Detergent box mounting structure and washing machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a detergent box mounting structure and a washing machine, and the detergent box mounting structure comprises a detergent box used for storing detergent; the liquid level detector is mounted in the detergent box and used for detecting the liquid level height in the detergent box; the liquid level detector is provided with a first contact terminal, and the first contact terminal penetrates through and extends out of the bottom of the detergent box; the detergent box fixing seat is provided with a second contact terminal corresponding to the first contact terminal, and the second contact terminal is electrically connected with a control center of the washing machine; the detergent box is mounted on the detergent box fixing seat, and the first contact terminal is in contact with the second contact terminal. The liquid level detector is arranged in the detergent box, under the condition that the function of automatically detecting the liquid level to remind a user to add the detergent is achieved, a transfer box does not need to be additionally arranged, and compared with a traditional scheme, the structure is simplified, and the cost is reduced. Meanwhile, the detergent box has the advantage of being convenient to disassemble and assemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of washing machines, and particularly relates to a detergent box installation structure and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] Some existing washing machines have the function of automatically dispensing detergent, which is specifically realized by setting a detergent box, a peristaltic pump, etc. Users can pre-store the detergent in the detergent box. When starting the laundry, the peristaltic pump automatically pumps an appropriate amount of detergent in the detergent box into the laundry tub. To realize the function of automatically reminding the user to add detergent in time when the detergent is exhausted, a transfer box connected between the detergent box and the peristaltic pump is also integrated in the existing automatic dispensing system. A liquid level detector is arranged in the transfer box, and the liquid level detector is connected to the control center of the washing machine. When it is detected that the liquid level of the liquid level detector is too low, the control center can automatically remind the user to add detergent automatically. Although the existing automatic detergent dispensing system of the washing machine can realize the automatic reminder function, the structure of adding a transfer box to set the liquid level detector makes the structure of the automatic dispensing system complicated, resulting in the problem of high cost of the automatic dispensing system. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the present utility model is to provide a detergent box installation structure and a washing machine, which can solve the above problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] On the one hand, a detergent box installation structure is provided, including:

[0006] A detergent box for storing detergent;

[0007] A liquid level detector installed in the detergent box for detecting the liquid level height in the detergent box; the liquid level detector has a first contact terminal, and the first contact terminal extends through and out from the bottom of the detergent box;

[0008] A detergent box fixing seat is provided with a second contact terminal corresponding to the first contact terminal, and the second contact terminal is electrically connected to the control center of the washing machine; the detergent box is installed on the detergent box fixing seat, and the first contact terminal contacts the second contact terminal.

[0009] Optionally, the detergent box fixing seat includes a base plate and a surrounding wall arranged on the top side of the base plate. The base plate and the surrounding wall enclose an installation slot, and the detergent box is inserted into the installation slot for fixing; the second contact terminal is arranged on the base plate.

[0010] Optionally, a plurality of buckles are circumferentially arranged on the outer side wall of the detergent box; a plurality of rib plates extending upward are arranged on the top side of the surrounding wall, and the rib plates are provided with buckles corresponding to the buckles, and the buckles are buckled with the buckles to prevent the detergent box from detaching from the installation slot.

[0011] Optionally, a counterbore is arranged on the base plate, and the second contact terminal is installed in the counterbore, so that the detergent box can contact the base plate after installation.

[0012] Optionally, the second contact terminal includes a terminal contact and an ejecting spring, the terminal contact is connected to the ejecting spring, and the ejecting spring can push the terminal contact upward so that the terminal contact can tightly press the first contact terminal.

[0013] Optionally, a through hole is arranged at the bottom of the counterbore on the base plate, the terminal contact is a bolt, the threaded part of the terminal contact passes downward through the through hole and is connected to a nut, and the ejecting spring is compressed between the nut of the terminal contact and the base plate.

[0014] Optionally, the base plate is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the base plate can be locked to the frame of the washing machine through the mounting holes.

[0015] Optionally, the liquid level detector includes a float and two first contact terminals spaced apart at the bottom of the detergent box, a conductive sheet is arranged on the float, and when the detergent in the detergent box is exhausted, the conductive sheet can contact and conduct the two first contact terminals.

[0016] Optionally, a guide rod is erected in the detergent box, the float is slidably connected to the guide rod, and the linear lifting of the float is guided by the guide rod so that the float can accurately contact the first contact terminal after falling.

[0017] On the other hand, a washing machine is provided, including the above detergent box installation structure.

[0018] The beneficial effect of the present application is: The utility model provides a detergent box installation structure and a washing machine. A liquid level detector is arranged in the detergent box. While realizing the function of automatically detecting the liquid level and reminding the user to add detergent, there is no need to add a transfer box. Compared with the traditional solution, the structure is simplified and the cost is reduced.

[0019] The detergent box of this solution also has the advantage of being convenient to disassemble and assemble. The first contact terminal of the liquid level detector extends from the bottom of the detergent box, and a second contact terminal opposite to the first contact terminal is provided on the detergent box fixing seat in the washing machine. During the installation of the detergent box, when the detergent box is inserted and fixed on the detergent box fixing seat, the first contact terminal contacts the second contact terminal, that is, the electrical connection operation of the liquid level detector is completed synchronously, without the need for additional wiring operations. When it is necessary to remove the detergent box for maintenance, the detergent box can be directly pulled out without the need for wire-breaking operations. Description of the Drawings

[0020] The following further describes the present application in detail with reference to the drawings and embodiments.

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the detergent box installation structure according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 2 It is one of the exploded views of the detergent box installation structure according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 3 It is another exploded view of the detergent box installation structure according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the detergent box fixing seat according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the detergent box fixing seat according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 6 For Figure 5 The enlarged view of area A in

[0027] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the detergent box according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 8 For Figure 7 The enlarged view of area B in

[0029] In the figure:

[0030] 1. Detergent box; 11. Buckle groove; 12. Guide rod; 2. Detergent box fixing seat; 21. Base plate; 211. Sunk groove; 22. Enclosing wall; 23. Rib plate; 231. Convex buckle; 3. Second contact terminal; 31. Terminal contact; 32. Ejecting spring; 33. Nut; 4. Liquid level detector; 41. First contact terminal; 42. Float; 421. Conductive sheet. Detailed Embodiments

[0031] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the achieved technical effects clearer, the following provides a further detailed description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, rather than all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] In the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature can include the direct contact between the first and second features, or can also include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through other features between them. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above", and "on the top" of the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below", and "under the bottom" of the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0034] Some existing washing machines have the function of automatically dispensing detergent, which is specifically achieved by setting a detergent box, a peristaltic pump, etc. Users can pre-store the detergent in the detergent box. When starting the laundry, the peristaltic pump automatically pumps an appropriate amount of detergent from the detergent box into the laundry tub. To achieve the function of automatically reminding users to add detergent in time when the detergent is exhausted, a transfer box connected between the detergent box and the peristaltic pump is also integrated in the existing automatic dispensing system. A liquid level detector is provided in the transfer box, and the liquid level detector is connected to the control center of the washing machine. When it detects that the liquid level of the liquid level detector is too low, the control center can automatically remind the user to add detergent. Although the existing automatic detergent dispensing system of the washing machine can achieve the automatic reminder function, the structure of adding a transfer box to set the liquid level detector has complicated the structure of the automatic dispensing system, resulting in the problem of a relatively high cost of the automatic dispensing system.

[0035] To overcome the above technical problems, refer to Figure 1-3, this embodiment provides a detergent box installation structure, including a detergent box 1, a liquid level detector 4, and a detergent box fixing base 2; the detergent box 1 is used to store detergent; the liquid level detector 4 is installed in the detergent box 1 and is used to detect the liquid level height in the detergent box 1; the liquid level detector 4 has a first contact terminal 41, and the first contact terminal 41 extends through and out from the bottom of the detergent box 1; the detergent box fixing base 2 is provided with a second contact terminal 3 corresponding to the first contact terminal 41, and the second contact terminal 3 is electrically connected to the control center of the washing machine; the detergent box 1 is installed on the detergent box fixing base 2, and the first contact terminal 41 contacts the second contact terminal 3.

[0036] Among them, the detergent box fixing base 2 is used to fix the detergent box 1, and it is generally connected and fixed to the frame or casing of the washing machine. The detergent box 1 is a separately assembled structure, and existing washing machines are equipped with a fixing base structure for it. Therefore, setting the detergent fixing base in this solution does not complicate the component structure of the washing machine.

[0037] Based on the detergent box installation structure of this embodiment, a liquid level detector 4 is provided in the detergent box 1. In the case of realizing the function of automatically detecting the liquid level and reminding the user to add detergent, there is no need to add a transfer box. Compared with the traditional solution, the structure is simplified and the cost is reduced.

[0038] Although setting the liquid level detector 4 for the detergent box 1 can directly detect the detergent stock in the detergent box 1 to eliminate the structure of the transfer box, the liquid level detector 4 needs to establish an electrical connection relationship with the control center of the washing machine. When installing the detergent box 1 or performing maintenance and disassembly of the detergent box 1, it is necessary to perform circuit connection or disconnection work, resulting in the problem of difficult disassembly and assembly of the detergent box 1.

[0039] To overcome the above problems, this embodiment provides a solution idea: the first contact terminal 41 of the liquid level detector 4 extends out from the bottom of the detergent box 1, and a second contact terminal 3 corresponding to the first contact terminal 41 is provided on the detergent box fixing base 2 in the washing machine. During the installation process of the detergent box 1, when the detergent box 1 is inserted and fixed to the detergent box fixing base 2, the first contact terminal 41 contacts the second contact terminal 3, that is, the electrical connection operation of the liquid level detector 4 is completed synchronously, without the need for additional wiring operations. When it is necessary to remove the detergent box 1 for maintenance, the detergent box 1 can be directly pulled out without the need for wire disconnection operations. Therefore, the detergent box installation structure provided by this embodiment not only has the advantage of simple structure, but also has the advantage of convenient installation.

[0040] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 4, the detergent box fixing base 2 includes a base plate 21 and a surrounding wall 22 provided on the top side of the base plate 21. The base plate 21 and the surrounding wall 22 enclose an installation slot, and the detergent box 1 is inserted into the installation slot for fixation; the second contact terminal 3 is provided on the base plate 21.

[0041] The base plate 21 is the main supporting part of the detergent box fixing base 2. It is fixedly connected to the frame or casing of the washing machine, providing a stable installation foundation. The surrounding wall 22 is provided on the top side of the base plate 21 and together with the base plate 21 encloses an installation slot. This installation slot matches the shape of the detergent box 1 to ensure that the detergent box 1 can be firmly inserted therein. The second contact terminal 3 is provided on the base plate 21 and corresponds to the first contact terminal 41 inside the detergent box 1. When the detergent box 1 is inserted into the installation slot, the first contact terminal 41 and the second contact terminal 3 will automatically come into contact, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the liquid level detector 4 and the washing machine control center. Through the installation slot formed by enclosing the base plate 21 and the surrounding wall 22 in this solution, it can be ensured that the detergent box 1 remains stable during the operation of the washing machine, preventing it from shaking or shifting. The design of the installation slot makes the insertion and removal of the detergent box 1 very simple.

[0042] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 2 , a plurality of buckle grooves 11 are circumferentially provided on the outer side wall of the detergent box 1; a plurality of rib plates 23 extending upward are provided on the top side of the surrounding wall 22. The rib plates 23 are provided with protruding buckles 231 opposite to the buckle grooves 11, and the protruding buckles 231 are buckled with the buckle grooves 11 to limit the detergent box 1 from disengaging from the installation slot.

[0043] The buckling mechanism of the protruding buckle 231 and the buckle groove 11 ensures the stability of the detergent box 1 in the installation slot. Even during the operation of the washing machine, the detergent box 1 can maintain a stable position. At the same time, this structure has the advantage of good convenience. When the user needs to take out or replace the detergent box 1, just apply a little force to separate the protruding buckle 231 from the buckle groove 11, so as to conveniently pull out the detergent box 1 from the installation slot.

[0044] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 5 , a counterbore 211 is provided on the base plate 21, and the second contact terminal 3 is installed in the counterbore 211 so that the detergent box 1 can contact the base plate 21 after being installed.

[0045] Due to the design of the sinking groove 211, the detergent box 1 can contact the base plate 21 flatly after installation, avoiding the problem of uneven contact caused by the protrusion of the second contact terminal 3. At the same time, the sinking groove 211 provides a relatively enclosed installation environment for the second contact terminal 3, which helps to protect the contact terminal from interference and damage from the external environment (such as moisture, dust, etc.).

[0046] In one embodiment, the second contact terminal 3 includes a terminal contact 31 and an ejecting spring 32. The terminal contact 31 is connected to the ejecting spring 32, and the ejecting spring 32 can push the terminal contact 31 upward so that the terminal contact 31 can tightly press the first contact terminal 41.

[0047] Through the action of the ejecting spring 32, the terminal contact 31 can always maintain close contact with the first contact terminal 41. Even under the vibration and impact during the operation of the washing machine, a stable connection can be maintained. At the same time, due to the certain elasticity of the ejecting spring 32, it can adapt to the first contact terminals 41 of different sizes and shapes, ensuring stable connection in various situations.

[0048] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 6 , a through hole is provided at the bottom of the sinking groove 211 on the base plate 21. The terminal contact 31 is a bolt, and the threaded portion of the terminal contact 31 passes downward through the through hole and is connected to a nut 33. The ejecting spring 32 is compressed between the nut of the terminal contact 31 and the base plate 21.

[0049] The nut 33 cooperates with the threaded portion of the bolt. By rotating the nut 33, the tightening degree of the bolt can be adjusted. When the nut 33 is tightened, the ejecting spring 32 is further compressed, thereby increasing the contact pressure on the first contact terminal 41; when the nut 33 is loosened, the reaction force of the ejecting spring 32 decreases, and the contact pressure also decreases accordingly. By rotating the nut 33, the tightening degree of the bolt can be conveniently adjusted to adapt to the detergent box 1 of different sizes or the first contact terminals 41 with different pressure requirements.

[0050] In one embodiment, the base plate 21 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the base plate 21 can be locked to the frame of the washing machine through the mounting holes.

[0051] The main function of the mounting holes is to firmly mount the base plate 21 on the frame of the washing machine. Through these mounting holes, screws, bolts or other fasteners can be used to tightly connect the base plate 21 to the washing machine frame. This connection method ensures that the base plate 21 will not move or shake during the operation of the washing machine, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the detergent box 1.

[0052] In one embodiment, referring toFigure 7-8 The liquid level detector 4 includes a float 42 and two first contact terminals 41 spaced apart at the bottom of the detergent box 1. A conductive sheet 421 is provided on the float 42. When the detergent in the detergent box 1 is exhausted, the conductive sheet 421 can contact and conduct the two first contact terminals 41.

[0053] A liquid level detector 4 is provided at the bottom of the detergent box 1. The liquid level detector 4 includes two first contact terminals 41 and a float 42. A conductive sheet 421 is provided on the float 42. In application, the two first contact terminals 41 are respectively connected to the control center through two second contact terminals 3 in contact. The detergent serves as an insulating medium. When the conductive sheet 421 does not simultaneously contact the two first contact terminals 41, the control center detects that the two first contact terminals 41 are in an open state; when the conductive sheet 421 simultaneously contacts the two first contact terminals 41, the control center can detect that the two first contact terminals 41 are connected. Therefore, the detection principle of the liquid level detector 4 in this solution is achieved by judging the on / off state of the two first contact terminals 41.

[0054] Obviously, this liquid level detector 4 has the advantages of simple structure and good reliability.

[0055] In one embodiment, a guide rod 12 is erected in the detergent box 1. The float 42 is slidably connected to the guide rod 12. The guide rod 12 guides the linear lifting and lowering of the float 42, so that the float 42 can accurately contact the first contact terminal 41 after it descends.

[0056] The guide rod 12 provides a clear lifting and lowering path for the float 42, ensuring that the float 42 can lift and lower vertically without being offset due to the fluctuation or inclination of the detergent, greatly improving the accuracy of the contact between the float 42 and the first contact terminal 41.

[0057] On the other hand, this embodiment also provides a washing machine including the above-mentioned detergent box mounting structure.

[0058] Specifically, the washing machine in this embodiment further includes a frame and a casing. The detergent box fixing seat 2 is installed on the frame or the casing. The second contact terminal 3 on the detergent box fixing seat 2 is electrically connected to the control center of the washing machine. The detergent box 1 is inserted into the detergent box fixing seat 2. After insertion, the first contact terminal 41 of the liquid level detector 4 contacts the second contact terminal 3.

[0059] In the description of this article, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", and other orientation or positional relationships are only for the convenience of description and simplifying operations, rather than indicating or implying that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to this application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0060] In the description of this specification, the description referring to terms such as "an embodiment", "example", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present utility model. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0061] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described according to embodiments, not every embodiment only contains an independent technical solution. This narrative way of the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0062] The technical principle of this application has been described above in combination with specific embodiments. These descriptions are only for explaining the principle of this application and cannot be construed as a limitation to the protection scope of this application in any way. Based on the explanations here, those skilled in the art can think of other specific embodiments of this application without creative labor, and these ways will all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A detergent box installation structure, characterized in that: include: A detergent box (1) for storing detergent; A liquid level detector (4) is installed in the detergent box (1) and is used to detect the liquid level in the detergent box (1); the liquid level detector (4) has a first contact terminal (41), and the first contact terminal (41) extends through the bottom of the detergent box (1); The detergent box fixing seat (2) is provided with a second contact terminal (3) corresponding to the first contact terminal (41), and the second contact terminal (3) is electrically connected to a control center of the washing machine; the detergent box (1) is mounted on the detergent box fixing seat (2), and the first contact terminal (41) is in contact with the second contact terminal (3).

2. The detergent box installation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detergent box fixing seat (2) comprises a base plate (21) and a surrounding wall (22) arranged on the top side of the base plate (21); the base plate (21) and the surrounding wall (22) are combined to form a mounting slot; the detergent box (1) is inserted into the mounting slot for fixing; and the second contact terminal (3) is arranged on the base plate (21).

3. The detergent box installation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer wall of the detergent box (1) is circumferentially provided with a plurality of buckle grooves (11); the top side of the surrounding wall (22) is provided with a plurality of rib plates (23) extending upwards, the rib plates (23) are provided with convex buckles (231) corresponding to the buckle grooves (11), and the convex buckles (231) are buckled with the buckle grooves (11) to prevent the detergent box (1) from leaving the installation slot.

4. The detergent box installation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base plate (21) is provided with a recessed groove (211), and the second contact terminal (3) is installed in the recessed groove (211), so that the detergent box (1) can contact the base plate (21) after installation.

5. The detergent box installation structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second contact terminal (3) comprises a terminal contact (31) and an ejection spring (32), wherein the terminal contact (31) is connected to the ejection spring (32), and the ejection spring (32) can push the terminal contact (31) upwards so that the terminal contact (31) can press tightly against the first contact terminal (41).

6. The detergent box installation structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The base plate (21) is provided with a through hole located at the bottom of the sink (211); the terminal contact (31) is a bolt; the threaded portion of the terminal contact (31) passes downward through the through hole and is connected to a nut (33); the ejection spring (32) is compressed between the nut of the terminal contact (31) and the base plate (21).

7. The detergent box installation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base plate (21) is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, through which the base plate (21) can be locked on the frame of the washing machine.

8. The detergent box installation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid level detector (4) comprises a float (42) and two first contact terminals (41) arranged at intervals at the bottom of the detergent box (1); a conductive sheet (421) is provided on the float (42); when the detergent in the detergent box (1) is exhausted, the conductive sheet (421) can contact and conduct the two first contact terminals (41).

9. The detergent box installation structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: A guide rod (12) is erected in the detergent box (1), and the float (42) is slidably connected to the guide rod (12). The guide rod (12) guides the float (42) to rise and fall linearly, so that the float (42) can accurately contact the first contact terminal (41) after falling.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that: It comprises the detergent box mounting structure described in any one of claims 1-9.

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