Automatic feeding device, control method, and multi-drum washing machine

Abstract

An automatic dosing device, a control method, and a multi-drum washing machine, comprising at least two liquid storage cases (3), a dosing water channel (10), and at least two water supply lines (2), wherein additives are contained in the at least two liquid storage cases (3), the liquid storage cases (3) are connected to the dosing water channels (10) via pumps (13), and the additives in the corresponding liquid storage cases (3) are sucked into the dosing water channels (10) by the action of the pumps (13), and the at least two water supply lines (2) can each send water to the water outlets of the corresponding water supply lines (2), and the dosing water channels (10) are connected in parallel and communicate with each water supply line (2), and the additives in the dosing water channels (10) sucked in by the pumps (13) are forced into the water outlets of the selected water supply lines (2) by utilizing the water flow through the selected water supply line (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drum-type washing machine in the field of household electrical appliances, in particular to a multi-drum washing machine having at least two washing tubs, and in particular to an automatic dosing device applied to the multi-drum washing machine for adding additives during laundry treatment. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional washing machines, additives used in the washing process, such as laundry detergent, fabric softener, and disinfectant, are installed separately from the washing machine, and the washing machine is not equipped with an additive dispenser, so the additives cannot be automatically dispensed, and this structure does not allow for a fully automatic washing control process.As washing machines become more automated, most washing machines are equipped with an additive case for storing laundry detergent and / or fabric softener, which is connected to a water supply line and flows the laundry detergent and / or fabric softener from the additive case into the washing tub by supplying water, but this structure requires that laundry detergent and / or fabric softener be first added to the additive case every time a wash is done, similarly preventing a fully automatic washing control process.

[0003] At the same time, with the improvement of people's living standards, in order to meet the diverse and high needs of users for laundry treatment, the applicant previously proposed a multi-drum washing machine. This washing machine has multiple washing tubs that are installed independently of each other and can treat different clothes separately, realizing the separate treatment of different users' different clothes and meeting the diverse and personalized treatment needs of users. Therefore, how to install an automatic dosing device to use the washing machine's water supply to dispense the appropriate additives into different washing tubs has become an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0004] For example, in a previous application filed by the applicant, an automatic dispensing device for use in a multi-drum washing machine was provided, which is a technical solution for directly sucking an additive in a corresponding reservoir case and dispensing it into the corresponding drum together with the water flow using negative pressure generated by the flowing water. However, in this technical solution, when the additive is sucked from the reservoir case into the water channel and the additive in the water channel is dispensed into the corresponding drum, the driving force is provided by the negative pressure structure installed in the water channel, but the suction force for the additive in the reservoir case is weak, resulting in a slow dispensing speed and inaccurate control during the dispensing process.

[0005] It is with this in mind that the present invention is particularly presented. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic dosing device that uses a device to automatically dispense additives into different dosing points.A further object of the present invention is to provide an automatic dosing device that improves additive dosing efficiency.Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic dosing device and method that uses different water supply flows to automatically dispense additives into different dosing points.Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-drum washing machine that automatically dispenses different types of additives into different washing tubs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following specific technical solutions: The automatic dosing device includes at least two liquid storage cases 3, a dosing water channel 10, and at least two water supply lines 2, and the at least two liquid storage cases 3 contain additives. The liquid storage cases 3 are connected to the dosing water channels 10 via pumps 13, and the additives in the corresponding liquid storage cases 3 are sucked into the dosing water channels 10 by the action of the pumps 13. The at least two water supply lines 2 can respectively send water to the outlets of the corresponding water supply lines 2, and the dosing water channels 10 are connected in parallel to each water supply line 2 and communicate with them, and the additives in the dosing water channels 10 sucked in by the pumps 13 are forced into the outlets of the selected water supply lines 2 by utilizing the water flow through the selected water supply line 2.

[0008] Furthermore, each water supply line 2 is provided with a suction mechanism 1, and each can generate negative pressure by the water flowing through the corresponding water supply line 2. The suction port 12 of the suction mechanism 1 is connected to the outlet of the input water line 10, and the additives pressurized into the input water line 10 are sucked into the suction mechanism 1 and sent to the outlet of the corresponding water supply line 2 together with the water flow.

[0009] Furthermore, the suction port 12 of each suction mechanism 1 is connected to the outlet of the input water channel 10 via a corresponding connecting pipe 4, and each connecting pipe 4 is provided with a check valve 8 to control the flow of fluid along the input water channel 10 so that it can only flow in the direction of the suction mechanism 1.

[0010] Furthermore, a rinsing pipe 6 is connected to each water supply pipe 2, and the inlet of the input water pipe 10 is connected to each rinsing pipe 6, so that a portion of the water flow from the water supply pipe 2 is directly drawn into the input water pipe 10 to rinse the additives in the input water pipe 10, and the rinsing water containing the additives is returned to the water supply pipe 2 and discharged from the water outlet.

[0011] Furthermore, the rinse line 6 is provided with a check valve that ensures that the water flow in the line is in one direction along the water supply line 2 to the input water channel.

[0012] Furthermore, the rinsing pipe 6 is provided with a control valve for controlling the flow and blocking of water flow in the pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the discharge ends of each rinsing line 6 are all connected to the inlet of the input water line 10 via the same switching valve 9, and the switching valve 9 is used to control which of the rinsing lines 6 is connected to the input water line 10.

[0014] Furthermore, the suction mechanism 1 installed in the water supply pipe 2 is located upstream of the point where it communicates with the rinsing pipe 6.

[0015] Furthermore, the outlets of each storage case 3 are connected to the same input waterway 10 via a corresponding pump 13, and when the pump 13 is in operation, it pumps the additive contained in the corresponding storage case 3 into the input waterway 10.

[0016] Furthermore, the pump 13 is integrated with a flow and shut-off valve assembly, and when the pump 13 is not in operation, the outlet of the liquid storage case 3 and the input waterway 10 are blocked, and the additive contained in the liquid storage case 3 cannot flow back into the input waterway 10.

[0017] Furthermore, said pump 13 is integrated with a metering assembly for metering the amount of additive flowing through the pump 13 and pumped from the reservoir case 3 to the input channel 10 .

[0018] Furthermore, the pump 13 is integrated with a check valve assembly for controlling the fluid flowing through the pump 13 so that it can flow only in one direction along the reservoir case 3 and the input water channel 10 .

[0019] Furthermore, the water discharge ends of the water supply pipes 2 are connected to different water discharge ports in one-to-one correspondence.

[0020] Furthermore, the water supply pipe 2 is provided with a check valve that ensures that the water flow in the pipe flows in one direction, from the water supply source end to the water discharge end.

[0021] Furthermore, a control valve 7 is provided at the inlet end of the water supply pipeline 2 to control the flow of water supplied into the pipeline and to cut off the flow of water.

[0022] Furthermore, the suction mechanism 1 includes a Venturi tube 100 that is provided in the water supply pipe 2 and can generate negative pressure by water flow, and the negative pressure area 11 is provided with a suction port 12 that communicates with the liquid storage case 3 and uses negative pressure to suck in the additive and introduce it into the water supply pipe 2.

[0023] Furthermore, both ends of the Venturi tube 100 are connected to the corresponding water supply pipe 2 and are connected to the water supply end and the water discharge end, respectively.A blocked section with a convexly reduced inner diameter is provided in the middle of the Venturi tube 100, and as the flow rate of the water flow in the blocked section increases rapidly, negative pressure is generated to form a negative pressure region 11.A connector connected to the outside is provided in the negative pressure region 11, and the connector forms a suction port 12 of the suction mechanism 1 connected to the input water channel 10.

[0024] Furthermore, the input water channel 10 is provided with a labyrinth flow path that is spirally arranged and extends the axial length of the pipeline, and the labyrinth flow path is located downstream of the point where the input water channel 10 is connected to each liquid storage case 3.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an automatic dosing device, which, when dosing an additive, starts a pump 13 corresponding to a selected liquid storage case 3 and pumps the additive in the selected liquid storage case 3 into the dosing water channel 10, and the water flow from the water supply source flows through the selected water supply line 2 to the corresponding water outlet, and a part of the water flow from the water supply line 2 flows into the dosing water channel 10, causing the additive in the dosing water channel 10 to flow into the selected water supply line 2, and then again flows into the water outlet of the selected water supply line 2 together with the water flow in the water supply line 2.

[0026] Furthermore, when the water flow from the water supply source flows through the selected water supply pipe 2 to the corresponding water outlet, the negative pressure generated when the water flow passes through the suction mechanism 1 provided in the water supply pipe 2 is used to suck in the additives in the input water pipe 10, enter the selected water supply pipe 2 through the suction port 12, and then flow into the water outlet of the selected water supply pipe 2 together with the water flow in the water supply pipe 2.

[0027] Furthermore, when rinsing the additive in the input water channel 10, the rinsing line 6 connected to the selected water supply line 2 is connected to the input water channel 10, the liquid storage case 3 and the input water channel 10 are blocked, and at least a portion of the water flowing through the water supply line 2 flows through the rinsing line 6 to the input water channel 10, rinsing the additive in the input water channel 10.

[0028] Furthermore, when rinsing the additives in the input water channel 10, the discharge end of the input water channel 10 is connected to the suction port 12 of the suction mechanism 1 provided in the selected water supply line 2, and by utilizing the negative pressure generated by the suction mechanism 1, the rinsing water after rinsing the input water channel 10 via the rinsing line 6 is returned from the suction port 12 to the selected water supply line 2, and flows out from the discharge port of the water supply line 2 together with the water flow.

[0029] The present invention further provides a multi-drum washing machine including at least two washing tubs 5, equipped with any of the automatic dispensing devices described above, each washing tub 5 being connected to a respective water outlet of the automatic dispensing device in a one-to-one correspondence, and controllably sending additives sucked from the liquid storage case 3 to one of the washing tubs 5.

[0030] Furthermore, the water supply ends of each water supply pipe 2 of the automatic dispenser are connected to the water supply mechanism 15 of the washing machine, and the wash water supplied by the water supply mechanism 15 of the washing machine serves as the water supply source for the water supply ends of each water supply pipe 2. The wash water flows into one of the water supply pipes 2 and flows from the outlet of that water supply pipe 2 into the corresponding washing tub 5, and the additives sent to the corresponding water supply pipe 2 flow into the corresponding washing tub 5 together with the water supply water flow of the washing machine.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] With the above-mentioned device and method, the automatic dispensing device uses a pump to suck additives from different storage cases into the dispensing channels, and then uses the water flowing through the corresponding water supply lines to dispense the sucked additives into the corresponding outlets in the parallel-connected dispensing channels together with the water flow, thereby achieving the purpose of dispensing additives from the same storage case into multiple locations using one system.At the same time, by installing the above-mentioned automatic dispensing device in a multi-drum washing machine, multiple washing tubs of the multi-drum washing machine can share one additive dispensing system, thereby achieving the purpose of controllably dispensing additives into any washing tub together with the water supply flow.

[0033] Furthermore, with the above-mentioned installed dosing device, the pump provides the power to suck the additive from the storage case into the water channel, and the suction mechanism provides the driving force for the additive in the water channel to flow toward the washing tub, thereby realizing the effect of different power components being driven in stages corresponding to different levels of additive, and further greatly improving the dosing control accuracy.

[0034] In addition, the above-mentioned dosing device allows the additive to be moved by two-stage power members during the additive dosing process, which can significantly improve the flow rate during the additive dosing process and further greatly improve the dosing efficiency.

[0035] In addition, by using the above-mentioned control method, the pump and the water supply channel can be supplied together, and the steps of sucking the additive from the liquid storage case into the channel and rinsing the additive in the channel into the washing tub by the water flow can be performed synchronously, which significantly reduces the supply time and significantly increases the speed compared to the prior art.

[0036] At the same time, the structure of the present invention is simple and has obvious effects, making it suitable for widespread use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a structure for introducing additives in different storage cases into different drums in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a structure for introducing additives in different storage cases into different drums in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a structure for introducing additives in different storage cases into different drums in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a structure for introducing additives in different storage cases into different drums in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, an embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-drum washing machine that includes multiple washing tubs 5 installed independently of each other, each washing tub 5 capable of treating clothes, the washing machine is provided with a water supply mechanism 15 that draws external water flow into the washing machine, and the washing machine is further provided with an automatic dispensing device that dispenses additives into the corresponding washing tub 5 together with the water supply flow that flows in by the water supply mechanism, and uses the additives dispensed together with the water supply flow to treat clothes in the corresponding washing tub 5.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the additives include, but are not limited to, the following types: laundry detergents, fabric softeners, disinfectants, fragrances, bleaches, etc.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the embodiments of the present invention further provide an automatic dispensing device that can be applied to the above-mentioned multi-drum washing machine and is used to dispense additives into corresponding washing tubs 5 of the washing machine, and can also be applied to any conventional equipment and can dispense corresponding additives into the flow paths of any water channels in the equipment.

[0041] The automatic dosing device described in an embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid storage case 3, at least two water supply lines 2, and an input water line 10, the liquid storage case 3 contains additives used in treating clothes, the water supply ends of each water supply line 2 are connected to the same water supply source, which is the water supply mechanism 15 of the washing machine, and each water supply line 2 has a different, one-to-one corresponding water outlet and is connected to each other, so that each water supply line 2 sends water to the water outlet of the corresponding line, the liquid storage case 3 is connected to the input water line 10 via a pump 13, and the additives in the corresponding liquid storage case 3 are sucked into the input water line 10 by the action of the pump 13, and the input water line 10 is connected in parallel to each water supply line 2, and the additives in the input water line 10 sucked by the pump 13 are flowed into the water outlet of the selected water supply line 2 using the water flow flowing through the selected water supply line 2.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the automatic dosing device is installed in a multi-drum washing machine, the water outlets of each water supply line 2 of the automatic dosing device are connected to each washing tub 5 of the washing machine in a one-to-one correspondence, the water supply source is provided by the water supply mechanism 15 of the washing machine, and in the process of supplying water for washing to the corresponding washing tub 5 of the multi-drum washing machine, the additive is dispensed into the corresponding washing tub 5 along with the supply water flow. Of course, depending on the design needs of the washing machine, the number of water outlets of the automatic dosing device and the number of washing tubs can be set differently, and at least one washing tub can correspond to multiple water outlets, or at least one water outlet can correspond to multiple washing tubs.

[0043] With this installation, the automatic dosing device uses a pump to suck additives from different storage cases into the dosing channels, and then uses the water flowing through the corresponding water supply lines to dispense the sucked additives into the corresponding outlets in the parallel-connected dosing channels together with the water flow, thereby achieving the purpose of dispensing additives from the same storage case into multiple locations using one system.At the same time, by installing the automatic dosing device in a multi-drum washing machine, the multiple washing tubs of the multi-drum washing machine can share one additive dosing system, achieving the purpose of controllably dosing additives into any of the washing tubs together with the water supply flow.

[0044] The automatic dispensing device described in the embodiment of the present invention includes at least two liquid storage cases 3, each of which can contain different types and / or different concentrations of additives. Of course, some of the liquid storage cases 3 can contain the same additive, with one or more of them being used as spares. Each liquid storage case 3 is connected to the supply channel 10 via a different liquid suction line 14, and each liquid suction line 14 is provided with a pump 13 for sucking the additives in the different liquid storage cases 3 into the supply channel 10. This allows different drums of the washing machine to share one liquid storage case 3, and various additives in one liquid storage case 3 can be controllably dispensed into different washing tubs 5.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment provides an automatic dispenser including a liquid storage case 3 and at least two water supply lines 2, each containing an additive used in treating laundry. The water inlets of the water supply lines 2 are connected to a water supply mechanism 15 of a multi-drum washing machine, and the water outlets of the water supply lines 2 are connected to different, one-to-one corresponding washing tubs 5. This allows each water supply line 2 to deliver water to its corresponding washing tub 5, thereby achieving the purpose of supplying water for washing to one of the washing tubs 5 of the multi-drum washing machine. Each water supply line 2 is provided with a suction mechanism 1, each capable of generating negative pressure due to the water flowing through the corresponding water supply line 2. The suction inlet 12 of the suction mechanism 1 is connected to the water outlet of the input water line 10 via a connecting line 4, allowing the additive sucked in by the input water line 10 to be sucked into the suction mechanism 1, which then dispenses the additive into the corresponding washing tub 5 of the washing machine along with the water supply. In an embodiment of the present invention, when the automatic dosing device is installed in a multi-drum washing machine, each water outlet of the automatic dosing device is connected to each washing tub 5 of the washing machine in a one-to-one correspondence, and the water supply source is provided by the water supply mechanism 15 of the washing machine. In the process of supplying water for washing to the corresponding washing tub 5 of the multi-drum washing machine, additives are dispensed into the corresponding washing tub 5 along with the water supply water flow, thereby achieving the purpose of automatically dispensing additives into the corresponding washing tub 5 along with the water supply water flow.

[0046] In this embodiment, the suction mechanism 1 includes a Venturi tube 100 that is installed in the water supply pipe 2 and can generate negative pressure using the water flow. The negative pressure region 11 of the Venturi tube 100 is provided with a suction port 12 that communicates with the input water passage 10 and uses negative pressure to suck in the additive and introduce it into the water supply pipe 2. In this embodiment, both ends of the Venturi tube 100 are connected to the water supply pipe 2 and communicate with the water supply end and the water discharge end, respectively. A closed section is provided in the middle of the Venturi tube 100, where the inner diameter of the pipe is reduced in a convex shape. The sudden decrease in the inner diameter of the pipe wall in the closed section causes a sudden increase in the water flow velocity in that region, forming a negative pressure region 11 in which negative pressure is generated as the water flows. A connector that communicates with the outside is installed in the negative pressure region 11, and the connector forms a suction port 12 of the suction mechanism 1 that is connected to the input water passage 10 via the connecting pipe 4. With the above-mentioned installation, the suction mechanism 1 is directly composed of a Venturi tube 100 that generates a suction effect by negative pressure in response to changes in the water flow rate, and sucks the additives remaining in the input water channel 10 into the water supply flow of the corresponding water supply pipe 2 together with the water supply flow, thereby achieving the purpose of the additives being introduced into the washing machine's washing tub.

[0047] In this embodiment, the water outlets of each water supply pipe 2 are connected to different washing tubs 5 in a one-to-one correspondence. Preferably, the water supply pipe 2 is provided with a check valve 8 (not shown in the drawings) to ensure that the water flow in the pipe is unidirectional from the water supply source end to the water outlet end. This allows the automatic dispenser to supply water through different water supply paths to different washing tubs and dispense additives. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the water supply end of the water supply pipe 2 is provided with a control valve 7 for controlling the flow and cut-off of the water supply flow in the water supply pipe 2. The control valve 7 is provided upstream of the suction mechanism 1 to control the flow and cut-off of the water supply in the suction mechanism 1.

[0048] In this embodiment, the automatic dosing device further includes a rinsing pipe 6, the water supply end of which is connected to the portion of the water supply pipe 2 downstream of the Venturi tube 100, the water discharge end of which is connected to the water supply port of the dosing pipe 10, the other end of which is a water discharge port, and the water discharge port is connected to the suction port 12 of the suction mechanism 1 via the connecting pipe 4. With the above installation, the water flow from the discharge end of the water supply pipe 2 is directly drawn into the input water line 10 and then circulated back to the water supply pipe 2 via the suction mechanism 1, and the circulating water is used to rinse the input water line 10. The additives pumped into the input water line 10 by the pump 13 are all poured into the water supply pipe 2 using the circulating water, and any additives remaining in the pipe are also rinsed away. This ensures that the additives pumped into the input water line 10 by the pump 13 are all discharged into the water supply pipe 2 together with the water flow, and at the same time, the purpose of rinsing the automatic input device and preventing any residual additives from affecting the subsequent use of the device can be achieved.

[0049] Preferably, the rinsing pipe 6 and / or the connecting pipe 4 can be provided with a check valve 8 to ensure that the water flow in the pipe flows in one direction along the water supply end to the water discharge end. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, in order to avoid water being directed into the input water line by the water supply pipe, the connecting pipe 4 is provided with a check valve 8 to ensure that the liquid in the connecting pipe 4 flows in only one direction along the input water line 10 to the water supply pipe 2, thereby avoiding the occurrence of backflow.

[0050] Preferably, the rinsing pipe 6 and / or the connecting pipe 4 are provided with a control valve 7 for controlling the opening and closing of the water flow in the control pipe, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the flow of rinsing water from the water supply pipe 2 to the input water pipe 10 (not shown in the drawings). In this embodiment, in order to ensure that each water supply pipe 2 can be connected to a corresponding input water pipe 10 connected to the storage case 3 of the same additive, and to achieve the effect of rinsing and inputting the pressure-fed additive, the following installation is particularly performed.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1, each water supply line 2 is connected to a rinsing line 6, and the discharge ends of each rinsing line 6 are all connected to the same switching valve 9, which is further connected to the discharge port of an input water line 10.By controlling the switching valve 9, one of the rinsing lines 6 is connected to the water supply port of the input water line 10.

[0052] In this embodiment, the automatic dosing device includes at least two liquid storage cases 3, and different types of additives are added to each liquid storage case 3, thereby achieving the purpose of the automatic dosing device classifying and automatically dosing different types of additives.

[0053] The following multi-drum washing machine is equipped with two washing tubs 5 and two liquid storage cases 3, which are respectively designated as a first washing tub 51 and a second washing tub 52, and a first liquid storage case 31 and a second liquid storage case 32. These are described for illustrative purposes, and the specific mechanism is as follows:

[0054] 1 to 5, in this embodiment, a first Venturi tube 101 is provided at the water supply end of the first water supply pipe 21, and a water discharge end thereof is connected to the first washing tub 51. A second Venturi tube 102 is provided at the water supply end of the second water supply pipe 22, and a water discharge end thereof is connected to the second washing tub 52. Connectors are provided at the discharge ends of the first water supply line 21 and the second water supply line 22, and the two connectors are each connected to the water supply end of the rinsing line 6. The discharge ends of the two rinsing lines 6 are connected to the same switching valve 9. The switching valve 9 has two inlets and one outlet, and the two inlets are connected to the discharge ends of the first rinsing line 61 and the second rinsing line 62, respectively, and the outlet is connected to the water supply port of the input water line 10. The switching valve 9 has two states, and each connects the two inlets to one of the outlets, thereby realizing that the first rinsing line 61 and the second rinsing line 62 are each connected to the input water line 10.

[0055] In this embodiment, the outlet of the input waterway 10 is connected to the first suction port 121 of the first Venturi tube 101 via the first connecting pipe 41 equipped with the first check valve 81, and is connected to the second suction port 122 of the second Venturi tube via the second connecting pipe 42 equipped with the second check valve 82. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the water flow in the water supply pipe 2 from backflowing from the suction port 12 to the input waterway 10, a check valve 8 is additionally provided in each of the two connecting pipes 4, and the check valves 8 are used to control the flow of liquid in the pipes, ensuring that the liquid in the pipes always flows in one direction toward the Venturi tube 100, and further preventing the feedwater flow in the water supply pipe 2 from flowing directly from the connecting pipe 4 into the input waterway 10.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first liquid storage case 31 is connected to the input waterway 10 via a first liquid suction line 131 provided with a first pump 131, and the second liquid storage case 32 is connected to the input waterway 10 via a second liquid suction line 142 provided with a second pump 132. Preferably, in order to avoid problems such as the liquid in the input waterway 10 flowing back into the liquid storage case 3, a check valve 8 can be added to the liquid suction line 14 provided with the pump 13, and further, the pump 13 can be directly integrated into the check valve assembly, or a check valve assembly can be integrated and attached to the discharge port of the liquid storage case 3, thereby preventing the liquid from flowing back into the liquid storage case.

[0057] When the additive A in the first liquid storage case 31 is dispensed into the first washing tub 51, the automatic dispensing device is in the following state.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the outlet of the switching valve 9 is connected to the first inlet, the second inlet is blocked, the first pump 131 operates, the second pump 132 does not operate, the first control valve 71 is open, and the second control valve 72 is closed. At this time, the first connecting pipe 41 and the first rinsing pipe 61 are connected by the input water passage 10, and the additive A in the first liquid storage case 31 is pressurized and fed to the input water passage 10 via the first suction pipe 141 by the action of the first pump 131. The water flow in the first water supply pipe 21 flows through the first Venturi tube 101, and the first Venturi tube 101 sucks the pressurized additive A in the input water passage 10 into the first water supply pipe 21, and causes it to flow into the first washing tub 51 together with the water flow in the first water supply pipe 21. At the same time, a portion of the water supply flow in the first water supply line 21 enters the input water line 10 and rinses the input water line 10, and the rinse water returns to the first water supply line 21 via the first Venturi tube 101 and flows into the first washing tub 51 from the water outlet together with the water supply flow.

[0059] When the additive B in the second liquid storage case 32 is dispensed into the first washing tub 51, the automatic dispensing device is in the following state.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet of the switching valve 9 is connected to the first inlet, the second inlet is blocked, the first pump 131 is not operating, the second pump 132 is operating, the first control valve 71 is open, and the second control valve 72 is closed. At this time, the first connecting pipe 41 and the first rinsing pipe 61 are connected by the input water passage 10, and the additive B in the second liquid storage case 32 is pressurized and fed to the input water passage 10 via the second suction pipe 142 by the action of the second pump 132. The water flow in the first water supply pipe 21 flows through the first Venturi tube 101, and the first Venturi tube 101 sucks the pressurized additive B in the input water passage 10 into the first water supply pipe 21, and causes it to flow into the first washing tub 51 together with the water flow in the first water supply pipe 21. At the same time, a portion of the water supply flow in the first water supply line 21 enters the input water line 10 and rinses the input water line 10, and the rinse water returns to the first water supply line 21 via the first Venturi tube 101 and flows into the first washing tub 51 from the water outlet together with the water supply flow.

[0061] When the additive A in the first liquid storage case 31 is dispensed into the second washing tub 52, the automatic dispensing device is in the following state.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the outlet of the switching valve 9 and the first inlet are blocked and connected to the second inlet, the first pump 131 operates, the second pump 132 does not operate, the first control valve 71 opens, and the second control valve 72 closes. At this time, the second connecting line 42 and the second rinsing line 62 are connected by the input water line 10, and the additive A in the first liquid storage case 31 is pressurized into the input water line 10 by the action of the first pump 131, the water flow in the second water supply line 22 flows through the second Venturi tube 102, and the second Venturi tube 102 sucks the pressurized additive A in the input water line 10 into the second water supply line 22 and causes it to flow into the second washing tub 52 together with the water flow in the second water supply line 22. At the same time, a portion of the water supply flow in the second water supply line 22 enters the input water line 10 and rinses the input water line 10, and the rinse water returns to the second water supply line 22 via the second Venturi tube 102 and flows into the second washing tub 52 from the water outlet together with the water supply flow.

[0063] When the additive B in the second liquid storage case 32 is dispensed into the second washing tub 52, the automatic dispensing device is in the following state.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, the outlet of the switching valve 9 and the first inlet are blocked and connected to the second inlet, the first pump 131 is not operating, the second pump 132 is operating, the first control valve 71 is closed, and the second control valve 72 is open. At this time, the second connecting line 42 and the second rinsing line 62 are connected by the input water line 10, and the additive B in the second liquid storage case 32 is pressurized into the input water line 10 by the action of the second pump 132, and the water flow in the second water supply line 22 flows through the second Venturi tube 102, and the second Venturi tube 102 sucks the pressurized additive B in the input water line 10 into the second water supply line 22 and causes it to flow into the second washing tub 52 together with the water flow in the second water supply line 22. At the same time, a portion of the water supply flow in the second water supply line 22 enters the input water line 10 and rinses the input water line 10, and the rinse water returns to the second water supply line 22 via the second Venturi tube 102 and flows into the second washing tub 52 from the water outlet together with the water supply flow.

[0065] In this embodiment, in order to increase the amount of additive added at one time by the automatic adding device, a labyrinth flow path can be further installed in the adding water channel 10, and the labyrinth flow path is composed of a spirally installed flow path extending the axial length of the pipeline, and the labyrinth flow path is located at one end where the adding water channel 10 and the connecting pipeline 4 are connected, and the labyrinth flow path is located downstream of the point where each liquid storage case 3 is connected to the adding water channel 10 via the pump 13, and the water supply end of the labyrinth flow path is connected to each upstream liquid storage case 3, and the water discharge end is connected to the inlet of each connecting pipeline 4 (not specified in the drawing).

[0066] In this embodiment, the following installation can be performed to measure and detect the amount of additive added. A metering device for detecting the flow rate of the flowing liquid is provided in the connecting pipe 4 between the labyrinth flow path and the suction port 12 of the suction mechanism. Of course, in this embodiment of the present invention, for simplicity of structure, a metering assembly can be directly integrated into the pump 13, making the pump 13 itself a metering pump, and directly metering and stating the additive to be added using the parameters of the pump 13. The pump 13 can be any metering pump with a conventional metering function, such as a metering pump that indirectly derives the amount of additive added by stating any parameter within the pump, such as the impeller rotation speed, rotational speed, time, or output.

[0067] In this embodiment, a control method for an automatic dosing device is provided, which, when dosing an additive, starts the pump 13 corresponding to the selected liquid storage case 3 and pumps the additive in the selected liquid storage case 3 into the dosing water channel 10, and the water flow from the water supply source flows through the selected water supply pipe 2 to the corresponding water outlet, and a part of the water flow from the water supply pipe 2 flows into the dosing water channel 10, causing the additive in the dosing water channel 10 to flow into the selected water supply pipe 2, and then again flows into the water outlet of the selected water supply pipe 2 together with the water flow in the water supply pipe 2.

[0068] In this embodiment, the steps of pumping the additives in the liquid storage case 3 into the input water channel 10 via the pump 13 and supplying water to the water supply line 2 to cause the additives in the input water channel 10 to flow into the washing tub 5 may be performed synchronously, or the steps of pumping the additives in the liquid storage case 3 into the input water channel 10 via the pump 13 and supplying water to the water supply line 2 to cause the additives in the input water channel 10 to flow into the washing tub 5 may be performed alternately.

[0069] Therefore, the control method of the present invention can provide more diversified dosing methods and realize different dosing logics with limited technology. In particular, by using the above-mentioned configuration, when adding additives, the additives in the reservoir case are pumped into the water channel through the pump, and the additives in the water channel are rinsing into the washing tub simultaneously, which simplifies the dosing process and saves time.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the water flow from the water source passes through the selected water supply line 2 and flows into the corresponding outlet, the negative pressure generated when the water flow passes through the suction mechanism 1 installed in the water supply line 2 is used to suck in the additives in the input water line 10, which then enters the corresponding water supply line 2 through the suction port 12 and is then poured into the outlet of the selected water supply line 2 together with the water flow in the water supply line 2. With the above-mentioned installation, the additives are input into the water line, powered by the pump, and then enter the drum from the water line and powered by the suction mechanism installed in the water line, further increasing the additive flow rate and improving the input reaction efficiency.

[0071] Preferably, in this embodiment, when rinsing the additive in the input water channel 10, the rinsing line 6 connected to the selected water supply line 2 is connected to the input water channel 10, the liquid storage case 3 and the input water channel 10 are blocked, and at least a part of the water flowing through the water supply line 2 flows through the rinsing line 6 to the input water channel 10 to rinse the additive in the input water channel 10 that has been sucked from the liquid storage case 3 by the pump 13, and the rinsing water containing the additive returns to the water supply line 2. During the additive input process, the circulating rinsing water can be used to completely rinse the additive in the input water channel 10, which further ensures the effect of preventing the additive from remaining in the input water channel.

[0072] In this embodiment, when rinsing the additives in the input water channel 10, the water outlet end of the input water channel 10 is connected to the suction port 12 of the suction mechanism 1 provided in the selected water supply line 2, and after rinsing the input water channel 10 through the rinsing line 6, the rinsing water that flows back from the suction port 12 to the selected water supply line 2 can be discharged from the water outlet of the selected water supply line 2.Furthermore, by switching the water supply to the two water supply lines 2, it is possible to add additives to different washing tubs 5 respectively, further improving the versatility of additive addition.

[0073] In this embodiment, during the normal water supply process of the washing machine, the water supply mechanism 15 of the washing machine supplies water to the corresponding washing tub 5 through the selected water supply pipe 2, and a portion of the supplied water flows through the input water channel 10, and a portion of the flowing water rinses the input water channel 10, so that the water supply from the water supply pipe 2 to the washing tub 5 and the rinsing of the input water channel 10 can be performed synchronously.

[0074] In this embodiment, the automatic dispensing device can sort and automatically dispense different types of additives contained in each liquid storage case 3. When the automatic dispensing device dispenses an additive, one of the suction ports 12 is connected to the dispenser channel 10, one of the pumps 13 facing each liquid storage case 3 is activated, the corresponding liquid storage case 3 is connected to the water supply line 2, the additive contained in the corresponding liquid storage case 3 is pumped into the dispenser channel 10 by the pump 13, and the additive flows into the corresponding water supply line 2 together with the water supply flow by the action of the suction mechanism 1, and then enters the corresponding washing tub 5 together with the water flowing through the water supply line 2.

[0075] The following multi-drum washing machine is equipped with two washing tubs 5 and two liquid storage cases 3, which are respectively designated as a first washing tub 51 and a second washing tub 52, and a first liquid storage case 31 and a second liquid storage case 32. These are described for illustrative purposes, and the specific control method is as follows:

[0076] When the additive A contained in the first liquid storage case 31 is added to the first washing tub 51, as shown in FIG. 2, the first water supply pipe 21 of the automatic adding device supplies water to the first washing tub 51, and during the water supply process, the first pump 131 connected to the outlet of the first liquid storage case 31 is started, and the first pump 131 pressure-feeds the additive A contained in the first liquid storage case 31 to the adding water passage 10, and when the additive A flows through the first Venturi tube 101 in the first water supply pipe 21, a negative pressure is generated, and the negative pressure is used to The additive A in the input water passage 10 is sucked into the first water supply line 21 and flows into the first washing tub 51 together with the supply water flow. During the above process, part of the water flow from the first water supply line 21 flows into the first Venturi tube 101 via the first rinsing line 61, the input water passage 10, and the first connecting line 41, rinsing out the additive A remaining in the suction mechanism 1 and the input water passage 10. The additive A pumped into the input water passage 10 by the first pump 131 is then all flowed into the first washing tub 51 together with the rinsing water flow.

[0077] When the additive A contained in the first liquid storage case 31 is added to the second washing tub 52, as shown in FIG. 4, the second water supply pipe 22 of the automatic adding device supplies water to the second washing tub 52, and during the water supply process, the first pump 131 provided at the outlet of the first liquid storage case 31 is started, and the first pump 131 pressure-feeds the additive A contained in the first liquid storage case 31 to the adding water passage 10, and when the additive A flows through the second Venturi pipe 102 in the second water supply pipe 22, a negative pressure is generated, and the negative pressure is used to The additive A in the input water passage 10 is sucked into the second water supply line 22 and flows into the second washing tub 52 together with the supply water flow. During the above process, part of the water flow from the second water supply line 22 flows into the second Venturi tube 102 via the second rinsing line 62, the input water passage 10, and the second connecting line 42, rinsing out the additive A remaining in the suction mechanism 1 and the input water passage 10, and the additive A pressurized into the input water passage 10 by the first pump 131 is all flowed into the second washing tub 52 together with the rinsing water flow.

[0078] When the additive B contained in the second liquid storage case 32 is added to the first washing tub 51, as shown in FIG. 3, the first water supply pipe 21 of the automatic adding device supplies water to the first washing tub 51, and during the water supply process, the second pump 132 provided at the outlet of the second liquid storage case 32 is started, and the second pump 132 pressure-feeds the additive B contained in the second liquid storage case 32 to the adding water passage 10, and generates a negative pressure when the additive B flows through the first Venturi tube 101 in the first water supply pipe 21, and uses the negative pressure to The additive B in the input water passage 10 is sucked into the first water supply line 21 and flows into the first washing tub 51 together with the supply water flow. During the above process, part of the water flow from the first water supply line 21 flows into the first Venturi tube 101 via the first rinsing line 61, the input water passage 10, and the first connecting line 41, rinsing out the additive B remaining in the suction mechanism 1 and the input water passage 10, and the additive B pressurized by the second pump 132 into the input water passage 10 is all flowed into the first washing tub 51 together with the rinsing water flow.

[0079] When the additive B contained in the second liquid storage case 32 is added to the second washing tub 52, as shown in FIG. 5, the second water supply pipe 22 of the automatic adding device supplies water to the second washing tub 52, and during the water supply process, the second pump 132 provided at the outlet of the second liquid storage case 32 is started, and the second pump 132 pressure-feeds the additive B contained in the second liquid storage case 32 to the adding water passage 10, and generates a negative pressure when the additive B flows through the second Venturi tube 102 in the second water supply pipe 22, and uses the negative pressure to The additive B in the input water passage 10 is sucked into the second water supply line 22 and flows into the second washing tub 52 together with the supply water flow. During the above process, part of the water flow from the second water supply line 22 flows into the second Venturi tube 102 via the second rinsing line 62, the input water passage 10, and the second connecting line 42, rinsing out the additive B remaining in the suction mechanism 1 and the input water passage 10. The additive B pumped into the input water passage 10 by the second pump 132 is then all flowed into the second washing tub 52 together with the rinsing water flow.

[0080] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any way. The present invention is disclosed above by a preferred embodiment, but is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technical person familiar with this patent may slightly change or modify the equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes using the technical content presented above without departing from the scope of the technical solutions of the present invention. However, based on the technical essence of the present invention, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments all belong to the scope of the solutions of the present invention as long as they do not deviate from the content of the technical solutions of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] Description of the main components.

[0082] 1 Suction mechanism 2 Water supply pipeline 3 Liquid storage case 4 Connecting pipelines 5 Washing tub 6 Rinse pipe 7. Control valve 8. Check valve 9. Switching valve 10 Input waterway 11 Negative pressure region 12 Suction port 13 Pump 14 Liquid suction pipe 15 Water supply mechanism 100 Venturi tube 101 First Venturi Tube 21 1st water supply pipe 31 First storage case 41 First connecting pipeline 51 Washing machine 61 1st rinsing pipe 71 First control valve 81 First check valve 121 1st suction port 131 First Pump 141 1st liquid suction pipe 102 Second Venturi Tube 22 2nd water supply pipe 32 Second liquid storage case 42 Second connecting pipeline 52 Second washing tub 62 2nd rinsing pipe 72 Second control valve 82 Second check valve 122 2nd suction port 132 Second Pump 142 2nd liquid suction pipe

Claims

1. An automatic insertion device, The apparatus includes a liquid storage case (3), an input water channel (10), and at least two water supply pipes (2); The liquid storage case (3) contains an additive, and the liquid storage case (3) is connected to the input water channel (10) via a pump (13). The additive in the liquid storage case (3) is sucked into the input water channel (10) by the action of the pump (13), and the at least two water supply pipes (2) can each send water to the water outlet of the corresponding water supply pipe (2). The automatic dosing device is characterized in that the dosing water channels (10) are connected in parallel to the water supply lines (2), respectively, and additives in the dosing water channels (10) sucked up by a pump (13) are poured into the water outlet of the selected water supply line (2) using the water flow through the selected water supply line (2).

2. 2. The automatic dosing device according to claim 1, characterized in that each water supply line (2) is provided with a suction mechanism (1), each of which can generate negative pressure by the water flow through the corresponding water supply line (2), and the suction port (12) of the suction mechanism (1) is connected to the outlet of the dosing water line (10), so that the additive pressure-fed to the dosing water line (10) is sucked into the suction mechanism (1) and sent to the water outlet of the corresponding water supply line (2) together with the water flow.

3. 3. The automatic dosing device according to claim 2, wherein the suction ports (12) of the suction mechanisms (1) are connected to the outlets of the input water channels (10) via corresponding connecting pipes (4), and the connecting pipes (4) are each provided with a check valve (8) for controlling the flow of fluid along the input water channels (10) only in the direction of the suction mechanisms (1).

4. A rinsing pipe (6) is further connected to each water supply pipe (2), and the inlet of the input water conduit (10) is connected to each rinsing pipe (6). A part of the water flow from the water supply pipe (2) is directly drawn into the input water conduit (10) to rinse the additives in the input water conduit (10), and the rinsing water is then returned to the water supply pipe (2) and discharged from the outlet. Preferably, the rinse line (6) is provided with a check valve that ensures that the water flow in the line is in one direction along the water supply line (2) to the input water channel; 4. The automatic dispenser according to claim 1, wherein each rinsing line (6) is preferably provided with a control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the water flow in the line.

5. The automatic dosing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the discharge ends of each rinsing line (6) are all connected to the inlet of the input water channel (10) via the same switching valve (9), and the switching valve (9) is used to control which of each rinsing line (6) is connected to the input water channel (10).

6. 5. The automatic dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the suction mechanism (1) installed in the water supply line (2) is located upstream of the point where it communicates with the rinsing line (6).

7. The outlets of the storage cases (3) are connected to the same input water channel (10) via pumps (13) corresponding to each other, and when the pumps (13) are in operation, they pump the additives contained in the corresponding storage cases (3) into the input water channel (10); Preferably, the pump (13) is integrated with a flow-through and shut-off valve assembly, and when the pump (13) is not in operation, the outlet of the reservoir case (3) and the input water channel (10) are shut off, so that the additive contained in the reservoir case (3) cannot flow back into the input water channel (10); Preferably, the pump (13) is integrated with a metering assembly for metering the amount of additive flowing through the pump (13) and pumped from the reservoir case (3) to the input channel (10); The automatic dosing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pump (13) is preferably integrated with a check valve assembly for controlling the fluid flowing through the pump (13) so that it can only flow in one direction along the reservoir case (3) and the dosing channel (10).

8. The water outlet ends of the water supply pipes (2) are connected to different water outlets in one-to-one correspondence, Preferably, the water supply pipe (2) is provided with a check valve that ensures that the water flow in the pipe flows in one direction from the water supply source end to the water discharge end; An automatic dosing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a control valve (7) is preferably provided at the inlet end of the water supply pipeline (2) to control the flow of water into the pipeline and to cut off the flow of water.

9. The suction mechanism (1) includes a Venturi tube (100) that is provided in the water supply pipe (2) and that can generate negative pressure by a water flow, and a suction port (12) that communicates with the liquid storage case (3) and uses negative pressure to suck the additive and introduce it into the water supply pipe (2), is provided in the negative pressure region (11); Preferably, both ends of the Venturi tube (100) are connected to corresponding water supply pipes (2) and are connected to the water supply end and the water discharge end, respectively; a blocking section with a convexly reduced inner diameter is provided in the middle of the Venturi tube (100), and negative pressure is generated as the flow rate of the water flow in the blocking section increases suddenly, thereby forming a negative pressure region (11); a connector connected to the outside is provided in the negative pressure region (11), and the connector forms a suction port (12) of the suction mechanism (1) connected to the input water channel (10).

10. An automatic dosing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the dosing water channel (10) is provided with a labyrinth flow path that is installed in a spiral shape and extends the axial length of the pipeline, and the labyrinth flow path is located downstream of the point where the dosing water channel (10) is connected to each liquid storage case (3).

11. When adding the additive, the pump (13) corresponding to the selected storage case (3) is started to pump the additive in the selected storage case (3) into the input water channel (10); 11. A method for controlling an automatic dosing device according to claim 1, wherein the water flow from the water supply source flows through a selected water supply line (2) to a corresponding outlet, and a part of the water flow from the water supply line (2) flows into the input water line (10), causing the additive in the input water line (10) to flow into the selected water supply line (2), and then again flows into the outlet of the selected water supply line (2) together with the water flow in the water supply line (2).

12. 12. The method for controlling an automatic dosing device according to claim 11, wherein, when the water flow from the water supply source flows through the selected water supply line (2) to the corresponding outlet, the negative pressure generated when the water flow passes through the suction mechanism (1) provided in the water supply line (2) is used to suck in the additives in the dosing line (10), enter the selected water supply line (2) through the suction port (12), and then flow again into the outlet of the selected water supply line (2) together with the water flow in the water supply line (2).

13. When rinsing the additive in the input water channel (10), the rinsing line (6) connected to the selected water supply line (2) is connected to the input water channel (10), the liquid storage case (3) and the input water channel (10) are blocked, and at least a part of the water flowing through the water supply line (2) flows through the rinsing line (6) to the input water channel (10) to rinse the additive in the input water channel (10); Preferably, when rinsing the additives in the input water channel (10), the discharge end of the input water channel (10) is connected to the suction port (12) of the suction mechanism (1) provided in the selected water supply line (2), and by utilizing the negative pressure generated by the suction mechanism (1), the rinsing water after rinsing the input water channel (10) via the rinsing line (6) is returned from the suction port (12) to the selected water supply line (2) and flows out from the discharge port of the water supply line (2) together with the water flow.

14. A multi-drum washing machine including at least two washing tubs (5), A multi-drum washing machine equipped with the automatic dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each washing tub (5) is connected to each water outlet of the automatic dispensing device in a one-to-one correspondence, and the additive sucked from the liquid storage case (3) is controllably sent to one of the washing tubs (5).

15. The multi-drum washing machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the water supply ends of the water supply pipes (2) of the automatic dosing device are connected to the water supply mechanism (15) of the washing machine, the wash water supplied by the water supply mechanism (15) of the washing machine is used as the water supply source for the water supply ends of the water supply pipes (2), the wash water flows into one of the water supply pipes (2) and flows from the water outlet of the water supply pipe (2) to the corresponding washing tub (5), and the additive sent to the corresponding water supply pipe (2) flows into the corresponding washing tub (5) together with the water supply water flow of the washing machine.

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