WO2023279949A1

WO2023279949A1 - Washing machine and control method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2023279949A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/100077
Authority: WO
Inventors: 赵志强; 许升; 吕佩师
Original assignee: 重庆海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司; 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority date: 2021-07-07
Filing date: 2022-06-21
Publication date: 2023-01-12
Also published as: CN115595769A; EP4368766A1

Abstract

Disclosed are a washing machine and a control method thereof. The washing machine comprises: a box body; an additive dispensing device, for dispensing a clothing additive to the washing machine; a spare additive box storage structure, provided on the box body and having an accommodation space for storage of at least one spare additive box. The additive box can be stored in the spare additive box storage structure, so that the problems that the additive box is randomly placed, and is easily forgotten, and it is inconvenient for a user to find while replacing the additive box are effectively avoided. In the process of dispensing an additive, within a set time period after the washing machine sends an alarm prompt of insufficient remaining amount of the additive in the additive dispensing device to the user, if the additive box is always not detected to be replace with a new additive box by the user, a spare additive suction device is controlled to start, and an additive in the spare additive box is dispensed into the washing machine, so that the problem of poor clothing washing and care effect caused by the fact that the user fails to replace the additive box in time is effectively avoided.

Description

A washing machine and its control method

technical field

The invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof.

Background technique

The washing machine uses water, clothing additives and mechanical operations to wash and care the clothes, so that the clothes can achieve the desired washing and care effect. With the improvement of washing machine automation, the washing machine in the related art is equipped with detergent automatic injection technology. The washing machine is set to communicate with the water inlet pipeline to place the additive box of detergent or/and softener, and the detergent in the additive box will be discharged through the water inlet. or/and softener into the wash tub.

The Chinese patent with application number 201610797034.7 discloses a detergent dispensing device for washing machines and a washing machine with the same. The detergent dispensing device includes: a storage cavity, which defines a special detergent box placement slot, A first thimble and a second thimble for piercing the special detergent box are provided in the special detergent box storage tank, and the first thimble has a water inlet hole, and the second thimble has a water outlet hole, so Both the first thimble and the second thimble are configured so that the water inlet hole and the water outlet hole communicate with the inner space of the special detergent box after the ends penetrate into the special detergent box.

The detergent dispensing device of the washing machine provided in the above application can directly use the boxed laundry additives, and the boxed laundry additives can be used once, and can be used at any time, and the operation is convenient. But there are following problems:

1. Since the additive box has no designated storage structure, users cannot form a good habit of fixed storage. The redundant additive boxes purchased are placed randomly and are easy to forget. When replacing the additive box, it takes a certain amount of time to search, resulting in the replacement of the additive box Do not wait for the problem in time.

2. In the process of adding detergent to the detergent dispensing device, when the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, the user fails to replace the detergent box in time, which will lead to insufficient detergent dosage in this washing program, resulting in poor cleaning effect of clothes.

In view of this, the present invention is proposed.

Contents of the invention

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, and provide a washing machine and its control method. Through the storage structure of the spare additive box set on the washing machine, it effectively solves the problem of random placement of the additive box, which is easy to be forgotten and replaced by the user. Find inconvenient issues when adding boxes.

In order to solve the above technical problems, the first aspect of the present application discloses a washing machine, including:

box;

The additive feeding device is used for feeding laundry additives into the washing machine, and has an installation cavity for storing at least one additive box; it also includes:

The spare additive box storage structure is arranged on the box body and has an accommodating space for at least one spare additive box to be stored.

Further, the spare additive box storage structure is fixedly arranged on the top wall or side wall of the box;

Alternatively, it can be drawn and arranged in the box.

Further, the spare additive box storage structure is a storage shelf or a storage box detachably fixed on the top wall or side wall of the box;

Alternatively, the storage structure for the spare additive box is a storage shelf or a storage box that can be drawn and arranged in the box.

Further, the storage structure of the spare additive box is a drawer-type storage structure that can be drawn and arranged in the box;

The drawer-type accommodation structure includes a drawer body with a placement cavity inside, and a plurality of storage positions corresponding to spare additive boxes are formed in the placement cavity.

Further, the spare additive box storage structure can be drawn and arranged at the top or bottom of the box close to the front side wall;

Preferably, a handle structure is provided on the front panel of the drawer body.

Further, it also includes:

A spare delivery pipeline is connected to the spare additive box and the water supply channel of the washing machine;

The standby additive suction device is arranged on the standby feeding pipeline, and is used to inject the additive in the standby additive box into the washing tub.

Further, the additive delivery device includes:

The additive dispenser is set in the box in a drawable manner, and the additive dispenser is provided with an installation cavity for placing at least one additive box.

Preferably, it also includes:

The position detection module is arranged in the installation cavity or on the box above the installation cavity, and is used to detect whether a new additive box is replaced;

Preferably, it also includes:

The additive residual amount detection module is arranged in the installation cavity or the additive box, and is used for detecting the additive residual amount information in the additive box.

Further, the washing machine is a drum washing machine;

The additive dispenser can be drawn in the box above the washing tub, and the spare additive box storage structure can be drawn in the box below the washing tub;

Alternatively, both the additive dispenser and the spare additive box storage structure are arranged in a box above the washing tub, and are distributed on the left and right sides of the washing tub.

Further, the additive box is provided with an electronic label, and the information of the additive is stored in the electronic label;

The washing machine also includes:

The first identification module is arranged in the installation cavity or on the box body, and is used to read the additive information in the electronic tag on each additive box in the additive dispenser;

Preferably, it also includes:

The second identification module is arranged in the spare additive box storage structure or on the box body, and is used to read the additive information in the electronic tag on each spare additive box in the spare additive box storage structure;

Preferably, the additive information includes one or more of the type, concentration, and brand of the additive.

The second aspect of the present application also provides a control method with the above-mentioned washing machine, which effectively solves the problem that if the user fails to replace the detergent in time when the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient during the process of injecting detergent by the detergent dispensing device box, resulting in insufficient detergent dosage, making the problem of poor washing effect of clothes.

Specifically, the control method of the washing machine includes:

During the process of adding additives, within the set time after the washing machine sends an alarm prompt to the user that the additive remaining in the additive feeding device is insufficient:

If it is not detected that the user replaces a new additive box, the standby additive suction device is controlled to start, and the additive in the standby additive box is put into the washing machine.

Further, the method also includes the following steps:

Obtain the additive type of the additive box in the additive feeding device that has not been replaced in time;

Control the start of the second identification module, and read the additive information in the electronic label on each spare additive box in the storage structure of the spare additive box;

Judging whether there is an additive box of this type stored in the storage structure of the spare additive box: if there is, then control the release of the corresponding type of spare additive; if not, continue to alarm.

After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

1. In the present invention, by adding a spare additive box storage structure on the washing machine box, the redundant additive boxes purchased by users can be stored in the spare additive box storage structure, so that users can easily form a good habit of fixed storage and effectively avoid additives. The box is placed randomly, and it is easy to forget and lose it. At the same time, the additive in the additive box in the additive feeding device is used up, and when the additive box needs to be replaced, the user can directly take out the corresponding type of additive box from the storage structure of the spare additive box for replacement, which shortens the search and replacement time, and is convenient for the user to replace in time The additive box brings great convenience to users.

2. In the washing machine control method provided by the present invention, in the process of injecting additives, within the set time after the washing machine sends an alarm prompt to the user that the amount of additives in the additive injecting device is insufficient: if it is not detected that the user replaces a new additive box, the standby additive suction device is controlled to start, and the additive in the spare additive box is put into the washing machine, which effectively avoids the problem of insufficient additive dosage due to the failure of the user to replace the additive box in time, resulting in poor laundry care effect.

3. In the washing machine control method provided by the present invention, the spare detergent box is identified by the electronic label provided on the additive box, and when it is detected that the amount of a certain type of additive in the additive feeding device is insufficient, and within the set time When it is not replaced in time, the electronic label on each additive box in the storage structure of the spare additive box can be identified through the second identification module. The type of additives stored in the additive box can be accurately identified and the effect of automatic delivery is not only high in automation and delivery efficiency, but also can effectively avoid the phenomenon of wrong delivery.

The specific implementation manners of the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawings, as a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and the schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute improper limitations to the present invention. Apparently, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can also obtain other drawings according to these drawings without creative efforts. In the attached picture:

Fig. 1 is the structural representation of washing machine in the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a storage structure of a spare additive box in an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the conduction state of the additive box at A in Fig. 2 in the embodiment of the present invention and the fluid-guiding plug-in structure;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the detachment state of the additive box and the fluid-guiding plug-in structure in the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic flowchart of an implementation manner of a control method of a washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the control method of the washing machine in the embodiment of the present invention;

In the picture:

1. Box body; 101, front side wall; 102, lint cleaning cover; 103, left side wall; 104, top wall;

2. Storage structure of spare additive box; 201. Handle structure; 3. Additive dispenser; 4. Additive box; 401. Electronic label; 5. Washing tub; 6. Washing machine; 71. First identification module; 72. Second identification module;

8. Mounting seat; 9. Reset valve; 91. Valve body; 92. Spring; 93. Seal; 13. Avoid holes.

It should be noted that these drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the concept scope of the present invention in any way, but 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 more clear, 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 not to limit the scope of the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner" and "outer" are based on the Orientation or positional relationship is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection. Connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected or electrically connected; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediary. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific situations.

Embodiment one

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the present embodiment provides a washing machine 6, including:

Box 1;

The additive feeding device is used for feeding laundry additives into the washing machine 6, and has an installation cavity for storing at least one additive box 4; it also includes:

The spare additive box storage structure 2 is arranged on the casing 1 and has an accommodating space for at least one spare additive box 4 to be stored.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, through the spare additive box storage structure 2 that is added on the washing machine 6 cabinet 1, the redundant additive box 4 purchased by the user can be stored in the spare additive box storage structure 2, so that the user It is easy to form a good habit of fixed storage, effectively avoiding the random placement of the additive box 4 and the phenomenon that it is easy to forget. At the same time, the additive in the additive box 4 in the additive feeding device is used up, and when the additive box 4 needs to be replaced, the user can directly take out the corresponding type of additive box 4 from the spare additive box storage structure 2 for replacement, which is convenient for the user to replace the additive in time box 4, bringing great convenience to users.

Further, in this embodiment, the additive dispensing device may be an external dispensing device, and the external dispensing device is installed on the outside of the washing machine 6, and is arranged on the water inlet pipeline between the water inlet valve of the washing machine 6 and the tap water connector. . Alternatively, the additive dosing device is a built-in dosing device installed in the washing machine 6 .

The additive delivery device has an installation cavity for the installation and storage of the additive box 4. After the additive box 4 is installed in the installation cavity, it is connected with the delivery mechanism of the additive delivery device, such as the first Venturi tube or the first delivery pump. connected, when it is necessary to inject additives, the first Venturi tube or the first injection pump will pump out the additives in the additive box 4 into the water inlet channel of the washing machine 6 or in the constant volume chamber, as the water inlet of the washing machine 6 Throw it into the washing machine 6 to realize the washing and care treatment of the clothes.

The additive box 4 described in this embodiment has a closed chamber for storing additives inside, and the additive box 4 is a disposable ink cartridge type additive box 4 . Liquid laundry additives such as detergent or softener or fragrance enhancer or bleach or disinfectant or softener can be stored inside the additive box 4 .

Further, the spare additive box storage structure 2 is fixedly arranged on the top wall 104 or the side wall of the box body 1; the spare additive box storage structure 2 can be fixed on the side wall of the box body 1, preferably, the The spare additive box storage structure 2 is fixedly arranged at a set height position above the middle part of the side wall of the box body 1, and the height is convenient for the user to take and place the additive box 4 . Of course, if the washing machine 6 is a drum washing machine, the spare additive box storage structure 2 can also be directly fixed on the top wall 104 of the box body 1 .

Or, as shown in FIG. 1, in another embodiment, the spare additive box storage structure 2 can be drawn and arranged in the box body 1, so that the spare additive box storage structure 2 cannot be seen from the appearance. Improve the overall aesthetics of the washing machine 6 .

Further, the spare additive box storage structure 2 is a storage shelf or a storage box detachably fixed on the top wall 104 or the side wall of the box body 1 . The accommodating shelf or accommodating box can be fixed on the top wall 104 or the side wall of the box body 1 by means of screws, buckles or hooks, which is convenient for disassembly and installation.

Preferably, in one embodiment, the left side wall 103 or the right side wall of the box body 1 is provided with at least one or more hook holes or hook posts, and the storage shelf or storage box is provided with There is a hooking part matched with it, and the hooking part is hooked in the hooking hole or on the hooking post, so as to realize the assembling connection between the accommodating shelf or the accommodating box and the washing machine 6 without the use of disassembly tools , the accommodating shelf or accommodating box can be disassembled.

Of course, the accommodating shelf or accommodating box can also be connected and fixed on the washing machine 6 casing 1 by connecting pieces such as screws or buckles, or can also be fixed on the top wall 104 of the casing 1 by welding, melting, bonding, etc. or on the side walls.

Or, in another preferred embodiment, the spare additive box storage structure 2 is a storage shelf or a storage box that can be drawn and arranged in the box body 1 . The accommodating shelf or the accommodating box can be drawn and arranged in the box body 1, not only does not occupy the space outside the washing machine 6, but also makes the space inside the washing machine 6 be more rationally utilized, making the structure of the washing machine 6 more efficient. It is compact, and at the same time, the accommodating shelf or the accommodating box cannot be seen from the outside, which improves the overall aesthetics and regularity, and the user experience is better.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the spare additive box storage structure 2 is a drawer-type storage structure that can be drawn and arranged in the box body 1 .

The drawer-type accommodation structure includes a drawer body with a storage cavity inside, the top of the drawer body is open, and a plurality of storage positions corresponding to the spare additive boxes 4 are formed in the storage cavity, so that all The above-mentioned additive boxes 4 can be stored independently, which is more regular, and avoids the inconvenience of searching caused by mixed storage to the user.

Further, a plurality of additive box 4 storage slots are arranged side by side in the placement cavity to form the storage position for the additive box 4 to be stored independently.

Preferably, in this embodiment, one or some storage locations can be designated to store a certain type of additive, so that the user can find the additive box 4 and improve the timely rate of replacing the additive box 4 . For example, if the first storage position, the second storage position, the third storage position, and the fourth storage position are formed in the storage cavity, the first storage position and the second storage position can be designated to store detergent, and the third storage position can be designated to store detergent. The first position is used to store softener, the fourth storage position can not be set, and can be used to store some infrequently used additives such as disinfectant, bleach and so on. In this way, when the user wants to replace the detergent, he can directly take it from the first storage position and the second storage position, which improves the timely rate of replacement and is more regular.

More preferably, an identification structure for reminding what kind of additive box 4 is placed in each storage position is provided corresponding to each storage position on the inner side wall of the drawer body, so as to give the user a more intuitive reminder. The identification structure can be text, such as "detergent", "softener" and other text identifications pasted on the drawer bodies corresponding to the first storage position and the second storage position, so whether it is storing or taking the additive box 4 At any time, it can give users a more intuitive reminder to avoid misplacing or taking it wrong, realize accurate delivery, and further ensure the washing and care effect of clothes.

Of course, other forms of identification structures can also be used for identification, such as graphic identification cards or color identification cards.

Further, the spare additive box storage structure 2 is drawably arranged at the top or bottom of the box body 1 close to the front side wall 101 . The front side wall 101 of the box body 1 is provided with a pull-out opening for the drawer body to be drawn. The drawer body includes a front panel, and the drawer body is pushed into the box body by the pull-out opening. 1, the front panel is flush with the front side wall 101 of the box body 1, so that it looks smooth and integrated from the outside, which is more beautiful.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1 , a handle structure 201 is provided on the front panel of the drawer body, and the handle structure 201 may be a handle groove provided on the front panel, or a drawer handle protruding from the front panel, The drawer handle may be an arc-shaped rod-shaped structure. The provided handle structure 201 can facilitate the user to pull the spare additive box storage structure 2 .

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the left and right side walls of the box body 1 or the bottom of the front side wall 101 are provided with a lint cleaning port, through which the lint dust inside the box body 1 can be cleaned. Clean it up. The lint cleaning port is provided with a lint cleaning cover 102 which can be opened and closed. When the lint dust inside the box body 1 needs to be cleaned, the lint cleaning cover 102 is opened. , close the lint cleaning cover 102 to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the washing machine 6 through the lint cleaning port.

Embodiment two

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, this embodiment is further improved on the basis of Embodiment 1 to solve the problem of clothing failure caused by the failure of the user to replace the additive box 4 in the additive injection device in time in Embodiment 1. The problem of poor cleaning effect.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the washing machine 6 provided in this embodiment also includes:

The spare delivery pipeline is connected with the spare additive box 4 and the water supply channel of the washing machine 6;

The spare additive suction device 11 is arranged on the spare feeding pipeline, and is used for feeding the additive in the spare additive box 4 into the washing tub 5 .

The spare additive suction device 11 is a dispenser such as a second dosing pump or a second venturi tube, and the spare additive suction device 11 can be fixedly arranged on the drawer mounting base 8 .

In the process of injecting additives, within the set time after the washing machine 6 sends an alarm prompt to the user that the additive surplus in the additive injecting device is insufficient: if it is not detected that the user replaces a new additive box 4, the standby additive pumping is controlled. The suction device 11 is started, and the additive in the spare additive box 4 is thrown into the washing machine 6, which effectively avoids the problem that the amount of the additive is insufficient because the user fails to replace the additive box 4 in time, resulting in poor laundry effect.

As shown in Figure 2, the box body 1 is provided with a mounting seat 8 for accommodating and installing the drawer body, and the drawer body and the mounting seat 8 are slidably matched to realize that the drawer body can be pulled out or pushed into the box 1.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the spare additive box 4 can be lifted out from the upper part of the drawer body or pulled out from the front part.

As shown in Figure 2, the spare additive box 4 can be pushed into the additive box 4 storage tank of the spare additive box storage structure 2, and the side wall of the spare additive box storage tank has a limiter 12 to avoid additives The box 4 moves in the storage tank of the spare additive box.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the additive box 4 has a liquid outlet that communicates with the standby delivery pipeline, and the liquid outlet connects the sealed cavity of the additive box 4 through the standby additive suction device 11. In the water supply channel of the washing machine 6, the spare additive box storage tank is provided with an avoidance hole 13 for avoiding the spare feeding pipeline.

The standby additive suction device 11 is fixedly installed in the box body 1, the inlet of the standby additive suction device 11 communicates with the liquid outlet of the ink cartridge type additive box 4, and the outlet communicates with the water supply channel;

Preferably, the tank body 1 is provided with a temporary storage chamber through which the water supply channel flows, and the outlet of the standby additive suction device 11 communicates with the temporary storage chamber;

Further preferably, the standby additive suction device 11 includes a second delivery pump that can only conduct one-way from the inlet to the outlet.

The spare delivery pipeline includes a liquid-guiding plug-in structure, and a suction tube whose one end is connected to the inlet of the standby additive suction device 11, and the other end is connected to the liquid outlet of the cartridge-type additive box 4 through the liquid-guiding plug-in structure. road.

Preferably, the liquid guiding insertion structure includes a liquid guiding insertion tube 10, and the liquid guiding insertion tube 10 extends into the placement cavity from the avoidance hole 13 of the storage tank of the spare additive box, and the spare additive box After the box 4 is installed in place, its liquid outlet is connected with the described liquid guiding insertion tube 10 .

The liquid outlet of the cartridge-type additive box 4 is provided with a container connecting portion that matches and communicates with the liquid guiding insertion tube 10, and the container connecting portion is provided with a liquid outlet that is opened due to the interference of the liquid guiding insertion tube 10 and closed under normal conditions. The reset valve 9 of the liquid outlet.

As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the reset valve 9 includes a valve body 91, a spring 92, and a seal 93 arranged in the container connecting portion. The casing structure extending in the pulling direction of the box 4 has a flow guide channel inside the casing structure. One end of the casing structure is provided with the valve body 91 , and the other end communicates with the inside of the additive box 4 .

As shown in Figure 4, there is also a spring 92 in a compressed state inside the sleeve structure, and the two ends of the spring 92 are in contact with the valve body 91 and the sleeve structure respectively, and the valve body 91 closes the sleeve under the elastic force of the spring 92 The channel formed inside the structure makes the liquid outlet of the ink cartridge type additive box 4 closed, and the ink cartridge type additive box 4 forms a closed container, and then after the additive box 4 is pulled out, the seal is guaranteed without any leakage.

As shown in Figure 3, a ejector rod 110 is arranged in the described liquid guiding insertion pipe 10, when the ink cartridge type additive box 4 is correspondingly placed in the spare additive box storage tank, the ejector rod 110 in the liquid guiding insertion pipe 10 and the valve body 91 contacts and drives the valve body 91 to overcome the elastic force applied by the spring 92 to move toward the inside of the additive box 4, so that the liquid outlet of the additive box 4 can be opened and the additive can be injected.

Further, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the additive delivery device described in this embodiment includes:

The additive dispenser 3 is provided in the box body 1 in a drawable manner, and the additive dispenser 3 is provided with an installation cavity for placing at least one additive box 4 .

The box 1 is provided with an additive dispenser mounting seat for accommodating and installing the additive dispenser 3, and the additive dispenser 3 and the additive dispenser 3 are slidably fitted to realize that the additive dispenser 3 can Pull it out or push it into the box body 1.

The additive dosing device includes a dosing mechanism, and the dosing mechanism includes a first dosing pump or a first Venturi tube, and the first dosing pump or the first Venturi tube can put the additive in the additive box 4 in the additive dispenser 3 The additive is sucked out and put into the water inlet channel of the washing machine 6 for washing and protecting the clothes in the washing tub 5 . The feeding mechanism can be set on the mounting seat of the additive dispenser.

In this embodiment, the principle of the additive dispensing device is the same as the principle of dispensing additives in the spare additive box 4 , and will not be repeated here.

Preferably, the additive dispensing device includes: a position detection module, which is arranged in the installation cavity or on the box body 1 above the installation cavity, and is used to detect whether a new additive box 4 is replaced. The position detection module may be a pressure sensor or an infrared sensor arranged in the placement cavity. When it is detected that the amount of additive in the additive box 4 is insufficient, a pressure sensor or an infrared sensor is used to detect whether a new additive box 4 is placed in the installation cavity of the additive dispenser 3 . After detecting that the user has put into new additive box 4, then to the main control board feedback signal of washing machine 6, stop reporting to the police.

Preferably, the additive dispensing device includes: an additive residual amount detection module, which is arranged in the installation cavity or the additive box 4, and is used for detecting the information of the additive residual amount in the additive box 4. The remaining amount detection module can be a liquid level conductive probe or a liquid level sensor arranged in the additive box 4 for detecting the liquid level of the additive in the additive box 4 .

Preferably, the additive dispensing device includes: an alarm unit, which may be an alarm connected to the main control board of the washing machine 6 in a wired or wireless manner. When there is no additive balance lower than the set value, the signal is fed back to the main control board, and the main control board controls the alarm module to send an alarm, prompting the user to replace the additive box 4 in time.

Preferably, the additive dispensing device includes: a timing module, the timing module starts timing when the alarm unit starts to send out an alarm, and feeds back to the main control board.

Further, in this embodiment, the washing machine 6 is a drum washing machine, of course it is not limited to a drum washing machine, and may also be a wave-wheel washing machine.

The additive dispenser 3 is pullably arranged in the box body 1 above the washing tub 5 , and the spare additive box storage structure 2 is pullably arranged in the box body 1 below the washing tub 5 .

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the additive dispenser 3 and the spare additive box storage structure 2 are both arranged in the box body 1 above the washing tub 5 , and are distributed on the left and right sides of the washing tub 5 . On the other hand, since the water inlet of the washing machine 6 is mostly arranged above the washing drum 5, the above-mentioned design facilitates the connection of the spare additive box 4 in the spare additive box storage structure 2 with the water inlet of the washing machine 6, and simplifies the internal circuit of the washing machine 6. setting.

Further, in this embodiment, the additive box 4 is provided with an electronic label 401, and the information of the additive is stored in the electronic label 401. Electronic tags 401 are provided on both the additive box 4 in the additive feeding device and the spare additive box 4 stored in the spare additive box storage structure 2 .

Preferably, the additive information includes additive type, manufacturer, brand, production date, concentration, composition and other related parameter information.

In this embodiment, the electronic tag 401 stores at least the type information of the additives stored in the additive box 4 , such as detergent, softener, fragrance enhancer, disinfectant and so on.

The electronic tag 401 is an NFC tag arranged on the outer wall or inner wall of the additive box 4. Of course, the electronic tag 401 can also be an RFID tag arranged on the inner wall or outer wall of the additive box 4. Since the information interaction effect of NFC is better than that of RFID, Moreover, NFC has the advantages of short distance, high bandwidth, and low energy consumption, so it is more suitable for application in the washing machine 6 .

In the above solution, the additive information stored inside the electronic tag 401 is factory-provided. Preferably, the additive information inside the electronic tag 401 can be input or changed through the operation panel of the washing machine 6, or can be input or changed through the mobile APP. Change.

The electronic tag 401 and the additive box 4 can be connected and fixed through the following connection methods, such as integral injection molding, screw fastening, welding, pasting, clamping and so on.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1 , the washing machine 6 also includes: a first identification module 71, which is arranged in the installation cavity or on the box body 1, and is used to read the information on each additive box 4 in the additive dispenser 3; The additive information in the electronic label 401.

The first identification module 71 is a first RFID reader-writer or a first NFC reader-writer set on the integrated waterway cover plate at the top of the box body 1 or in the installation cavity corresponding to each additive box 4 in the additive dispenser 3 , The additive information in the electronic label 401 on each additive box 4 in the additive dispenser 3 can be read.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1 , it also includes: a second identification module 72, which is arranged in the storage structure 2 of the spare additive box or the integrated waterway cover on the top of the box body 1, and is used to read the information in the storage structure 2 of the spare additive box. The additive information in the electronic label 401 on each spare additive box 4 .

The second identification module 72 is a second RFID reader-writer or a second NFC reader-writer installed on the box body 1 or in the spare additive box storage structure 2 corresponding to each additive box 4 in the spare additive box storage structure 2, The additive information in the electronic label 401 on each spare additive box 4 in the spare additive box storage structure 2 can be read.

Specifically, the second identification module 72 can identify the types of additives in the additive box 4 placed in each storage position in the spare additive box storage structure 2 .

As shown in Figures 1 to 6, this embodiment also provides a control method with the above-mentioned washing machine 6, as shown in Figure 5, the method includes:

During the process of injecting additives, within the set time after the washing machine 6 sends an alarm prompt to the user that the additive balance in the additive injecting device is insufficient:

If it is not detected that the user replaces the new additive box 4 all the time, the standby additive suction device 11 is controlled to start, and the additive in the standby additive box 4 is thrown into the washing machine 6 .

In the washing machine control method provided in this embodiment, during the process of adding additives, within the set time after the washing machine 6 sends an alarm prompt to the user that the additive remaining in the additive feeding device is insufficient: if it is not detected that the user replaces a new additive box 4, the standby additive suction device 11 is controlled to start, and the additive in the spare additive box 4 is put into the washing machine 6, which effectively avoids the lack of additive dosage due to the failure of the user to replace the additive box 4 in time, resulting in the laundry care The problem of poor performance.

Further preferably, as shown in Figure 6, the method also includes the following steps:

In the process of adding additives;

The washing machine is within the set time after sending out an alarm prompt to the user that the amount of additive in the additive feeding device is insufficient;

If it is not detected that the user replaces a new additive box, the additive type of the additive box 4 that has not been replaced in time in the additive feeding device is obtained;

Control the second identification module 72 to start, read the additive information in the electronic tag 401 on each standby additive box 4 in the spare additive box storage structure 2;

Judging whether there is any additive box 4 of this type stored in the storage structure 2 of the spare additive box: if yes, then control to release the corresponding type of spare additive; if not, continue to alarm.

The washing machine control method provided in this embodiment uses the electronic tag 401 provided on the additive box 4 to identify the spare detergent box. When it is not replaced in time within the time, the electronic tag 401 on each additive box 4 in the standby additive box storage structure 2 can be identified by the second identification module 72, and when it is recognized that there is a corresponding type of additive, the additive is controlled to be put in, so as to realize Precise identification of the additive type in the additive box 4 stored in the spare additive box storage structure 2, and the effect of automatic delivery not only have a high degree of automation and high delivery efficiency, but also can effectively avoid the phenomenon of wrong delivery.

The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone familiar with the technology of this patent Without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, personnel can use the technical content of the above prompts to make some changes or modify them into equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes. In essence, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments still fall within the scope of the solutions of the present invention.

Claims

A washing machine, comprising:

box;

The additive feeding device is used for feeding laundry additives into the washing machine, and has an installation cavity for storing at least one additive box; it is characterized in that it also includes:

The spare additive box storage structure is arranged on the box body and has an accommodating space for at least one spare additive box to be stored.
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the spare additive box storage structure is fixedly arranged on the top wall or the side wall of the box;

Alternatively, it can be drawn and arranged in the box.
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the storage structure for the spare additive box is a storage shelf or a storage box detachably fixed on the top wall or the side wall of the box;

Alternatively, the storage structure for the spare additive box is a storage shelf or a storage box that can be drawn and arranged in the box.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, the storage structure of the spare additive box is a drawer-type storage structure that can be drawn and arranged in the box;

The drawer-type accommodation structure includes a drawer body with a placement cavity inside, and a plurality of storage positions corresponding to the spare additive boxes are formed in the placement cavity;

Preferably, the spare additive box storage structure can be drawn and arranged at the top or bottom of the box close to the front side wall;

Preferably, a handle structure is provided on the front panel of the drawer body.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising:

A spare delivery pipeline is connected to the spare additive box and the water supply channel of the washing machine;

The standby additive suction device is arranged on the standby feeding pipeline, and is used to inject the additive in the standby additive box into the washing tub.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the additive feeding device comprises:

The additive dispenser is set in the box in a drawable manner, and the additive dispenser is provided with an installation cavity for placing at least one additive box;

Preferably, it also includes:

The position detection module is arranged in the installation cavity or on the box above the installation cavity, and is used to detect whether a new additive box is replaced;

Preferably, it also includes:

The additive residual amount detection module is arranged in the installation cavity or the additive box, and is used for detecting the additive residual amount information in the additive box.
The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, the washing machine is a drum washing machine;

The additive dispenser can be drawn in the box above the washing tub, and the spare additive box storage structure can be drawn in the box below the washing tub;

Alternatively, both the additive dispenser and the spare additive box storage structure are arranged in a box above the washing tub, and are distributed on the left and right sides of the washing tub.
The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the additive box is provided with an electronic tag, and the electronic tag stores additive information;

The washing machine also includes:

The first identification module is arranged in the installation cavity or on the box body, and is used to read the additive information in the electronic tag on each additive box in the additive dispenser;

Preferably, it also includes:

The second identification module is arranged in the spare additive box storage structure or on the box body, and is used to read the additive information in the electronic tag on each spare additive box in the spare additive box storage structure;

Preferably, the additive information includes one or more of the type, concentration, and brand of the additive.
A method for controlling the washing machine according to any one of claims 1-8 above, characterized in that the method comprises:

During the process of adding additives, within the set time after the washing machine sends an alarm prompt to the user that the additive remaining in the additive feeding device is insufficient:

If it is not detected that the user replaces a new additive box, the standby additive suction device is controlled to start, and the additive in the standby additive box is put into the washing machine.
The control method of the washing machine according to claim 9, further comprising the following steps:

Obtain the additive type of the additive box in the additive feeding device that has not been replaced in time;

Control the start of the second identification module, and read the additive information in the electronic label on each spare additive box in the storage structure of the spare additive box;

Judging whether there is an additive box of this type stored in the storage structure of the spare additive box: if there is, then control the release of the corresponding type of spare additive; if not, continue to alarm.