 mL of the liquid detergent A suitable for the laundry is used.
Into the inner tub 24 to wash the laundry under optimal conditions.

Next, when another laundry is to be washed using another liquid detergent C, a flow control member 45c is selected in the same manner as in the case of the liquid detergent A, and the flow control member 45a is selected.
The guide groove 43 is fitted through the through-hole 44 of the upper cover 16 in order to replace it.

When the laundry and the water supply are performed, the water level is detected as "low" and the water amount is detected as "33 L", and the charging time of the liquid detergent C is calculated as 8.3 seconds. As a result, the solenoid valve 34 is activated for 8.3 seconds, and during this time, the detergent outlet 35 is opened as shown in FIGS.

By this opening, the amount of the liquid detergent C is determined by the diameter of the cylindrical body 57c of the flow control member 45c, that is, 23.
Only mL is charged from the liquid detergent storage 31 into the inner tank 24 via the detergent outlet 35 and the detergent inlet 48.

Therefore, when the liquid detergent C is used for the laundry, 23 mL of the liquid detergent C suitable for the laundry can be put into the inner tub 24 and the laundry can be washed under optimum conditions.

When the same operation is performed when another liquid detergent is used, good washing suitable for the selected liquid detergent can be performed.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first embodiment, the input amount of the liquid detergent corresponding to the amount of water is displayed above the plate-like member 56 of the flow rate control member 45, but this is more directly used as the liquid detergent, for example, The product name "Spark" is displayed so that the flow control member 45, for example, the flow control member 45a can be selected more easily.

Thus, the user uses the liquid detergent A.
And the flow control member 45a corresponding to the above can be selected and replaced accurately and quickly.

Further, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first embodiment, the flow control member 45
Although the flow rates of the different liquid detergents A, B, and C were controlled by utilizing the difference in the diameters of the cylindrical shapes a, 45b, and 45c, the third embodiment uses a cylindrical flow rate control member 61 that is rotated. Thus, the flow rates of different types of liquid detergents A, B, and C are controlled.

Since the operation is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, the same parts as those in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 will be described with the same reference numerals.

The liquid detergent supply device 60 is provided with a liquid detergent storage 31, which is provided with an inlet 33 (not shown) on the left side, and a detergent flow which is opened and closed temporally by a solenoid valve 35 on the right end. An outlet 35 is provided.

An electromagnetic valve case 38 is attached to the left end of the liquid detergent reservoir 31 so as to cover the detergent outlet 35.
4, 64 are attached. The mounting brackets 64, 64 are provided with the cylindrical flow rate control member 61 rotatable in the circumferential direction so as to control the flow rates of different types of liquid detergents. A detergent inlet 48 is attached to a lower portion of the electromagnetic valve case 38 so that a liquid detergent whose flow rate is controlled is introduced into the inner tank 24.

A plurality of holes 65 of different diameters corresponding to the liquid detergents A, B,...
are opened at appropriate intervals, and the detergent outlet 3
The flow rates of the liquid detergents A, B,... A plurality of long holes 66a, 66b,... Are formed at a slightly left portion of the cylindrical flow rate control member 61 at appropriate intervals, and different types of liquid detergents A, B,. It has become. At the left end of the cylindrical flow rate control member 61, there is provided an operation section 67 describing the amount of water “L” and the input amount “mL” of the liquid detergent corresponding to this amount of water. A suitable hole, for example, 65a, corresponding to the above-mentioned is disposed to face the tip of the detergent outlet 35.

The center of the holes 65a, 65b,... Coincides with the center of the opening of the tip of the detergent outlet 35, and the input amount "m" of the liquid detergent corresponding to the water amount "L".
L, indicating symbols 68a, 68b for positioning and displaying the relationship
.. Are described, and if this instruction symbol, for example, 68a is aligned with the positioning mark 69 of the upper cover 15, the hole 65a is formed.
And the center position of the detergent outlet 35 coincides with each other, and the input amount “mL” of the liquid detergent corresponding to the used water amount “L” can be recognized.

The operation of the column flow control member 61 by the liquid detergent introduction device 60 will be described.

First, the liquid detergent A is injected into the liquid detergent storage 31 and a cylindrical flow rate control member 61 adapted to the liquid detergent A.
The operation part 67 is operated so that the hole 65a of the above-mentioned one faces the detergent outlet 35, and the instruction symbol 68a coincides with the positioning part 69.

After the laundry is put into the inner tub 24 after this operation, when the operation panel 16 is operated to start washing, the water supply valve 21 is opened and the water supply device 22 is supplied with a suitable amount of water for the laundry.

By this washing, the water level sensor detects the water level of the inner tub 24 as “high” and the water amount as “64 L”, and calculates the supply time of the liquid detergent A 12 seconds by arithmetic processing of a microcomputer or the like.
As a result, the solenoid valve 34 is energized for 12 seconds, and during this time, the detergent outlet 35 is opened as shown in FIGS.

With this opening, the amount of the liquid detergent A determined by the size of the hole 65a, ie, only 64 mL, is transferred from the liquid detergent reservoir 31 to the detergent outlet 35, the hole 65a, the cylindrical flow rate control member 61, the hole 66a, the detergent inlet. It is charged into the inner tank 24 through 48.

Therefore, when the liquid detergent A is used for the laundry, 64 mL of the liquid detergent A suitable for the laundry can be poured into the inner tub 24.

When washing with other liquid detergents B and C, selecting the hole 65b of the cylindrical flow control member 61 and the like in the same manner as in the case of the liquid detergent A, the same as in the case of the liquid detergent A, the amount of laundry and water The laundry can be accurately washed by introducing the liquid detergent B suitable for the washing machine.

Further, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the third embodiment, a cylindrical flow control member 61 is used.
Although the water amount “L” and the corresponding liquid detergent input amount “mL” are described in the operation unit 67 of the first embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the liquid detergents A, B. Liquid detergent
A, B, etc. can be selected and switched easily and reliably.

If this cylindrical flow control member 61 is used, unlike the flow control member 45, it is sufficient to rotate the liquid detergent every time the type of liquid detergent is different, so that the trouble of selecting and replacing the flow control member 45 in accordance with different types of liquid detergent is eliminated. Not only becomes unnecessary, but also a large number of flow control members 45 become unnecessary, and the number of parts can be reduced.

Further, not only the selection of the liquid detergent to be used becomes easy, but also the operation can be performed easily.

In each of the above embodiments, the flow rate of the liquid detergent having different characteristics is controlled by the cylinders having different diameters and the circular holes having different sizes. However, the cylinders may be elliptical or circular. The flow rate control may be performed using an oval or rectangular hole instead of the hole. Also, the number of holes is not limited to three, and the number of holes can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

[0064]

According to the invention described in each of the claims, a liquid detergent charging device is provided inside an upper cover that covers an upper portion of an outer box having a washing tub therein. Since a flow control member for controlling the flow rate of the liquid detergent is provided, unlike the conventional simple time control using a solenoid valve, any type of liquid detergent is appropriately controlled for the amount of liquid detergent to be introduced and washed under optimal conditions. You can wash things.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a washing machine provided with a liquid detergent introduction device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outline of the liquid detergent introduction device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 cut along the line IV-IV in the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 cut along the line VV in the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing the solenoid valve of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an input amount control member used in the liquid detergent input device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another input amount control member used in the liquid detergent input device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another input amount control member used in the liquid detergent input device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a usage example of a water level, a water amount, an energizing time of an electromagnetic valve, and a charged amount of a liquid detergent.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a usage example of another flow control member.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an outline of a main part of another liquid detergent introduction device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing an example of use of another cylindrical flow rate control member.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 washing machine, 11 outer box, 13 outer tub 13, 15 upper cover 16 operation panel 17 drive mechanism 25
Stirrer 20, 60 Liquid detergent input device, 24 inner tank, 3
1 Liquid detergent storage 33 Inlet 34 Solenoid valve 3
5 Detergent outlet 38 Solenoid valve case 43 Guide groove 44 Through hole 45 Flow control member 48 Detergent inlet, 51 Electromagnetic coil, 52 Valve, 57a, 57b,
57c cylindrical body 61 cylindrical flow control member, 65a, 65b
... holes, 66a, 66b ... long holes 67 operation part, 68
a, 68b ... Indication symbol, 69 Positioning part,

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A liquid detergent dispensing device inside an upper cover for covering an upper part of an outer box having a washing tub therein, wherein a flow rate of the liquid detergent is controlled at a detergent outlet of the liquid detergent dispensing device. A liquid detergent dosing device comprising a control member. 2. The liquid detergent input device according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate control of the liquid detergent input device is performed in accordance with the type of the liquid detergent to be used. 3. The flow rate control at the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device is performed by disposing a flow rate control member having a hole having a size suitable for the type of the liquid detergent to be used with the hole facing the valve portion. The liquid detergent introduction device according to claim 2, wherein 4. The liquid detergent type is displayed on the flow rate control member for controlling the flow rate of the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device, and the liquid detergent is replaced according to the used liquid detergent. Liquid detergent dosing device. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the amount of used liquid detergent relative to the amount of used water is displayed on the flow rate control member for controlling the flow rate of the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device, and the liquid detergent is replaced according to the used liquid detergent. Item 4. A liquid detergent introduction device according to Item 3. 6. The flow rate control at the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device is performed by connecting a cylindrical flow rate control member having a plurality of holes formed in a size suitable for the type of liquid detergent to be used to the valve portion to the hole. 3. The liquid detergent charging device according to claim 2, wherein the liquid detergent charging device is arranged horizontally. 7. A type of liquid detergent is displayed at a position corresponding to the plurality of holes of the cylindrical flow rate control member for controlling a flow rate of a detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device, and rotated in accordance with the used liquid detergent. 7. The liquid detergent introduction device according to claim 6, wherein the flow rate is controlled by selecting a hole having an appropriate size and facing the detergent outlet. 8. The amount of used detergent with respect to the amount of used water is displayed at a portion corresponding to the plurality of holes of the cylindrical flow rate control member for controlling the flow rate of the detergent outlet of the liquid detergent introduction device, and the corresponding display is displayed. 7. The liquid detergent dispensing device according to claim 6, wherein the flow rate is controlled by selecting a hole having an appropriate size by rotating it together and facing the detergent outlet.