An automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer combo, comprising a first inlet valve and a second inlet valve, a fabric softener compartment and a detergent compartment, and a liquid extraction device. The first inlet valve is connected to the main water inlet, and the second inlet valve is connected to the drying water inlet. The fabric softener compartment and the detergent compartment are located below the main water inlet. The fabric softener compartment is connected to a fabric softener water guide channel, and the detergent compartment is connected to a detergent water guide channel. The input end of the liquid extraction device is connected to the output ends of the fabric softener water guide channel and the detergent water guide channel, respectively, and the output end of the liquid extraction device is connected to the main water inlet. The fabric softener water guide channel, the detergent water guide channel, and the main water inlet are independent of each other. This invention can take into account pre-water intake without using a three-way inlet valve, extracting detergent and fabric softener into the drum and supplying water to the drying module. Moreover, it has a simple structure, occupies little space, and the corresponding storage space for detergent and fabric softener can be increased, thus reducing the overall system cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology, specifically relating to an automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer combo. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology and the improvement of people's living standards, the use of washer-dryer combos in households is becoming increasingly common. However, users often face the problem of adding detergent and fabric softener during the use of washer-dryer combos. Traditional methods usually require users to manually measure and add detergent, which is not only troublesome but also prone to over- or under-addition, affecting the washing effect. To solve this problem, some washer-dryer combos are equipped with automatic dispensing systems. However, current automatic dispensing systems for washer-dryer combos still have some problems. For example, washer-dryer combos need to handle both washing and drying, requiring multiple water inlets. Because they need to handle pre-water intake, extract detergent and fabric softener into the drum, and supply water to the drying module, a three-way water inlet valve structure is used. Three-way water inlet valves are expensive, and the water circuit structure and pipe fittings designed with the three valves are more complex, occupying more space. Correspondingly, the capacity of the detergent and fabric softener storage box is relatively smaller, and the overall system cost is also higher. Therefore, to avoid the shortcomings of existing technology, it is necessary to improve the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer that can handle pre-water intake without the need for a three-way water inlet valve, extracting detergent and fabric softener into the drum and supplying water to the drying module. Moreover, it has a simple structure, occupies little space, and allows for a larger storage space for detergent and fabric softener, thus reducing the overall system cost.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] An automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer combo includes a first inlet valve and a second inlet valve, a fabric softener compartment and a detergent compartment, and a liquid extraction device. The first inlet valve is connected to a main water inlet circuit, and the second inlet valve is connected to a drying water circuit. The fabric softener compartment and the detergent compartment are located below the main water inlet circuit. The fabric softener compartment is connected to a fabric softener water guide circuit, and the detergent compartment is connected to a detergent water guide circuit. The fabric softener water guide circuit and the detergent water guide circuit are located above the fabric softener compartment and the detergent compartment. The input end of the liquid extraction device is connected to the output end of the fabric softener water guide circuit and the detergent water guide circuit, respectively, and the output end of the liquid extraction device is connected to the main water inlet circuit. The fabric softener water guide circuit, the detergent water guide circuit, and the main water inlet circuit are independent of each other.

[0006] In some embodiments, the input end of the main water inlet is connected to an anti-siphon device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the anti-siphon device includes a first output pipe, a second output pipe, and an anti-siphon groove. The first output pipe is connected to the first inlet valve, and the second output pipe is connected to the main inlet circuit. The first output pipe and the second output pipe are set at the same horizontal height. The output port of the first output pipe is aligned with the input port of the second output pipe. An anti-siphon groove is provided between the first output pipe and the second output pipe. The horizontal height of the anti-siphon groove is lower than the horizontal height of the first output pipe and the second output pipe.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bottom of the anti-siphon groove is provided with a drain hole for draining backflowing water.

[0009] In some embodiments, the output ends of the fabric softener compartment and the detergent compartment are respectively provided with one-way valves to prevent backflow of fabric softener and detergent.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fabric softener water channel has a fabric softener inlet and a fabric softener outlet. The output end of the fabric softener tank is connected to a vertically arranged fabric softener tube, which communicates with the fabric softener inlet and the fabric softener outlet is connected to the extraction device. Similarly, the detergent water channel has a detergent inlet and a detergent outlet. The output end of the detergent tank is connected to a vertically arranged detergent tube, which communicates with the detergent inlet and the detergent outlet is connected to the extraction device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second water inlet valve is connected to a receiving chamber, and the drying water passage is connected to the bottom of the receiving chamber.

[0012] In some embodiments, the end of the main water inlet is connected to a water inlet section, which has a plurality of water inlet holes that are connected to the drum of the washer-dryer.

[0013] The automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0014] This invention eliminates the need for a three-way inlet valve to handle pre-water intake, drawing detergent and fabric softener into the drum and supplying water to the drying module. The invention uses two inlet valves—a first inlet valve and a second inlet valve—connecting the main water inlet and the drying water inlet respectively. Detergent and fabric softener are drawn into the main water inlet, where water carries them into the washer-dryer drum. Water enters the main water inlet through the first inlet valve. The fabric softener and detergent compartments are located below the main water inlet, and the fabric softener and detergent are separately delivered to the fabric softener water channel. The fabric softener and detergent water channels are located above the fabric softener and detergent compartments, respectively. Therefore, sufficient amounts of fabric softener and detergent must be supplied to allow them to flow into these channels. After passing through these channels, the fabric softener and detergent flow to a lower extraction device. This device then draws the fabric softener and detergent upwards into the main water inlet. The water in the main inlet has a certain flow rate, which washes away the fabric softener and detergent. Detergent enters the washer-dryer drum along with the main water inlet. The fabric softener and detergent water channels are independent of the main water inlet to prevent water from the main inlet from flowing into the fabric softener and detergent water channels and backflowing into the fabric softener and detergent compartments. This would also dilute the fabric softener and detergent in the fabric softener and detergent water channels. The fabric softener and detergent are first introduced into the fabric softener and detergent water channels, and then introduced into the lower extraction device. The extraction device can then quantitatively extract the detergent. To prevent water from backflowing into the fabric softener and detergent compartments from the main water inlet, a second water inlet valve connects to the drying water circuit to supply water to the drying module. Only one main water inlet is needed to extract fabric softener and detergent. This achieves pre-water intake, extraction of detergent and fabric softener into the drum, and supply of water to the drying module through two water inlet valves. The structure is simple and occupies little space, which allows for a larger storage space for detergent and fabric softener. A larger capacity fabric softener and detergent compartment can be set below the main water inlet, so users do not need to add fabric softener and detergent frequently, thus reducing the overall system cost. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic dispensing system of the washer-dryer combo machine of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the automatic dispensing system of the washer-dryer combo machine of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the receiving chamber of the automatic dispensing system of the washer-dryer of the present invention.

[0020] Marked in the image:

[0021] 100. First water inlet valve; 110. Second water inlet valve; 200. Main water inlet; 210. Anti-siphon device; 211. First output pipe; 212. Second output pipe; 213. Anti-siphon groove; 214. Drain hole; 220. Water inlet section; 221. Water inlet; 300. Drying water path; 400. Liquid extraction device; 500. Fabric softener compartment; 510. Fabric softener pipe; 520. Fabric softener water guide path; 521. Fabric softener inlet port; 522. Fabric softener outlet port; 530. Check valve; 600. Detergent compartment; 610. Detergent pipe; 620. Detergent water guide path; 621. Detergent inlet port; 622. Detergent outlet port; 700. Receptacle chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0025] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0026] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 4The automatic dispensing system for the washer-dryer combo provided in the embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the automatic dispensing system of the washer-dryer combo of this invention includes a first water inlet valve 100 and a second water inlet valve 110, a fabric softener compartment 500 and a detergent compartment 600, and a liquid extraction device 400. The first water inlet valve 100 is connected to the main water inlet channel 200, and the second water inlet valve 110 is connected to the drying water channel 300. The fabric softener compartment 500 and the detergent compartment 600 are located below the main water inlet channel 200. The fabric softener compartment 500 is connected to a fabric softener water guide channel 520, and the detergent compartment 600... The detergent water channel 620 is connected to the fabric softener water channel 520 and the detergent water channel 620, which are located above the fabric softener compartment 500 and the detergent compartment 600, respectively. The input end of the liquid extraction device 400 is connected to the output end of the fabric softener water channel 520 and the detergent water channel 620, respectively, and the output end of the liquid extraction device 400 is connected to the main water inlet channel 200. The fabric softener water channel 520, the detergent water channel 620 and the main water inlet channel 200 are independent of each other. Fabric softener and detergent are drawn into the main water inlet 200 by the liquid extraction device 400. The water flow in the main water inlet 200 has a certain speed, which washes away the fabric softener and detergent and brings them into the drum of the washer-dryer. The extraction and addition of fabric softener and detergent are realized through the main water inlet 200. Then, the drying water inlet 300 is connected to the drying module through the second water inlet valve 110. The two water inlet valves connect two pipelines to achieve the effect of a three-way water inlet valve connecting three pipelines. Moreover, compared with a three-way water inlet valve, the structure is simpler and occupies less space. Correspondingly, the fabric softener compartment 500 and the detergent compartment 600 have relatively larger capacities.

[0028] During the drying process, a certain level of humidity is needed to maintain the air humidity, ensuring that the clothes are properly moistened and preventing them from overheating or drying out. Under appropriate humidity and temperature conditions, water supply can increase heat transfer efficiency, allowing the clothes to dry faster and improving drying efficiency.

[0029] For example, the input end of the main water inlet 200 is connected to an anti-siphon device 210, which prevents water in the washer-dryer from flowing back into the first water inlet valve 100 through the main water inlet 200 due to the siphon effect.

[0030] For example, the anti-siphon device 210 includes a first output pipe 211, a second output pipe 212, and an anti-siphon groove 213. The first output pipe 211 is connected to the first water inlet valve 100, and the second output pipe 212 is connected to the main water inlet 200. The first output pipe 211 and the second output pipe 212 are set at the same horizontal height. The output port of the first output pipe 211 is aligned with the input port of the second output pipe 212. An anti-siphon groove 213 is provided between the first output pipe 211 and the second output pipe 212. The horizontal height of the anti-siphon groove 213 is lower than the horizontal height of the first output pipe 211 and the second output pipe 212.

[0031] The first output pipe 211 and the second output pipe 212 are set at the same horizontal height. The output port of the first output pipe 211 is aligned with the input port of the second output pipe 212, so that the water from the first water inlet valve 100 can be injected from the first output pipe 211 into the second output pipe 212. When the water in the washer-dryer combo flows back through the main water inlet 200 due to the siphon effect, it will flow from the second output pipe 212 to the anti-siphon groove 213, which is at a lower horizontal height than the first output pipe 211 and the second output pipe 212, due to gravity, thereby preventing water from entering the first output pipe 211 and flowing back into the first water inlet valve 100.

[0032] For example, the bottom of the anti-siphon groove 213 is provided with a drain hole 214 for draining backflowing water. After the backflowing water flows from the second output pipe 212 to the anti-siphon groove 213, it needs to be drained, otherwise the water will accumulate in the anti-siphon groove 213. By opening the drain hole 214 at the bottom of the anti-siphon groove 213, the water is drained to prevent backflow.

[0033] For example, the output ends of the fabric softener compartment 500 and the detergent compartment 600 are respectively provided with one-way valves 530 to prevent fabric softener and detergent from flowing back. The one-way valves 530 ensure that the fabric softener compartment 500 and the detergent compartment 600 can only output fabric softener and detergent in one direction, thus preventing the fabric softener and detergent from flowing back into the fabric softener compartment 500 and the detergent compartment 600 and contaminating the fabric softener and detergent inside after being pressurized.

[0034] For example, the fabric softener water channel 520 has a fabric softener inlet 521 and a fabric softener outlet 522. The output end of the fabric softener tank 500 is connected to a vertically arranged fabric softener tube 510, which communicates with the fabric softener inlet 521. The fabric softener outlet 522 is connected to the extraction device 400. The detergent water channel 620 has a detergent inlet 621 and a detergent outlet 622. The output end of the detergent tank 600 is connected to a vertically arranged detergent tube 610, which communicates with the detergent inlet 621. The detergent outlet 622 is connected to the extraction device 400. The fabric softener water channel 520 and the detergent water channel 620 are set above the fabric softener tank 500 and the detergent tank 600. The fabric softener and detergent are transported to the fabric softener water channel 520 and the detergent water channel 620 through the vertically set fabric softener pipe 510 and detergent pipe 610 and then to the extraction device 400 to prevent the fabric softener and detergent from flowing back. Moreover, the fabric softener and detergent need the extraction device 400 to provide power to continuously output to the main water inlet 200.

[0035] For example, the second water inlet valve 110 is connected to the accommodating chamber 700, and the drying water passage 300 is connected to the bottom of the accommodating chamber 700. Water enters the drying water passage 300 from the bottom of the accommodating chamber 700. Even if the water from the drying module flows back into the accommodating chamber 700 from the drying water passage 300, it is not easy for it to flow back into the second water inlet valve 110.

[0036] For example, the end of the main water inlet channel 200 is connected to a water inlet section 220. The water inlet section 220 has several water inlet holes 221. The water inlet holes 221 are connected to the drum of the washer-dryer. The water inlet section 220 allows the drum of the washer-dryer to have a larger water inlet area. The water inlet section 220 also acts as a buffer to prevent the water flow rate of the main water inlet channel 200 from rushing into the drum too fast. The large water inlet area through the several water inlet holes 221 increases the water inlet efficiency.

[0037] The automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0038] This invention eliminates the need for a three-way inlet valve to handle pre-water intake, drawing detergent and fabric softener into the drum and supplying water to the drying module. The invention uses two inlet valves, a first inlet valve 100 and a second inlet valve 110, connected to the main water inlet 200 and the drying water inlet 300 respectively. By drawing detergent and fabric softener into the main water inlet 200, the water in the main water inlet 200 carries the detergent and fabric softener into the drum of the washer-dryer. Water enters the main water inlet 200 through the first inlet valve 100. The fabric softener compartment 500 and the detergent compartment 600 are located below the main water inlet 200. The fabric softener and detergent are respectively delivered to the fabric softener water channel 520 and the drying water channel 600. The detergent water channel 620, fabric softener water channel 520, and detergent water channel 620 are all located above the fabric softener tank 500 and the detergent tank 600, respectively. Therefore, sufficient fabric softener and detergent must be supplied to allow them to flow into the fabric softener water channel 520 and the detergent water channel 620, respectively. After passing through the fabric softener water channel 520 and the detergent water channel 620, the fabric softener and detergent will flow into the lower extraction device 400. The extraction device 400 will then draw the fabric softener and detergent upwards into the main water inlet channel 200. The water in the main water inlet channel 200 has a certain flow rate, and the flow of water in the main water inlet channel 200 will flush away the fabric softener and detergent. Furniture softener and detergent enter the drum of the washer-dryer along with the main water inlet 200. The fabric softener water inlet 520, detergent water inlet 620, and main water inlet 200 are independent to prevent water from the main water inlet 200 from rushing into the fabric softener water inlet 520 and detergent water inlet 620, causing backflow into the fabric softener compartment 500 and detergent compartment 600, and also diluting the fabric softener and detergent in the fabric softener water inlet 520 and detergent water inlet 620. The fabric softener and detergent are first introduced into the fabric softener water inlet 520 and detergent water inlet 620, and then introduced into the lower liquid extraction device 400. The liquid extraction device 400... The system allows for precise extraction of fabric softener and detergent, preventing backflow of water from the main water inlet 200 into the fabric softener compartment 500 and detergent compartment 600. The second water inlet valve 110 connects to the drying water circuit 300 to supply water to the drying module. Only one main water inlet 200 is needed to extract fabric softener and detergent. This system achieves pre-water intake, extraction of detergent and fabric softener into the drum, and supply of water to the drying module through two water inlet valves. The structure is simple and occupies little space, which allows for a larger storage space for fabric softener and detergent. A larger capacity fabric softener compartment 500 and detergent compartment 600 can be set below the main water inlet 200, eliminating the need for users to frequently add fabric softener and detergent and reducing the overall system cost.

[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer combo, characterized in that, include: The first water inlet valve and the second water inlet valve are connected to the main water inlet circuit and the second water inlet valve is connected to the drying water circuit. The fabric softener compartment and the detergent compartment are located below the main water inlet. The fabric softener compartment is connected to a fabric softener water guide channel, and the detergent compartment is connected to a detergent water guide channel. The fabric softener water guide channel and the detergent water guide channel are located above the fabric softener compartment and the detergent compartment. A liquid extraction device is provided below the fabric softener water channel and the detergent water channel. The input end of the liquid extraction device is connected to the output end of the fabric softener water channel and the detergent water channel, respectively, and the output end of the liquid extraction device is connected to the main water inlet channel. The fabric softener water channel, the detergent water channel, and the main water inlet channel are independent of each other; The input end of the main water inlet is connected to an anti-siphon device, which includes a first output pipe, a second output pipe, and an anti-siphon groove. The first output pipe is connected to the first water inlet valve, and the second output pipe is connected to the main water inlet. The first output pipe and the second output pipe are set at the same horizontal height. The output port of the first output pipe is aligned with the input port of the second output pipe. An anti-siphon groove is provided between the first output pipe and the second output pipe. The horizontal height of the anti-siphon groove is lower than the horizontal height of the first output pipe and the second output pipe. The fabric softener water channel has a fabric softener inlet and a fabric softener outlet. The output end of the fabric softener compartment is connected to a vertically arranged fabric softener tube. The fabric softener tube is connected to the fabric softener inlet, and the fabric softener outlet is connected to the liquid extraction device. The detergent water channel has a detergent inlet and a detergent outlet. The output end of the detergent tank is connected to a vertically arranged detergent tube. The detergent tube is connected to the detergent inlet, and the detergent outlet is connected to the liquid extraction device. The second water inlet valve is connected to a receiving chamber, and the drying water circuit is connected to the bottom of the receiving chamber.

2. The automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer combo according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the anti-siphon groove is provided with a drain hole for draining backflowing water.

3. The automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer combo according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The output ends of the fabric softener compartment and the detergent compartment are respectively equipped with one-way valves to prevent backflow of fabric softener and detergent.

4. The automatic dispensing system for a washer-dryer combo according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The main water inlet is connected to a water inlet section at the end, and the water inlet section has several water inlet holes, which are connected to the drum of the washer-dryer.

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