Automatic dispensing system and washing machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses an automatic dispensing system, belonging to the field of household appliance technology. A detergent box stores laundry treatment agent. The main body of a detection device is provided with a mounting surface and an outer surface. The mounting surface and the outer surface are inclined and arranged relative to each other. The mounting surface and the outer surface form a liquid inlet cavity. A push rod is perpendicularly mounted on the mounting surface and communicates with the liquid inlet cavity. The detergent box and the push rod are plugged together so that the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box flows into the liquid inlet cavity. A negative pressure generating device pumps the laundry treatment agent in the detection device into an inner drum. When the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box is exhausted, the detection device alarms. The mounting surface and the outer surface are inclined and arranged relative to each other to form the liquid inlet cavity, which is conducive to reducing the volume of the liquid inlet cavity and facilitating the miniaturization of the washing machine. The push rod is perpendicularly mounted on the mounting surface. When the push rod is tilted to facilitate plugging, the push rod is installed more stably, the force applied to the push rod is more uniform, and it is not easy to break. The present invention also relates to a washing machine including the above-mentioned automatic dispensing system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to an automatic dispensing system and a washing machine comprising the automatic dispensing system. Background Art

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, people pay more attention to personal hygiene. It has become a new demand to wash socks, underwear and baby clothes in a classified and timely manner. To meet these needs, small washing machines have emerged. The inventors found that the small washing machines currently on the market have the following problems:

[0003] The traditional way of adding clothing treatment agent to washing machines is to add clothing treatment agent to the placement area and flush the clothing treatment agent into the outer drum of the washing machine through the water channel. However, due to the viscous nature of the clothing treatment agent, it is difficult to completely flush the clothing treatment agent into the outer drum. Instead, the clothing treatment agent placement area and the flushing water channel have become places where bacteria are easily bred in the washing machine, which does not meet people's requirements for high hygiene standards for small washing machines. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an automatic dispensing system. Through the design of the detergent box and the detection device, the clothing treatment agent flows into the detection device by its own gravity, and the clothing treatment agent is directly pumped into the inner drum through the negative pressure generator. This eliminates the need for a clothing treatment agent dispensing structure and the setting of a flushing water channel, simplifies the structure, and prevents the breeding of bacteria. When the clothing treatment agent in the detergent box is used up, an automatic alarm is triggered to remind the user to add clothing treatment agent.

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, a second object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, which, through the design of the detergent box and the detection device, allows the clothing treatment agent to flow into the detection device by its own gravity, and is directly pumped into the inner drum by a negative pressure generator, eliminating the need for a clothing treatment agent delivery structure and a flushing water channel, simplifying the structure and preventing the growth of bacteria. When the clothing treatment agent in the detergent box is used up, an automatic alarm will be triggered to remind the user to add clothing treatment agent.

[0006] One of the purposes of the present invention is achieved by the following technical solution:

[0007] An automatic dispensing system includes a detergent box, a detection device and a negative pressure generating device, wherein the detergent box stores clothing treatment agent, the detection device includes a push rod and a main body, the main body is provided with a mounting surface and an outer surface, the mounting surface and the outer surface are inclined surfaces and are arranged opposite to each other, the mounting surface and the outer surface form a liquid inlet cavity, the push rod is vertically mounted on the mounting surface and communicates with the liquid inlet cavity, the detergent box and the push rod are plugged together so that the clothing treatment agent in the detergent box flows into the liquid inlet cavity, the negative pressure generating device pumps the clothing treatment agent in the detection device into an inner drum, and when the clothing treatment agent in the detergent box is exhausted, the detection device alarms.

[0008] Furthermore, the push rod is arranged at an angle, and the detergent box is inserted along the extension direction of the push rod.

[0009] Furthermore, the cross section of the liquid inlet cavity is conical.

[0010] Furthermore, the detergent box includes a box body and a pressure balance member, the box body is provided with an opening, and the pressure balance member is installed at the opening so that external air enters the interior of the box body through the pressure balance member to compensate for the internal air pressure of the box body, so that the clothing treatment agent flows from the detergent box into the detection device.

[0011] Furthermore, the pressure balancing element is a waterproof and breathable membrane.

[0012] Furthermore, the detergent box includes a box body, the box body is provided with an air inlet, the air inlet is connected to an air source, and the air source inflates the box body through the air inlet to press the laundry treatment agent from the detergent box into the detection device.

[0013] Furthermore, the detergent box includes a box body, the box body is provided with a liquid outlet, and the detergent box also includes a liquid blocking assembly, which is movably installed on the box body. When the detergent box is plugged into the detection device, the push rod contacts the liquid blocking assembly to open the liquid outlet. When the detergent box is separated from the detection device, the push rod detaches from the liquid blocking assembly, and the liquid blocking assembly seals the liquid outlet.

[0014] The second object of the present invention is achieved by adopting the following technical solution:

[0015] A washing machine comprising any one of the above-mentioned automatic dispensing systems.

[0016] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes a housing and a door installed on the housing, and the detergent box is plugged into the housing and located below the door.

[0017] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes a washing drum, the automatic dispensing system is located below the washing drum, the washing drum is tilted, the plugging direction of the detergent box is the same as the tilt direction of the washing drum, the washing machine also includes a frame, the frame is provided with a recess, and the automatic dispensing system is located in the recess.

[0018] Compared to the prior art, the automatic dispensing system of the present invention connects a detergent box and a push rod, allowing the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box to flow into the liquid inlet chamber. A negative pressure generating device pumps the laundry treatment agent in the detection device into the inner drum. When the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box is exhausted, the detection device alarms, eliminating the need for a laundry treatment agent dispensing structure and flushing water channel, simplifying the structure and preventing bacterial growth. When the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box is exhausted, an automatic alarm is triggered to remind the user to add laundry treatment agent. In addition, the main body has a mounting surface and an outer surface. The mounting surface and the outer surface are inclined and arranged oppositely. The mounting surface and the outer surface form the liquid inlet chamber, which helps to reduce the volume of the liquid inlet chamber and facilitate miniaturization of the washing machine. The push rod is mounted perpendicular to the mounting surface. When the push rod is tilted to facilitate insertion, the push rod is more firmly installed, the force applied to the push rod is more uniform, and it is less likely to break. The detergent box is inserted into the housing and located below the door. The insertion direction of the detergent box is the same as the tilt direction of the washing drum. The automatic dispensing system is located in a recessed portion of the frame. This design saves space in the washing machine and facilitates miniaturization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the automatic delivery system;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the detergent box of the automatic dispensing system;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a detection device of an automatic delivery system;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the detection device;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a detection device;

[0025] Figure 7 A perspective view of a detergent box according to a second embodiment of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Exploded view of the detergent box;

[0027] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a washing machine of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a washing machine.

[0029] In the figure: 10, detergent box; 11, box body; 110, opening; 111, liquid outlet; 112, storage chamber; 113, air inlet; 12, pressure balancing member; 13, liquid blocking assembly; 130, elastic member; 131, first sealing ring; 132, sealing rod; 133, mounting member; 14, locking portion; 15, air source; 20, detection device; 21, push rod; 22, main body; 221, first mounting hole; 222, second mounting hole; 223, mounting surface; 224, outer surface; 225, liquid inlet chamber; 226, detection chamber; 23, sealing member; 24, detection member; 25, waterproof and breathable member; 250, buckle portion; 26, second sealing ring; 27, liquid outlet pipe; 30, negative pressure generating device; 40, shell; 50, door; 60, frame; 70, depression; 80, washing drum DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" another component, it may be directly on the other component or there may be another intermediate component through which it is fixed. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it may be directly connected to the other component or there may be another intermediate component at the same time. When a component is considered to be "set on" another component, it may be directly set on the other component or there may be another intermediate component at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms used in this specification of the present invention are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0033] Figures 1 to 6 This is the first embodiment of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention, which includes a detergent box 10 , a detection device 20 and a negative pressure generating device 30 .

[0034] The detergent box 10 includes a box body 11, a pressure balancing member 12, a liquid blocking assembly 13, and a locking portion 14. The box body 11 is hollow and defines a storage chamber 112. Storage chamber 112 is used to store laundry treatment agent. The box body 11 also has an opening 110 and a liquid outlet 111. Opening 110 is located at the top of the box body 11, and liquid outlet 111 is located at the bottom of the box body 11.

[0035] The pressure balance member 12 is installed at the opening 110. External air enters the box body 11 through the pressure balance member 12 to compensate for the internal air pressure of the box body 11, so that the laundry treatment agent flows from the detergent box 10 into the detection device 20. Specifically, the pressure balance member 12 is a waterproof breathable membrane.

[0036] The liquid blocking assembly 13 includes an elastic member 130, a first sealing ring 131, a sealing rod 132 and a mounting member 133. The mounting member 133 is fixed to the liquid outlet 111, and the elastic member 130 is sleeved on the sealing rod 132. The first sealing ring 131 is mounted on the bottom of the sealing rod 132. The sealing rod 132 is located in a receiving portion of the box body 11 and can move along the receiving portion, and the end of the receiving portion is the liquid outlet 111. When the detergent box 10 is not plugged into the detection device 20, the end of the sealing rod 132 blocks the liquid outlet 111, sealing the detergent box 10. When the detergent box 10 is plugged into the detection device 20, the push rod 21 contacts the sealing rod 132, the sealing rod 132 moves, and the elastic member 130 is compressed and deformed. At this time, the end of the sealing rod 132 is separated from the liquid outlet 111, and the clothing treatment agent in the storage cavity 112 can flow out. Specifically, the elastic member 130 is a spring.

[0037] The locking portion 14 extends from the bottom of the box body 11. When the detergent box 10 is plugged into the detection device 20, the locking portion 14 is locked with other components of the washing machine to fix the position of the detergent box 10. Specifically, the locking portion 14 is a protrusion.

[0038] The detection device 20 includes a push rod 21 , a main body 22 , a sealing member 23 , a detection member 24 , a waterproof and breathable member 25 , a second sealing ring 26 and a liquid outlet pipe 27 .

[0039] The top rod 21 is hollow, forming a flow channel for the laundry treatment agent. The top rod 21 is attached to the main body 22 via a seal 23, which prevents leakage between the main body 22 and the top rod 21. The top rod 21 is tilted to facilitate insertion of the detergent box 10 and allow it to be positioned on the front of the washing machine, creating both aesthetic appeal and ease of use.

[0040] The main body 22 is provided with a first mounting hole 221, a second mounting hole 222, a mounting surface 223, and an outer surface 224. The mounting surface 223 and the outer surface 224 are arranged opposite each other and are inclined. A liquid inlet cavity 225 is formed between the mounting surface 223 and the outer surface 224. The liquid inlet cavity 225 has a tapered shape, which not only allows for the insertion of the ejector pin 21 but also helps reduce the volume of the liquid inlet cavity 225, thereby facilitating miniaturization of the washing machine.

[0041] The push rod 21 is mounted perpendicularly to the mounting surface 223. Since the mounting surface 223 is tilted, the push rod 21 is also tilted, facilitating insertion of the detergent box 10. Furthermore, the vertical mounting of the push rod 21 to the mounting surface 223 provides a more stable installation and more evenly distributes force during insertion, making it less likely to break. The main body 22 also includes a detection chamber 226, which communicates with the liquid inlet chamber 225.

[0042] The sealing member 23 is installed between the top rod 21 and the mounting surface 223 to form a seal between the top rod 21 and the mounting surface 223 to prevent leakage of the laundry treatment agent.

[0043] The detection member 24 is installed in the first installation hole 221 and extends into the detection cavity 226. The detection member 24 detects the liquid level height of the detection cavity 226. When the clothes treatment agent in the detergent box 10 is exhausted, the liquid level height of the detection cavity 226 changes, and the detection member 24 alarms to remind the user to replenish the clothes treatment agent.

[0044] The waterproof breathable member 25 is mounted in the second mounting hole 222. External air enters the main body 22 through the waterproof breathable member 25, compensating for the internal air pressure of the main body 22 and allowing the laundry treatment agent to flow from the detection chamber 226 into the inner drum. Specifically, the waterproof breathable member 25 is a waterproof breathable membrane. The waterproof breathable member 25 also includes several snap-fitting portions 250, with gaps formed between adjacent snap-fitting portions 250. The snap-fitting portions 250 deform and extend into the second mounting hole 222, then recover their shape within the second mounting hole 222, securing the waterproof breathable member 25 to the second mounting hole 222.

[0045] The second sealing ring 26 is installed between the waterproof breathable member 25 and the second mounting hole 222 to seal the waterproof breathable member 25 and the second mounting hole 222 to prevent leakage of the clothing treatment agent.

[0046] The liquid outlet pipe 27 extends from the main body 22 and communicates with the detection chamber 226. The liquid outlet pipe 27 is connected to the negative pressure generating device 30, so that the clothes treating agent in the detection chamber 226 is pumped into the inner drum.

[0047] The negative pressure generating device 30 is a micro peristaltic pump. The outlet of the negative pressure generating device 30 is connected to a pipe of the washing machine's washing drum 80. While the negative pressure generating device 30 draws liquid from the detection device 20, it also pumps liquid into the washing machine's washing drum 80. The negative pressure generating device 30 is installed above the liquid level in the detection chamber 226 to prevent liquid in the detection chamber 226 from entering the negative pressure generating device 30. Using the negative pressure generating device 30 to dispense clothing treatment agent into the washing machine's washing drum 80 improves the accuracy of clothing treatment agent dispensing compared to manual dispensing, avoiding waste caused by excessive clothing treatment agent dispensing or poorly cleaned clothes caused by insufficient clothing treatment agent dispensing.

[0048] When the automatic dispensing system is in use, the detergent box 10 is filled with laundry treatment agent. The end of the sealing rod 132 blocks the liquid outlet 111, sealing the detergent box 10. The detergent box 10, filled with laundry treatment agent, is inserted into the washing machine, and the locking portion 14 locks the detergent box 10. The push rod 21 of the detection device 20 then contacts the sealing rod 132, causing it to move and compress and deform the elastic member 130. The end of the sealing rod 132 then separates from the liquid outlet 111, allowing the laundry treatment agent in the storage chamber 112 to flow along the push rod 21 into the detection chamber 226 of the detection device 20. The negative pressure generating device 30 pumps the laundry treatment agent in the detection device 20 into the washing tub 80. During this process, the detection member 24 detects the liquid level in the detection chamber 226. When the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box 10 is depleted, the liquid level in the detection chamber 226 changes, and the detection member 24 issues an alarm to remind the user to refill the laundry treatment agent. When the user replenishes the laundry detergent, he only needs to pull out the used detergent box 10 and insert a new detergent box 10. The laundry detergent in the detergent box 10 can be used for multiple washing machines to wash clothes, avoiding the need to add laundry detergent to the washing machine every time washing clothes, reducing the operating procedures, and making the operation simple and convenient.

[0049] The automatic dispensing system of the present invention connects the detergent box 10 with the push rod 21, allowing the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box 10 to flow into the liquid inlet chamber 225. The negative pressure generating device 30 pumps the laundry treatment agent in the detection device 20 into the inner drum. When the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box 10 is exhausted, the detection device 20 alarms, eliminating the need for a laundry treatment agent dispensing structure and a flushing water channel, simplifying the structure and preventing bacterial growth. When the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box 10 is exhausted, an automatic alarm is issued to remind the user to add laundry treatment agent. In addition, the main body 22 has a mounting surface 223 and an outer surface 224. The mounting surface 223 and the outer surface 224 are inclined and arranged opposite to each other. The mounting surface 223 and the outer surface 224 form the liquid inlet chamber 225, which is conducive to reducing the volume of the liquid inlet chamber 225 and facilitating the miniaturization of the washing machine. The push rod 21 is perpendicularly mounted to the mounting surface 223. When the push rod 21 is tilted to facilitate insertion, the installation of the push rod 21 is more stable, the force on the push rod 21 is more even, and it is not easy to break.

[0050] Please continue reading Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 , which is a second embodiment of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention. In this second embodiment, the structure of the automatic dispensing system is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the detergent box 10 has an air inlet 113 disposed in the box body 11. The detergent box 10 also includes an air source 15 mounted on the air inlet 113. The air source 15 inflates the box body 11 through the air inlet 113, pressing the laundry treatment agent from the detergent box 10 into the detection device 20.

[0051] Please continue reading Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The present application also relates to a washing machine, which includes the above-mentioned automatic dispensing system, a housing 40, a door 50, a frame 60, and a washing tub 80. The washing tub 80 is tiltedly arranged in the washing machine.

[0052] The detergent box 10 is located below the door 50 and is plugged into the housing 40. The detergent box 10 is generally arc-shaped, so that when the detergent box 10 is plugged into the housing 40, the end surface of the detergent box 10 is integrated with the housing 40, which is beautiful and elegant. The plugging direction of the detergent box 10 is the same as the tilt direction of the washing tub 80.

[0053] The automatic dispensing system is located entirely below the washing drum 80. The frame 60 is provided with a recess 70, which provides space for the automatic dispensing system. This positioning reduces the space occupied by the automatic dispensing system within the washing machine, contributing to the miniaturization of the washing machine. During use, the laundry treatment agent first flows downward along the automatic dispensing system due to gravity, and is then pumped upward into the washing drum 80 by the negative pressure generating device 30.

[0054] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patented invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art would be able to make numerous variations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention. These variations and improvements are equivalent modifications and improvements to the above embodiments based on the essential technology of the present invention and fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic delivery system, characterized by: The invention comprises a detergent box, a detection device, and a negative pressure generating device. The detergent box stores a laundry treatment agent. The detection device comprises a push rod and a main body. The main body is provided with a mounting surface and an outer surface. The mounting surface and the outer surface are inclined surfaces and are arranged opposite to each other. The mounting surface and the outer surface form a liquid inlet cavity. The push rod is perpendicularly mounted on the mounting surface and communicates with the liquid inlet cavity. The detergent box and the push rod are plugged together so that the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box flows into the liquid inlet cavity. The negative pressure generating device pumps the laundry treatment agent in the detection device into the inner drum. When the laundry treatment agent in the detergent box is exhausted, the detection device alarms. The detergent box includes a box body, the box body is provided with an air inlet, the air inlet is connected to an air source, and the air source inflates the box body through the air inlet to press the laundry treatment agent from the detergent box into the detection device; The detergent box includes a box body, which is provided with a liquid outlet. The detergent box also includes a liquid blocking assembly, which is movably mounted on the box body. When the detergent box is plugged into the detection device, the push rod abuts against the liquid blocking assembly to open the liquid outlet. When the detergent box is separated from the detection device, the push rod detaches from the liquid blocking assembly, and the liquid blocking assembly seals the liquid outlet.

2. The automatic delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The push rod is arranged obliquely, and the detergent box is inserted along the extending direction of the push rod.

3. The automatic delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section of the liquid inlet cavity is conical.

4. The automatic delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detergent box includes a box body and a pressure balance member. The box body is provided with an opening. The pressure balance member is installed at the opening so that external air enters the box body through the pressure balance member to compensate for the internal air pressure of the box body, so that the clothing treatment agent flows from the detergent box into the detection device.

5. The automatic delivery system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressure balancing element is a waterproof and breathable membrane.

6. A washing machine, characterized in that: The washing machine comprises the automatic dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein: The washing machine further comprises a housing and a door installed on the housing. The detergent box is plugged into the housing and located below the door.

8. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein: The washing machine also includes a washing drum, the automatic dispensing system is located below the washing drum, the washing drum is tilted, the plugging direction of the detergent box is the same as the tilt direction of the washing drum, the washing machine also includes a frame, the frame is provided with a recess, and the automatic dispensing system is located in the recess.

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