Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a washing machine and a control method thereof, the washing machine comprising a housing, an outer barrel installed in the housing, and a door seal installed between the outer barrel and the housing, and also comprising a clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism arranged in the housing, the dispensing end of the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism passes through the door seal to be connected to the washing chamber of the washing machine, and the clothing treatment agent is dispensed into the washing chamber. The present invention provides a novel clothing treatment agent dispensing structure for a washing machine, which utilizes the door seal of the washing machine, directly opens a hole in the door seal of the washing machine, and the clothing treatment agent is dispensed into the washing chamber of the washing machine by the door seal of the washing machine. The door seal of the washing machine is no longer used only for sealing. The scheme has a novel structure and adds a novel clothing treatment agent dispensing structure to the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular, relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] As is known to all, a washing machine has a detergent box, which can be drawn out / pushed in a water tank of the washing machine. A channel connected to the washing chamber of the washing machine is arranged in the water tank of the washing machine. After the washing machine is turned on, water enters the detergent box through the water inlet pipe, and the detergent in the detergent box is directly flushed into the washing chamber of the washing machine through the channel in the water tank. As for an automatic dispensing washing machine, a detergent storage box is arranged inside, and the detergent in the detergent storage box can only be drawn out and put into the detergent box of the washing machine first, and then water enters the detergent box through the water inlet pipe, and the detergent in the detergent box is directly flushed into the washing chamber of the washing machine through the channel in the water tank. These traditional clothing treatment agent dispensing structures have been adopted, and few new detergent dispensing structures have been designed and applied.

[0003] When a detergent storage box is provided inside an existing washing machine, when a user partially scrubs clothes and needs detergent, the detergent cannot be taken out from the detergent storage box of the washing machine, and the detergent pre-stored inside the washing machine can only be put into the washing tub.

[0004] In addition, when clothes need to be washed after being worn for a long time, their cuffs and collars are often dirtier than other parts. Therefore, only by pre-washing the cuffs and collars locally can the final cleaning effect be ensured. However, current washing machines obviously cannot achieve this function. Users often need to buy a bottle / bag of detergent first. When washing clothes, they first pour the bottled / bag of detergent on the collar and cuffs of the clothes, and then scrub them. However, the bottled / bag of detergent is large in size, which is not conducive to pouring out an appropriate amount of detergent, and the user's labor workload is high during the whole process.

[0005] Furthermore, the detergent of current washing machines is generally put into the washing chamber of the washing machine in liquid state, and then the liquid detergent enters the washing chamber but does not completely dissolve. After the washing machine is running, the detergent begins to foam locally, which does not achieve the effect of rubbing and foaming similar to manual washing, does not fully utilize the effective ingredients in the foam, and is not conducive to improving the washing effect.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a washing machine which adopts a novel laundry treatment agent delivery structure. The laundry treatment agent is delivered into a washing chamber by utilizing a door seal of the washing machine, thereby changing the traditional laundry treatment agent delivery structure.

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0009] A washing machine comprises a housing, an outer barrel installed in the housing, and a door seal installed between the outer barrel and the housing. The washing machine also comprises a clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism arranged in the housing, a dispensing end of the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism passes through the door seal and is connected to a washing chamber of the washing machine, so as to dispense clothing treatment agent into the washing chamber.

[0010] In the above scheme, a new type of clothing treatment agent dispensing structure for a washing machine is provided, which utilizes the door seal of the washing machine. A hole is directly opened on the door seal of the washing machine, and the clothing treatment agent is dispensed into the washing chamber of the washing machine through the door seal of the washing machine. The door seal of the washing machine is no longer just used for sealing. This scheme has a novel structure and adds a new type of clothing treatment agent dispensing structure to the washing machine.

[0011] Preferably, the door seal is provided with a through opening, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism comprises a delivery pipe, the delivery pipe passes through the through opening and extends into the washing chamber, and a delivery nozzle is provided on the pipe section of the delivery pipe located in the washing chamber.

[0012] In the above solution, the delivery pipe is sealed with the through-hole to prevent water leakage. Further, a sleeve portion is provided on the door seal, the through-hole is provided inside the sleeve portion, the delivery pipe passes through the sleeve portion, and the sleeve portion is in sealing contact with the outer surface of the delivery pipe.

[0013] Preferably, the delivery pipeline includes a delivery pipe and a transition pipe, the through-opening is provided at the top of the door seal, the transition pipe is arranged to pass through the through-opening, and includes an internal end located inside the washing chamber and an external end located outside the washing chamber, the delivery pipe is connected to the external end of the transition pipe, and the delivery nozzle is provided at the internal end of the transition pipe.

[0014] In the above scheme, a through hole is set at the top of the door seal, and the transition pipe is directly and vertically inserted into the through hole. Preferably, the transition pipe is made of hard material, and the sleeve part is made of elastic material. The sleeve part is elastically deformed and sleeved on the outside of the transition pipe, and the outer wall of the transition pipe is sealed and matched with the sleeve part.

[0015] Preferably, the delivery nozzle is bent toward one side of the interior of the washing chamber.

[0016] In the above solution, the delivery nozzle is bent toward the inner side of the washing chamber, and the clothes treating agent is directly sprayed into the inner part of the washing chamber, so as to prevent the clothes treating agent from adhering to the door end and not being fully utilized.

[0017] More preferably, the delivery nozzle is a flat structure.

[0018] Preferably, a sensing device is provided on the door seal, and the sensing device is electrically connected to the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism. The sensing device is used to sense clothing signals, and when the clothing signals are sensed, the sensing device controls the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism to dispense clothing treatment agent.

[0019] In the above scheme, when the user needs to wash clothes partially, the clothes treatment agent can be obtained from the washing machine. The door seal of the washing machine is provided with a sensing device. After the user opens the door, the clothes are directed toward the delivery nozzle. After the sensing device senses the clothes information, the delivery mechanism is controlled to work. The delivery mechanism delivers the clothes treatment agent to the clothes through the delivery nozzle, and then the user can wash the clothes manually or with the help of professional equipment. When the door is closed and the washing machine executes the washing program, the clothes treatment agent delivery mechanism can deliver the clothes treatment agent into the washing chamber of the washing machine. When the door is opened, the clothes treatment agent delivery mechanism can also deliver the clothes treatment agent when the sensing device senses the clothes signal, so as to meet other needs of the user.

[0020] Preferably, a mounting opening is provided at the top of the door seal near the through opening, and the sensing device is fixed on the mounting opening.

[0021] In the above scheme, an installation opening is provided on the door seal adjacent to the through opening for installing the sensing device. An installation sleeve can be provided on the door seal, with openings at both ends of the installation sleeve forming the installation opening inside. The installation sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the sensing device to install the sensing device.

[0022] Preferably, the sensing device is an infrared sensor.

[0023] Preferably, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism comprises a foaming device arranged on the delivery pipe, and the liquid clothing treatment agent flows through the foaming device to form foam and then sprays out.

[0024] In the above scheme, the clothing treatment agent is directly foamed before being put in, so it sticks to the clothes and is not easy to fall off, eliminating the process of rubbing and foaming with water, so that the effective ingredients in the foam are fully utilized, with good cleaning, sterilization and moisturizing effects, greatly improving the washing effect of the washing machine.

[0025] The clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism includes an air supply portion for supplying air to the foaming device;

[0026] More preferably, the foaming device comprises a filter screen arranged on the delivery pipeline, and the liquid laundry treatment agent flows through the filter screen to form foam, and the air supply part comprises an air supply pipe, and the air supply pipe is connected to a pipe section on the delivery pipeline located upstream of the foaming device. Providing gas through the air supply part is conducive to generating more and larger foam.

[0027] Preferably, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism comprises a liquid storage device for storing liquid clothing treatment agent, the delivery pipeline is connected to the liquid storage device, and the clothing treatment agent is extracted from the liquid storage device.

[0028] Preferably, the washing machine further comprises a laundry treatment agent box, which is connected to the washing chamber of the washing machine via a liquid delivery pipe and is used for delivering liquid laundry treatment agent into the washing machine.

[0029] In the above solution, the washing machine can selectively put liquid laundry treatment agent and foamy laundry treatment agent into the washing chamber according to user needs.

[0030] Preferably, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism includes a power device, which is used to provide power for the delivery pipe to absorb the clothing treatment agent and deliver it into the washing machine;

[0031] Preferably, the power device comprises a water pump arranged on the delivery pipeline.

[0032] Preferably, it comprises a control unit, which is control-connected with the laundry treatment agent dispensing mechanism and is used to control the opening / closing of the laundry treatment agent dispensing mechanism;

[0033] Preferably, the control unit includes control buttons arranged on a control panel of the washing machine.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a washing machine, comprising: when the washing machine is executing a washing program, the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism controls the dispensing nozzle to dispense clothing treatment agent into a washing chamber of the washing machine; when the washing machine is not executing a washing program, it receives a clothing treatment agent dispensing instruction, and the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism controls the dispensing nozzle to spray clothing treatment agent.

[0035] The laundry treatment agent delivery mechanism of the washing machine of the present invention can deliver the laundry treatment agent into the washing machine during washing, and can also spray the laundry treatment agent when the washing machine is not washing, for special use by the user, such as manually rubbing and washing the clothes.

[0036] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0037] 1. The washing machine of the present invention comprises a housing, an outer barrel installed in the housing, and a door seal installed between the outer barrel and the housing, and also comprises a clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism arranged in the housing, the dispensing end of the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism passes through the door seal to be connected to the washing chamber of the washing machine, and the clothing treatment agent is dispensed into the washing chamber. The present invention provides a novel clothing treatment agent dispensing structure for a washing machine, which utilizes the door seal of the washing machine, directly opens a hole in the door seal of the washing machine, and the clothing treatment agent is dispensed into the washing chamber of the washing machine by the door seal of the washing machine. The door seal of the washing machine is no longer used only for sealing. The scheme has a novel structure and adds a novel clothing treatment agent dispensing structure to the washing machine.

[0038] 2. The laundry treatment agent delivery mechanism of the washing machine of the present invention comprises a foaming device arranged on the delivery pipe, and the liquid laundry treatment agent flows through the foaming device to form foam and then sprays out. The laundry treatment agent is directly foamed before delivery, so it adheres to the clothes and is not easy to fall off, eliminating the process of rubbing and foaming with sticky water, so that the effective ingredients in the foam are fully utilized, the cleaning, sterilization and moisturizing effects are good, and the washing effect of the washing machine is greatly improved.

[0039] 3. The washing machine of the present invention can put clothes treating agent into the washing machine during washing, and can also spray clothes treating agent when the washing machine is not washing, for special use by users, such as manually rubbing and washing clothes, thereby meeting different needs of users.

[0040] The specific implementation modes of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the accompanying drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the washing machine of the present invention when the door is closed;

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the washing machine of the present invention when the door is opened;

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part A;

[0045] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the control panel;

[0046] Figure 5It is a principle diagram of the release state of the pressing type clothing treatment agent delivery structure;

[0047] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of the pressing state of the pressing type clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism.

[0048] 1. Box; 3. Door seal; 41. Dispensing pipe; 42. Transition pipe; 43. Dispensing nozzle; 44. Power device; 5. Sensing device; 6. Liquid storage device; 7. Control panel; 71. Foaming agent option; 72. Detergent option; 8. Clothing treatment agent box; 9. Machine door; 10. Drain pipe; 11. Motor; 12. Water inlet pipe; 13. Inner barrel; 14. Outer barrel; 15. Water inlet valve; 101. Liquid storage device; 102. Foaming device ; 1021, foaming chamber; 1022, first cylinder wall; 1023, second cylinder wall; 103, filter screen; 104, main shell; 1041, liquid storage pipe section; 1042, liquid extraction pipe section; 1043, one-way valve; 105, rod; 1051, guide seat; 106, plug; 107, accommodating shell; 108, return spring; 109, convex ring; 1091, vent; 110, nozzle; 1101, liquid spray channel.

[0049] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but are intended to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0051] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “inside” and “outside” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0052] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an 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 ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0053] See also Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, the present invention provides a washing machine, comprising a housing 1, an outer barrel 14 installed in the housing 1, and a door seal 3 installed between the outer barrel 14 and the housing 1. The washing machine also comprises a clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism arranged in the housing 1, and the delivery end of the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism passes through the door seal 3 to be connected to the washing chamber of the washing machine, and the clothing treatment agent is delivered to the washing chamber. The present invention utilizes the door seal 3 of the washing machine, directly opens a hole in the door seal 3 of the washing machine, and the clothing treatment agent is delivered into the washing chamber of the washing machine by the door seal 3 of the washing machine. The door seal 3 of the washing machine is no longer used only for sealing. The solution has a novel structure and adds a new clothing treatment agent delivery structure to the washing machine.

[0054] Embodiment 1

[0055] See also Figure 1 As shown, in the first embodiment, a through-hole is provided on the door seal 3, and the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism includes a delivery pipe, which passes through the through-hole and extends into the washing chamber, and a delivery nozzle 43 is provided on the pipe section of the delivery pipe located in the washing chamber. The delivery pipe is sealed with the through-hole to prevent water leakage.

[0056] Preferably, a sleeve portion is provided on the door seal 3, the through opening is provided in the sleeve portion, the delivery pipe passes through the sleeve portion, the sleeve portion is sleeved on the delivery pipe, and is in sealing contact with the outer surface of the delivery pipe.

[0057] Specifically, the delivery pipeline includes a delivery pipe 41 and a transition pipe 42. The through-hole is provided at the top of the door seal 3. The transition pipe 42 is arranged through the through-hole, including an inner end located in the washing chamber and an outer end located outside the washing chamber. The delivery pipe 41 is connected to the outer end of the transition pipe 42. The inner end of the transition pipe 42 is provided with the delivery nozzle 43. Among them, a convex ring is provided on the outer end. When the delivery pipe 41 is sleeved on the transition pipe 42, the convex ring increases the friction between the delivery pipe and the transition pipe 42 to ensure that the two are connected and tightened. A through-hole is provided at the top of the door seal 3. The transition pipe 42 is directly and vertically plugged into the through-hole. Preferably, the transition pipe 42 is made of hard material, and the sleeve part is made of elastic material. The channel inside the sleeve part is the through-hole. The sleeve part is elastically deformed and sleeved on the outside of the transition pipe 42. The outer wall of the transition pipe 42 is sealed with the sleeve part, and the sleeve part is tightly sleeved on the transition pipe 42 to ensure that the transition pipe 42 is stably and firmly fixed on the door seal 3.

[0058] The delivery nozzle 43 is bent toward one side of the interior of the washing chamber, and can directly spray the laundry treatment agent into the interior of the washing chamber, preventing the laundry treatment agent from adhering to the end of the machine door 9 and not being fully utilized. For example, when the power device 44 provided on the delivery pipe is running at high power, the laundry treatment agent can be sprayed from the delivery nozzle 43 and directly sprayed into the interior of the washing chamber of the washing machine. The delivery nozzle 43 is a flat structure, which is conducive to uniformly spraying the foamy detergent into the washing chamber.

[0059] Embodiment 2

[0060] In the second embodiment, on the basis of the first embodiment, a sensing device 5 is further provided on the door seal 3, and the sensing device 5 is electrically connected to the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism. The sensing device 5 is used to sense clothing signals, and when the clothing signals are sensed, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism is controlled to deliver clothing treatment agents. When the user needs to partially wash the clothing, the clothing treatment agent can be obtained from the washing machine. The door seal 3 of the washing machine is provided with a sensing device 5. After the user opens the machine door 9, the clothing is directed toward the delivery nozzle 43. After the sensing device 5 senses the clothing information, the delivery mechanism is controlled to work, and the delivery mechanism delivers the clothing treatment agent to the clothing through the delivery nozzle 43. Then the user can wash the clothing manually or with the help of professional equipment, and after washing, the clothing is put into the washing machine, the machine door 9 is closed to start the washing machine, and the washing machine starts to execute the washing program. In this embodiment, when the machine door 9 is closed to execute the washing program, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism can deliver the clothing treatment agent into the washing chamber of the washing machine. When the machine door 9 is opened, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism can also deliver the clothing treatment agent when the sensing device senses the clothing signal, so as to meet other needs of the user.

[0061] The top of the door seal 3 is provided with a mounting opening near the through opening, and the sensing device 5 is fixed on the mounting opening. In this embodiment, a mounting opening is provided on the door seal 3 near the through opening for mounting the sensing device 5: a mounting sleeve can be provided on the door seal 3, with openings at both ends of the mounting sleeve and the mounting opening formed inside, and the mounting sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the sensing device 5 to mount the sensing device 5.

[0062] Alternatively, a mounting sleeve is connected to the outer surface of the door seal 3, and the end of the mounting sleeve that contacts the surface of the door seal 3 body is directly sealed and connected to the sealing body, and the end of the mounting sleeve that is away from the door seal 3 body is an open end for the installation of the sensing device 5. A avoidance hole is provided on the surface of the door seal 3 surrounded by the mounting sleeve, corresponding to the sensing probe of the sensing device 5, and the sensing device 5 emits infrared detection light to the inner circle of the door seal 3 through the avoidance hole. The avoidance hole is sealed and matched with the sensing probe of the sensing device 5. The sensing device 5 is an infrared sensor.

[0063] Embodiment 3

[0064] In this embodiment, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism includes a foaming device arranged on the delivery pipe, and the liquid clothing treatment agent flows through the foaming device to form foam and then sprays out. The clothing treatment agent is directly foamed before delivery, so that it adheres to the clothes and is not easy to fall off, eliminating the process of rubbing and foaming with sticky water, so that the effective ingredients in the foam are fully utilized, the cleaning, sterilization and moisturizing effects are good, and the washing effect of the washing machine is greatly improved.

[0065] The clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism includes an air supply portion for supplying air to the foaming device;

[0066] More preferably, the foaming device comprises a filter screen arranged on the delivery pipeline, and the liquid laundry treatment agent flows through the filter screen to form foam, and the air supply part comprises an air supply pipe, and the air supply pipe is connected to a pipe section on the delivery pipeline located upstream of the foaming device. Providing gas through the air supply part is conducive to generating more and larger foam.

[0067] The laundry treatment agent delivery mechanism includes a liquid storage device 6 for storing liquid laundry treatment agent, and the delivery pipeline is connected to the liquid storage device 6, and the laundry treatment agent is extracted from the liquid storage device 6. The washing machine also includes a laundry treatment agent box 8, which is connected to the washing chamber of the washing machine through a liquid delivery pipeline, and is used to deliver liquid laundry treatment agent into the washing machine. In this embodiment, the washing machine can selectively deliver liquid laundry treatment agent and foamy laundry treatment agent into the washing chamber according to user needs. The laundry treatment agent box 8 can be pushed in / out and is arranged on the washing machine. When the laundry treatment agent box 8 is drawn out, the user can add laundry treatment agent to the inside. Preferably, the liquid storage device 6 is arranged at the bottom of the laundry treatment agent box 8, and a filling port connected to the liquid storage device 6 is arranged on the laundry treatment agent box 8. When the laundry treatment agent in the liquid storage device 6 is exhausted, the laundry treatment agent box 8 can be drawn out and the laundry treatment agent can be added to the liquid storage device 6 through the filling port.

[0068] The clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism includes a power device 44, which is used to provide power for the delivery pipe to absorb the clothing treatment agent and deliver it into the washing machine; the power device 44 includes a water pump arranged on the delivery pipe.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the washing machine includes a control unit, which is connected to the laundry treatment agent delivery mechanism and is used to control the delivery mechanism to be turned on / off; the control unit includes a control button, which is arranged on the control panel 7 of the washing machine, see Figure 4As shown, a "foam agent" button 71 is provided on the control panel 7 of the washing machine. When washing clothes, after the button is triggered, the washing machine dispenses foamy clothes treatment agent. When the user selects "washing liquid" 72, the washing machine dispenses liquid clothes treatment agent. The washing machine can dispense liquid or foamy clothes treatment agent according to the user's selection to meet the different needs of the user. When the washing machine has a touch screen, the control unit can be a touch screen, and the touch screen displays an icon for controlling the operation of the dispensing mechanism. When the icon is triggered, the dispensing mechanism is controlled to dispense clothes treatment agent. The icon can be triggered once to start dispensing clothes treatment agent, and triggered again to stop dispensing clothes treatment agent. It can also be that when the icon is pressed, the clothes treatment agent is continuously dispensed, and when the finger is separated from the icon, the clothes treatment agent is immediately stopped. In a preferred solution, the icon is triggered once, and the dispensing mechanism executes the set time / set amount of clothes treatment agent.

[0070] Embodiment 4

[0071] The difference between the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment is that a pressing-type clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism is provided.

[0072] Its principle structure can be found in Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown.

[0073] When the nozzle portion of the clothes treating agent dispensing mechanism of this embodiment is pressed, the clothes treating agent in a foamy state can be sprayed out.

[0074] The clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism comprises a liquid storage device 101 for storing liquid clothing treatment agent, and the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism comprises a foaming device 102, which is connected to the liquid storage device 101, and the liquid clothing treatment agent in the liquid storage device 101 is foamed by the foaming device 102 and then sprayed out.

[0075] The foaming device 102 includes a foaming chamber 1021 and a filter 103 disposed in the foaming chamber 1021, and the liquid laundry treatment agent flows through the filter 103 to form foam;

[0076] Preferably, a plurality of filters 103 are arranged at intervals in the foaming chamber 1021 .

[0077] The clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism further comprises a pumping device, the pumping end of which extends to the liquid storage device 101, and the discharge end of which is connected to the foaming device 102, and the liquid clothing treatment agent discharged by the pumping device flows through the foaming device 102 to form foam and then sprayed out.

[0078] The liquid pumping device comprises:

[0079] A main housing 104, the main housing 104 extends to the liquid storage device 101, the main housing 104 includes a liquid storage pipe section 1041 and a liquid extraction pipe section 1042 extending from the liquid storage pipe section 1041 to the liquid storage device 101, and a one-way valve 1043 is provided on the liquid extraction pipe section 1042;

[0080] The piston part 106 includes a rod part 105 and a plug part 106. A liquid passage is provided through the rod part 105 and the plug part 106. The plug part 106 is movably disposed in the liquid storage tube section 1041.

[0081] The foaming device 102 is connected to the rod portion 105 , and the foaming chamber 1021 of the foaming device 102 is communicated with the liquid channel of the rod portion 105 .

[0082] Preferably, the main shell 104 includes a accommodating shell 107, the bottom wall of which is connected to the liquid storage tube section 1041 and is provided with a through opening connected to the liquid storage tube section 1041; the end of the rod portion 105 away from the plug portion 106 is radially protruding and provided with a guide seat 1051, the guide seat 1051 is slidably matched with the inner wall of the accommodating shell 107, and a return spring 108 is compressed and arranged between the guide seat 1051 and the bottom wall of the accommodating shell 107.

[0083] Preferably, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism includes an air supply structure, and the air supply structure is used to introduce air into the foaming chamber 1021 .

[0084] The air supply structure is formed by the support shell, the foaming device 102, and the guide seat 1051. The support shell is covered and installed on the top opening of the accommodating shell 107 to form a negative pressure chamber between the support shell and the guide seat 1051. A convex ring 109 is provided on the top surface of the guide seat 1051. The outer wall of the foaming device 102 is sleeved on the convex ring 109. A vent hole 1091 connected to the foaming chamber 1021 is provided on the surface of the convex ring 109 to avoid the foaming device 102.

[0085] The support shell is provided with a cylindrical barrel connected to the accommodating chamber, and the foaming device 102 includes a first barrel wall 1022 and a second barrel wall 1023 from bottom to top, the diameter of the first barrel wall 1022 is larger than that of the second barrel wall 1023, and the first barrel wall 1022 and the second barrel wall 1023 are connected by an annular surface, and the first barrel wall 1022 is sleeved on the convex ring 109, and under the pressure of the reset spring 108, the annular surface abuts against the bottom end surface of the cylindrical barrel to limit the position;

[0086] Preferably, the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism also includes a nozzle portion 110, and the nozzle portion 110 can be movably matched with the cylindrical barrel up and down, and there is a gap between the nozzle portion 110 and the inner wall of the cylindrical barrel. The nozzle portion 110 is inserted into the second barrel wall 1023, and has a spray channel 1101 connected to the foaming chamber 1021 inside, and the foamy clothing treatment agent is sprayed out from the spray channel 1101.

[0087] When using, see Figure 5 As shown, after the nozzle portion 110 is released, the guide seat 1051 moves upward, and the plug portion 106 moves upward, so that the air pressure inside the liquid storage pipe section 1041 becomes smaller, the one-way valve 1043 opens, and the clothing treatment agent in the liquid storage device 101 is sucked into the liquid storage pipe section 1041.

[0088] See also Figure 6 As shown, the nozzle portion 110 is pressed, the guide seat 1051 moves downward, and the plug portion 106 moves downward, so that the air pressure inside the liquid storage tube section 1041 increases, and the clothing treatment agent in the liquid storage tube section 1041 reaches the lower end of the foaming device 102 through the liquid channel in the rod portion 105. At the same time, the external gas introduces the gas into the filter 103 of the foaming device 102 through the gas injection path. The clothing treatment agent and the gas pass through the two layers of the filter 103 together to generate fine bubbles and then enter the liquid outlet of the nozzle portion 110.

[0089] Embodiment 5

[0090] The present embodiment provides a control method for a washing machine, comprising: when the washing machine is executing a washing program, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism controls the delivery nozzle 43 to deliver clothing treatment agent into a washing chamber of the washing machine; when the washing machine is not executing a washing program, upon receiving a clothing treatment agent delivery instruction, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism controls the delivery nozzle 43 to spray clothing treatment agent.

[0091] The laundry treatment agent delivery mechanism of the washing machine of this embodiment can deliver laundry treatment agent into the washing machine during washing, and can also spray out laundry treatment agent when the washing machine is not washing, for special use by the user, such as manual rubbing and washing of clothes.

[0092] Specifically, there are "foam agent" and "washing liquid" options on the control panel 7 / display screen of the washing machine. When the user selects a washing program, the user can select the "foam agent" option or the "washing liquid option" at the same time. When the washing machine closes the door 9 and executes the washing program, the liquid laundry treatment agent or the foam laundry treatment agent is added according to the user's selection. The washing machine can default to "foam agent" or "washing liquid". When the user does not select a detergent, the washing machine adds the detergent according to the default information.

[0093] Furthermore, when the door 9 of the washing machine is opened, the sensing device 5 senses the clothing information and controls the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism to dispense foamy clothing treatment agent. When the door 9 is closed, even if the clothing information is sensed, the dispensing operation is not performed, thereby avoiding the situation where, after the door 9 is closed, the movement of clothing inside the washing machine interferes with the sensing signal of the sensing device and affects the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism.

[0094] When the machine door 9 is opened, in order to prevent misjudgment, a setting value is set for the clothing distance sensor 5 or the clothing delivery port. When the sensor 5 determines that the clothing distance is less than the setting value, the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism starts to deliver foamy clothing treatment agent, thereby preventing misoperation.

[0095] It should be noted that the clothing treatment agent defined in the present invention includes at least one of a detergent, a softener, a disinfectant, a bleaching agent, and a fragrance enhancer.

[0096] The above 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 a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modify the technical contents suggested above into equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still fall within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising a housing, an outer tub installed in the housing, and a door seal installed between the outer tub and the housing, characterized in that: It also includes a clothes treating agent dispensing mechanism disposed in the box, wherein a dispensing end of the clothes treating agent dispensing mechanism passes through the door seal and is connected to the washing chamber of the washing machine to dispense clothes treating agent into the washing chamber; The clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism comprises a liquid storage device for storing liquid clothing treatment agent and a delivery pipe, the delivery pipe is connected to the liquid storage device, and the clothing treatment agent is extracted from the liquid storage device; a foaming device is arranged on the delivery pipe, and the foaming device comprises a filter arranged on the delivery pipe; the delivery pipe of the clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism can directly extract the liquid clothing treatment agent in the liquid storage device, and after foaming by the foaming device, deliver the clothing treatment agent foam to the clothing to be washed; The washing machine also includes a clothes treating agent box, which is connected to the washing chamber of the washing machine through a liquid delivery pipe and is used to deliver liquid clothes treating agent into the washing machine; the washing machine can selectively deliver foam clothes treating agent and liquid clothes treating agent into the washing chamber according to user needs; The liquid storage device is arranged at the bottom of the clothes treatment agent box, and a filling port connected to the liquid storage device is arranged on the clothes treatment agent box. When the clothes treatment agent in the liquid storage device is exhausted, the clothes treatment agent box can be drawn out and the clothes treatment agent can be added into the liquid storage device through the filling port; A sensing device is provided on the door seal, which is electrically connected to the dispensing mechanism. When the user needs to partially wash the clothes, the clothes treatment agent can be obtained from the washing machine: after the user opens the door, the clothes are directed towards the dispensing nozzle. After the sensing device senses the clothing information, it controls the dispensing mechanism to work, and the dispensing mechanism dispenses clothing treatment agent foam onto the clothes through the dispensing nozzle.

2. A washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The door seal is provided with a through opening, the delivery pipe passes through the through opening and extends into the washing chamber, and a delivery nozzle is provided on the pipe section of the delivery pipe located in the washing chamber.

3. A washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The delivery pipeline includes a delivery pipe and a transition pipe. The through-opening is provided at the top of the door seal. The transition pipe is arranged to pass through the through-opening and includes an inner end located inside the washing chamber and an outer end located outside the washing chamber. The delivery pipe is connected to the outer end of the transition pipe, and the delivery nozzle is provided at the inner end of the transition pipe.

4. A washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The delivery nozzle is bent toward one side of the interior of the washing chamber.

5. A washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The delivery nozzle is a flat structure.

6. A washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: A mounting opening is arranged on the top of the door seal near the through opening, and the sensing device is fixed on the mounting opening.

7. A washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sensing device is an infrared sensor.

8. A washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism includes an air supply portion for supplying air to the foaming device; The air supply part comprises an air supply pipe connected to a pipe section on the delivery pipeline located upstream of the foaming device.

9. A washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clothing treatment agent delivery mechanism comprises a power device, and the power device is used for providing power for the delivery pipeline to absorb the clothing treatment agent and deliver it into the washing machine.

10. A washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power device comprises a water pump arranged on the delivery pipeline.

11. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It comprises a control part, which is control-connected with the clothes treating agent dispensing mechanism and is used for controlling the opening / closing of the clothes treating agent dispensing mechanism.

12. A washing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The control unit includes control buttons, which are arranged on a control panel of the washing machine.

13. A method for controlling a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: During the washing process of the washing machine, the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism controls the dispensing nozzle to dispense clothing treatment agent into the washing chamber of the washing machine; when the washing machine is not executing the washing process, it receives a clothing treatment agent dispensing instruction, and the clothing treatment agent dispensing mechanism controls the dispensing nozzle to spray clothing treatment agent.

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