Method and apparatus for using gravity to precisely dose detergent in a washing machine

摘要

An appliance for washing clothes includes a detergent storage tank and a drum. Between the detergent storage tank and the drum is a diverter valve which has a detergent inlet connected to the detergent storage tank, an air vent connected to ambient air, and a detergent outlet. The diverter valve has an energized state wherein the detergent inlet is open and the air vent is closed, and a de-energized state wherein the detergent inlet is closed and the air vent is open. The appliance also has a flow meter connected to the diverter valve and the drum.

主权项

1. An appliance for washing clothes, comprising:
a dispensing system for dispensing a detergent and having a detergent storage tank; a water supply line in fluid communication with the dispensing system for supplying water; a drum; a diverter valve comprising:
a diverter valve inlet in fluid communication with the dispensing system;an air vent in fluid communication with ambient air; anda diverter valve outlet; and wherein the diverter valve has an energized state wherein the diverter valve inlet is opened and the air vent is closed, and a de-energized state wherein the diverter valve inlet is closed and the air vent is opened; and a flow meter in fluid communication with the diverter valve outlet and the drum, wherein both the supplied water and the detergent pass through the diverter valve and the flow meter.