A liquid feeding and dispensing control method of an external feeding device of a washing machine and a washing machine

Abstract

The application discloses a liquid inlet and dispensing control method of a washing machine external dispensing device, and the control method comprises the following steps: S1, receiving a dispensing clothes treatment agent instruction sent by a washing machine; S2, obtaining the position of a clothes treatment agent box corresponding to the dispensing clothes treatment agent; S3, controlling the valve core of a switching valve to rotate to the clothes treatment agent box corresponding to the dispensing clothes treatment agent to communicate and dispense; and S4, obtaining whether the dispensing clothes treatment agent instruction is received again within a preset time, if yes, executing the step S2, and if no, controlling the switching valve to wash by water. After receiving the dispensing instruction, the clothes treatment agent information of dispensing is obtained, the position of the corresponding clothes treatment agent box is determined, dispensing is performed, the dispensing accuracy of the dispensing device is improved, and after the corresponding clothes treatment agent is dispensed, whether the dispensing clothes treatment agent instruction is received within a preset time is judged, continuous control of the switching valve is realized, 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 dispensing control method for an external dispensing device of a washing machine and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of washing machine technology, there are increasingly more types of washing machines available. However, many existing household washing machines still lack an automatic detergent dispensing function, requiring users to manually add detergent to the detergent dispenser beforehand. The washing machine then flushes the detergent into the drum according to the washing process. Using this method, the amount of detergent added depends on the user's discretion, often resulting in too much or too little detergent. Too little detergent leads to unclean clothes, while too much detergent results in incomplete rinsing and detergent residue, causing inconvenience for the user.

[0003] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a liquid dispensing control method for an external dispensing device of a washing machine and a washing machine. When the external dispensing device of the washing machine dispenses laundry detergent, the position information of the laundry detergent box corresponding to the dispensed laundry detergent is obtained, and the valve core of the switching valve is controlled to connect with the laundry detergent box corresponding to the dispensed laundry detergent and dispense it, thereby improving the control accuracy of the external dispensing device. At the same time, after dispensing the corresponding laundry detergent, it is then determined whether a laundry detergent dispensing command is received again within a preset time, thereby realizing continuous adjustment of the switching valve and increasing the practicality of the equipment.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a washing machine that controls the dispensing mechanism to dispense laundry detergent by detecting the amount of laundry detergent in the detergent dispenser, thereby achieving continuous control and improving control accuracy.

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

[0007] The control method includes the following steps:

[0008] S1. Receive the instruction to add laundry detergent to the washing machine;

[0009] S2. Obtain the location of the laundry treatment box corresponding to the dispensed laundry treatment agent;

[0010] S3. Control the rotation of the valve core of the switching valve to connect with the laundry detergent box corresponding to the laundry detergent to be dispensed;

[0011] S4. If a command to add clothing treatment agent is received again within a preset time, then execute step S2; otherwise, control the switching valve to flush with water.

[0012] When the garment treatment agent is first dispensed, the external dispensing device receives the garment treatment agent dispensing instruction. By obtaining the position of the garment treatment agent box corresponding to the dispensing agent, the valve core of the control switching valve is rotated to connect with the garment treatment agent box corresponding to the dispensing agent, and the garment treatment agent is dispensed. Then, it is determined whether the garment treatment agent dispensing instruction is received again within a preset time. This realizes continuous control and automatic switching of the external dispensing device, improves the dispensing accuracy of the external dispensing device, and enhances the user experience.

[0013] Furthermore, the following steps are included between steps S1 and S2:

[0014] The valve core of the control switching valve is rotated to a preset neutral position that is not connected to multiple liquid inlets.

[0015] Furthermore, the switching valve also includes a motor connected to the valve core for driving the valve core to rotate within the valve body;

[0016] Step S3 includes the following steps:

[0017] Based on the preset empty position and the obtained position of the clothing treatment box corresponding to the clothing treatment agent, the direction of motor rotation is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated;

[0018] S32. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps;

[0019] S33. Apply clothing treatment agent.

[0020] Furthermore, following step S33, the following steps are also included:

[0021] Detect the flow rate L1 of the clothing treatment agent and determine whether the flow rate L1 is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate L. If so, determine that the clothing treatment agent application is complete and proceed to step S4.

[0022] Furthermore, between steps S3 and S4, the following steps are also included:

[0023] The control switching valve returns to the preset neutral position.

[0024] Furthermore, the valve body has a limiting rib at a preset neutral position, and the valve core has a positioning protrusion at its end; the positioning protrusion can abut against the limiting rib to limit the rotation range of the valve core.

[0025] Controlling the switching valve to rotate to the preset neutral position includes,

[0026] Control the switching valve to rotate to the preset neutral position; detect the relative position of the positioning protrusion and the limit rib; determine whether the positioning protrusion and the limit rib are in contact; if so, determine that the switching valve has rotated to the preset neutral position and control the switching valve to stop rotating.

[0027] Furthermore, in S4, the preset time T is 1s≤T≤5s;

[0028] Preferably, the preset time is 3 seconds.

[0029] Further, in step S4, if it is determined that the control switching valve is being flushed with water, the following steps are included:

[0030] S41. Based on the preset neutral position and the water inlet position among multiple liquid inlets, obtain the motor rotation direction and calculate the number of rotation steps;

[0031] S42. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps;

[0032] S43, Control the switching valve to flush with water.

[0033] Furthermore, step S2 includes the following steps:

[0034] S21. Obtain the clothing treatment agent to be applied;

[0035] S22. Detect the laundry detergent in multiple laundry detergent boxes;

[0036] S23. Determine whether the clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment agent box is the same as the clothing treatment agent in the dispensing instruction. If so, proceed to step S3.

[0037] The present invention also provides a washing machine that employs the liquid dispensing control method of an external dispensing device for a washing machine as described above.

[0038] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0039] This invention connects the dispensing mechanism of an external dispensing device to multiple clothing treatment agent boxes, and sets multiple liquid inlets on the switching valve of the dispensing mechanism to dispense various clothing treatment agents. By placing the dispensing mechanism in the housing chamber of the outer shell, the space occupied by the dispensing mechanism is reduced, and the space utilization rate is increased.

[0040] This invention detects the laundry detergent in multiple detergent dispensers, determines the position of the inlet on the corresponding valve body, controls the valve core of the switching valve to connect with the detergent dispenser corresponding to the detergent dispenser, and dispenses the corresponding detergent, thus realizing intelligent dispensing by the external dispensing device. After dispensing, it determines whether the washing machine needs to dispense detergent again within a preset time, thus realizing continuous control of the external dispensing device.

[0041] This method improves the accuracy of clothing treatment dosage and enhances the treatment effect by detecting the amount of clothing treatment agent applied during the application process.

[0042] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0043] 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:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a liquid dispensing control method for an external dispensing device of a washing machine according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a liquid dispensing control method for an external dispensing device of a washing machine according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the external delivery device of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the switching valve of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 This is an exploded structural diagram of the switching valve of the present invention.

[0049] In the diagram: 1. Shell; 2. Clothing treatment agent box; 3. Dispensing mechanism; 31. Switching valve; 311. Valve body; 3111. Liquid inlet; 3112. Liquid outlet; 3113. Limiting rib; 312. Valve core; 3121. Positioning protrusion; 313. Motor; 32. Dispensing pump; 321. Liquid inlet pipe; 322. Liquid outlet pipe; 4. Dispensing pipeline; 41. Mixing chamber; 42. Water inlet; 43. Water outlet; 5. Detection device.

[0050] 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

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the present invention discloses a liquid dispensing control method for an external dispensing device of a washing machine, wherein the external dispensing device includes a switching valve 31 and multiple laundry detergent boxes 2.

[0055] The switching valve 31 includes a valve body 311 and a valve core 312. The valve body 311 is provided with multiple liquid inlets 3111 and liquid outlets 3112. The multiple clothing treatment agent boxes 2 are respectively connected to the multiple liquid inlets 3111. The valve core 312 is rotatably disposed in the valve body 311. The liquid outlet 3112 can be selectively connected to one of the multiple liquid inlets 3111.

[0056] The control method includes the following steps:

[0057] S1. Receive the instruction to add laundry detergent to the washing machine;

[0058] S2. Obtain the location of the laundry treatment box corresponding to the dispensed laundry treatment agent;

[0059] S3. Control the valve core of the switching valve to rotate to connect with the laundry detergent box corresponding to the laundry detergent to be dispensed;

[0060] S4. If a command to add clothing treatment agent is received again within a preset time, then execute step S2; otherwise, control the switching valve to flush with water.

[0061] When dispensing laundry detergent, the external dispensing device receives the dispensing instruction. First, it obtains the position of the laundry detergent box 2 corresponding to the detergent in the dispensing instruction. Then, it controls the valve core 312 of the switching valve 31 to rotate and connect with the corresponding laundry detergent box 2. This avoids inaccurate connection between the dispensing mechanism 3 and the laundry detergent box 2, which could lead to incorrect dispensing and improve the dispensing accuracy. After dispensing, it checks again within a preset time to see if another dispensing instruction is received. If so, it either dispenses the detergent again or rinses the switching valve 31. This invention enables the dispensing of multiple laundry detergents, continuous control, and intelligent dispensing by the external dispensing device, enhancing the user experience.

[0062] Furthermore, between step S1 and step S2, the following steps are also included:

[0063] The valve core of the control switching valve is rotated to a preset neutral position where it is not connected to the multiple liquid inlets on the valve body.

[0064] This invention improves the accuracy of clothing treatment agent dispensing and enhances the treatment effect by controlling the valve core 312 of the switching valve 31 to rotate to a preset neutral state that is not connected to the multiple liquid inlets 3111 on the valve body 311 during dispensing. This avoids the dispensing device directly dispensing the clothing treatment agent after receiving the dispensing command, thus preventing incorrect dispensing of the clothing treatment agent.

[0065] Furthermore, the switching valve 31 also includes a motor 313 connected to the valve core 312 for driving the valve core 312 to rotate within the valve body 311.

[0066] Step S3 includes the following steps:

[0067] S31. Based on the preset empty position and the obtained position of the clothing treatment agent box corresponding to the clothing treatment agent, obtain the rotation direction of the motor and calculate the number of rotation steps.

[0068] S32. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps;

[0069] S33. Apply clothing treatment agent.

[0070] After obtaining the position of the laundry detergent box 2, which is identical to the laundry detergent information in the dispensing instruction, the present invention obtains the rotation direction of the motor 313 and calculates the number of rotation steps based on the preset empty position and the position of the liquid inlet 3111 on the valve body 311 corresponding to the laundry detergent box 2. This improves the accuracy of dispensing the laundry detergent and controls the motor 313 to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps, dispensing the corresponding laundry detergent. This avoids the laundry detergent not passing through the preset empty position and obtaining the position of the laundry detergent box 2 before dispensing, which would cause the valve core 312 of the switching valve 31 to rotate incorrectly, resulting in waste of laundry detergent and improving the washing effect of clothes.

[0071] Specifically, when dispensing laundry detergent, the present invention obtains the position information of the laundry detergent box 2 corresponding to the dispensing command, and calculates the rotation direction of the motor 313 and the number of rotation steps based on the preset empty position. The motor 313 drives the valve core 312 to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps. After rotating to the corresponding liquid inlet 3111, the dispensing pump 32 dispenses the laundry detergent into the washing machine. This avoids the switching valve 31 from being continuously connected to one of the multiple liquid inlets 3111 during dispensing, which could cause excessive detergent dispensing. This improves the control accuracy of the switching valve 31 and enhances the user experience.

[0072] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the external delivery device has a housing 1.

[0073] The external dispensing device also includes a dispensing pipe 4, which is connected to the dispensing mechanism 3, for dispensing the mixed clothing treatment agent into the clothing treatment agent.

[0074] Both the dispensing pipe 4 and the dispensing mechanism 3 are housed within the casing 1. The dispensing pipe 4 includes a mixing chamber 41. The inlet 42 and outlet 43 at both ends of the dispensing pipe 4 are connected to the tap water interface and the washing machine water inlet, respectively. When dispensing the laundry detergent, the laundry detergent and tap water are mixed and diluted in the mixing chamber 41 before being dispensed into the washing machine, thereby improving the washing effect of the clothes.

[0075] Furthermore, following step S33, the following steps are also included:

[0076] Detect the flow rate L1 of the clothing treatment agent and determine whether the flow rate L1 is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate L. If so, determine that the clothing treatment agent application is complete and proceed to step S4.

[0077] This invention determines whether the laundry detergent dispensing is complete by using the liquid flow rate L1 of the laundry detergent in the switching valve 31. If the liquid flow rate L1 is not greater than or equal to the set flow rate L, it is determined that the laundry detergent dispensing is not complete, and the switching valve 31 continues the dispensing operation until the liquid flow rate L1 of the laundry detergent is greater than or equal to the set dispensing amount L, at which point it is determined that the laundry detergent dispensing is complete. This improves the dispensing accuracy of the laundry detergent and enhances the washing effect of the clothes.

[0078] The external dispensing device may also be equipped with a switch. When dispensing, the switch is turned on, and the opening time t1 of the detection switch is compared with the set time t to determine that the laundry detergent has been dispensed. Within the set time range t, the laundry detergent in the switching valve can flow into the washing machine better, preventing the laundry detergent from remaining in the switching valve 31, causing the switching valve 31 to become blocked and reducing the washing effect.

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

[0080] The control switching valve returns to the preset neutral position.

[0081] After the laundry detergent is dispensed, the control valve 31 returns to the preset neutral position to prevent the valve 31 from being continuously connected to the laundry detergent box 2, which would cause waste or overflow of the laundry detergent, reduce the user experience, prevent the valve 31 from becoming clogged, and improve the effectiveness of use.

[0082] Furthermore, the valve body 311 has a limiting rib 3113 at a preset neutral position, and the valve core 312 has a positioning protrusion 3121 at its end; the positioning protrusion 3121 can abut against the limiting rib 3113 to limit the rotation range of the valve core 312.

[0083] Controlling the switching valve to rotate to the preset neutral position includes,

[0084] Control the switching valve to rotate to the preset neutral position; detect the relative position of the positioning protrusion and the limit rib; determine whether the positioning protrusion and the limit rib are in contact; if so, determine that the switching valve has rotated to the preset neutral position and control the switching valve to stop rotating.

[0085] Specifically, when the switching valve 31 is rotated to the preset neutral position, the valve core 312 of the switching valve 31 is provided with a positioning protrusion 3121 and the valve body 311 is provided with a limiting rib 3113. When it is necessary to rotate to the preset neutral position, the motor 313 drives the valve core 312 to rotate. When the positioning protrusion 3121 on the valve core 312 abuts against the limiting rib 3113 on the valve body 311, the system determines that the switching valve 31 is in the preset neutral position.

[0086] Alternatively, the current value I1 of the detected motor 313 can be compared with the set current value I. When the motor 313 drives the valve core 312 to rotate, if the detected current value I1 of the motor 313 is greater than or equal to the preset current value I of the motor, it is determined that the switching valve 31 has rotated to the preset neutral position.

[0087] When controlling the motor 313 to obtain the number of rotation steps, a pulse signal can be sent to the motor 313. Each pulse signal can control the rotor to rotate by an angle or move forward one step, thereby realizing the calculation of the number of steps of the motor 313.

[0088] Furthermore, in S4, the preset time T is 1s≤T≤5s;

[0089] Preferably, the preset time is 3 seconds.

[0090] Specifically, after the washing machine dispenses the first garment cleaning agent, when it needs to dispense the garment cleaning agent again at a preset time T, the dispensing process is the same as the above dispensing process. Based on the position information of the garment cleaning agent box 2 corresponding to the garment cleaning agent, the rotation direction of the motor 313 is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated. The motor 313 of the switching valve 31 drives the valve core 312 to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps. The inlet of the valve core 312 is driven to connect with the liquid inlet 3111 of the corresponding garment cleaning agent, and the switching valve 31 enters the dispensing state again.

[0091] Further, in step S4, if it is determined that the control switching valve is being flushed with water, the following steps are included:

[0092] S41. Based on the preset neutral position and the water inlet position among multiple liquid inlets, obtain the motor rotation direction and calculate the number of rotation steps;

[0093] S42. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps;

[0094] S43, Control the switching valve to flush with water.

[0095] When the washing machine controls the switching valve 31 to rinse, the present invention obtains the rotation direction of the motor 313 and calculates the number of rotation steps according to the preset neutral position and the water inlet position among the multiple liquid inlets 3111 (not shown in the figure). The motor 313 drives the valve core 312 to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps, so as to rinse the switching valve 31 with water. This prevents the laundry detergent from remaining in the switching valve 31, which would cause the switching valve 31 of the dispensing mechanism 3 to become blocked, reduce the dispensing efficiency and washing effect, improve the dispensing accuracy of the laundry detergent, and at the same time realize the continuous control of the switching valve 31.

[0096] Furthermore, the dispensing mechanism also includes a detection device 5 for detecting the type of detergent in the detergent box.

[0097] The present invention includes a detection device 5 on the external dispensing device. When the user uses the device, if the clothing treatment agent box 2 is not placed according to the clothing treatment agent information mark, the device can detect the type of clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment agent box 2 to achieve intelligent dispensing of the clothing treatment agent, thereby avoiding incorrect dispensing of the clothing treatment agent and reducing the treatment effect of the clothing.

[0098] Step S2 includes the following steps:

[0099] S21. Obtain the type of clothing treatment agent to be applied;

[0100] S22, Detecting the laundry treatment agent in multiple laundry treatment agent boxes of the detection device;

[0101] S23. Determine whether the clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment agent box is the same as the clothing treatment agent in the dispensing instruction. If so, proceed to step S3.

[0102] This invention obtains information about the clothing treatment agent to be dispensed through an external dispensing device, and the detection device 5 obtains the clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment agent box 2. This makes the positioning of the external dispensing device more accurate when dispensing the clothing treatment agent, prevents incorrect dispensing of the clothing treatment agent, improves the accuracy of clothing treatment agent dispensing and the effect of clothing treatment, and enhances the user experience.

[0103] When in use, if the user does not place the clothing treatment agent box 2 according to the label, the detection device 5 can detect the clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment agent box 2, and then determine the position of the liquid inlet 3111 on the valve body 311 corresponding to the clothing treatment agent box 2, thereby improving the intelligence of clothing treatment agent dispensing, avoiding incorrect dispensing when the user does not place it according to the label, and improving the dispensing accuracy of the external dispensing device.

[0104] The present invention also provides a washing machine that employs the liquid dispensing control method of any of the above-described external dispensing devices for washing machines.

[0105] When adding laundry detergent, the switching valve 31 first connects to the corresponding laundry detergent box 2. The laundry detergent enters the mixing chamber 41 of the dispensing pipeline 4 through the inlet pipe 321 and outlet pipe 322 of the dispensing pump 32. It mixes with the tap water passing through the inlet 42 of the dispensing pipeline 4 and then enters the washing machine through the outlet 43, improving the washing effect of clothes and enhancing the user experience.

[0106] This invention provides a liquid dispensing control method for an external dispensing device in a washing machine, as well as the washing machine itself. A switching valve 31 is connected to multiple detergent dispensers 2, allowing for the dispensing of various detergents while minimizing the space occupied by the external dispensing device. A detection device 5 is included to monitor the detergent dispenser in each dispenser 2 during dispensing, preventing incorrect dispensing when the user does not place the dispenser according to its label, thus improving the accuracy of detergent dispensing. The dispensing flow rate is also monitored during dispensing to achieve precise control of the detergent dosage. After dispensing, a command to refill the dispenser is received, enabling continuous control of the external dispensing device and increasing its practicality.

[0107] 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 method for controlling the liquid inlet dispensing of an external dispensing device in a washing machine, characterized in that: The external dispensing device includes a switching valve and multiple clothing treatment agent boxes. The switching valve includes a valve body and a valve core. The valve body is provided with multiple liquid inlets and liquid outlets. The multiple clothing treatment agent boxes are respectively connected to the multiple liquid inlets. The valve core is rotatably disposed in the valve body. The liquid outlet can be selectively connected to one of the multiple liquid inlets. The control method includes the following steps: S1. Receive the instruction to add laundry detergent to the washing machine; S2. Obtain the location of the laundry treatment box corresponding to the dispensed laundry treatment agent; S3. Control the valve core of the switching valve to rotate to connect with the clothing treatment agent box corresponding to the clothing treatment agent to be dispensed and dispense the agent; after the clothing treatment agent is dispensed, control the switching valve to return to the preset neutral position. S4. If a command to add clothing treatment agent is received again within a preset time, then execute step S2; otherwise, control the switching valve to flush with water. Between steps S1 and S2, the following steps are also included: controlling the valve core of the switching valve to rotate to a preset neutral position that is not connected to the multiple liquid inlets on the valve body; the valve core is provided with a positioning protrusion and the valve body is provided with a limiting rib. When the positioning protrusion on the valve core can abut against the limiting rib on the valve body, it is determined that the switching valve is in the preset neutral position.

2. The liquid dispensing control method for an external dispensing device in a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching valve also includes a motor connected to the valve core for driving the valve core to rotate within the valve body; In step S3, Includes the following steps, S31. Based on the preset empty position and the obtained position of the clothing treatment agent box corresponding to the clothing treatment agent, obtain the rotation direction of the motor 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. Apply clothing treatment agent.

3. The liquid dispensing control method for an external dispensing device in a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: Following step S33, the following steps are also included: Detect the flow rate L1 of the clothing treatment agent and determine whether the flow rate L1 is greater than or equal to the preset flow rate L. If so, determine that the clothing treatment agent application is complete and proceed to step S4.

4. The liquid inlet control method for an external dispensing device in a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body has a limiting rib at a preset neutral position, and the valve core has a positioning protrusion at its end; the positioning protrusion can abut against the limiting rib to limit the rotation range of the valve core. Controlling the switching valve to rotate to the preset neutral position includes, Control the switching valve to rotate to the preset neutral position; detect the relative position of the positioning protrusion and the limit rib; determine whether the positioning protrusion and the limit rib are in contact; if so, determine that the switching valve has rotated to the preset neutral position and control the switching valve to stop rotating.

5. The liquid inlet dispensing control method for an external dispensing device in a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In S4, the preset time T is 1s≤T≤5s; The preset time is 3 seconds.

6. The liquid inlet dispensing control method for an external dispensing device in a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, if it is determined that the control switching valve is being flushed with water, the following steps are included: S41. Based on the preset neutral position and the water inlet position among multiple liquid inlets, obtain the motor rotation direction and calculate the number of rotation steps; S42. Control the motor to rotate according to the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps; S43, Control the switching valve to flush with water.

7. The liquid inlet dispensing control method for an external dispensing device in a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, Includes the following steps, S21. Obtain the clothing treatment agent to be applied; S22. Detect the laundry detergent in multiple laundry detergent boxes; S23. Determine whether the clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment agent box is the same as the clothing treatment agent in the dispensing instruction. If so, proceed to step S3.

8. A washing machine, characterized in that: The liquid dispensing control method of the external dispensing device of a washing machine as described in any one of claims 1-7 is adopted.

Images