(19)
(11) EP 4 372 139 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC

(43) Date of publication:
22.05.2024 Bulletin 2024/21

(21) Application number: 22841203.7

(22) Date of filing: 01.07.2022
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
D06F 39/02(2006.01)
D06F 39/14(2006.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
D06F 39/14; D06F 39/02
(86) International application number:
PCT/CN2022/103269
(87) International publication number:
WO 2023/284565 (19.01.2023 Gazette 2023/03)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
KH MA MD TN

(30) Priority: 16.07.2021 CN 202110807453
16.07.2021 CN 202110807594

(71) Applicants:
  • Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co., Ltd.
    Qingdao, Shandong 266101 (CN)
  • HAIER SMART HOME CO., LTD.
    Laoshan District Qingdao Shandong 266101 (CN)

(72) Inventors:
  • LIU, Kai
    Qingdao, Shandong 266101 (CN)
  • XU, Sheng
    Qingdao, Shandong 266101 (CN)
  • LV, Yanfen
    Qingdao, Shandong 266101 (CN)
  • SUN, Guangbin
    Qingdao, Shandong 266101 (CN)

(74) Representative: Beck & Rössig European Patent Attorneys 
Denninger Str. 169
81925 München
81925 München (DE)

   


(54) WASHING MACHINE


(57) The disclosure discloses a washing machine, which includes: a box; a clothes putting port for putting clothes; a barrel assembly arranged in the box; the opening of the barrel assembly corresponds to the clothes putting port; and an auxiliary detergent dispensing device for dispensing detergent into the laundry at the putting port; a water supply assembly, which has a main washing water supply mode and an auxiliary washing water supply mode. The main washing water supply mode is configured to inject water into the barrel assembly, and the auxiliary washing water supply mode is configured to spray water to the laundry at the clothes putting port; a detection device is configured to generate a start signal for activating the auxiliary detergent delivery device or the water supply assembly after detecting a signal that the laundry is approaching. The present disclosure uses the water supply assembly of the washing machine in the auxiliary washing water supply mode to spray water on the clothes at the clothes putting port to partially clean the clothes, thereby increasing the function of the washing machine and simplifying the structure of the washing machine.




Description

TECHNICAL FIELD



[0001] The disclosure belongs to the technical field of cleaning equipment, and specifically relates to a washing machine.

BACKGROUND



[0002] A washing machine is a machine that uses mechanical force generated by electricity to clean laundry. For clothes such as shirts, collars and cuffs are generally more dirty than other parts. However, during the washing process, the washing effect of existing washing machines in local areas such as the collars and cuffs of clothing is poor.

[0003] In the prior art, it is often necessary to add ultrasonic washing to the washing machine to achieve the purpose.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent application number CN200520069251.1 discloses a washing machine with a local ultrasonic washing device, including a washing machine body and an ultrasonic washing device. The ultrasonic washing device consists of an ultrasonic generator, a transducer, a device box and a transducer base; the ultrasonic generator is installed in the computer board and connected to the transducer; the transducer is installed on the base in the device box and is pressed by the cover plate. The ultrasonic washing device is fixed by a positioning support and installed at the rear of the washing machine workbench through the positioning support.

[0005] The Chinese patent application number CN 2017101131757 discloses a partial clothing cleaning structure and a washing machine. The partial clothing cleaning structure is detachably arranged on the washing machine tray and is connected to the water inlet waterway/detergent box of the washing machine. The partial clothing cleaning structure includes a pressure plate and a support plate. The pressure plate includes an ultrasonic transducer, and the support plate includes a water inlet cavity. The shape of the pressure plate matches the support plate. After being pressed toward the support plate, they form a water inlet cavity. Clamp the fine slits of the part of the clothes to be washed, clamp the clothes and ultrasonically clean the part to be washed.

[0006] Although the above solution solves to a certain extent the problem that the washing machine cannot clean local areas with high degree of dirt, the additional ultrasonic washing on the washing machine will undoubtedly increase the cost of the washing machine and reduce the market competitiveness of the washing machine.

[0007] In view of this, the present disclosure is proposed.

SUMMARY



[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a washing machine that uses the water supply assembly of the washing machine as the water outlet structure of the auxiliary washing stage, and controls whether it is started by a detection device. During the local cleaning process, the clothes to be washed are sprayed with water at the clothes put-in port to improve the cleaning effect on local locations, and the structure of the washing machine is simplified while increasing the functions of the washing machine.

[0009] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present disclosure is:
A washing machine including:

a box;

a clothes putting port for putting clothes in;

a barrel assembly, being arranged in the box, and a barrel opening of the barrel assembly corresponds to the clothes putting port;

a water supply assembly, being configured to have a main washing water supply mode and an auxiliary washing water supply mode, in the main washing water supply mode, it is configured to supply water into the barrel assembly, and in the auxiliary washing water supply mode, it is configured to spray water to a laundry at the clothes putting port;

a detection device, being configured to generate a start signal for activating the water supply assembly after detecting a signal that the laundry is approaching in the auxiliary washing water supply mode.



[0010] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes:

an auxiliary detergent dispensing device, being configured to dispense detergent to the laundry at the clothes putting port;

the detection device is further configured to generate a start signal for starting the auxiliary detergent dispensing device after detecting the signal that the laundry is approaching.



[0011] Further, the detection device is further configured to generate a closing signal for shutting down the water supply assembly or the auxiliary detergent dispensing device when no signal of the laundry is detected nearby.

[0012] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes:
a control panel, being provided with control button, and the control button is configured to control whether the detection device generates the start signal for starting the auxiliary detergent dispensing device or the water supply assembly.

[0013] Further, the water supply assembly includes a flow rate adjustment unit configured to adjust an inlet water flow rate of the auxiliary washing water supply mode to 40% to 80% of the inlet water flow rate of the main washing water supply mode after detecting that the control button is selected.

[0014] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes:

a turbidity detection unit, being provided in the barrel assembly and used to detect a turbidity of the water in the barrel assembly;

a drainage assembly, being connected with the barrel assembly and is used to drain out water in the barrel assembly;

at the end of the auxiliary washing water supply mode, when the turbidity of the water in the barrel assembly exceeds a set threshold, the drainage assembly is controlled to open to drain out water in the barrel assembly.



[0015] Further, before the main washing water supply mode starts, when the turbidity of the water in the barrel assembly does not exceed the set threshold, in the main washing water supply mode, the water supply assembly is controlled to supply a water inlet amount of a difference between the preset water inflow amount of a selected washing program and the water inflow amount in the auxiliary washing water supply mode.

[0016] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes:

a tray, the clothes putting port is arranged on the tray, and the water supply assembly and the auxiliary detergent dispensing device are installed on the tray;

an opening is provided on a side wall of the clothes putting port, and a liquid outlet pipe of the detergent dispensing device and a water outlet pipe of the water supply assembly are stored in the tray or extended to the clothes putting port through the opening.



[0017] Further, the water supply assembly also includes:

a water box, being arranged on the tray, and the water discharged from the water box falls into a barrel mouth range of the barrel assembly for pouring liquid into the barrel assembly;

a main detergent dispensing device, being configured to quantitatively deliver detergent into the water box;

before the main washing water supply mode starts, the washing machine obtains an amount of detergent put in by the auxiliary detergent dispensing device, and adjusts the amount of detergent quantitatively delivered into the water box by the main detergent dispensing device according to the amount of detergent put in by the auxiliary detergent dispensing device.



[0018] Further, a cover pivotally connected is provided at the opening,

when the cover closes the opening, an outer wall of the cover constitutes the side wall of the clothes putting port;

when the cover opens the opening, the liquid outlet pipe of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and the water outlet pipe of the water supply assembly extend from the side wall of the clothes putting port into the clothes putting port.



[0019] Further, the tray and the cover are provided with a push-and-eject switch, and the push-and-eject switch is used to lock or open the cover.

[0020] Further, the push-and-eject switch includes a buckle provided on the cover and a slot provided on the tray that matches the buckle;

alternatively, the push-and-eject switch includes the buckle provided on the tray and the slot provided on the cover that matches the buckle;

the buckle is engaged in the slot, the cover is closed on the opening, and when the buckle is engaged in the slot and the buckle is pressed, the buckle is disengaged from the slot to open the cover.



[0021] Further, an elastic member is provided on the opening and a pivot axis of the cover, and the elastic member has a restoring force that causes the cover to open.

[0022] Further, the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and the water supply assembly are respectively provided with an automatic telescopic mechanism;
the automatic telescopic mechanism is configured to protrude the liquid outlet pipe of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and the water outlet pipe of the water supply assembly outside the side wall of the clothes putting port through the opening when the detection device detects that a signal duration of the approaching laundry exceeds a set threshold, and to retract the liquid outlet pipe of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and the water outlet pipe of the water supply assembly into the tray through the opening when the signal duration of no laundry being detected near the detection device exceeds a set threshold.

[0023] Further, the detection device alternately generates the start signal for activating the water supply assembly or the auxiliary detergent dispensing device with a number of detections.

[0024] Further, the detection device includes:

a first detection unit, being configured to generate the start signal for activating the auxiliary detergent dispensing device after detecting a signal that the laundry is approaching, and to generate the closing signal for turning off the auxiliary detergent dispensing device when no signal from the laundry is detected nearby;

a second detection unit, being configured to generate the start signal for activating the water supply assembly after detecting the signal that the laundry is approaching in the auxiliary washing water supply mode, and to generate the closing signal for turning off the water supply assembly when no signal from the laundry is detected nearby in the auxiliary washing water supply mode.



[0025] Further, the detection device is any one of the following:
an infrared sensing unit, and a position sensor.

[0026] Further,
the auxiliary detergent dispensing device is a foam detergent dispensing device, including:

a liquid storage container for storing detergent;

a liquid outlet pipe, being arranged on the side wall of the clothes putting port;

a foam generating device, being communicated to the liquid storage container and the liquid outlet pipe, and is used to export the detergent from the liquid storage container into foam and release it from the liquid outlet pipe.



[0027] Further, the foam generating device includes:

a gas-liquid mixing chamber, being communicated with the liquid outlet pipe;

a liquid pump, one end of the liquid pump is communicated to the liquid storage container, and an other end of the liquid pump is communicated to the gas-liquid mixing chamber;

a gas pump, one end of the gas pump is communicated to the outside atmosphere, and an other end of the gas pump is communicated to the gas-liquid mixing chamber;

a driving mechanism for driving the liquid pump and the gas pump, being configured to receive a signal to start or stop the auxiliary detergent dispensing device.

  1. 1. The present disclosure uses the water supply assembly of the washing machine as the water outlet structure in the auxiliary washing water supply mode, and controls whether it is started by the detection device. During the process of local cleaning, the laundry at the clothes putting port is wetted to achieve auxiliary washing, and improves the efficiency of local cleaning. Increases the function of the washing machine and simplifies the structure of the washing machine.
  2. 2. The present disclosure improves the cleaning effect of local parts of clothes by arranging an auxiliary detergent dispensing device that sprays detergent on the washing machine and cooperates with the water supply assembly to alternately pour liquid into the clothes to be washed at the clothes putting port.
  3. 3. The present disclosure only provides one detection device to complete the control of the water supply assembly and the auxiliary detergent dispensing device, reduces the number of parts of the washing machine, simplifies the assembly relationship, and saves equipment costs.
  4. 4. The present disclosure sets two detection units to separately control the water supply assembly and the auxiliary detergent dispensing device, which improves the flexibility of controlling the water supply assembly and the auxiliary detergent dispensing device, is more in line with the user's usage habits, and improves the user's use experience.


[0028] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



[0029] The drawings, as part of the present disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure. The schematic embodiments of the present disclosure and their descriptions are used to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without exerting creative efforts. In the attached drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device of the present disclosure dispensing detergent to the laundry;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the water supply assembly of the present disclosure spraying water on the laundry;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the washing machine stopping the detergent and water supply when the clothes are being kneaded and washed;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the control panel of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and water supply assembly of the present disclosure being stored in the tray;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the cover of the present disclosure being closed;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cover of the present disclosure being opened;

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a state in which the liquid outlet pipe of the present disclosure puts detergent into the laundry;

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the state in which the water outlet pipe sprays water on the laundry of the present disclosure.



[0030] In the picture: 1. Box; 2. Tray; 21. Opening; 22. Cover; 3. Clothes putting port; 4. Auxiliary detergent dispensing device; 41. Liquid outlet pipe; 5. Water supply assembly; 51. Water outlet pipe; 6. Detection device; 7. Control panel; 8. Control button; 9. Upper cover; 10. Laundry.

[0031] It should be noted that these drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way, but are intended to illustrate the concept of the disclosure for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION



[0032] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The following examples are used to illustrate the present disclosure, but are not used to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc. The indicated orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description. It does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be in a specific orientation. construction and operation, and therefore should not be construed as limitations of the disclosure.

[0034] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly stated 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. Connection, or integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood on a case-by-case basis.

[0035] The washing machine of the present disclosure takes a pulsator washing machine as an example, but the pulsator washing machine does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other washing machines such as top-loading drum washing machines, or washing machines with a washing basin on the countertop, or drum washing machines with front side doors and windows with hand washing equipment, etc. are all within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the present disclosure provides a washing machine, which includes a box 1. A barrel assembly is provided in the box 1, and a tray 2 is provided on the box 1. The tray 2 is provided with a clothes putting port 3, which corresponds to the barrel opening of the barrel assembly. The tray 2 is also provided with an upper cover 9 for opening and closing the clothes putting port 3.

[0037] The washing machine also includes a water supply assembly 5. The water supply assembly 5 is installed on the tray 2 and has a main washing water supply mode and an auxiliary washing water supply mode. In the main washing water supply mode, it is configured to inject water into the barrel assembly, and in the auxiliary washing water inlet mode it is configured to spray water to the laundry 10 at the clothe putting port 3 (see Figure 2).

[0038] The above-mentioned water supply assembly 5 is not controlled by the preset washing program of the washing machine for the clothes in the washing barrel assembly in the auxiliary washing water supply mode, but is controlled by the detection device 6.

[0039] The present disclosure uses the water supply assembly 5 of the washing machine as the water outlet structure in the auxiliary washing stage, and controls whether it is started by the detection device 6. During the local cleaning process, water is sprayed on the clothes 10 to be washed at the clothes putting port 3 to improve local cleaning. The cleaning effect of the position is improved, and the structure of the washing machine is simplified on the basis of increasing the function of the washing machine.

[0040] The washing machine also includes an auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4, which is installed on the tray 2 and used to put detergent onto the laundry 10 at the clothes putting port 3 (see Figure 1).

[0041] The above-mentioned detection device 6 is also configured to generate a start signal for activating the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 or the water supply assembly 5 after detecting the signal of the approaching laundry 10. When no signal from the laundry 10 is detected nearby, a closing signal is generated to close the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 or the water supply assembly 5.

[0042] Alternatively, the signal for controlling the shutdown of the detergent dispensing device 4 or the water supply assembly 5 in the present disclosure can also be manually controlled or voice controlled. The above solution in which the detection device 6 is configured to control the closing signal of the detergent dispensing device 4 or the water supply assembly 5 is only a preferred embodiment and is not a limitation of the detection device of the present disclosure.

[0043] It should be noted that the detection device controls the startup and shutdown of the water supply assembly 5 in the auxiliary washing water supply mode.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing machine further includes a control panel 7, which is provided with a program selector and additional function selection buttons. A control panel 7 is provided on the tray 2. In particular, the control panel 7 provided by the present disclosure is provided with a control button 8. The control button 8 is configured to control whether the detection device 6 generates and starts a start signal of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 or the water supply assembly 5. The control panel may also be provided with buttons or knobs to control the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 to stop dispensing detergent or to control the water supply assembly 5 to stop spraying water.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, since the water supply assembly 5 and the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 are both arranged on the tray 2, the user will inevitably pass by the detection device 6 when putting clothes into the barrel assembly. In order to avoid the detection device 6 is accidentally triggered, the present disclosure sets a control button 8 on the control panel 7. Only when the control button 8 is in the selected state, the detection device 6 will detect whether there is laundry 10 approaching. Otherwise, the detection device 6 will not It will detect whether there is laundry 10 approaching.

[0046] The above solution makes the washing machine of the present disclosure more logically in the process of controlling the water supply assembly 5 and the auxiliary detergent delivery device 4 in the auxiliary washing water supply mode, and reduces the possibility of being accidentally triggered.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the water supply assembly 5 includes a flow rate adjustment unit configured to adjust the inlet water flow rate of the auxiliary washing water supply mode to 40% to 80% of the inlet water flow rate of the main washing inlet flow rate after detecting that the control button 8 is selected.

[0048] In detail, the function of the above-mentioned water supply assembly 5 in the main washing water supply mode is to supply water into the barrel assembly. Therefore, the water supply assembly 5 may also include a main detergent dispensing device. In the main washing water supply mode, the function is to supply water into the barrel assembly. Use water to dilute the detergent delivered by the main detergent dispensing device or dissolve the washing powder. Therefore, in the main washing water supply mode, the inlet water flow rate of the water supply assembly 5 is generally larger, on the one hand, to dissolve the washing powder or dilute the detergent, and on the other hand, to reduce the overall time of the washing process.

[0049] However, in the auxiliary washing water supply mode, the function of the water supply assembly 5 is to spray water to the laundry 10 at the clothes putting port 3 to wet the local position of the laundry 10. If the water outlet speed is too high, water splashing may occur. And generally, less water is used in local locations, if the water outlet speed is large, it will also cause a waste of water.

[0050] Therefore, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the water outlet speed of the water supply assembly 5 at different stages is further limited. That is, by setting up the flow rate adjustment unit, when the function of the water supply assembly 5 is to wet the local position of the laundry 10, the water outlet speed is adjusted to 40% to 80% of the water outlet speed in the main washing water supply mode.

[0051] In a preferred solution, a s water outlet speed selector can also be provided on the control panel 7 so that the user can determine the water outlet speed.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing machine further includes a turbidity detection unit, which is disposed in the barrel assembly and used to detect the turbidity of the water in the barrel assembly.

[0053] The washing machine also includes a drainage assembly, which is communicated with the barrel assembly and used to drain water in the barrel assembly.

[0054] At the end of the auxiliary washing water supply mode, when the turbidity of the water in the barrel assembly exceeds the set threshold, the drainage assembly is controlled to open to drain the water in the barrel assembly.

[0055] In detail, the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 is arranged on the tray 2 to put detergent into the laundry 10 at the clothe putting port 3. The water supply assembly 5 is also arranged on the tray 2. It can be seen when cleaning is performed at a local location to the laundry 10, the barrel assembly is configured to receive the detergent, water or mixed liquid flowing down from the laundry 10 at the clothes putting port 3.

[0056] However, when the degree of dirt in a local location is high, the turbidity of the washing water after cleaning in the local location is high and it is not suitable for being reused for washing other clothes. Therefore, the present disclosure sets a turbidity detection unit in the barrel assembly. When it is detected that the control button 8 is triggered, before the main water is supplied, the turbidity of the partially cleaned washing water contained in the barrel assembly needs to be detected. When the control unit determines that the turbidity of the washing water in the barrel assembly is relatively high at this time, it controls the drainage assembly to start, and then starts the subsequent washing process after draining the wash water in the barrel assembly. If the control unit determines that the turbidity of the wash water in the barrel assembly is low at this time, it means that this part can be recycled and does not need to be discharged.

[0057] The above solution can improve the washing ratio of clothes and prevent water with high turbidity from damaging the laundry 10.

[0058] In a further solution, before the main washing water supply mode starts, when the turbidity of the wash water in the barrel assembly does not exceed the set threshold, the water supply assembly 5 is controlled to be in the main washing water supply mode. The water inflow amount is the difference between the preset water inflow amount in the selected washing program and the water inflow amount in the auxiliary washing water supply mode.

[0059] In detail, the water supply assembly 5 also includes a flow detection unit. During the auxiliary water inlet stage, the total flow of water is detected. When the turbidity of the washing water in the barrel assembly is low after the local cleaning is completed, the control unit obtains the preset water inflow amount in the washing program of the user's selection and the total water inflow amount of in the auxiliary washing water supply mode. In the main washing water supply mode, the amount of water that the water supply assembly 5 controls to supply into the barrel assembly should be the difference between the preset water inflow amount in the washing program of the user's selection and the total water inflow amount of in the auxiliary washing water supply mode.

[0060] The above solution can avoid accidents such as overflow caused by high water levels in the barrel assembly during the washing process.

[0061] It should be noted that the flow detection unit is only one feasible implementation manner for realizing the above function. In other feasible implementation manners, for example, the above function can also be realized by arranging a water level detection unit in the barrel assembly.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the water supply assembly 5 also includes a water box, which is arranged on the tray 2, and the water from the water box falls into the barrel opening range of the barrel assembly.

[0063] The main detergent dispensing device is used to dispense detergent into the water box quantitatively; before the main washing water supply mode starts, the detergent dispensing amount of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 is obtained, and according to the amount of detergent dispensed by the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 is adjusted by the amount of detergent dispensed quantitatively by the main detergent dispensing device into the water box.

[0064] In detail, the above-mentioned main detergent dispensing device is a detergent delivery device with an automatic delivery function. The main washing water supply mode of the water supply assembly and the main detergent dispensing device deliver detergent are the same with the existing washing machine water inlet puts detergent into the barrel. For example, the main detergent dispensing device includes a liquid storage container, a negative pressure suction unit or a quantitative pump, etc. In the main washing water supply mode, the detergent is automatically put into the water box, and is diluted by the water supply assembly and flushed into the barrel assembly. Inside.

[0065] The detection of washing water in the auxiliary washing process: when the turbidity of the washing water in the barrel assembly is low, this part of the water will be reused. However, part of the detergent has been dissolved in this part of the water, if at this time, the amount of detergent is added according to the preset amount in the washing program selected by the user, the concentration of detergent in the water will be high, resulting in unclean rinsing.

[0066] Therefore, in the present disclosure, before the main washing water supply mode starts, the control unit will obtain the detergent delivery amount of the auxiliary detergent delivery device 4, and then adjust the main detergent delivery amount according to the detergent delivery amount of the auxiliary detergent delivery device 4. The detergent dispensing device dispenses a certain amount of detergent into the water box.

[0067] For example, the preset automatic detergent dosage in the washing program selected by the user is M, and during the local cleaning process, the detergent dosage of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 is N, then in the main washing water supply mode, the amount of detergent put into the water box by the main detergent dispensing device is Q=K*(M-N). Among them, K is the adjustment coefficient, which is generally determined by the laboratory after many tests. The value of K is between 1.2 and 1.5.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the detection device 6 alternately generates a start signal for starting the water supply assembly 5 or the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 with the number of detections.

[0069] The detection device 6 sequentially generates a start signal for starting the water supply assembly 5, a closing signal for turning off the water supply assembly 5, a starting signal for starting the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4, and a closing signal for closing the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4.

[0070] In detail, during use, as shown in Figure 2, when the detection device 6 detects the approach of the laundry 10, it generates a start signal to start the water supply assembly 5, and sends the start signal to the water supply assembly 5, after the start signal is received, the water supply assembly 5 sprays water to wet the laundry 10 at the clothes putting port 3. When the user determines that the clothes are completely wet, he moves the clothes away from the detection range of the detection device 6. The detection device 6 cannot detect the signal of the laundry 10 and generates a closing signal to close the water supply assembly 5, and sends the closing signal to the water supply assembly 5. After receiving the closing signal, the water supply assembly 5 stops spraying water.

[0071] As shown in Figure 1, when the detection device 6 detects the approach of the laundry 10 again, it generates a start signal to start the auxiliary detergent delivery device 4, and sends the start signal to the auxiliary detergent delivery device 4. After receiving the start signal, the auxiliary detergent delivery device 4 put detergent into the laundry 10 at the clothes putting port 3 and apply it on the laundry 10. When the user determines that an appropriate amount of detergent has been sprayed, the laundry 10 is moved away from the detection range of the detection device 6. The detection device 6 cannot detect the signal of the laundry 10 and generates a closing signal to close the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4, and sends a closing signal to the washing dispensing device. After receiving the closing signal, the auxiliary detergent delivery device 4 stops delivering detergent to the laundry 10 at the laundry delivery port 3.

[0072] At this point, as shown in Figure 3, the laundry 10 is wet and coated with detergent. After the user rubs the laundry 10 and visually cleans the stains on the laundry 10, the user brings the laundry 10 close to the detection device 6 for inspection again. When the detection device 6 detects that the laundry 10 is approaching, it generates a start signal to start the water supply assembly 5 and sends the start signal to the water supply assembly 5. After receiving the start signal, the water supply assembly 5 sprays water to the laundry 10 again to rinse the detergent foam from the laundry 10.

[0073] After the detergent foam is washed away, the user visually checks whether the stains on the laundry 10 have been cleaned. If the stains on the laundry 10 are clean, the user moves the laundry 10 away from the detection range of the detection device 6. The detection device 6 cannot detect the laundry 10 and a closing signal is generated to close the water supply assembly 5, and the closing signal is sent to the water supply assembly 5. After receiving the closing signal, the water supply assembly 5 stops spraying water. If it has not been cleaned yet, the laundry 10 can be brought close to the detection device 6 again. When the detection device 6 detects the approach of the laundry 10 again, a start signal is generated to start the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4, and the start signal is sent to the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4. After receiving the start signal, the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 puts detergent into the laundry 10 and applies it to the laundry 10. When the user determines that an appropriate amount of detergent has been sprayed, the laundry 10 is moved away from the detection range of the detection device 6. The detection device 6 cannot detect the signal of the laundry 10 and generates a closing signal to close the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4, and sends a closing signal to the washing dispensing device. After receiving the closing signal, the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 stops dispensing detergent to the laundry 10.

[0074] The user can control whether the clothes are close to the detection device 6 according to the actual situation, so that water spraying and detergent injection can be performed alternately to improve the cleaning effect of local locations. In order to prevent false triggering and determine the accuracy of partial washing of clothes, the detection device 6 detects that the signal of the laundry 10 within the detection range reaches the preset time, and then determines that the laundry 10 needs to be partially washed. At this time, the detection device 6 generates a start instruction to start the detergent dispensing device 4 or the water supply assembly 5.

[0075] In the above solution, only one detection device 6 is provided to complete the control of the water supply assembly 5 and the auxiliary detergent delivery device 4, thereby reducing the number of parts of the washing machine, simplifying the assembly relationship, and saving equipment costs.

[0076] In the installation position, the detection device 6 can be installed in the intersection area controlled by the water supply assembly 5 and the auxiliary washing delivery device 4.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in order to achieve independent control of the water supply assembly 5 and the auxiliary washing delivery device 4, the detection device 6 includes a first detection unit and a second detection unit.

[0078] The first detection unit is configured to generate a start signal to start the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 when a signal that the laundry 10 is approaching is detected, and to generate a closing signal to turn off the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 when no signal of the laundry 10 is detected nearby. The second detection unit is configured to generate a start signal for starting the water supply assembly 5 after detecting a signal of the proximity of the laundry 10 in the auxiliary washing water supply mode, and generate a closing signal to shut down the water supply assembly 5 when no signal of the laundry 10 is detected nearby in the auxiliary washing water supply mode.

[0079] Specifically, during use, when the second detection unit detects the approach of the laundry 10, it generates a start signal to start the water supply assembly 5, and sends the start signal to the water supply assembly 5. After the water supply assembly 5 receives the start signal, spray water on the laundry 10 at the clothes putting port 3 to moisten the laundry 10. When the user determines that the laundry 10 is completely wet, the user moves the laundry 10 away from the detection range of the second detection unit. If no signal from the laundry 10 is detected near the second detection unit, a closing signal is generated to close the water supply assembly 5, and sends the closing signal to the water supply assembly 5. After receiving the closing signal, the water supply assembly 5 stops spraying water. When the first detection unit detects the approach of the laundry 10, it generates a start signal to start the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4, and sends the start signal to the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4. After receiving the start signal, the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4, put detergent into the laundry 10 at the clothes putting port 3 and apply it on the laundry 10. When the user determines that an appropriate amount of detergent has been sprayed, the laundry 10 is moved away from the detection range of the first detection unit. If no signal of the laundry 10 is detected near the first detection unit, a signal is generated to close the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 and the closing signal is sent to the washing dispensing device. After receiving the closing signal, the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 stops dispensing detergent to the laundry 10 at the clothes putting port 3.

[0080] At this point, the laundry 10 is wetted and coated with detergent. After the user rubs the laundry 10 and visually checks that the stains on the laundry 10 have been cleaned, the user brings the laundry 10 close to the second detection unit again. When the second detection unit detects the approach of the laundry 10, it generates a start signal to start the water supply assembly 5 and sends the start signal to the water supply assembly 5. The laundry 10 is sprayed with water to rinse the detergent foam on the laundry 10.

[0081] After the detergent foam is washed away, the user visually checks whether the stains on the laundry 10 have been cleaned. If it is clean, move the laundry 10 away from the detection range of the second detection unit. When the second detection unit cannot detect the laundry 10 nearby, a closing signal to close the water supply assembly 5 is generated and sent to the water supply assembly 5. After receiving the closing signal, the water supply assembly 5 stops spraying water. If the laundry has not been cleaned yet, the laundry 10 can be brought close to the first detection unit again. When the first detection unit detects that the laundry 10 is approaching, a start signal is generated to start the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4, and the start signal is sent to the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4, after receiving the start signal, the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 puts detergent on the laundry 10 at the clothes putting port 3 and applies it to the laundry 10. When the user determines that an appropriate amount of detergent has been sprayed, the laundry 10 is moved away from the detection range of the first detection unit. If no signal of the laundry 10 is detected near the first detection unit, a signal to close the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 is generated and sent to the washing dispensing device. After receiving the closing signal, the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 stops dispensing detergent to the laundry 10.

[0082] The user can control the number of times whether the clothes are close to the first detection unit and the second detection unit according to the actual situation, so that the water spray and the detergent spray are alternately performed to improve the cleaning effect of local locations.

[0083] In the above solution, two detection units are respectively set up to control the water supply assembly 5 and the auxiliary detergent delivery device 4 respectively, which improves the flexibility of controlling the water supply assembly 5 and the auxiliary detergent delivery device 4 and is more in line with the user's usage habits, improve the user experience.

[0084] In the installation position, the first detection unit and the second detection unit may be arranged close to the auxiliary washing dispensing device 4 and the water supply assembly 5 respectively.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the detection device 6 can be any one of an infrared sensing unit, a position sensor, an acoustic wave sensor, or a voice recognition module.

[0086] The infrared sensing unit, position sensor and acoustic wave sensor can send a start or closing signal by sensing the distance of the laundry 10 from the detection device 6.

[0087] The voice recognition module can send a start or closing signal by recognizing voice control instructions such as "start detergent", "turn off detergent", "start water discharge", "turn off water discharge", etc.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 is a foam-type auxiliary detergent dispensing device.

[0089] In the above scheme, the detergent sprayed out by the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 is foam type, which makes the detergent foam more delicate. Moreover, the process of the user kneading to generate foam is omitted, saving time.

[0090] Specifically, the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 includes a liquid storage container, a liquid outlet pipe and a foam generating device. The liquid storage container is arranged in the tray 2; the liquid outlet pipe is passed through the side wall of the clothes putting port 3, and the outlet of one end of the liquid outlet extends out of the side wall of the tray 2 and is located in the clothes putting port 3.

[0091] The foam generating device includes a gas-liquid mixing chamber, a liquid pump, a gas pump and a driving mechanism. The gas-liquid mixing chamber is connected to the other end of the liquid outlet pipe; one end of the liquid pump is connected to the liquid storage container, and the other end is connected to the gas-liquid mixing chamber; one end of the gas pump is connected to the outside atmosphere, and the other end is connected to the gas-liquid mixing chamber; the driving mechanism is used to drive the liquid pump and the gas pump, and is configured to receive a signal to start the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an opening is provided on the side wall of the clothes putting port 3, and the liquid outlet pipe is received in the tray 2 or extends out of the clothes putting port 3 through the opening. outside the side wall.

[0093] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, when the auxiliary detergent dispensing device 4 and the water supply assembly 5 are used to wash clothes, the liquid outlet pipe is extended from the side wall of the clothes putting port 3 to the clothes putting port 3 through the opening. When not in use, the liquid outlet pipe is stored in the tray 2 through the opening to prevent the liquid outlet pipe from occupying the space of the clothes putting port 3.

[0094] In a further solution, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, an opening 21 is provided on the side wall of the clothes putting port 3, the liquid outlet pipe 41 of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and the water outlet pipe 51 of the water supply assembly are stored in the tray 2 through the opening 21 or extend out of the side wall of the clothes putting port 3.

[0095] Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and the water supply assembly are used to partially clean the clothes, the liquid outlet pipe 41 and the water outlet pipe 51 of the water supply assembly are extended the side wall of the clothes putting port 3 through the opening 21 and expose at the clothes putting port 3. When not in use, the outlet pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 51 of the water supply assembly are stored in the tray 2 through the opening 21, the liquid outlet pipe 41 and the water outlet pipe 51 of the water supply assembly are prevented from occupying the space of the clothes putting port 3.

[0096] In a further solution, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the opening 21 is provided with a pivotally connected cover 22. When the cover 22 closes the opening 21, the outer wall of the cover 22 constituting the side wall of the clothes putting port 3; when the cover 22 opens the opening 21, the liquid outlet pipe 41 and the water outlet pipe 51 of the water supply assembly extend out the side wall of the clothes putting port 3 to spray detergent and water.

[0097] In the above solution, by providing the cover 22, when the cover 22 closes the opening 21, the outer wall of the cover 22 forms the side wall of the clothes putting port 3, thereby increasing the appearance of the washing machine.

[0098] In a further solution, the tray 2 and the cover 22 are provided with a push-and-eject switch, and the push-and-eject switch is used to lock/open the cover 22 to facilitate user operation.

[0099] In a specific solution, the push-and-eject switch includes a buckle provided on the cover 22 and a slot provided on the tray 2 that matches the buckle; or, the push-and-eject switch includes a buckle provided on the cover 22 and a slot provided on the cover 22 to match the buckle.

[0100] The buckle is engaged in the slot, the cover 22 covers the opening 21, and under the buckle is engaged in the slot, when the buckle is pressed, the buckle can be disengaged from the slot to open the cover 22.

[0101] In the above solution, the matching structure of the buckle and the slot is used to achieve the purpose of opening and closing the cover 22 by pushing, making the structure of the washing machine simpler.

[0102] In a further solution, an elastic member is provided on the pivot axis of the opening 21 and the cover 22, and the elastic member has a restoring force that causes the cover 22 to open.

[0103] Specifically, when the buckle is disengaged from the slot, the cover 22 is automatically opened under the restoring force of the elastic member.

[0104] The elastic member can be a torsion spring, etc.

[0105] In the above solution, by providing the cover 22, when the cover 22 closes the opening 21, the outer wall of the cover 22 forms the side wall of the clothes putting port 3, thereby increasing the appearance of the washing machine.

[0106] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not limit the present disclosure in any form. Although the present disclosure has been disclosed above in preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Anyone familiar with the technology of this patent without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present disclosure, personnel can make some changes or modify the above-mentioned technical contents 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 present disclosure.


Claims

1. A washing machine, including:

a box;

a clothes putting port for putting clothes in;

a barrel assembly, being arranged in the box, and a barrel opening of the barrel assembly corresponds to the clothes putting port;

a water supply assembly, being configured to have a main washing water supply mode and an auxiliary washing water supply mode, in the main washing water supply mode, it is configured to supply water into the barrel assembly, and in the auxiliary washing water supply mode, it is configured to spray water to a laundry at the clothes putting port;

a detection device, being configured to generate a start signal for activating the water supply assembly after detecting a signal that the laundry is approaching in the auxiliary washing water supply mode.


 
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: further comprising:

an auxiliary detergent dispensing device, being configured to dispense detergent to the laundry at the clothes putting port;

the detection device is further configured to generate a start signal for starting the auxiliary detergent dispensing device after detecting the signal that the laundry is approaching.


 
3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that:
the detection device is further configured to generate a closing signal for shutting down the water supply assembly or the auxiliary detergent dispensing device when no signal of the laundry is detected nearby.
 
4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: further comprising:
a control panel, being provided with a control button, and the control button is configured to control whether the detection device generates the start signal for starting the auxiliary detergent dispensing device or the water supply assembly.
 
5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that:
the water supply assembly includes a flow rate adjustment unit configured to adjust an inlet water flow rate of the auxiliary washing water supply mode to 40% to 80% of the inlet water flow rate of the main washing water supply mode after detecting that the control button is selected.
 
6. The washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: further comprising:

a turbidity detection unit, being provided in the barrel assembly and used to detect a turbidity of the water in the barrel assembly;

a drainage assembly, being connected with the barrel assembly and is used to drain out water in the barrel assembly;

at the end of the auxiliary washing water supply mode, when the turbidity of the water in the barrel assembly exceeds a set threshold, the drainage assembly is controlled to open to drain out water in the barrel assembly.


 
7. The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that:
before the main washing water supply mode starts, when the turbidity of the water in the barrel assembly does not exceed the set threshold, in the main washing water supply mode, the water supply assembly is controlled to supply a water inlet amount of a difference between the preset water inflow amount of a selected washing program and the water inflow amount in the auxiliary washing water supply mode.
 
8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that it also includes a tray, the clothes putting port is arranged on the tray, and the water supply assembly and the auxiliary detergent dispensing device are installed on the tray;
an opening is provided on a side wall of the clothes putting port, and a liquid outlet pipe of the detergent dispensing device and a water outlet pipe of the water supply assembly are stored in the tray or extended to the clothes putting port through the opening.
 
9. The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: the water supply assembly further includes:

a water box, being arranged on the tray, and the water discharged from the water box falls into a barrel mouth range of the barrel assembly for pouring liquid into the barrel assembly;

a main detergent dispensing device, being configured to quantitatively deliver detergent into the water box;

before the main washing water supply mode starts, the washing machine obtains an amount of detergent put in by the auxiliary detergent dispensing device, and adjusts the amount of detergent quantitatively delivered into the water box by the main detergent dispensing device according to the amount of detergent put in by the auxiliary detergent dispensing device.


 
10. The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that:

a cover pivotally connected is provided at the opening,

when the cover closes the opening, an outer wall of the cover constitutes the side wall of the clothes putting port;

when the cover opens the opening, the liquid outlet pipe of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and the water outlet pipe of the water supply assembly extend from the side wall of the clothes putting port into the clothes putting port.


 
11. The washing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that:
the tray and the cover are provided with a push-and-eject switch, and the push-and-eject switch is used to lock or open the cover.
 
12. The washing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that:

the push-and-eject switch includes a buckle provided on the cover and a slot provided on the tray that matches the buckle;

alternatively, the push-and-eject switch includes the buckle provided on the tray and the slot provided on the cover that matches the buckle;

the buckle is engaged in the slot, the cover is closed on the opening, and when the buckle is engaged in the slot and the buckle is pressed, the buckle is disengaged from the slot to open the cover.


 
13. The washing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that:
an elastic member is provided on the opening and a pivot axis of the cover, and the elastic member has a restoring force that causes the cover to open.
 
14. The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that:

the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and the water supply assembly are respectively provided with an automatic telescopic mechanism;

the automatic telescopic mechanism is configured to protrude the liquid outlet pipe of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and the water outlet pipe of the water supply assembly outside the side wall of the clothes putting port through the opening when the detection device detects that a signal duration of the approaching laundry exceeds a set threshold, and to retract the liquid outlet pipe of the auxiliary detergent dispensing device and the water outlet pipe of the water supply assembly into the tray through the opening when the signal duration of no laundry being detected near the detection device exceeds a set threshold.


 
15. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2-14, characterized in that:
the detection device alternately generates the start signal for activating the water supply assembly or the auxiliary detergent dispensing device with a number of detections.
 
16. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that the detection device includes:

a first detection unit, being configured to generate the start signal for activating the auxiliary detergent dispensing device after detecting a signal that the laundry is approaching, and to generate the closing signal for turning off the auxiliary detergent dispensing device when no signal from the laundry is detected nearby;

a second detection unit, being configured to generate the start signal for activating the water supply assembly after detecting the signal that the laundry is approaching in the auxiliary washing water supply mode, and to generate the closing signal for turning off the water supply assembly when no signal from the laundry is detected nearby in the auxiliary washing water supply mode.


 
17. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that:
the detection device is any one of the following:
an infrared sensing unit, and a position sensor.
 
18. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2-14, characterized in that:
the auxiliary detergent dispensing device is a foam detergent dispensing device, including:

a liquid storage container for storing detergent;

a liquid outlet pipe, being arranged on the side wall of the clothes putting port;

a foam generating device, being communicated to the liquid storage container and the liquid outlet pipe, and is used to export the detergent from the liquid storage container into foam and release it from the liquid outlet pipe.


 
19. The washing machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the foam generating device includes:

a gas-liquid mixing chamber, being communicated with the liquid outlet pipe;

a liquid pump, one end of the liquid pump is communicated to the liquid storage container, and an other end of the liquid pump is communicated to the gas-liquid mixing chamber;

a gas pump, one end of the gas pump is communicated to the outside atmosphere, and an other end of the gas pump is communicated to the gas-liquid mixing chamber;

a driving mechanism for driving the liquid pump and the gas pump, being configured to receive a signal to start or stop the auxiliary detergent dispensing device.


 




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Cited references

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description