An external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses an external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, relating to the technical field of detergent dispensing, comprising: a dispensing rack, which is externally arranged on the upper part of the washing machine; a plurality of temporary storage components distributed in a circumferential array, each of the temporary storage components is embedded in the dispensing rack, and the bottom of each of the temporary storage components is connected to a discharge pipe; a plurality of material tanks, each of the material tanks is respectively arranged corresponding to the temporary storage components and is used to supply detergent to the temporary storage components; a spiral tube, which is spirally descending and is connected to each of the discharge pipes in sequence, one end of the spiral tube is a closed end, and the other end is connected to a mixing and oscillating component; the closed end of the spiral tube is arranged higher than the mixing and oscillating component; the mixing and oscillating component supplies detergent to the washing machine through a rubber tube, has low power demand, and has a good dispensing effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of detergent dispensing, and in particular to an external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] With the evolution of smart home technology, the automatic detergent dispensing function of washing machines has been commercialized, but existing technical solutions still have functional limitations: mainstream products only achieve automatic dispensing after the washing program is started, while the pre-filling of detergent before washing still requires manual operation, failing to form a fully automated closed loop.

[0003] Although there are a few external dispensing devices on the market, their technical implementation mostly relies on peristaltic pumps or screw pumps to drive the fluid. In addition, this type of structure faces significant challenges under low-temperature conditions. When the ambient temperature drops and the viscosity of the detergent increases, the pumping system is prone to feeding delays or even pipeline blockages due to a sudden increase in fluid resistance.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an external detergent intelligent dispensing device for a washing machine to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, comprising:

[0006] A delivery rack, which is externally located on the upper part of the washing machine;

[0007] A plurality of temporary storage components distributed in a circular array, each of the temporary storage components is embedded in the delivery rack, and the bottom of each temporary storage component is connected to a discharge pipe;

[0008] A plurality of material tanks, each of which is provided corresponding to the temporary storage component and is used to supply detergent to the temporary storage component;

[0009] A spiral tube, which descends in a spiral and is sequentially connected to each of the feed pipes, wherein the upper end of the spiral tube is a closed end and the lower end is connected to the mixing and oscillating component;

[0010] The mixing and oscillating component supplies detergent to the washing machine through a rubber tube.

[0011] Furthermore, as a preference, the discharge pipe is serially connected with a first solenoid valve, a quantitative discharge assembly and a second solenoid valve from top to bottom.

[0012] Furthermore, preferably, the quantitative blanking component includes:

[0013] A quantitative tank connected in series to the feed pipe;

[0014] A rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in the quantitative tank and driven by an external stepping motor;

[0015] Four quantitative plates are distributed in a circular array, one end of each quantitative plate is fixed to the rotating shaft, and the other end contacts the inner wall of the quantitative tank.

[0016] Furthermore, as a preference, the plurality of material tanks are sequentially defined as the first material tank, the second material tank, the third material tank, ... the nth material tank;

[0017] The material tank closest to the closed end of the spiral tube is the first material tank, and the first material tank contains diluent.

[0018] Furthermore, preferably, the number of the material tanks is 7, and starting from the second material tank, grapefruit detergent, mint detergent, cinnamon detergent, vanilla detergent, bergamot detergent and cedar detergent are contained in sequence.

[0019] Furthermore, preferably, a threaded rod is fixed to the bottom of the mixing and oscillating component, a gasket is sleeved on the threaded rod and a knob is threadedly connected to the threaded rod.

[0020] Furthermore, preferably, the mixing and oscillating component includes:

[0021] A mixing chamber, wherein a shaft body is provided for rotation inside the mixing chamber;

[0022] A plurality of paddles distributed in a circle and fixed on the shaft, wherein the paddles are arc-shaped and paddle balls are fixed at the free ends of the paddles;

[0023] a sealing tube connected to one side of the mixing chamber, wherein a sliding tube is slidably provided in the sealing tube;

[0024] An oscillating rod, one end of which is an arc-shaped structure, and the other end of which is connected to a magnetic member through a micro-frame, wherein the magnetic member is embedded in the slide tube;

[0025] Wherein, the outer wall of the sliding tube and the inner wall of the sealing tube are both provided with an accommodating annular groove for accommodating the annular elastic member;

[0026] The slide pipe supplies detergent to the washing machine through a rubber tube.

[0027] Furthermore, preferably, an electromagnetic ring is embedded in the sealing tube for magnetically positioning the magnetic component so that the oscillation rod is accommodated in the sealing tube.

[0028] Furthermore, preferably, the temporary storage component includes a temporary storage seat, in which a positioning groove and a temporary storage groove are sequentially provided from top to bottom, wherein the positioning groove is used to position the material tank, the diameter of the temporary storage groove is smaller than the diameter of the positioning groove, the bottom of the temporary storage groove passes through the temporary storage seat, and a thimble is also fixed in the temporary storage seat.

[0029] Furthermore, as a preference, the delivery rack includes a support, the top of the support is connected to an upper ring plate via an upper connecting seat, and the bottom is connected to a lower ring plate via a lower connecting seat;

[0030] The lower ring plate is used to carry the temporary storage assembly, and the upper ring plate is provided with a righting hole corresponding to the material tank;

[0031] A motor for providing power to the mixing and oscillating component is fixed to the bottom of the lower connecting seat.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0033] 1. In the present invention, the external design of the delivery rack uses gravity and hydraulics to achieve pump-free delivery, avoiding the energy consumption and maintenance costs of traditional peristaltic pumps. At the same time, the three-dimensional frame composed of pillars and ring plates integrates support, positioning, and power transmission functions, thereby improving space utilization and adapting to the narrow scene on the top of the washing machine.

[0034] 2. In the present invention, the mixing and oscillating component has a clockwise enhanced mixing mode and a counterclockwise vibration mixing mode. Combined with the low viscosity characteristics of the diluent, it significantly shortens the supply time of high-viscosity detergent, especially avoiding slow feeding in low-temperature mode.

[0035] 3. In the present invention, the dual solenoid valve isolation technology is combined with the quantitative feeding component to achieve high-precision feeding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of an external detergent intelligent dispensing device for a washing machine;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine;

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the dispensing rack in an external detergent intelligent dispensing device for a washing machine Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the dispensing rack in an external detergent intelligent dispensing device for a washing machine Figure 2 ;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a temporary storage component in an external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a quantitative dispensing component in an external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a mixing and oscillating component in an external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mixing and oscillating component in an external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine;

[0044] In the figure: 1. delivery rack; 2. material tank; 3. temporary storage component; 4. discharge pipe; 5. first solenoid valve; 6. quantitative discharge component; 7. second solenoid valve; 8. spiral tube; 9. mixing and oscillating component; 10. threaded rod; 11. gasket; 12. knob; 13. motor; 31. temporary storage seat; 32. positioning groove; 33. temporary storage groove; 34. ejector pin; 61. quantitative tank; 62. quantitative plate; 91. mixing chamber; 92. sealing tube; 93. sliding tube; 94. dial plate; 95. dial ball; 96. oscillation rod; 97. magnetic element; 98. electromagnetic ring; 99. elastic element; 101. upper ring plate; 102. straightening hole; 103. upper connecting seat; 104. lower ring plate; 105. lower connecting seat; 106. pillar. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned description of the drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential order. It should be understood that the terms used in this way can be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and this is merely a way of distinguishing the objects of the same attributes when describing them in the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, so that the process, method, system, product or equipment comprising a series of units need not be limited to those units, but may include other units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or equipment.

[0046] Example: Please refer to Figures 1-8 In an embodiment of the present invention, an external detergent intelligent dispensing device for a washing machine is provided, comprising:

[0047] A delivery rack 1 is placed outside the upper part of the washing machine;

[0048] A plurality of temporary storage components 3 distributed in a circumferential array, each of the temporary storage components 3 is embedded in the delivery rack 1, and the bottom of each temporary storage component 3 is connected to a discharge pipe 4;

[0049] A plurality of material tanks 2, each of which is provided corresponding to the temporary storage component 3 and is used to supply detergent to the temporary storage component 3;

[0050] A spiral tube 8 is in a spiral descending shape and is sequentially connected to each of the feed tubes 4. The upper end of the spiral tube 8 is a closed end, and the lower end is connected to the mixing and oscillating component 9;

[0051] The mixing and oscillating assembly 9 supplies detergent to the washing machine through a rubber tube.

[0052] It should be noted that, although some washing machines in the prior art are equipped with intelligent detergent dispensing devices, the application scenario of such intelligent detergent dispensing devices is: automatic dispensing during the washing process; before washing, the operator still needs to manually add detergent, which is quite cumbersome. However, this dispensing device can automatically dispense detergent instead of manually.

[0053] In this embodiment, since the dispensing rack 1 is externally located on the upper part of the washing machine, there is no need to additionally configure a peristaltic pump, and the detergent can be dispensed only by gravity and hydraulic pressure.

[0054] In this embodiment, the spiral tube 8 is connected to each discharge pipe 4 with the closed end higher and the open end lower. When the detergent descends along the spiral tube 8, the spiral structure produces a centrifugal effect and a path extension effect, so that different detergents are initially mixed during the flow process.

[0055] Among them, the discharge pipe 4 is connected in series with a first solenoid valve 5, a quantitative discharge component 6 and a second solenoid valve 7 from top to bottom. By controlling the switches of the first solenoid valve 5 and the second solenoid valve 7, the quantitative discharge component 6 can be assisted to perform quantitative discharge. Specifically, when the quantitative discharge component 6 is used to obtain detergent in a quantitative manner, the first solenoid valve 5 is opened and the second solenoid valve 7 is closed; when the quantitative discharge component 6 is used to put in a quantitative amount of detergent, the first solenoid valve 5 is closed and the second solenoid valve 7 is opened.

[0056] By alternately opening and closing the first solenoid valve 5 and the second solenoid valve 7, the quantitative feeding component 6 is always in a physically isolated environment during the working cycle, avoiding the influence of continuous feeding of the upstream material tank 2 or pressure fluctuation of the downstream spiral tube 8 on the metering accuracy during the feeding process.

[0057] In this embodiment, the quantitative blanking component 6 includes:

[0058] A quantitative tank 61, which is connected in series to the feed pipe 4;

[0059] A rotating shaft, which is rotatably disposed in the quantitative tank 61 and driven by an external stepping motor;

[0060] Four quantitative plates 62 are distributed in a circular array, and one end of each quantitative plate 62 is fixed to the rotating shaft, and the other end contacts the inner wall of the quantitative tank 61.

[0061] During implementation, the first solenoid valve 5 is opened, the second solenoid valve 7 is closed, and the detergent flows from the temporary storage component 3 into the quantitative tank 61. Two adjacent pieces of the four quantitative plates 62 and the inner wall of the quantitative tank 61 enclose a fan-shaped quantitative cavity, and under the action of gravity and upstream pressure, the cavity is completely filled. Afterwards, the first solenoid valve 5 is closed, isolating the upstream material tank 2, and the filled fan-shaped quantitative cavity becomes an independent metering unit, and its volume is precisely defined by the spacing between the quantitative plates 62 and the inner diameter of the quantitative tank 61. Finally, the external stepper motor drives the rotating shaft to rotate, driving the quantitative plates 62 to rotate synchronously, so that the fan-shaped quantitative cavity loaded with detergent is transferred to the outlet end below the discharge pipe 4. The second solenoid valve 7 is opened, and the detergent in the fan-shaped quantitative cavity is discharged through the discharge pipe 4 under the action of gravity, completing a single quantitative delivery.

[0062] In this embodiment, the plurality of material tanks 2 are sequentially defined as the first material tank, the second material tank, the third material tank, ... the nth material tank;

[0063] The material tank 2 closest to the closed end of the spiral tube 8 is the first material tank, and the first material tank contains the diluent.

[0064] Furthermore, the number of the material tanks 2 is 7, and starting from the second material tank, grapefruit detergent, mint detergent, cinnamon detergent, vanilla detergent, bergamot detergent and cedar detergent are contained in sequence.

[0065] The first tank is located adjacent to the closed end of spiral tube 8. Its low viscosity allows the diluent to enter spiral tube 8 under the action of gravity, forming an initial liquid flow. By the time the remaining detergent is injected into spiral tube 8 through subsequent feed pipe 4, the diluent has already occupied the surface of spiral tube 8, forming a lubricating layer that reduces the adhesion of high-viscosity detergent.

[0066] Furthermore, a controller is provided in the dispensing rack 1, and the controller is used to control the first solenoid valve 5, the quantitative feeding component 6 and the second solenoid valve 7 according to the user's selection and the temperature to adjust the detergent formula;

[0067] For example, based on user selection, mint detergent and grapefruit detergent are released to combat the drowsiness in high temperature environments through refreshing fragrance.

[0068] For example, according to user selection, cinnamon detergent and vanilla detergent are released to compensate for the decreased olfactory sensitivity at low temperatures through rich fragrance. Moreover, when the temperature is low, the release of diluent can be increased to improve the effect of low temperature on the viscosity of the detergent.

[0069] For example, according to user selection, bergamot detergent, cedar detergent and diluent are released to adapt to daily use scenarios.

[0070] In this embodiment, a threaded rod 10 is fixed to the bottom of the mixing and oscillating component 9 , a gasket 11 is sleeved on the threaded rod 10 and a knob 12 is threadedly connected thereto.

[0071] When installing this device, it is necessary to open a mounting hole in the cabinet above the washing machine so that the threaded rod 10 can pass through it. Then, a gasket 11 is sleeved on the threaded rod 10 and a knob 12 is threadedly connected. The device is tightened by rotating the knob 12.

[0072] In this embodiment, the mixing and oscillating component 9 includes:

[0073] The mixing chamber 91 has a shaft inside which is rotatable;

[0074] A plurality of paddles 94 distributed in a circle and fixed on the shaft, each paddle 94 being arc-shaped, with a paddle ball 95 fixed to its free end;

[0075] A sealing tube 92 is connected to one side of the mixing chamber 91, and a sliding tube 93 is slidably provided in the sealing tube 92;

[0076] An oscillating rod 96 has an arc-shaped structure at one end and the other end is connected to a magnetic member 97 via a micro-frame. The magnetic member 97 is embedded in the slide tube 93.

[0077] The outer wall of the sliding tube 93 and the inner wall of the sealing tube 92 are both provided with an accommodating annular groove for accommodating the annular elastic member 99.

[0078] The slide pipe 93 supplies detergent to the washing machine through a rubber tube.

[0079] During implementation, an external power source (such as a motor 13) drives the shaft in the mixing chamber 91 to rotate counterclockwise, driving the arc-shaped dial plate 94 fixed on the shaft to rotate synchronously. During the rotation of the dial plate 94, its arc-shaped outer edge periodically contacts the arc-shaped end of the oscillation rod 96. Since the curvatures of the two are matched, jamming caused by rigid collision is avoided. The radial force applied by the dial plate 94 pushes the oscillation rod 96 to slide inside the sealing tube 92, compressing the annular elastic member 99 (such as a spring) in the accommodating annular groove, while the magnetic member 97 is synchronously displaced in the sliding tube 93. When the dial plate 94 is disengaged, the elastic member 99 releases its elastic potential energy, pushing the oscillation rod 96 to reset, and the magnetic member 97 rebounds to its initial position along with the sliding tube 93. During this process, the rubber tube will be shaken to ensure that the detergent can fully flow into the washing machine.

[0080] It should be noted that the provision of the mixing and oscillating assembly 9 can also enhance the pre-mixing effect and ensure subsequent flow quality, especially when releasing the diluent. The low viscosity of the diluent coupled with the vibrating flow field significantly shortens the dissolution time of high-viscosity detergents, especially in low-temperature mode, avoiding slow feeding due to increased viscosity.

[0081] Furthermore, an electromagnetic ring 98 is embedded in the sealing tube 92 for magnetically positioning the magnetic element 97 so that the oscillation rod 96 is accommodated in the sealing tube 92 .

[0082] When electromagnetic ring 98 is energized, a magnetic field is generated that attracts magnetic element 97, driving oscillating rod 96 to fully retract and lock into sealed tube 92. This compresses elastic element 99. The curved end of oscillating rod 96 aligns flush with the end surface of sealed tube 92, creating an unobstructed flow path within mixing chamber 91. When the shaft rotates clockwise, the curved outer edge of paddle 94 engages the fluid at an angle opposite to that in counterclockwise rotation, enhancing mixing efficiency.

[0083] In this embodiment, the temporary storage component 3 includes a temporary storage seat 31, and a positioning groove 32 and a temporary storage groove 33 are sequentially opened in the temporary storage seat 31 from top to bottom, wherein the positioning groove 32 is used to position the material tank 2, and the diameter of the temporary storage groove 33 is smaller than the diameter of the positioning groove 32. The bottom of the temporary storage groove 33 passes through the temporary storage seat 31, and a ejector pin 34 is also fixed in the temporary storage seat 31.

[0084] The ejector pin is provided to pierce the sealing film at the opening of the material tank 2, thereby ensuring smooth supply of detergent.

[0085] In this embodiment, the delivery rack 1 includes a support 106, the top of the support 106 is connected to the upper ring plate 101 through the upper connecting seat 103, and the bottom is connected to the lower ring plate 104 through the lower connecting seat 105;

[0086] The lower ring plate 104 is used to carry the temporary storage assembly 3, and the upper ring plate 101 is provided with a righting hole 102 corresponding to the material tank 2;

[0087] A motor 13 for providing power to the mixing and oscillating component 9 is fixed to the bottom of the lower connecting seat 105 .

[0088] The pillars 106 serve as longitudinal supports, and are connected to the upper ring plate 101 and the lower ring plate 104 via the upper connecting seat 103 and the lower connecting seat 105 respectively, forming a rigid frame.

[0089] Preferably, the centering hole 102 of the upper ring plate 101 adopts a conical guide design, and the bottom of the tank 2 is inserted into the centering hole 102 to achieve circumferential positioning, ensuring that the discharge pipe 4 is axially aligned with the temporary storage component 3.

[0090] The above is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with this technical field, within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, who makes equivalent replacements or changes based on the technical solutions and inventive concepts of the present invention, should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An external detergent intelligent dispensing device for a washing machine, characterized in that: include: A delivery rack (1) is externally located on the upper portion of the washing machine; A plurality of temporary storage components (3) distributed in a circular array, each of the temporary storage components (3) is embedded in the delivery rack (1), and the bottom of each temporary storage component (3) is connected to a discharge pipe (4); A plurality of material tanks (2), each material tank (2) being provided corresponding to the temporary storage component (3) and being used for supplying detergent to the temporary storage component (3); A spiral tube (8) is in a spiral descending shape and is sequentially connected to each of the feed tubes (4). The upper end of the spiral tube (8) is a closed end, and the lower end is connected to a mixing and oscillating component (9). The mixing and oscillating component (9) supplies detergent to the washing machine through a rubber tube. The mixing and shaking component (9) comprises: A mixing chamber (91) having a shaft body provided therein for rotation; A plurality of shifting plates (94) distributed in a circumference and fixed on the shaft body, wherein the shifting plates (94) are arc-shaped, and a shifting ball (95) is fixed at the free end of the shifting plate (94); A sealing tube (92) is connected to one side of the mixing chamber (91), and a sliding tube (93) is slidably provided in the sealing tube (92); An oscillating rod (96) having an arc-shaped structure at one end and a magnetic member (97) connected to the other end via a micro-frame, wherein the magnetic member (97) is embedded in the slide tube (93); The outer wall of the sliding tube (93) and the inner wall of the sealing tube (92) are both provided with an accommodating annular groove for accommodating an annular elastic member (99) together. The sliding tube (93) supplies detergent to the washing machine through a rubber tube. The discharge pipe (4) is serially connected with a first solenoid valve (5), a quantitative discharge assembly (6) and a second solenoid valve (7) from top to bottom; The quantitative blanking component (6) comprises: A quantitative tank (61) connected in series to the feed pipe (4); A rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in the quantitative tank (61) and driven by an external stepping motor; Four quantitative plates (62) distributed in a circumferential array, one end of each quantitative plate (62) is fixed to the rotating shaft, and the other end contacts the inner wall of the quantitative tank (61); The temporary storage assembly (3) includes a temporary storage seat (31), wherein a positioning groove (32) and a temporary storage groove (33) are sequentially provided in the temporary storage seat (31) from top to bottom, wherein the positioning groove (32) is used to position the material tank (2), the diameter of the temporary storage groove (33) is smaller than the diameter of the positioning groove (32), the bottom of the temporary storage groove (33) passes through the temporary storage seat (31), and a thimble (34) is also fixed in the temporary storage seat (31).

2. The external detergent intelligent dispensing device for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of material tanks (2) are defined as the first material tank, the second material tank, the third material tank...the nth material tank in sequence; the material tank (2) closest to the closed end of the spiral tube (8) is the first material tank, and the diluent is contained in the first material tank.

3. The external detergent intelligent dispensing device for a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the material tanks (2) is 7, and starting from the second material tank, grapefruit detergent, mint detergent, cinnamon detergent, vanilla detergent, bergamot detergent and cedar detergent are contained in sequence.

4. The external detergent intelligent dispensing device for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A threaded rod (10) is fixed to the bottom of the mixing and oscillating component (9), a gasket (11) is sleeved on the threaded rod (10) and a knob (12) is threadedly connected thereto.

5. The external intelligent detergent dispensing device for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: An electromagnetic ring (98) is also embedded in the sealing tube (92) for magnetically positioning the magnetic element (97) so that the oscillating rod (96) is accommodated in the sealing tube (92).

6. The external detergent intelligent dispensing device for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The delivery rack (1) comprises a support (106), the top of the support (106) is connected to an upper ring plate (101) via an upper connecting seat (103), and the bottom is connected to a lower ring plate (104) via a lower connecting seat (105); wherein the lower ring plate (104) is used to carry the temporary storage component (3), and a straightening hole (102) corresponding to the material tank (2) is provided on the upper ring plate (101); and a motor (13) for providing power to the mixing and oscillating component (9) is fixed to the bottom of the lower connecting seat (105).

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