EP4711514A1

EP4711514A1 - Additive dispensing device, laundry treatment apparatus, and control method

Info

Publication number: EP4711514A1
Application number: EP24814015.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tao Huang; Bencai HUANG
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-05-29
Filing date: 2024-04-19
Publication date: 2026-03-18
Also published as: WO2024244809A1; AU2024280152A1

Abstract

An additive dispensing device includes two channels capable of respectively inletting water, a negative pressure water supply channel (500) and a water supply channel (100); a liquid dispensing channel (3) connected to a liquid storage chamber (21) storing an additive; and a control switching structure for changing the connection mode of the liquid dispensing channel (3); the liquid dispensing channel (3) connects the negative pressure water supply channel (500) and the liquid storage chamber (21), and utilizes the negative pressure generated by the inlet water flow of the negative pressure water supply channel (500) to extract the additive in the liquid storage chamber (21) into the liquid dispensing channel (3); or, both ends of the liquid dispensing channel (3) are connected to the water supply channel (100), and part of the inlet water flow of the water supply channel (100) flows into the liquid dispensing channel (3), and the extracted additive is dispensed into the water supply channel (100). Through the above arrangement, the dispensing device can achieve the effect of extracting and mixing the additives in steps by utilizing the inlet water flows of different waterways, and then fully mix the additives by utilizing the inlet water flows that flow into the water supply channel (100) at intervals, thereby greatly improving the mixing uniformity of the additive mixture.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention belongs to the field of household washing appliances, and specifically relates to a washing additive dispensing device; in particular, it also relates to a laundry treatment apparatus using the above-mentioned washing additive dispensing device, and especially it also relates to a control method of the above-mentioned laundry treatment apparatus.

BACKGROUND

With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, washing machines have become an essential household appliance. Prior art drum washing machines and fully automatic pulsator washing machines are typically equipped with an additive dispensing device for adding detergent to the washing drum. Typically, the detergent additives, manually added by the user or automatically drawn, to the additive dispensing device, is flushed into the washing drum by the inlet water flow, thereby dispensing the detergent additive. The detergent additives mentioned above can be any one or a combination of existing additives that enhance clothing treatment, such as detergents, softeners, disinfectants, and the like.
However, existing detergent additive dispensing devices all allow the extracted detergent additive to flow out of the dispensing device along with the incoming water flow, and then flow into the washing drum through a pipe to achieve the dispensing of the detergent additive. This means that the automatically dispensed additive entering the washing drum has not yet mixed with the incoming water, resulting in a large amount of the dispensed additive remaining between the washing drum and the water storage tank, which not only wastes the additive but also affects the washing effect.
In order to solve the above problems, the applicant previously proposed a dispensing device that mixes the additives in the dispensing device and then directly dispenses the additive mixture into the washing drum. However, the existing dispensing device is unable to fully mix the extracted additives with the incoming water flow, resulting in poor uniformity of the sprayed additive mixture.
In view of this, the present invention is proposed.

SUMMARY

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide an additive dispensing device to achieve the purpose of extracting the additive and mixing it with the inletting water flow to form a mixed liquid. At the same time, another purpose of the present invention is to provide an additive mixing device to achieve the purpose of improving the mixing uniformity of the additive mixture.
In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:
An additive dispensing device, comprising: two channels being capable of inletting water; a negative pressure water supply channel and a water supply channel; a liquid dispensing channel connected to a liquid storage chamber containing an additive; and a control switching structure for changing a connection mode of the liquid dispensing channel. The liquid dispensing channel is configured to connect the negative pressure water supply channel and the liquid storage chamber, utilizing the negative pressure generated by an inlet water flow of the negative pressure water supply channel to extract the additive from the liquid storage chamber into the liquid dispensing channel. Alternatively, both ends of the liquid dispensing channel are connected to the water supply channel, allowing a portion of the inlet water flow of the water supply channel to flow into the liquid dispensing channel to deliver the additive extracted into the water supply channel.
Furthermore, an inlet of the liquid dispensing channel is connected to either the negative pressure water supply channel or an upstream part of a mixing section of the water supply channel in a switchable manner through a three-way reversing valve; an outlet of the liquid dispensing channel is connected to a water inlet end of the mixing section of the water supply channel; the three-way reversing valve is used to control the connection between the inlet of the liquid dispensing channel and either the negative pressure water supply channel or the upstream part of the mixing section of the water supply channel.
Furthermore, a middle part of the liquid dispensing channel is connected to at least one liquid storage chamber via a liquid extraction channel, and the liquid extraction channel is provided with a one-way valve for controlling liquid in the channel to flow only in a direction of the liquid dispensing channel. Preferably, multiple liquid storage chambers are connected to the liquid dispensing channel via corresponding liquid extraction channels. Further preferably, each liquid extraction channel is provided with a control valve for controlling on-off of the pipeline, and/or, each liquid extraction channel is provided with a reversing valve for switching on-off of the pipeline at an intersection with the liquid dispensing channel, so as to control one of the liquid extraction channels to be connected to the liquid dispensing channel.
Furthermore, it includes a first liquid storage chamber and a second liquid storage chamber; a liquid extraction three-way reversing valve is provided on the liquid dispensing channel, a third opening of the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve is connected to the first liquid storage chamber via a first liquid extraction channel, the second liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid dispensing channel on a downstream of the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve via a second liquid extraction channel, and a one-way valve is provided on the second liquid extraction channel for controlling liquid to flow only in the direction of the liquid dispensing channel. The liquid extraction three-way reversing valve is used to control the connection between either two of the liquid dispensing channel at an upstream side, the liquid dispensing channel at a downstream side and the first liquid extraction channel.
Furthermore, a temporary storage is provided on the liquid dispensing channel for storing the additive extracted into the liquid dispensing channel, the temporary storage is an upstream portion of the liquid dispensing channel, located at an upstream of a connection between the liquid extraction channel and the liquid dispensing channel. A one-way valve is provided on the liquid dispensing channel at downstream of the connection between the liquid extraction channel and the liquid dispensing channel, for controlling liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel to only flow toward the mixing section of the water supply channel. Preferably, a flow meter is provided on the liquid dispensing channel, located between the three-way reversing valve and the temporary storage, for measuring an amount of liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel.
Furthermore, a negative pressure structure is provided on the negative pressure water supply channel, the negative pressure structure has a negative pressure port, and the negative pressure structure utilizes water flowing through to form a negative pressure at the negative pressure port. Two inlets of the three-way reversing valve are respectively connected to the negative pressure port of the negative pressure structure provided on the negative pressure water supply channel and the water supply channel at upstream of the mixing section provided on the water supply channel.
Furthermore, a first water inlet valve is provided at the inlet end of the negative pressure water supply channel for controlling the on-off of water inlet to the negative pressure water supply channel; a second water inlet valve is provided at an inlet end of the water supply channel for controlling the on-off of water inlet to the water supply channel.
Furthermore, at least one mixing section is provided on the water supply channel, and a mixing structure is provided in the mixing section for mixing inletting water flow with the additive. Preferably, a plurality of mixing sections are provided on the water supply channel, and the mixing structure provided in each mixing section is used for mixing the inletting water flow with the additive in turn.
Furthermore, a foam generator is provided on the water supply channel for foaming the additive mixture; the foam generator is provided on the water supply channel downstream of the mixing section.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus, which includes a washing drum; which is equipped with any of the above-mentioned additive dispensing devices. The inlets of the negative pressure water supply channel and the water supply channel are respectively connected to or disconnected from a water inlet pipe of the laundry treatment apparatus in a controllable manner, and outlets of the negative pressure water supply channel and the water supply channel are both connected to the washing drum.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an additive dispensing control method for the above-mentioned laundry treatment apparatus, which includes an additive extraction step and an additive dispensing step that are performed alternately. The additive extraction step includes, controlling the control switching structure to be in a first connection mode, the liquid dispensing channel connecting the negative pressure water supply channel and the liquid storage chamber, water being fed into the negative pressure water supply channel, and utilizing the negative pressure generated by the inflow of the negative pressure water supply channel to extract the additive in the liquid storage chamber into the liquid dispensing channel.
The additive dispensing step includes, controlling the control switching structure to be in a second connection mode, both ends of the liquid dispensing channel connecting with the water supply channel, water being fed into the water supply channel, a portion of the inflow of the water supply channel flowing into the liquid dispensing channel, the additive extracted being dispensed into the water supply channel, the additive being mixed with the inflow of the water supply channel to form an additive mixture, and the additive mixture being sprayed into the washing drum.
Furthermore, when the control switching structure is in the first connection mode, the three-way reversing valve connects the inlet of the liquid dispensing channel with the negative pressure port of the negative pressure structure provided on the negative pressure water supply channel, and the liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid dispensing channel. When the control switching structure is in the second connection mode, the three-way reversing valve connects the inlet of the liquid dispensing channel with the water supply channel at upstream of the mixing section, and the liquid storage chamber is disconnected from the liquid dispensing channel.
After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.
Through the above-mentioned setting, the dispensing device can achieve the effect of extracting and mixing the additives in steps by using the inlet water flow of different water channels, and then fully mix the additives by using the inlet water flow flowing into the water supply channel at intervals, thereby greatly improving the mixing uniformity of the additive mixture.
Through the above-mentioned setting, part of the incoming water flow after the diversion of the water supply channel is used to flush the liquid dispensing channel, which greatly reduces the amount of water used to flush the additive, achieves the effect of reducing the additive dispensing flow rate and increasing the contact time between the additive and the incoming water, and thus achieves a significant technical progress in improving the mixing uniformity of the additive mixture.
At the same time, the present invention has a simple structure, significant effects, and is suitable for popularization and use.
The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide an additive dispensing device to achieve the purpose of improving the mixing uniformity of the additive mixture.
In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:
An additive dispensing device includes a liquid storage chamber for storing additives; a water supply channel connected to the liquid storage chamber via a suction pump, the additives are pumped to a temporary storage of the water supply channel by the suction pump and are mixed with inletting water flowing through the water supply channel to form an additive mixture; and the water supply channel is connected to a water diversion branch connected in parallel with the temporary storage.
Furthermore, a mixing section is provided at downstream of the water supply channel, and the mixing section is located downstream of the temporary storage; an outlet of the water diversion branch is connected to the water supply channel downstream of the temporary storage and upstream of the mixing section; and an inlet of the water diversion branch is connected to the water supply channel upstream of the temporary storage.
Furthermore, a regulating valve for regulating a water flow of the water diversion branch and/or the water supply is provided at a connection between the water diversion branch and the water supply channel.
Furthermore, the temporary storage is connected to one of the multiple liquid storage chambers for storing different additives via the suction pump, and different additives in the liquid storage chambers are selectively pumped to the temporary storage. Preferably, the multiple liquid storage chambers are connected to the same temporary storage via one-to-one corresponding suction pumps. Preferably, the multiple liquid storage chambers are respectively connected to a same reversing valve, and the reversing valve is connected to the temporary storage via the suction pump, and the reversing valve is configured to switch to connect one of the multiple liquid storage chambers to the temporary storage via the suction pump.
Furthermore, a water inlet valve is provided at a water inlet end of the water supply channel for controlling the on-off of water into the water supply channel; the inlet of the water diversion branch is connected with the water supply channel between the temporary storage and the water inlet valve.
Furthermore, at least one mixing section is provided on the water supply channel, and a mixing structure is provided in the mixing section for mixing the inletting water flow with the additive; the outlet of the water diversion branch is connected to the water supply channel between the mixing section and the temporary storage. Preferably, a plurality of mixing sections are provided on the water supply channel, and the mixing structures provided in the mixing sections are used for mixing the inletting water flow with the additive in turn, and the outlet of the water diversion branch is connected to an inlet of a most upstream mixing section.
Furthermore, a primary mixing section and a secondary mixing section are sequentially provided on the water supply channel; the primary mixing section includes a negative pressure suction pipe provided on the water supply channel, and the negative pressure suction pipe has a negative pressure port connected to the outlet of the water diversion branch, and the negative pressure suction pipe utilizes the water flowing to generate a negative pressure at the negative pressure port. The secondary mixing section includes a circular chamber provided on the water supply channel, and a rotatable impeller is coaxially provided in the circular chamber. Preferably, a second water diversion branch is included, which is connected in parallel with the water supply channel, an inlet of the second water diversion branch is connected to the water supply channel between the primary mixing section and the temporary storage, and an outlet of the second water diversion branch is connected to the water supply channel between the primary mixing section and the secondary mixing section.
Furthermore, a foam generator is provided on the water supply channel for foaming the additive mixture; the foam generator is provided on the water supply channel downstream of the mixing section; preferably, the foam generator is a negative pressure pipe provided on the water supply channel. Or, the foam generator is an air pump for pumping air into the water supply channel.
Furthermore, a plurality of water supply channels, wherein the temporary storage of each water supply channel is respectively connected to at least one liquid storage chamber.
The present invention also discloses a laundry treatment apparatus, which includes a washing drum; it is equipped with any of the above-mentioned additive dispensing device, an inlet of the water supply channel is controllably connected to or disconnected from a water inlet pipe of the washing machine, and an outlet of the water supply channel is connected to the washing drum.
After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.
By connecting and linking the water diversion branch on the water supply channel, the incoming water flow is only partially used to flush the pumped additives, thereby greatly reducing the flow rate of the additives in the water supply channel, so that the contact time between the additives and the incoming water is longer and the contact mixing is more complete, achieving a significant technological advancement in greatly improving the mixing uniformity of the additive mixture.
At the same time, the present invention has a simple structure, significant effects, and is suitable for popularization and use.
The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide an additive dispensing device to achieve the purpose of diverting the incoming water flow so as to achieve the purpose of simultaneously dispensing and mixing the extracted additives. At the same time, the present invention provides a dispensing device to achieve the purpose of simultaneously mixing the two incoming water flows with the additives, thereby improving the mixing effect of the extracted additives.
In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:
An additive dispensing device includes a water box; a water inlet chamber is provided on the water box; the water inlet chamber is connected to a water inlet of the dispensing device; the water inlet chamber is connected to a water supply channel through a first water outlet and to the liquid dispensing channel through a second water outlet; an opening size of the first water outlet is larger than an opening size of the second water outlet.
Furthermore, the water box includes a water storage tank, a top of the water storage tank is open and engaged with an upper cover; the water inlet chamber is integrated inside the upper cover; a bottom of the water inlet chamber is connected to the water inlet, and a top of the water inlet chamber is provided with the first water outlet and the second water outlet. Preferably, the first water outlet and the second water outlet are spaced apart and located on opposite sides of the water inlet chamber.
Furthermore, a bottom wall of the water inlet chamber below the first water outlet is higher than a bottom wall of the water inlet chamber below the second water outlet. Preferably, the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber is divided into three parts at different heights, the first water outlet is located at the corresponding part with a highest surface, and the second water outlet is located at the corresponding part with a lowest surface.
Furthermore, the second water outlet and the water inlet are located on a same side of the water inlet chamber and are arranged staggered; the first water outlet and the water inlet are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the water inlet chamber, and the first water outlet and the second water outlet are arranged staggered.
Furthermore, the first water outlet of the water inlet chamber is connected to an inlet of a main water inlet pipe protruding from a top of the upper cover, and an outlet of the main water inlet pipe is connected to the water supply channel. The second water outlet of the water inlet chamber is connected to an inlet of a first connecting pipe protruding from the top of the upper cover, and an outlet of the first connecting pipe is connected to the liquid dispensing channel; a diameter of the main water inlet pipe is larger than a diameter of the first connecting pipe.
Furthermore, a negative pressure suction pipe is provided in the main water inlet pipe, an inlet of the negative pressure suction pipe is connected to the first water outlet, and an outlet of the negative pressure suction pipe is connected to the water supply channel; a negative pressure port is provided on the negative pressure suction pipe. The negative pressure port is connected to the liquid dispensing channel, water flowing through the negative pressure suction pipe forms a negative pressure at the negative pressure port, and the additives extracted from the liquid dispensing channel and the water flowing in from the second water outlet are sucked into the main water inlet pipe by the negative pressure.
Furthermore, the water supply channel is provided for inletting water; the liquid dispensing channel is connected to a liquid storage chamber storing additives, and the additives in the liquid storage chamber are extracted into a temporary storage provided on the liquid dispensing channel by an action of a liquid pumping structure on the dispensing device. The liquid dispensing channel is connected in parallel with at least a portion of the water supply channel, and a portion of the inlet water flow of the water supply channel flows into the liquid dispensing channel to flush the extracted additives into the water supply channel to form an additive mixture.
Furthermore, the negative pressure suction pipe is provided on the water supply channel, the negative pressure port is provided on the negative pressure suction pipe for generating negative pressure by the water flowing through the pipe, and an outlet end of the liquid dispensing channel is connected to the negative pressure port.
Furthermore, an internal flow channel of the negative pressure suction pipe is a tapered pipe that gradually widens from a middle to both ends, and the negative pressure port is opened on a pipe wall at a middle part where a pipe diameter is the smallest.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus, which includes a washing drum; and is equipped with any of the above-mentioned additive dispensing devices.
After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.
Through the above-mentioned arrangement, the inlet water flow for flushing and dispensing additives introduced into the dispensing device is divided into two tributaries in the water inlet chamber, and the two tributaries correspond to the additives in the flushing temporary storage and the mixed additives to form an additive mixture. Since the opening size through which the flushing water flow passes is smaller than the opening size through which the mixed water flow passes, most of the inlet water flows through the first water outlet to the water supply channel, which can not only realize the pressure reduction regulation of the flushing water flow, but also ensure the effect of extracting and mixing the additives, thereby greatly improving the dispensing efficiency and additive mixing uniformity of the entire dispensing device.
In addition, the two incoming water flows are in contact with the head and tail ends of the extracted additives respectively, so that the additives are contacted and mixed with both water flows, thereby greatly improving the mixing uniformity of the final additive mixture, which is a significant technical advancement.
At the same time, the present invention has a simple structure, significant effects, and is suitable for popularization and use.
The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide an additive dispensing device to achieve the purpose of reducing the inlet water flow rate and improving the mixing efficiency of the additive mixture. The present invention also provides an additive dispensing device that can use different inlet water flows to extract, flush and dispensing the additive separately.
In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:
An additive dispensing device comprises: two channels which respectively inlets water; the two channels includes a negative pressure water supply channel on which is provided a negative pressure structure being capable of forming a negative pressure at a negative pressure port by means of a flowing water, and a water supply channel, an upstream portion of which is connected to a liquid storage chamber storing additives and a downstream portion is provided with a mixing section for mixing the additives with the inletting water. The upstream portion of the water supply channel is controlled to be connected to or disconnected from the negative pressure port of the negative pressure water supply channel, and the additives in the liquid storage chamber is extracted into the water supply channel by the negative pressure formed at the negative pressure port, and the additives extracted is flushed into the mixing section along with at least part of the inletting water of the water supply channel to form an additive mixture.
Furthermore, the negative pressure structure may be any existing structure that can generate negative pressure, such as a Venturi tube.
Furthermore, the upstream portion of the water supply channel is parallel with a liquid dispensing channel, and the liquid dispensing channel is provided with a temporary storage for temporarily storing the additives extracted. The liquid dispensing channel upstream of the temporary storage is connected to the negative pressure port, and the liquid dispensing channel downstream of the temporary storage is connected to the liquid storage chamber.
Furthermore, a control valve for controlling on-off of a pipeline is provided on a connecting pipeline connecting the liquid dispensing channel and the negative pressure port. A control valve for controlling the on-off of a pipeline, or a one-way valve for preventing backflow to an upstream side of the liquid dispensing channel is provided on the liquid dispensing channel upstream of a connection between the liquid dispensing channel and the negative pressure port.
Furthermore, the negative pressure port is connected to one end of the connecting pipe, and an other end of the connecting pipe is connected to the liquid dispensing channel via a three-way reversing valve, for switching to connect upstream and downstream sides of the liquid dispensing channel, or to connect the downstream side of the liquid dispensing channel to the negative pressure port via the connecting pipe.
Furthermore, the liquid dispensing channel downstream of the temporary storage is connected to two liquid storage chambers, and the two liquid storage chambers is used for storing different types of additives are respectively. A first liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid dispensing channel via the three-way reversing valve, and a second liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid dispensing channel downstream of the three-way reversing valve, and is used to switch to connect the temporary storage with a downstream side of the liquid dispensing channel to utilize a negative pressure to extract the additive in the second liquid storage chamber into the temporary storage, or to connect the temporary storage with the first liquid storage chamber to utilizes the negative pressure to extract the additive in the first liquid storage chamber into the temporary storage.
Furthermore, a negative pressure suction pipe is connected to the water supply channel, and a negative pressure port is provided on the negative pressure suction pipe, and the negative pressure suction pipe utilizes the flowing water to form a negative pressure at the negative pressure port. The negative pressure port is connected to a downstream portion of the liquid dispensing channel, and the negative pressure formed at the negative pressure port is used to suck the additive extracted from the liquid dispensing channel back into the water supply channel for preliminary mixing to form an additive mixture.
Furthermore, at least one mixing section is provided on a downstream of the water supply channel, and a mixing structure is provided in the mixing section for mixing the additive flowing through with an inletting water flow. Preferably, the mixing section is a circular chamber, and an inlet and an outlet extending tangentially are provided on opposite sides of the circular chamber, and an impeller is provided in the circular chamber and is coaxial with a center of the circular chamber and rotates around an axis.
Furthermore, a foam generator is provided on the downstream of the water supply channel, and the foam generator is used to foam the additive mixture. Preferably, the foam generator is an air pump that pumps air into the additive mixture in the water supply channel, or a negative pressure pipe that automatically draws atmospheric air into the additive mixture by generating negative pressure when the additive mixture flows through the negative pressure pipe.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus, which includes: a washing drum; which is equipped with any of the above-mentioned additive dispensing device. The inlets of the negative pressure water supply channel and the water supply channel are controlled to be respectively connected to or disconnected from a water inlet pipe of the washing machine, and outlets of the negative pressure water supply channel and the water supply channel are both connected to the washing drum.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an additive dispensing control method for the above-mentioned laundry treatment apparatus, which includes: in dispensing the additives,

first feeding water into the negative pressure water supply channel, connecting a selected type of additive storage chamber to the water supply channel, connecting the negative pressure port of the negative pressure water supply channel to the water supply channel, generating a negative pressure at the negative pressure port by feeding water, and extracting the additives in the selected storage chamber into the water supply channel by the negative pressure; and
then feeding water into the water supply channel, disconnecting the storage chamber from the water supply channel, disconnecting the negative pressure port of the negative pressure water supply channel from the water supply channel, and flushing the additives extracted into the mixing section by the inletting water to form the additive mixture, and the additive mixture flowing out of the water supply channel and being dispensed into the washing drum.

Furthermore, the additive mixture formed in the mixing section is foamed by the foam generator and then flows out of the water supply channel, and the foamed additive mixture is directly sprayed into the washing drum.
Furthermore, when dispensing the additives are added, a process of inletting water to the negative pressure water supply channel and to the water supply channel is repeated.
After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.
Through the above-mentioned arrangement, the two different water supply channels of the dispensing device respectively provide suction force for extracting additives and flushing and dispensing the extracted additives. The extracted additives can also be directly mixed with the incoming water in the water channel to form an additive mixture and sprayed directly into the washing drum, thereby achieving a significant technical advancement in using the additive mixture to directly spray and wash the clothes in the drum.
At the same time, the present invention has a simple structure, significant effects, and is suitable for popularization and use.
The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a dispensing device for a washing machine. A fresh air path is arranged inside the water box, the two ends of the fresh air path are respectively connected to the outside and the air outlet of the water box through the inside of the drum assembly, so that the overall path of introducing the fresh air from the outside into the drum assembly and being discharged from it through the air outlet on the front side of the water box is determined. Thereby ensuring the smoothness of the air flow and improving the effect of the fresh air exchange; and the front side of the water box is provided with an air outlet exposed to the outside. During the fresh air circulation process, the user can directly observe the air outlet with his eyes, and at the same time, can know the progress of the fresh air exchange program by touch, making the overall fresh air exchange program more intuitive.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine.
In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: to provide a dispensing device for a washing machine, comprising: a water box with an air outlet on a front side; and a fresh air path arranged inside the water box, one end of which is connected to an outside atmosphere, and an other end of which is connected to the air outlet through a drum assembly of the washing machine, for guiding a fresh air from the outside atmosphere into the drum assembly of the washing machine and then to be discharged from the air outlet.
Furthermore, the fresh air path includes an inlet air path, a first air inlet end of which is connected to an induced draft fan, a first air outlet end of which is in communication with the drum assembly of the washing machine, for introducing fresh air from the outside atmosphere into the drum assembly of the washing machine under an action of a pressure difference; and an outlet air path, a second air inlet end of which is in communication with the drum assembly of the washing machine, a second air outlet end of which is in communication with the air outlet of the water box, for guiding mixed air in the drum assembly of the washing machine out of the air outlet of the water box.
Furthermore, a first air duct is provided between the second air outlet end and the air outlet, an air guide cover is provided at an end of the first air duct and plugged into the air outlet; a ventilation flow area of the air guide cover is larger than a ventilation flow area of the first air duct.
Furthermore, the ventilation flow area of the air guide cover gradually increases from the first air duct toward the air outlet.
Furthermore, an opening of the air outlet is extended backward from a front side of the water box to form a surrounding wall, and the surrounding wall is at least partially protruded from a rear side of the water box; the air guide cover is provided on the surrounding wall.
Furthermore, a limiting plate rearwardly extending is provided on the rear side of the water box, and the limiting plate is located on a periphery of the surrounding wall and is arranged parallel to at least a portion of the surrounding wall, forming a limit opening for limiting the air guide cover from falling off the surrounding wall.
Furthermore, the inlet air path is provided at a bottom of the water box, a one-way valve is provided in the inlet air path for and an air flow direction is from the induced draft fan to the drum assembly of the washing machine.
Furthermore, the outlet air path is arranged on an upper portion of the water box, and there is a height difference between the second air inlet end of the outlet air path and the air outlet end of the inlet air path; a second air duct vertically extended is provided between the second air inlet end of the outlet air path and the drum assembly of the washing machine. Preferably, the second air duct is a corrugated tube.
Furthermore, a switching chamber downwardly recessed is provided on the upper portion of the water box, a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole are provided on the switching chamber, and are respectively connected to the outlet air path and the ventilation air path; a switching mechanism is provided in the switching chamber and is configured to alternately switch to establish communication with the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole.
The present invention further provides a washing machine having any one of the above-mentioned dispensing device for the washing machine, wherein the front side panel of the dispensing device is exposedly provided with an air outlet.
After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

(1) The present invention provides a fresh air path inside the water box, wherein the two ends of the fresh air path are connected to the outside world and the inside of the drum assembly and the air outlet respectively, so as to ensure that the overall path of the fresh air introduced from the outside is determined, and then discharged from it through the air outlet on the front side of the water box. Thereby ensuring the smoothness of air flow and improving the effect of fresh air exchange; and the front side of the water box is provided with an air outlet exposed to the outside world. During the fresh air circulation process, the user can directly observe the air outlet with his eyes, and at the same time, he can know the progress of the fresh air exchange process by touch, making the overall fresh air exchange process more intuitive .
(2) The present invention integrates an air inlet and an air outlet in the water box. The overall fresh air flow path is from the outside through the air inlet, the drum opening of the drum assembly, the drum bottom of the drum assembly, the air outlet, and the air outlet, and is discharged from the air outlet of the water box, forming a fresh air circulation system. The fresh air can be effectively exchanged through the entire drum assembly and then discharged to the outside. Since the air flow direction of the air outlet and the air inlet is the same, the connection position of the entire fresh air path with the drum assembly and the air outlet of the water box can be optimized, the number and length of the hoses can be reduced, and the smoothness of the fresh air flow can be ensured, thereby improving the effect of fresh air exchange .
(3) The present invention provides a first air duct between the second air outlet end and the air outlet, and an air duct cover is provided at the end of the first air duct. Due to the ventilation flow field formed by the chamber inside the air duct cover and the area of the ventilation flow field of the first air duct, when the air inside the drum assembly is discharged through the air duct cover, the circulation space suddenly increases, so that the air can diffuse to a wider range outside, ensuring smooth discharge .
(4) The present invention sets an inlet air path at the bottom of the water box, and the fresh air flows from the bottom of the drum assembly to the drum opening along the length of the water box. The one-way valve set on the flow path of the fresh air can ensure that the fresh air does not flow back or cause the mixed air inside the drum assembly to flow back, causing pollution to the inlet air path.

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a dispensing device for a washing machine. A switching portion is provided between the outlet air path and the ventilation air path in the water box to connect the two. A switching mechanism is provided at the switching portion, which can alternately switch to connect the outlet air path and the ventilation air path. It can flexibly and conveniently switch to the corresponding air path according to the actual needs before and after washing inside the drum component. The outlet air path and the ventilation air path are integrated on the water box, so that the two air paths have a common air flow area, reducing the space occupied by the two air paths inside the water box .
Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine .
In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic idea of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: to provide a dispensing device for a washing machine, including a water box for supplying water or dispensing detergent into a drum assembly. The water box includes, an outlet air path, connected to an outside atmosphere, and used for discharging the air in the drum assembly to the outside through an interior of the water box; a ventilation air path, connected to the interior of the water box, and connecting the drum assembly with the interior of the water box, and used for maintaining an atmospheric balance between the drum assembly and the outside during a washing process. A switching portion is provided between the outlet air path and the ventilation air path for connecting with each other, and a switching mechanism is provided at the switching portion for alternately switching to connecting the outlet air path and the ventilation air path.
Furthermore, the switching portion includes at least a switching chamber provided at an upper portion of the water box and recessed downward, the switching chamber is provided with a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole respectively connected to the outlet air path and the ventilation air path; the switching mechanism is configured to alternately connect the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole.
Furthermore, a partition extending downward along a height direction is provided in the switching chamber to divide the switching chamber into a first switching chamber and a second switching chamber. The first ventilation hole is provided on the partition, and the second ventilation hole is provided on a bottom wall of the second switching chamber.
Furthermore, a bottom wall of the first switching chamber is higher than the bottom wall of the second switching chamber, and a step surface is provided between the bottom walls.
Furthermore, an air inlet port is further provided above the water box, one end of which is connected to an interior of the drum assembly through a second air duct, and an other end of which is connected to the second switching chamber.
Furthermore, the air inlet port has a length extending transversely above the water box, and a bottom of the air inlet port is gradually inclined from the second switching chamber toward the second air duct.
Furthermore, a lower wall of the water box is recessed downward to form a recess being as a diversion channel, the recess is gradually sloped from one side of the water box close to the second ventilation hole to an other side; the diversion channel is provided with a diversion hole communicating with the outside at a bottom of the recess.
Furthermore, an air outlet is provided on a side wall of the water box, and the air outlet is located above the diversion hole.
Furthermore, the switching mechanism includes a wind plate rotatably disposed in the second switching chamber; and a motor, a driving end of which is connected to a rotating shaft of the wind plate for driving the wind plate to be between the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole.
The present invention also provides a washing machine having any of the above-mentioned dispensing device for the washing machine.
After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

(1) The present invention provides a switching portion between the outlet air path and the ventilation air path in the water box to connect the two. The switching portion is provided with a switching mechanism that can alternately switch to connect the outlet air path and the ventilation air path. Therefore, the outlet air path and the ventilation air path can be flexibly and conveniently switched to the corresponding air path according to the actual needs before and after washing the inside of the drum assembly. The outlet air path and the ventilation air path are integrated in the water box so that the two air paths have a common gas flow area, thereby reducing the space occupied by the two air paths inside the water box.
(2) The present invention provides a switching chamber that is recessed downwardly on the upper part of the water box, and the switching chamber has a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole. A switching mechanism is provided inside the switching chamber for alternately conducting the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole, thereby controlling the switching action of the two air paths by controlling the opening and closing of the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole, thereby realizing different requirements for the washing program in the drum assembly.
(3) The present invention provides a partition extending vertically downward in the middle part of the switching chamber, and a first ventilation hole connected to the first switching chamber is provided on the partition, and a second ventilation hole is provided at the bottom of the second switching chamber. The conduction directions of the two ventilation holes are perpendicular to each other. When the replacement operation is performed, the mixed air flowing out of the drum assembly passes through the second switching chamber and is turned from the first ventilation hole, and contacts the side wall of the switching chamber. The water vapor carried will condense and be temporarily stored in the second switching chamber, thereby ensuring the separation of water vapor during the replacement operation.
(4) The present invention further provides an air inlet port above the water box. The air inlet port has a certain horizontal extension length on the upper part of the water box, forming a common flow path for the air outlet and the ventilation air path, which extends to the switching chamber. In addition, the air inlet port points from the switching chamber to the direction of one end of the second air duct, and the entire extension portion gradually tilts downward, so that the entire air inlet port has a certain slope, which further optimizes the path setting of the two air paths in the water box. When the washing liquid overflows through the second air duct to the air inlet port during the washing process, the entire air inlet port can provide a certain defoaming path, and allows part of the defoamed washing liquid to return to the drum assembly.

The present invention provides a switching mechanism, which can prevent high-temperature steam flowing out from the shaft hole on the wall of the switching chamber from directly contacting the motor by arranging a sleeve on the outside of the motor. At the same time, by arranging a sealing portion extending to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft at the front end of the sleeve, and arranging a sealing device between the inner wall of the sealing portion and the outer wall of the rotating shaft, dynamic sealing is achieved between the rotating shaft and the sleeve, which can prevent high-temperature steam from contacting the working end of the motor or even flowing into the interior of the motor. Thereby solving the problem that high-temperature steam generated during the operation of the existing washing machine affects the normal operation of the motor of the switching mechanism.
In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:
A switching mechanism includes a wind plate arranged inside a switching chamber, and a motor arranged outside the switching chamber, either end of a rotating shaft of the wind plate is configured to pass through a chamber wall of the switching chamber and is connected to a working end of the motor. A sheath is configured to cover at least a front end of the motor, the sheath includes a sealing portion extending at least partially to a periphery of the rotating shaft, and a sealing device is provided between the rotating shaft and the sealing portion.
Furthermore, a sleeve coaxial with the rotating shaft is provided at one end of the rotating shaft close to the motor, the sleeve is sleeved on the working end of the motor and is connected to the working end of the motor in circumferentially limiting manner; and the sealing device is provided between an outer wall of the sleeve and an inner wall of the sealing portion.
Furthermore, the sealing device includes a sealing ring; a sealing groove extending along a circumference of the sleeve is provided on the outer wall of the sleeve, the sealing ring is embedded in the sealing groove, and a radial thickness of the sealing ring is greater than or equal to a difference between an inner radius of the sealing portion and a radius of a bottom of the sealing groove. Preferably, an inner circumferential wall of the sealing ring is elastically abutted against the bottom of the sealing groove, and an outer wall of the sealing ring is elastically abutted against the inner wall of the sealing portion.
Furthermore, the sealing ring includes: a first portion extending axially; a second portion extending axially from an end of the first portion and obliquely toward a side away from the axis; and a third portion extending axially from a connection between the first portion and the second portion and obliquely toward a side close to the axis.
Furthermore, a thickness of the first portion of the sealing ring is greater than a thickness of the second portion and greater than a thickness of the third portion. Preferably, a group of second and third portions with V-shaped axial cross-sections are respectively provided at both ends of the first portion.
Furthermore, a slot corresponding to the sealing portion is provided on an outer side of the chamber wall of the switching chamber, and a shape of the slot is configured to match a shape of an end of the sealing portion; the end of the sealing portion close to the switching chamber is inserted into the slot. Preferably, the sealing portion is extended from a front side of the sheath toward the switching chamber, and an end of the rotating shaft abuts against a front side of the sheath.
Furthermore, the switching chamber includes a first chamber wall and a second chamber wall arranged around a rotation center of the wind plate, the rotating shaft is arranged at a corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall, and the corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall is provided with an shaft hole matching the rotating shaft; the rotating shaft is provided with a flap extending along a radial direction, and the flap is configured to be at a first position abutting against the first chamber wall and at a second position abutting against the second chamber wall.
Furthermore, the rotating shaft is provided with at least one circle of radial protrusions extending along a circumference of the rotating shaft, and an inner wall of the shaft hole is provided with a limiting groove matching the radial protrusions. Preferably, an end of the rotating shaft away from the motor is inserted into the chamber wall of the switching chamber away from the side of the motor, the flap is provided at a middle of the rotating shaft, and at least two radial protrusions are arranged on the rotating shaft on both sides of the flap.
Furthermore, the switching chamber includes a switching chamber body and a cover detachably arranged on an outside of the switching chamber body, and the cover is arranged at the corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall. An opening is provided on the switching chamber body corresponding to the corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall, and the cover is used to seal the opening, the shaft hole is provided on the cover, and a thickness of the flap is less than or equal to a width of the opening.
Furthermore, air outlets corresponding to the wind plate are provided on the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall; the flap includes a flap body with a plate-shape and a rubber sleeve sleeved on an outside of the flap body, and the rubber sleeve is provided with sealing ridges corresponding to the air outlets on the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall. Preferably, a plane portion is provided on the rotating shaft between the two radial protrusions, the flap body is extended vertically from a middle of the plane portion, a mounting groove is provided on an edge of the flap body, and the rubber sleeve is sleeved on the mounting groove of the flap body. Preferably, the mounting groove at least partially is extended to the plane portion.
The present invention also provides a dispensing device for the washing machine equipped with the switching mechanism.
After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

1. The present invention provides a sheath on the outside of the motor to prevent high-temperature steam flowing out from the shaft hole on the wall of the switching chamber from directly contacting the motor. At the same time, a sealing portion extending to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft is provided at the front end of the sheath, and a sealing device is provided between the inner wall of the sealing portion and the outer wall of the rotating shaft to achieve dynamic sealing between the rotating shaft and the sheath, thereby preventing high-temperature steam from contacting the working end of the motor or even flowing into the interior of the motor. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the high-temperature steam generated during the operation of the washing machine from affecting the operating stability of the motor of the switching mechanism.
2. The present invention provides radial protrusions on the rotating shaft of the wind plate, thereby enhancing the axial positioning effect between the rotating shaft and the switching chamber, thereby improving the working stability of the switching mechanism.
3. The present invention provides a switching chamber including a switching chamber body and a detachable cover provided on the outside of the switching chamber body, and provides a shaft hole on the cover, so that the wind plate can be disassembled and assembled from the opening on the switching chamber body, thereby enabling the operator to conveniently inspect and maintain the switching mechanism.
4. The present invention provides a flap including a flap body and a rubber sleeve. The wind plate blocks the air outlets on the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall through the rubber sleeve, thereby ensuring the sealing of the wind plate to the air outlets and improving the working stability of the switching mechanism.

At the same time, the present invention has a simple structure, significant effects, and is suitable for popularization and use.
The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without inventive effort. In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an additive dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an additive dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an additive dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the AA cross-sectional structure of Figure 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams of the exploded structure of the additive dispensing device according to the embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives;
Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of an additive dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of an additive dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a schematic top view of an additive dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of area B in Figure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water supply channel of the additive dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the appearance structure of a foam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14 is a CC cross-sectional schematic diagram of Figure 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the switching mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a switching chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the coordination structure between the switching chamber body and the cover in an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 18 is an exploded view of a switching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 19 is a schematic structural diagram of a wind plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 20 is a schematic structural diagram of a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 21 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing ring according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 22 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a sealing ring according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 23 is a front view schematic diagram of the washing treatment apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 24 is a schematic side view of the washing treatment apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the washing treatment apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 26 is a schematic structural diagram of a water box in an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 27 is a schematic structural diagram of a water box panel in an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 28 is an enlarged structural diagram of point B in Figure 27;
Figure 29 is an enlarged structural diagram of point A in Figure 25;
Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a water box according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 31 is an enlarged structural diagram of point C in Figure 30.

The main components in the figure are described as follows:
1. water box; 2. detergent box; 3. liquid dispensing channel; 4. washing drum; 5. one-way valve; 6. water inlet valve; 61. first water inlet valve; 62. second water inlet valve; 7. suction pump; 8. water diversion branch; 9. second water diversion branch; 11. water storage tank; 12. upper cover; 13. installation chamber; 21. liquid storage chamber; 211. first liquid storage chamber; 212. second liquid storage chamber; 100. water supply channel; 101. first water inlet; 102. first water inlet chamber; 1021. first water outlet; 1022. second water outlet; 103. first connecting pipe; 104. main water inlet pipe; 105. three-way reversing valve; 1051. first inlet; 1052. second inlet; 1053. outlet; 106. second connecting pipe; 107. temporary storage; 108. flow meter; 109. third connecting pipe; 110. liquid extraction three-way reversing valve; 1101. first inlet; 1102. second inlet; 1103. outlet; 111. connecting flow channel; 112. mixing section; 1121. primary mixing section; 1122. secondary mixing section; 113. negative pressure suction pipe; 1131. negative pressure port; 114. foam generator; 120. discharge channel; 121. discharge trough; 122. discharge pipe; 201. water delivery section; 202. foaming water section; 202a. first pipe section; 202b. second pipe section; 203. drainage water section; 204. buffer step; 205. locking structure; 301. foaming section; 311. air inlet; 312. discharge port; 321. pressurization section; 322. pressurization chamber; 331. suction pipe section; 332. suction chamber; 333. connecting pipe; 341. connecting plate; 351. supporting structure; 352. slot; 400. mixing impeller; 401. rotating shaft; 500. negative pressure water supply channel; 501. second water inlet; 502. second water inlet chamber; 503. Venturi tube; 5031. negative pressure port; 504. second water outlet chamber; 505. second water outlet; 506. negative pressure chamber;
It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.
In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; and direct or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.
The present invention provides a washing machine comprising a water drum for holding water, within which is mounted a rotatable washing drum 4 for holding a load to be processed; and an additive dispensing device for directly dispensing an additive mixture into the washing drum 4. This arrangement allows the washing machine to spray the additive mixture directly into the washing drum, directly onto the load to be processed within the washing drum for use in laundry treatment, thereby achieving significant technological advancements in increasing additive utilization and improving laundry treatment results.

Embodiment 1

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, this embodiment introduces an additive dispensing device, including a liquid storage chamber containing an additive; a water supply channel 100, which is connected to the liquid storage chamber 21 via a suction pump 7, and uses the power provided by the suction pump 7 to pump the additive contained in the liquid storage chamber 21 to the temporary storage 107 of the water supply channel 100, and mixes with the incoming water flow flowing through the water supply channel 100 to form an additive mixed liquid. The water supply channel 100 is connected to a water diversion branch 8 connected in parallel with the temporary storage 107.
By connecting the water diversion branch in parallel with the water supply channel, the incoming water flow is only partially used to flush the pumped additives, thereby greatly reducing the flow rate of the additives in the water supply channel, so that the contact time between the additives and the incoming water is longer and the contact mixing is more complete, achieving a significant advancement in greatly improving the mixing uniformity of the additive mixture.
In this embodiment, a mixing section 112 is provided in the downstream part of the water supply channel 100, and the mixing section 112 is located downstream of the temporary storage 107. The outlet of the water diversion branch 8 is connected to the water supply channel 100 downstream of the temporary storage 107 and upstream of the mixing section 113; the inlet of the water diversion branch 8 is connected to the water supply channel 100 upstream of the temporary storage 107.
In this embodiment, a regulating valve (not indicated in the drawings) for regulating the water inlet flow of the water diversion branch 8 and/or the water supply channel 100 is provided at the connection point between the water diversion branch 8 and the delivery water supply channel 100.
In this embodiment, the temporary storage 107 is connected to one of the multiple liquid storage chambers 21 via the suction pump 7, and different additives are stored in each liquid storage chamber 21 for selectively pumping different additives to the temporary storage 107. Preferably, the multiple liquid storage chambers 21 are respectively connected to the same temporary storage 107 via one-to-one corresponding suction pumps 7. Preferably, the multiple liquid storage chambers 21 are respectively connected to the same reversing valve structure, and the reversing valve structure is connected to each temporary storage 21 via the same suction pump 7, and the reversing valve structure can switch to connect one of the multiple liquid storage chambers 21 to the temporary storage 107 via the suction pump 7.
In this embodiment, a water inlet valve 6 is provided at the water inlet end of the water supply channel 100 for controlling the on-off of the water flow into the water supply channel 100. The inlet of the water diversion branch 8 is connected to the part of the water supply channel 100 between the temporary storage 107 and the inlet valve 6.
In this embodiment, at least one mixing section 112 is provided on the water supply channel 100, and a mixing structure is provided in the mixing section 112 for mixing the incoming water flow with the additive. The outlet of the water diversion branch 8 is connected to the part of the water supply channel 100 between the mixing section 112 and the temporary storage 107. Preferably, a plurality of mixing sections 112 are connected in series on the water supply channel 100, and the mixing structure provided in each mixing section 112 mixes the incoming water flow with the additive in turn, and the outlet of the water diversion branch 8 is connected to the inlet of the most upstream mixing section 112.
In this embodiment, a primary mixing section 1121 and a secondary mixing section 1122 are sequentially connected in series on the water supply channel 100. The primary mixing section 1121 includes a negative pressure suction pipe 113, which is connected in series on the water supply channel 100, and has a negative pressure port 1131, which is connected to the outlet of the water diversion branch 8. The negative pressure suction pipe 113 can utilize the water flow passing through the internal flow channel to generate negative pressure at the negative pressure port, thereby drawing in the incoming water flow of the water diversion branch and mixing it with the mixed liquid; the secondary mixing section 1122 includes a circular chamber connected in series on the water supply channel 100, and a coaxially arranged, freely rotatable impeller is provided in the circular chamber.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 8, this embodiment further includes a second water diversion branch 9, which is connected in parallel with the water supply channel 100, and the inlet of the second water diversion branch 9 is connected to the part of the water supply channel 100 between the primary mixing section 1121 and the temporary storage 107, and the outlet is connected to the part of the water supply channel 100 between the primary mixing section 1121 and the secondary mixing section 1122.
In this embodiment, a foam generator 114 is provided on the water supply channel 100 for foaming the additive mixture; the foam generator 114 is provided on the water supply channel 100 downstream of the mixing section 112. Preferably, the foam generator 114 is a negative pressure pipe connected in series to the water supply channel 100; or, the foam generator is an air pump that pumps air into the water supply channel 100.
In this embodiment, there are multiple water supply channels 100, and the temporary storage 107 of each water supply channel 100 is connected to at least one liquid storage chamber 21, so as to provide different types of additives for separate spraying and delivery, or provide the same type of additives for simultaneous spraying and delivery.

Embodiment 2

As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, this embodiment introduces an additive dispensing device, including two water supply channels that can respectively inlet water, a negative pressure water supply channel 500 and a water supply channel 100; a liquid dispensing channel 3, which is connected to a liquid storage chamber 21 storing additives; and also includes a control switching structure for changing the connection mode of the liquid dispensing channel 3. The liquid dispensing channel 3 connects the negative pressure water supply channel 500 and the liquid storage chamber 21, and utilizes the negative pressure generated by the inlet water flow of the negative pressure water supply channel 500 to extract the additive in the liquid storage chamber 21 into the liquid dispensing channel. Alternatively, both ends of the liquid dispensing channel 3 are connected to the water supply channel 100, and part of the inlet water flow of the water supply channel 100 flows into the liquid dispensing channel 3, and the extracted additive is added to the water supply channel 100 and mixed with the inlet water flow of the water supply channel 100 to form an additive mixed liquid.
Through the above-mentioned setting, part of the incoming water flow after the diversion of the water supply water channel is used to flush the dispensing channel, which greatly reduces the amount of water used to flush the additive, achieves the effect of reducing the additive injection flow rate and increasing the contact time between the additive and the incoming water, and thus achieves a significant technical progress in improving the mixing uniformity of the additive mixture.
In this embodiment, the inlet of the liquid dispensing channel 3 is connected to the negative pressure water supply channel 500 and the upstream part of the mixing section 112 of the water supply channel 100 in a switchable manner through the three-way reversing valve 105. The outlet of the liquid dispensing channel 3 is connected to the water inlet end of the mixing section 112 of the water supply channel 100; the three-way reversing valve 105 is used to control the inlet of the liquid dispensing channel 3 to be connected to one of negative pressure water supply channel 500 and the upstream part of the mixing section 112 of the water supply channel 100.
In this embodiment, the middle part of the liquid dispensing channel 3 is connected to at least one liquid storage chamber 21 through the liquid extraction channel, and the liquid extraction channel is provided with a one-way valve 5 to ensure that the liquid in the channel flows only in the direction of the liquid dispensing channel 3. Preferably, multiple liquid storage chambers 21 are connected to the liquid dispensing channel 3 through one-to-one corresponding liquid extraction channels. Further preferably, each liquid extraction channel is provided with a control valve for controlling the on-off of the pipeline, and/or, a reversing valve for switching the on-off of the pipeline is provided at the intersection of each liquid extraction channel and the liquid dispensing channel 3, which is used to control each liquid extraction channel to be connected to the liquid dispensing channel (not indicated in the drawings).
In this embodiment, two liquid storage chambers are connected as an example for explanation, specifically as follows: including a first liquid storage chamber 211 and a second liquid storage chamber 212; a liquid extraction three-way reversing valve 110 is connected in series on the liquid dispensing channel 3. The third opening of the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve 110 is connected to the first liquid dispensing channel 211 through the first liquid extraction channel, and the second liquid dispensing channel 212 is connected to the liquid dispensing channel 3 on the downstream side of the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve 110 through the second liquid extraction channel. A one-way valve 5 is provided on the second liquid extraction channel to ensure that the liquid in the channel flows only in the direction of the liquid dispensing channel; the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve 110 is used to control the connection between either two of the liquid dispensing channel 3 on the upstream side, the liquid dispensing channel 3 on the downstream side and the first liquid extraction channel.
In this embodiment, a temporary storage 107 is provided on the dispensing channel 3 for storing additives extracted into the dispensing channel 3. The temporary storage 107 is the upstream portion of the dispensing channel 3 and is located upstream of the connection between the extraction channel and the dispensing channel 3. A one-way valve 5 is provided on the downstream portion of the dispensing channel 3 where the extraction channel is connected to the dispensing channel 3, for ensuring that the liquid flowing through the dispensing channel 3 can only flow toward the mixing section 112 of the dispensing channel 3. Preferably, a flow meter 108 is provided on the dispensing channel 3, which is located between the three-way reversing valve 105 and the temporary storage 107, for measuring the amount of liquid flowing through the dispensing channel 3.
In this embodiment, a negative pressure structure is connected in series to the negative pressure water supply channel 500. The negative pressure structure has a negative pressure port 5031. The negative pressure structure utilizes the water flowing through it to generate negative pressure at the negative pressure port. The negative pressure structure can be any existing structure capable of achieving this function, such as a Venturi tube 503. The two inlets of the three-way reversing valve 105 are respectively connected to the negative pressure port 5031 of the negative pressure structure provided on the negative pressure water supply channel 500 and the portion of the pipeline upstream of the mixing section 112 provided on the injection water supply channel 100.
In this embodiment, a first water inlet valve 61 is provided at the inlet end of the negative pressure water supply channel 500, which is used to control the on-off of the water flow entering the negative pressure water supply channel 500; a second water inlet valve 62 is provided at the inlet end of the injection water supply channel 100, which is used to control the on-off of the water flow entering the water supply channel 100.
In this embodiment, at least one mixing section 112 is provided on the water supply channel 100. A mixing structure is provided within the mixing section 112 for mixing the incoming water flow with the additive. Preferably, multiple mixing sections 112 are connected in series on the water supply channel 100, with the mixing structure provided within each mixing section 112 sequentially mixing the incoming water flow with the additive. The mixing section 112 may be any one or a combination of: a negative pressure suction pipe 113 that utilizes the incoming water flow to draw the additive into the mixture; an impeller that utilizes the fluid force to rotate and stir the mixed liquid; and the like.
Preferably, a primary mixing section 1121 and a secondary mixing section 1122 are sequentially connected in series on the water supply channel 100. The primary mixing section 1121 includes a negative pressure suction pipe 113, which is connected in series on the water supply channel 100, and the negative pressure suction pipe 113 has a negative pressure port 1131, which is connected to the outlet of the liquid dispensing channel 3, and the negative pressure suction pipe 113 can use the water flowing through the internal channel to generate negative pressure at the negative pressure port 1131. The secondary mixing section 1122 includes a circular chamber connected in series on the water supply channel 100, and a coaxially arranged, freely rotatable impeller is provided in the circular chamber. The impeller rotates with the mixed liquid flowing through it, thereby stirring the mixed liquid, thereby improving the mixing effect of the mixed liquid.
In this embodiment, a foam generator 114 is provided on the water supply channel 100 for foaming the additive mixture; the foam generator 114 is provided on the water supply channel 100 and is located downstream of the mixing section 112.
This embodiment also introduces a laundry treatment apparatus, which includes a washing drum 4; the above-mentioned additive dispensing device is installed, the inlets of the negative pressure water supply channel 500 and the water supply channel 100 are respectively connected to the water inlet pipe of the washing machine in a controllable manner, and the outlets of the negative pressure water supply channel 500 and the water supply channel 100 are both connected to the washing drum 4.
In this embodiment, the additive dispensing control method of the laundry treatment apparatus includes an additive extraction step and an additive dispensing step which are alternately performed.
The step of extracting the additive includes controlling the switching structure to be in a first connection mode, connecting the negative pressure water supply channel and the liquid storage chamber through the liquid dispensing channel, feeding water into the negative pressure water supply channel, and utilizing the negative pressure generated by the water flow of the negative pressure water supply channel to extract the additive in the liquid storage chamber into the liquid dispensing channel.
The step of adding additives includes controlling the switching structure to be in the second connection mode, connecting both ends of the liquid dispensing channel to the water supply channel, feeding water into the water supply channel, and causing part of the influent water flow of the water supply channel to flow into the liquid dispensing channel, adding the extracted additives into the water supply channel, forming an additive mixed liquid with the influent water in the water supply channel, and spraying the additive mixed liquid into the washing drum.
In this embodiment, when the control switching structure is in the first connection mode, the three-way reversing valve connects the inlet of the liquid dispensing channel with the negative pressure port of the negative pressure structure provided on the negative pressure water supply channel, and the liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid dispensing channel; when the control switching structure is in the second connection mode, the three-way reversing valve connects the inlet of the liquid dispensing channel with the upstream part of the mixing section of the injection water supply channel, and the liquid storage chamber is disconnected from the liquid dispensing channel.

Embodiment 3

As shown in Figures 1 to 6, an embodiment of the present invention introduces an additive dispensing device, which includes: a negative pressure water supply channel 500, a Venturi tube 503 is provided on the waterway. The internal flow channel of the Venturi tube 503 is a tapered tube with a diameter gradually widening from the middle to the water inlet end and the water outlet end, and a negative pressure port 5031 is provided at the minimum diameter in the middle part. The Venturi tube 503 uses the flowing water to form a negative pressure at the negative pressure port 5031. A water supply channel 100, the upstream part of which is connected to the liquid storage chamber storing the additive 21 is connected, and the downstream part is provided with a mixing section 112 for mixing the additive with the incoming water. The upstream part of the water supply channel 100 is connected to the negative pressure port 5031 of the negative pressure water supply channel 500 in a controllable on-off manner, and the negative pressure formed by the negative pressure port 5031 can act on the liquid storage chamber 21 along the connecting pipeline, and the additive in the liquid storage chamber 21 is extracted into the water supply channel 100, and the extracted additive can be flushed into the mixing section 112 along with at least part of the incoming water of the injection water supply channel 100 to form an additive mixed liquid.
Through the above-mentioned arrangement, the two different water supply channels of the dispensing device respectively provide suction force for extracting additives and flushing and dispensing the extracted additives. The extracted additives can also be directly mixed with the incoming water in the water channel to form an additive mixture and sprayed directly into the washing drum 4, thereby achieving a significant technical progress in using the additive mixture to directly spray and wash the clothes in the drum.
As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, in an embodiment of the present invention, the upstream portion of the water supply channel 100 has a liquid dispensing channel 3 connected in parallel, and a temporary storage 107 is provided on the liquid dispensing channel 3 for temporarily storing the extracted additives. The portion of the liquid dispensing channel 3 upstream of the temporary storage 107 is connected to the negative pressure port 5031, and the portion of the liquid dispensing channel 3 downstream is connected to the liquid storage chamber 21.
In an embodiment of the present invention, in order to realize the water channel switching for pumping and flushing, the following settings can be made: a control valve for controlling the on-off of the pipeline is provided on the connecting pipeline connecting the liquid dispensing channel 3 and the negative pressure port 5031; a control valve for controlling the on-off of the pipeline, or a one-way valve for preventing backflow to the upstream side of the liquid dispensing channel (not indicated in the drawings) is provided on the liquid dispensing channel 3 upstream of the connection between the liquid dispensing channel 3 and the negative pressure port 5031.
Alternatively, the following configuration may be employed in the embodiment of the present invention:
The negative pressure port 5031 is connected to one end of the connecting pipeline, and the other end of the connecting pipeline is connected to the liquid dispensing channel 3 through the three-way reversing valve 105, which is used to switch to connect the upstream and downstream sides of the liquid dispensing channel 3, or connect the downstream side of the liquid dispensing channel 3 to the negative pressure port 5031 through the connecting pipeline.
Thus, the liquid dispensing channel 3 can be connected in parallel with the water supply channel 100, so that water enters the upstream end of the liquid dispensing channel 3 from the water supply channel 100, flows through the entire liquid dispensing channel 3, and then flows back into the water supply channel 100 from the downstream end of the dispensing channel 3. Or, the liquid dispensing channel 3 connects the negative pressure port 5031 of the negative pressure water supply channel 500 with the mixing section 112 of the water supply channel 100, and utilizes the negative pressure formed by the negative pressure port 5031 to draw the additive in the liquid storage chamber 21 into the liquid dispensing channel 3, and flows toward the upstream end of the liquid dispensing channel 3 into the temporary storage 107.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid dispensing channel 3 on the downstream side of the temporary storage 107 is connected to a plurality of liquid storage chambers 21, each of which contains additives of different types; a control valve for controlling the on-off of the connecting water channel is provided on the connecting water channel connecting each liquid storage chamber 21 to the liquid dispensing channel 3, which is used to control the selective connection of each liquid storage chamber 21 with the liquid dispensing channel 3, so that the additive in any liquid storage chamber 21 can be drawn into the liquid dispensing channel 3 through the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure port 5031.
Preferably, in an embodiment of the present invention, the two liquid storage chambers 21 connected to the liquid dispensing channel 3 are used as an example for discussion: the first liquid storage chamber 211 is connected to the liquid dispensing channel 3 through the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve 110, and the second liquid storage chamber 212 is connected to the liquid dispensing channel 3 on the downstream side of the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve 110, and is used to switch to the temporary storage 107 and be connected to the downstream side of the liquid dispensing channel 3 to use negative pressure to extract the additive in the second liquid storage chamber 212 to the temporary storage 107, or switch to the temporary storage 107 and be connected to the first liquid storage chamber 211 to use negative pressure to extract the additive in the first liquid storage chamber 211 to the temporary storage 107.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a negative pressure suction pipe 113 is connected in series to the water supply channel 100, and a negative pressure port 1131 is provided on the negative pressure suction pipe 113. The negative pressure suction pipe 113 can use the flowing water to form a negative pressure at the negative pressure port 1131; the negative pressure port 1131 is connected to the downstream end of the liquid dispensing channel 3, and the negative pressure formed by the negative pressure port 1131 is used to suck the additives extracted from the liquid dispensing channel 3 back into the water supply channel 100 and preliminarily mix them to form an additive mixed liquid. Preferably, the negative pressure suction pipe 113 is located downstream of the connection between the upstream end of the liquid dispensing channel 3 and the water supply channel 100, so that most of the incoming water flow that has not entered the liquid dispensing channel 3 can flow in through the inlet of the negative pressure suction pipe 113, so as to use the inflowing water flow to form a negative pressure at the negative pressure port 1131 for extracting the additives in the liquid dispensing channel. In the embodiment of the present invention, the negative pressure suction pipe 113 is a Venturi tube. The internal flow channel of the Venturi tube is a cone that gradually expands from the middle to both ends, and a negative pressure port 1131 is provided at the smallest pipe section.
In this embodiment of the present invention, at least one mixing section 112 is serially connected to the downstream side of the water supply channel 100. The mixing section 112 includes a mixing structure for mixing the additive flowing through with the incoming water. Preferably, mixing section 112 is a circular chamber with an inlet and an outlet extending tangentially on opposite sides of the chamber. The chamber also includes an impeller coaxially disposed with the center of the circle and freely rotatable about its axis. As the additive mixture flows through the circular chamber, the flowing mixture drives the impeller to rotate, which continuously agitates the mixture, thereby achieving the technical effect of thoroughly mixing the additive and the incoming water.
In this embodiment of the present invention, a foam generator 114 is provided downstream of the water supply channel 100 to foam the additive mixture flowing therethrough. Preferably, the foam generator 114 is provided on the water supply channel 100 downstream of the mixing section 112 to foam the fully mixed additive mixture.
The embodiment of the present invention also introduces a method for controlling the addition of additives to a laundry treatment apparatus, which includes: an additive extraction step and an additive addition step that are performed alternately.
The step of extracting additives includes the following steps:
The selected category of additive storage chamber is connected to the water supply channel, and the negative pressure port of the negative pressure water supply channel is connected to the water supply channel. Water is fed into the negative pressure water supply channel, and negative pressure is formed at the negative pressure port by the incoming water. The negative pressure draws the additive in the selected liquid storage chamber into the water supply channel.
The step of adding additives comprises the following steps:
The liquid storage chamber is disconnected from the water supply channel, and the negative pressure port of the negative pressure water supply channel is disconnected from the water supply channel. Water is fed into the water supply channel, and the incoming water flushes the extracted additives into the mixing section to form an additive mixed liquid, which flows out of the water supply channel and is delivered into the washing drum.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the laundry treatment apparatus is equipped with the above-mentioned additive dispensing device, and the additive delivery process is as follows:
The step of extracting additives includes the following steps:
The selected category of additive storage chamber is connected to the water supply channel, the negative pressure port of the negative pressure water supply channel is connected to the liquid dispensing channel of the water supply channel, water is fed into the negative pressure water supply channel, and negative pressure is formed at the negative pressure port by the incoming water. The negative pressure draws the additive in the selected liquid storage chamber into the temporary storage provided on the liquid dispensing channel.
The step of adding additives comprises the following steps:
The liquid storage chamber is disconnected from the water supply channel, and the negative pressure port of the negative pressure water supply channel is disconnected from the liquid dispensing channel. Water enters the water supply channel, and part of the incoming water flows into the liquid dispensing channel, flushing the additives drawn into the temporary storage out of the liquid dispensing channel, mixing with all the incoming water flows in the mixing section to form an additive mixed liquid, which flows out of the water supply channel and is dispensed into the washing drum.
In an embodiment of the present invention, when the additive is added, the following steps are also included: the additive mixture formed in the mixing section is foamed by the foam generator, and then flows out of the water supply channel, and the foamed additive mixture is directly sprayed into the washing drum, and the clothes in the washing drum are treated with the foamed additive mixture.
As shown in Figures 3 to 6, an embodiment of the present invention discloses an additive dispensing device. The specific structure of the additive dispensing device includes the following: a water box 1 and a detergent box 2 installed in the water box 1. The water box 1 includes a water storage tank 11 and an upper cover 12. The top of the water storage tank is open and the upper cover 12 is correspondingly covered and snapped together. The detergent box 2 can be pulled outward from the front opening and installed in the water storage tank 11. The detergent box 2 is provided with at least one liquid storage chamber 21 for holding additives. Each liquid storage chamber 21 can hold different types of additives, such as any one or a combination of detergents, softeners, rinse aids, disinfectants, etc. A water channel is integrated inside the upper cover 12, and the water channel includes at least a water supply channel 100 for generating an additive mixture and spraying the additive mixture outward; a negative pressure water supply channel 500, which uses the incoming water flow flowing through to form a negative pressure. The generated negative pressure draws the additives contained in the liquid storage chamber 21 into the water supply channel 100, so that the incoming water flow flowing through the water supply channel is mixed with the extracted additives to form an additive mixture.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the water supply channel 100 includes a first water inlet 101 provided on the side of the upper cover 12, the inlet end of the first water inlet 101 is connected to the first water inlet valve 61, and the outlet end is connected to the first water inlet chamber 102 integrated in the upper cover 12. A first water outlet 1021 is provided at the top of the first water inlet chamber 102, and the first water outlet 1021 is connected to the inlet of the first connecting pipe 103 provided on the upper side of the upper cover; a second water outlet 1022 is also provided in the middle of the first water inlet chamber 102, and the second water outlet 1022 is connected to the main water inlet pipe 104 integrated on the upper cover 12, and the diameter of the main water inlet pipe 104 is larger than the diameter of the first connecting pipe 103. Preferably, the diameter of the main water inlet pipe 104 is twice the diameter of the first connecting pipe 103.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the outlet of the first connecting pipe 103 is connected to the first inlet 1051 of the three-way reversing valve 105, and the second inlet 1052 of the reversing valve 105 is connected to the negative pressure chamber 506 provided inside the upper cover. The bottom wall of the negative pressure chamber 506 is provided with a through opening, which is connected to the negative pressure port 5031 of the Venturi tube 503 provided on the negative pressure water supply channel 500. The outlet 1053 of the three-way reversing valve 105 is connected to the inlet of the second connecting pipe 106 protruding from the upper side of the upper cover 12, and the outlet of the second connecting pipe 106 is connected to the inlet of the temporary storage 107 integrated inside the upper cover 12. The temporary storage 107 is a folded and coiled return flow channel; the temporary storage 107 is provided with a flow meter 108 near the inlet, and the flow meter 108 measures and counts the liquid flowing through; the outlet of the temporary storage 107 is connected to the inlet of the third connecting pipe 109 protruding from the upper side of the upper cover 12.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the outlet of the third connecting pipe 109 is connected to the first inlet 1101 of the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve 110, the second inlet 1102 of the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve 110 is connected to the first liquid storage chamber 211, the outlet 1103 of the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve 110 is connected to the inlet of the connecting flow channel 111 integrated in the upper cover 12, the outlet of the connecting flow channel 111 is connected to the main water inlet pipe 104; the outlet of the main water inlet pipe 104 is connected to the impeller mixing section 112.
Preferably, a negative pressure suction pipe 113 is provided in the main water inlet pipe 104, the inlet of the negative pressure suction pipe 113 is connected to the first water inlet chamber 102, and the outlet is connected to the impeller mixing section 112, and the negative pressure port 1131 of the negative pressure suction pipe 113 is connected to the connecting flow channel 111, so that the extracted detergent mixture is preliminarily mixed in the negative pressure suction pipe 113, so that the main water inlet pipe 104 constitutes a preliminary mixing section for preliminarily mixing the additive and the incoming water.
In this embodiment of the present invention, the negative pressure water supply channel 500 includes a second water inlet 501 located on the side of the upper cover 12. The inlet end of the second water inlet 501 is connected to the second water inlet valve 62, and the outlet end is connected to the second water inlet chamber 502 integrated into the upper cover 12. The outlet of the second water inlet chamber 502 is connected to a horizontally extending Venturi tube 503 integrated into the upper cover. The inlet of the Venturi tube 503 is connected to the second water inlet chamber 502, and the outlet is connected to the inlet of the second water outlet chamber 504. The negative pressure port 5031 is connected to the negative pressure chamber 506 of the water supply channel 100. The outlet of the second water outlet chamber 504 constitutes a second water outlet 505 connected to the outside.

Embodiment 4

As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, this embodiment introduces an additive dispensing device, which includes a first water inlet chamber 102 provided inside the upper cover 11; the first water inlet chamber 102 is connected to the first water inlet 101; the first water inlet chamber 102 is also connected to the water supply channel 100 through the first water outlet 1021, and the second water outlet 1022 is connected to the liquid dispensing channel 3; the opening size of the first water outlet 1021 is larger than the opening size of the second water outlet 1022.
Through the above-mentioned arrangement, the inlet water flow for flushing and dispensing additives introduced into the dispensing device is divided into two tributaries in the water inlet chamber, and the two tributaries correspond to the additives in the flushing temporary storage and the mixed additives to form an additive mixture. Since the opening size through which the flushing water flow passes is smaller than the opening size through which the mixed water flow passes, most of the inlet water flows through the first water outlet to the water supply channel, which can not only realize the pressure reduction regulation of the flushing water flow, but also ensure the effect of extracting and mixing the additives, thereby greatly improving the dispensing efficiency and additive mixing uniformity of the entire dispensing device.
In this embodiment, the water box 1 includes a water storage tank 11, and the top opening of the water storage tank 11 is buckled with an upper cover 12; a first water inlet chamber 102 is integrated inside the upper cover 12; the bottom of the first water inlet chamber 102 is connected to the first water inlet 101, and the top of the first water inlet chamber 102 is provided with a first water outlet 1021 and a second water outlet 1022. Preferably, the first water outlet 1021 and the second water outlet 1022 are spaced apart and located on opposite sides of the first water inlet chamber 102, so as to ensure that the water flowing out of the two water outlet openings does not interfere with each other.
In this embodiment, the bottom wall of the first water inlet chamber 102 below the first water outlet 1021 is higher than the bottom wall of the first water inlet chamber 102 below the second water outlet 1022. Preferably, the bottom wall of the first water inlet chamber 102 is divided into three parts at different height surfaces, the first water outlet 1021 is located above the corresponding part of the highest height surface, and the second water outlet 1022 is located above the corresponding part of the lowest height surface, so that the water flow pressure flowing out of the first water outlet 1021 is greater than the water flow pressure flowing out of the second water outlet 1022, thereby achieving significant technical progress in reducing the water pressure of the flushing water flow and enhancing the force for extracting additives.
In this embodiment, the second water outlet 1022 and the first water inlet 101 are located on the same side of the first water inlet chamber 102 and are staggered, so that the water flow flowing in from the first water inlet 101 can allow a portion of the water flow to be buffered in the bottom wall portion and then enter the second water outlet 1022 with a lower water pressure, and then after being pressurized by the increased bottom wall, the other part of the water flow enters the first water outlet 1021 with a higher water pressure. The first water outlet 1021 and the first water inlet 101 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the first water inlet chamber 102, and the first water outlet 1021 and the second water outlet 1022 are staggered in the front and rear directions of the water box 1.
In this embodiment, the first water outlet 1021 of the first water inlet chamber 102 is connected to the inlet of the main water inlet pipe 104 protruding from the top of the upper cover 12, and the outlet of the main water inlet pipe 104 is connected to the mixing section 112 of the water supply channel 100. The second water outlet 1022 of the first water inlet chamber 102 is connected to the inlet of the first connecting pipe 103 protruding from the top of the upper cover 12, and the outlet of the first connecting pipe 103 is connected to the temporary storage 107 of the liquid dispensing channel 3. The diameter of the main water inlet pipe 104 is larger than the diameter of the first connecting pipe 103, so as to further ensure that the water pressure of the water flowing into the liquid dispensing channel 3 is smaller and the water pressure of the water flowing into the water supply channel 100 is larger.

Embodiment 5

As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, this embodiment introduces an additive dispensing device, including: a water supply channel 100 for inflow of inlet water; a liquid dispensing channel 3, which is connected to a liquid storage chamber 21 storing additives, and the liquid pumping structure on the dispensing device is used to pump the additives in the liquid storage chamber 21 into a temporary storage 107 provided on the liquid dispensing channel 100. The liquid dispensing channel 3 is connected in parallel with at least a portion of the water supply channel 100, and a portion of the inflow of the water supply channel 100 flows into the liquid dispensing channel 3, flushing the extracted additives into the water supply channel 100 to form an additive mixture.
In this embodiment, a negative pressure suction pipe 113 is provided on the water supply channel 100. The negative pressure suction pipe 113 is provided with a negative pressure port 1131 which can generate negative pressure by using the flowing water. The outlet end of the liquid dispensing channel 3 is connected to the negative pressure port 1131.
In this embodiment, the internal flow channel of the negative pressure suction pipe 113 is a tapered pipe that gradually widens from the middle to both ends, and a negative pressure port 1131 is opened on the pipe wall at the middle part where the pipe diameter is the smallest.
In this embodiment, the additive dispensing device can adopt the additive dispensing device described in any one of the above embodiments one to four. At the same time, in this embodiment, the liquid pumping structure used on the dispensing device can be the Venturi tube 503 provided on the negative pressure water supply channel 500 described in any one of the above embodiments one to four, or it can be other structures in the prior art that can realize additive pumping.

Embodiment 6

As shown in Figures 13-14, in an embodiment of the present invention, a foam generator 114 is introduced, which has a flow channel inside for the mixed liquid to be added to flow through. An air inlet 311 is provided on the flow channel, which is connected to the outside atmosphere through the air inlet 311. A suction chamber 332 is provided in the flow channel, and the passing area of the suction chamber 332 gradually increases along the flow direction of the mixed liquid. The air inlet 311 is provided on the top wall of the flow channel upstream of the suction chamber 332, and a discharge port 312 is provided on the bottom wall of the flow channel upstream of the suction chamber 332.
With the above arrangement, by arranging the air inlet 311 upstream of the negative pressure suction chamber 332, the suction chamber 332 is not directly connected to the outside atmosphere. A negative pressure area is formed in the suction chamber 332, and the outside atmosphere is sucked in by the negative pressure area, thereby increasing the gas flow rate in the foam generator 114 and the amount of gas dissolved in the mixed liquid, thereby improving the foaming effect of the foam generator 114.
In addition, by setting the air inlet 311 on the top wall, the mixed liquid cannot leak outward through the air inlet 311. However, such a setting has a technical problem: when the laundry treatment apparatus is performing the essence washing or washing program, there may be too much foam in the drum and overflow into the water box 1. When the overflow liquid enters the foam generator 114, since the air inlet 311 is opened on the top wall, the overflow liquid continues to circulate in the water supply channel 100 through the bottom wall, causing the overflow liquid to overflow through the water box 1 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus. The present invention solves the above technical problem by opening an overflow port on the bottom wall of the foam generator 114 to directly discharge the overflow liquid.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the foam generator 114 is arranged horizontally.
In the embodiment of the present invention, an inclined chamber wall is provided in the suction chamber 332, and the angle between the inclined chamber wall and the horizontal line is less than or equal to 30 degrees.
Through the above-mentioned setting, the tube diameter change rate in the suction chamber 332 is lowered by inclination at a small angle, and the negative pressure area with a large cross-section and a high vacuum degree is avoided during the circulation of the mixed liquid. The large-area negative pressure area will cause the mixed liquid to begin to foam in large quantities before flowing out of the foam generator 114, and the excessive foam will increase the resistance in the flow channel and affect the flow rate of the mixed liquid. By limiting the slope of the chamber wall of the suction chamber 332, the occurrence of the above-mentioned problem is effectively reduced; and the reduction in the slope can make the gas entering the suction chamber 332 diffuse radially outward to a lower degree, making it easier for the gas to contact with the mixed liquid, and effectively increasing the gas content of the mixed liquid.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a pressurization chamber 322 is provided in the flow channel upstream of the discharge port 312 and the air inlet 311, and the passing area of the pressurization chamber 322 gradually decreases along the flow direction of the mixed liquid. The liquid outlet of the pressurization chamber 322 is arranged opposite to the liquid inlet of the suction chamber 332; the mixed liquid is accelerated into turbulent flow by reducing the pipe diameter, so that the mixed liquid is accelerated to be ejected through the liquid outlet of the pressurization chamber 322 and into the liquid inlet of the suction chamber 332. Avoiding water flow out through the overflow port, so that the total amount of the mixed liquid flowing through the suction chamber 332 is equal to the total amount of the mixed liquid flowing through the suction chamber 332.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the pressurization chamber 322 and the suction chamber 332 are respectively of a truncated cone structure, and the pressurization chamber 322 and the suction chamber 332 are coaxially arranged so that the mixed liquid is sprayed directly toward the center of the liquid inlet of the suction chamber 332.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the passage area of the liquid outlet of the pressurization chamber 322 is smaller than the passage area of the liquid inlet of the suction chamber 332.
The liquid at the periphery of the water column-shaped mixed liquid ejected from the pressurization chamber 322 may slightly diffuse outward during the jetting process. Through the above-mentioned arrangement, by increasing the passing area of the liquid inlet of the suction chamber 332, the suction chamber 332 can collect this part of the mixed liquid into the suction chamber 332, thereby further improving the collection effect of the mixed liquid.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the air inlet 311 and the overflow port are arranged in substantially the same shape and are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the foam generator 114 includes a columnar pressurization section 321 and a suction pipe section 331 arranged along the extension direction of the flow channel, and the pressurization chamber 322 and the mixing section 112 are respectively arranged in the pressurization section 321 and the suction pipe section 331. The pressurization section 321 and the suction pipe section 331 are arranged at intervals, and the two sides of the pressurization section 321 are respectively connected to connecting plates 341 extending toward the suction pipe section 331, and each connecting plate 341 is respectively connected to the corresponding side of the suction pipe section 331. The two connecting plates 341 are arranged at intervals, and the gap between the top and the bottom constitutes the air inlet 311 and the discharge port 312 respectively.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the pressurization section 321 and the suction pipe section 331 are cylindrical structures with equal outer diameters.
In the embodiment of the present invention, each connecting plate 341 is connected to the outer peripheral edges of the opposite ends of the pressurization section 321 and the suction pipe section 331 respectively.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of each connecting plate 341 is an arc surface with a radius equal to the radius of the cylindrical pressurization section 321, and the outer surface of each connecting plate 341 is flush with the outer surface of the pressurization section 321 and the suction pipe section 331.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the inner surfaces of each connecting plate 341 are vertical planes, and the inner surfaces of the connecting plates 341, the relative end surfaces of the pressurization section 321 and the suction pipe section 331 cooperate to form a connecting chamber with a rectangular cross-section. The top opening and the bottom opening of the connecting chamber respectively constitute the air inlet 311 and the discharge port 312. By forming a rectangular cross-section, it is convenient to guide the overflowing additive to prevent the overflow liquid from adhering to the upper chamber wall of the connecting chamber.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the air inlet 311 is a rectangular structure, and the width of the air inlet 311 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the suction chamber 332 is greater than the diameter of the liquid inlet end of the suction chamber 332.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the central axis of the suction chamber 332 and the center line of the rectangular air inlet 311 are located on the same vertical plane; the liquid inlet of the suction chamber 332 is located in the middle of the air inlet 311. When the suction chamber 332 draws in the atmosphere, various positions on the periphery of the liquid inlet end can respectively draw in additives, thereby increasing the air intake volume in the suction chamber 332.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the width of the air inlet 311 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the suction chamber 332 is greater than three times the diameter of the liquid inlet end of the suction chamber 332.
Through the above arrangement, the horizontal sides of the liquid inlet end each have a space at least larger than its own diameter for storing air. When the suction chamber 332 draws the air in the connecting chamber, the connecting chamber has enough space for air circulation, thereby preventing the air inlet 311 from being too small, resulting in a too fast air flow rate at the air inlet 311, causing a large air resistance, and causing the air content in the mixed liquid to fail to achieve the expected effect.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the foam generator 114 is provided with a plurality of flow channels arranged side by side, and a discharge port 312 is respectively opened at the bottom of each flow channel.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the foam generator 114 includes a plurality of columnar foaming sections 301 arranged side by side, and each foaming section 301 is provided with a flow channel.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the radius of each columnar foaming section 301 is equal.
In the embodiment of the present invention, each columnar foaming section 301 is disposed in contact with an adjacent foaming section 301.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the axial distance between each columnar foaming section 301 and the adjacent foaming section 301 is smaller than the diameter of the columnar foaming section 301. The outer shapes of the columnar foaming sections 301 partially overlap, thereby reducing the width of the foam generator 114 and reducing the occupied space.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is a certain interval between each air inlet 311; preferably, the interval between each air inlet 311 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the air inlet end of the suction chamber 332. Thereby avoiding the interference between each air inlet 311 when sucking air due to the spacing between the air inlets 311 being too small, which leads to a reduction in the air intake volume of each suction chamber 332, so that each suction chamber 332 can suck in a sufficient amount of air to mix with the mixed liquid.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid inlet end of the suction chamber 332 is connected to a connecting pipe 333, and the diameters of the connecting pipe 333 are the same at all positions; the air inlet 311 is opened on the flow channel wall located upstream of the connecting pipe 333.
As shown in Figures 2-12, in an embodiment of the present invention, an additive dispensing device includes a water box 1, which is provided with a water supply channel 100 inside, for guiding the mixed liquid containing the additive to be delivered. The water supply channel 100 is provided with a foam generator 114 as described above, and the water box 1 is provided with a discharge channel 120 below the foam generator 114, and the outlet end of the discharge channel 120 is connected to the outside atmosphere.
The above arrangement solves the problem of unstable fixation of the foam generator 114 by placing the foam generator 114 on the additive dispensing device, thereby preventing leakage in the pipeline. At the same time, by directly connecting the foam generator 114 to the water path of the additive dispensing device, the passage area of the water path connected to the foam generator 114 is reduced, thereby improving the suction efficiency of the foam generator 114 to the external atmosphere, thereby improving the foaming effect. In addition, the liquid overflowing from the overflow port is discharged through the corresponding drainage channel 120, thereby preventing the overflow liquid from accumulating in the water box 1.
In addition, when the mixed liquid circulates inside the foam generator 114, the air inlet 311 is connected to the outside atmosphere through the discharge channel 120, thereby avoiding the need for an additional ventilation structure to allow overflow liquid to overflow through the ventilation structure.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge channel 120 includes a discharge trough 121 opening upward, and a discharge pipe 122 connected to the outside atmosphere is provided at the bottom of the discharge trough 121. The discharge port 312 and the liquid inlet of the discharge pipe 122 are staggered in the horizontal direction; the overflow liquid first flows to the bottom of the discharge trough 121. Due to the low fluidity of the foam, it will stay at the bottom of the trough, and the overflow liquid subsequently flowing out of the discharge port 312 directly impacts the foam retained at the bottom of the discharge trough 121, which can break the foam and turn it into liquid outflow, thereby avoiding the discharge pipe 122 being filled with foam and affecting the discharge effect, causing the discharge liquid to flow upstream of the foam generating device.
In an embodiment of the present invention, an installation chamber 13 is provided in the water box 1, and a removable detergent box 2 is provided in the installation chamber 13. The detergent box 2 is used to store additives. The side wall of at least one side of the detergent box 2 is spaced apart from the installation chamber 13, and the liquid outlet of the discharge pipe 122 is located directly above the space. The drainage liquid is directed to the bottom of the installation chamber 13 and discharged to the outside of the water box 1 through the bottom of the installation chamber 13.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the foam generator 114 is arranged on the top of the water box 1; the water box 1 is also provided with an end cover, and a groove opening downward is provided in the end cover. The bottom of the end cover is sealed and buckled on the top of the water box 1. The groove and the top of the water box 1 form a placement chamber, and the foam generator 114 is arranged in the placement chamber; to form a sealed placement chamber, the overflow liquid can only be discharged through the drainage channel 120, thereby preventing the overflow liquid from overflowing everywhere and being difficult to clean.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the water supply channel 100 includes at least a water delivery section 201 for diverting the mixed liquid; a foaming water section 202, located downstream of the water delivery section 201, and provided with a foam generator 114. The width of the liquid inlet end of the foaming water section 202 is greater than the width of the liquid outlet end of the water delivery section 201; so that the mixed liquid is buffered by the change in the passing area of the negative pressure water supply channel 500 before entering the foam generator 114, so that the additive is more evenly distributed in the mixed liquid and the foaming effect is more stable.
In an embodiment of the present invention, there is an angle between the water delivery section 201 and the foaming water section 202. The injection pipeline forms a water channel with a corner, so that the incoming water of the water delivery section 201 first impacts the side wall at the corner of the water supply channel 100 for buffering before entering the foaming water section 202, further improving the distribution effect of the additives in the mixed liquid.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the water delivery section 201 and the foaming water section 202 is 90 degrees.
In the embodiment of the present invention, an opening is provided on a side wall of the foaming water section 202 close to the liquid inlet end, and the liquid outlet end of the water delivery section 201 is connected to the foaming water section 202 through the opening.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the height of the liquid inlet section of the foaming water section 202 is greater than the height of the water delivery section 201, so as to form a buffer space with a larger volume.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the foam generator 114 is provided with a plurality of parallel flow channels, each of which has a liquid inlet at the corresponding liquid inlet end of the foam generator 114; the arrangement direction of each flow channel is parallel to the width direction of the foaming water section 202.
With the above arrangement, firstly, since the thickness of the additive dispensing device cannot be too large, by arranging multiple flow channels side by side, the total flow area of each flow channel in the foam generator 114 is made suitable while reducing the height occupied. Furthermore, while ensuring that the flow area remains unchanged, the total contact area between water and air is increased.
In addition, the angle between the connection of the water delivery section 201 and the foaming water section 202 is 90 degrees. When the mixed water flows to the liquid outlet end of the water delivery section, it first impacts the side wall of the water supply channel 100 perpendicular to the flow direction, so that the water flow is fully buffered. Through the buffering effect, the mixed liquid can be evenly distributed in the width direction of the foaming water section 202 when entering the foaming water section 202, so that the flow rate of the mixed liquid in each flow channel of the foam generator 114 is the same, thereby ensuring the foaming effect of multiple flow channels on the mixed liquid.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid inlet end of the foam generator 114 is spaced apart from the liquid inlet end of the foaming water section 202.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a supporting structure 351 is provided on the foam generator 114, and the foam generator 114 is arranged in the water supply channel 100 through the supporting structure 351. A locking structure 205 is provided in the water supply channel 100, and the supporting structure is connected to the water supply channel 100 through the locking structure 205. The foam generator 114 is stably set in the water supply channel 100 by the locking method, so as to facilitate the installation of the foam generator 114 and improve the production efficiency of the additive injection device.
In the embodiment of the present invention, supporting structures 351 are respectively provided at both ends of the foam generator 114, and locking structures 205 are respectively provided on the water supply channel 100 corresponding to each supporting structure 351, thereby further improving the installation stability of the foam generator 114.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a locking structure 205 protruding toward the opposite side is respectively provided on both side walls of the water supply channel 100, and a slot 352 recessed toward the inside is respectively provided on the corresponding two sides of the supporting structure. The supporting structure is snap-fitted with the corresponding locking structure 205 through the slots 352 on both sides.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the supporting structure 351 is extended around the periphery of the foam generator 114, and the slot 352 is an outward-opening annular groove extending around the periphery of the foam generator 114. An annular locking structure 205 protruding toward the center is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the water supply channel 100, and each annular locking structure 205 is sealed and snap-fitted into the corresponding annular slot 352.
Through the above-mentioned arrangement, each locking structure 205 can fix the foam generator 114, and the outer periphery of both ends of the foam generator 114 is sealedly connected with the side wall of the water supply channel 100 through the locking structure 205 and the corresponding slot 352, so that the mixed liquid will not enter the outer periphery between the two ends of the foam generator 114.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the foam generator 114 includes a plurality of cylindrical foaming sections 301 arranged side by side, and the supporting structure 351 located at the top of the foam generator 114 is wavy, and the bottom of the slot 352 at this position is correspondingly set to be wavy, and the shape of the extended end of the locking structure 205 is set to the same shape as the bottom of the corresponding slot 352. While ensuring sealing and waterproofing, the foam generator 114 is pre-positioned through the wavy slot 352 when the locking structure 205 is locked, which facilitates the alignment of the corresponding positions of the locking structure 205 and the slot 352. In addition, the foam generator 114 can be limited in the horizontal direction by matching the shape of the bottom of the slot with the extended end of the locking structure to prevent the foam generator 114 from shaking or shifting in the horizontal direction.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the supporting structures 351 located at the bottom and both sides of the foam generator 114 extend in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction respectively.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the water supply channel 100, which is provided with at least the foam generator 114, is divided into a lower trough body and an upper trough body that are interlocked with each other along the height direction. The trough wall and the trough bottom of each trough body are respectively provided with a corresponding internal protruding locking structure 205.
When the two trough bodies are buckled together, a ring-shaped locking structure 205 is formed. When installing the foam generator 114, the foam generator 114 is first installed on one of the trough bodies, and then the other trough body is buckled on the trough body. At the same time, the locking structure 205 on the other trough body is inserted into the corresponding slot 352.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a water supply channel 100 is provided at the top of the water box 1, and the top wall of the water box 1 is provided with upwardly protruding ribs, and the ribs of the water box 1 are arranged to form a lower trough body. An end cover is provided on the top of the water box 1, and a groove opening downward is provided in the end cover; the top of the groove of the end cover is sealed and connected to the top of the lower trough body.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the passage area of the water supply channel 100 at the water outlet of the foam generator 114 is larger than the passage area of the water outlet of the foam generator 114.
The mixed liquid will foam after mixing with the air. By increasing the passage area to accommodate the generated foam, excessive foam will not increase the resistance in the waterway and affect the circulation of the mixed liquid.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the water supply channel 100 includes at least a drainage water section 203, which is used to divert the mixed liquid out of the additive dispensing device; a foaming water section 202, located upstream of the drainage water section 203, and provided with a foam generator 114. The width of the liquid inlet end of the foaming water section 202 is greater than the width of the liquid outlet end of the drainage water section 203.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the foaming water section 202 is divided into a first pipe section 202a and a second pipe section 202b along the flow direction of the mixed liquid. The first pipe section 202a is used to provide a space for accommodating the foam generator 114. The height of the first pipe section 202a is higher than the height of the drainage water section 203. The top of the second pipe section 202b extends downward from the first pipe section 202a to the drainage water section 203.
In the embodiment of the present invention, both ends of the second pipe section 202b are connected flush with the first pipe section 202a and the drainage water section 203 respectively.
Through the above-mentioned arrangement, through the inclined top of the second pipe section 202b, while ensuring that the foaming water section 202 has enough space to accommodate foam, the mixed liquid is accelerated by the setting of gradually reducing the area of the water channel, thereby ensuring the flow rate of the mixed liquid circulating in the water supply channel 100.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the water supply channel 100 is provided with a mixing section 112 upstream of the foam generator 114. The mixing section 112 is provided with a mixing structure to mix the mixed liquid flowing through.
With the above arrangement, the distribution of the additive in the mixed liquid is made more uniform through the mixing structure in the mixing section 112, so that the additive can be fully dissolved in the mixed liquid, thereby improving the foaming effect of the foam generator 114.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of mixing sections 112 are sequentially arranged on the water supply channel 100 along the extension direction of the water channel, and the liquid outlet of each mixing section 112 is respectively set as the liquid inlet of the downstream adjacent mixing section 112. By allowing the mixed liquid to pass through the plurality of mixing sections 112 and be stirred in sequence, it is ensured that the additive can be completely dissolved in the mixed liquid before the mixed liquid enters the foam generator 114.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing structure includes a mixing impeller 400, which is rotatably arranged in the mixing section 112, with an axis perpendicular to the bottom wall of the mixing section 112, and blades extending outward are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The mixed liquid flowing through is pre-mixed by rotating around the rotating shaft 401; the liquid inlet and liquid outlet of the mixing section 112 are oriented tangentially to the outer periphery of the mixing impeller 400. The additive is fully dissolved by stirring through the mixing impeller 400; at the same time, by arranging the liquid inlet and liquid outlet, the mixed liquid is pushed by the outer edge of the mixing impeller 400 to pass a longer journey in the mixing section 112 before being discharged, thereby increasing the time the mixed liquid stays in the mixing section 112 and further improving the mixing effect.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the rotating shaft 401 is a passive shaft rotatably arranged in the mixing section 112, and no rotating component connected to the rotating shaft 401 for driving the rotating shaft 401 to rotate is provided in the water box 1. The water impeller is driven by the mixed liquid, which saves electricity while reducing the number of devices provided in the water box 1, simplifying the internal structure of the water box 1, and reducing the overall volume of the water box 1.
In the embodiment of the present invention, a bottom wall of the water supply channel 100 between the mixing section 112 and the foam generator 114 is provided with an upwardly protruding buffer step 204.
When the mixed liquid just enters the mixing section 112, the dissolved amount of the additive in the mixed liquid is unstable, and the impeller is in a stagnant state or a low-speed rotating state, and cannot effectively stir the mixed liquid that has just entered. The buffer step 204 blocks this part of the mixed liquid, so that this part of the mixed liquid is refluxed or buffered, so that this part of the mixed liquid is mixed with the subsequent circulating mixed liquid, so that the additive content and dissolved amount of this part of the mixed liquid are balanced, thereby improving the foaming effect of the foam generator 114 on the mixed liquid that has just entered.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the water box 1 is further provided with a negative pressure water supply channel 500 for directing water flow into the water box 1; a detergent box 2 for storing additives. A negative pressure structure is connected in series to the negative pressure water supply channel 500, and the negative pressure structure has a negative pressure port 5031. The negative pressure structure can use the flowing water to generate negative pressure at the negative pressure port; the negative pressure structure can be any existing structure capable of achieving the above-mentioned functions, such as a Venturi tube 503. The liquid inlet end of the negative pressure structure is connected to the negative pressure water supply channel 500, and the liquid outlet end at the opposite end is connected to the liquid inlet end of the water supply channel 100; the negative pressure port of the negative pressure structure is connected to the liquid storage chamber 21 of the detergent box 2 for storing additives.
As shown in Figures 1-14, this embodiment introduces a laundry treatment apparatus, including a washing drum 4 for providing a space for accommodating clothes; an additive dispensing device is provided in the laundry treatment apparatus; the water outlet end of the water supply channel 100 is connected to a spray structure, the spray structure extends into the washing drum 4, and the nozzle of the spray structure is arranged toward the inside of the washing drum 4.

Embodiment 7

As shown in Figure 15 to Figure 22, in an embodiment of the present invention, a switching mechanism 7', namely a damper assembly, is introduced.
In this embodiment, the dispensing device of the washing machine is provided with an outlet air path 22' and a ventilation air path 10', and the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10' are connected to the drum assembly of the washing machine through a common pipe. A switching chamber 3' is provided between the common pipe and the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10', and air outlets 303' for connecting to the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10' are respectively provided on two adjacent chamber walls of the switching chamber 3'. The switching mechanism 7' is provided on the switching chamber 3', and the switching mechanism 7' is used to control the common pipe to be connected to the outlet air path 22' or to be connected to the ventilation air path 10'.
As shown in Figures 15 to 18, in this embodiment, the switching mechanism 7' includes a wind plate 73' and a motor 71' for driving the wind plate 73' to switch. The wind plate 73' is arranged in the switching chamber 3' and includes a flap 732' for blocking the air outlet 303' and a rotating shaft 731' for rotating the flap 732. The wind plate 73' is hinged to the wall of the switching chamber 3' via the rotating shaft 731', and the axis of the rotating shaft 731' is the rotation center of the wind plate 73'. Either end of the rotating shaft 731' of the wind plate 73' passes through the wall of the switching chamber 3' and is connected to the working end of the motor 71'. The working end of the motor 71' drives the wind plate 73' to rotate within the switching chamber 3' to achieve air path switching.
The switching chamber 3' is a closed chamber, and the switching chamber 3' includes at least a first chamber wall corresponding to the outlet air path 22', and a second chamber wall corresponding to the ventilation air path 10'. The middle parts of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall are respectively provided with air outlets 303' for communicating with the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10'. The first chamber wall and the second chamber wall are arranged around the rotation center of the wind plate 73', and the inner wall surfaces of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall are flat. The air outlets 303' on the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall both correspond to the flap 732 of the wind plate 73'.
The switching chamber 3' further includes side chamber walls arranged on both sides of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall and perpendicular to the rotation center of the rotating shaft 731'. The rotating shaft 731' is arranged at the corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall.
The side of the motor 71' where the working end is provided is the front end of the motor 71'. The front end of the motor 71' is arranged opposite to the side chamber wall of the switching chamber 3'. A through hole for the end of the rotating shaft 731' to pass through is provided on the side chamber wall close to the motor 71'.
In this embodiment, a sleeve 7313' coaxial with the rotating shaft 731' is disposed at one end of the rotating shaft 731' proximal to the motor 71'. The sleeve 7313' is sleeved over the working end of the motor 71' and is circumferentially limited thereto. Specifically, a flat surface is provided on the peripheral wall of the working end of the motor 71'. The sleeve 7313' is provided within a groove shaped to match the working end of the motor 71'. The groove is sleeved over the working end to achieve circumferential positioning between the working end and the sleeve 7313'.
As shown in Figures 15 and 18, in this embodiment, a sheath 72' is provided on the outside of the motor 71'. The sheath 72' covers at least the front end of the motor 71' to prevent high-temperature steam flowing out of the through holes on the side wall of the switching chamber 3' from contacting the motor 71.
In this embodiment, the sleeve 7313' covers the front end and the circumference of the motor 71'. The sleeve 7313' is provided with an installation opening on the side away from the switching chamber 3', and the motor 71' is installed in the sleeve 7313' through the installation opening.
Preferably, in this embodiment, the sleeve 7313' is made of hard heat-insulating material, the motor 71' is installed in the sleeve 7313' by screws, and the sleeve 7313' is installed outside the switching chamber 3' by screws. Specifically, the sleeve 7313' is installed on the dispensing device of the washing machine by screws.
In this embodiment, the side of the sheath 72' corresponding to the front end of the motor 71' is the front side of the sheath 72'. The front side of the sheath 72' is provided with a sealing portion 721' that at least partially extends to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 731'. Specifically, the sealing portion 721' at least partially extends to the outer periphery of the sleeve 7313', and a sealing device is provided between the outer wall of the sleeve 7313' and the inner wall of the sealing portion 721'.
Preferably, in this embodiment, the sealing portion 721' extends from the front side of the sheath 72' toward the switching chamber 3', the sealing portion 721' covers the entire outer circumference of the sleeve 7313', and the end of the sealing portion 721' abuts against the side wall of the switching chamber 3'.
In this embodiment, an axial positioning structure is provided between the rotating shaft 731' and the switching chamber 3', and the end of the sleeve 7313' abuts against the front side of the sheath 72'.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 15, a slot corresponding to the sealing portion 721' is provided on the outer side of the chamber wall of the switching chamber 3', and the shape of the slot matches the shape of the end of the sealing portion 721'; the end of the sealing portion 721' close to the switching chamber 3' is plugged into the slot.
In this embodiment, the sealing device includes a sealing ring 74', which is disposed between the outer peripheral wall of the sleeve 7313' and the inner wall of the sealing portion 721' to seal the gap between the two. By providing a sealing portion 721' extending to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 731' at the front end of the sleeve 72', and disposing a sealing device between the inner wall of the sealing portion 721' and the outer wall of the rotating shaft 731', a dynamic seal is achieved between the rotating shaft 731' and the sleeve 72'. This prevents high-temperature steam from contacting the working end of the motor 71' or even flowing into the interior of the motor 71'. This prevents the high-temperature steam generated during operation of the washing machine from affecting the operational stability of the motor 71' of the switching mechanism 7'.
In this embodiment, a sealing groove 7314' extending circumferentially of the sleeve 7313' is provided on the outer wall of the sleeve 7313'. The sealing ring 74' is embedded in the sealing groove 7314'. The radial thickness of the sealing ring 74' is greater than or equal to the difference between the inner radius of the sealing portion 721' and the radius of the bottom of the sealing groove 7314'. Specifically, the inner diameter of the sealing ring 74' is less than or equal to the diameter of the bottom of the sealing groove 7314', and the outer diameter of the sealing ring 74' is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the sealing portion 721. The inner circumferential wall of the sealing ring 74' elastically abuts the bottom of the sealing groove 7314', and the outer wall of the sealing ring 74' elastically abuts the inner wall of the sealing portion 721'.
Preferably, in this embodiment, the axial length of the sealing ring 74' is greater than or equal to the groove width of the sealing groove 7314', and the sealing ring 74' and the sealing groove 7314' are interference fit.
As shown in Figures 21 and 22, in some possible embodiments, the axial cross-section of the sealing ring 74' is Y-shaped. Specifically, the sealing ring 74' includes an integrally formed first portion 741', a second portion 742', and a third portion 743'. The first portion 741' extends along the axial direction of the sleeve 7313', and the second portion 742' and the third portion 743' are formed on the same side of the first portion 741' and extend obliquely along the axial direction. The second portion 742' extends obliquely from the end of the first portion 741' along the axial direction, toward the side away from the axis, and the third portion 743' extends obliquely from the connection between the first portion 741' and the second portion 742' along the axial direction, toward the side close to the axis.
In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first portion 741' is smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the sleeve 7313', the inner diameter of the first portion 741' is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the bottom of the sealing groove 7314', the sealing ring 74' elastically abuts against the inner wall of the sealing portion 721' through its second portion 742', and the sealing ring 74' elastically abuts against the bottom of the sealing groove 7314' through its third portion 743'.
In this embodiment, the end surfaces of the second portion 742' and the third portion 743' are located on the same plane.
Preferably, in this embodiment, the second portion 742' and the third portion 743' are arranged on a side of the first portion 741' close to the switching chamber 3'.
Preferably, in this embodiment, the thickness of the first portion 741' of the sealing ring 74' is greater than the thickness of the second portion 742', and greater than the thickness of the third portion 743'. Further preferably, the thickness of the second portion 742' is equal to the thickness of the third portion 743', and is also equal to half the thickness of the first portion 741'.
In some other possible embodiments, a group of second portions 742' and third portions 743' with V-shaped axial cross-sections are respectively provided at both ends of the first portion 741'.
Preferably, in this embodiment, a plurality of sealing grooves 7314' are provided and arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the sleeve 7313', and one or more sealing rings 74' are respectively provided in each of the sealing grooves 7314'.
Preferably, in this embodiment, two sealing grooves 7314' are provided along the axial direction of the sleeve 7313', two sealing rings 74' are provided in the sealing groove 7314' close to the switching chamber 3', and one sealing ring 74' is provided in the sealing groove 7314' away from the switching chamber 3'.
In this embodiment, a flap 732' extending radially thereof is provided on the rotating shaft 731'. The flap 732' includes a first position for adhering to the first chamber wall and blocking the air outlet 303' on the first chamber wall, and a second position for adhering to the second chamber wall and blocking the air outlet 303' on the second chamber wall.
Preferably, in this embodiment, the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall are adjacently disposed and perpendicular to each other. A shaft hole 305' corresponding to the rotating shaft 731' is disposed at a corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall. The rotating shaft 731' is at least partially embedded in the shaft hole 305' and axially limitedly engaged with the shaft hole 305'.
Specifically, the rotating shaft 731' is provided with at least one circle of radial protrusions extending along the circumference of the rotating shaft 731', and the inner wall of the shaft hole 305' is provided with a limiting groove 306' adapted to the radial protrusion. The radial protrusion is clamped in the limiting groove 306' to achieve axial positioning between the rotating shaft 731' and the switching chamber 3'.
Preferably, in this embodiment, the end of the rotating shaft 731' away from the motor 71' is rotatably engaged with the side wall of the switching chamber 3' away from the motor 71'. Specifically, the end of the rotating shaft 731' away from the motor 71' is plugged into the wall of the switching chamber 3' away from the motor 71', and the flap 732' is disposed in the middle of the rotating shaft 731'. This further enhances the guiding effect of the switching chamber 3' on the rotation of the rotating shaft 731' and improves the rotational stability of the wind plate 73'.
In this embodiment, the radial protrusions include at least two provided on the rotating shaft 731' on both sides of the flap 732'.
Specifically, the radial protrusions include two arranged on the rotating shaft 731' on both sides of the flap 732', including a first radial protrusion 7311' arranged on the side of the flap 732' close to the motor 71', and a second radial protrusion 7312' arranged on the side of the flap 732' away from the motor 71'. The first radial protrusion 7311' is arranged on the inner side of the side chamber wall and spaced apart from the side chamber wall. The second radial protrusion 7312' is arranged at the end of the rotating shaft 731' away from the motor 71'. The end of the rotating shaft 731' away from the motor 71' is at least partially inserted into the side chamber wall of the switching chamber 3' away from the motor 71'.
Preferably, a through hole is provided on the side chamber wall of the switching chamber 3' away from the motor 71', and the end face of the second radial protrusion 7312' is flush with the outer wall surface of the side chamber wall. The outer side of the side chamber wall is also provided with a stop surface for stopping the second radial protrusion 7312', and the stop surface and the through hole on the side chamber wall constitute a limiting groove 306' adapted to the second radial protrusion 7312'.
Preferably, in this embodiment, the diameter of the first radial protrusion 7311' is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second radial protrusion 7312', and the axial length of the first radial protrusion 7311' is less than or equal to the axial length of the second radial protrusion 7312'.
Preferably, in this embodiment, the switching chamber 3' is a split structure, including a switching chamber body 301' and a detachable cover 302' arranged outside the switching chamber body 301', and the cover 302' is arranged at the corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall.
An opening 304' is provided on the switching chamber body 301' at a corner corresponding to the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall. The cover 302' is used to block the opening 304'. The shaft hole 305' is provided on the cover 302'. The thickness of the flap 732' is less than or equal to the width of the opening 304'.
Specifically, the first side wall and the second side wall on the switching chamber 3' are spaced apart, and the spaced apart portion constitutes the opening 304'. An arcuate groove is provided on the cover 302' corresponding to the opening 304', and the inner diameter of the arcuate groove is adapted to the outer diameter of the rotating shaft 731'. When the cover 302' is buckled on the opening 304', the arcuate groove corresponds to the opening 304', constituting the shaft hole 305' of the rotating shaft 731'. The flap 732' extends from the opening 304' and rotates with the rotating shaft 731' to block the air outlet 303' on the first chamber wall or the second chamber wall.
In this embodiment, the switching chamber 3' is provided with a switching chamber body 301' and a detachable cover 302' provided on the outside of the switching chamber body 301', and the shaft hole 305' is provided on the cover 302', so that the wind plate 73' can be disassembled and assembled from the opening 304' on the switching chamber body 301', thereby enabling the operator to conveniently inspect and maintain the switching mechanism 7'.
As shown in Figure 18, in this embodiment, the flap 732' includes a plate-shaped flap body 7321' and a rubber sleeve 7322' sleeved on the outside of the flap body 7321'. The rubber sleeve 7322' is provided with sealing ridges corresponding to the air outlets 303' on the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall.
In this embodiment, the sealing ridge is arranged around the air outlet 303' corresponding to this side, and the sealing ridge protrudes and extends from the side of the rubber sleeve 7322'. When the wind plate 73' moves to the first position, the sealing ridge on the first side of the flap 732' abuts against the first chamber wall. When the wind plate 73' moves to the second position, the sealing ridge on the second side of the flap 732' abuts against the second chamber wall.
Preferably, in this embodiment, a planar portion 7324' is provided on the rotating shaft 731' between the two radial protrusions, and the flap body 7321' protrudes and extends from the middle of the planar portion 7324' perpendicular to the planar portion 7324', and a mounting groove 7323' is provided at the edge of the flap body 7321, and the rubber sleeve 7322' is sleeved on the mounting groove 7323' of the flap body 7321'.
Specifically, in this embodiment, the mounting groove 7323' is arranged around the circumference of the flap body 7321', and is recessed from the first side of the flap body 7321' to the second side of the flap body 7321'. The mounting groove 7323' is annular, and a positioning portion is formed on the first side within the surrounding range of the mounting groove 7323'. The rubber sleeve 7322' is arranged around the positioning portion, and the rubber sleeve 7322' is arranged around the flap body 7321'.
In this embodiment, the rubber sleeve 7322' surrounds the positioning portion and fills the mounting groove 7323'. The first side surface of the rubber sleeve 7322' is coplanar with the end surface of the positioning portion.
The rubber sleeve 7322' surrounds the left and right sides of the flap body 7321 and the side of the flap body 7321' away from the planar portion 7324'. The second side surface of the rubber sleeve 7322' is coplanar with the second side surface of the flap body 7321'.
Preferably, in this embodiment, the mounting groove 7323' at least partially extends onto the plane portion 7324'.
In this embodiment, the rubber sleeve 7322' is sleeved over the flap body 7321' in a direction from the first side of the flap 732' to the second side of the flap 732'. Since the flap 732' includes the flap body 7321' and the rubber sleeve 7322', the wind plate 73', through the rubber sleeve 7322', blocks the air outlets 303' on the first and second chamber walls. This ensures the wind plate 73' seals the air outlets 303', improving the operational stability of the switching mechanism 7.

Embodiment 8

One embodiment, as shown in Figures 23 to 31, includes a dispensing device of a washing machine comprising a water box 1. The water box 1 is internally provided with a water channel for directing a mixed liquid containing additives to be dispensed. The water box 1 includes a water box panel 11' positioned on the front side of the washing machine housing. The surface of the water box panel 11' is flush with the front surface of the housing, making the front of the washing machine more compact and aesthetically pleasing.
In the prior art, in order to prevent the occurrence of odors inside the drum assembly 8' of the washing machine due to the failure to open the door in time to dry the clothes after washing or the washing machine not being operated for a long time, a ventilation device is provided on the washing machine, and various air paths are connected and conducted through various hoses. However, the arrangement of many hoses and the difficulty in shaping the materials thereof result in poor ventilation, which affects the effect of fresh air exchange.
In order to solve the above-mentioned defects, the present invention has made corresponding improvements:

The water box 1 is provided with an air outlet 13' on the front side;
a fresh air path 2' is arranged inside the water box 1, with one end connected to the outside and the other end connected to the air outlet 13' through the drum assembly 8' of the washing machine, so as to guide the fresh air from the outside into the drum assembly 8' of the washing machine and then discharge it from the air outlet 13'.

In the present invention, the water box panel 11' of the water box 1 is provided with an air outlet 13' on the side wall of the water box 1. The air outlet 13' extends to one side or both sides along the transverse direction, and the air outlet 13' is formed into a long strip shape.
A fresh air path 2' is provided inside the water box 1, wherein the two ends of the fresh air path 2' are respectively connected to the outside world and to the inside of the drum assembly 8' and to the air outlet 13', thereby forming a fresh air circulation system that guides fresh air from the outside into the drum assembly 8' through the fresh air path 2' and discharges it to the outside through the air outlet 13' provided on the front side of the water box 1. The fresh air path 2 is integrated into the interior of the water box 1, and the direction of its air path is determined. Only the end of the fresh air path 2' needs to be connected to the inside of the drum assembly 8', so there is no need to realize the overall air guide path through multiple hoses as in the prior art. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the overall path of the fresh air introduced into the drum assembly 8' and discharged from it through the air outlet 13' on the front side of the water box 1 is determined, thereby ensuring the smoothness of air flow and improving the effect of fresh air exchange.
In addition, since the front side of the water box 1 is provided with an air outlet 13' exposed to the outside, during the fresh air circulation process, the user can directly observe the air outlet 13' with his eyes, and at the same time, with the help of touch, he can know the progress of the fresh air exchange program, making the overall fresh air exchange program more intuitive.
Furthermore, the fresh air path 2' includes an inlet air path 21' and an outlet air path 22'.
The first air inlet end of the inlet air path 21' is connected to the induced draft fan 4', and the first air outlet end of the inlet air path 21' is connected to the drum assembly 8' of the washing machine, so as to introduce fresh air from the outside into the drum assembly 8' of the washing machine under the action of pressure difference.
The second air inlet end of the outlet air path 22' is connected to the drum assembly 8' of the washing machine, and the second air outlet end of the outlet air path 22' is connected to the air outlet 13' of the water box 1, for guiding the mixed air in the drum assembly 8' of the washing machine out of the air outlet 13' of the water box 1.
In the present invention, an inlet air path 21' and an outlet air path 22' are integrated into the water box 1. The inlet air path 21' and the outlet air path 22' can be independent metal pipe structures connected to the interior of the water box 1; or they can be recessed on the inner wall of the water box 1 to form a semi-enclosed channel, and then the water box 1 is completely enclosed by the water box cover 12' to form a complete inlet air path 21' and outlet air path 22'.
An induced draft fan 4' is connected to the first air inlet end of the inlet air path 21' (on the side panel near the water box 1). The inlet air path 21' extends transversely along the length of the water box 1. The air inlet of the induced draft fan 4 is connected to the inlet air path 21' via a first fan duct 41'. The first air outlet end of the inlet air path 21' is connected to the interior of the drum assembly 8' via a second fan duct 42'. The entire inlet air path 21' extends axially along the drum assembly 8', and the connection point between the second fan duct 42' and the drum assembly 8' is located near the drum opening of the drum assembly 8'.
In addition, the second air inlet end of the outlet air path 22' is connected at the bottom of the drum assembly 8', and the second air outlet end of the outlet air path 22' is close to the water box 1 and connected to the air outlet 13' of the water box 1. Then, the overall fresh air flow path passes through the inlet air path 21', the drum opening of the drum assembly 8', the drum bottom of the drum assembly 8', the outlet air path 22' in sequence from the outside, and is discharged from the air outlet 13' of the water box 1, forming a fresh air circulation system, so that the fresh air can be effectively exchanged through the entire drum assembly 8' and then discharged to the outside. Since the air flow directions of the outlet air path 22' and the inlet air path 21' are the same, the docking position of the entire fresh air path 2' with the drum assembly 8' and the air outlet 13' of the water box 1 can be optimized, the number and length of the hoses can be reduced, and the smoothness of the fresh air flow can be ensured, thereby improving the effect of fresh air exchange.
Furthermore, a first air duct 5' is provided between the second air outlet end and the air outlet 13', and an air guide cover 51' is provided at the end of the first air duct 5' and plugged into the air outlet 13'.
The ventilation flow area of the air guide cover 51' is larger than the ventilation flow area of the first air duct 5'.
In the present invention, the first air duct 5' disposed between the second air outlet end and the air outlet 13' is connected to an air guide cover 51' at its end. The air guide cover 51' is connected to the air outlet 13' by plugging, thereby achieving a quick connection with the air outlet 13'.
In addition, due to the area of the ventilation flow field formed by the chamber inside the air guide cover 51' and the ventilation flow field of the first air duct 5', when the air inside the drum assembly 8' is discharged through the air guide cover 51', the circulation space suddenly increases, so that the air can diffuse to a wider range outside, ensuring smooth discharge.
Furthermore, the ventilation flow area of the air guide cover 51' gradually increases from the first air duct 5' toward the air outlet 13'.
In the present invention, the ventilation flow area of the air guide cover 51' gradually increases toward the hood opening, forming at least a tapered slope within the air guide cover 51'. This gradual increase in the area of the ventilation flow area minimizes significant pressure fluctuations when air is drawn out of the first air duct 5', resulting in more stable and smooth air flow. Furthermore, the tapered slope within the air guide cover 51' provides a certain degree of guidance for the flowing air, allowing air to be dispersed over a wider area within the air guide cover 51'.
Furthermore, the opening of the air outlet 13' extends backward from the front side of the water box 1 to form a surrounding wall 131', and the surrounding wall 131' is at least partially protruded from the rear side of the water box 1.
The air guide cover 51' is disposed on the surrounding wall 131'.
In the present invention, the opening of the air guide port on the front side of the water box 1 gradually extends toward the rear. As the sidewalls of the air guide port's opening gradually extend to form a surrounding wall 131', and the surrounding wall 131' at least partially protrudes from the rear side of the water box 1, the air guide port has a certain extension portion at the rear side of the water box 1. The cover opening of the air guide cover 51' is configured to have an opening shape that matches the surrounding wall 131' formed by the rearward protrusion of the air guide port. Furthermore, the cover opening of the air guide cover 51' is mounted on the surrounding wall 131', with an interference fit between the two to prevent the air guide cover 51' from easily falling off.
Furthermore, a rearwardly extending limiting plate 132' is provided on the rear side of the water box 1. The limiting plate 132' is located on the periphery of the surrounding wall 131' and is arranged parallel to at least a portion of the surrounding wall 131', forming a limit opening for limiting the air guide cover 51' from falling off the surrounding wall 131'.
In the present invention, a limiting plate 132' is provided on the rear panel of the water box 1, protruding from the rear side panel. The limiting plate 132' can be integrally injection-molded, or the limiting plate 132' can be fixed to the rear panel of the water box 1 by welding or bonding. The limiting plate 132' is provided on the outside of the surrounding wall 131', and is arranged parallel to and opposite to any side wall of the surrounding wall 131. A limiting opening is defined between the limiting plate 132' and the surrounding wall 131'. After the air guide cover 51' is placed on the surrounding wall 131', the inner and outer sides of the air guide cover 51' are respectively limited by the surrounding wall 131' and the side walls of the limiting plate 132', further ensuring the firmness of the air guide cover 51' after being connected to the surrounding wall 131'.
Furthermore, the inlet air path 21' is provided at the bottom of the water box 1, and a one-way valve is provided in the inlet air path 21', with the conducting direction from the induced draft fan 4' to the drum opening of the drum assembly 8' of the washing machine.
In the present invention, the inlet air path 21' is set at the bottom of the water box 1, and the fresh air flows from the bottom of the drum assembly 8' to the drum opening along the length of the water box 1. The one-way valve set on the flow path of the fresh air can ensure that the fresh air does not flow back or cause the mixed air inside the drum assembly 8' to flow back, causing pollution to the inlet air path 21'.
Furthermore, the outlet air path 22' is provided at the upper portion of the water box 1, and there is a height difference between the second air inlet end of the outlet air path 22' and the first air outlet end of the inlet air path 21'; a vertical second air duct 6' is provided between the second air inlet end of the outlet air path 22 and the drum assembly 8' of the washing machine.
Preferably, the second air duct 6' is a corrugated pipe.
In the present invention, an outlet air path 22' and an inlet air path 21' are respectively provided on the upper and lower end surfaces of the water box 1, and a notch is provided at the bottom of the water box 1, so that the second air inlet end of the outlet air path 22' is arranged closer to the water box cover 12', so that there is a certain distance between the first air outlet end and the second air inlet end of the inlet air path 21' at the bottom of the water box 1, so that when the second air inlet end is connected to the drum assembly 8', there is more space for installing the second air duct 6'.
Preferably, the second air duct 6' is at least partially a bellows. Since the bellows has a certain elasticity, it is convenient to connect the first air outlet end and the second air inlet end. In the air guiding state, it can undergo adaptive slight deformation to ensure the service life of the second air duct 6'; and since the second air duct 6' has folds in the bellows section, during the washing process, some washing foam will overflow into the second air duct 6'. Since the folds can puncture larger foam, it is convenient for the foam to be punctured and flow back into the drum assembly 8'.
Furthermore, the water box 1 is provided with a ventilation air path 10', which is in communication with the interior of the drum assembly 8'.
The upper portion of the water box 1 is provided with a downwardly concave switching chamber 3', and the switching chamber 3' is provided with a first ventilation hole 311' and a second ventilation hole 321', which are respectively connected to the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10'.
A switching mechanism 7' is provided in the switching chamber 3', which can alternately switch between the first ventilation hole 311' and the second ventilation hole 321'.
In the present invention, a ventilation air path 10' is further provided in the water box 1, with its two ends respectively connected to the interior of the water box 1 and the interior of the drum assembly 8'. This is used to ensure that the air pressure in the drum assembly 8' and the water box 1 (the water box 1 is connected to the outside world) is balanced when adding detergent and tap water to the drum assembly 8' during the washing process. There is no pressure difference in the drum assembly 8', so the addition of detergent and tap water is smoother.
A first ventilation hole 311' and a second ventilation hole 321' are provided in the switching chamber 3' provided on the water box 1, respectively connected to the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10'. At the same time, the first ventilation hole 311 and the second ventilation hole 321' are alternately connected through the switching mechanism 7', so that different air passages can be switched through the switching mechanism 7' according to the requirements of the washing program of the washing machine to achieve the requirements of the corresponding washing program.
The present invention further provides a washing machine having any of the above-described dispensing devices, wherein the air outlet 13' is exposedly provided on the front panel of the dispensing device, i.e., the air outlet 13' is completely exposed relative to the front side of the washing machine. Specifically, the front panel of the dispensing device is embedded in the front side of the washing machine, and the air outlet 13' is provided on the panel near the lower gap between the dispensing device and the front side of the washing machine, i.e., the front panel of the dispensing device is embedded in the front side of the washing machine, wherein the air outlet 13' is provided on the panel of the dispensing device near the lower gap between the dispensing device and the front side of the washing machine.
During the fresh air circulation process, the user can directly observe the air outlet 13' with their eyes, and at the same time, through touch, they can know the progress of the fresh air exchange process, making the overall fresh air exchange process more intuitive. When the washing machine completes the washing process or has not been used for a long time and needs to exchange fresh air for the internal drum assembly 8', the fresh air path 2' uses the function of the induced draft fan 4' to introduce the outside fresh air into the drum assembly 8 and discharge the mixed air through the air outlet 13' on the front side of the water box 1, continuously circulating the fresh air to purify the interior of the drum assembly 8'. At the same time, the user can intuitively feel the progress of the fresh air circulation process through the air outlet 13'.
During the washing process of the washing machine, when adding detergent or tap water, in order to ensure that the pressure inside the drum assembly 8' is consistent with the external atmospheric pressure, the ventilation air path 10' in the water box 1 is opened to ensure the addition of detergent or tap water. During the washing stage, a lot of foam will be generated, which can overflow directly into the water storage tank of the water box 1 through the ventilation air path 10' and be discharged to the outside, thereby preventing the overflowed foam from overflowing between the box body and the drum assembly 8' and causing pollution inside the box body.
Another preferred embodiment: referring to Figures 23 to 25 and 29 to 31, a dispensing device for a washing machine according to the present invention comprises a water box 1 for arching water or detergent into the drum assembly 8', and the water box 1 further comprises an outlet air path 22' and a ventilation duct 10'.
The outlet air path 22' is connected to the outside world and is used to discharge the air in the drum assembly 8' to the outside world through the interior of the water box 1;
The ventilation air path 10' is in communication with the interior of the water box 1, and connects the drum assembly 8' with the interior of the water box 1, so as to maintain the balance between the washing drum and the external atmosphere during washing.
The existing water box 1 is generally integrated with an outlet air path 22' and a ventilation air path 10', one end of the two air paths are connected to the interior of the drum assembly 8', and the other end of the outlet air path 22' is connected to the outside world, which is used to introduce fresh air from the outside into the drum assembly 8' and then export it to the outside environment through the outlet air path 22' in the water box 1, so as to achieve the renewal of the internal air of the drum assembly 8'; and the other end of the ventilation air path 10' is connected to the interior of the water box 1, wherein a water storage tank structure is provided at the bottom of the water box 1 and is connected to the outside environment, so that the ventilation air path 10 can connect the interior of the drum assembly 8' with the outside world, thereby ensuring that the air pressure inside the drum assembly 8' is balanced with the external atmospheric pressure during the washing process, and in the absence of a pressure difference, the normal addition of detergent or tap water in the washing process can be guaranteed.
However, since the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10' have relatively independent flow paths, the on/off of each air passage is controlled independently during operation, resulting in a complex structure in the loading device of the washing machine and occupying more internal space.
In order to overcome the defects brought about by the above-mentioned dispensing device of the washing machine, the present invention makes corresponding improvements.
A switching portion is provided between the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10' to connect the two. A switching mechanism 7' is provided at the switching portion to alternately switch between the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10'.
In the present invention, an outlet air path 22' and a ventilation air path 10' are integrated inside the water box 1, and there is an intersection between the two air passages on the flow path. A connecting switching portion is provided at the intersection, and a switching mechanism 7' is provided inside for alternately switching between the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10'. It can be switched to the corresponding air passage according to the actual needs before and after washing inside the drum assembly 8', which is flexible and convenient.
Furthermore, the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10' are integrated on the water box 1, so that the two paths have a common air flow area, thereby reducing the space occupied by the two passages inside the water box 1.
Furthermore, the switching portion at least includes a switching chamber 3' provided above the water box 1 and recessed downward, and a first ventilation hole 311' and a second ventilation hole 321' are provided on the switching chamber 3', which are connected to the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10' respectively.
The switching mechanism 7' can alternately open the first ventilation hole 311' and the second ventilation hole 321'.
In the present invention, a switching chamber 3' is provided in the upper part of the water box 1, which is recessed downward. The switching chamber 3' has a first ventilation hole 311' and a second ventilation hole 321'. The switching mechanism 7' is provided inside the switching chamber 3', and is used to alternately conduct the first ventilation hole 311' and the second ventilation hole 321', thereby controlling the opening and closing of the first ventilation hole 311' and the second ventilation hole 321' to control the switching action of the two air paths, thereby realizing different requirements for the washing program in the drum assembly 8'.
Furthermore, a partition 33' extending downward along the height direction is provided in the switching chamber 3', dividing the switching chamber 3' into a first switching chamber 313' and a second switching chamber 323'. The first ventilation hole 311' is provided on the partition 33', and the second ventilation hole 321' is provided on the bottom wall of the second switching chamber 323'.
In the present invention, a partition 33' extending vertically downward is provided in the middle portion of the switching chamber 3', dividing the entire switching chamber 3' into two chambers, namely the first switching chamber 313' and the second switching chamber 323'. Specifically, a first ventilation hole 311' is provided on the partition 33' to connect to the first switching chamber 313', and a second ventilation hole 321' is provided at the bottom of the second switching chamber 323', so that the conduction directions of the two ventilation holes are arranged perpendicular to each other. When performing a replacement operation, the second ventilation hole 321' is closed, allowing the mixed air flowing out of the drum assembly 8' to pass through the second switching chamber 323' and be diverted from the first ventilation hole 311' until it flows out from the air outlet 22'. During the process of the air passing through the second switching chamber 323' and being diverted, it contacts the side wall of the switching chamber 3, and the water vapor carried by it will condense and be temporarily stored in the second switching chamber 323', thereby ensuring the separation of water vapor during the replacement operation.
Furthermore, the bottom wall of the first switching chamber 313' is higher than the bottom wall of the second switching chamber 323', and a step surface is provided between the bottom wall and the second switching chamber 323'.
In the present invention, since the bottom wall of the first switching chamber 313' is higher than the bottom wall of the second switching chamber 323', the two bottom walls are transited by a vertical step. This can be seen as a first ventilation hole 311' being provided at a certain height (the height difference between the bottom walls of the two switching chambers 3') from the bottom wall of the second switching chamber 323' on the partition 33. During the fresh air exchange process, some water vapor condenses here and is temporarily stored in the second switching chamber 323', preventing it from overflowing into the first switching chamber 313'. Furthermore, during the washing process, foam enters the switching chamber 3'. The step height between the two switching chambers 3' effectively prevents the defoamed wash liquid from overflowing into the first switching chamber 313'. Finally, the second ventilation hole 321' is opened, allowing the temporarily stored liquid to discharge through the second ventilation hole 321' into the interior of the water box 1.
Furthermore, an air inlet port 9' is provided on the water box 1, one end of which is communicated with the interior of the drum assembly 8' through the second air duct, and the other end of which is communicated with the second switching chamber 323'.
In the present invention, a port is provided in the water box 1, connecting the drum assembly 8' via a second air duct. The second air duct is vertically positioned between the drum assembly 8' and the water box 1. In both the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10', the second air duct serves as a common intake pipe component for both air paths, both connected to the switching chamber 3' via an air inlet port 9'. This further integrates the connection design between the two air paths, from the water box 1 to the drum assembly 8'.
Furthermore, the air inlet port 9' has a length extending transversely above the water box 1, and the bottom of the air inlet port 9' is gradually inclined from the second switching chamber 323' toward the second air duct.
In the present invention, the air inlet port 9' has a certain horizontal extension length at the upper part of the water box 1, forming a common flow path for the outlet air path 22' and the ventilation air path 10', extending all the way to the switching chamber 3'. In addition, the air inlet port 9' points from the switching chamber 3' to the direction of one end of the second air duct, and the entire extension portion gradually tilts downward, so that the entire air inlet port 9' has a certain slope, which further optimizes the path arrangement of the two air paths in the water box 1. When overflowing through the second air duct to the air inlet port 9' during the washing process, the entire air inlet port 9' can provide a certain defoaming path, and allow some of the defoamed washing liquid to return to the drum assembly 8'.
Furthermore, the lower wall of the water box 1 is recessed downward to form a diversion channel, and the recess gradually slopes from one side of the water box 1 close to the second ventilation hole 321' to the other side.
The diversion channel is provided with a diversion hole 15' at the bottom of the recess, which is connected to the outside.
In the present invention, a diversion channel is recessed into the inner wall of the bottom of the water box 1, and the diversion channel is located near the intersection of the bottom wall and the side wall of the water box 1. The opening at one end of the diversion channel is located relative to the second ventilation hole 321'. This allows the rotation of the drum assembly 8' during the washing process to cause some overflowing washing foam to fall from the second ventilation hole 321' into the diversion channel, and then flow through the inclined diversion channel to the lowest diversion hole 15' for discharge.
In addition, during the washing process operated inside the drum assembly 8', when detergent or tap water is supplied, in order to ensure that the pressure inside the drum assembly 8 is balanced with the external atmospheric pressure, the second ventilation hole 321' needs to be opened so that the drum assembly 8' is connected with the inside (outside atmosphere) of the water box 1. Then, in the absence of air pressure, detergent or tap water can be smoothly added into the drum assembly 8'; during the washing process, high-temperature steam will also be generated to prevent the pressure inside the drum assembly 8' from continuing to rise. It is also necessary to open the ventilation air path 10' to maintain the air pressure balance inside the drum assembly 8'; at the same time, the washing foam overflowing during the washing process can also be discharged to the inside of the water box 1 through the second ventilation hole 321'.
Furthermore, an air outlet 14' is provided on the side wall of the water box 1, and the air outlet 14' is located above the diversion hole 15'.
In the present invention, an air outlet 14' is provided on the side wall of the water box 1 at a height above the diversion hole 15'. The air outlet 14' connects the interior of the water box 1 with the external environment, thereby ensuring that the ventilation air path 10' is connected to the external environment when it is open, achieving air pressure balance between the drum assembly 8' and the outside world. At the same time, due to the high position of the air outlet 14', overflowing washing liquid is prevented from directly overflowing from the air outlet 14', ensuring that the overflowing washing liquid can flow directionally along the guide channel.
The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make slight changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments using the above-mentioned technical contents without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

An additive dispensing device, comprising: two channels being capable of inletting water; a negative pressure water supply channel and a water supply channel; a liquid dispensing channel connected to a liquid storage chamber containing an additive; and a control switching structure for changing a connection mode of the liquid dispensing channel; wherein, the liquid dispensing channel is configured to connect the negative pressure water supply channel and the liquid storage chamber, utilizing the negative pressure generated by an inlet water flow of the negative pressure water supply channel to extract the additive from the liquid storage chamber into the liquid dispensing channel; alternatively, both ends of the liquid dispensing channel are connected to the water supply channel, allowing a portion of the inlet water flow of the water supply channel to flow into the liquid dispensing channel to deliver the additive extracted into the water supply channel.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that an inlet of the liquid dispensing channel is connected to either the negative pressure water supply channel or an upstream part of a mixing section of the water supply channel in a switchable manner through a three-way reversing valve; an outlet of the liquid dispensing channel is connected to a water inlet end of the mixing section of the water supply channel; the three-way reversing valve is used to control the connection between the inlet of the liquid dispensing channel and either the negative pressure water supply channel or the upstream part of the mixing section of the water supply channel.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that a middle part of the liquid dispensing channel is connected to at least one liquid storage chamber via a liquid extraction channel, and the liquid extraction channel is provided with a one-way valve for controlling liquid in the channel to flow only in a direction of the liquid dispensing channel; preferably, multiple liquid storage chambers are connected to the liquid dispensing channel via corresponding liquid extraction channels; further preferably, each liquid extraction channel is provided with a control valve for controlling on-off of the pipeline, and/or, each liquid extraction channel is provided with a reversing valve for switching on-off of the pipeline at an intersection with the liquid dispensing channel, so as to control one of the liquid extraction channels to be connected to the liquid dispensing channel.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 3, comprising a first liquid storage chamber and a second liquid storage chamber; wherein, a liquid extraction three-way reversing valve is provided on the liquid dispensing channel, a third opening of the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve is connected to the first liquid storage chamber via a first liquid extraction channel, the second liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid dispensing channel on a downstream of the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve via a second liquid extraction channel, and a one-way valve is provided on the second liquid extraction channel for controlling liquid to flow only in the direction of the liquid dispensing channel; the liquid extraction three-way reversing valve is used to control the connection between either two of the liquid dispensing channel at an upstream side, the liquid dispensing channel at a downstream side and the first liquid extraction channel.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a temporary storage is provided on the liquid dispensing channel for storing the additive extracted into the liquid dispensing channel, the temporary storage is an upstream portion of the liquid dispensing channel, located at an upstream of a connection between the liquid extraction channel and the liquid dispensing channel; a one-way valve is provided on the liquid dispensing channel at downstream of the connection between the liquid extraction channel and the liquid dispensing channel, for controlling liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel to only flow toward the mixing section of the water supply channel; preferably, a flow meter is provided on the liquid dispensing channel, located between the three-way reversing valve and the temporary storage, for measuring an amount of liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a negative pressure structure is provided on the negative pressure water supply channel, the negative pressure structure has a negative pressure port, and the negative pressure structure utilizes water flowing through to form a negative pressure at the negative pressure port; two inlets of the three-way reversing valve are respectively connected to the negative pressure port of the negative pressure structure provided on the negative pressure water supply channel and the water supply channel at upstream of the mixing section provided on the water supply channel.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a first water inlet valve is provided at the inlet end of the negative pressure water supply channel for controlling the on-off of water inlet to the negative pressure water supply channel; a second water inlet valve is provided at an inlet end of the water supply channel for controlling the on-off of water inlet to the water supply channel.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one mixing section is provided on the water supply channel, and a mixing structure is provided in the mixing section for mixing inletting water flow with the additive; preferably, a plurality of mixing sections are provided on the water supply channel, and the mixing structure provided in each mixing section is used for mixing the inletting water flow with the additive in turn.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a foam generator is provided on the water supply channel for foaming the additive mixture; the foam generator is provided on the water supply channel downstream of the mixing section.
A laundry treatment apparatus comprising a washing drum and the additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, inlets of the negative pressure water supply channel and the water supply channel are respectively connected to or disconnected from a water inlet pipe of the laundry treatment apparatus in a controllable manner, and outlets of the negative pressure water supply channel and the water supply channel are both connected to the washing drum.
A method for controlling the dispensing of additives in the laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 10, comprising an additive extraction step and an additive dispensing step being performed alternately;
wherein, the additive extraction step includes, controlling the control switching structure to be in a first connection mode, the liquid dispensing channel connecting the negative pressure water supply channel and the liquid storage chamber, water being fed into the negative pressure water supply channel, and utilizing the negative pressure generated by the inflow of the negative pressure water supply channel to extract the additive in the liquid storage chamber into the liquid dispensing channel;

the additive dispensing step includes, controlling the control switching structure to be in a second connection mode, both ends of the liquid dispensing channel connecting with the water supply channel, water being fed into the water supply channel, a portion of the inflow of the water supply channel flowing into the liquid dispensing channel, the additive extracted being dispensed into the water supply channel, the additive being mixed with the inflow of the water supply channel to form an additive mixture, and the additive mixture being sprayed into the washing drum.
The method for controlling the dispensing of additives in the laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that when the control switching structure is in the first connection mode, the three-way reversing valve connects the inlet of the liquid dispensing channel with the negative pressure port of the negative pressure structure provided on the negative pressure water supply channel, and the liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid dispensing channel;
when the control switching structure is in the second connection mode, the three-way reversing valve connects the inlet of the liquid dispensing channel with the water supply channel at upstream of the mixing section, and the liquid storage chamber is disconnected from the liquid dispensing channel.
An additive dispensing device, comprising a liquid storage chamber for storing additives; a water supply channel connected to the liquid storage chamber via a suction pump,
wherein, the additives are pumped to a temporary storage of the water supply channel by the suction pump and are mixed with inletting water flowing through the water supply channel to form an additive mixture; and the water supply channel is connected to a water diversion branch connected in parallel with the temporary storage.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 13, characterized in that a mixing section is provided at downstream of the water supply channel, and the mixing section is located downstream of the temporary storage; an outlet of the water diversion branch is connected to the water supply channel downstream of the temporary storage and upstream of the mixing section; and an inlet of the water diversion branch is connected to the water supply channel upstream of the temporary storage.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a regulating valve for regulating a water flow of the water diversion branch and/or the water supply is provided at a connection between the water diversion branch and the water supply channel.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the temporary storage is connected to one of the multiple liquid storage chambers for storing different additives via the suction pump, and different additives in the liquid storage chambers are selectively pumped to the temporary storage; preferably, the multiple liquid storage chambers are connected to the same temporary storage via one-to-one corresponding suction pumps; preferably, the multiple liquid storage chambers are respectively connected to a same reversing valve, and the reversing valve is connected to the temporary storage via the suction pump, and the reversing valve is configured to switch to connect one of the multiple liquid storage chambers to the temporary storage via the suction pump.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that a water inlet valve is provided at a water inlet end of the water supply channel for controlling the on-off of water into the water supply channel; the inlet of the water diversion branch is connected with the water supply channel between the temporary storage and the water inlet valve.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that at least one mixing section is provided on the water supply channel, and a mixing structure is provided in the mixing section for mixing the inletting water flow with the additive; the outlet of the water diversion branch is connected to the water supply channel between the mixing section and the temporary storage; preferably, a plurality of mixing sections are provided on the water supply channel, and the mixing structures provided in the mixing sections are used for mixing the inletting water flow with the additive in turn, and the outlet of the water diversion branch is connected to an inlet of a most upstream mixing section.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 18, characterized in that a primary mixing section and a secondary mixing section are sequentially provided on the water supply channel; the primary mixing section includes a negative pressure suction pipe provided on the water supply channel, and the negative pressure suction pipe has a negative pressure port connected to the outlet of the water diversion branch, and the negative pressure suction pipe utilizes the water flowing to generate a negative pressure at the negative pressure port;
the secondary mixing section includes a circular chamber provided on the water supply channel, and a rotatable impeller is coaxially provided in the circular chamber;

preferably, a second water diversion branch is included, which is connected in parallel with the water supply channel, an inlet of the second water diversion branch is connected to the water supply channel between the primary mixing section and the temporary storage, and an outlet of the second water diversion branch is connected to the water supply channel between the primary mixing section and the secondary mixing section.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that a foam generator is provided on the water supply channel for foaming the additive mixture; the foam generator is provided on the water supply channel downstream of the mixing section; preferably, the foam generator is a negative pressure pipe provided on the water supply channel; or, the foam generator is an air pump for pumping air into the water supply channel.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 13 to 20, comprising a plurality of water supply channels, wherein the temporary storage of each water supply channel is respectively connected to at least one liquid storage chamber.
A laundry treatment apparatus comprising a washing drum; and the additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein, an inlet of the water supply channel is controllably connected to or disconnected from a water inlet pipe of the washing machine, and an outlet of the water supply channel is connected to the washing drum.
An additive dispensing device, comprising a water box; characterized in that a water inlet chamber is provided on the water box; the water inlet chamber is connected to a water inlet of the dispensing device; the water inlet chamber is connected to a water supply channel through a first water outlet and to the liquid dispensing channel through a second water outlet; an opening size of the first water outlet is larger than an opening size of the second water outlet.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 23, characterized in that the water box includes a water storage tank, a top of the water storage tank is open and engaged with an upper cover; the water inlet chamber is integrated inside the upper cover; a bottom of the water inlet chamber is connected to the water inlet, and a top of the water inlet chamber is provided with the first water outlet and the second water outlet; preferably, the first water outlet and the second water outlet are spaced apart and located on opposite sides of the water inlet chamber.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 24, characterized in that a bottom wall of the water inlet chamber below the first water outlet is higher than a bottom wall of the water inlet chamber below the second water outlet; preferably, the bottom wall of the water inlet chamber is divided into three parts at different heights, the first water outlet is located at the corresponding part with a highest surface, and the second water outlet is located at the corresponding part with a lowest surface.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 24, characterized in that the second water outlet and the water inlet are located on a same side of the water inlet chamber and are arranged staggered; the first water outlet and the water inlet are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the water inlet chamber, and the first water outlet and the second water outlet are arranged staggered.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the first water outlet of the water inlet chamber is connected to an inlet of a main water inlet pipe protruding from a top of the upper cover, and an outlet of the main water inlet pipe is connected to the water supply channel; the second water outlet of the water inlet chamber is connected to an inlet of a first connecting pipe protruding from the top of the upper cover, and an outlet of the first connecting pipe is connected to the liquid dispensing channel; a diameter of the main water inlet pipe is larger than a diameter of the first connecting pipe.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that a negative pressure suction pipe is provided in the main water inlet pipe, an inlet of the negative pressure suction pipe is connected to the first water outlet, and an outlet of the negative pressure suction pipe is connected to the water supply channel; a negative pressure port is provided on the negative pressure suction pipe, the negative pressure port is connected to the liquid dispensing channel, water flowing through the negative pressure suction pipe forms a negative pressure at the negative pressure port, and the additives extracted from the liquid dispensing channel and the water flowing in from the second water outlet are sucked into the main water inlet pipe by the negative pressure.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the water supply channel is provided for inletting water; the liquid dispensing channel is connected to a liquid storage chamber storing additives, and the additives in the liquid storage chamber are extracted into a temporary storage provided on the liquid dispensing channel by an action of a liquid pumping structure on the dispensing device; the liquid dispensing channel is connected in parallel with at least a portion of the water supply channel, and a portion of the inlet water flow of the water supply channel flows into the liquid dispensing channel to flush the extracted additives into the water supply channel to form an additive mixture.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 29, characterized in that the negative pressure suction pipe is provided on the water supply channel, the negative pressure port is provided on the negative pressure suction pipe for generating negative pressure by the water flowing through the pipe, and an outlet end of the liquid dispensing channel is connected to the negative pressure port.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 30, characterized in that an internal flow channel of the negative pressure suction pipe is a tapered pipe that gradually widens from a middle to both ends, and the negative pressure port is opened on a pipe wall at a middle part where a pipe diameter is the smallest.
A laundry treatment apparatus, comprising a washing drum and the additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 23 to 31.
An additive dispensing device, comprising: two channels which respectively inlets water;
characterized in that the two channels includes a negative pressure water supply channel on which is provided a negative pressure structure being capable of forming a negative pressure at a negative pressure port by means of a flowing water, and

a water supply channel, an upstream portion of which is connected to a liquid storage chamber storing additives and a downstream portion is provided with a mixing section for mixing the additives with the inletting water;

wherein the upstream portion of the water supply channel is controlled to be connected to or disconnected from the negative pressure port of the negative pressure water supply channel, and the additives in the liquid storage chamber is extracted into the water supply channel by the negative pressure formed at the negative pressure port, and the additives extracted is flushed into the mixing section along with at least part of the inletting water of the water supply channel to form an additive mixture.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 33, characterized in that the upstream portion of the water supply channel is parallel with a liquid dispensing channel, and the liquid dispensing channel is provided with a temporary storage for temporarily storing the additives extracted; the liquid dispensing channel upstream of the temporary storage is connected to the negative pressure port, and the liquid dispensing channel downstream of the temporary storage is connected to the liquid storage chamber.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 34, characterized in that a control valve for controlling on-off of a pipeline is provided on a connecting pipeline connecting the liquid dispensing channel and the negative pressure port; a control valve for controlling the on-off of a pipeline, or a one-way valve for preventing backflow to an upstream side of the liquid dispensing channel is provided on the liquid dispensing channel upstream of a connection between the liquid dispensing channel and the negative pressure port.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 35, characterized in that the negative pressure port is connected to one end of the connecting pipe, and an other end of the connecting pipe is connected to the liquid dispensing channel via a three-way reversing valve, for switching to connect upstream and downstream sides of the liquid dispensing channel, or to connect the downstream side of the liquid dispensing channel to the negative pressure port via the connecting pipe.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 34, characterized in that the liquid dispensing channel downstream of the temporary storage is connected to two liquid storage chambers, and the two liquid storage chambers is used for storing different types of additives are respectively; a first liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid dispensing channel via the three-way reversing valve, and
a second liquid storage chamber is connected to the liquid dispensing channel downstream of the three-way reversing valve, and is used to switch to connect the temporary storage with a downstream side of the liquid dispensing channel to utilize a negative pressure to extract the additive in the second liquid storage chamber into the temporary storage, or to connect the temporary storage with the first liquid storage chamber to utilizes the negative pressure to extract the additive in the first liquid storage chamber into the temporary storage.
The additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 34 to 37, characterized in that a negative pressure suction pipe is connected to the water supply channel, and a negative pressure port is provided on the negative pressure suction pipe, and the negative pressure suction pipe utilizes the flowing water to form a negative pressure at the negative pressure port; the negative pressure port is connected to a downstream portion of the liquid dispensing channel, and the negative pressure formed at the negative pressure port is used to suck the additive extracted from the liquid dispensing channel back into the water supply channel for preliminary mixing to form an additive mixture.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 38, characterized in that at least one mixing section is provided on a downstream of the water supply channel, and a mixing structure is provided in the mixing section for mixing the additive flowing through with an inletting water flow; preferably, the mixing section is a circular chamber, and an inlet and an outlet extending tangentially are provided on opposite sides of the circular chamber, and an impeller is provided in the circular chamber and is coaxial with a center of the circular chamber and rotates around an axis.
The additive dispensing device according to claim 38, characterized in that a foam generator is provided on the downstream of the water supply channel, and the foam generator is used to foam the additive mixture; preferably, the foam generator is an air pump that pumps air into the additive mixture in the water supply channel, or a negative pressure pipe that automatically draws atmospheric air into the additive mixture by generating negative pressure when the additive mixture flows through the negative pressure pipe.
A laundry treatment apparatus, comprising: a washing drum and the additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein, inlets of the negative pressure water supply channel and the water supply channel are controlled to be respectively connected to or disconnected from a water inlet pipe of the washing machine, and outlets of the negative pressure water supply channel and the water supply channel are both connected to the washing drum.
A method for controlling the dispensing of additives in the laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 41, comprising:
in dispensing the additives,

first feeding water into the negative pressure water supply channel, connecting a selected type of additive storage chamber to the water supply channel, connecting the negative pressure port of the negative pressure water supply channel to the water supply channel, generating a negative pressure at the negative pressure port by feeding water, and extracting the additives in the selected storage chamber into the water supply channel by the negative pressure; and

then feeding water into the water supply channel, disconnecting the storage chamber from the water supply channel, disconnecting the negative pressure port of the negative pressure water supply channel from the water supply channel, and flushing the additives extracted into the mixing section by the inletting water to form the additive mixture, and the additive mixture flowing out of the water supply channel and being dispensed into the washing drum.
The method for controlling the addition of additives to the laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 42, characterized in that the additive mixture formed in the mixing section is foamed by the foam generator and then flows out of the water supply channel, and the foamed additive mixture is directly sprayed into the washing drum.
The method for controlling the addition of additives to the laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 42, characterized in that when dispensing the additives are added, a process of inletting water to the negative pressure water supply channel and to the water supply channel is repeated.
A dispensing device for a washing machine, comprising, a water box with an air outlet on a front side; and a fresh air path arranged inside the water box, one end of which is connected to an outside atmosphere, and an other end of which is connected to the air outlet through a drum assembly of the washing machine, for guiding a fresh air from the outside atmosphere into the drum assembly of the washing machine and then to be discharged from the air outlet.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 45, characterized in that the fresh air path includes an inlet air path, a first air inlet end of which is connected to an induced draft fan, a first air outlet end of which is in communication with the drum assembly of the washing machine, for introducing fresh air from the outside atmosphere into the drum assembly of the washing machine under an action of a pressure difference; and
an outlet air path, a second air inlet end of which is in communication with the drum assembly of the washing machine, a second air outlet end of which is in communication with the air outlet of the water box, for guiding mixed air in the drum assembly of the washing machine out of the air outlet of the water box.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 46, characterized in that a first air duct is provided between the second air outlet end and the air outlet, an air guide cover is provided at an end of the first air duct and plugged into the air outlet; a ventilation flow area of the air guide cover is larger than a ventilation flow area of the first air duct.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 47, characterized in that the ventilation flow area of the air guide cover gradually increases from the first air duct toward the air outlet.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 48, characterized in that an opening of the air outlet is extended backward from a front side of the water box to form a surrounding wall, and the surrounding wall is at least partially protruded from a rear side of the water box; the air guide cover is provided on the surrounding wall.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 49, wherein a limiting plate rearwardly extending is provided on the rear side of the water box, and the limiting plate is located on a periphery of the surrounding wall and is arranged parallel to at least a portion of the surrounding wall, forming a limit opening for limiting the air guide cover from falling off the surrounding wall.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to any one of claims 45 to 50, characterized in that the inlet air path is provided at a bottom of the water box, a one-way valve is provided in the inlet air path for and an air flow direction is from the induced draft fan to the drum assembly of the washing machine.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to any one of claims 45 to 50, characterized in that the outlet air path is arranged on an upper portion of the water box, and there is a height difference between the second air inlet end of the outlet air path and the air outlet end of the inlet air path; a second air duct vertically extended is provided between the second air inlet end of the outlet air path and the drum assembly of the washing machine; preferably, the second air duct is a corrugated tube.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 52, characterized in that a switching chamber downwardly recessed is provided on the upper portion of the water box,
a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole are provided on the switching chamber, and are respectively connected to the outlet air path and the ventilation air path;

a switching mechanism is provided in the switching chamber and is configured to alternately switch to establish communication with the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole.
A washing machine, comprising the dispensing device of any one of claims 45 to 53, wherein a front panel of the dispensing device is exposedly provided with an air outlet.
A dispensing device for a washing machine, comprising a water box for supplying water or dispensing detergent into a drum assembly,
characterized in that the water box includes, an outlet air path, connected to an outside atmosphere, and used for discharging the air in the drum assembly to the outside through an interior of the water box;

a ventilation air path, connected to the interior of the water box, and connecting the drum assembly with the interior of the water box, and used for maintaining an atmospheric balance between the drum assembly and the outside during a washing process;

wherein a switching portion is provided between the outlet air path and the ventilation air path for connecting with each other, and a switching mechanism is provided at the switching portion for alternately switching to connecting the outlet air path and the ventilation air path.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 55, characterized in that the switching portion includes at least a switching chamber provided at an upper portion of the water box and recessed downward, the switching chamber is provided with a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole respectively connected to the outlet air path and the ventilation air path; the switching mechanism is configured to alternately connect the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 56, characterized in that a partition extending downward along a height direction is provided in the switching chamber to divide the switching chamber into a first switching chamber and a second switching chamber; the first ventilation hole is provided on the partition, and the second ventilation hole is provided on a bottom wall of the second switching chamber.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 57, characterized in that a bottom wall of the first switching chamber is higher than the bottom wall of the second switching chamber, and a step surface is provided between the bottom walls.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 58, characterized in that an air inlet port is further provided above the water box, one end of which is connected to an interior of the drum assembly through a second air duct, and an other end of which is connected to the second switching chamber.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 59, characterized in that the air inlet port has a length extending transversely above the water box, and a bottom of the air inlet port is gradually inclined from the second switching chamber toward the second air duct.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 60, characterized in that a lower wall of the water box is recessed downward to form a recess being as a diversion channel, the recess is gradually sloped from one side of the water box close to the second ventilation hole to an other side; the diversion channel is provided with a diversion hole communicating with the outside at a bottom of the recess.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to claim 61, characterized in that an air outlet is provided on a side wall of the water box, and the air outlet is located above the diversion hole.
The dispensing device for the washing machine according to any one of claims 55 to 62, characterized in that the switching mechanism includes a wind plate rotatably disposed in the second switching chamber; and a motor, a driving end of which is connected to a rotating shaft of the wind plate for driving the wind plate to be between the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole.
A washing machine, comprising the drum assembly and the dispensing device according to any one of claims 55 to 63, characterized in that a second air inlet end of the outlet air path of the dispensing device is connected to the drum assembly, and the second air outlet end is connected to the outside; an air inlet end of the ventilation air path of the dispensing device is connected to the drum assembly, and an air outlet end is connected to the interior of the water box.
A switching mechanism, comprising a wind plate arranged inside a switching chamber, and a motor arranged outside the switching chamber, wherein either end of a rotating shaft of the wind plate is configured to pass through a chamber wall of the switching chamber and is connected to a working end of the motor;
a sheath is configured to cover at least a front end of the motor, the sheath includes a sealing portion extending at least partially to a periphery of the rotating shaft, and a sealing device is provided between the rotating shaft and the sealing portion.
The switching mechanism according to claim 65, characterized in that a sleeve coaxial with the rotating shaft is provided at one end of the rotating shaft close to the motor, the sleeve is sleeved on the working end of the motor and is connected to the working end of the motor in circumferentially limiting manner; and the sealing device is provided between an outer wall of the sleeve and an inner wall of the sealing portion.
The switching mechanism according to claim 66, characterized in that the sealing device includes a sealing ring; a sealing groove extending along a circumference of the sleeve is provided on the outer wall of the sleeve, the sealing ring is embedded in the sealing groove, and a radial thickness of the sealing ring is greater than or equal to a difference between an inner radius of the sealing portion and a radius of a bottom of the sealing groove; preferably, an inner circumferential wall of the sealing ring is elastically abutted against the bottom of the sealing groove, and an outer wall of the sealing ring is elastically abutted against the inner wall of the sealing portion.
The switching mechanism according to claim 67, characterized in that the sealing ring includes: a first portion extending axially; a second portion extending axially from an end of the first portion and obliquely toward a side away from the axis; and a third portion extending axially from a connection between the first portion and the second portion and obliquely toward a side close to the axis.
The switching mechanism according to claim 68, characterized in that a thickness of the first portion of the sealing ring is greater than a thickness of the second portion and greater than a thickness of the third portion; preferably, a group of second and third portions with V-shaped axial cross-sections are respectively provided at both ends of the first portion.
The switching mechanism according to any one of claims 65 to 69, characterized in that a slot corresponding to the sealing portion is provided on an outer side of the chamber wall of the switching chamber, and a shape of the slot is configured to match a shape of an end of the sealing portion; the end of the sealing portion close to the switching chamber is inserted into the slot; preferably, the sealing portion is extended from a front side of the sheath toward the switching chamber, and an end of the rotating shaft abuts against a front side of the sheath.
The switching mechanism according to any one of claims 65 to 69, characterized in that the switching chamber includes a first chamber wall and a second chamber wall arranged around a rotation center of the wind plate, the rotating shaft is arranged at a corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall, and the corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall is provided with an shaft hole matching the rotating shaft; the rotating shaft is provided with a flap extending along a radial direction, and the flap is configured to be at a first position abutting against the first chamber wall and at a second position abutting against the second chamber wall.
The switching mechanism according to claim 71, characterized in that the rotating shaft is provided with at least one circle of radial protrusions extending along a circumference of the rotating shaft, and an inner wall of the shaft hole is provided with a limiting groove matching the radial protrusions; preferably, an end of the rotating shaft away from the motor is inserted into the chamber wall of the switching chamber away from the side of the motor, the flap is provided at a middle of the rotating shaft, and at least two radial protrusions are arranged on the rotating shaft on both sides of the flap.
The switching mechanism according to claim 72, characterized in that the switching chamber includes a switching chamber body and a cover detachably arranged on an outside of the switching chamber body, and the cover is arranged at the corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall; an opening is provided on the switching chamber body corresponding to the corner of the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall, and the cover is used to seal the opening, the shaft hole is provided on the cover, and a thickness of the flap is less than or equal to a width of the opening.
The switching mechanism according to claim 73, characterized in that air outlets corresponding to the wind plate are provided on the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall; the flap includes a flap body with a plate-shape and a rubber sleeve sleeved on an outside of the flap body, and the rubber sleeve is provided with sealing ridges corresponding to the air outlets on the first chamber wall and the second chamber wall; preferably, a plane portion is provided on the rotating shaft between the two radial protrusions, the flap body is extended vertically from a middle of the plane portion, a mounting groove is provided on an edge of the flap body, and the rubber sleeve is sleeved on the mounting groove of the flap body; preferably, the mounting groove at least partially is extended to the plane portion.
A dispensing device for a washing machine, comprising the switching mechanism according to any one of claims 65 to 74.