A fluid cartridge assembly, a washing machine and a control method

Abstract

The application provides a fluid box assembly, a washing machine and a control method. The fluid box assembly comprises a fluid box and a non-return flow structure. The fluid box is internally formed with a first flow channel. The side wall of the first flow channel is formed with a first opening and a second opening. The second flow channel is formed between the first opening and the second opening. The fluid in the first flow channel can enter the second flow channel through the first opening, mix with the fluid in the second flow channel, and then re-enter the first flow channel through the second opening. The non-return flow structure is arranged close to the fluid inlet end of the first flow channel. The non-return flow structure comprises a blocking rib arranged in the first flow channel and a flow outlet arranged close to the blocking rib. The mixed liquid in the first flow channel is blocked by the blocking rib and can be discharged through the flow outlet, thereby reducing the backflow. The non-return flow structure comprises a non-return valve arranged at the first inlet. The first fluid outside the fluid box can enter the first flow channel through the non-return valve and the first inlet. The mixed liquid in the first flow channel cannot be discharged through the first inlet and the non-return valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fluid conveying equipment technology, and particularly relates to a fluid box assembly, a washing machine, and a control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, people have put forward higher requirements for the performance of fluid conveying equipment, including operational safety, structural compactness and functional diversity. In the existing technology, a main channel and a branch channel connected to the main channel are designed in the water box. The first type of fluid outside the water box enters the main channel, and the second type of fluid outside the water box enters the branch channel and mixes with the second type of fluid in the main channel. However, due to the lack of necessary backflow prevention structure, the mixed liquid in the main channel will flow back and be discharged through the fluid inlet end of the main channel, causing the equipment at the fluid inlet end of the main channel to fail. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a fluid box assembly, a washing machine, and a control method to solve the problem that the lack of necessary backflow prevention structure in existing water boxes leads to easy backflow of fluid in the main channel.

[0004] The present invention provides a fluid box assembly, including a fluid box and a backflow prevention structure. A first flow channel is formed inside the fluid box. A first opening and a second opening are formed on the sidewall of the first flow channel at intervals. A second flow channel is formed between the first opening and the second opening. A portion of the fluid in the first flow channel can enter the second flow channel through the first opening and mix with the fluid in the second flow channel, and then enter the first flow channel again through the second opening.

[0005] The backflow prevention structure is located near the inlet end of the first flow channel to prevent the mixture in the first flow channel from flowing back.

[0006] Further optionally, the sidewall of the fluid box is formed with a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet; a first flow channel is formed between the first inlet and the outlet, through which a first fluid outside the fluid box can enter the first flow channel; the second inlet is connected to the second flow channel, through which a second fluid outside the fluid box can enter the second flow channel.

[0007] The backflow prevention structure is disposed within the first flow channel and located between the first inlet and the first opening. The backflow prevention structure prevents the mixture in the first flow channel from flowing back to the first inlet; or...

[0008] The backflow prevention structure is located at the first inlet and outside the fluid box, and the backflow prevention structure can prevent the mixture in the first flow channel from being discharged through the first inlet.

[0009] Further optionally, the anti-backflow structure includes a baffle rib disposed within the first flow channel; along the cross-sectional direction of the first flow channel, the baffle rib includes a first end and a second end;

[0010] The first end is sealed to the side wall of the first flow channel, and the baffle can prevent the mixture in the first flow channel from flowing back to the first inlet;

[0011] A gap is formed between the second end and the sidewall of the first flow channel, and the gap allows the fluid that enters the first flow channel through the first inlet to be discharged to the outlet through the gap.

[0012] Further optionally, the backflow prevention structure further includes a drain port, which is formed on the fluid box and communicates with the first flow channel; the drain port is close to the baffle and located between the baffle and the first opening;

[0013] The mixture in the first flow channel can be discharged through the drain port.

[0014] Further optionally, the backflow prevention structure includes a check valve, which is disposed at the first inlet and satisfies the following conditions: the first fluid outside the fluid box can enter the first flow channel through the check valve and the first inlet, and the mixed liquid in the first flow channel cannot be discharged through the first inlet and the check valve.

[0015] The present invention also provides a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a steam care device, an automatic dispensing device, and a fluid box assembly as described in any one of the above; the portion of the fluid box near the first inlet is disposed on the steam care device, and the portion of the fluid box near the second inlet is disposed on the automatic dispensing device;

[0016] The steam treatment device includes a water storage tank and a heater installed inside the water storage tank. When the heater is running, it can convert the water in the water storage tank into high-temperature steam. The water storage tank has a water outlet, and the water outlet and a first inlet are connected through a first water pipe. The water or high-temperature steam in the water storage tank can enter the first flow channel through the first water pipe.

[0017] The automatic dispensing device stores detergent and has a dispensing port. The dispensing port and the second inlet are connected by a dispensing pipe. The detergent in the automatic dispensing device can enter the second flow channel through the dispensing pipe.

[0018] Further optionally, the washing machine includes a water inlet valve and a washing drum; the fluid box includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate and a flow channel side plate, the flow channel side plate is disposed between the first cover plate and the second cover plate, and the first cover plate, the second cover plate and the flow channel side plate surround the first flow channel and the second flow channel; the first cover plate has a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet;

[0019] The water storage tank also has a water inlet, and the water inlet valve is connected to the water inlet through a second water pipe; the outlet and the drain are both connected to the washing drum; the mixed liquid in the first flow channel can enter the washing drum through the outlet and the drain.

[0020] The present invention also provides a control method for the washing machine described above, wherein the washing machine includes a detergent dispensing mode, and the control method includes:

[0021] When the washing machine is in the detergent dispensing mode, the automatic dispensing device is controlled to operate, and the water inlet valve is controlled to run an intermittent water inlet program so that the detergent in the automatic dispensing device can enter the washing drum through the second flow channel and the first flow channel until the running time of the automatic dispensing device reaches the preset time.

[0022] The intermittent water intake procedure includes the water intake valve being in an open state and the water intake valve being in a closed state.

[0023] The present invention also provides a control method for the washing machine described above, wherein the washing machine includes a washing water preheating mode, and the control method includes:

[0024] When the washing machine is in the washing water preheating mode, the water inlet valve is opened to allow water from outside the washing machine to enter the water storage tank.

[0025] Obtain the water level in the water storage tank and determine whether the water level in the water storage tank has reached the preheating water level;

[0026] When the water level in the water storage tank reaches the preheating water level, the inlet valve is closed and the heater is activated.

[0027] The water temperature in the water storage tank is obtained and it is determined whether the water temperature in the water storage tank has reached the preheating water temperature.

[0028] Based on the determination result of whether the water temperature in the water storage tank has reached the preheating water temperature, the water inlet valve and heater are controlled to perform the next action to keep the water temperature in the water storage tank within the preset water temperature range.

[0029] Further optionally, the step of controlling the inlet valve and heater to perform the next action to maintain the water temperature in the storage tank within a preset water temperature range based on the judgment result of whether the water temperature in the storage tank has reached the preheating water temperature includes:

[0030] When the water temperature in the water storage tank reaches the preheating water temperature, the water inlet valve is opened to allow water from outside the washing machine to enter the water storage tank, thereby maintaining the water temperature in the water storage tank within the preset water temperature range.

[0031] When the water temperature in the water storage tank is lower than the minimum threshold of the preset water temperature range, the heater is controlled to increase the heating power so that the water temperature in the water storage tank is maintained within the preset water temperature range.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the main advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0033] (1) A first flow channel is formed inside the fluid box, and a first opening and a second opening are formed on the side wall of the first flow channel. A second flow channel is formed between the first opening and the second opening. A portion of the fluid in the first flow channel can enter the second flow channel through the first opening and mix with the fluid in the second flow channel. Then, it enters the first flow channel again through the second opening. The backflow prevention structure is set close to the fluid inlet end of the first flow channel, which can prevent the mixed liquid in the first flow channel from flowing back and avoid the problem of equipment failure at the fluid inlet end of the main flow channel. The structure of the fluid box is simple.

[0034] (2) The backflow prevention structure includes baffles installed in the first flow channel and a drain port located near the baffles. The mixed liquid in the first flow channel is blocked by the baffles and can be discharged through the drain port, reducing backflow. Both the drain port and the outlet are connected to the atmosphere. When no fluid enters the fluid box, the drain port and the outlet can balance the atmosphere, allowing the mixed liquid to be discharged through the drain port and the outlet due to gravity. The baffles are installed between the two flow channel side plates, and the height of the baffles is less than the height of the flow channel side plates. The fluid in the first flow channel can be discharged to the outlet through the notch.

[0035] The backflow prevention structure includes a check valve installed at the first inlet. The first fluid outside the fluid box can enter the first flow channel through the check valve and the first inlet, while the mixed liquid in the first flow channel cannot be discharged through the first inlet and the check valve.

[0036] (3) When the fluid box is used in the washing machine, the steam care device water inlet and the washing water inlet share the same water path, saving costs; when the washing machine is in the detergent dispensing mode, the automatic dispensing device is controlled to operate, and the water inlet valve is controlled to run the intermittent water inlet program so that the detergent in the automatic dispensing device can enter the washing drum through the second flow channel and the first flow channel.

[0037] When the water inlet valve stops supplying water, the detergent flows to the first flow channel. When the water inlet valve supplies water, the washing water can carry the detergent into the washing drum, preventing the mixture of detergent and washing water from flowing back, ensuring the washing and care effect of the steam care device, and preventing detergent residue in the fluid box; ensuring the overall operational safety of the washing machine, improving the accuracy of detergent dispensing, and enhancing the washing effect and washing ratio. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0039] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0040] Figure 1 An exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the fluid box assembly, steam care device, and automatic dispensing device provided by the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of Embodiment 1 of the fluid box assembly, steam care device and automatic dispensing device provided by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of Embodiment 2 of the fluid box assembly, steam care device and automatic dispensing device provided by the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of an embodiment of the washing machine water inlet structure provided by the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of an embodiment of the steam care device provided by the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 An exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the control method for a washing machine in detergent dispensing mode provided by the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8An exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the control method for a washing machine in the preheating mode of washing water provided by the present invention;

[0048] In the picture:

[0049] 1-Fluid box; 11-First cover plate; 111-First inlet; 112-Second inlet; 113-Outlet; 114-Drain port; 12-Second cover plate; 13-Flow channel side plate; 141-First flow channel; 142-Second flow channel; 143-First opening; 144-Second opening;

[0050] 21-Retaining rib; 22-Check valve; 241-First water pipe; 242-Second water pipe; 243-Third water pipe; 25-Inlet valve;

[0051] 3-Steam treatment device; 31-Water storage tank; 32-Tank cover; 33-Heater; 34-Level probe; 35-Temperature sensor;

[0052] 4-Automatic dispensing device. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Multiple” generally includes at least two, but does not exclude the inclusion of at least one.

[0055] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0056] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a product or system comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a product or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the product or system that includes said element.

[0057] In existing fluid conveying equipment, a main channel and a branch channel connected to the main channel are designed inside the water box. The first type of fluid outside the water box enters the main channel, and the second type of fluid outside the water box enters the branch channel and mixes with the second type of fluid inside the main channel. However, due to the lack of necessary backflow prevention structure, the mixed liquid in the main channel will flow back and be discharged through the fluid inlet end of the main channel, causing the equipment at the fluid inlet end of the main channel to malfunction.

[0058] The present invention creatively provides a fluid box assembly, including a fluid box and a backflow prevention structure. A first flow channel is formed inside the fluid box. A first opening and a second opening are formed on the sidewall of the first flow channel at intervals. A second flow channel is formed between the first opening and the second opening. A portion of the fluid in the first flow channel can enter the second flow channel through the first opening and mix with the fluid in the second flow channel, and then enter the first flow channel again through the second opening.

[0059] The backflow prevention structure is located near the inlet end of the first flow channel to prevent the mixture in the first flow channel from flowing back; it avoids the problem of equipment failure at the inlet end of the first flow channel and ensures the stable operation of the equipment at the inlet end of the first flow channel.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] <Fluid Box Assembly>

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sidewall of the fluid box 1 has a first inlet 111, a second inlet 112, and an outlet 113; a first flow channel 141 is formed between the first inlet 111 and the outlet 113, through which the first fluid outside the fluid box 1 can enter the first flow channel 141; the sidewall of the first flow channel 141 has a first opening 143 and a second opening 144 spaced apart, through which a second flow channel 142 is formed, and the second inlet 112 communicates with the second flow channel 142; the second fluid outside the fluid box 1 can enter the second flow channel 142 through the second inlet 112.

[0063] A portion of the fluid in the first flow channel 141 can enter the second flow channel 142 through the first opening 143 and mix with the fluid in the second flow channel 142, and then re-enter the first flow channel 141 through the second opening 144.

[0064] A backflow prevention structure is disposed within the first flow channel 141 and located between the first inlet 111 and the first opening 143. The backflow prevention structure prevents the mixture within the first flow channel 141 from flowing back to the first inlet 111; or,

[0065] The backflow prevention structure is located at the first inlet 111 and outside the fluid box 1. The backflow prevention structure can prevent the mixture in the first flow channel 141 from being discharged through the first inlet 111, thus avoiding the problem of equipment failure in connection with the fluid box 1.

[0066] Furthermore, the anti-backflow structure includes a baffle 21, which is disposed within the first flow channel 141; along the cross-sectional direction of the first flow channel 141, the baffle 21 includes a first end and a second end;

[0067] The first end is sealed to the side wall of the first flow channel 141, and the baffle 21 can prevent the mixture in the first flow channel 141 from flowing back to the first inlet 111;

[0068] A gap is formed between the second end and the side wall of the first flow channel 141, allowing the fluid that enters the first flow channel 141 through the first inlet 111 to be discharged to the outlet 113.

[0069] To address the issue that when the mixed liquid in the first flow channel 141 is blocked by the baffle 21, a portion of it will flow through the notch to the first inlet 111, this embodiment proposes that the backflow prevention structure also includes a drain port 114. The drain port 114 is formed on the side wall of the fluid box 1 and communicates with the first flow channel 141. The drain port 114 is close to the baffle 21 and is located between the baffle 21 and the first opening 143.

[0070] The mixture in the first flow channel 141 is blocked by the baffle 21 and can be discharged through the drain port 114 to reduce backflow. Both the drain port 114 and the outlet 113 are connected to the atmosphere. When no fluid enters the fluid box 1, the drain port 114 and the outlet 113 can balance the atmosphere, so that the mixture is discharged through the drain port 114 and the outlet 113 due to gravity.

[0071] Specifically, the drain port 114 and the baffle 21 are both close to the first inlet 111. The purpose is to increase the backflow stroke of the two fluid mixture, so that more mixture flows out from the leakage hole and the backflow is reduced.

[0072] To address the issues of complex structure and high flow resistance in the fluid box 1, this embodiment proposes that the fluid box 1 includes a first cover plate 11, a second cover plate 12, and a flow channel side plate 13. The flow channel side plate 13 is disposed between the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12, and the first cover plate 11, the second cover plate 12, and the flow channel side plate 13 form a first flow channel 141 and a second flow channel 142. The first cover plate 11 has a first inlet 111, a second inlet 112, and a drain port 114. The flow channel 141 has an outlet 113; the flow channel side plate 13 is perpendicular to both the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12, and the baffle 21 is perpendicular to the first cover plate 11 and the second cover plate 12; the baffle 21 is disposed between the two flow channel side plates 13, and the height of the baffle 21 is less than the height of the flow channel side plate 13; the fluid in the first flow channel 141 can be discharged to the outlet 113 through the notch; the first cover plate 11 and the flow channel side wall are integrally injection molded; the second cover plate 12 and the flow channel side plate 13 are welded together by hot plate welding;

[0073] The first fluid outside the fluid box 1 can enter the first flow channel 141 through the first inlet 111; the second fluid outside the fluid box 1 can enter the second flow channel 142 through the second inlet 112; a portion of the first fluid inside the first flow channel 141 can enter the second flow channel 142 through the first opening 143, mix with the second fluid inside the second flow channel 142, and then re-enter the first flow channel 141 through the second opening 144 and be discharged through the outlet 113.

[0074] Washing Machine

[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment also proposes a washing machine, which includes a steam care device 3, an automatic dispensing device 4, and a fluid box assembly as described in any of the above; the portion of the fluid box 1 near the first inlet 111 is disposed on the steam care device 3, and the portion of the fluid box 1 near the second inlet 112 is disposed on the automatic dispensing device 4;

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, the steam care device 3 includes a water storage tank 31, a tank cover 32, and a heater 33 disposed inside the water storage tank 31. The tank cover 32 covers the top of the water storage tank 31. When the heater 33 is running, it can convert the water in the water storage tank 31 into high-temperature steam. The water storage tank 31 has a water outlet, and the water outlet and the first inlet 111 are connected through a first water pipe 241. The washing water or high-temperature steam in the water storage tank 31 can enter the first flow channel 141 through the first water pipe 241.

[0077] The automatic dispensing device 4 stores detergent and has a dispensing port. The dispensing port and the second inlet 112 are connected through a dispensing pipe. The detergent in the automatic dispensing device 4 can enter the second flow channel 142 through the dispensing pipe.

[0078] The detergent in the second flow channel 142 can enter the first flow channel 141 through the first opening 143 and mix with the washing water in the first flow channel 141. The mixture of detergent and washing water can be discharged through the outlet 113. The baffle 21 can prevent the detergent or the mixture of detergent and washing water from being discharged into the water storage tank 31 through the first inlet 111. This avoids the problem of a large amount of foam being generated in the water storage tank 31 and the foam entering the washing drum with the washing water, which would reduce the washing efficiency of the steam care device 3. It also avoids the problem of the liquid level in the water storage tank 31 being inaccurate due to a large amount of foam being generated in the water storage tank 31.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the washing machine further includes a water inlet valve 25 and a washing drum; the water storage tank 31 also has a water inlet, the position of which is lower than the position of the water outlet; the water inlet valve 25 is connected to the water inlet through a second water pipe 242; the outlet 113 is connected to the washing drum through a third water pipe 243, and the drain port 114 is connected to the washing drum; the mixed liquid in the first flow channel 141 can enter the washing drum through the outlet 113 and the drain port 114.

[0080] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the steam care device 3 is located between the water inlet valve 25 and the fluid box 1. The steam care device 3 also includes a liquid level probe 34 and a temperature sensing bulb 35. The liquid level probe 34 is located in the water storage tank 31 and is used to detect the water level in the water storage tank 31. The temperature sensing bulb 35 is located in the water outlet tank and is used to detect the water temperature in the water storage tank 31. The first water pipe 241 and the second water pipe 242 are both rubber pipes.

[0081] <Control Methods>

[0082] This embodiment also proposes a control method for the washing machine described above, wherein the washing machine includes a detergent dispensing mode, and the control method includes:

[0083] When the washing machine is in detergent dispensing mode, the automatic dispensing device 4 is controlled to operate, and the water inlet valve 25 is controlled to run an intermittent water inlet program so that the detergent in the automatic dispensing device 4 can enter the washing drum through the second flow channel 142 and the first flow channel 141 until the running time of the automatic dispensing device 4 reaches the preset time.

[0084] The intermittent water intake program includes the water intake valve 25 being in the open state and the water intake valve 25 being in the closed state. The duration of the water intake valve 25 being in the open state is t1, and the duration of the water intake valve 25 being in the closed state is t2, satisfying 2s≤t1≤10s and 2s≤t2≤10s.

[0085] When the water inlet valve 25 stops the water intake, the detergent flows to the main channel. When the water inlet valve 25 is filled with water, the washing water can carry the detergent into the washing drum, preventing the mixture of detergent and washing water from flowing back, ensuring the washing and care effect of the steam care device 3, and preventing detergent from remaining in the fluid box 1; ensuring the overall operational safety of the washing machine, improving the accuracy of detergent dispensing, and enhancing the washing effect and washing ratio.

[0086] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the control methods include:

[0087] S1. The washing machine starts the washing program;

[0088] S2. Turn on the automatic dispensing device 4 and the water inlet valve 25;

[0089] S3. After A seconds, turn off the automatic dispensing device 4;

[0090] S4. Real-time detection and determination of whether the water level in the washing drum has reached the preset washing water level. If so, stop water intake and proceed to step S5; otherwise, continue water intake and repeat step S4.

[0091] S5. Execute the intermittent water intake procedure;

[0092] S6. Continue running the washing program;

[0093] S7. Run until completion.

[0094] Example 2

[0095] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, unlike Embodiment 1, the backflow prevention structure includes a check valve 22. The check valve 22 is located at the first inlet 111 and satisfies the following conditions: the first fluid outside the fluid box 1 can enter the first flow channel 141 through the check valve 22 and the first inlet 111, and the mixed liquid in the first flow channel 141 cannot be discharged through the first inlet 111 and the check valve 22; this avoids the problem of equipment malfunction at the fluid inlet end of the main flow channel and can accurately control the mixing degree of the two fluids; specifically, the check valve 22 includes at least one.

[0096] Example 3

[0097] Unlike Example 1, the washing machine includes a preheating mode for washing water, and the control method includes:

[0098] When the washing machine is in the preheating mode of washing water, the control valve 25 is opened to allow water from outside the washing machine to enter the water storage tank 31.

[0099] Obtain the water level in the water storage tank 31 and determine whether the water level in the water storage tank 31 has reached the preheating water level;

[0100] When the water level in the water storage tank 31 reaches the preheating water level, the control valve 25 is closed and the heater 33 is activated;

[0101] Obtain the water temperature in the water storage tank 31 and determine whether the water temperature in the water storage tank 31 has reached the preheating water temperature;

[0102] Based on the judgment result of whether the water temperature in the water storage tank 31 has reached the preheating water temperature, the inlet valve 25 and the heater 33 are controlled to perform the next action to keep the water temperature in the water storage tank 31 within the preset water temperature range.

[0103] Furthermore, based on the judgment result of whether the water temperature in the water storage tank 31 has reached the preheating water temperature, the control of the inlet valve 25 and the heater 33 to perform the next action to maintain the water temperature in the water storage tank 31 within the preset water temperature range includes:

[0104] When the water temperature in the water tank 31 reaches the preheating water temperature, the inlet valve 25 is opened to allow water from outside the washing machine to enter the water tank 31, so that the water temperature in the water tank 31 is maintained within the preset water temperature range.

[0105] When the water temperature in the water storage tank 31 is lower than the minimum threshold of the preset water temperature range, the heater 33 is controlled to increase the heating power so that the water temperature in the water storage tank 31 is maintained within the preset water temperature range.

[0106] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, the control methods include:

[0107] S1. The washing machine is running in the preheating mode for the washing water.

[0108] S2. The user sets the washing water temperature T0, and the washing water temperature T0 is at least two preheating water temperatures that the user can choose from;

[0109] S3, Water inlet valve 25 is opened to allow water in;

[0110] S4, Liquid level probe 34 detects whether the preheating water level has been reached;

[0111] S5. After reaching the preset water level, the inlet valve 25 stops the water supply and the heater 33 turns on to heat.

[0112] S6. The temperature sensor 35 monitors whether the water temperature has reached T1. The space of the heater 33 is limited. When the washing water preheating mode is running, a part of the washing water needs to be heated to a higher temperature first, and then cooled down to T0 by the incoming tap water. Therefore, T1 > T0.

[0113] S7, Water inlet valve 25 is opened to allow water in;

[0114] S8. Monitor the water temperature through the temperature sensor 35. If the water temperature is <T0, increase the heating power of the heater 33 to maintain the water temperature at T0.

[0115] S9. If the water level in the washing drum reaches the preset washing water level, the washing water preheating mode will end.

[0116] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the detailed structures, arrangements, or implementations described herein; rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements contained within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid cartridge assembly, characterized in that, The fluid box assembly includes a fluid box and a backflow check structure. A first flow channel is formed inside the fluid box. A first opening and a second opening are formed on the sidewall of the first flow channel at intervals. A second flow channel is formed between the first opening and the second opening. A portion of the fluid in the first flow channel can enter the second flow channel through the first opening and mix with the fluid in the second flow channel, and then enter the first flow channel again through the second opening. The backflow prevention structure is located near the inlet end of the first flow channel to prevent the mixture in the first flow channel from flowing back. The fluid box has a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet; a first flow channel is formed between the first inlet and the outlet, through which a first fluid from outside the fluid box can enter the first flow channel via the first inlet; the second inlet is connected to the second flow channel, through which a second fluid from outside the fluid box can enter the second flow channel via the second inlet. The backflow prevention structure is disposed in the first flow channel and located between the first inlet and the first opening. The backflow prevention structure can prevent the mixture in the first flow channel from flowing back to the first inlet. Alternatively, the backflow prevention structure is disposed at the first inlet and located outside the fluid box, and the backflow prevention structure can prevent the mixture in the first flow channel from being discharged through the first inlet; The backflow prevention structure includes a baffle rib disposed within the first flow channel. Along the cross-sectional direction of the first flow channel, the baffle rib includes a first end and a second end. The first end is sealed to the side wall of the first flow channel, and the baffle rib can prevent the mixture in the first flow channel from flowing back to the first inlet. A notch is formed between the second end and the side wall of the first flow channel, and the notch allows the fluid entering the first flow channel through the first inlet to be discharged to the outlet through the notch.

2. The fluid cartridge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backflow prevention structure further includes a drain port, which is formed on the fluid box and communicates with the first flow channel; the drain port is close to the baffle and located between the baffle and the first opening; The mixture in the first flow channel can be discharged through the drain port.

3. The fluid cartridge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backflow prevention structure includes a check valve, which is located at the first inlet and satisfies the following conditions: the first fluid outside the fluid box can enter the first flow channel through the check valve and the first inlet, and the mixed liquid in the first flow channel cannot be discharged through the first inlet and the check valve.

4. A washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes a steam care device, an automatic dispensing device, and a fluid box assembly as described in any one of claims 1-3; the portion of the fluid box near the first inlet is disposed on the steam care device, and the portion of the fluid box near the second inlet is disposed on the automatic dispensing device; The steam treatment device includes a water storage tank and a heater installed inside the water storage tank. When the heater is running, it can convert the water in the water storage tank into high-temperature steam. The water storage tank has a water outlet, and the water outlet and a first inlet are connected through a first water pipe. The water or high-temperature steam in the water storage tank can enter the first flow channel through the first water pipe. The automatic dispensing device stores detergent and has a dispensing port. The dispensing port and the second inlet are connected by a dispensing pipe. The detergent in the automatic dispensing device can enter the second flow channel through the dispensing pipe.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The washing machine includes a water inlet valve and a washing drum; the fluid box includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate and a flow channel side plate, the flow channel side plate is disposed between the first cover plate and the second cover plate, and the first cover plate, the second cover plate and the flow channel side plate surround the first flow channel and the second flow channel; the first cover plate has a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet; The water storage tank also has a water inlet, and the water inlet valve is connected to the water inlet through a second water pipe; the outlet and the drain are both connected to the washing drum; the mixed liquid in the first flow channel can enter the washing drum through the outlet and the drain.

6. A method for controlling a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine is the washing machine according to claim 5; the washing machine includes a detergent dispensing mode, and the control method includes: When the washing machine is in the detergent dispensing mode, the automatic dispensing device is controlled to operate, and the water inlet valve is controlled to run an intermittent water inlet program so that the detergent in the automatic dispensing device can enter the washing drum through the second flow channel and the first flow channel until the running time of the automatic dispensing device reaches the preset time. The intermittent water intake procedure includes the water intake valve being in an open state and the water intake valve being in a closed state.

7. A method for controlling a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine is the washing machine according to claim 5; the washing machine includes a washing water preheating mode, and the control method includes: When the washing machine is in the washing water preheating mode, the water inlet valve is opened to allow water from outside the washing machine to enter the water storage tank. Obtain the water level in the water storage tank and determine whether the water level in the water storage tank has reached the preheating water level; When the water level in the water storage tank reaches the preheating water level, the inlet valve is closed and the heater is activated. The water temperature in the water storage tank is obtained and it is determined whether the water temperature in the water storage tank has reached the preheating water temperature. Based on the determination result of whether the water temperature in the water storage tank has reached the preheating water temperature, the water inlet valve and heater are controlled to perform the next action to keep the water temperature in the water storage tank within the preset water temperature range.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of controlling the inlet valve and heater to perform the next action based on the judgment result of whether the water temperature in the water tank has reached the preheating water temperature to maintain the water temperature in the water tank within the preset water temperature range includes: When the water temperature in the water storage tank reaches the preheating water temperature, the water inlet valve is opened to allow water from outside the washing machine to enter the water storage tank, thereby maintaining the water temperature in the water storage tank within the preset water temperature range. When the water temperature in the water storage tank is lower than the minimum threshold of the preset water temperature range, the heater is controlled to increase the heating power so that the water temperature in the water storage tank is maintained within the preset water temperature range.

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