A bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device, a dishwasher, and a washing machine

Abstract

A bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device, a dishwasher, and a washing machine include a bagged treatment agent placement position and an extraction device, as well as an early warning liquid storage chamber. The early warning liquid storage chamber is provided with a liquid inlet and an exhaust device, and the liquid inlet is connected to a bagged treatment agent interface. The early warning liquid storage chamber is in communication with the extraction device, and the early warning liquid storage chamber is a variable-volume early warning liquid storage chamber. The bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device, a dishwasher, and a washing machine provided by the invention have the following advantages over the prior art: the dispensing device can directly interface with the bagged liquid treatment agent, and the early warning liquid storage chamber can store a certain amount of liquid treatment agent. When the bagged liquid treatment agent is used up and the user is prompted to replace it, the liquid treatment agent stored in the early warning liquid storage chamber is still sufficient for the user to use several times, leaving the user with sufficient time to replace or purchase the bagged liquid treatment agent without affecting normal use this time or next time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid treatment agent dispensing device, in particular to a bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device and a dishwasher and a washing machine using the dispensing device. Background Art

[0002] Washing machines are essential household appliances in our daily lives. With technological advancements, fully automatic washing machines have largely replaced traditional semi-automatic washing machines. Furthermore, laundry detergent offers better cleaning effects and less damage to fabrics than traditional powders and soaps, gradually replacing traditional detergents. As people's quality of life improves, washing machines are becoming increasingly powerful. For example, the detergent dispenser on a washing machine can automatically dispense detergent based on the material and weight of the clothes, or through manual adjustment. Current liquid detergent dispensers include a liquid reservoir, a liquid pump, and a liquid detection device. Because the reservoir is not sealed, if the washing machine is not used for an extended period, the liquid in the reservoir can dry up, clogging the detergent line. Furthermore, the reservoir is prone to bacterial growth, and volatile disinfectants cannot be stored for extended periods or dispensed automatically.

[0003] In order to solve this problem, people have come up with the idea of connecting the liquid outlet of the bagged laundry detergent directly to the detergent dispensing device to form a completely enclosed internal environment, which can solve the various disadvantages brought about by the open liquid storage box in the above-mentioned detergent dispensing device. At the same time, the large-scale use of bagged laundry detergent can reduce users' expenses compared to bottled laundry detergent, and also reduce the generation of plastic waste.

[0004] For example, patent application number 201911029325.1, published on February 14, 2020, discloses a detergent dispensing system that can use a detergent bag. The detergent dispensing system includes a detergent extraction device and a detergent storage assembly disposed on the detergent dispensing system. The detergent storage assembly is provided with a pipe joint assembly for connecting to the detergent bag. The pipe joint assembly has a sealing plug at the liquid inlet end, and the liquid outlet end of the detergent bag has a mounting interface that plugs into the sealing plug. The detergent extraction device extracts detergent from the detergent bag through the pipe joint assembly. While the above technical solution solves the various drawbacks of the open liquid storage box in existing detergent dispensing devices, because the detergent in the system is completely stored in the detergent bag, it is impossible to use a detection device to detect the remaining detergent amount and notify the user. This often leads to inconveniences such as finding that the detergent has run out or the remaining amount is insufficient during laundry. This is particularly embarrassing at night when the store is closed and the user is in a hurry to wash clothes.

[0005] Another example is the invention patent of Chinese Patent No. 201910576263.X, published on October 8, 2019, which discloses an automatic detergent dispensing device, comprising a packaging bag and a detergent storage tank for accommodating the packaging bag, wherein the detergent storage tank is provided with a cavity with an upper end being open, the packaging bag is placed in the cavity, the packaging bag comprises a bag body with a bag mouth and a lid covering the bag mouth, an annular bayonet is provided at one end of the bag mouth close to the bag body, and a symmetrically arranged bayonet is provided on both the front and rear sides and / or the left and right sides of the bayonet. The detergent reservoir has a groove therein, the lid is located on the outside of the bayonet, a sealed sealing film is provided at the opening at the front end of the bag mouth, a slot is provided on the upper side of the rear end of the detergent reservoir to engage with the bayonet, the lower ends of the two side walls of the slot are convex and provided with convex strips that engage with the groove, and the front end of the bag mouth protrudes from the detergent reservoir; a weighing sensor is provided at the bottom of the cavity in the detergent reservoir, and the weighing sensor can be used in conjunction with the control system in the washing machine to remind the user to replace the bagged detergent when the weight of the packaging bag in the detergent reservoir is sensed to be lower than a preset gravity value. Although the above technical solution provides a technical solution for detecting the remaining amount of bagged detergent and giving an alarm, the solution of detecting the remaining amount of bagged detergent by using a weighing sensor has the following disadvantages: 1. Due to the extremely uneven distribution of detergent in the bag, the detection accuracy of the gravity sensor is poor, resulting in a high probability of false alarms; if multiple gravity sensors are used to detect multiple parts of the bagged detergent at the same time and then the remaining amount of detergent is calculated by a microprocessor based on the detection results of multiple gravity sensors, the cost of the detection component will be greatly increased, and the gravity sensor is placed in the detergent storage tank and is weighed by the detergent for a long time, which may damage several parts; The high rate of alarms, short service life, and high maintenance costs ultimately lead to a high probability of false alarms. 2. When the gravity sensor detects that the bag of detergent is used up and alarms, the user must first go to buy detergent before continuing to use it. 3. If the gravity sensor detects that the remaining amount of detergent in the bag is not enough for one wash and alarms, the user must also go to buy detergent before continuing to use it. At this time, replacing a new bag of detergent will cause the remaining detergent in the original bag to be wasted or have nowhere to put it. 4. When it detects that there is still a lot of detergent left in the bag and alarms, it is often ignored by the user, resulting in insufficient detergent liquid for the next wash. It will also happen that the detergent is exhausted or the remaining amount is not enough to complete the current wash, which brings an embarrassing situation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the above-mentioned prior art and provide a bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device, a washing machine and a dishwasher. The dispensing device can remind the user to replace the bagged liquid treatment agent when it is used up, but it does not affect the user's current demand for the treatment agent.

[0007] According to the invention, the main technical solution adopted by the bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device is: it includes a bagged treatment agent placement position and an extraction device, and also includes an early warning liquid storage chamber, the early warning liquid storage chamber is provided with a liquid inlet and an exhaust device, and the liquid inlet is connected to the bagged treatment agent interface; the early warning liquid storage chamber is connected to the extraction device, the early warning liquid storage chamber is a variable volume early warning liquid storage chamber, and the ratio of the minimum volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber after deformation to the maximum volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber before deformation is 0.01-0.3.

[0008] The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device provided by the invention also adopts the following auxiliary technical solutions:

[0009] The early warning liquid storage chamber and / or the bagged treatment agent placement position are provided with sensors.

[0010] The sensor is any one or more of a liquid level sensor, a deformation sensor, a gravity sensor, a capacitance sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

[0011] The deformation sensor includes a magnetic switch and a magnet, and the magnetic switch and the magnet cooperate with each other.

[0012] The exhaust device includes a one-way exhaust valve arranged on the early warning liquid storage chamber.

[0013] The exhaust device further comprises an exhaust pipe provided on the early warning liquid storage chamber, and the one-way exhaust valve is provided on the exhaust pipe.

[0014] The exhaust pipe is arranged at the liquid inlet, and a liquid inlet branch is provided on the exhaust pipe. The liquid inlet branch is connected to the bagged treatment agent interface through the liquid inlet pipe, and the inner diameter of the liquid inlet branch is smaller than the inner diameter of the exhaust pipe.

[0015] The level of the exhaust device is higher than the level of the top of the bagged treatment agent placement position.

[0016] It also includes a bracket, and the extraction device and the early warning liquid storage chamber are both arranged on the bracket.

[0017] The bagged treatment agent placement position is a receiving groove provided on the bracket.

[0018] The accommodating groove is movably arranged on the bracket.

[0019] The accommodating tank is provided with a liquid bag pressing plate, and the liquid bag pressing plate is movably arranged on the accommodating tank.

[0020] The early warning liquid storage chamber is any one of a flexible early warning liquid storage chamber, a special-shaped bellows-type early warning liquid storage chamber, and a piston-type early warning liquid storage chamber.

[0021] An elastic support member is provided in the early warning liquid storage cavity.

[0022] The early warning liquid storage chamber is provided with a liquid outlet, and the liquid outlet is communicated with the extraction device.

[0023] The extraction device is any one of a peristaltic pump, a piston pump, a gear pump, and a venturi tube negative pressure extraction device.

[0024] The bagged treatment agent interface comprises a docking plug, a sealing ring arranged on the docking plug, and a locking mechanism arranged on the docking plug.

[0025] There are two early warning liquid storage chambers, and both of the early warning liquid storage chambers are provided with a liquid inlet and an exhaust device, and both of the liquid inlets are connected to the bagged treatment agent interface; there are two extraction devices, and both of the early warning liquid storage chambers are connected to the extraction devices; or the extraction device is a double-pipeline extraction device, and both of the early warning liquid storage chambers are connected to the double-pipeline extraction device.

[0026] There are multiple early warning liquid storage chambers, each of which is provided with a liquid inlet and an exhaust device, and each of the liquid inlets is connected to a bagged treatment agent interface; there are multiple extraction devices, each of which is connected to the extraction device.

[0027] The main technical solution adopted by the washing machine provided by the invention is: it includes a body, a washing drum assembly arranged in the body, a clothing treatment agent dispensing device and a controller, the clothing treatment agent dispensing device includes a bagged treatment agent placement position and an extraction device, and also includes an early warning liquid storage chamber, the early warning liquid storage chamber is provided with a liquid inlet and an exhaust device, the liquid inlet is connected to a bagged treatment agent interface, and the bagged treatment agent interface is located at the bagged treatment agent placement position; the early warning liquid storage chamber is connected to the extraction device, the early warning liquid storage chamber is a variable-volume early warning liquid storage chamber, and the ratio of the minimum volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber after deformation to the maximum volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber before deformation is 0.01-0.3.

[0028] The main technical solution adopted by the dishwasher provided by the invention is: it includes a body, a dishwashing component arranged in the body, a dishwashing dispensing device and a controller, the dishwashing dispensing device includes a bagged treatment agent placement position and an extraction device, and also includes an early warning liquid storage chamber, the early warning liquid storage chamber is provided with a liquid inlet and an exhaust device, the liquid inlet is connected to a bagged treatment agent interface, and the bagged treatment agent interface is located at the bagged treatment agent placement position; the early warning liquid storage chamber is connected to the extraction device, the early warning liquid storage chamber is a variable-volume early warning liquid storage chamber, and the ratio of the minimum volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber after deformation to the maximum volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber before deformation is 0.01-0.3.

[0029] The bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device provided by the present invention has the following advantages over the prior art: 1. Bagged liquid treatment agents, such as detergents and softeners, can be directly docked with the dispensing device. Compared with prior art dispensing devices, this device avoids the problem of drying up the liquid in the detergent reservoir, causing blockage in the detergent liquid pipeline and inconvenient cleaning. 2. After the bagged disinfectant is used in the dispensing device, due to its good overall sealing, compared with prior art, it avoids corrosion of the electrical components caused by the volatilization of disinfectant stored in the electrical appliance for a long time. 3. The warning liquid storage chamber in the dispensing device can store a certain amount of liquid treatment agent. When the bagged liquid treatment agent docked with the dispensing device is used up and the user is prompted to replace it, the liquid treatment agent stored in the warning liquid storage chamber is still sufficient for the user to use several times, leaving the user with sufficient time to replace or purchase bagged detergent without affecting normal use this time or the next time. 4. Because the final liquid treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent is consumed under the negative pressure generated by the operation of the extraction device, waste is effectively reduced and environmental protection is beneficial.

[0030] The washing machine provided by the invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: 1. Bag-packed clothing treatment agents such as detergents, softeners, etc. can be directly connected to the dispensing device on the washing machine. Compared with the prior art, this avoids the problem of blockage of the washing liquid pipeline and inconvenience in cleaning caused by the drying of the liquid in the detergent storage tank; 2. After the bag-packed disinfectant is used in the above-mentioned dispensing device, due to its good overall sealing, compared with the prior art, it avoids the corrosion of the washing machine parts caused by the volatilization of the disinfectant stored in the washing machine for a long time; 3. The early warning liquid storage chamber in the above-mentioned dispensing device can store a certain amount of clothing treatment agent. When the bag-packed clothing treatment agent such as detergent connected to the dispensing device is used up and the user is prompted to replace it, the detergent stored in the early warning liquid storage chamber is still enough for the user to wash clothes several times. Without affecting the normal use this time and next time, the user is given enough time to replace or purchase bagged detergent.

[0031] The dishwasher provided by the invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: 1. Bags of dishwashing detergent can be directly connected to the dispensing device on the dishwasher. Compared with the prior art, this avoids the problem of blockage of the washing liquid pipeline and inconvenience in cleaning caused by the drying of the liquid in the dishwashing detergent storage tank; 2. After the bagged disinfectant is used in the above-mentioned dispensing device, due to its good overall sealing, compared with the prior art, it avoids the corrosion of the dishwasher components caused by the volatilization of the disinfectant stored in the dishwasher for a long time; 3. The early warning liquid storage chamber in the above-mentioned dispensing device can store a certain amount of dishwashing detergent. When the bagged dishwashing detergent connected to the dispensing device is used up and prompts the user to replace it, the detergent stored in the early warning liquid storage chamber is still enough for the user to wash dishes several times, and the user is given enough time to replace or purchase bagged detergent without affecting the normal use this time and next time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device in Example 1 of the present invention without the bracket.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device in Example 1 of the present invention, after the bracket is removed and the bagged clothing treatment agent is connected.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the accommodating groove in the sliding groove in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the accommodating groove is pulled open in the sliding groove and a bag of clothing treatment agent is placed therein.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the accommodating groove in the sliding groove in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a state diagram of the bagged treatment agent interface before docking with the bagged clothes treatment agent in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of the elastic support member provided in the early warning liquid storage chamber in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device in Example 2 of the present invention without the bracket.

[0041] Figure 10 It is a structural schematic diagram of the special-shaped bellows-type early warning liquid storage chamber in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 11 It is a structural diagram of the piston-type early warning liquid storage chamber in Example 5 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Example 1

[0044] See also Figures 1 to 6According to an embodiment of the bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device provided by the invention, the device includes a bagged treatment agent placement position and an extraction device 1, as well as a warning liquid storage chamber 2. The warning liquid storage chamber 2 is provided with a liquid inlet 21 and an exhaust device. The liquid inlet 21 is connected to a bagged treatment agent interface 5, which is located at the bagged treatment agent placement position. The warning liquid storage chamber 2 is connected to the extraction device 1 and is a variable-volume warning liquid storage chamber. The ratio of the minimum volume of the warning liquid storage chamber 2 after deformation to the maximum volume of the warning liquid storage chamber 2 before deformation is 0.01-0.3. In this embodiment, the ratio is preferably 0.1. When the present invention is used, the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 purchased on the market, such as detergent, softener, disinfectant, etc., can be directly connected to the bagged treatment agent interface 5, and the liquid treatment agent in the packaging bag enters the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 through the liquid inlet 21. In the process of the liquid treatment agent entering the early warning liquid storage chamber 2, the weight of the liquid treatment agent is greater than the weight of the air, and the liquid treatment agent flows to the bottom of the early warning liquid storage chamber 2, squeezing the air in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2, so that the air pressure in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 increases. When the air pressure reaches a certain threshold, the exhaust function of the exhaust device is turned on, and the air in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 is discharged from the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 through the exhaust device. The extraction device 1 extracts the liquid treatment agent in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 and puts it into electrical appliances such as a washing machine or a dishwasher; when the extraction device 1 works and extracts the liquid treatment agent from the early warning liquid storage chamber 2, the bagged The liquid treatment agent in the liquid treatment agent 8 will be automatically replenished into the warning liquid storage chamber 2 under the action of gravity. The liquid treatment agent in the bagged clothing treatment agent 8 will decrease with each automatic replenishment, and the volume in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 will also become smaller, and the bag will become more and more deflated. If the liquid treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 has not been completely used up, but it can no longer be automatically replenished into the warning liquid storage chamber 2 by its own gravity, the extraction device 1 will extract the liquid treatment agent in the warning liquid storage chamber 2 at this time, and the liquid treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 will be replenished into the warning liquid storage chamber 2 under the action of negative pressure; when the volume of the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 becomes the minimum state of the set volume, that is, there is no liquid treatment agent inside or only a trace amount of liquid treatment agent remains and meets the replacement standard, the user can know that a new bagged liquid treatment agent 8 is needed. At this time, there is still a certain amount of liquid treatment agent in the warning liquid storage chamber 2 for the user to continue using for at least 1-2 times, leaving the user with enough time to replace or purchase a bag of liquid treatment agent 8. This avoids the embarrassing situation of the user starting the dispensing device to find out that there is no detergent available when the store is closed when the user starts washing clothes or dishes.Before the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 reaches the replacement condition but is not replaced with a new bagged liquid treatment agent 8, the extraction device 1 extracts the liquid treatment agent in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2, and negative pressure will be generated in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2, and the exhaust device can only exhaust but not take in air. When the negative pressure in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 increases to a certain level, the volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 becomes smaller as the liquid treatment agent is extracted, such as a deformable early warning liquid storage chamber, which ensures that the liquid treatment agent in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 can continue to be extracted and delivered by the extraction device 1; since the negative pressure required for the volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber to decrease is much greater than the negative pressure required for the liquid treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 to be exhausted or reach the replacement condition, the volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber will not decrease before the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 reaches the replacement condition, thereby ensuring the reliability of the delivery device. Since the volume of the warning liquid storage chamber 2 will not decrease before the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 reaches the replacement condition, the user can also judge that the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 has reached the replacement condition based on the volume change of the warning liquid storage chamber 2, thereby knowing that the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 needs to be replaced or purchased.

[0045] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. Bags of liquid treatment agents 8, such as detergents and softeners, can be directly connected to the dispensing device. Compared with the existing dispensing device, this avoids the problem of liquid in the detergent reservoir drying up, causing blockage in the washing liquid pipeline and inconvenient cleaning. 2. After the bagged disinfectant is used in the above-mentioned dispensing device, due to its good overall sealing, compared with the prior art, it avoids corrosion of the electrical components caused by the volatilization of disinfectants stored in the electrical appliance for a long time. 3. The warning liquid storage chamber 2 in the above-mentioned dispensing device can store a certain amount of liquid treatment agent. When the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 connected to the dispensing device is used up and the user is prompted to replace it, the liquid treatment agent stored in the warning liquid storage chamber 2 is still sufficient for the user to use several times, without affecting the normal use of the current and next time, leaving the user with sufficient time to replace or purchase bagged detergent. 4. Because the last liquid treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 is exhausted under the negative pressure generated by the operation of the extraction device, waste is effectively reduced and environmental protection is beneficial.

[0046] See also Figure 2According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the warning liquid storage chamber 2 and / or the bagged treatment agent placement position are provided with sensors. In specific use, the sensor is connected to the controller on the washing machine or dishwasher. The detection signal of the sensor indicates that the treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent has been used up, or the detection signal of the sensor indicates that the volume of the warning liquid storage chamber 2 has decreased. The controller thus determines that the liquid in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 has been used up or has reached the replacement condition (the replacement condition means that a trace amount of liquid treatment agent remains in the bag and can no longer be poured out or extracted, reaching the waste standard). The controller then issues a prompt that the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 has been used up and needs to be replaced. In this embodiment, it is preferred to set a sensor in the warning liquid storage chamber 2. If the determination that the bagged liquid treatment agent has been used up and needs to be replaced is not based on sensor detection, a visual window can also be provided on the outer shell of the washing machine or dishwasher to manually observe changes in the warning liquid storage chamber 2 and conclude that the treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 has been used up.

[0047] See also Figure 2 According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the sensor is any one or more of a liquid level sensor, a deformation sensor, a gravity sensor, a capacitance sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. The liquid level sensor may be a float sensor, a capacitance sensor, or the like; the deformation sensor may be a combination of a magnetic switch 91 and a magnet 92; and the gravity sensor may be one or more, i.e., single-point weight measurement or multi-point weight measurement. In this embodiment, a deformation sensor is preferably provided in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2. The deformation sensor detects the volume change of the early warning liquid storage chamber 2, thereby determining that the liquid treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 has been exhausted and the replacement condition has been met.

[0048] See also Figure 2 and Figure 8 According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the deformation sensor includes a magnetic switch 91 and a magnet 92, which cooperate with each other. The magnetic switch 91 is a relatively mature technology in the prior art and will not be described in detail here. This deformation sensor has a simple structure and assembly method, and is suitable for appliances with humid internal environments such as washing machines and dishwashers.

[0049] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the exhaust device includes a one-way exhaust valve 31 provided on the early warning liquid storage chamber. The one-way exhaust valve 31 is usually in a closed state and neither takes in air nor exhausts air. The exhaust device adopts a one-way exhaust valve 31 with a simple structure, convenient assembly and low production cost. When the liquid treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent flows into the early warning liquid storage chamber 2, the excess air in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 is discharged through the one-way exhaust valve 31. After the exhaust is completed, the one-way exhaust valve 31 continues to be in a closed state. This setting ensures that the liquid treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 can quickly and smoothly enter the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 and will not dry up.

[0050] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the exhaust device also includes an exhaust pipe 3 provided on the warning liquid storage chamber 2, and the one-way exhaust valve 31 is provided on the exhaust pipe 3. When the present dispensing device is used on a washing machine, the horizontal height of the exhaust device is higher than the horizontal height of the top of the bagged treatment agent placement position. The provision of the exhaust pipe 3 can increase the setting height of the one-way exhaust valve 31 without having to make the warning liquid storage chamber 2 very large or very high, thereby preventing the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 from overflowing from the one-way exhaust valve 31 after filling the warning liquid storage chamber 2. The horizontal height of the bagged treatment agent placement position is higher than the horizontal height of the warning liquid storage chamber 2. It is ensured that the liquid treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 can flow smoothly and naturally into the warning liquid storage chamber 2 under the action of gravity.

[0051] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the exhaust pipe 3 is arranged at the liquid inlet 21, and a liquid inlet branch 32 is provided on the exhaust pipe 3. The liquid inlet branch 32 is connected to the bagged treatment agent interface 5 via the liquid inlet pipe 6. The inner diameter of the liquid inlet branch 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the exhaust pipe 3. Providing the exhaust pipe 3 at the liquid inlet 21 of the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 simplifies the product structure, reduces the number of openings in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2, and saves the sealing cost associated with the openings. At the same time, the inner diameter of the liquid inlet branch 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the exhaust pipe 3, ensuring that when the liquid treatment agent enters the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 through the exhaust pipe 3, the exhaust pipe 3 will not be blocked, resulting in the air in the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 being unable to be discharged, and thus the liquid treatment agent cannot enter the early warning liquid storage chamber 2.

[0052] See also Figure 1According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, it also includes a bracket 4, and the extraction device 1 and the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 are both arranged on the bracket 4. The provision of the bracket 4 facilitates the modular installation of the present invention on the washing machine, and reduces the probability of damage to the extraction device 1 and the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 during the installation process, thereby improving the product qualification rate and reliability. A fixing bracket 43 is provided on the bracket 4, the magnetic switch 91 is provided on the fixing bracket 43, the magnet 92 is provided on the early warning liquid storage chamber 2, and the magnetic switch 91 is arranged opposite to the magnet 92. When the volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 changes, that is, the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 is deformed, the magnet 92 moves away from the magnetic switch 91, thereby triggering a state change of the magnetic switch 91 and transmitting a signal to the controller of the electrical appliance.

[0053] See also Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 6 According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the bagged treatment agent placement location is a receiving groove 42 provided on the bracket 4. This facilitates the placement and securing of the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 on the dispensing device. The bagged treatment agent placement location can also be directly located in other locations on the appliance, such as on the housing of a washing machine or dishwasher.

[0054] See also Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 6 According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the accommodating groove 42 can be movably provided on the bracket 4. The bracket 4 is provided with a slide 41, and the accommodating groove 42 can be drawn out and arranged in the slide 41, such as a drawer-type pull-out structure. The accommodating groove 42 is installed on the bracket 4 using the above-mentioned structure, so that the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 can be well hidden on the electrical appliance housing, and the replacement of the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 is convenient. The accommodating groove 42 can also be provided on the slide 41 in a flip-up structure. A plug-in structure can also be adopted between the accommodating groove 42 and the slide 41.

[0055] See also Figures 4 to 6 According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, a liquid bag pressure plate 421 is provided on the receiving tank 42, and the liquid bag pressure plate 421 is movably provided on the receiving tank 42. One end of the liquid bag pressure plate 421 is hingedly matched with the receiving tank 42, and the other end of the liquid bag pressure plate 421 is snap-fitted with the receiving tank 42. The liquid bag pressure plate 421 can also be snap-fitted with the receiving tank 42 at both ends. When a new bagged liquid treatment agent 8 is placed in the receiving tank 42 and connected to the bagged treatment agent interface 5, the liquid treatment agent in the bag may not be able to flow out in time. The above-mentioned liquid bag pressure plate 421 is used to squeeze the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 to ensure that the liquid treatment agent in the bag can flow out smoothly.

[0056] See also Figures 1 to 3According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the warning liquid storage chamber 2 is any one of a flexible warning liquid storage chamber, a special-shaped bellows-type warning liquid storage chamber, and a piston-type warning liquid storage chamber. The warning liquid storage chamber 2 in this embodiment is a flexible warning liquid storage chamber 2, such as a warning liquid storage chamber made of rubber, which is easy to process and has low production costs. In addition, rubber has good deformation properties and good fatigue resistance.

[0057] See also Figure 8 According to the above-described embodiment of the invention, an elastic support member 23 is provided within the warning liquid storage chamber 2. The elastic support member 23 increases the deformation resistance of the warning liquid storage chamber 2 and prevents the volume or shape of the warning liquid storage chamber 2 from deforming before the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 is completely consumed. If a sensor were located on the warning liquid storage chamber 2, this would result in a false alarm indicating that the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 is depleted. In this embodiment, the elastic support member 23 is a spring.

[0058] See also Figures 1 to 3 According to the above-described embodiment of the invention, the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 is provided with a liquid outlet 22, which is connected to the extraction device 1. The extraction device 1 is provided with a liquid extraction port 11 connected to the liquid outlet 22, and a liquid discharge port 12 for discharging the liquid treatment agent. The liquid outlet 22 is connected to the liquid extraction port 11 via a liquid outlet pipe 7. The early warning liquid storage chamber 2 is connected to the extraction device 1 using the above-described structure and assembly method, which greatly simplifies the product structure and reduces production costs.

[0059] See also Figures 1 to 3 According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the extraction device 1 is any one of a peristaltic pump, a piston pump, a gear pump, and a venturi tube negative pressure extraction device 1. The extraction device 1 in this embodiment is a peristaltic pump, which is provided with the liquid extraction port 11 and the liquid discharge port 12. The liquid outlet 22 on the warning liquid storage chamber 2 is connected to the liquid extraction port 11 on the peristaltic pump through the liquid outlet pipe 7. The liquid discharge port 12 discharges the liquid treatment agent into the electrical appliance. The peristaltic pump has a simple structure, low production cost, precise and easy-to-control dispensing volume, and good sealing performance.

[0060] See also Figures 2 to 7 According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, the bagged treatment agent interface 5 includes a docking plug 51, a sealing ring 52 provided on the docking plug 51, and a locking mechanism provided on the docking plug 51. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism is a locking nut 53, which is rotatably mounted on the docking plug 51. Conventional bagged liquid treatment agent 8 is equipped with a pipe joint 81 having external threads 82. When docking the pipe joint 81 with the bagged treatment agent interface 5, the docking plug 51 is inserted into the pipe joint 81, the sealing ring 52 on the docking plug 51 is in close contact with the inner wall of the pipe joint 81, and the locking nut 53 engages with the threads 82 on the pipe joint 81.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the washing machine provided by the invention, it includes a body, a washing drum assembly arranged in the body, a clothing treatment agent dispensing device and a controller. The body, washing drum assembly and controller are relatively mature technologies in the existing technology and will not be described in detail here; the clothing treatment agent dispensing device in this embodiment is the bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device described in the above embodiment. The washing machine of the present invention adopts the above-mentioned clothing treatment agent dispensing device and has the following advantages compared with the prior art: 1. Bag-packed clothing treatment agents such as detergents, softeners, etc. can be directly connected to the dispensing device. Compared with the prior art, the problem of blockage of the washing liquid pipeline and inconvenience in cleaning caused by the drying of the liquid in the detergent storage tank is avoided; 2. After the bag-packed disinfectant is used in the above-mentioned dispensing device, due to its good overall sealing performance, compared with the prior art, the corrosion of the washing machine parts caused by the volatilization of the disinfectant stored in the washing machine for a long time is avoided; 3. The early warning liquid storage chamber in the above-mentioned dispensing device can store a certain amount of clothing treatment agent. When the bag-packed clothing treatment agent such as detergent docked with the present dispensing device is used up and the user is prompted to replace it, the detergent stored in the early warning liquid storage chamber is still enough for the user to wash clothes several times. Without affecting the normal use this time and next time, the user is given enough time to replace or purchase bagged detergent.

[0062] According to the dishwasher embodiment provided by the invention, it includes a body, a dishwashing component arranged in the body, a dishwashing detergent dispensing device and a controller. The body, dishwashing component and controller are relatively mature technologies in the existing technology and will not be described in detail here; the dishwashing detergent dispensing device in this embodiment is the bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device described in the above embodiment. The dishwasher of the present invention adopts the above-mentioned bagged treatment agent dispensing device and has the following advantages compared with the prior art: 1. The bagged dishwashing detergent can be directly connected to the dispensing device on the dishwasher. Compared with the prior art, the problem of the liquid in the dishwashing detergent storage tank drying up, causing the washing liquid pipeline to be blocked and the cleaning to be inconvenient, is avoided; 2. After the bagged disinfectant is used in the above-mentioned dispensing device, due to its good overall sealing performance, compared with the prior art, the disinfectant stored in the dishwasher for a long time is avoided from volatilizing and causing corrosion to the dishwasher parts; 3. The early warning liquid storage chamber in the above-mentioned dispensing device can store a certain amount of dishwashing detergent. When the bagged dishwashing detergent connected to the dispensing device runs out of detergent and prompts the user to replace it, the dishwashing detergent stored in the early warning liquid storage chamber is still enough for the user to wash dishes several times, and the user is given enough time to replace or purchase bagged dishwashing detergent without affecting the normal use this time or next time.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] The structure of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the number of the early warning liquid storage chambers 2. Figure 9There are two warning liquid storage chambers 2, each of which is provided with a liquid inlet 21 and an exhaust device, and both of the liquid inlets 21 are connected to a bagged treatment agent interface 5; there are two extraction devices 1, and both of the warning liquid storage chambers 2 are connected to the extraction device 1; or the extraction device 1 is a dual-line extraction device 1, and both of the warning liquid storage chambers 2 are connected to the dual-line extraction device 1. The extraction device 1 in this embodiment is preferably a dual-line extraction device 1, such as a dual-line peristaltic pump, which is provided with two liquid extraction ports 11 and two liquid discharge ports 12. The structure and working principle of the dual-line peristaltic pump are relatively mature technologies in the prior art and will not be described in detail here. Compared with the above-mentioned embodiment 1, this embodiment has two warning liquid storage chambers 2. For example, when this dispensing device is used in a washing machine, one warning liquid storage chamber 2 can be connected to a bag of detergent, and the other warning liquid storage chamber 2 can be connected to a bag of softener or a bag of disinfectant, making it more convenient and reasonable for users to wash and care for clothes. When the dispensing device is used in a dishwasher, one early warning liquid storage chamber 2 can be connected to the bagged detergent, and the other early warning liquid storage chamber 2 can be connected to the bagged rinse agent, making the dishwashing process more convenient and reasonable for the user.

[0065] Example 3

[0066] This embodiment has a structure roughly the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, except for the number of early warning liquid storage chambers 2. There are multiple early warning liquid storage chambers 2, each of which is provided with a liquid inlet 21 and an exhaust device, and each of the liquid inlets 21 is connected to a bagged treatment agent interface 5; there are multiple extraction devices 1, and each of the early warning liquid storage chambers 2 is connected to the extraction device 1. If the early warning liquid storage chamber is preferably three early warning liquid storage chambers 2, the three early warning liquid storage chambers 2 can be connected to bagged detergent, bagged softener, and bagged disinfectant, respectively. When this dispensing device is used for a double-drum washing machine or a single-pulsator plus single-drum washing machine, a larger number of early warning liquid storage chambers 2 are required, such as four early warning liquid storage chambers 2, or six early warning liquid storage chambers 2, etc.

[0067] Example 4

[0068] The structure of this embodiment is roughly the same as that of the above embodiment 1, except that the structure of the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 is different. Figure 10 The early warning liquid storage chamber 2 in this embodiment is a special-shaped bellows-type early warning liquid storage chamber 2. When used, the magnetic switch 91 and the magnet 92 can be installed on the bracket 4 and the special-shaped bellows-type early warning liquid storage chamber 2 respectively.

[0069] Example 5

[0070] The structure of this embodiment is roughly the same as that of the above embodiment 1, except that the structure of the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 is different. Figure 11The early warning liquid storage chamber 2 in this embodiment is a piston-type early warning liquid storage chamber 2. The piston-type early warning liquid storage chamber 2 includes a barrel-shaped chamber 24 and a piston 25, which is retractably mounted on the barrel-shaped chamber 24. During use, a magnetic switch 91 and a magnet 92 can be mounted on the barrel-shaped chamber 24 and the piston 25, respectively.

[0071] Example 6

[0072] This embodiment has a substantially similar structure to the first embodiment described above, except that the sensor provided at the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 is different. In this embodiment, the sensor provided at the early warning liquid storage chamber 3 is a capacitive sensor, which detects deformation of the early warning liquid storage chamber. Capacitive sensors are a relatively mature technology in the prior art and will not be described in detail here. During specific use, the capacitive sensor monitors liquid within a certain distance. Before the volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 changes, the liquid within it is within the detection range of the capacitive sensor. When the volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 changes, the liquid within the early warning liquid storage chamber leaves the monitoring range of the capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor's ability to detect the liquid and the signal it feeds back to the controller are different, thereby determining whether the volume of the early warning liquid storage chamber 2 has changed, and thus determining that the liquid treatment agent in the bagged liquid treatment agent 8 has been used up and has reached the replacement condition.

[0073] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device, comprising a bagged treatment agent placement position and an extraction device, characterized in that: It also includes an early warning liquid storage chamber, which is provided with a liquid inlet and an exhaust device, and the liquid inlet is connected to the bagged treatment agent interface; the early warning liquid storage chamber is communicated with the extraction device, and the early warning liquid storage chamber is a variable volume early warning liquid storage chamber. The early warning liquid storage chamber is any one of a flexible early warning liquid storage chamber, a special-shaped bellows-type early warning liquid storage chamber, and a piston-type early warning liquid storage chamber; the early warning liquid storage chamber is provided with a sensor; the sensor is a deformation sensor; the deformation sensor includes a magnetic switch and a magnet, and the magnetic switch and the magnet cooperate; it also includes a bracket, the extraction device and the early warning liquid storage chamber They are all arranged on the bracket; a fixing bracket is provided on the bracket, the magnetic switch is provided on the fixing bracket, the magnet is provided on the early warning liquid storage chamber, and the magnetic switch and the magnet are arranged opposite to each other; the exhaust device includes a one-way exhaust valve provided on the early warning liquid storage chamber; the exhaust device also includes an exhaust pipe provided on the early warning liquid storage chamber, and the one-way exhaust valve is provided on the exhaust pipe; the exhaust pipe is provided at the liquid inlet, and a liquid inlet branch is provided on the exhaust pipe, and the liquid inlet branch is connected to the bagged treatment agent interface through the liquid inlet pipe, and the inner diameter of the liquid inlet branch is smaller than the inner diameter of the exhaust pipe.

2. The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The level of the exhaust device is higher than the level of the top of the bagged treatment agent placement position.

3. The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bagged treatment agent placement position is a receiving groove provided on the bracket.

4. The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The accommodating groove is movably arranged on the bracket.

5. The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The accommodating tank is provided with a liquid bag pressing plate, and the liquid bag pressing plate is movably arranged on the accommodating tank.

6. The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: An elastic support member is provided in the early warning liquid storage cavity.

7. The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The early warning liquid storage chamber is provided with a liquid outlet, and the liquid outlet is communicated with the extraction device.

8. The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The extraction device is any one of a peristaltic pump, a piston pump, a gear pump, and a venturi tube negative pressure extraction device.

9. The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The bagged treatment agent interface comprises a docking plug, a sealing ring arranged on the docking plug, and a locking mechanism arranged on the docking plug.

10. The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: There are two early warning liquid storage chambers, and both of the early warning liquid storage chambers are provided with a liquid inlet and an exhaust device, and both of the liquid inlets are connected to the bagged treatment agent interface; there are two extraction devices, and both of the early warning liquid storage chambers are connected to the extraction devices; or the extraction device is a double-pipeline extraction device, and both of the early warning liquid storage chambers are connected to the double-pipeline extraction device.

11. The bagged liquid treatment agent delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: There are multiple early warning liquid storage chambers, each of which is provided with a liquid inlet and an exhaust device, and each of the liquid inlets is connected to a bagged treatment agent interface; there are multiple extraction devices, each of which is connected to the extraction device.

12. A dishwasher comprising a body, a dishwashing assembly disposed within the body, a dishwashing agent dispensing device, and a controller, wherein: The dishwashing agent dispensing device is the bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A washing machine comprising a body, a washing drum assembly disposed in the body, a clothes treating agent dispensing device, and a controller, wherein: The clothing treatment agent dispensing device is the bagged liquid treatment agent dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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