WO2015158013A1

WO2015158013A1 - Washing machine, detergent delivery apparatus and control method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2015158013A1
Application number: PCT/CN2014/076290
Authority: WO
Inventors: 班永; 王立东
Original assignee: 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司
Priority date: 2014-04-15
Filing date: 2014-04-25
Publication date: 2015-10-22

Abstract

A washing machine, a detergent delivery apparatus and a control method therefor. The detergent delivery apparatus comprises: a housing (10), a piston structure (20) located in the housing (10), circumference of the piston structure (20) sliding along inner circumference of the housing (10) in a sealing manner, a first capacity space being formed between the piston structure (20) and a top of the housing (10), a second capacity space being formed between the piston structure (20) and the bottom of the housing (10), and the first capacity space being used for storing detergent; and a detergent outlet (30) connected to the first capacity space; a water inlet (40) and a water outlet (50) connected to the second capacity space, the pipe diameter of the water inlet (40) being greater than the pipe diameter of the water outlet (50) so as to enable the water inlet (40) to push the piston structure (20) when water flows in; a water inlet valve (60), the water inlet valve (60) being connected to a pipe of the water inlet (40); and a controller, the controller being used for controlling the water inlet valve (60). The washing machine and the detergent delivery apparatus control a detergent delivery volume more accurately and are simple in structure and facilitate the popularization.

Description

Washing machine and detergent delivery device and control method thereof

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of electrical appliances, and in particular to a washing machine, and a detergent dispensing device and a control method therefor. Background technique

With the continuous advancement of the home appliance industry, new technologies and new functions are emerging. Many manufacturers add automatic detergent adding function to the washing machine. Generally, a container for storing detergent is installed inside the washing machine. When the washing machine is working, the weight information of the laundry measured according to the automatic weighing function of the washing machine is added by various kinds. The pump draws a certain amount of detergent into the tub to achieve intelligent addition of detergent. However, with the increasing number of detergent brands and types, the original intelligent delivery device will present inaccurate delivery problems during use, and sometimes the amount of delivery will not be sufficient, and the laundry effect will not be achieved, and excessive delivery will occur, which will bring difficulties to rinsing. And not environmentally friendly. The problem is that various detergents exhibit different viscosities at different temperatures. When the existing automatic dispensing device is added to different viscosity detergents, the amount of addition varies greatly, even by measuring the ambient temperature, feedback is given to the control. The time for adjusting the delivery, but only the effect of accurately delivering a certain type of detergent to a certain brand, because the viscosity changes of different brands of detergents at different temperatures are different, The installation of the other brands of detergents has caused inaccurate delivery. It is common practice for existing manufacturers to specify the detergent brand and type for their designated automatic washing machine, which is greatly inconvenient for the user's use and is not conducive to the popularity of the automatic delivery system. Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems at least to some extent.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a detergent dispensing device which can improve the inaccurate amount of detergents caused by different brands and types of detergents and different viscosities at different temperatures. And the structure is simple.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of controlling a detergent delivery device.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a storage medium.

In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a detergent dispensing device, the detergent dispensing device comprising: a housing; a piston structure located in the housing, a circumference of the piston structure and the housing The inner circumference seal slides, the piston structure and the top of the housing form a first volume space, the piston Forming a second volume space between the structure and the bottom of the housing, wherein the first volume space is for storing detergent; the detergent outlet connected to the first volume space; and the second volume space a water inlet and a water outlet connected to each other, wherein a diameter of the water inlet is larger than a diameter of the water outlet to push the piston structure when the water inlet is in water; an inlet valve, the inlet valve and the inlet a pipe connection for the water inlet; a controller for controlling the water inlet valve.

According to the detergent dispensing device of the embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to discharge the detergent capacity according to the target, and the inlet valve is controlled to be energized, and then the piston structure can be pushed by the water flow to discharge the detergent in the first volume space through the detergent outlet. The problem that the detergent is inaccurate due to the difference in brand and type and temperature can be improved, the accuracy of the delivery is more accurate, the motor drive is not required, the structure is simple, the production is easy, and the popularity is facilitated.

Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the detergent dispensing device further includes a reset structure that controls resetting of the piston structure; and a detergent inlet connected to the first volume space.

Wherein, in some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes: a first one-way valve and a second one-way valve disposed at the detergent inlet and the detergent outlet.

Specifically, in some embodiments of the invention, the reset structure is a return spring, and the return spring is located in the first volume space.

In order to achieve the above object, another embodiment of the present invention further provides a washing machine comprising the detergent dispensing device of the above embodiment.

According to the washing machine of the embodiment of the present invention, the detergent dispensing device of the above embodiment can improve the problem that the detergent is inaccurate due to the difference in brand and type and temperature, and the delivery accuracy is more accurate, and no motor drive is required. The structure is simple, easy to produce, and conducive to popularization.

In order to achieve the above object, a further embodiment of the present invention provides a method of controlling a detergent dispensing device, wherein the detergent dispensing device includes a housing, a piston structure, a controller, and an inlet valve, wherein the piston structure Forming a first capacity space with the top of the housing, wherein the first capacity space is for storing detergent, the control method includes the following steps: the controller obtains a detergent target delivery capacity; The controller controls the inlet valve according to the target delivery capacity and the capacity of the first capacity space.

According to the control method of the detergent dispensing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the controller is controlled to discharge the detergent capacity according to the target, and the inlet valve is controlled to be energized, and then the piston structure can be pushed by the water flow to pass the detergent in the first volume space through the detergent outlet. It can improve the problem of inaccurate delivery accuracy caused by the difference in brand and type and temperature of the detergent. The accuracy of the delivery is more accurate, motor drive is not required, control is simple, and it is popular.

Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the controller according to the target delivery capacity and the The controlling the capacity of the water inlet valve includes: the controller obtaining the target number of times of delivery according to the target delivery capacity and the capacity of the first capacity space; The inlet valve is controlled.

Specifically, in some embodiments of the present invention, the detergent dispensing device further includes a reset structure and a detergent inlet, and controlling the water inlet valve according to the number of times of the delivery specifically includes: S1, the controlling Controlling the inlet valve to open to discharge detergent from the detergent outlet; S2, after the detergent in the first volume space is completely discharged, the controller controls the inlet valve to close to reset The structure controls the piston structure to be reset, the detergent entering the first volume space from the detergent inlet; S3, cycling steps S1-S2, until the number of times of delivery is reached.

In order to achieve the above object, a storage medium according to an embodiment of the present invention is for storing an application for performing a control method of a detergent dispensing device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

The additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows. DRAWINGS

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a detergent delivery device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a flow chart showing a method of controlling a detergent dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control method of a detergent dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. A flowchart of a method of controlling a detergent dispensing device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral

The housing 10, the piston structure 20, the detergent outlet 30, the water inlet 40, the water outlet 50, the inlet valve 60, the reset structure 70 and the detergent inlet 80, the first check valve 101 and the second check valve 102.

detailed description

The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and the examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting.

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and arrangements of the specific examples are described below. Of course, they are just examples. And the purpose is not to limit the invention. Furthermore, the present invention may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of brevity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and/or arrangements discussed. Moreover, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and/or the use of other materials. Additionally, the structure of the first feature described below "on" the second feature may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may include additional features formed between the first and second features. The embodiment, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connected", and "connected" should be understood broadly, and may be mechanical or electrical, or two, unless otherwise specified and defined. The internal communication of the components may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms may be understood according to specific situations.

These and other aspects of the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the description and appended claims. In the description and drawings, specific embodiments of the embodiments of the invention are disclosed This limit. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, modifications and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

A washing machine, a detergent dispensing device and a control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a detergent delivery device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the detergent dispensing device of the embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 10, a piston structure 20, a detergent outlet 30, a water inlet 40, a water outlet 50, a water inlet valve 60, and a controller (not shown). .

Wherein, the piston structure 20 is located in the housing 10, the circumference of the piston structure 20 is sealingly sliding with the inner circumference of the housing 10, and the first capacity space is formed between the piston structure 20 and the top of the housing 10, and the piston structure 20 and the housing 10 A second capacity space is formed between the bottoms, wherein the first volume space is used to store the detergent. The detergent outlet 30 is connected to the first volume space. The water inlet 40 and the water outlet 50 are connected to the second capacity space, and the diameter of the water inlet 40 is larger than the diameter of the water outlet 50 to push the piston structure 20 when the water inlet 40 enters the water. The inlet valve 60 is connected to the pipe of the water inlet 40. The controller is used to control the inlet valve 60.

Specifically, after the user starts the washing machine, the controller obtains the target dosage volume V of the detergent to be dispensed according to specific parameters such as weight, material, dirtiness, temperature and the like of the laundry, and the controller inputs the water according to the target dosage volume V. The valve 60 is controlled. For example, if the inlet valve 60 is opened, the water flows out from the water inlet 40 through the second capacity space from the water outlet 50. Since the diameter of the water outlet 50 is smaller than the diameter of the water inlet 40, the second capacity The amount of water in the space is continuously increased, thereby pushing the piston structure 20 to slide upward, so that the washing in the first volume space The detergent is discharged from the detergent outlet 30, such as a water tank, for example, discharged into a mixing tank and mixed with water.

Further, in some embodiments of the invention, as shown in Figure 1, a reset structure 70 and a detergent inlet 80 are also included. Therein, the reset structure 70 controls the piston structure 20 to be reset, and the detergent inlet 80 is connected to the first volume space and the detergent storage device.

Specifically, the piston structure 20 is moved upward to cause the detergent to be discharged from the detergent outlet. After the detergent in the first volume space is completely discharged, the controller controls the inlet valve 60 to be closed, and the water in the second volume is at this time. Gradually emptying, under the control of the reset structure 70, the piston structure 20 is reset. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the reset structure 70 may be a return spring, the return spring being located in the first volume space, in the return spring Under the action of the elastic force, the piston structure 20 is reset, for example, to the lower portion of the second volume space. At this point, the detergent in the detergent storage device can enter the first volume space through the detergent inlet 80.

It will be understood that in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 1, a first check valve 101 and a second check valve 102 are further included. Wherein, the first check valve 101 is disposed at the detergent inlet 80 to allow only detergent to enter the first capacity space from the storage device, and the second check valve 102 is disposed at the detergent outlet 30, allowing only the detergent from the first capacity The space is discharged.

In some embodiments of the invention, if the amount of detergent in the first volume of space is insufficient, multiple deliveries may be made. Specifically, the controller can obtain the target dosage volume V of the detergent to be dispensed according to specific parameters such as the weight, material, degree of soiling, temperature, and the like of the laundry, and the capacity of the first capacity space is set, for example,

V0, the calculation obtains the coarseness that needs to be cyclically delivered, for example, is set to n, then /^0, and the controller controls the inlet valve 60 according to the number of times of delivery. For example, the controller controls the inlet valve 60 to be energized, and water is introduced into the lower half space of the casing 10, that is, the second capacity space, through the water inlet 40. Since the water outlet 50 is smaller than the diameter of the water inlet 40, the water flow pushes the piston structure 20 upward. Moving, the detergent in the first volume space is pushed out, and flows into the mixing tank through the detergent outlet 30. At this time, the controller controls the water inlet valve 60 to be de-energized. Since there is no water pressure, the resetting structure 70, for example, the return spring pushes the piston structure 20 downward, and the detergent enters the first volume space from the detergent inlet 80. The controller records an add loop once. Further, the controller again controls the inlet valve 60 to be energized again to perform the next cycle of injection. When the required number of cycles n is reached, the controller controls the inlet valve 60 to continue to enter the water, and the return spring cannot be reset due to the water pressure, and ends. The addition of laundry detergent. It will be appreciated that the detergent can be placed in a mixing tank and then flushed into the washing tub by water for washing.

In summary, the detergent dispensing device according to the embodiment of the present invention controls the inlet valve to be energized by the controller according to the target dispensing detergent capacity, and then the piston structure can be pushed by the water flow to wash the detergent in the first volume space. The release of the agent can improve the accuracy of the detergent due to the difference in brand and type and temperature. The accuracy of the delivery is more accurate, no motor drive is required, the structure is simple, the production is easy, and the popularity is facilitated. A washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 2 is a block diagram of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 200 of the embodiment of the present invention includes the detergent dispensing device 201 of the above embodiment.

A control method of a washing machine dispensing device according to a further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3 is a flow chart of a method of controlling a detergent dispensing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The detergent dispensing device comprises a housing, a piston structure, a controller and a water inlet valve, wherein the piston structure forms a first capacity space with the top of the housing, wherein the first capacity space is used for storing the detergent, as shown in FIG. As shown, the control method includes the following steps:

S 10, the controller obtains the detergent target delivery capacity.

For example, the controller can obtain the target dosage volume V of the detergent to be dispensed according to specific parameters such as the weight of the laundry, the material, the degree of soiling, the temperature, and the like.

S20. The controller controls the inlet valve according to the target delivery capacity and the capacity of the first capacity space.

Specifically, for example, if the detergent in the first volume space is sufficient, the target volume can correspond to the position of the piston structure, or corresponding to the water inlet time, and the controller can be based on the target volume V and the capacity of the first volume. The water valve is controlled. For example, if the inlet valve is opened, the water flows from the water inlet through the second capacity space and flows out from the water outlet. Since the diameter of the water outlet is smaller than the diameter of the water inlet, the water volume in the second capacity space is continuously increased. Further, the piston structure is pushed upward to slide the detergent in the first volume space from the detergent outlet such as the water tank, for example, discharged into the mixing tank and mixed with water.

Further, if the amount of the detergent in the first volume space is insufficient, multiple dispensings may be performed. In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the controller may control the inlet valve according to the target delivery capacity and the capacity of the first capacity space, which may specifically include:

5401. The controller obtains the target delivery times according to the target delivery capacity and the capacity of the first capacity space.

Specifically, the controller can obtain the target dosage volume V of the detergent to be dispensed according to specific parameters such as the weight, material, degree of soiling, temperature, and the like of the laundry, and the capacity of the first capacity space is set to, for example, vo, and the calculation needs to be obtained. The coarseness of the cyclic delivery is set to n, for example, /^0, and step S402 is performed.

5402, the inlet valve is controlled according to the target number of times of delivery.

Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the detergent dispensing device further includes a reset structure and a detergent inlet, and controlling the inlet valve according to the number of times of delivery includes: S 1, the controller controls the inlet valve to open to allow the detergent to drain from the detergent outlet.

For example, the controller controls the inlet valve to be energized, and the water inlet into the lower half of the casing, that is, the second capacity space, through the water inlet, because the water outlet is smaller than the diameter of the water inlet, the water flow will push the piston structure upward, and press the first The detergent in the volume space flows into the mixing tank through the detergent outlet.

S2, after all the detergents in the first volume space are discharged, the controller controls the inlet valve to close to reset the reset structure control piston structure, and the detergent enters the first volume space from the detergent inlet.

Specifically, after all the detergents in the first volume space are discharged, the controller controls the water inlet valve to be powered off. Since there is no water pressure, the reset structure such as the return spring pushes the piston structure down, and the detergent will be washed from the detergent. The inlet enters the first volume space and the controller records an add cycle.

S3, looping steps S1-S2, until the number of times of delivery is reached.

Specifically, the controller again controls the inlet valve to be energized, and performs the next cycle of injection. When the required number of cycles n is reached, the controller controls the inlet valve to continuously enter the water. Due to the water pressure, the return spring cannot be reset, and the laundry is ended. Add liquid. It will be appreciated that the detergent can be placed in a mixing tank which is then flushed into the washing tub by water to participate in the washing.

In summary, according to the control method of the detergent dispensing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the controller is controlled to discharge the detergent capacity according to the target, and the inlet valve is controlled to be energized, and then the piston structure can be pushed by the water flow to wash the first volume space. The agent is delivered through the detergent outlet, and the problem that the detergent is inaccurate due to the difference in brand and type and temperature can be improved, the accuracy of the delivery is more accurate, the motor drive is not required, the control is simple, and the popularity is facilitated.

Any process or method description in the flowcharts or otherwise described herein may be understood to represent a module, segment or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the steps of a particular logical function or process. And the scope of the preferred embodiments of the invention includes additional implementations, in which the functions may be performed in a substantially simultaneous manner or in an opposite order depending on the functions involved, in the order shown or discussed. It will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain.

The logic and/or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, may be considered as an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and may be embodied in any computer readable medium, Used in conjunction with, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (eg, a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other system that can fetch instructions and execute instructions from an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device) Or use with equipment. For the purposes of this specification, a "computer-readable medium" can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, or in conjunction with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of computer readable media include the following: electrical connections (electronic devices) having one or more wires, portable computer disk cartridges (magnetic devices), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Editable Read Only Memory (EPROM or Flash Memory), fiber optic devices, and Portable Optical Disk Read Only Memory (CDROM). Furthermore, the computer readable medium may even be a paper or other suitable medium on which the program can be printed, as it may be optically scanned, for example by paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpretation or, if appropriate, other suitable The method proceeds to obtain the program electronically and then store it in computer memory.

It should be understood that portions of the invention may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. In the above-described embodiments, multiple steps or methods may be implemented in software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented with any one or combination of the following techniques well known in the art: having logic gates for implementing logic functions on data signals Discrete logic circuits, application specific integrated circuits with suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

One of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the steps carried by the method of implementing the above embodiments can be completed by a program to instruct related hardware, and the program can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. When executed, one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments is included.

In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present invention may be integrated into one processing module, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. The integrated modules, if implemented in the form of software functional modules and sold or used as stand-alone products, may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium.

The above-mentioned storage medium may be a read only memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disk or the like.

In the description of the present specification, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" and the like means specific features described in connection with the embodiment or example. A structure, material or feature is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In the present specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily mean the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

claims

1. A detergent dispensing device, characterized in that it includes:

shell;

The piston structure is located in the housing. The circumference of the piston structure seals and slides with the inner circumference of the housing. A first capacity space is formed between the piston structure and the top of the housing. The piston structure and A second capacity space is formed between the bottoms of the housing, wherein the first capacity space is used to store detergent;

a detergent outlet connected to the first capacity space;

A water inlet and a water outlet connected to the second capacity space, the pipe diameter of the water inlet is larger than the pipe diameter of the water outlet so that the piston structure is pushed when water is introduced into the water inlet;

Water inlet valve, the water inlet valve is connected to the pipeline of the water inlet;

A controller, the controller is used to control the water inlet valve.

2. The detergent delivery device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a reset structure that controls the reset of the piston structure; and

Detergent inlets respectively connected with the first capacity space and the detergent storage device.

3. The detergent dispensing device according to claim 2, further comprising: a first one-way valve and a second one-way valve provided at the detergent inlet and the detergent outlet.

4. The detergent dispensing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the return structure is a return spring, and the return spring is located in the first capacity space.

5. A washing machine, characterized by including the detergent dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-4.

6. A control method for a detergent delivery device, characterized in that the detergent delivery device includes a housing, a piston structure, a controller and a water inlet valve, wherein the piston structure and the top of the housing form a A first capacity space, wherein the first capacity space is used to store detergent, and the control method includes the following steps:

The controller obtains the detergent target delivery capacity;

The controller controls the water inlet valve according to the target delivery capacity and the capacity of the first capacity space.

7. The control method of the detergent dispensing device according to claim 6, wherein the controller controls the water inlet valve according to the target dispensing capacity and the capacity of the first capacity space, which specifically includes: ; The controller obtains the target number of delivery times according to the target delivery capacity and the capacity of the first capacity space; and

The water inlet valve is controlled according to the target number of injections.

8. The control method of the detergent dosing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: the detergent dosing device The discharging device further includes a reset structure and a detergent inlet. Controlling the water inlet valve according to the number of dispensing specifically includes:

S 1. The controller controls the opening of the water inlet valve to discharge detergent from the detergent outlet;

S2, after all the detergent in the first capacity space is discharged, the controller controls the water inlet valve to close to reset the reset structure to control the piston structure, and the detergent enters the first capacity from the detergent inlet. within space;

S3, loop steps S1-S2 until the stated number of delivery times is reached.

9. A storage medium, characterized in that it is used to store an application program, and the application program is used to execute the control method of the detergent delivery device described in any one of claims 6-8.