External release module and laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

An external dispensing module (100) and a laundry treating apparatus (200) are provided. The external dispensing module (100) includes: a liquid storage unit (11) including a liquid storage chamber (111) configured to store an additive; and a water supply pipeline (14) including a venturi pipeline (141) through which water flows. A suction port is formed in the venturi pipeline (141), and the suction port is in communication with the liquid storage chamber (111) via a dispensing unit (12). Due to a venturi effect, when the water flows through the venturi pipeline (141), a negative pressure is generated at the suction port, and the additive in the liquid storage chamber (111) is sucked into the venturi pipeline (141), thereby automatically dispensing the additive. Furthermore, it is not necessary to arrange a dispensing pump assembly; dispensing logic is simpler; and a usage quantity of parts is small, thereby decreasing production costs of the external dispensing module.

Description

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of laundry treatment, and in particular, relates to an external dispensing module and a laundry treating apparatus.Background

[0002] In washing or caring laundry in the laundry treating apparatus, additives such as detergents and care agents need to be added to achieve a better washing effect. The dispensing module is usually disposed in the housing of the laundry treating apparatus. For the traditional dispensing module provided therein, user manually adds the additives in the dispensing module, and it is impossible to precisely control the amount of additives dispensed. If the dispensing amount is too small, the washing effect is affected; and if the dispensing amount is too large, it causes a waste of additives.

[0003] With the improvement of living standards, it is required to become more and more intelligent for the laundry treating apparatus by uses. More middle level and high level laundry treating apparatuses are provided with dispensing modules with a function of automatic dispensing additives. Alternatively the external dispensing module is detachably installed on the housing of the laundry treating apparatus, and additives are automatically dispensed into the laundry treating apparatus through the external dispensing module, thereby enabling the laundry treating apparatus to have an automatic dispensing function.

[0004] The existing external dispensing module has a water supply pipeline through which water flows, and water is supplied to the laundry treating apparatus through the water supply pipeline. The additives are sucked into the water supply pipeline under the action of the dispensing pump assembly and dispensed into the laundry treating apparatus along with the water flow. However, the dispensing pump assembly has a complex structure and high cost, and the control logic of the dispensing pump assembly is cumbersome, and energy consumption is high in use, so it is increased in the production cost of the external dispensing module and the user's usage cost.

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

[0006] The present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an external dispensing module to improve the operational convenience of the external dispensing module. Another objective of the present invention is to provide an external dispensing module for reducing the production cost of the external dispensing module.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic technical solutions adopted by the present invention are as follows.

[0008] An external dispensing module, including: a liquid storage unit, including a liquid storage chamber for storing an additive; a water supply pipeline, including a Venturi pipeline through which supplying water flows, wherein the Venturi pipeline is provided with a suction port, and the suction port is connected with the liquid storage chamber via a dispensing unit.

[0009] As an embodiment, the dispensing unit includes: a switching valve assembly, including a valve body, a temporary storage chamber formed inside the valve body, wherein a first liquid inlet and a liquid outlet being in communication with the temporary storage chamber are provided on the valve body; and a dispensing pipeline, including a first dispensing pipeline for connecting the liquid storage chamber and the first liquid inlet and a second dispensing pipeline for connecting the suction port and the liquid outlet.

[0010] As an embodiment, the Venturi pipeline includes a Venturi pipeline contraction section, a Venturi pipeline throat section and a Venturi pipeline diffusion section which are sequentially arranged along a water flow direction, and the suction port is provided at the Venturi pipeline throat section.

[0011] As an embodiment, the water supply pipeline also includes a main water inlet pipeline connected with a water source and a pressure relief pipeline arranged in parallel with the Venturi pipeline, and the pressure relief pipeline and the Venturi pipeline are respectively connected with the main water inlet pipeline.

[0012] The valve body is also provided with a second liquid inlet being in communication with the temporary storage chamber, and the pressure relief pipeline is connected with the second liquid inlet via a connecting pipeline.

[0013] As an embodiment, the switching valve assembly also includes a first valve core and a second valve core movably arranged in the temporary storage chamber, the first valve core is used for the first liquid inlet being connected with and disconnected from the liquid outlet, and the second valve core is used for the second liquid inlet being connected with and disconnected from the liquid outlet.

[0014] As an embodiment, multiple liquid storage chambers are correspondingly connected with the temporary storage chamber via second dispensing pipelines, and the valve body is provided with multiple first liquid inlets corresponding to the multiple of second dispensing pipelines. The first valve core is used to selectively allow the water outlet to be in communication with one of the first liquid inlets, or multiple first valve cores correspond with the first liquid inlets one-by-one.

[0015] As an embodiment, the water supply pipeline also includes a main water outlet pipeline, and a water outlet end of the pressure relief pipeline and a water outlet end of the Venturi pipeline are respectively connected with a water inlet end of the main water outlet pipeline.

[0016] As an embodiment, the water supply pipeline also includes multiple water outlet branches arranged in parallel, and the multiple water outlet branches are respectively connected with a water outlet end of the main water outlet pipeline. A switching device is provided at a connection between the main water outlet pipeline and the multiple water outlet branches, and the switching device is used to selectively allow the main water outlet pipeline to be connected with at least one of the multiple water outlet branches.

[0017] As an embodiment, the second dispensing pipeline is provided with a flow sensor, and the flow sensor is used to detect a flow rate of additive flowing from the liquid storage chamber into the second dispensing pipeline or a flow rate of water flowing from the pressure relief pipeline into the second dispensing pipeline.

[0018] The present invention also provides a laundry treating apparatus having the external dispensing module described above.

[0019] After adopting the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art. 1. In the present invention, the water flows through the Venturi pipeline to generate the negative pressure at the suction port via the Venturi effect, and the additive in the liquid storage chamber is sucked into the Venturi pipeline, thereby automatically dispensing the additive. There is no need to set up a dispensing pump, the control logic for dispensing additive is simpler, the number of parts used is reduced, and the production cost of the external dispensing module is reduced. 2. In the present invention, water flows to the Venturi pipeline throat section from the Venturi pipeline contraction section. When water flows through the cross-sections being gradually decreased, a low-pressure area is formed near the high-speed flowing water, so the additive in the liquid storage chamber is sucked into the second dispensing pipeline and dispensed into the Venturi pipeline through the suction port. The structure of the Venturi pipeline is simple, and it is conducive to increasing the dispensing speed of the additive. 3. In the present invention, through detecting the flow rate of the additive flowing into the second dispensing pipeline by the flow sensor, the dispensing time of the additive can be determined according to the target dispensing amount and the detected additive flow rate to achieve precise dispense. At the same time, the flow rate of the water flowing through the Venturi pipeline can be adjusted to adjust the negative pressure formed at the suction port, thereby accurately controlling the dispensing time and speed of the additive. 4. In the present invention, water in the pressure relief pipeline flows into the temporary storage chamber, and is dispensed into the Venturi pipeline through the second dispensing pipeline, to flush the additive attached to the Venturi pipeline. So it is ensured that the additive sucked into the Venturi pipeline from the liquid storage chamber is completely used in treating laundry and water in the pressure relief pipeline can directly or indirectly flow into the water outlet pipeline through the Venturi pipeline. The method for supplying water is more flexible.

[0020] The specific implementation modes of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings are part of the present disclosure and are used to provide a further understanding of the present application. The exemplary embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present application. The drawings described below are only some embodiments. For those skilled in art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an external dispensing module in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an external dispensing module in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of an external dispensing module in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of an external dispensing module in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along a line A-A in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a connection between a cover plate and a water supply pipeline in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is an exploded view of a cover plate and a water supply pipeline in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a bottom view of an upper cover plate in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along a line B-B in Figure 8.

[0022] In the figures: 100, external dispensing module; 11, liquid storage unit; 111, liquid storage chamber; 12, dispensing unit; 121, dispensing pipeline; 1211, first dispensing pipeline; 1212, second dispensing pipeline; 124, dispensing pump; 1241, feed port; 1242, discharge port; 125, switching valve assembly; 1251, valve body; 1252, temporary storage chamber; 1253, first liquid inlet; 1254, liquid outlet; 1255, second liquid inlet; 13, cover plate; 131, upper cover plate; 132, lower cover plate; 133, first groove; 1331, first introduction groove; 1332, second introduction groove; 1333, lead-out groove; 1334, positioning protrusion; 134, second groove; 1341, first limiting groove; 1342, second limiting groove; 1343, limiting plate; 135. liquid inlet hole; 136. liquid outlet hole; 137. baffle; 138. one-way valve; 14. water supply pipeline; 141. Venturi pipeline; 1411.Venturi pipeline contraction section; 1412.Venturi pipeline throat section; 1413.Venturi pipeline diffusion section; 142.water outlet branch; 143. water inlet valve; 144. flow sensor; 145. switching device; 146. main water inlet pipeline; 147. pressure relief pipeline; 148. main water outlet pipeline; 149a. water inlet; 149b. water outlet; 15. shell; 16. stirring paddle; 200. Laundry treating apparatus; 300. water source.

[0023] It should be noted that these drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the solutions of the present application to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments are clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present application but are not used to limit the scope of the present application.

[0025] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "inside" and "outside" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0026] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.Embodiment 1

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, an external dispensing module 100 in the embodiment of the present invention includes: a liquid storage unit 11, including a liquid storage chamber 111 for storing additive; and a water supply pipeline 14, including a Venturi pipeline 141 through which the water flows. The Venturi pipeline 141 is provided with a suction port, and the suction port is connected with the liquid storage chamber 111 via a dispensing unit 12.

[0028] In the embodiment, the suction port is connected with the liquid storage chamber 111 via the dispensing unit 12. According to the Venturi effect, when water flows into the water supply pipeline 14, water flows through the Venturi pipeline 141, and a negative pressure is generated at the suction port, so that the additive in the liquid storage chamber 111 is sucked into the Venturi pipeline 141, and then flows into a water inlet of a laundry treating apparatus 200along with water in the water supply pipeline 14.Thereby the additive is automatically dispensed.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, in the embodiment, the dispensing unit 12 includes a switching valve assembly 125 and a dispensing pipeline 121.

[0030] The switching valve assembly 125includes a valve body 1251, and a temporary storage chamber 1252 is formed inside the valve body 1251.A first liquid inlet 1253 and a liquid outlet 1254 being in communication with the temporary storage chamber 1252 are provided on the valve body 1251.The dispensing pipeline 121 includes a first dispensing pipeline 1211 through which the liquid storage chamber 111 is connected with the first liquid inlet 1253, and a second dispensing pipeline 1212 through which the suction port is connected with the liquid outlet 1254.

[0031] In the embodiment, the switching valve assembly is used to control the first liquid inlet 1253 is connected with or disconnected from the liquid outlet 1254, thereby controlling the liquid storage chamber 111 being connected with or disconnected from the suction port. So the additive in the liquid storage chamber 111 flows into the temporary storage chamber 1252 through the first dispensing pipeline 1211, and is delivered into the Venturi pipeline 141 through the second dispensing pipeline 1212, thereby realizing automatic dispense of the additive. The switching valve assembly has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, in the embodiment, the Venturi pipeline 141 includes a Venturi pipeline contraction section 1411, a Venturi pipeline throat section 1412 and a Venturi pipeline diffusion section 1413 which are sequentially arranged along a water flow direction, and the Venturi pipeline throat section 1412 is provided with the suction port.

[0033] In the embodiment, water flows to the Venturi pipeline throat section 1412 from the Venturi pipeline contraction section 1411. When water flows through the cross-sectionsbeing gradually decreased, a low-pressure area is formed near the high-speed flowing water, so the additive in the liquid storage chamber 111 is sucked into the second dispensing pipeline and delivered into the Venturi pipeline 141 through the suction port. The structure of the Venturi pipeline 141 is simple, and it is conducive to increasing the delivering speed of the additive.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in the embodiment, the switching valve assembly 125 further includes a first valve core movably disposed in the temporary storage chamber 1252, and the first valve core is used to make the first liquid inlet 1253 be connected with and disconnecte dfrom the liquid outlet 1254.

[0035] In the embodiment, the first valve core can move between at least a first position and a second position in the temporary storage chamber 1252. When the first valve core moves upward to the first position, the first valve core blocks the first liquid inlet 1253, and the liquid storage chamber 111 is disconnected from the temporary storage chamber 1252.When the first valve core moves downward to the second position, the first valve core opens the first liquid inlet 1253, and the liquid storage chamber 111 is connected with the temporary storage chamber 1252.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, in the embodiment, the multiple liquid storage chambers 111 are connected with the temporary storage chamber 1252 via the corresponding second dispensing pipelines 1212, and the valve body 1251 is provided with first liquid inlets 1253 corresponding to the multiple second dispensing pipelines 1212.The first valve core is used to selectively allow a water outlet 149b to be connected to any one of the first liquid inlets 1253, or the first valve cores correspond with the first liquid inlets 1253one by one.

[0037] In the embodiment, the first valve core can control the multiple liquid storage chambers 111to be correspondingly connected with first dispensing pipelines 1211, and additives in different liquid storage chambers 111 are delivered to the temporary storage chamber 1252 successively or simultaneously through the corresponding first dispensing pipelines 1211by the Venturi effect. So different types of additives are delivered into the laundry treating apparatus 200, the types of additives delivered into the laundry treating apparatus 200 are increased, and accordingly the washing and care effects of clothing are improved.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, in the embodiment, the second dispensing pipeline 1212 is provided with a flow sensor 144, and the flow sensor 144 is used to detect the flow rate of the additive flowing from the liquid storage chamber 111 into the second dispensing pipeline 1212.

[0039] In the embodiment, through detecting the flow rate of the additive flowing into the second dispensing pipeline 1212 by the flow sensor 144, the dispensing time of the additive can be determined according to the target dispensing amount and the detected additive flow rate to achieve precise dispensing. At the same time, the flow rate of the water flowing through the Venturi pipeline 141 can be adjusted to adjust the negative pressure formed at the suction port, thereby accurately controlling the delivering time and speed of the additive.

[0040] Through the above-mentioned external dispensing module 100, the water flows through the Venturi pipeline 141 to generate the negative pressure at the suction portvia the Venturi effect, and the additive in the liquid storage chamber 111 is sucked into the Venturi pipeline 141, thereby automatically dispensing the additive. There is no need to set up a dispensing pump 124, the control logic for dispensing additive is simpler, the number of parts used is reduced, and the production cost of the external dispensing module 100 is reduced.Embodiment 2

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the embodiment further describes the external dispensing module 100 of embodiment 1.The water supply pipeline 14 also includes a main water inlet pipeline 146 connected with a water source 300 and a pressure relief pipeline 147 arranged in parallel with the Venturi pipeline 141.The pressure relief pipeline 147 and the Venturi pipeline 141 are respectively connected with the main water inlet pipeline 146.

[0042] In the embodiment, the pressure relief pipeline 147 and the Venturi pipeline 141 are respectively connected with the main water inlet pipeline 146, so that water in the main water inlet pipeline 146 is divided into two branches at a connection between the main water inlet pipeline 146, the pressure relief pipeline 147 and the Venturi pipeline 141, thereby reducing the hydrostatic pressure in the Venturi pipeline 141, decreasing the stress inside the Venturi pipeline 141, and preventing the Venturi pipeline 141 from deformation or damage.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, in the embodiment, the valve body 1251 is further provided with a second liquid inlet 1255 being in communication with the temporary storage chamber 1252, and the pressure relief pipeline 147 is connected with the second liquid inlet 1255 via a connecting pipeline.

[0044] In the embodiment, the pressure relief pipeline 147 is connected with the second liquid inlet 1255 of the temporary storage chamber 1252 via the connecting pipeline, so that water in the pressure relief pipeline 147 flows into the temporary storage chamber 1252 and is delivered into the Venturi pipeline 141 via the second dispensing pipeline 1212. Therefore, water can be not only supplied into the laundry treating apparatus 200, but also flush the additives attached to the Venturi pipeline 141, further it is ensured that the additive sucked into the Venturi pipeline 141 from the liquid storage chamber 111 completely acts on treating laundry.

[0045] In the embodiment, a first control valve is provided on the main water inlet pipeline 146, and the first control valve is used to control the main water inlet pipeline 146 to be connected with the pressure relief pipeline 147 or the Venturi pipeline 141.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, in the embodiment, the switching valve assembly 125 also includes a first valve core and a second valve core movably arranged in the temporary storage chamber 1252.The first valve core is used to make the first liquid inlet 1253 be connected with and disconnected from the liquid outlet 1254, and the second valve core is used to make the second liquid inlet 1255 be connected with and disconnected from the liquid outlet 1254.

[0047] In the embodiment, the second valve core can move between at least a first position and a second position in the temporary storage chamber 1252. When the second valve core moves to the first position along a horizontal direction, the second valve core blocks the second liquid inlet 1255, and the pressure relief line 147 is disconnected from the temporary storage chamber 1252.When the second valve core moves to the second position along the horizontal direction, the second valve core opens the second liquid inlet 1255, and the pressure relief line 147 is in communication with the temporary storage chamber 1252.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, in the embodiment, the water supply pipeline 14 further includes a main water outlet pipeline 148. A water outlet end of the pressure relief pipeline 147 and a water outlet end of the Venturi pipeline 141 are respectively connected with a water inlet end of the main water outlet pipeline 148.

[0049] In the embodiment, the pressure relief pipeline 147 and the Venturi pipeline 141 are respectively connected with the main water outlet pipeline 148.Water in the Venturi pipeline 141 flows into the water outlet pipeline. Water in the pressure relief pipeline 147 directly flows into the water outlet pipeline, or is sucked into the Venturi pipeline 141 under the action of the negative pressure at the suction port, and indirectly flows into the water outlet pipeline through the Venturi pipeline 141. So the water inlet method of the external dispensing module 100 is more flexible.

[0050] In the embodiment, a second control valve is provided in the main water outlet pipeline 148, and the second control valve is used to control the main water outlet pipeline 148 to be connected with the pressure relief pipeline 147 or the Venturi pipeline 141.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, in the embodiment, the water supply pipeline 14 also includes multiple water outlet branches 142 arranged in parallel, and the multiple water outlet branches 142 are respectively connected with a water outlet end of the main water outlet pipeline 148. A switching device 145 is provided at a connection between the main water outlet pipeline 148 and the multiple water outlet branches 142, and the switching device 145 is used to selectively allow the main water outlet pipeline 148 to be connected with at least one of the multiple water outlet branches 142.

[0052] In the embodiment, the water outlet end of the main water outlet pipeline 148 is divided into the multiple water outlet branches 142 in parallel, so that the multiple water outlet branches 142 are respectively connected to water inlets of the laundry treating apparatus 200, thereby intelligently and precisely supplying water and dispensing additive to multiple laundry treating apparatuses 200, and improving the dispensing capacity of the external dispensing module 100.

[0053] In the embodiment, the switching device 145 has at least one flow chamber, and the flow chamber has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The liquid inlet is connected with an upstream of the water supply pipeline 14, and the liquid outlet is connected with a downstream of the water supply pipeline 14. Specifically, the liquid inlet is connected with the water outlet pipeline 148, and the liquid inlet is connected with the corresponding water outlet branch 142.

[0054] In the embodiment, when the external dispensing module 100 is in the dispensing state, the Venturi pipeline 141 is controlled to be connected with the temporary storage chamber 1252, and the pressure relief pipeline 147 is controlled to be disconnected from the temporary storage chamber 1252, and the water inlet valve 143 is opened. When water flows through the Venturi pipeline 141, the negative pressure is formed at the suction port, and the additive in the liquid storage chamber 111 is sucked into the Venturi pipeline 141. After reaching the set dispensing amount of the additive, the Venturi pipeline 141 is controlled to be disconnected from the temporary storage chamber 1252, and the pressure relief pipeline 147 is controlled to be connected with the temporary storage chamber 1252. So water in the pressure relief pipeline 147 is sucked into the Venturi pipeline 141 to flush the additive attached to the Venturi pipeline 141.

[0055] In the embodiment, the water inlet of the laundry treating apparatus 200 is adjusted to be connected with the corresponding water outlet branch 142 through the switching device 145. User does not need to manually switch the external dispensing module 100 to be connected with the corresponding laundry treating apparatus 200, thereby improving the intelligence and automation of the external dispensing module 100.

[0056] Through the above-mentioned external dispensing module 100, water in the pressure relief pipeline 147 flows into the temporary storage chamber 1252, and is delivered into the Venturi pipeline 141 through the second dispensing pipeline 1212, to flush the additive attached to the Venturi pipeline 141. So it is ensured that the additive sucked into the Venturi pipeline 141 from the liquid storage chamber 111 is completely used in treating laundry and water in the pressure relief pipeline 147 can directly or indirectly flow into the water outlet pipeline through the Venturi pipeline 141. The method for supplying water is more flexible.Embodiment 3

[0057] As shown in Figure 3 to Figure 9, an external dispensing module 100 in the embodiment of the invention includes: a liquid storage unit 11, including a liquid storage chamber 111 for storing additive; and a shell 15.

[0058] The liquid storage unit 11 is provided above the shell 15. A cover plate 13 and a water supply pipeline 14 are provided in the shell 15, a channel is provided inside the cover plate 13, and a liquid inlet hole 135 and a liquid outlet hole 136 are provided on the channel, The liquid inlet hole 135 is connected with the liquid storage chamber 111 through a dispensing unit 12, and the liquid outlet hole 136 is connected with the water supply pipeline 14.

[0059] In the embodiment, the liquid storage unit 11 is arranged above the channel, which is conducive to the additive in the liquid storage chamber 111 to flow rapidly downward into the channel, and be delivered into the water supply pipeline 14 through the channel, and then be delivered into the laundry treating apparatus 200 together with the water flow. So it is improved in the dispensing efficiency of the external dispensing module 100.

[0060] In the embodiment, the water supply pipeline 14 includes a Venturi pipeline 141 through which water flows. The Venturi pipeline 141 is provided with a suction port, and the suction port is connected with the liquid storage chamber 111 via the dispensing unit 12.

[0061] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in the embodiment, the cover plate 13 includes an upper cover plate 131 and a lower cover plate 132 that are interlocked, and the channel is formed by the upper cover plate 131 and the lower cover plate 132. The upper cover plate 131 is provided with the liquid inlet hole 135 in communication with the channel, and the lower cover plate 132 is provided with the liquid outlet hole 136 communication with the channel.

[0062] In the embodiment, the upper cover plate 131 and the lower cover plate 132 are interlocked with each other to form a hollow chamber. The interior of the hollow chamber is provided with the channel for allowing the additive to flow through. The channel is hermetical to prevent leakage in delivering the additive, thereby ensuring the safety performance of the external dispensing module 100.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3 to Figure 5, in the embodiment, the liquid storage unit 11 is disposed above the upper cover plate 131, and the water supply pipeline 14 is disposed below the lower cover plate 132.

[0064] In the embodiment, the liquid storage unit 11 is arranged above the upper cover plate 131, which is conducive to the additive in the liquid storage chamber 111 to quickly flow downward into the channel. The water supply pipeline 14 is arranged below the lower cover plate 132, which is conducive to the additive in the channel to quickly flow downward into the water supply pipeline 14. Thereby the resistance is reduced in delivering the additive, the flow speed of the additive is increased, and accordingly the dispending efficiency of the external dispensing module 100 is improved.

[0065] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in the embodiment, the upper cover plate 131 is provided with a first groove 133 opening downward, and the lower cover plate 132 is provided with a second groove 134 opening upward, and the first groove 133 and the second groove 134 cooperate with each other to close the opening to form the channel. A bottom of the first groove 133 is provided with the liquid inlet hole 135, and a bottom of the second groove 134 is provided with the liquid outlet hole 136.

[0066] In the embodiment, the upper cover plate 131 and the lower cover plate 132 are interlocked with each other to form the hollow chamber, and the first groove 133 and the second groove 134 cooperate with each other to close the opening to form the channel for allowing the additive to flow through. Thereby it is prevented from leakage in delivering the additive, and the safety performance of the external dispensing module 100 is ensured. The hollow chamber can be provided with multiple channels for the additive to flow through, so that multiple additives can be delivered separately and the types of additives can be increased.

[0067] As shown in Figures 5 to 7 and 9, in the embodiment, the dispensing unit 12 includes a dispensing pipeline 121 and a dispensing pump 124 arranged on the dispensing pipeline 121. The liquid storage chamber 111 is in communication with the liquid inlet hole 135 via the dispensing pipeline 121, and the dispensing pump 124 is used to extract additive from the liquid storage chamber 111 into the channel.

[0068] In the embodiment, the dispensing pump 124 extracts the additive from the liquid storage chamber 111 and dispenses the additive into the channel through the dispensing pipeline 121, and then the additive in the channel is delivered into the water supply pipeline 14 under the lower cover plate 132. Thereby the additive is automatically and precisely dispensed, and the washing and care effect of laundry is ensured.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, in the embodiment, the first groove 133 includes an introduction groove and a lead-out groove 1333 arranged in sequence along the flow direction of the additive, and a depth of the introduction groove is greater than a depth of the lead-out groove 1333, so that the introduction groove is filled with additive to meet the dosage of the additives.

[0070] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in the embodiment, the dispensing pump 124 is provided with a feed port 1241 and a discharge port 1242. A baffle 137 extending downward is provided in the introduction groove, and the baffle 137 is used to divide the introduction groove into a first introduction groove 1331 in communication with the feed port 1241 and a second introduction groove 1332 in communication with the discharge port 1242. The liquid inlet hole 135 is provided at the bottom of the first introduction groove 1331, and the second introduction groove 1332 is connected with the discharge groove 1333, so that the additive flows into the first introduction groove 1331 through the feed port 1241, and then flows into the second introduction groove 1332 through the discharge port 1242, and then flows into the discharge groove 1333.

[0071] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in the embodiment, a limiting plate 1343 upwardly extending is provided in the second groove 134, and the limiting plate 1343 is used to divide the second groove 134 into a first limiting groove 1341 corresponding to the first introduction groove 1331 and a second limiting groove 1342 corresponding to the second introduction groove 1332 and the outlet groove 1333. A top of the limiting plate 1343 corresponds to a bottom end of the baffle 137, so that the first introduction groove 1331 and the first limit groove 1341 are relatively matched to cover the opening to form the first channel, and the second introduction groove 1332, the outlet groove 1333 and the second limiting groove 1342 are relatively matched to cover the opening to form the second channel, and the dispensing pump 124 sucks the additive in the first channel into the second channel.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5, in the embodiment, a one-way valve 138 is provided in the channel, and the one-way valve 138 is used to control the additive in the channel to be delivered into the water supply pipeline 14 through the liquid outlet 136, thereby ensuring that the additive in the liquid storage chamber 111 flows into the water supply pipeline 14 through the channel and preventing the additive from flowing back.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8, in the embodiment, a positioning protrusion 1334 upwardly extending is provided at the bottom of the first groove 133 corresponding to the liquid outlet 136, and a bottom end of the one-way valve 138 is sleeved on the positioning protrusion 1334, and a top end of the one-way valve 138 can be inserted into or moved out of the liquid outlet 136. Thereby the additive is automatically and precisely dispensed and it is ensured that the dispensing amount of additive meets the dispensing requirements.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, in the embodiment, a stirring paddle 16 is provided in the water supply pipeline 14, and the stirring paddle 16 is used to stir the additive flowing into the water supply pipeline 14. The stirring paddle 16 is located in the water supply pipeline 14 between the liquid outlet hole 136 and the water outlet 149b to ensure that the additive is fully mixed with water.

[0075] Through the above-mentioned external dispensing module 100, the channel is connected with the liquid storage chamber 111 and the water supply pipeline 14, so that the additive stored in the liquid storage chamber 111 is delivered into the water supply pipeline 14 through the channel, and then delivered into the laundry treating apparatus 200 along with the water flow. Thereby the additive is automatically dispensed, the types of additives that can be delivered in the laundry treating apparatus 200 are increased, and the washing and care effect of laundry is improved.Embodiment 4

[0076] This embodiment is described based on the above-mentioned embodiment 3. The upper cover plate 131 is provided with a first groove 133 opening downward, and a side of the lower cover plate 132 that is buckled with the upper cover plate 131 is a plane, and a side wall of the first groove 133 facing the lower cover plate 132 is correspondingly attached to the plane to close the opening of the first groove 133 to form a channel. A liquid inlet hole 135 is provided at a bottom of the first groove 133, and a liquid outlet hole 136 in communication with the first groove 133 is provided on the lower cover plate 132.

[0077] In the embodiment, the upper cover plate 131 and the lower cover plate 132 are buckled together to form a hollow chamber, and the side wall of the first groove 133 facing the lower cover plate 132 is correspondingly attached to the plane of the lower cover plate 132 to form the channel for the additive to flow through, thereby preventing leakage in delivered the additive and ensuring the safety performance of the external dispensing module 100. At the same time, the hollow chamber can be provided with multiple channels for the additive to flow through, so that multiple additives can be delivered separately and the types of additives can be increased. In addition, the side of the lower cover plate 132 buckled toward the upper cover plate 131 is a plane, and the structure of the lower cover plate 132 is simpler, so the external dispensing module 100 is assembled faster.

[0078] In the embodiment, the side of the lower cover plate 132 facing the upper cover plate 131 is a plane, and a side of the baffle 137 that is facing the lower cover plate 132 is correspondingly attached to the plane, so that the first introduction groove 1331 and the side plane of the baffle are matched to cover the opening to form the first channel, and the second introduction groove 1332 and the lead-out groove 1333 are matched with the side plane of the baffle to cover the opening to form the second channel formed. The dispensing pump 124 drives to suck the additive in the first channel into the second channel.

[0079] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application, and does not limit the present application. Although the present application has disclosed preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present application. Without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present application, anyone in the field of this patent application can be hinted to make some changes or modifications as equivalent embodiments by the above technical content. Any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the substantive content of the present application still belong to the scope of the solution of the present application.

Claims

1. An external dispensing module, including: a liquid storage unit, including a liquid storage chamber for storing an additive; and a water supply pipeline, including a Venturi pipeline through which supplying water flows, wherein the Venturi pipeline is provided with a suction port, and the suction port is connected with the liquid storage chamber via a dispensing unit.

2. The external dispensing module according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit includes: a switching valve assembly, including a valve body, a temporary storage chamber formed inside the valve body, wherein a first liquid inlet and a liquid outlet being in communication with the temporary storage chamber are provided on the valve body; and a dispensing pipeline, including a first dispensing pipeline for connecting the liquid storage chamber and the first liquid inlet and a second dispensing pipeline for connecting the suction port and the liquid outlet.

3. The external dispensing module according to claim 2, wherein the Venturi pipeline includes a Venturi pipeline contraction section, a Venturi pipeline throat section and a Venturi pipeline diffusion section sequentially arranged along a water flow direction, and the suction port is provided at the Venturi pipeline throat section.

4. The external dispensing module according to claim 3, wherein the water supply pipeline also includes a main water inlet pipeline connected with a water source and a pressure relief pipeline arranged in parallel with the Venturi pipeline, and the pressure relief pipeline and the Venturi pipeline are respectively connected with the main water inlet pipeline; the valve body is also provided with a second liquid inlet being in communication with the temporary storage chamber, and the pressure relief pipeline is connected with the second liquid inlet via a connecting pipeline.

5. The external dispensing module according to claim 4, wherein the switching valve assembly includes a first valve core and a second valve core movably arranged in the temporary storage chamber, the first valve core is used for the first liquid inlet being connected with and disconnected from the liquid outlet, and the second valve core is used for the second liquid inlet being connected with and disconnected from the liquid outlet.

6. The external dispensing module according to claim 5, wherein multiple liquid storage chambers are correspondingly connected with the temporary storage chamber via second dispensing pipelines, and the valve body is provided with multiple first liquid inlets corresponding to the second dispensing pipelines; the first valve core is used to control the liquid outlet to be in communication with one of the first liquid inlets, or multiple first valve cores correspond with the first liquid inlets one-by-one.

7. The external dispensing module according to claim 4, wherein the water supply pipeline includes a main water outlet pipeline, and a water outlet end of the pressure relief pipeline and a water outlet end of the Venturi pipeline are respectively connected with a water inlet end of the main water outlet pipeline.

8. The external dispensing module according to claim 7, wherein the water supply pipeline includes multiple water outlet branches arranged in parallel, and the multiple water outlet branches are respectively connected with a water outlet end of the main water outlet pipeline; a switching device is provided at a connection between the main water outlet pipeline and the multiple water outlet branches, and the switching device is used for controlling the main water outlet pipeline to be connected with at least one of the multiple water outlet branches.

9. The external dispensing module according to claim 4, wherein the second dispensing pipeline is provided with a flow sensor, and the flow sensor is used to detect a flow rate of additive flowing from the liquid storage chamber into the second dispensing pipeline or a flow rate of water flowing from the pressure relief pipeline into the second dispensing pipeline.

10. A laundry treating apparatus, having an external dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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