Detergent box with liquid level detection function and washing machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a detergent box with a liquid level detection function and a washing machine, and the detergent box comprises a detergent box body which is provided with a detergent accommodating cavity for storing detergent; the liquid level detector comprises a cathode binding post, an anode binding post and a floater, a conducting strip is arranged on the floater, the cathode binding post and the anode binding post are arranged at the bottom of the detergent containing cavity in a spaced mode, and when the detergent in the detergent containing cavity is used up, the conducting strip is arranged on the conducting strip. The conducting strip on the floater can make contact with the cathode binding post and the anode binding post to conduct the cathode binding post and the anode binding post. According to the scheme, the liquid level detector is integrated into the detergent box body, a transfer box does not need to be additionally arranged under the condition that the function of automatically detecting the liquid level to remind a user to add the detergent is achieved, and compared with a traditional scheme, the structure is simplified, and the cost is reduced. In addition, the liquid level detector is composed of the cathode binding post, the anode binding post and the floater, and has the advantages of being simple in structure, low in cost and durable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of washing machines, and particularly relates to a detergent box with a liquid level detection function 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 from 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 the liquid level detected by 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 with a liquid level detection function 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 with a liquid level detection function is provided, including:

[0006] A detergent box body having a detergent cavity for storing detergent;

[0007] A liquid level detector including a cathode terminal, an anode terminal and a float. A conductive sheet is provided on the float. The cathode terminal and the anode terminal are spaced apart and arranged at the bottom of the detergent cavity. When the detergent in the detergent cavity is exhausted, the conductive sheet on the float can contact and conduct the cathode terminal and the anode terminal.

[0008] Optionally, a guide rod is erected in the detergent box, and the float is slidably connected to the guide rod. The straight up and down movement of the float is guided by the guide rod, so that the float can accurately contact the cathode terminal and the anode terminal after it drops.

[0009] Optionally, the detergent box body includes a main box body and a box upper cover. The main box body includes a bottom plate and a surrounding wall plate that surrounds the periphery of the bottom plate and extends upward. The box upper cover covers the top side of the surrounding wall plate.

[0010] Optionally, the guide rod is integrally formed on the main box body, and the upper cover of the box is provided with a positioning ring corresponding to the guide rod, and the top end of the guide rod is inserted into the positioning ring.

[0011] Optionally, two through holes are provided on the bottom plate, and the cathode terminal and the anode terminal respectively extend outside the detergent box body through the two through holes.

[0012] Optionally, the liquid level detector further includes a terminal fixing plate, which is detachably installed on the top side of the bottom plate. A sealing ring in close contact with the bottom plate is provided on the periphery of the terminal fixing plate, and the cathode terminal and the anode terminal respectively penetrate and are fixed on the terminal fixing plate.

[0013] Optionally, an installation sink matching the outer shape of the terminal fixing plate is provided on the bottom plate, and the terminal fixing plate and the sealing ring are embedded in the installation sink.

[0014] Optionally, the cathode terminal and the anode terminal respectively have threaded portions, and the threaded portions extend downward through the through holes outside the detergent box body. Fixing nuts are respectively threadedly connected to the threaded portions, and by tightening the fixing nuts, the terminal fixing plate presses the sealing ring against the bottom plate.

[0015] Optionally, the terminal fixing plate is formed by secondary injection molding on the cathode terminal and the anode terminal.

[0016] On the other hand, a washing machine is further provided, which further includes the above-mentioned detergent box with a liquid level detection function.

[0017] The beneficial effect of this application is as follows: The utility model provides a detergent box and a washing machine with a liquid level detection function. A liquid level detector is provided at the bottom of the detergent box body. The liquid level detector includes a cathode terminal, an anode terminal and a float. A conductive sheet is provided on the float. When the detergent box body is filled with detergent, the float will float on the detergent liquid surface. As the detergent is used, the liquid level gradually drops, and the float also drops accordingly. When the detergent is exhausted, the float drops to the bottom of the detergent box body. At this time, the conductive sheet on the float can just contact the cathode terminal and the anode terminal at the same time, so that the liquid level detector is powered on. At this time, the control center of the washing machine can determine that the detergent is exhausted and automatically remind the user to add detergent.

[0018] In this solution, the liquid level detector is integrated into the detergent box body. In the case of realizing the function of automatically detecting the liquid level to remind the user to add detergent, there is no need to add a transfer box additionally. Compared with the traditional solution, the structure is simplified and the cost is reduced. In addition, the liquid level detector of this solution is composed of a cathode terminal, an anode terminal and a float, and has the advantages of simple structure, low cost and durability. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] The following further elaborates on this application in detail with reference to the drawings and embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 Structural schematic diagram of the detergent box with liquid level detection function according to the embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 Exploded view of the detergent box with liquid level detection function according to the embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the detergent box with liquid level detection function according to the embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 is Figure 3 Enlarged view of area A in;

[0024] Figure 5 Structural schematic diagram of the liquid level detector according to the embodiment of this application.

[0025] In the figure:

[0026] 1. Detergent box body; 11. Main box body; 111. Bottom plate; 112. Enclosing wall plate; 12. Box upper cover; 121. Filling port; 122. Filling cover; 123. Positioning ring; 13. Guide rod; 21. Float; 211. Conductive sheet; 22. Cathode terminal; 23. Anode terminal; 24. Terminal fixing plate; 25. Fixing nut; 26. Sealing ring. Detailed Embodiment

[0027] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted and the achieved technical effects clearer, the following further elaborates on the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application in detail. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, rather than all of the embodiments. 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.

[0028] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected", "connected to", and "fixed" shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may 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 the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0029] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through other features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over", and "on top of" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below", "beneath", and "underneath" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0030] Some existing washing machines have the function of automatically dispensing detergent, which is specifically realized by setting up a detergent box, a peristaltic pump, etc. Users can pre-store the detergent in the detergent box. When starting the washing, the peristaltic pump automatically pumps an appropriate amount of the detergent in the detergent box into the washing tub. To achieve 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. 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 up 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.

[0031] To overcome the above technical problems, referring to Figures 1 - 3 , this embodiment provides a detergent box with a liquid level detection function, which includes a detergent box body 1 and a liquid level detector. The detergent box body 1 has a detergent cavity for storing detergent; the liquid level detector includes a cathode terminal 22, an anode terminal 23, and a float 21. A conductive sheet 211 is provided on the float 21. The cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 are spaced apart and arranged at the bottom of the detergent cavity. When the detergent in the detergent cavity is exhausted, the conductive sheet 211 on the float 21 can contact and conduct the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23.

[0032] A liquid level detector is provided at the bottom of the detergent box body 1. The liquid level detector includes a cathode terminal 22, an anode terminal 23, and a float 21. A conductive sheet 211 is provided on the float 21. During application, the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 are respectively connected to the control center of the washing machine through wires. The detergent serves as an insulating medium. When the conductive sheet 211 does not simultaneously contact the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23, the control center detects that the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 are in an open state; when the conductive sheet 211 simultaneously contacts the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23, the control center can detect that the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 are connected. Therefore, the detection principle of the liquid level detector in this solution is realized by judging the connection and disconnection between the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23.

[0033] Therefore, when the detergent box body 1 is filled with detergent, the float 21 will float on the liquid level of the detergent. As the detergent is used, the liquid level gradually drops, and the float 21 also drops accordingly. When the detergent is exhausted, the float 21 drops to the bottom of the detergent box body 1. At this time, the conductive sheet 211 on the float 21 can just simultaneously contact the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23, powering on the liquid level detector. At this time, the control center of the washing machine can determine that the detergent is exhausted and automatically remind the user to add detergent.

[0034] In this solution, the liquid level detector is integrated into the detergent box body 1. When 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 additionally. Compared with the traditional solution, the structure is simplified and the cost is reduced. In addition, the liquid level detector in this solution is composed of a cathode terminal 22, an anode terminal 23, and a float 21, and has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, and durability.

[0035] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3 , a guide rod 13 is erected in the detergent box, and the float 21 is slidably connected to the guide rod 13. The guide rod 13 guides the linear lifting and lowering of the float 21, so that the float 21 can accurately contact the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 after it drops.

[0036] The guide rod 13 provides a clear lifting and lowering path for the float 21, ensuring that the float 21 can lift and lower vertically without shifting due to the fluctuation or inclination of the detergent. This greatly improves the accuracy of the contact between the float 21 and the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23.

[0037] In one embodiment, the detergent box body 1 includes a main box body 11 and a box upper cover 12. The main box body 11 includes a bottom plate 111 and a surrounding wall plate 112 that surrounds the periphery of the bottom plate 111 and extends upward. The box upper cover 12 covers the top side of the surrounding wall plate 112.

[0038] The detergent box body 1 is configured in a structure combined by a main box body 11 and a box upper cover 12. During prefabrication and molding, the main box body 11 and the box upper cover 12 can be injection-molded separately and then assembled. With this structure, the demolding difficulty of the main box body 11 and the box upper cover 12 during prefabrication is lower, facilitating the acceleration of production, further improving production efficiency and reducing production costs. Moreover, the design structure of the mold is simpler, reducing the manufacturing cost of the mold.

[0039] A filling port 121 is provided on the box upper cover 12, and a filling cap 122 is installed at the filling port 121. When the detergent is exhausted, the user can open the filling cap 122 and inject detergent from the filling port 121.

[0040] In one embodiment, the guide rod 13 is integrally formed on the main box body 11, and the box upper cover 12 is provided with a positioning ring 123 corresponding to the guide rod 13, and the top end of the guide rod 13 is inserted into the positioning ring 123.

[0041] The guide rod 13 is directly integrally formed with the main box body 11, which can eliminate the later assembly work, that is, it simplifies the assembly structure and improves the reliability of the connection between the guide rod 13 and the main box body 11. Further, a positioning ring 123 is correspondingly provided on the box upper cover 12. After installing the box upper cover 12, the positioning ring 123 can just fix the top end of the guide rod 13, avoiding problems such as unsmooth lifting or poor contact of the float 21 caused by the bending and inclination of the guide rod 13.

[0042] In one embodiment, two through holes are provided on the bottom plate 111, and the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 respectively extend out of the detergent box body 1 through the two through holes.

[0043] By providing two through holes on the bottom plate 111, the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 can respectively directly penetrate downward. During application, the exposed ends of the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 can be directly connected to the circuit of the control center without laying lines inside the detergent box body 1, simplifying the circuit structure.

[0044] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 5 , the liquid level detector further includes a terminal fixing plate 24, the terminal fixing plate 24 is detachably installed on the top side of the bottom plate 111, a sealing ring 26 in close contact with the bottom plate 111 is provided on the periphery of the terminal fixing plate 24, and the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 respectively penetrate and are fixed on the terminal fixing plate 24.

[0045] A detachable terminal fixing plate 24 is provided to fix the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 simultaneously. When the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 are corroded or malfunction, the terminal fixing plate 24 and the connection body of the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 can be directly removed and replaced. Compared with replacing the entire detergent box completely, this method has a lower cost. In addition, the sealing ring 26 provided on the periphery of the terminal fixing plate 24 can effectively ensure the sealing performance and avoid the problem of leakage through the perforation on the bottom plate 111.

[0046] In one embodiment, an installation sink adapted to the outer shape of the terminal fixing plate 24 is provided on the bottom plate 111, and the terminal fixing plate 24 and the sealing ring 26 are embedded in the installation sink.

[0047] The terminal fixing plate 24 and the sealing ring 26 thereon are embedded in the installation sink, which can form a closer contact, thus greatly improving the sealing performance and effectively preventing the leakage of detergent or other liquids from the perforation. In addition, since the terminal fixing plate 24 is embedded in the installation sink, its installation position is fixed and it is not easy to displace or shake, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the installation.

[0048] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 - 5 , the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 respectively have threaded portions, the threaded portions extend downward through the perforation to the outside of the detergent box body 1, and fixing nuts 25 are respectively threadedly connected to the threaded portions. By tightening the fixing nuts 25, the terminal fixing plate 24 presses the sealing ring 26 against the bottom plate 111.

[0049] The threaded portions of the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23 extend downward through the perforation and are threadedly connected to the fixing nuts 25. This structure, through the tightening action of the fixing nuts 25, makes the terminal fixing plate 24 press the sealing ring 26 tightly on the bottom plate 111, thus significantly enhancing the sealing performance of the detergent box and preventing the leakage of washing liquid or other liquids. Fixing the terminals and the fixing plate by means of threaded connection not only simplifies the assembly process but also reduces the assembly difficulty. Maintenance personnel or users only need to pass the terminals through the perforation and then tighten them with the fixing nuts 25, without the need for additional fixing tools or complex operations.

[0050] In one embodiment, the terminal fixing plate 24 is formed by secondary injection molding on the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23.

[0051] Through the secondary injection molding technology, a tight bond is formed between the terminal fixing plate 24 and the cathode terminal 22 and the anode terminal 23, ensuring the stability and reliability of the structure. This integrated design effectively reduces performance problems caused by looseness or breakage, while ensuring the sealing after assembly.

[0052] On the other hand, a washing machine is also provided, further comprising the above-mentioned detergent box with liquid level detection function.

[0053] When the detergent box with liquid level detection function of this embodiment is installed in a washing machine, the liquid outlet interface on the detergent box body 1 is connected to the peristaltic pump through a pipe, and the peristaltic pump is connected to the washing drum or the water inlet waterway. Driven by the peristaltic pump, the detergent in the detergent box body 1 will be pumped into the washing drum, or pumped into the water inlet waterway, and the detergent will be brought into the washing drum through the water inlet.

[0054] Based on the detergent box with liquid level detection function of this embodiment, similarly, the washing machine of this embodiment has the advantages of simple structure and low cost.

[0055] In the description of this article, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., and other directions or positional relationships are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of this application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish in the description and have no special meaning.

[0056] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "an embodiment", "example", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the utility model. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0057] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described according to implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0058] The technical principles of the present application are described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. These descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present application and cannot be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection of the present application in any way. Based on the explanations herein, those skilled in the art can think of other specific implementation methods of the present application without creative work, and these methods will fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A detergent box with a liquid level detection function, characterized in that: include: A detergent box body (1) having a detergent receiving cavity for storing detergent; A liquid level detector comprises a cathode terminal (22), an anode terminal (23) and a float (21), wherein the float (21) is provided with a conductive sheet (211), the cathode terminal (22) and the anode terminal (23) are arranged at a distance from each other at the bottom of the detergent container, and when the detergent in the detergent container is exhausted, the conductive sheet (211) on the float (21) can contact and conduct the cathode terminal (22) and the anode terminal (23).

2. The detergent box with liquid level detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A guide rod (13) is erected in the detergent box, and the float (21) is slidably connected to the guide rod (13). The guide rod (13) guides the float (21) to rise and fall linearly, so that the float (21) can accurately contact the cathode terminal (22) and the anode terminal (23) after falling.

3. The detergent box with liquid level detection function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The detergent box body (1) comprises a main box body (11) and a box cover (12); the main box body (11) comprises a bottom plate (111) and a surrounding wall plate (112) arranged around the bottom plate (111) and extending upward; the box cover (12) covers the top side of the surrounding wall plate (112).

4. The detergent box with liquid level detection function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide rod (13) is integrally formed on the main box body (11), and the box upper cover (12) is provided with a positioning ring (123) corresponding to the guide rod (13), and the top end of the guide rod (13) is inserted into the positioning ring (123).

5. The detergent box with liquid level detection function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bottom plate (111) is provided with two through holes, and the cathode terminal (22) and the anode terminal (23) extend to the outside of the detergent box body (1) through the two through holes respectively.

6. The detergent box with liquid level detection function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid level detector further comprises a terminal fixing plate (24), wherein the terminal fixing plate (24) is detachably mounted on the top side of the bottom plate (111), a sealing ring (26) in close contact with the bottom plate (111) is provided on the periphery of the terminal fixing plate (24), and the cathode terminal (22) and the anode terminal (23) are respectively passed through and fixed on the terminal fixing plate (24).

7. The detergent box with liquid level detection function according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom plate (111) is provided with a mounting recessed groove that matches the shape of the terminal fixing plate (24), and the terminal fixing plate (24) and the sealing ring (26) are embedded in the mounting recessed groove.

8. The detergent box with liquid level detection function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cathode terminal (22) and the anode terminal (23) each have a threaded portion, the threaded portion extending downward through the through hole to the outside of the detergent box body (1), the threaded portion being threadedly connected with a fixing nut (25), and the terminal fixing plate (24) is tightened to press the sealing ring (26) onto the bottom plate (111) by locking the fixing nut (25).

9. The detergent box with liquid level detection function according to claim 6, characterized in that: The terminal fixing plate (24) is secondary injection-molded on the cathode terminal (22) and the anode terminal (23).

10. A washing machine, characterized in that: A detergent box with a liquid level detection function comprising any one of claims 1-9.

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