A washing machine and a control method thereof

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and discloses a washing machine and a control method thereof. The washing machine comprises an inner drum, a separation assembly is arranged in the inner drum, the inner drum is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber, and the first chamber and the second chamber are communicated at the bottom region of the inner drum. The first chamber is used for containing laundry to be washed. The washing machine further comprises a feeding device used for feeding a laundry treatment agent into the second chamber. The washing machine of the present application is provided with relatively independent first and second chambers in the inner drum, and the two chambers can only be communicated through the bottom region of the inner drum. When washing laundry, the laundry treatment agent is fed into the second chamber, and after being dissolved and diluted, it can enter the first chamber containing the laundry to be washed through the bottom region of the inner drum. Thus, the problem that the local concentration of the laundry treatment agent is too high when the laundry treatment agent is directly fed into the laundry to be washed, thereby causing damage to the laundry, or the problem that the laundry treatment agent is difficult to be fully dissolved, thereby affecting the utilization rate of the laundry treatment agent, is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology, specifically, it relates to a washing machine and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] When washing clothes, washing machines require the addition of laundry detergent, fabric softener, or disinfectants. These detergents are typically added directly to the inner drum containing the clothes, which may result in them being absorbed directly by the garments and failing to dissolve fully in the water during the wash cycle. This leads to low utilization and waste. As for disinfectants, adding them directly to the inner drum can cause excessively high local concentrations in the water, especially on certain fabrics, potentially damaging the fabric.

[0003] To address the problem of detergent dissolution in washing machines, existing technologies have proposed solutions that improve the structure of the dispensing device. For example, Chinese Patent Application No. 201710985367.7 discloses a detergent mixing device and a washing machine with the same. The detergent mixing device includes a mixing tank with a detergent inlet and a water inlet. The detergent inlet allows the detergent to be mixed to enter the mixing tank, and the water inlet allows water to flow into the mixing tank to dissolve the detergent. The bottom of the mixing tank has a detergent outlet, through which the dissolved detergent is dispensed onto the clothes to be washed.

[0004] However, in the above solution, the separately set mixing tank occupies additional space inside the washing machine, and the structure of the dispensing device is more complex, which will affect the production cycle and manufacturing cost of the washing machine.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a washing machine with two chambers in the inner tub and a control method thereof. The first chamber is used to place the clothes to be washed, and the second chamber is used to add a clothes treatment agent. The two chambers are connected only in the bottom area of ​​the inner tub, which can ensure that the clothes treatment agent is fully dissolved before entering the space where the clothes are to be washed, thus ensuring the utilization rate of the clothes treatment agent.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A washing machine includes an inner tub and an outer tub. A partition component is provided in the inner tub to divide the interior of the inner tub into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are respectively connected to the outer tub through the bottom of the inner tub.

[0009] The first chamber is used to hold clothes to be washed, and the washing machine also includes a dispensing device for dispensing laundry detergent into the second chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, the separating assembly includes a rotating drum coaxially arranged with the inner drum, the rotating drum being rotatably disposed within the inner drum; a second chamber is formed on the inner side of the rotating drum, and a first chamber is formed between the inner drum and the rotating drum.

[0011] Furthermore, a raised first stirring rib is provided on the outer wall of the rotating drum.

[0012] Furthermore, a rotatable impeller is provided at the bottom of the inner tub, the rotating tub is connected to the impeller and rotates synchronously with the impeller; a water passage structure connecting the upper and lower sides of the impeller is provided in the area of ​​the impeller located inside the rotating tub.

[0013] The impeller is provided with a raised second stirring rib in the area between the inner barrel and the rotating barrel; the first stirring rib extends along the axial direction of the inner barrel, the second stirring rib extends along the radial direction of the inner barrel, and the first stirring rib and the second stirring rib are staggered along the circumference of the inner barrel.

[0014] Furthermore, a lid is provided at the upper opening of the rotating drum to cover the opening, and an inlet is provided on the lid for adding the clothing treatment agent into the rotating drum.

[0015] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes a tray base, and the dispensing device includes a dispensing box that can extend / retract and is disposed on the tray base, and a drive assembly for driving the dispensing box to extend and retract.

[0016] The feeding box is provided with an openable / closeable feeding port. The drive component drives the feeding box to extend out of the tray and move to above the opening of the rotating drum, and the feeding port opens to dispense the clothing treatment agent.

[0017] Furthermore, the feeding box includes an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell is disposed inside the outer shell and is movable relative to it along the telescopic movement direction of the feeding box. The feeding port is disposed on the bottom wall of the inner shell, and an opening is provided on the bottom wall of the outer shell. The relative movement of the inner shell and the outer shell causes the feeding port to be located above the opening, and the feeding port is opened to dispensing the clothing treatment agent.

[0018] Furthermore, an elastic element is provided between the inner shell and the outer shell, and the elastic element applies an elastic force to the inner shell to keep the feeding port closed;

[0019] A limiting part is provided inside the disc base, and a stop part is provided on the inner shell. The driving component drives the outer shell to extend out of the disc base and move above the opening of the rotating drum. The inner shell moves synchronously with the outer shell under the action of the elastic element until the stop part contacts the limiting part. The outer shell continues to move under the drive of the driving component, opening the feeding port.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for the washing machine described above, comprising:

[0021] Get the weight M of the clothes in the inner tub and compare it with the preset weight M0;

[0022] If M is greater than M0, determine the type of clothing in the inner tub;

[0023] If the clothing consists of a mixture of at least two types, the dispensing device dispenses a disinfectant into the second chamber.

[0024] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0025] Before adding the disinfectant, fill the inner tank with water to the highest level;

[0026] After the disinfectant is added, it dissolves and enters the first chamber from the bottom of the inner tank;

[0027] Adjust the water level to the set washing level and proceed with the next steps of the washing program.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0029] In this invention, the inner drum of the washing machine is equipped with a relatively independent first chamber and a second chamber, which are connected only through the bottom area of ​​the inner drum. The laundry detergent is introduced into the second chamber and does not directly contact the clothes to be washed placed in the first chamber. Only after being fully dissolved and diluted can it enter the first chamber from the bottom area of ​​the inner drum and act on the clothes. This improves the utilization rate of the laundry detergent and avoids the problem of excessively high local concentrations of laundry detergent in the space where the clothes are located, which could damage the clothes.

[0030] In this invention, a first chamber and a second chamber are separated in the inner tub by a rotatable drum. During the operation of the washing machine, the rotation of the drum agitates the water flow, thereby enhancing the water flow and exchange between the first chamber and the second chamber, which promotes the dissolution of the laundry detergent and its entry into the first chamber, thus improving the dissolution and dilution efficiency of the laundry detergent.

[0031] In this invention, a first stirring rib is provided on the outer wall of the rotating drum, and a second stirring rib is provided on the impeller at the bottom of the inner drum. The combination of the two can enhance the rubbing and squeezing force on the clothes during the washing process, thereby improving the washing effect. On the other hand, the combination of the first and second stirring ribs also enhances the agitation of the water flow, thereby further improving the dissolution and dilution efficiency of the laundry detergent.

[0032] In this invention, the feed box is retractably mounted on the washing machine tray, which can both allow the detergent to be added to the rotating drum located in the middle of the inner tub, and retract into the tray when not being used, so as not to block the space above the inner tub and avoid affecting the loading or unloading of clothes, making it convenient to use.

[0033] In this invention, the washing machine automatically determines whether a disinfectant needs to be added before washing by measuring the weight of the clothes and the type of clothes being washed, eliminating the need for the user to manually select a disinfection wash program. This results in a higher degree of automation and simpler, more convenient operation.

[0034] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] 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:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the inner tub in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a top view of the inner bucket structure in an embodiment of the present invention (with the bucket lid removed);

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the inner bucket in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the dispensing device dispensing bactericide in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is the present invention. Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the control method for the washing machine in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0043] In the diagram: 100, Inner barrel; 101, First chamber; 102, Second chamber; 110, Barrel wall; 111, Protruding structure; 120, Barrel bottom; 121, Water inlet; 122, Screw hole; 130, Balance ring; 200, Outer barrel; 310, Rotating barrel; 311, First stirring rib; 320, Impeller; 321, Second stirring rib; 322, Water passage hole; 323, Water outlet; 330, Barrel lid; 400, Plate base; 500, Dispensing device; 510, Drive assembly; 520, Feeding box; 530, Outer shell; 531, Opening; 540, Inner shell; 541, Feeding port; 542, Stop; 550, Spring; 560, Storage box; 561, Limiting part; 562, Discharge port; 600, Drive device; 700, Bactericide.

[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] Example 1

[0049] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the washing machine of this embodiment includes an inner tub 100 and an outer tub 200, and also includes a dispensing device 500 for dispensing laundry detergent into the inner tub 100. A balance ring 130 is provided at the opening of the inner tub 100, and a partition component is provided within the inner tub 100 to divide the interior of the inner tub 100 into a first chamber 101 and a second chamber 102. The first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 are connected in the bottom region of the inner tub 100. When water is introduced into the inner tub 100, the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 can reach the same water level.

[0050] The first chamber 101 is used to hold laundry. The dispensing device 500 dispenses laundry detergent into the second chamber 102, ensuring that the detergent does not directly contact the laundry in the first chamber 101. After the detergent dissolves in water in the second chamber 102, it can enter the first chamber 101 through the bottom area of ​​the inner tub 100. This achieves uniform dispersion of the detergent in the water, improving its utilization rate. Simultaneously, it avoids excessively high local concentrations of detergent in the first chamber 101, preventing damage to clothing from high-concentration detergent solutions.

[0051] Specifically, the separating component described in this embodiment includes a rotating drum 310 coaxially arranged with the inner drum 100, and the rotating drum 310 is rotatably disposed within the inner drum 100. A second chamber 102 is formed on the inner side of the rotating drum 310, and a first chamber 101 is formed between the inner drum 100 and the rotating drum 310. The sidewall of the rotating drum 310 is a closed structure, and its bottom is either not provided with a bottom or has a bottom with a hollow structure, thereby enabling the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 to communicate in the bottom region of the inner drum 100.

[0052] In this embodiment, a water permeable port 121 is provided on the bottom 120 of the inner tub 100 to communicate with the outer tub 200. For example... Figure 1 As shown by the middle arrow, the clothing treatment agent is put into the second chamber 102 inside the rotating drum 310. After being fully dissolved in water, it can pass through the bottom 120 of the inner drum 100 and then return to the first chamber 101 between the inner drum 100 and the rotating drum 310 through the bottom 120 of the inner drum 100, where it comes into contact with and mixes with the clothing.

[0053] In this embodiment, a rotatable drum 310 is used to divide the inner drum 100 into a first chamber 101 and a second chamber 102. By controlling the rotation of the drum 310, the water in the inner drum 100 is agitated, thereby accelerating the water flow between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102. This promotes the dissolution of the laundry detergent and its entry into the first chamber 101, improving the dissolution and dilution efficiency of the laundry detergent.

[0054] In this embodiment, a rotatable impeller 320 is also provided at the bottom of the inner tub 100. The rotating tub 310 is connected to the impeller 320 and rotates synchronously with the impeller 320. A water passage structure connecting the upper and lower sides of the impeller 320 is provided in the area of ​​the impeller 320 located inside the rotating tub 310 to ensure the communication between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102.

[0055] Specifically, in this embodiment, a fan-shaped water inlet 323 is provided in the middle of the impeller 320 to connect the spaces on the upper and lower sides of the impeller 320. A number of water passage holes 322 are also provided in the outer peripheral area of ​​the impeller 320, so that the water flow below the impeller 320 can pass directly through the impeller 320 without having to go around the outer peripheral edge of the impeller 320.

[0056] In this embodiment, the impeller 320 and the rotating drum 310 can be an integral structure or a detachable connection. When the rotating drum 310 is not needed, the user can manually remove the rotating drum 310, so that the inner drum 100 has a larger capacity for carrying clothes.

[0057] In this embodiment, a drive device 600 is provided below the outer tub 200. The drive device 600 specifically includes a drive motor and a reducer. The reducer is connected to the inner tub 100 and the pulsator 320 respectively, so that the drive motor can drive the pulsator 320 and the rotating tub 310 to rotate synchronously during the washing and rinsing process of the washing machine, and drive the inner tub 100, the pulsator 320 and the rotating tub 310 to rotate synchronously during the spin-drying process of the washing machine.

[0058] In detail, the reducer has a pulsator shaft connected to a mounting through hole at the center of the pulsator 320. The reducer also has a dehydration shaft, and screw holes 122 are provided on the bottom 120 of the inner tub 100. The dehydration shaft is connected to the bottom 120 of the inner tub 100 by screws.

[0059] In this embodiment, the specific structure and working process of the reducer are the same as those of a traditional pulsator washing machine.

[0060] In a further embodiment, a raised first agitation rib 311 is provided on the outer wall of the rotating drum 310. During the washing process, the first agitation rib 311 rotates with the rotating drum 310, which can strengthen the water flow intensity in the first chamber 101, enhance the impact of the water flow on the clothes, and improve the washing effect. At the same time, the first agitation rib 311 can also strengthen the rubbing and squeezing force on the clothes, further improving the degree of cleaning of the clothes.

[0061] Furthermore, a raised second stirring rib 321 is provided on the impeller 320 in the area between the inner barrel 100 and the rotating barrel 310. In this embodiment, the first stirring rib 311 extends axially along the inner barrel 100, the second stirring rib 321 extends radially along the inner barrel 100, and the first stirring rib 311 and the second stirring rib 321 are staggered along the circumference of the inner barrel 100.

[0062] In the above scheme, the first stirring rib 311 and the second stirring rib 321 work together to simultaneously agitate the water flow from the central and bottom areas of the first chamber 101, which can maximize the washing effect of clothes. At the same time, the first stirring rib 311 and the second stirring rib 321 work together to enhance the agitation force of the water flow, which can further improve the efficiency of the laundry detergent dissolving into the first chamber 101.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, a raised structure 111 is provided on the inner wall of the inner tub 100 tub wall 110. When clothes are tumbled by the water flow in the first chamber 101, they can rub against the raised structure 111, thereby further enhancing the washing power and improving the washing effect.

[0064] In this embodiment, a bucket cover 330 is provided at the upper opening of the rotating bucket 310 to cover the opening, and an inlet is provided on the bucket cover 330 for the clothing treatment agent to be put into the rotating bucket 310.

[0065] By providing the tub lid 330, splashing of water from the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 through the openings of the inner tub 100 and the rotating tub 310 can be prevented when the water level in the inner tub 100 is high, thus preventing water exchange between the two chambers in the upper area of ​​the inner tub 100. Furthermore, it also prevents clothes in the first chamber 101 from getting caught on the opening of the rotating tub 310 during washing, thus avoiding them from being submerged in water.

[0066] In this embodiment, the washing machine further includes a tray base 400, which has a clothes inlet corresponding to the opening of the inner tub 100, for users to put clothes into the inner tub 100 to be washed, or to take out washed clothes from the inner tub 100. The dispensing device 500 dispenses the clothes treatment agent into the second chamber 102 through the upper opening of the rotating tub 310, and the opening of the rotating tub 310 is located in the middle of the opening of the inner tub 100, that is, below the clothes inlet on the tray base 400. The dispensing device 500 needs to dispense the clothes treatment agent downwards from the clothes inlet in order to put the clothes treatment agent into the second chamber 102.

[0067] To prevent the dispensing device 500 from obstructing the clothing dispensing opening and affecting the user's clothing handling, the dispensing device 500 in this embodiment includes a retractable dispensing box 520 mounted on a tray base 400, and a drive assembly 510 for driving the retraction and extension of the dispensing box 520. The dispensing box 520 has an openable / closeable dispensing opening 541. The drive assembly 510 drives the dispensing box 520 to extend out of the tray base 400 and move it above the opening of the rotating drum 310, at which point the dispensing opening 541 opens to dispense the clothing treatment agent.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, a hydraulic telescopic mechanism is used as the driving component 510. When the clothing treatment agent is added, the driving component 510 can push the feeding box 520 to the right to extend out of the tray 400. After the addition is completed, the driving component 510 pulls the feeding box 520 to the left to retract into the tray 400 to avoid blocking the clothing feeding port.

[0069] Furthermore, the feeding box 520 includes an inner shell 540 and an outer shell 530. The inner shell 540 is movably disposed inside the outer shell 530 along the telescopic movement direction of the feeding box 520. The feeding port 541 is disposed on the bottom wall of the inner shell 540, and an opening 531 is provided on the bottom wall of the outer shell 530. The relative movement of the inner shell 540 and the outer shell 530 causes the feeding port 541 to be positioned above the opening 531, and the feeding port 541 opens to dispensing the clothing treatment agent.

[0070] Specifically, the dispensing device 500 in this embodiment is used to dispense solid clothing treatment agents, such as the spherical disinfectant 700 shown in the figure. When the dispensing box 520 is retracted into the tray 400, the dispensing port 541 and the opening 531 are staggered. The dispensing port 541 is partially or completely blocked by the bottom wall of the outer shell 530. When partially blocked, it is necessary to ensure that the width of the unblocked portion of the dispensing port 541 is less than the diameter of the spherical disinfectant 700, so that the disinfectant 700 will not fall from the dispensing port 541. When the dispensing box 520 is fully extended from the tray 400, the inner shell 540 and the outer shell 530 move relative to each other, so that the dispensing port 541 is fully exposed above the opening 531, and the disinfectant 700 can fall from the dispensing port 541.

[0071] Furthermore, an elastic element is provided between the inner housing 540 and the outer housing 530. The elastic element applies an elastic force to the inner housing 540, keeping the relative position of the inner housing 540 and the outer housing 530 in the closed position of the feed port 541. In this embodiment, the elastic element is a spring 550, which is located on the left side of the inner housing 540. The left end of the spring 550 abuts against the inner wall of the outer housing 530, and the right end abuts against the outer wall of the inner housing 540. It pushes the inner housing 540 to the right, so that the inner housing 540 is at the rightmost end of the movable range within the outer housing 530.

[0072] A limiting part 561 is provided inside the tray 400, and a stop part 542 is provided on the inner shell 540. The drive assembly 510 drives the outer shell 530 to extend out of the tray 400 and move above the opening of the rotating drum 310. The inner shell 540 moves synchronously with the outer shell 530 under the action of the spring 550 until the stop part 542 contacts the limiting part 561. The outer shell 530 continues to move under the drive of the drive assembly 510. The stop part 542 is blocked by the limiting part 561, causing the inner shell 540 to stop moving. Then, the opening 531 on the bottom wall of the outer shell 530 can move to below the feeding port 541, opening the feeding port 541 to allow the disinfectant 700 to fall out.

[0073] In this embodiment, the inner shell 540 has an open cavity on its upper side for accommodating the disinfectant 700 to be released. A raised stop 542 is provided at the left end of the inner shell 540 to cooperate with the limiting part 561 and restrict the movement of the inner shell 540. The upper side of the outer shell 530 may be open and may have a top wall. When the outer shell 530 has a top wall, a certain gap is left between the left end of the top wall and the left side wall of the outer shell 530, thus providing a clearance opening in the top left region of the outer shell 530 for the stop 542 to pass through. The clearance opening has a certain extension length in the left-right direction, allowing the stop 542 to move left and right within the clearance opening during the movement of the inner shell 540 relative to the outer shell 530.

[0074] The dispensing device 500 in this embodiment also includes a storage box 560, which is disposed in the tray base 400 above the dispensing box 520 and is used to store the garment treatment agent, namely the spherical disinfectant 700 in this embodiment. A discharge port 562 is provided on the lower side of the storage box 560, through which the disinfectant 700 can fall into the dispensing box 520.

[0075] A limiting part 561 is provided on the storage box 560. Specifically, the discharge port 562 protrudes from the lower surface of the storage box 560, and the limiting part 561 is formed on the left side of the discharge port 562. When the feeding box 520 retracts into the tray 400, and during the process of the driving assembly 510 driving the feeding box 520 to extend outward as a whole, the top wall of the outer shell 530 is always located below the discharge port 562, and the disinfectant 700 in the storage box 560 is blocked from falling.

[0076] When the stop 542 contacts the limiting part 561, the inner shell 540 stops moving, and the outer shell 530 continues to move to the right. The left end of the top wall of the outer shell 530 gradually separates from the right end face of the stop 542 of the inner shell 540, so that the upper opening of the inner shell 540 is gradually exposed below the discharge port 562. When the outer shell 530 moves to the right and is in place, the bactericide 700 can fall from the discharge port 562 and enter the inner shell 540. A certain inclination angle is provided on the inner side of the bottom wall of the inner shell 540, so that the spherical bactericide 700 can roll to the feeding port 541 and fall into the second chamber 102 inside the rotating drum 310.

[0077] In this embodiment, a rotatable drum 310 is provided inside the inner tub 100 of the washing machine, dividing the interior of the inner tub 100 into a first chamber 101 and a second chamber 102. The laundry detergent is added to the inside of the drum 310 and, after being fully dissolved and diluted, enters the outer first chamber 101 through the bottom of the drum 310. This structure avoids the problem of the laundry detergent coming into contact with clothes before it is fully dissolved, resulting in low utilization of the detergent. Simultaneously, for the added bactericide 700, it avoids the problem of localized high concentrations of the bactericide 700 forming in the water during the dissolution process, which could damage the clothes.

[0078] The outer wall of the rotating drum 310 is provided with a first stirring rib 311, which can cooperate with the second stirring rib 321 provided on the impeller 320 at the bottom of the inner drum 100 to enhance the agitation of the water flow. On the one hand, it can enhance the rubbing and squeezing force on the clothes during the washing process, thereby improving the washing effect. On the other hand, it can accelerate the dissolution rate of the laundry detergent, promote the dissolution of the laundry detergent and enter the first chamber 101 to play its role, and improve the washing efficiency.

[0079] The washing machine is also equipped with an improved dispensing device 500, which allows for the dispensing of laundry detergent into the rotating drum 310 located in the central area of ​​the inner drum 100. Furthermore, the dispensing device 500 can automatically retract into the tray base 400 when not in use, without obstructing the laundry dispensing opening, thus providing convenience for the user.

[0080] Example 2

[0081] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment described above is that the structure of the first stirring rib on the rotating drum is different.

[0082] Specifically, in one embodiment, the first stirring rib extends spirally downwards around the outer wall of the rotating drum from a position near the opening of the drum. One or more first stirring ribs can be provided to control the drum to rotate alternately in both directions during the washing process, thereby agitating the washing water in the first chamber and causing the clothes to tumble up and down in the first chamber.

[0083] In another embodiment, the first agitator is arranged horizontally around the outer wall of the rotating drum, and multiple first agitator ribs are spaced apart vertically. During the washing process, the annular first agitator ribs can rotate with the drum and rub against the clothes in the first chamber, enhancing the washing force and improving the washing effect.

[0084] Example 3

[0085] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a control method for a washing machine as described in Embodiment 1 above, specifically including:

[0086] Get the weight M of the clothes in the inner tub 100 and compare it with the preset weight M0;

[0087] If M is greater than M0, determine the type of clothing in inner drum 100;

[0088] If the clothing includes a mixture of at least two types, the dispensing device 500 dispenses the disinfectant 700 into the second chamber 102.

[0089] In the above solution, users do not need to pre-select a sterilization wash program. The washing machine can automatically determine whether to add sterilizing agent 700 based on the weight and type of the clothes in the drum, and perform sterilization washing on the clothes, which simplifies the user's operation steps and makes the washing machine more intelligent.

[0090] Specifically, determining the type of clothes in the inner tub 100 includes: determining whether the user has selected a mixed wash program; if so, it means that the types of clothes include at least two types of mixed clothes.

[0091] The washing machine in this embodiment includes a mixed wash program. When a user puts multiple types of clothing into the washing machine together, especially when washing underwear and outerwear together, the mixed wash program can be selected. If the washing machine determines that the weight M of the clothes in the inner tub 100 exceeds the preset weight M0, and the user has selected the mixed wash program, it indicates that the amount of clothing to be washed is large and the types of clothing are numerous, potentially posing a risk of washing underwear and outerwear together. Therefore, the washing machine can automatically control the dispensing device 500 to dispense the disinfectant 700.

[0092] In a further embodiment, the washing machine control method also includes:

[0093] Before adding the disinfectant 700, fill the inner tank 100 with water to the highest water level;

[0094] After the disinfectant 700 is added, it dissolves and enters the first chamber 101 from the bottom 120 of the inner tank 100.

[0095] Adjust the water level to the set washing level and proceed with the next steps of the washing program.

[0096] In one embodiment of this invention, after the disinfectant 700 is added, it is left to stand for a certain period of time to allow the disinfectant 700 to fully dissolve and dilute, gradually diffuse into the first chamber 101, and soak the clothes in the first chamber 101 for a certain period of time, achieving the effect of disinfection and sterilization. Then the water level in the tub is adjusted to prepare for the subsequent steps of the washing program.

[0097] In another embodiment of this invention, after the disinfectant 700 is added, or after a certain period of time, the rotating drum 310 and the impeller 320 are controlled to rotate, which stirs the water in the inner drum 100 and promotes the flow of water containing the disinfectant 700 in the second chamber 102 to the first chamber 101. Afterwards, the mixture is left to stand for a certain period of time, allowing the clothes to be fully soaked in the water containing the disinfectant 700, thus achieving disinfection and sterilization of the clothes.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown, in one specific embodiment, after the user turns on the washing machine and loads the clothes, the washing machine control method specifically includes the following steps:

[0099] S1. Obtain the weight M of the clothes to be washed;

[0100] S2, Receive user instructions on setting the washing program and parameters;

[0101] S3. Compare the weight M with the preset weight M0. If M > M0, proceed to step S4; otherwise, proceed to step S8.

[0102] S4. Determine whether the washing program set by the user is a mixed wash program. If yes, proceed to step S5; otherwise, proceed to step S8.

[0103] S5. Fill the inner tank with water to the highest water level;

[0104] S6. The dispensing device dispenses a bactericide into the second chamber;

[0105] S7. Let it stand and soak for 20 minutes;

[0106] S8. Adjust the water level in the inner tub to the set washing water level;

[0107] S9. Perform subsequent steps according to the user's set instructions and the corresponding washing program and parameters;

[0108] S10. Washing complete, turn off the machine.

[0109] In this embodiment, the washing machine determines the appropriate washing program based on the total weight of the laundry and the user's selection. When the total weight of the laundry is large and the types of laundry are varied, the washing machine can automatically add disinfectant to achieve a sterilization effect on the clothes. Users do not need to select a separate sterilization wash program, simplifying the operation and increasing the washing machine's level of intelligence.

[0110] 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. 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 washing machine, comprising an inner tub, characterized in that, The inner tub is provided with a coaxial and rotatable rotating drum, which divides the interior of the inner tub into a first chamber between the inner tub and the rotating drum, and a second chamber inside the rotating drum. The first chamber and the second chamber are connected at the bottom area of ​​the inner tub. The first chamber is used to hold clothes to be washed, and the washing machine also includes a dispensing device for dispensing laundry detergent into the second chamber. The dispensing device includes a retractable dispensing box mounted on the tray of the washing machine, and a drive assembly for driving the dispensing box to extend and retract. The dispensing box includes an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell is movably disposed inside the outer shell along the direction of the dispensing box's extension and retraction. An elastic element is disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell. The bottom wall of the inner shell has a dispensing port. The elastic element applies an elastic force to the inner shell to keep the dispensing port closed. The bottom wall of the outer shell has an opening. A limiting part is provided inside the tray base, and a stop part is provided on the inner shell. The driving component drives the outer shell to extend out of the tray base and move above the opening of the rotating drum. The inner shell moves synchronously with the outer shell under the action of the elastic element until the stop part contacts the limiting part, and the inner shell stops moving. The outer shell continues to move under the drive of the driving component, so that the opening moves to below the feeding port, and the feeding port opens to release the clothing treatment agent.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sidewalls of the rotating drum are closed structures, and the bottom of the rotating drum is either not provided with a bottom or has a hollowed-out bottom structure to connect the first chamber and the second chamber in the bottom area of ​​the inner drum.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer wall of the rotating drum is provided with a raised first stirring rib.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the inner tub is provided with a rotatable impeller, the rotating tub is connected to the impeller and rotates synchronously with the impeller; the area of ​​the impeller located inside the rotating tub is provided with a water passage structure connecting the upper and lower sides of the impeller; The impeller is provided with a raised second stirring rib in the area between the inner barrel and the rotating barrel; the first stirring rib extends along the axial direction of the inner barrel, the second stirring rib extends along the radial direction of the inner barrel, and the first stirring rib and the second stirring rib are staggered along the circumference of the inner barrel.

5. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The rotating drum is provided with a lid at the top opening of the drum, and the lid has an opening for adding the laundry detergent into the rotating drum.

6. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The inner shell has an open cavity on the upper side for holding the garment treatment agent; the stop is provided to protrude upward at the left end of the inner shell.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top of the outer shell has a clearance opening at the left end for the stop to pass through; the clearance opening has a certain extension length in the left and right direction, and the stop moves left and right in the clearance opening during the movement of the inner shell relative to the outer shell.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The dispensing device includes a storage box disposed in the tray base and located above the dispensing box for storing clothing treatment agent; the lower side of the storage box is provided with a discharge port for the clothing treatment agent to fall into the dispensing box; The discharge port protrudes from the lower surface of the storage box, and a limiting part is formed on the left side of the discharge port; When the feeding box retracts into the tray, and during the process of the driving assembly driving the feeding box to extend outward, the top wall of the outer shell is always located below the discharge port, preventing the clothing treatment agent in the storage box from falling; when the stop part contacts the limiting part, the inner shell stops moving, and the outer shell continues to move to the right. The left end of the top wall of the outer shell gradually separates from the right end face of the stop part of the inner shell, so that the upper opening of the inner shell is gradually exposed below the discharge port; when the outer shell moves to the right and is in place, the clothing treatment agent falls from the discharge port and enters the inner shell.

9. A control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: Get the weight M of the clothes in the inner tub and compare it with the preset weight M0; If M is greater than M0, determine the type of clothing in the inner tub; If the clothing consists of a mixture of at least two types, the dispensing device dispenses a disinfectant into the second chamber.

10. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: Before adding the disinfectant, fill the inner tank with water to the highest level; After the disinfectant is added, it dissolves and enters the first chamber from the bottom of the inner tank; Adjust the water level to the set washing level and proceed with the next steps of the washing program.

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