Washing agent pump and laundry treating apparatus having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry treating apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the residual quantity of liquid washing agents, leading to inconvenience in refilling and potential improper washing due to incorrect detection caused by bubbles and deviations in supply quantity.
Innovation Solution
A washing agent pump with a residual quantity detecting unit featuring an air pocket and electrodes, which temporarily stores air and liquid washing agent, preventing incorrect detection by isolating bubbles and ensuring accurate measurement of the liquid washing agent's remaining quantity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is installed in the detergent container to detect residual quantity, then detection accuracy is improved, but it becomes difficult to draw out the detergent container and refilling becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two parts: a temporary storage chamber that can be drawn out with the detergent container for convenient refilling, and a fixed pump body that contains the actual detection sensor. This allows the sensor to remain protected while the storage chamber is easily accessible for user operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A temporary storage chamber acts as an intermediary between the detergent container and the pump. This chamber can be drawn out for refilling while containing the detection sensor, thus mediating between the need for accurate detection and easy refilling operations.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor is installed in the detergent container to detect residual quantity, then residual quantity detection is enabled, but incorrect detection occurs due to bubbles generated during liquid washing agent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The detection sensor is extracted from the main detergent flow path and placed in a temporary storage chamber. This separates the detection function from the high-velocity liquid flow that generates bubbles, eliminating the source of detection errors while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary storage chamber serves as an intermediary that calms the liquid flow before it reaches the sensor. The chamber's design allows bubbles to dissipate before the liquid contacts the detection sensor, ensuring reliable measurements.
3Measurement precision
If a sensor is installed in the detergent container, then residual quantity detection is possible, but deviation in supply quantity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces simple level-based detection with an electroconductivity-based detection system. This electrical measurement method provides more precise and consistent detection of liquid washing agent presence and quantity, reducing supply quantity deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary storage chamber acts as a flow-stabilizing intermediary that ensures consistent liquid flow to the sensor, reducing variations in detection readings and improving supply quantity consistency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of the liquid washing agent's residual quantity, preventing incorrect refilling and ensuring consistent supply, thus improving the reliability of the washing process.
Implementation Method 1
a residual quantity detecting unit provided with an air pocket communicating with the passage of the passage forming member and temporarily storing therein air and the liquid washing agent
Implementation Method 2
electrodes disposed within the air pocket to be contactable with the liquid washing agent, the residual quantity detecting unit detecting the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a washing agent pump and a laundry treating apparatus having the same. The washing agent pump comprises a passage forming member forming a passage of a liquid washing agent, and provided with an intake valve opening and closing an inlet port of a pressing space, and a discharge valve opening and closing an outlet port of the pressing space; a cylinder disposed at one side of the passage forming member to communicate with the pressing space; an introduction end portion protruding from a front portion of the passage forming member and extending from the inlet port of the pressing space; and a coupling portion protruding outward from the passage forming member to fix the passage forming member to a storage container accommodating portion in which a storage container for storing a liquid washing agent is accommodated, wherein the introduction end portion is located at a position closer to the storage container than the coupling portion.