Washing machine liquid supply control method and washing machine

Abstract

In the washing machine liquid supply / addition control method and washing machine, the control method includes the steps of: S1: receiving a laundry treatment agent addition command; S2: controlling the switching valve so that the valve core (2) is in a predetermined neutral position where it is not in communication with the plurality of liquid supply ports (11) of the valve body (1); S3: controlling the switching valve so that the valve core (2) rotates to communicate with the liquid supply port (11) corresponding to the laundry treatment agent, and adding the laundry treatment agent; S4: controlling the switching valve to rotate to a predetermined neutral position; S5: detecting whether or not a laundry treatment agent addition command has been received within a predetermined time, and if so, executing step S3, and if not, controlling the switching valve to supply water to wash the laundry. After receiving the addition command, the switching valve is started from a predetermined neutral position, thereby improving the control accuracy of the switching valve. After adding the corresponding laundry treatment agent, the switching valve is controlled to return to the predetermined neutral position again. Then, by determining whether or not an on command has been received, continuous adjustment of the switching valve is realized, improving the utility of the device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of laundry treatment machines, and more particularly to a method for controlling liquid supply in a washing machine and a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of science and technology, the variety of washing machines is increasing, and the washing machines are gradually becoming smarter. The appearance of the conventional automatic dispensing device has made people's lives extremely convenient. However, the dispensing device usually needs to dispense many kinds of laundry treatment agents, and each one must be dispensed by multiple dispensing pumps. Therefore, the number of dispensing pumps increases, the structure becomes complicated, and the cost increases.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine including a clothes treating agent storage case and an automatic dispensing system thereof. A plurality of clothes treating agent storage chambers are defined in the clothes treating agent storage case. The washing machine also includes an electromagnetic switching valve. The electromagnetic switching valve has a plurality of liquid supply ports and one liquid discharge port. The clothes treating agent storage case communicates with the electromagnetic switching valve, and the plurality of liquid supply ports correspond one-to-one to the plurality of clothes treating agent storage chambers. The electromagnetic switching valve is used to selectively communicate one of the plurality of liquid supply ports with the one liquid discharge port. The washing machine also includes a dosing pump. The dosing pump has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the dosing pump is connected to the one liquid discharge port. The washing machine controls the solenoid switching valve so that the liquid discharge port communicates with any one of the liquid supply ports, and blocks the remaining liquid supply ports. This makes it possible to adjust the switching valve, but the accuracy of the solenoid valve is easily restricted and it cannot be adjusted continuously.

[0004] In view of the above, the present invention is proposed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] China Patent Application Publication No. 201420198178.7 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a washing machine liquid supply and dispensing control method and washing machine which, in order to eliminate the defects of the prior art, when dispensing a clothing treatment agent, first controls the switching valve to rotate to a predetermined neutral position where the multiple liquid supply ports of the valve core and the valve body are not connected, thereby improving the control accuracy of the switching valve, and after the corresponding clothing treatment agent has been dispensed, controls the switching valve to return to the predetermined neutral position again, and then determines whether an injection command has been received, thereby realizing continuous adjustment of the switching valve and improving the practicality of the appliance.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which realizes continuous control by controlling the state of a switching valve, thereby improving control accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic idea of ​​the technical solution adopted in the present invention is as follows: That is, a method for controlling liquid supply in a washing machine is provided. A switching valve includes a valve core and a valve body. The valve core is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the valve body is provided with a plurality of liquid supply ports and a liquid discharge port. The plurality of liquid supply ports includes a water inlet.

[0009] The control method includes the following steps.

[0010] S1: Receive a command to dispense clothing treatment agent.

[0011] S2: The switching valve is controlled so that the valve core is in a predetermined neutral position where it is not in communication with the multiple liquid supply ports of the valve body.

[0012] S3: The switching valve is controlled to rotate until the valve core communicates with the liquid supply port corresponding to the laundry treatment agent, and then the laundry treatment agent is dispensed.

[0013] S4: The switching valve is controlled to rotate to a predetermined neutral position.

[0014] S5: Obtain whether or not the laundry treatment agent is to be added again, and if so, execute step S3, and if not, control the switching valve to supply water to rinse.

[0015] In the present invention, when the washing machine starts to operate, after receiving a command to dispense a laundry treatment agent, the switching valve is started from a neutral state, thereby avoiding a situation in which the communication between the inlet of the valve core of the switching valve and the liquid supply port of the valve body becomes inaccurate. After the corresponding laundry treatment agent is dispensed, the switching valve is controlled to return to a predetermined neutral position. Then, by determining whether or not the dispense command has been received, continuous control of the switching valve is realized. This improves the control accuracy of the switching valve and enhances the user experience.

[0016] The valve body further includes a stepping motor connected to the valve core and used to rotate the valve core within the valve body. A position restriction structure is provided at a predetermined neutral position to prevent the valve core from continuing to rotate.

[0017] Step S2 further includes the following steps.

[0018] S21: The switching valve is controlled to rotate in the direction toward a predetermined neutral position.

[0019] S22: Detect the current value I of the stepping motor.

[0020] S23: Determine whether the current value I of the stepping motor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value I0. If so, determine that the switching valve has rotated to a predetermined neutral position, and control the switching valve to stop rotation.

[0021] Furthermore, a position restricting rib is provided at a predetermined neutral position of the valve body, and a positioning protrusion is provided at an end of the valve core, which is capable of restricting the rotation range of the valve core by abutting against the position restricting rib.

[0022] Step S2 further includes the following steps.

[0023] S21: The switching valve is controlled to rotate in the direction toward a predetermined neutral position.

[0024] S22: The relative position of the positioning protrusion with respect to the position restricting rib is detected.

[0025] S23: It is determined whether the positioning protrusion is in contact with the position restriction rib, and if it is in contact, it is determined that the switching valve has rotated to a predetermined neutral position, and the switching valve is controlled to stop rotating.

[0026] Furthermore, step S3 includes the following steps.

[0027] S31: The rotation direction is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated based on a predetermined neutral position and the position of the liquid supply port corresponding to the laundry treatment agent to be dispensed.

[0028] S32: Based on the acquired rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps, the stepping motor is controlled to rotate.

[0029] S33: Add the appropriate clothing treatment agent.

[0030] Furthermore, the following steps are included between steps S3 and S4.

[0031] The flow rate L1 of the clothing treatment agent is detected, and it is determined whether the flow rate L1 of the clothing treatment agent is equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate L1. If so, it is determined that the feeding of the clothing treatment agent has been completed, and step S4 is executed.

[0032] Furthermore, step S5 includes the following steps.

[0033] It is obtained whether or not it is necessary to add the laundry treatment agent again within a predetermined time T, and if it is necessary, step S3 is executed, and if it is not necessary, water is supplied to the switching valve to rinse it off.

[0034] Furthermore, in S5, the predetermined time T is 1 s≦T≦5 s.

[0035] Furthermore, the plurality of liquid supply ports of the valve body 1 includes a water inlet that is used to supply water to the switching valve for flushing.

[0036] When it is determined in step S5 that water should be supplied to the switching valve to perform the flushing control, the following steps are included.

[0037] S51: Based on a predetermined neutral position and a position of a water inlet, a rotation direction is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated.

[0038] S52: Based on the acquired rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps, the stepping motor is controlled to rotate.

[0039] S53: Control the supply of water to the switching valve to flush.

[0040] The present invention further provides a washing machine using any of the above-described liquid supply control methods for a washing machine. Effect of the Invention

[0041] By using the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0042] (1) In the present invention, by detecting the current value of the stepping motor, it is determined whether the switching valve is in a predetermined neutral position when dispensing the laundry treatment agent. This prevents communication abnormalities between the inlet of the valve core and the multiple liquid supply ports of the valve body when the switching valve dispenses, realizing the dispensing of multiple types of laundry treatment agents. In addition, the control accuracy of the switching valve is improved, improving the user experience.

[0043] (2) In the present invention, the stepping motor is used to control the operation of the switching valve, thereby realizing continuous adjustment of the neutral state, the input state, and the flushing state during the operation of the switching valve. In addition, the stepping motor is rotated in the corresponding direction and step number, respectively, as necessary, to connect or disconnect the inlet of the valve core and the multiple liquid supply ports of the valve body. This realizes the change in the state of the switching valve, thereby improving the control accuracy, and increasing the input accuracy and cleaning effect.

[0044] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0045] The drawings are used as a part of the present invention for further understanding of the present invention. In addition, the schematic embodiments of the present invention and their explanations are used for the interpretation of the present invention, but do not unduly limit the present invention. It goes without saying that the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments, and a person skilled in the art can obtain other drawings from these drawings without requiring creative labor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling liquid supply to a washing machine according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for controlling liquid supply to a washing machine according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a switching valve according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a structural diagram of a valve body and a valve core of a switching valve according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the switching valve of the present invention in a predetermined neutral position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the switching valve of the present invention in the closed state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a diverter valve of the present invention in a flush state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] It should be explained that these drawings and textual description are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concepts in any way, but rather to illustrate the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art with reference to specific embodiments.

[0048] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and concisely describe the technical solutions of the embodiments in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention, which are for illustrating the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0049] In the description of the present invention, it should be explained that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", and "outer" are directions or positional relationships based on the drawings, and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description of the present invention, and do not explicitly or implicitly indicate that the target device or member has a specific direction and must be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0050] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "attach", "connect" and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may be fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections. They may also be mechanical connections or electrical connections. Furthermore, they may be direct connections or indirect connections via intermediate media. Those skilled in the art can interpret the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] As shown in Figs. 1 to 7, in the method for controlling liquid supply to a washing machine described in the present invention, the washing machine includes a switching valve.

[0052] The switching valve includes a valve core 2 and a valve body 1 .

[0053] The valve body 1 is provided with a plurality of liquid supply ports 11. The valve core 2 is rotatably attached within the valve body 1, and selectively communicates with any one of the plurality of liquid supply ports 11.

[0054] The control method includes the following steps.

[0055] S1: Receive a command to dispense clothing treatment agent.

[0056] S2: The switching valve is controlled so that the valve core 2 is in a predetermined neutral position where it is not in communication with the multiple liquid supply ports 11 of the valve body 1.

[0057] S3: The switching valve is controlled to rotate until the valve core 2 communicates with the liquid supply port corresponding to the laundry treatment agent, and the laundry treatment agent is dispensed.

[0058] S4: The switching valve is controlled to rotate to a predetermined neutral position.

[0059] S5: Obtain whether or not the laundry treatment agent is to be added again, and if so, execute step S3, and if not, control the switching valve to supply water to rinse.

[0060] In the present invention, when the washing machine starts to operate, after receiving a command to dispense a laundry treatment agent, the switching valve is set to a predetermined neutral position, and then the laundry treatment agent in the command is finally dispensed. This avoids communication abnormalities between the inlet 22 of the valve core 2 and the multiple liquid supply ports 11 of the valve body 1 when the switching valve dispenses. After the detergent is dispensed, the switching valve returns to the neutral state again, and then the switch valve acquires whether or not to dispense the laundry treatment agent again, and the switch valve completes the operation of dispensing the laundry treatment agent again or rinsing the switch valve. This realizes the dispensing and continuous control of multiple types of laundry treatment agents, improves the control accuracy of the switching valve, and enhances the user experience.

[0061] It further includes a stepping motor 3 .

[0062] The stepping motor 3 is connected to the valve core 2 and is used to rotate the valve core 2 within the valve body 1 .

[0063] A position restriction structure for preventing the valve core 2 from continuing to rotate is provided at the predetermined neutral position.

[0064] The step S2 includes the following steps.

[0065] S21: The switching valve is controlled to rotate in the direction toward a predetermined neutral position.

[0066] S22: The current value I of the stepping motor 3 is detected.

[0067] S23: Determine whether the current value I of the stepping motor 3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value I0. If so, determine that the switching valve has rotated to the neutral position where no power is applied, and execute step S3.

[0068] In the present invention, a current value I of the stepping motor 3 is set and compared with a current value I1 during operation of the stepping motor 3. Then, only when the current value I1 of the stepping motor 3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined current value I, it is determined that the switching valve is in a predetermined neutral position. In this case, the washing machine finally becomes able to control the switching valve and perform the closing operation.

[0069] Furthermore, a position restricting rib 14 is provided at a predetermined neutral position of the valve body 1. Also, a positioning protrusion 21 is provided at an end of the valve core 2. The positioning protrusion 21 abuts against the position restricting rib 14, and is capable of restricting the rotation range of the valve core 2.

[0070] The step S2 includes the following steps.

[0071] S21: The switching valve is controlled to rotate in the direction toward a predetermined neutral position.

[0072] S22: The relative position of the positioning protrusion 21 with respect to the position restricting rib 14 is detected.

[0073] S23: Determine whether the positioning protrusion 21 is in contact with the position regulating rib 14. If it is in contact, determine that the switching valve has rotated to a predetermined neutral position, and control the switching valve to stop rotating.

[0074] In the present invention, a positioning protrusion 21 is provided on the valve core 2, and a position restriction rib 14 is provided at a predetermined neutral position of the valve element 1. As a result, when it is determined that the switching valve needs to be returned to the neutral state, the stepping motor 3 rotates the valve core 2, and when the positioning protrusion 21 of the valve core 2 abuts against the position restriction rib 14 of the valve element 1, the system determines that the switching valve is in the predetermined neutral position.

[0075] Specifically, when the positioning protrusion 21 comes into contact with the position restriction rib 14, the stepping motor 3 is prevented from rotating the valve core 2, and the current value increases. As a result, by determining whether the current value I1 exceeds the predetermined value I of the stepping motor 3, it can be determined whether the switching valve has rotated to the predetermined neutral position.

[0076] Next time, when washing, it is only necessary to detect whether the valve core 2 of the switching valve is in a predetermined neutral position not communicating with the multiple liquid supply ports 11 of the valve body 1. Then, if the switching valve is already in the predetermined neutral position, it is not necessary to control the switching valve to rotate again, but it is sufficient to directly control the switching valve to perform the loading operation. This reduces the complexity of re-supplying liquid during washing.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 5, the state in which the switching valve has rotated to a predetermined neutral position in which the valve core 2 does not communicate with the plurality of liquid supply ports 11 of the valve body 1 is the neutral state of the switching valve.

[0078] Furthermore, step S3 includes the following steps.

[0079] S31: The rotation direction is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated based on a predetermined neutral position and the position of the liquid supply port corresponding to the laundry treatment agent to be dispensed.

[0080] S32: Based on the acquired rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps, the stepping motor 3 is controlled to rotate.

[0081] S33: Add the appropriate clothing treatment agent.

[0082] In the present invention, the state of the switching valve is first judged, and only when the switching valve is in a neutral state at the time of injection can the injection operation be carried out. This avoids a situation in which the neutral state is not restored before the injection of the clothing treatment agent. Then, the clothing treatment agent is injected after the inlet 22 and the liquid supply port are connected to each other, which prevents the clothing treatment agent from being wasted or overflowing from the switching valve, and improves the injection accuracy.

[0083] Specifically, in the present invention, the rotation direction is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated based on a predetermined neutral position and the position of the liquid supply port corresponding to the laundry treatment agent to be dispensed. Next, the stepping motor 3 is controlled to rotate based on the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps. Then, when the rotation of the switching valve based on the rotation direction and the number of rotation steps is completed, it is determined that the liquid supply port and the inlet 22 of the valve core 2 are in communication, and the corresponding detergent is dispensed. This realizes accurate control of the dispensing of the laundry treatment agent, improving the control precision. Also, the user experience is improved.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 6, the switching valve rotates the valve core 2 to communicate with the liquid supply port corresponding to the laundry treatment agent and performs dispensing, which is the on state of the switching valve.

[0085] Furthermore, the following steps are included between steps S3 and S4.

[0086] The flow rate L1 of the laundry treatment agent is detected, and it is determined whether the flow rate L1 of the laundry treatment agent is equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate L1. If so, it is determined that the laundry treatment agent has been dispensed and step S4 is executed, and if not, it is determined that the laundry treatment agent has not been dispensed and step S33 is executed.

[0087] In the present invention, whether or not the dispensing of the clothing treatment agent has been completed is determined based on the flow rate L1 of the clothing treatment agent in the switching valve. If the flow rate L1 is not equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate L, it is determined that the dispensing of the clothing treatment agent has not been completed, and the dispensing operation of the clothing treatment agent is continued. Then, when the amount of clothing treatment agent dispensed L1 becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined amount L, it is determined that the dispensing of the clothing treatment agent has been completed. This improves the accuracy of dispensing the clothing treatment agent, and enhances the washing effect of the clothing.

[0088] Furthermore, completion of the addition of the clothing treatment agent may be determined by detecting the time t1 at which the clothing treatment agent is added and comparing it with the predetermined time t. By allowing the clothing treatment agent in the switching valve to flow more smoothly into the washing tub within the predetermined time range T, it is possible to prevent the clothing treatment agent from remaining in the switching valve and clogging it, thereby preventing a decrease in the washing effect.

[0089] The step S4 includes the following steps.

[0090] S41: The switching valve is controlled to rotate in the direction toward a predetermined neutral position.

[0091] S42: The current value I of the stepping motor 3 is detected.

[0092] S43: Determine whether the current value I of the stepping motor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value I0. If so, determine that the switching valve has rotated to a predetermined neutral position, and control the switching valve to stop rotating.

[0093] After the laundry treatment agent has been dispensed, the switching valve is controlled to return to the neutral state again, which is convenient for the washing machine to obtain the rotation direction of the stepping motor 3 and calculate the number of rotation steps. This improves the accuracy of controlling the stepping motor 3 to rotate the valve core 2, and reliably ensures that the inlet 22 of the valve core 2 communicates more accurately with the multiple liquid supply ports 11 and the water inlet 12 of the valve body 1, thereby improving the insertion accuracy of the switching valve and improving the user experience.

[0094] Furthermore, step S5 includes the following steps.

[0095] It is obtained whether or not it is necessary to add the laundry treatment agent again within a predetermined time T, and if it is necessary, step S3 is executed, and if it is not necessary, water is supplied to the switching valve to rinse it off.

[0096] Furthermore, in step S5, the predetermined time T is 1s≦T≦5s.

[0097] Preferably, the predetermined time T is 3 s.

[0098] Specifically, when the washing machine needs to add a laundry treatment agent again within a predetermined time T after adding detergent for the first time, the adding process is the same as the above-mentioned adding process. That is, the rotation direction is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated based on the predetermined neutral position and the position of the liquid supply port corresponding to the laundry treatment agent to be added. Next, the stepping motor 3 is controlled to rotate based on the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps. As a result, the inlet 22 of the valve core 2 is connected to the liquid supply port corresponding to the laundry treatment agent to be added, thereby putting the switching valve into the on state again.

[0099] Furthermore, the plurality of liquid supply ports 11 of the valve body 1 includes a water inlet 12 used to supply water to the switching valve for flushing.

[0100] When it is determined in step S5 that water should be supplied to the switching valve to perform the flushing control, the following steps are included.

[0101] S51: Based on a predetermined neutral position and the position of the water inlet 12, the rotation direction is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated.

[0102] S52: The stepping motor 3 is controlled to rotate based on the acquired rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps.

[0103] S53: Control the supply of water to the switching valve to flush.

[0104] In the present invention, the switching valve goes from the neutral state to the loading state, and returns to the neutral state after loading is completed. When the washing machine controls the switching valve to rinse, the rotation direction is obtained and the number of rotation steps is calculated based on the predetermined neutral position and the position of the water inlet 12 of the valve body 1. Next, the stepping motor 3 is controlled to rotate based on the obtained rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps. Then, it is determined whether the water inlet 12 and the inlet 22 of the valve core 2 are connected, and water is supplied to the switching valve to rinse. This prevents the situation in which the laundry treatment agent remains in the switching valve and clogs the switching valve, resulting in a decrease in the loading efficiency and cleaning effect. In addition, the loading accuracy of the laundry treatment agent is improved, and continuous control of the three types of states of the switching valve is realized.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 7, the state in which water is supplied to the above-mentioned switching valve to perform flushing is the flushing state of the switching valve.

[0106] When controlling the supply of water to the switching valve to flush it, the flushing time T1 is detected and compared with a predetermined flushing time T2 to determine that flushing of the switching valve has been completed and terminate the operation. This prevents the waste of water resources due to long-term flushing.

[0107] Specifically, a water channel communicating with the water inlet 12 of the switching valve is pulled out separately from the washing machine, and the laundry treatment agent remaining in the circuit is washed away with tap water. The stepping motor 3 connects the opening of the valve core 2 to the water inlet 12 of the valve body 1 to realize the washing of the switching valve. At the same time, the switching valve is switched from the ON state to the rinsing state to complete the washing of the switching valve.

[0108] In the present invention, if multiple loadings are required after loading or rinsing, the stepping motor 3 returns the switching valve to the neutral state every time the switching valve completes loading. This is convenient for the washing machine to obtain the rotation direction and calculate the number of rotation steps, making it easy to control the rotation of the stepping motor 3. This method is simple and the loading is accurate.

[0109] The neutral state, on state and flushing state of the switching valve all realize the connection of the pipeline by the direction and the number of steps corresponding to the forward or reverse rotation of the stepping motor 3.

[0110] In the present invention, the control of the switching valve may further be realized by an electric signal or a magnetic switch.

[0111] Specifically, a magnet, which is a permanent magnet, is provided in the valve core 2, and a different magnetic induction switch is provided at the liquid supply port of the valve body 1. When the stepping motor 3 controls the valve core 2 to rotate to a corresponding position, an electric signal is generated by magnetic induction, and the operating state of the switching valve is acquired, thereby realizing the injection of the laundry treatment agent.

[0112] In the method for controlling the supply and injection of liquid in a washing machine described in the present invention, when the switching valve operates, a reset operation is required to set the initial position to a neutral state. To determine the neutral state, when the position regulating rib 14 of the valve body 1 contacts the positioning protrusion 21 of the valve core 2, the rotation of the stepping motor 3 is prevented. At this time, the current of the motor becomes larger than a predetermined value, indicating that the switching valve is in a neutral state. Starting from the neutral state, when the stepping motor 3 rotates in a corresponding direction or number of steps based on the system signal, the valve core 2 is controlled to communicate with the multiple liquid supply ports 11 or water inlets 12 of the valve body 1, thereby realizing continuous control of three states of the switching valve, namely, the neutral state, the injection state, and the rinsing state. This improves the control accuracy and the injection accuracy of the laundry treatment agent, thereby improving the cleaning effect and the user experience.

[0113] The present invention further provides a washing machine using any of the above-described liquid supply control methods for a washing machine.

[0114] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed above by a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention, and slight modifications or additions that can be made by a person skilled in the art using the technical content presented above, within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, are considered to be equivalently modified equivalent embodiments. The implementation solutions in the above embodiments can be further combined or replaced, and any simple modifications, equivalent modifications and additions made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention, all belong to the scope of the solution of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1 Valve body 11 Multiple supply ports 12 Water inlet 13 Liquid spout 14 Position control rib 2 Valve Core 21 Positioning protrusion 22 Entrance 23 Exit 3. Stepping motor

Claims

1. A method for controlling liquid supply in a washing machine, comprising: The washing machine includes a switching valve, the switching valve including a valve core and a valve body, the valve body being provided with a plurality of liquid supply ports, the valve core being rotatably attached within the valve body and selectively communicating with any of the plurality of liquid supply ports, The control method includes: S1: receiving a laundry treatment agent dispense command; S2: A step of controlling the switching valve so that the valve core is in a predetermined neutral position where it is not in communication with the plurality of liquid supply ports of the valve body; S3: A step of controlling the switching valve to rotate until the valve core communicates with the liquid supply port corresponding to the laundry treatment agent, and performing the injection; S4: A step of controlling the switching valve to rotate to a predetermined neutral position; S5: A step of obtaining whether or not the laundry treatment agent is to be added again, and if so, executing step S3, and if not, controlling the switching valve to supply water to rinse; A method comprising:

2. The valve body further includes a stepping motor connected to the valve core for rotating the valve core within the valve body, and a position restriction structure is provided at a predetermined neutral position to prevent the valve core from continuing to rotate. In step S2, S21: A step of controlling the switching valve to rotate in a direction toward a predetermined neutral position; S22: Detecting the current value I of the stepping motor; S23: determining whether the current value I of the stepping motor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value I0, and if so, determining that the switching valve has rotated to a predetermined neutral position and controlling the switching valve to stop rotation; 2. The method for controlling liquid supply in a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. a position restricting rib is provided at a predetermined neutral position of the valve body, and a positioning protrusion is provided at an end of the valve core, and the positioning protrusion abuts against the position restricting rib to restrict the rotation range of the valve core; In step S2, S21: A step of controlling the switching valve to rotate in a direction toward a predetermined neutral position; S22: detecting the relative position of the positioning protrusion with respect to the position restricting rib; S23: determining whether the positioning protrusion is in contact with the position restriction rib, and if so, determining that the switching valve has rotated to a predetermined neutral position and controlling the switching valve to stop rotation; 2. The method for controlling liquid supply in a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. In step S3, S31: A step of obtaining a rotation direction and calculating the number of rotation steps based on a predetermined neutral position and the position of a liquid supply port corresponding to the laundry treatment agent to be dispensed; S32: A step of controlling the stepping motor to rotate based on the acquired rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps; S33: Adding the corresponding laundry treatment agent; 4. The method for controlling liquid supply to a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. Between step S3 and step S4, Detecting the flow rate L1 of the laundry treatment agent, determining whether the flow rate L1 of the laundry treatment agent is equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate L1, and if so, determining that the laundry treatment agent has been dispensed is complete, and executing step S4; 4. The method for controlling liquid supply to a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. In step S5, A step of determining whether or not it is necessary to add the laundry treatment agent again within a predetermined time T, and if it is necessary to add the laundry treatment agent, executing step S3, and if it is not necessary to add the laundry treatment agent, controlling the switching valve to supply water to rinse the laundry.

4. The method for controlling liquid supply to a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. In S5, the predetermined time T is 1 s≦T≦5 s, 7. The method for controlling liquid supply in a washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined time is preferably 3 seconds.

8. The plurality of liquid supply ports of the valve body include a water inlet used to supply water to the switching valve for flushing; In step S5, if it is determined that water is to be supplied to the switching valve to perform flushing, S51: Obtaining a rotation direction and calculating a number of rotation steps based on a predetermined neutral position and a position of a water inlet; S52: A step of controlling the stepping motor to rotate based on the acquired rotation direction and the calculated number of rotation steps; S53: A step of controlling the switching valve to supply water to flush; 7. The method for controlling liquid supply in a washing machine according to claim 6, further comprising:

9. A washing machine using the method for controlling liquid supply for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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