CN108315965B - External detergent feeding device, control method thereof and washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses an external detergent dispensing device, a control method thereof and a washing machine, and relates to the technical field of household appliances. The external detergent delivery device includes a detergent box, a water inlet pipeline, a delivery pipeline and an external circuit board. The two ends of the water inlet pipeline are respectively connected with the tap water connector and the water inlet valve of the washing machine. The water inlet pipeline is connected, and a delivery mechanism is installed on the delivery pipeline to deliver detergent into the water inlet pipeline; a water flow sensor is arranged on the water inlet pipeline, and both the water flow sensor and the delivery mechanism are connected to the external circuit board. On the basis of the existing common washing machine, the invention completes the connection with the washing machine body by adding an external detergent box and an external circuit board, detects the change of the water flow through the water flow sensor, and learns the detergent dispensing signal and the stop dispensing signal, so as to realize the common The automatic release function of the washing machine.

Description

An external detergent dispensing device, its control method and washing machine

technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to an external detergent dispensing device, a control method thereof, and a washing machine using the external detergent dispensing device.

Background technique

In the current fully automatic washing machine, when washing clothes, the weight and ambient temperature of the clothes are generally automatically sensed by sensors, and then transmitted to the computer program. The detergent is drawn into the detergent box from the storage cavity to realize the precise delivery of detergent. However, in the existing domestic washing machines, there are still many washing machines that do not have the function of automatic detergent dispensing. Users need to manually add detergent into the detergent box in advance, and the washing machine then flushes the detergent into the washing tub through flushing water according to the washing process. Inside. With this adding method, the amount of detergent to be put in depends on the discretion of the user, and there are often cases where too much or too little is put in. Too little will lead to unclean laundry, and too much will cause unclean rinsing and laundry. Liquid residue will affect the appearance and wearing experience of clothing. Moreover, since the detergent needs to be added to the detergent box every time it is washed, it brings inconvenience to the user. For such a washing machine that is not equipped with an automatic dispensing device, especially the existing washing machine in the user's home, there is currently no method to realize the automatic dispensing of detergent through simple modification; and when the other functions of the washing machine are in good condition, it is discarded. Or replacing a new washing machine will cause a waste of resources and increase the burden on consumers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Based on the above, one object of the present invention is to provide an external detergent dispensing device. By arranging the dispensing device outside the existing washing machine, the connection and communication with the washing machine body can be realized, so that the existing ordinary washing machine can be Detergent is dispensed automatically.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method suitable for the above-mentioned external detergent dispensing device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine using the above-mentioned external detergent dispensing device and a control method thereof.

For this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

An external detergent delivery device, comprising a detergent box, a water inlet pipeline, a delivery pipeline and an external circuit board, two ends of the water inlet pipeline are respectively connected with a tap water connector and a washing machine inlet valve, the detergent The box is communicated with the water inlet pipeline through a delivery pipeline, and a delivery mechanism is installed on the delivery pipeline for delivering detergent into the water inlet pipeline; the water inlet pipeline is provided with a water flow sensor, the water flow sensor and the The delivery mechanism is connected with the external circuit board.

As a preferred solution of an external detergent dosing device, the dosing mechanism is a dosing pump or a Venturi tube; wherein the dosing pump is a peristaltic pump or a piston pump.

As a preferred solution of an external detergent dispensing device, a first one-way valve is also installed on the dispensing pipeline to prevent tap water from entering the detergent box through the water inlet pipeline.

As a preferred solution of an external detergent dispensing device, the water flow sensor is a flow sensor for detecting water flow or a pressure sensor for detecting pipeline hydrostatic pressure; wherein the measuring nozzle of the pressure sensor is located inside the water inlet pipeline On the wall, when the water is flowing, the detected pressure decreases, and when the water is stationary, the detected pressure increases to the tap water supply pressure.

As a preferred solution of an external detergent dispensing device, a second one-way valve is installed on the water inlet pipeline between the detergent box and the tap water connection to prevent detergent from being siphoned into the tap water connection.

As a preferred solution of an external detergent dispensing device, a detergent dispensing port is arranged above the detergent box, a liquid level sensor is arranged in the detergent box, and the liquid level sensor is connected to the alarm. When it is detected that the liquid level in the detergent box reaches the set value, the alarm is turned on to give an alarm.

As a preferred solution of an external detergent dispensing device, it also includes a mixing chamber arranged above the inner tub of the washing machine for mixing the detergent with tap water.

A control method of an external detergent feeding device, comprising the following steps: A. The washing machine end obtains the required amount of detergent; B. Water is fed; C. The washing machine end sends a detergent feeding instruction; D. The feeding end detects the water flow through a water flow sensor Whether the change is consistent with the delivery instruction, if it is consistent, then open the delivery mechanism; if not, return to this step to continue testing; E. Determine whether the detergent delivery amount or delivery time has been reached, if so, close the delivery mechanism, if not, return This step continues to judge.

As a preferred solution of the control method of an external detergent dispensing device, the step E further includes: E1. If the amount or the dispensing time of the detergent is reached, the washing machine end sends out an instruction to stop dispensing; E2, the dispensing end passes the water flow sensor. Check whether the change of water flow is consistent with the instruction to stop the delivery. If they are consistent, the delivery mechanism will be closed.

As a preferred solution of the control method for an external detergent feeding device, the step E2 further includes: if the water flow change detected by the water flow sensor at the feeding end is inconsistent with the stop feeding instruction, then the feeding end judges whether the maximum detergent dose is reached. time, if yes, close the delivery mechanism, if no, return to this step to continue judging.

As a preferred solution of a control method for an external detergent dispensing device, after the step E, the washing machine further includes: the washing machine judges whether the water inflow is completed, if so, starts washing, and if not, continues the judgment process.

As a preferred solution of the control method of an external detergent dispensing device, the washing machine side obtains the required amount of detergent by weighing the weight of the laundry.

As a preferred solution of the control method for an external detergent dispensing device, in the step C, the washing machine sends a detergent dispensing instruction or a stop dispensing instruction to the dispensing end by controlling the water flow at regular intervals.

As a preferred solution of the control method of an external detergent feeding device, the washing machine sends the detergent feeding instruction and the detergent feeding stop instruction as follows: during the water feeding process, the water inlet valve of the washing machine is continuously cut off three times at intervals of one second.

A washing machine using the above-mentioned external detergent dispensing device or the control method of the above-mentioned external detergent dispensing device.

The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

On the basis of the existing ordinary washing machine, the invention completes the connection with the washing machine body by setting an external detergent box and an external circuit board; using a water flow sensor to detect the water flow controlled by the washing machine at regular intervals, to know the detergent dosage Or the delivery time, and then control the delivery mechanism to open or close, so as to realize the automatic delivery function of ordinary washing machines. In the present application, after the user installs the external detergent dispensing device, the driver program of the washing machine is updated through the network or after-sales personnel, so as to generate a water flow control method for outputting the detergent dispensing amount. The need for washing machines to automatically dispense detergent.

Description of drawings

In order to illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention more clearly, the following briefly introduces the accompanying drawings that need to be used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. , for those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained according to the contents of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative efforts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an external detergent dispensing device and a washing machine provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

2 is a schematic structural diagram of an external detergent dispensing device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control method of an external detergent dispensing device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control method of an external detergent dispensing device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

The figures are marked as follows:

1. Detergent box; 2. Water inlet pipeline; 3. Delivery pipeline; 4. Tap water connector; 5. Washing machine inlet valve; 6. Delivery mechanism; 7. Water flow sensor; 8. First check valve; 9. The second one-way valve; 10, the detergent feeding port; 11, the liquid level sensor; 12, the mixing chamber; 20, the washing machine.

Detailed ways

In order to make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted and the technical effects achieved more clearly, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only the present invention. Some examples, but not all examples. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Example 1

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , this embodiment provides an external detergent dispensing device, which is used to solve the problem that the existing ordinary washing machine cannot automatically dispense detergent. The device includes a detergent box 1 and a water inlet pipeline 2 arranged outside the washing machine 20, wherein one end of the water inlet pipeline 2 is connected to the tap water connector 4, and the other end is connected to the washing machine water inlet valve 5, so as to realize the normal water inlet of the washing machine 20. ; In the water inlet pipeline 2 is also connected with a delivery pipeline 3, and the other end of the delivery pipeline 3 is installed in the detergent box 1 to deliver detergent to the water inlet pipeline 2. An injection mechanism 6 is also installed on the injection pipeline 3. The injection mechanism 6 can select an injection pump or a Venturi tube. Here, this embodiment preferably adopts an injection pump with convenient control and accurate injection, such as a piston pump, a peristaltic pump, etc. . In addition, a water flow sensor 7 capable of detecting changes in water flow is also installed on the water inlet pipeline 2. The water flow sensor 7 and the injection mechanism 6 are both connected to the external circuit board. The water flow sensor 7 sends a detection signal to the external circuit board. The circuit board issues an instruction to control the opening or closing of the dispensing mechanism 6 to realize automatic and quantitative dispensing of the detergent.

Specifically, the water flow sensor 7 may be a flow sensor for detecting the water flow, or a pressure sensor for detecting the hydrostatic pressure of the pipeline. When using a pressure sensor, its measuring nozzle should be located on the wall of the tap water flow pipeline. When the water is flowing, the detected pressure decreases; when the water is stationary, the detected pressure increases to the tap water supply pressure. On the basis of the existing ordinary washing machine, the present invention completes the connection with the washing machine 20 by setting the external detergent box 1 and the external circuit board, and solves the communication problem between the detergent box 1 and the washing machine 20; 7. Detect the flow of water controlled by the washing machine 20 at regular intervals, obtain the detergent dosage or delivery time, and then control the delivery mechanism 6 to open or close, thereby realizing the automatic delivery function of ordinary washing machines.

Further, a first one-way valve 8 is also installed on the feeding pipeline 3 , which can make the detergent enter the water inlet pipeline 2 from the detergent box 1 and prevent tap water from entering the detergent box 1 from the water inlet pipeline 2 . Furthermore, a second one-way valve 9 is also installed on the water inlet pipeline 2 between the detergent box 1 and the tap water connector 4 , which can allow tap water to flow into the washing machine 20 and avoid detergent siphoning to the tap water connector 4 .

A detergent injection port 10 is provided above the detergent box 1 of the present invention for adding detergent into the detergent box 1 . The detergent box 1 is provided with a liquid level sensor 11. The liquid level sensor 11 is connected to the alarm. When it is detected that the liquid level in the detergent box 1 reaches the set value, the alarm will be turned on to remind the user to report to the detergent box in time. Add detergent to 1. Preferably, the set value is 1/5 of the height of the inner cavity of the detergent box 1 . The detergent box 1 of the present invention can hold the detergent and the fabric softener in a super large capacity, so that consumers do not need to place the detergent and the fabric softener separately, so that the laundry process is integrated, and the detergent delivery is more accurate and reasonable. In addition, in the present invention, a mixing chamber 12 is also provided above the inner drum of the washing machine 20. After the tap water and detergent in the water inlet pipeline 2 flow into the mixing chamber 12, they can be fully mixed to improve the washing effect.

Embodiment 2

As shown in FIG. 3 , this embodiment provides a control method suitable for the external detergent dispensing device in the first embodiment, which specifically includes the following steps:

S1. The washing machine 20 is powered on;

S2. The washing machine side learns the required amount of detergent;

In this step, the washing machine 20 can automatically acquire information on the weight of the clothes and the ambient temperature through the weight sensor and the temperature sensor, and automatically calculate the amount of detergent to be added.

S3, water intake;

S4. The washing machine side issues a detergent delivery instruction;

Here, the washing machine 20 controls the water flow at regular intervals, and sends detergent injection instructions to the injection end, for example, the washing machine water inlet valve 5 can be cut off three times continuously at intervals of one second during the water inlet process.

S5, the delivery end detects the water flow change through the water flow sensor 7, and judges whether the water flow change is consistent with the delivery instruction of the washing machine 20, if it is consistent, then go to step S6, if it is inconsistent, then return to this step to continue detection;

S6, the external circuit board controls the opening of the delivery mechanism 6;

S7, judging whether the amount or time of detergent delivery has been reached, and if so, go to step S8; if not, return to this step to continue judging;

S8. The external circuit board controls and closes the delivery mechanism 6;

S9, the washing machine 20 judges whether the water inflow is completed, if yes, then go to step S10, if not, continue the judging process;

S10, start washing.

In this application, the water flow sensor 7 is used to detect the change of the water flow, and according to the change of the water flow, the injection signal is judged, and the required amount of detergent is transmitted to the detection place of the injection device by controlling the water flow at regular intervals, so as to control the injection pump or the Venturi pipeline. In order to realize the precise delivery of detergent, with the reasonable automatic washing and rinsing procedures, the reasonable consumption of valuable resources such as detergent, softener, water and electricity can be achieved, so that the clothes are clean and new, and at the same time, the real Automation and intelligence.

Embodiment 3

As shown in FIG. 4 , this embodiment provides another control method for an external detergent dispensing device, which is basically the same as the method in Embodiment 2, except that the control process between steps S7 and S8 is as follows :

S71 , judging whether the dosage or the dosage time of the detergent is reached, if yes, go to step S72 , if not, go back to this step to continue judging.

S72. The washing machine side issues a stop delivery instruction;

S73 , the injection end detects whether the water flow change is consistent with the stop injection instruction through the water flow sensor 7 , if they are consistent, go to step S8 ; if they are inconsistent, go to step S74 .

S74, the delivery end judges whether the maximum time for the detergent delivery has been reached, and if so, it proceeds to step S8, and if not, it returns to this step to continue judging.

S8 , the external circuit board controls and closes the delivery mechanism 6 .

In the present invention, after the user installs the external detergent dispensing device, the driver program of the washing machine 20 is updated through the network or after-sales personnel, so as to generate a water flow control method for outputting the detergent dispensing amount. The demand for automatic detergent delivery in ordinary washing machines. E.g:

If it is known by weighing the clothes that the detergent demand of the clothes is 20g, the water feeding of the washing machine 20 can be controlled regularly during the water feeding process. Water valve 5 three times. In this way, on the water inlet pipeline 2, the water flow change corresponding to the time interval will be detected. By detecting the change of water flow, the external circuit board controls to open the dosing pump or use the venturi to do the detergent. After the required detergent feeding time is reached, the washing machine water inlet valve 5 is continuously cut off three times at one-second intervals. At the detection end, after the water flow change is obtained, the feeding pump or venturi tube is turned off to end the detergent feeding.

Note that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and applied technical principles. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can also include more other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention. The scope is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. An external detergent delivery device, characterized in that it comprises a detergent box (1), a water inlet pipeline (2), a delivery pipeline (3) and an external circuit board, and the water inlet pipeline (2) The two ends of the detergent box (1) are connected to the tap water connector (4) and the water inlet valve (5) of the washing machine respectively, and the detergent box (1) is connected to the water inlet pipeline (2) through the feeding pipeline (3). (3) An injection mechanism (6) is installed on the water inlet pipe (2) for injecting detergent into the water inlet pipe (2); a water flow sensor (7) is arranged on the water inlet pipe (2), and the water flow sensor (7) and the feeding mechanism (6) are connected with the external circuit board; the feeding pipeline (3) is also installed with a first one-way valve (8) to prevent the tap water from entering the detergent through the water inlet pipeline (2). box (1); a second one-way valve (9) is installed on the water inlet pipe (2) between the detergent box (1) and the tap (4) to prevent detergent from being siphoned into the tap (4) ). 2. The external detergent delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the delivery mechanism (6) is a delivery pump or a venturi; the water flow sensor (7) is a flow sensor or a flow sensor for detecting the water flow. A pressure sensor that detects the hydrostatic pressure of the pipeline. 3. The external detergent dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, a detergent dispensing port (10) is provided above the detergent box (1), and a detergent box (1) is provided inside There is a liquid level sensor (11), the liquid level sensor (11) is connected with an alarm, and when it is detected that the liquid level in the detergent box (1) reaches a set value, the alarm is turned on to give an alarm. 4 . The external detergent dispensing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a mixing chamber ( 12 ) provided above the inner tub of the washing machine ( 20 ) for mixing the detergent with tap water. 5 . 5. A control method for an external detergent dispensing device, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: A. The washing machine end learns the required amount of detergent; B. Water enters; C. The washing machine end issues a detergent dispensing instruction; D. The end uses the water flow sensor (7) to detect whether the change of the water flow is consistent with the injection instruction. If it is consistent, the injection mechanism (6) is opened. If it is inconsistent, it returns to this step to continue the detection; E. Determine whether the detergent injection amount or injection time is reached, E1. If the amount or time of detergent delivery is reached, the washing machine will issue a stop delivery instruction; E2, the delivery side will use the water flow sensor (7) to detect whether the change in water flow is consistent with the stop delivery instruction, and if so, close the delivery mechanism (6). , if not, the delivery end judges whether the maximum time for detergent delivery is reached, if so, closes the delivery mechanism (6), if not, returns to continue to judge whether the maximum time for detergent delivery is reached. 6. The method for controlling an external detergent dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that after the step E, the method further comprises: the washing machine (20) judging whether the water inflow is completed, if so, start washing, if not, start washing. Then continue the judgment process. 7 . The method for controlling an external detergent dispensing device according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein in the step A, the washing machine side obtains the required amount of detergent by weighing the clothes. 8 . 8. The method for controlling an external detergent dispensing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein in the step C, the washing machine (20) sends out washing to the dispensing end by controlling the flow of water at regular intervals. Dosing orders or stop dosing orders. 9. The method for controlling an external detergent dispensing device according to claim 8, wherein the washing machine (20) sends the detergent dispensing instruction and the detergent dispensing instruction in the following manner: during the water intake process, at intervals of one second , and cut off the washing machine water inlet valve (5) three times in a row. 10. A washing machine, characterized in that a control method using the external detergent dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-4 or the external detergent dispensing device according to any one of claims 5-9 .

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