A liquid inlet control method of an external dispensing device and a laundry treating system

Abstract

The application discloses a liquid inlet control method of an external dispensing device, and the control method comprises the following steps: S1, receiving a dispensing detergent instruction sent by a clothes treatment equipment; S2, controlling a switching valve to rotate to a preset neutral position; S3, controlling the switching valve to rotate to a valve core connected with a liquid outlet corresponding to the clothes treatment equipment and to carry out dispensing; S4, controlling the switching valve to return to the preset neutral position; and S5, acquiring whether a dispensing instruction is received again within a preset time, if yes, executing the step S3, and if not, controlling the switching valve to wash by water. When the dispensing of the detergent is carried out on multiple clothes treatment equipments, the application acquires the position of the liquid outlet corresponding to the position of the clothes treatment equipment, and then the detergent is dispensed, so that the dispensing accuracy of the multiple clothes treatment equipments is improved, meanwhile, the continuous control of the dispensing device on the dispensing of the detergent of the multiple clothes treatment equipments is realized, the convenience of the dispensing of the detergent is improved, and the practicability of the equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of clothing processing equipment, specifically, it relates to a liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of clothing processing equipment, washing machines, as an indispensable household product in people's lives, have increasingly higher functional requirements. The emergence of intelligent washing machines allows users to automatically add detergent without having to do so manually, greatly saving users' time and effort. As a result, detergent dispensing devices are becoming increasingly intelligent.

[0003] While existing detergent dispensing devices can automatically dispense detergent, when multiple washing machines are used simultaneously, each machine needs its own detergent dispensing device, which greatly increases the space occupied by the washing machines. In addition, the structure of each washing machine with a detergent dispensing device is relatively complex, which increases the cost of the washing machines.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a liquid inlet control method and a clothing processing system for an external dispensing device. In use, the device first receives a detergent dispensing instruction sent by the clothing processing equipment, controls the switching valve to rotate to a preset neutral position, and then controls the switching valve to rotate until the valve core is connected to the corresponding liquid outlet of the clothing processing equipment, and dispensing is performed. This realizes intelligent detergent dispensing and enables the dispensing device to control the detergent dispensing of multiple clothing processing equipment. By obtaining whether there is a dispensing instruction at a preset time, continuous control of detergent dispensing of multiple equipment is realized, which increases the practicality of the dispensing device.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: to provide a liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device, wherein the dispensing device includes a switching valve, the switching valve includes a valve body and a valve core, the valve body is provided with a liquid inlet and multiple liquid outlets, and the valve core is rotatably disposed in the valve body and can be selectively connected to one of the multiple liquid outlets;

[0007] The control method includes the following steps:

[0008] S1. Receive detergent dispensing instructions sent by the laundry processing equipment;

[0009] S2. Control the switching valve to rotate to the preset neutral position;

[0010] S3. Control the switching valve to rotate until the valve core is connected to the liquid outlet corresponding to the clothing processing equipment and then dispense the liquid.

[0011] S4. Control the switching valve to return to the preset neutral position;

[0012] S5. Check if the delivery instruction is received again within the preset time. If yes, execute step S3. If no, control the switching valve to flush with water.

[0013] Furthermore, in step S2, the preset neutral position is the position where the valve core of the switching valve rotates to a preset neutral position where it is not connected to the multiple liquid outlets on the valve body.

[0014] Furthermore, between steps S2 and S3, the following steps are also included:

[0015] The location of the liquid outlet corresponds to the location of the laundry processing equipment that sends the detergent dispensing command.

[0016] Furthermore, the dispensing device also includes a motor connected to the valve core, used to control the valve core to communicate with one of the multiple liquid outlets;

[0017] Step S3 also includes the following steps:

[0018] S31. Based on the preset empty position and the corresponding liquid outlet position of the clothing processing equipment, obtain the rotation direction and calculate the number of rotation steps;

[0019] S32. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps;

[0020] S33. Add the appropriate detergent.

[0021] Furthermore, the dispensing device also includes a dispensing pump connected to a switching valve for extracting detergent;

[0022] In step S33, the following steps are also included: obtaining the working time T1 of the stepper motor, determining whether the working time T1 is greater than or equal to the preset time T, and if so, controlling the dispensing pump to extract detergent.

[0023] Furthermore, in step S33, the preset time is 1S≤T≤5S;

[0024] Preferably, the preset time T is 3 seconds.

[0025] Furthermore, between steps S3 and S4, the following steps are also included:

[0026] Detect the detergent flow rate L, and determine whether the detergent flow rate L is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate l. If so, determine that the detergent has been dispensed and proceed to step S4.

[0027] Furthermore, in step S4, the preset time is 3s ≤ t ≤ 10s;

[0028] Preferably, the preset time t is 5 seconds.

[0029] Furthermore, in step S5, if it is determined that the control switching valve is being flushed with water, the following steps are also included:

[0030] S51. Based on the preset neutral position and inlet position, obtain the rotation direction and calculate the number of rotation steps;

[0031] S52. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps;

[0032] S53 controls the water inlet flushing of the switching valve.

[0033] The present invention also provides a clothing processing system having a liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device as described above, comprising multiple clothing processing devices, each connected to a plurality of liquid outlets of a switching valve.

[0034] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0035] This invention features an inlet and multiple outlets on a switching valve. By controlling the connection and disconnection between the inlet and the multiple outlets through the switching valve, detergent can be dispensed to multiple garment processing devices through the multiple outlets of the switching valve. Multiple garment processing devices can share a single detergent dispensing device, eliminating the need for separate detergent dispensing devices on each garment processing device. This achieves multi-purpose functionality with a single valve, resulting in a simple structure, small footprint, and reduced costs.

[0036] When performing washing and dispensing, this invention first obtains the detergent information to be dispensed, controls the switching valve to rotate until the valve core connects with the liquid outlet corresponding to the clothing processing equipment, and dispenses the detergent, making the detergent dispensing more accurate and avoiding incorrect detergent selection or incorrect detergent selection when dispensing to the clothing processing equipment. Then, it obtains whether other clothing processing equipment still needs detergent dispensing, and then controls the dispensing device to work. When multiple clothing processing equipment are running simultaneously, continuous control is achieved.

[0037] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a control method for a garment processing equipment dispensing device according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a control method for a garment processing equipment dispensing device according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the switching valve in the dispensing device of a clothing processing equipment according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is the present invention. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the switching valve.

[0043] In the diagram: 1. Valve body; 11. Inlet; 12. Outlet; 13. Limiting block; 2. Valve core; 21. Shaft seat; 211. Perforation; 22. Support seat; 221. First inlet channel; 222. Second inlet channel; 23. Outer peripheral plate; 231. Inlet; 232. Outlet; 3. Rotating shaft; 4. Motor.

[0044] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device, wherein the dispensing device includes a switching valve.

[0049] The switching valve includes a valve body 1 and a valve core 2. The valve body 1 is provided with an inlet 11 and multiple outlets 12. The valve core 2 is rotatably disposed inside the valve body 1 and can be selectively connected to one of the multiple outlets 12.

[0050] The control method includes the following steps:

[0051] S1. Receive detergent dispensing instructions sent by the laundry processing equipment;

[0052] S2. Control the switching valve to rotate to the preset neutral position;

[0053] S3. Control the switching valve to rotate until the valve core is connected to the liquid outlet corresponding to the clothing processing equipment and then dispense the liquid.

[0054] S4. Control the switching valve to return to the preset neutral position;

[0055] S5. Check if the delivery instruction is received again within the preset time. If yes, execute step S3. If no, control the switching valve to flush with water.

[0056] This invention receives detergent dispensing instructions from multiple garment processing devices during detergent dispensing, controls a switching valve to rotate to a preset neutral position, and then controls the switching valve to rotate so that the valve core 2 connects with the outlet 12 on the valve body 1 of the corresponding garment processing device, dispensing the corresponding detergent. This avoids incorrect connection with the corresponding garment processing device during detergent dispensing, which would reduce the garment processing effect. Simultaneously, it obtains whether there are any dispensing instructions within a preset time and controls the switching valve to complete automatic dispensing based on dispensing information from other garment processing devices. The structure is simple, reduces costs, and realizes the control of detergent dispensing for multiple garment processing devices with a single dispensing device, improving the accuracy of detergent dispensing and enhancing the user experience.

[0057] Furthermore, in step S2, the preset neutral position is when the valve core 2 of the switching valve rotates to a preset neutral position that is not connected to the multiple liquid outlets 12 on the valve body 1.

[0058] By controlling the switching valve to the preset neutral position before dispensing, the detergent is prevented from failing to return to the preset neutral position before dispensing, ensuring that the dispensing device is directly connected to the liquid inlet. This avoids detergent waste or inaccurate dispensing, improves the accuracy and precision of detergent dispensing, and enhances the user experience.

[0059] Specifically, when the switching valve is rotated to the preset neutral position, the valve core 2 of the switching valve is provided with a positioning protrusion (not shown in the figure), and the valve body 1 is provided with a limiting rib (not shown in the figure). When it is necessary to rotate to the preset neutral position, the motor drives the valve core to rotate. When the positioning protrusion on the valve core 2 abuts against the limiting rib on the valve body 1, the system determines that the switching valve is in the preset neutral position.

[0060] Furthermore, the current value I1 of the detected motor 4 can be compared with the set current value I. When the motor 4 drives the valve core 2 to rotate, if the detected current value I1 of the motor 4 is greater than or equal to the preset current value I of the motor 4, it is determined that the switching valve has rotated to the preset neutral position.

[0061] Furthermore, between steps S2 and S3, the following steps are also included:

[0062] The location of the liquid outlet corresponds to the location of the laundry processing equipment that sends the detergent dispensing command.

[0063] Before dispensing detergent, the control switching valve is returned to the neutral position to obtain the position of the outlet 12 corresponding to the laundry treatment equipment that dispenses detergent. This ensures that the laundry treatment equipment dispensing detergent is correctly identified, preventing incorrect connection between the outlet 12 and the laundry treatment equipment during detergent dispensing and improving the dispensing accuracy of the external dispensing device.

[0064] The present invention includes at least one detergent box connected to the liquid inlet. Only after the detergent information in the dispensing command is determined during dispensing can the liquid outlet of the switching valve be connected to the corresponding clothing processing equipment to dispense the detergent.

[0065] Specifically, this invention receives detergent dispensing instructions from the clothing processing equipment via an external dispensing device, obtains the detergent information to be dispensed, and then controls the corresponding detergent to connect with the liquid inlet 11 on the valve body 1. When dispensing detergent, different types of detergent need to be dispensed. Therefore, when dispensing, by judging the detergent information to be dispensed, one of the multiple detergent information on the dispensing device is determined to connect with the liquid inlet 11 on the valve body 1, which improves the accuracy of detergent dispensing, avoids detergent dispensing errors, and avoids reducing the washing effect of washing clothes.

[0066] Furthermore, the switching valve also includes a motor 4 connected to the valve core 2, used to control the valve core 2 to communicate with one of the plurality of liquid outlets 12.

[0067] Step S3 also includes the following steps:

[0068] S31. Based on the preset empty position and the corresponding liquid outlet position of the clothing processing equipment, obtain the rotation direction and calculate the number of rotation steps;

[0069] S32. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps;

[0070] S33. Add the corresponding detergent.

[0071] When dispensing detergent, this invention obtains the rotation direction and calculates the number of rotation steps based on the preset gap position and the corresponding liquid outlet 12 position of the clothing treatment device. The motor 4 is then controlled to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps. Once the motor 4 has completed its rotation according to the rotation direction and the number of rotation steps, it is determined that the liquid outlet 12 is connected to the clothing treatment device. Then, the dispensing device can dispense the corresponding detergent, achieving precise control of the dispensing of the clothing treatment agent, improving control accuracy, and enhancing the user experience.

[0072] Furthermore, the dispensing device also includes a dispensing pump connected to a switching valve for extracting detergent.

[0073] Step S33 further includes the following steps:

[0074] The working time T1 of motor 4 is obtained. It is determined whether the working time T1 is greater than or equal to the preset time T. If so, the detergent dispensing pump is controlled to extract detergent. If not, the working time T1 of motor 4 is obtained again.

[0075] This invention involves setting up a dispensing pump connected to a switching valve. The dispensing pump only operates after the corresponding detergent is connected to the inlet and the outlet is connected to the garment processing equipment. The dispensing pump mixes the extracted detergent with water and sends it to the corresponding garment processing equipment to complete the dispensing of the detergent.

[0076] Furthermore, in step S33, the preset time is 1S≤T≤5S;

[0077] Preferably, the preset time T is 3 seconds.

[0078] Specifically, the working time T1 of motor 4 is first obtained. Based on the obtained working time T1 of motor 4, it is determined whether the working time T1 is greater than or equal to the preset time T. After the working time of motor 4 reaches the preset time, the dispensing pump is controlled to extract detergent. The working time of motor 4 is used to determine whether the liquid outlet 12 on the switching valve is connected to the clothing processing equipment. This improves the accuracy of detergent dispensing, avoids detergent dispensing errors that reduce the washing efficiency and effect of clothes, and enhances the user experience.

[0079] Furthermore, between steps S3 and S4, the following steps are also included:

[0080] Detect the detergent flow rate L and determine whether the detergent flow rate L is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate l. If yes, it is determined that the detergent has been dispensed and step S4 is executed. If no, it is determined that the laundry detergent has not been dispensed and then the detergent is dispensed.

[0081] This invention determines whether detergent dispensing has ended by switching the detergent flow rate L1 in the valve. If the flow rate L1 is not greater than or equal to the set flow rate l, it is determined that the detergent dispensing has not ended, and the detergent dispensing continues until the detergent dispensing amount L1 is greater than or equal to the set dispensing amount l, at which point the detergent dispensing is determined to be finished. This improves the accuracy of detergent dispensing and enhances the washing effect of clothes.

[0082] Furthermore, in step S5, it is determined whether a delivery command is received again within a preset time. If yes, step S3 is executed; otherwise, the switching valve is controlled to flush with water.

[0083] This invention, after the first detergent dispensing is completed, checks again within a preset time to see if a dispensing instruction has been received. Upon receiving the dispensing instruction, the dispensing device checks the detergent information in the dispensing instruction again, and then performs the above steps to dispense the detergent. This allows for accurate dispensing from multiple garment processing devices, reducing costs.

[0084] Specifically, when it is determined whether there is a dispensing instruction within a preset time, it can be determined by setting a preset time. When detergent needs to be dispensed again within the preset time, the dispensing process is the same as the above dispensing process. Based on the information of the received detergent, the corresponding detergent is connected to the liquid inlet 11. Then, the position of the clothing processing equipment is obtained, the rotation direction is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated. The motor 4 is controlled to drive the valve core 2 of the switching valve to rotate until it is connected to the liquid outlet 12 on the valve body 1 and the corresponding clothing processing equipment, so that the dispensing device enters the dispensing state again.

[0085] Furthermore, in step S5, the preset time is 3s ≤ t ≤ 10s;

[0086] Preferably, the preset time t is 5 seconds.

[0087] Specifically, after the garment processing equipment adds the corresponding detergent, it determines within a preset time whether other garment processing equipment needs to add detergent. If detergent needs to be added, the addition process is the same as the above process. The valve core 2 of the control switching valve is connected to the liquid outlet 12 on the corresponding valve body 1 of the garment processing equipment to add the corresponding detergent. This realizes the multi-purpose use of one valve, which can control the detergent addition of multiple garment processing equipment at the same time and achieve continuous control, thereby improving the practicality of the equipment.

[0088] Furthermore, in step S5, if it is determined that the control switching valve is being flushed with water, the following steps are also included:

[0089] S51. Based on the preset neutral position and inlet position, obtain the rotation direction and calculate the number of rotation steps;

[0090] S52. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps;

[0091] S53 controls the water inlet flushing of the switching valve.

[0092] This invention switches the valve from an idle state to a dispensing state, and after dispensing, it returns to the idle state. If no dispensing command is received, the dispensing device controls the switching valve to flush with water. Based on the preset idle position and inlet position, the rotation direction of motor 4 is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated. Motor 4 is then controlled to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps, causing the outlet 232 on the valve core 2 of the switching valve to rotate to a position communicating with the inlet (not shown in the figure) on the valve body 1. This flushes the switching valve with water, preventing residual laundry detergent from remaining inside the switching valve, which could cause blockage, reduce dispensing efficiency and washing effect, and improve the dispensing accuracy of the laundry detergent.

[0093] like Figures 3 to 4As shown, the valve body is also provided with a water inlet (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the water inlet pipe of the clothing processing equipment to realize the flushing of the switching valve.

[0094] The present invention also provides a clothing processing system having a liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device as described above, and further includes multiple clothing processing devices, each connected to a plurality of liquid outlets of a switching valve.

[0095] The present invention discloses an external dispensing device liquid inlet control method. When dispensing detergent, it receives a detergent dispensing command from any one of multiple garment processing devices. The method then controls the valve core 2 of a switching valve to connect the inlet 11 to the outlet 12 of the garment processing device corresponding to the device that sent the detergent dispensing command. A dispensing pump then draws the detergent into the garment processing device, completing the dispensing process. Next, it checks whether other garment processing devices need detergent dispensing. If so, it dispenses detergent according to the above steps. If not, it controls the switching valve to flush with water. This method achieves continuous control of detergent dispensing from multiple garment processing devices, reducing costs, improving control accuracy and detergent dispensing accuracy, and enhancing washing performance and user experience.

[0096] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device, characterized in that: The dispensing device includes a switching valve, which includes a valve body and a valve core. The valve body is provided with an inlet and multiple outlets. The valve core is rotatably disposed in the valve body and can be selectively connected to one of the multiple outlets. The control method includes the following steps: S1. Receive detergent dispensing instructions sent by the laundry processing equipment; S2. Control the switching valve to rotate to a preset neutral position, wherein the preset neutral position is the valve core of the switching valve rotated to a preset neutral position that is not connected to the multiple liquid outlets on the valve body. S3. Control the switching valve to rotate until the valve core is connected to the liquid outlet corresponding to the clothing processing equipment and then dispense the liquid. S4. Control the switching valve to return to the preset neutral position; S5. Check if the delivery instruction is received again within the preset time. If yes, execute step S3. If no, control the switching valve to flush with water.

2. The liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Between step S2 and step S3, the following steps are also included: Obtain the location of the liquid outlet corresponding to the laundry treatment equipment that sent the detergent dispensing instruction.

3. The liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching valve also includes a motor connected to the valve core, used to control the valve core to communicate with one of the multiple liquid outlets; Step S3 further includes the following steps: S31. Based on the preset empty position and the corresponding liquid outlet position of the clothing processing equipment, obtain the rotation direction and calculate the number of rotation steps; S32. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps; S33. Add the corresponding detergent.

4. The liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The dispensing device also includes a dispensing pump connected to a switching valve for extracting detergent; In step S33, the following steps are also included: obtaining the working time T1 of the motor, determining whether the working time T1 is greater than or equal to the preset time T, if yes, controlling the dispensing pump to extract detergent, if no, continuing to obtain the working time T of the motor.

5. The liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S33, the preset time is 1S≤T≤5S.

6. The liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S33, the preset time T is 3 seconds.

7. The liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Between steps S3 and S4, the following steps are also included: The detergent flow rate L is detected, and it is determined whether the detergent flow rate L is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate l. If so, the detergent dispensing is considered complete.

8. The liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, the preset time is 3s≤t≤10s.

9. The liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, the preset time t is 5s.

10. The liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step S5, if it is determined that the control switching valve is being flushed with water, the following steps are also included: S51. Based on the preset neutral position and inlet position, obtain the rotation direction and calculate the number of rotation steps; S52. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps; S53 controls the water inlet flushing of the switching valve.

11. A garment processing system having a liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that: It also includes multiple garment processing devices, each connected to one of the multiple liquid outlets of the switching valve.

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