U.S. patent application number 14/828081 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-10 for detergent supply apparatus and washing machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Jae Hyun Kim, Young Ho Kim, Jong Min LEE, Sang Hoon Lee.
Application Number | 20150354126 14/828081 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41340275 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150354126 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Jong Min ; et
al. |
December 10, 2015 |
DETERGENT SUPPLY APPARATUS AND WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
A washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention includes a washing tub that washes laundry; a
storage drawer provided under the washing tub; a detergent bottle
seat provided inside of the storage drawer, a detachable detergent
bottle containing a liquid detergent being seated on the detergent
bottle seat; a detergent bottle connecting part connected to the
detergent bottle, the liquid detergent flowing into through the
detergent bottle connecting part; and a detergent pump that
supplies the liquid detergent to the washing tub.
Inventors: |
LEE; Jong Min; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim; Young Ho; (Seoul, KR) ; Kim; Jae
Hyun; (Seoul, KR) ; Lee; Sang Hoon; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
41340275 |
Appl. No.: |
14/828081 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12453841 |
May 22, 2009 |
9133576 |
|
|
14828081 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
68/17R ;
222/372 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/022 20130101;
D06F 39/12 20130101; D06F 39/02 20130101; D06F 39/125 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20060101
D06F039/02; D06F 39/12 20060101 D06F039/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 23, 2008 |
KR |
10-2008-0048190 |
Claims
1. A detergent supply apparatus comprising: a storage area provided
under a washing space in which washing is performed; a detergent
bottle seat provided inside of the storage area adapted to receive
a detergent bottle containing a liquid detergent; a detergent
bottle connecting part adapted to be secured to the detergent
bottle and provide a flow path for the liquid detergent to enter
the supply apparatus; and a pump adapted to supply the liquid
detergent to the washing space.
2. The detergent supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detergent
bottle connecting part is inserted into the detergent bottle and
adapted to draw the liquid detergent from the detergent bottle.
3. The detergent supply apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detergent
bottle connecting part includes: an extension tube inserted into
the detergent bottle; and a connection cap covering an outlet of
the detergent bottle and receiving the extension tube
therethrough.
4. The detergent supply apparatus of claim 3, wherein the detergent
bottle connecting part further includes a pump to draw the liquid
detergent through the extension tube.
5. A washing machine comprising: a washing tub that washes laundry;
a storage area provided under the washing tub; and a liquid
detergent supply apparatus disposed inside the storage area
including: a detergent bottle seat adapted to receive a detergent
bottle containing a liquid detergent; a detergent bottle connecting
part adapted to be secured to the detergent bottle and provide a
flow path for the liquid detergent to enter the liquid supply
apparatus; and a pump adapted to supply the liquid detergent to the
washing tub.
6. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the detergent bottle
connecting part is inserted into the detergent bottle and adapted
to draw the liquid detergent from the detergent bottle.
7. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the detergent bottle
connecting part includes: an extension tube inserted into the
detergent bottle; and a connection cap covering an outlet of the
detergent bottle and receiving the extension tube therethrough
8. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein the detergent bottle
connecting part further includes a suction pump to draw the liquid
detergent through the extension tube.
Description
[0001] This application is a Divisional of application Ser. No.
12/453,841, filed May 22, 2009, which claims the benefit of Korean
Patent Application No. 10-2008-0048190 filed on May 23, 2008, each
of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if
fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The disclosure relates to a detergent supply apparatus and a
washing machine, and more specifically to a detergent supply
apparatus and a washing machine that may automatically supply a
liquid detergent.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] In general, a washing machine is an appliance that cleans
laundry (i.e. clothing, linens, bedclothes, towels, etc.,
hereinafter laundry) via washing, rinsing, and dehydrating
processes using water, detergent, and various mechanical
operations.
[0006] Conventional washing machines generally include a washing
tub that is adapted to receive water, detergent, and laundry and
arranged to rotate within a washing cabinet via a driving apparatus
to wash the laundry. In addition, conventional washing machines
further include a water supply apparatus that supplies water into
the washing tub and a water discharge apparatus that discharges the
soiled water from the washing tub outside. A detergent supply
apparatus is arranged over the water supply fluid passage of the
water supply apparatus to supply a detergent to the inside of the
washing tub. The detergent supply apparatus includes a dispenser in
fluid communication with the water supply fluid passage and a
detergent box that is arranged to be removable from the dispenser
and to accommodate various detergents.
[0007] In conventional washing machines, therefore, the detergent
box is withdrawn from the dispenser, a powder- or liquid-type
detergent is supplied in the detergent box, and then the detergent
box is inserted back into the dispenser. When the water supply
apparatus operates, the powder or liquid-type detergent in the
detergent box is supplied into the inside of the washing tub along
with water flowing through the water supply fluid passage of the
water supply apparatus.
[0008] Conventional washing machines have the disadvantage in that
the process of supplying detergent into the detergent box tends to
be tedious and time consuming to the user as it needs to be done
manually for every wash cycle. This results in diminishing the
convenience of the washing machine to the user. Furthermore, the
amount of detergent supplied in the detergent box must be
determined intuitively by the user, and therefore, the amount of
detergent supplied may be excessive or inadequate, resulting in
over-consumption and waste of the detergent or decreasing washing
capacity.
SUMMARY
Technical Problem
[0009] A feature of the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention is to provide a detergent supply apparatus and a washing
machine which may automatically supply a predetermined amount of
detergent.
[0010] Another feature of the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention is to provide a detergent supply apparatus and a washing
machine which may automatically supply a liquid detergent by
readily using a commercially available detergent bottle containing
a liquid detergent.
[0011] The features of the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention are not limited to the above ones, and other features not
referred to may be understood by those skilled in the art from the
below descriptions.
Technical Solution
[0012] A detergent supply apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present invention includes: a storage area provided under a
washing space in which washing is performed; a detergent bottle
seat provided inside of the storage area adapted to receive a
detergent bottle containing a liquid detergent; a detergent bottle
connecting part adapted to be secured to the detergent bottle and
provide a flow path for the liquid detergent to enter the supply
apparatus; and a pump adapted to supply the liquid detergent to the
washing space
[0013] A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present
invention includes: a washing tub that washes laundry; a storage
area provided under the washing tub; and a liquid detergent supply
apparatus disposed inside the storage area including: a detergent
bottle seat adapted to receive a detergent bottle containing a
liquid detergent; a detergent bottle connecting part adapted to be
secured to the detergent bottle and provide a flow path for the
liquid detergent to enter the liquid supply apparatus; and a pump
adapted to supply the liquid detergent to the washing tub.
[0014] Details of these and other embodiments of the present
invention will be given with reference to the detailed descriptions
and accompanying drawings.
Advantageous Effects
[0015] A detergent supply apparatus and washing machine of the
present invention have multiple advantageous effects as
follows:
[0016] Firstly, there is an advantage of automatically supplying a
predetermined amount of liquid detergent during washing.
[0017] Secondly, there is an advantage of improving a user's
convenience resulting from a use of commercially available
detergent bottles containing liquid detergent.
[0018] Thirdly, there is an advantage that the detergent bottle is
easily detachable and any detachable detergent bottle may be
adapted to be received inside the washing machine.
[0019] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the
above ones and other effects not referred to may be understood by
those skilled in the art from the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view of the washing machine
shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
storage drawer of the liquid detergent delivery system of the
washing machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIGS. 4 and 5 are detailed perspective views illustrating a
detergent bottle fixing part included in a washing machine
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a detergent bottle
seating part included in a washing machine according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a detergent bottle
seating part included in a washing machine according to still
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a
detergent bottle seating part and a detergent reservoir 186
included in a washing machine according to yet still another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a side cross sectional view illustrating a washing
machine according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The advantages and features of the present invention and
methods of achieving them will be apparent from the following
exemplary embodiments that will be described in more detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted,
however, that the present invention is not limited to the following
exemplary embodiments, and may be implemented in various forms.
Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are provided only to
disclose the present invention and let those skilled in the art
know the category of the present invention; the scope of the
present invention is defined by accompanying claims. Throughout the
specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same
elements.
[0029] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by its
exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings
that illustrate a detergent supply apparatus and a washing
machine.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a
side cross sectional view of the washing machine illustrated in
FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
storage drawer and the liquid detergent delivery apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0031] A washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the
present invention includes a case 111 defining an external
appearance of the washing machine 100, a door 112 opening and
closing a side surface of the case 111 so that laundry may be put
into and removed from the inside of the case 111, a washing tub 120
provided in the inside of the case 111 to wash the laundry, a
storage drawer 181 provided under the washing tub 120, and a
supporting frame 161 provided under the case 111 and having a
storage drawer 181.
[0032] The washing tub 120, in which laundry, liquid detergent, and
washing water are supplied and washing is done, is arranged in the
inside of the case 111 to be shock-absorbed by a spring 115 and a
damper 117. Preferably, the washing tub 120 includes a tub 122 for
accommodating washing water and liquid detergent therein, and a
drum 124 rotatably arranged inside the tub 122 to accommodate the
laundry therein. The drum 124 may have a plurality of apertures
through which the washing water and the liquid detergent pass in
the tub 122, and a lifter 126 arranged on an inner surface of the
drum 124 to lift and drop the laundry at a predetermined height
upon rotation of the drum 124. The drum 124 rotates by a rotation
force exerted from a driving part 113 provided in the case 111.
Further, the functioning of the washing machine may be controlled
via a controller 118.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2, it is preferable that a washing
water supply valve 131, a washing water supply fluid passage 132, a
mixing part 133, and a liquid detergent/water delivery passage 134
are provided on the inside of the case 111. The washing water
supply valve 131 may supply washing water from an external water
source, and the washing water flows through the washing water
supply fluid passage 132 and the washing water supply valve 131
into the mixing part 133. The mixing part 133 mixes the washing
water with a liquid detergent, and the mixed water and detergent
may flow into the tub 122 via a liquid detergent/water delivery
passage 134.
[0034] Furthermore, it is preferable that a circulation tube 135, a
circulation pump 136, and a circulation fluid tube 137 are provided
in the case 111. Other configurations, however, are within the
scope of the invention. The circulation tube 135 provides a passage
for the washing water and liquid detergent to exit the tub 122 to
be circulated by the circulation pump 136. The circulation fluid
tube 137 provides a passage for the washing water and liquid
detergent to flow into the mixing part 133.
[0035] It is also preferable that a water discharge tube 141, a
water discharge pump 142, and a water discharge fluid passage 143
are provided in the case 111. Again, other configurations are
within the scope of the invention. The water discharge tube 141
provides a passage for the used washing water and liquid detergent
to exit and be discharged from the tub 122 as it is pumped by the
water discharge pump 142. The water discharge fluid passage 143
then provides a passage for the washing water and liquid detergent
to be discharged outside the washing machine 100.
[0036] It is understood that the structure and arrangement inside
the washing tub 120 and the case 111 described above may be altered
by those skilled in the art.
[0037] The storage drawer 181 includes a detergent bottle seat 184
on which a detachable detergent bottle 200 containing a liquid
detergent may be seated. A detergent bottle connecting part 190 may
also be provided in the storage drawer 181 to connect the detergent
bottle 200 to the reservoir 186 such that the liquid detergent may
flow therethrough. The liquid detergent may flow passively, by the
force of gravity, through the detergent bottle connecting part 190
and is stored in the reservoir 186.
[0038] The detergent bottle seat 184 may be preferably provided in
plurality so that a plurality of detergent bottles may be seated on
one or more detergent bottle seats 184. Each of the plurality of
detergent bottles may contain detergents, such as a liquid
detergent for washing, a liquid detergent for rinsing (fabric
softener), and a liquid detergent for bleaching. Three detergent
seats 184 are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3.
The detergent bottle seat 184 is preferably formed to fit the shape
of a surface of the detergent bottle 200, and may be formed of an
elastic member which may be deformed to fit the shape of the
surface of the detergent bottle 200 in contact with the seat 184.
Various methods of implementing the detergent bottle seat 184 will
be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.
[0039] The detergent bottle 200 may be detachable and in one
embodiment, any commercially available detergent bottle containing
a liquid detergent may be utilized as the detergent bottle 200
without adaptation. In addition, a liquid detergent may be stored
and used in the detergent bottle provided together with the washing
machine. The detergent bottle connecting part 190 connects the
detergent bottle 200 with the detergent reservoir 186. The
detergent bottle connecting part 190 is preferably provided in
plurality so that a plurality of detergent bottles may be used. The
detergent bottle connecting part 190 includes a detergent bottle
fixing part 192 that may fix the detergent bottle 200 to the seat
184, a detergent inlet 194 into which the liquid detergent is
entered, a sealing part (not shown) that prevents the leakage of
the liquid detergent flowing from the detergent bottle into the
detergent inlet 194, and may also include a check valve 198 that
prevents the back-flow of the liquid detergent stored in the
detergent reservoir 186 when the detergent bottle 200 is removed
from the reservoir 186.
[0040] The detergent inlet 194 provides fluid communication between
the detergent bottle 200 and the detergent reservoir 186 so that
the liquid detergent may flow into and be stored in the detergent
reservoir 186. The detergent inlet 194 may be formed so that the
liquid detergent contained in the detergent bottle 200 may flow
passively by the natural force of gravity into the detergent
reservoir 186. The detergent inlet 194 preferably includes the
sealing part 196 to prevent leakage as the liquid detergent flows
through the inlet 194. Additionally, a one-way flow through the
detergent inlet 194 is preferably controlled closed by the check
valve 198 when liquid detergent is not actively flowing into the
detergent reservoir 186.
[0041] The detergent reservoir 186 may store the liquid detergent
supplied from the detergent bottle 200 and is preferably provided
in plurality so that a plurality of detergent bottles may be used.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, three detergent storing parts 186 may be
provided. The detergent reservoir 186 is preferably provided inside
the storage drawer 181 and may include a sensor 188 that senses a
level of liquid detergent stored in the reservoir 186. The sensor
188 may sense when the amount of the liquid detergent stored in the
detergent reservoir 186 is not sufficient according to what is
needed for a washing cycle. When this situation is sensed the
washing machine may be provided with one or more ways to alert a
user of this situation.
[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a detergent pump 168, e.g.
a tube pump, a detergent fluid passage 164, and a detergent passage
storing part 166 may be provided in the supporting frame 161. The
detergent fluid passage 164 connects the detergent reservoir 186
with the detergent pump 168 so that the detergent pump 168 may
supply the liquid detergent stored in the reservoir 186 to the
washing tub 120. The detergent fluid passage supporting part 166
acts to support the detergent fluid passage 164 as the storage
drawer 181 is opened and closed.
[0043] The detergent pump 168 pumps the liquid detergent stored in
the detergent reservoir 186 through a detergent supply fluid
passage 151 to the mixing part 133. The detergent pump 168 is
preferably implemented as a tube pump that extrudes the liquid
detergent through the detergent fluid passage 164. When the
detergent fluid passage 164 is provided in plurality corresponding
to the plurality of detergent reservoirs 186, a plurality of
detergent pumps 168 may also be provided. Embodiments of the
present invention, however, may also be configured so that a single
detergent fluid passage 164 and a single detergent pump 168 are
provided for the plurality of detergent storing parts 186.
[0044] The detergent pump 168 is preferably operated so that the
liquid detergent may be automatically supplied via predetermined
algorithms of the controller 118. The controller 118 may determine
the appropriate amount of liquid detergent necessary depending on
the amount of laundry, type of laundry, concentration of the liquid
detergent, degree of soiling of the laundry, or a variety of other
variables.
[0045] The detergent fluid passage supporting part 166 may connect
the storage drawer 181 with the supporting frame 161 and further
preferably supports the detergent fluid passage 164. The detergent
fluid passage supporting part 166 preferably has joints that
retract and extend depending on whether the storage drawer 181 is
opened or closed. It is noted that the detergent fluid passage
supporting part 166 may be omitted when the detergent fluid passage
164 is itself implemented to be otherwise independently
extendable/retractable in a manner known by those skilled in the
art.
[0046] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate in more detail an embodiment of the
detergent bottle fixing part 192 included in the washing machine
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] The detergent bottle fixing part 192 may include an outlet
fixing part 311 that fixes a detergent outlet 220 of the detergent
bottle 200 to the reservoir 186. A button pressing part 312 may act
to press or otherwise engage a detergent outlet button 210 of the
detergent bottle 200. A handle part 313 may enable a user to rotate
the detergent bottle fixing part 192 by hand, and a hinge part 314
may connect the detergent bottle fixing part 192 with the detergent
reservoir 186 so that the detergent bottle fixing part 192 may
pivot to engage the detergent bottle 200.
[0048] The outlet fixing part 311 may maintain the detergent outlet
220 of the detergent bottle 200 in a stationary position and may be
implemented variously depending on the shape of the detergent
outlet 220. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the outlet fixing part 311 may be implemented to be shaped as an
open circle to receive the circle-shaped detergent outlet 220.
[0049] The button pressing part 312 may press the detergent outlet
button 210 upon fixation of the detergent bottle 200. It is noted
that the button pressing part may be implemented variously
depending on the location and shape of the detergent outlet
mechanism and is not limited to a button-type interaction. In the
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the button pressing
part 312 is implemented to be shaped as a plate extended from the
outlet fixing part 311.
[0050] The handle part 313 enables the user to rotate the detergent
bottle fixing part 192. In the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the handle part 313 may be implemented to be shaped as a
plate that is formed perpendicular to the outlet fixing part 311.
The hinge part 314 pivotally connects the detergent bottle fixing
part 192 with the detergent reservoir 186 so that the detergent
bottle fixing part 192 may rotate.
[0051] The structure of the aforementioned detergent bottle fixing
part 192 may be implemented variously by those skilled in the art
depending on the shape of the commercially available detergent
bottle 200 that is chosen.
[0052] An operation of the washing machine according to the
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as configured
above, will be described as follows.
[0053] In one embodiment, the storage drawer 181 is withdrawn so
that the detergent bottle 200 may be placed on the detergent bottle
seat 184, and the detergent bottle fixing part 192 of the detergent
bottle connecting part 190 receives the detergent bottle 200. When
the detergent bottle 200 is in fluid-communicates with the
detergent reservoir 186, the liquid detergent contained in the
detergent bottle 200 is supplied through the detergent inlet 194
and stored in the detergent reservoir 186.
[0054] The door 112 is opened so that laundry is placed in the drum
124 of the washing tub 120. Once the door 112 is closed and sealed,
the washing machine 100 may operate such that the amount of laundry
placed in the drum 124 is sensed and the controller 118 may set the
level of water supply, the supply amount of the detergent, washing
time, and the like according to the amount of laundry. Of course,
wash parameters may alternatively be set manually, by a user.
[0055] The washing water supply valve 131 is opened so that a
predetermined amount of washing water may be supplied from an
external water source. In addition, the detergent pump 168 may
operate so that a predetermined amount of liquid detergent stored
in the detergent reservoir 186 may be supplied to the tub 120. When
plural detergent storing parts 186 are provided, preferably only a
liquid detergent for washing and/or bleaching may be supplied.
[0056] When the detergent pump 168 operates, the liquid detergent
stored in the detergent reservoir 186 flows via the detergent fluid
passage 164 and the detergent supply fluid passage 151 into the
mixing part 133. The washing water and the liquid detergent may
then be mixed in the mixing part 133 and flow into the tub 122 of
the washing tub 120 through the liquid detergent/water supply
delivery passage 134.
[0057] When the washing water and the liquid detergent are ready to
be supplied to the tub 122, the driving part 113 operates to rotate
the drum 124 for a predetermined time period. At this time, the
washing water and the liquid detergent are circulated throughout
the washing tub 120 by the circulation pump 136 (FIG. 1).
[0058] Once the above-mentioned process is complete, the driving
part 113 stops and the water discharge pump 142 operates to
discharge the soiled washing water and used liquid detergent
outside. Then the washing water supply valve 131 is re-opened so
that the washing water may be supplied for rinsing. The detergent
pump 168 may operate to supply a predetermined amount of liquid
detergent for rinsing (fabric softner).
[0059] The washing water and the liquid detergent may be mixed in
the mixing part 133 and flow into the tub 122 of the washing tub
120 through the liquid detergent/water delivery passage 134, as the
driving part 113 rotates the drum 124 for a predetermined time
period. Accordingly, a rinsing process may thus be performed as
described above.
[0060] When the abovementioned rinsing process is complete, the
driving part 113 stops and the water discharge pump 142 operates to
discharge the soiled washing water and the rinsing liquid detergent
outside. Then a dehydrating process and a drying process may be
performed according to a predetermined set of instructions.
[0061] When the amount of the liquid detergent stored in the
detergent reservoir 186 is insufficient for washing, the sensor 188
senses this and the status may be externally displayed.
[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates a detergent reservoir 186 which may be
included in a washing machine according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] The detergent bottle seat 184 includes a detergent bottle
fixing protrusion 411 that may fix or position the detergent bottle
200 in place. The detergent bottle fixing protrusion 411 may be
implemented variously depending on the shape of the detergent
bottle 200 so as to be capable of maintaining the detergent bottle
200 in a stationary position on the detergent bottle seat 184.
[0064] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a detergent bottle seat 184
included in a washing machine according to still another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] The detergent bottle seat 184 includes a detergent bottle
supporting part 412 that is adapted to prevent lateral movement or
axial rotation of the detergent bottle 200. The detergent bottle
supporting part 412 may be implemented variously depending on the
shape of the detergent bottle 200.
[0066] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the structure of a detergent
bottle seat 184 and a detergent reservoir 413 included in a washing
machine according to yet still another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0067] The detergent reservoir 413 may be opened at its top. The
detergent bottle seat 184 and the detergent bottle connecting part
190 may be provided at a lower part in the detergent reservoir 413.
In use, the detergent bottle 200 may be placed at an inside of the
detergent reservoir 413, or alternatively the liquid detergent may
be directly poured into the detergent reservoir 413.
[0068] FIG. 9 is a side cross sectional view illustrating a washing
machine according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0069] The inner structure or implementing method of the washing
tub 120, the case 111, and the supporting frame 161 may be similar
to that described above with reference to the exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, and accordingly, the inner structure of
the storage drawer 181 will be only described hereinafter.
[0070] The storage drawer 181 included in the washing machine,
according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, may include a
detergent bottle seat 184 on which a detergent bottle 200
containing a liquid detergent may be seated, and a detergent bottle
interface 190 coupled to the detergent bottle 200, through which
the liquid detergent is supplied.
[0071] The structure or implementing method of the detergent bottle
seat 184 may be similar to that described above with reference to
previously described embodiments of the present invention.
[0072] The detergent bottle interface 190 included in the
embodiment of FIG. 9 may include an extension tube 193 inserted
into the detergent bottle 200, a connection cap 195 through which
the extension tube 193 may pass and which covers the detergent
outlet 220 of the detergent bottle 200, and a pump 197 that draws
the liquid detergent into and through the extension tube 193.
[0073] The extension tube 193 may be inserted into the detergent
bottle 200 through the detergent outlet 220 of the detergent bottle
200 to allow the pump 197 to suck the liquid detergent from the
detergent bottle 200. The extension tube 193 penetrates the
connection cap 195 and preferably has such a length that its end
may reach the bottom of the detergent bottle 200. The extension
tube 193 may be coupled to the pump 197, and if the pump 197 is
omitted, the extension tube 193 may be coupled to the detergent
fluid passage 164.
[0074] The connection cap 195 may cover the detergent outlet 220 of
the detergent bottle 200 and the extension tube 193 may pass
through a portion of the connection cap 195. The connection cap 195
is preferably implemented so that various types of detergent
bottles 200 may be coupled with the connection cap 195. Preferably,
an elastic member is provided at an inside of the connection cap
195 to seal the detergent outlet 220 and prevent contamination of
liquid detergent inside the bottle 200.
[0075] The pump 197 that draws the liquid detergent from the
detergent bottle 200 through the extension tube 193 may be provided
adjacent to an end of the extension tube 193. The pump 197 is
preferably implemented as a suction-type pump. It is noted that the
pump 197 may be omitted as long as a system is provided for the
liquid detergent in the detergent bottle 200 to be drawn into
extension tube 193.
[0076] An operation of the washing machine according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention as configured above,
will be described as follows.
[0077] The storage drawer 181 is withdrawn so that the detergent
bottle 200 may be seated on the detergent bottle seat 184, and the
extension tube 193 is inserted into the detergent outlet 220 of the
detergent bottle 200. The connection cap 195 then may cover the
detergent outlet 220 of the detergent bottle 200.
[0078] The door 112 is opened so that laundry is placed in the drum
124 of the washing tub 120. Once the door 112 is closed and sealed,
the washing machine 100 may operate such that the amount of laundry
placed in the drum 124 is sensed and the controller 118 sets the
level of water supply, the supply amount of the detergent, washing
time, and the like according to the amount of laundry. Of course,
washing parameters may be manually input to the washing machine by
the user.
[0079] The washing water supply valve 131 may be opened so that a
predetermined amount of washing water may be supplied from an
external water source. In addition, the pump 197 may operate to
draw the liquid detergent from the detergent bottle 200 through the
extension tube 193. The detergent pump 168 may then operates to
supply a predetermined amount of the drawn liquid detergent to the
mixing part 133. If no pump 197 is provided, the detergent pump 168
operates alone to pump the liquid detergent from the detergent
bottle 200.
[0080] When the detergent pump 168 operates, the liquid detergent
flows into the mixing part 133 via the detergent fluid passage 164
and the detergent supply fluid passage 151.
[0081] The remaining washing process is similar to that of the
washing machine according to the previously described embodiments
of the present invention. Upon a rinsing process, the pump 197 and
the detergent pump 168 operate again, so that the liquid detergent
for rinsing may be supplied from the detergent bottle 200. When no
pump 197 is provided, the detergent pump 168 operates alone to
supply the detergent.
[0082] Even though the present invention has been described with
reference to accompanying drawings, the present invention is not
limited to the above embodiments, which are exemplary only, and may
be modified or varied by those skilled in the art without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly,
the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.
[0083] Even though it has been described that the items to be
washed are laundry items and the washing space is the washing tub,
the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the
detergent supply apparatus may be applied to other washing
apparatuses such as a dish washer having different items to be
washed and a different washing space from that of the washing
machine.
[0084] Furthermore, the present invention is limited to the
drum-type washing machine and may be also applied to other types of
washing machines such as a pulsator type or agitator type washing
machine, including washing machines in which detergent is poured
directly into the tub without any use of a mixing part 133.
[0085] The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely
exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present
invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other
types of apparatuses. The description of the foregoing embodiments
is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the
claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the art.
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