Additive automatic injection module and washing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic additive dispensing module and a washing machine. The dispensing module includes a main body with an internal insertion groove, a liquid storage case that forms a sealed storage chamber for storing additives and is retractably mounted within the insertion groove, a water supply channel integrally mounted within the main body, and a suction device that draws the additives stored in the liquid storage case into the water supply channel and dispenses them with the passing water flow. By installing the dispensing module in this manner, the retractable liquid storage case is directly mounted within the main body of the dispensing module, and the entire dispensing module is integrally installed to directly form an integrated module. This allows the module to be directly installed in washing machines of different models, enabling a modular design of the dispensing device and reducing the design and development costs of washing machines. This also significantly improves the assembly speed of washing machines.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dosing module for dosing additives, in particular to a dosing module applicable to a washing machine, capable of automatically dosing additives, and further to a washing machine equipped with said additive dosing module. [Background technology]

[0002] There are two types of additive dosing methods commonly used in conventional washing machines, particularly pulsator type washing machines.

[0003] One is a method in which the user directly puts the additive into the washing machine tub. Since this method requires the user to manually put the additive in, it is difficult to control the amount of additive put in, and it is easy to put in too much or too little. In addition, since the additive is put in directly into the tub, the undiluted additive comes into contact with the clothes in the tub, which can easily cause problems such as fading of the clothes.

[0004] The other is a method of installing a liquid storage case in a washing machine. The user puts the additive into the liquid storage case structure of the washing machine in advance, and uses the water supply of the washing machine to pour the additive into the washing machine tub. However, since the structure of the conventional liquid storage case is an open structure, after the additive is put inside, it comes into contact with external gas or water flow scattered during the operation of the washing machine, and problems such as the additive being contaminated and altered occur. In addition, the liquid storage case is generally attached to the washing machine so that it can be pulled out, and needs to be removed when cleaning. This leads to a problem that the liquid storage case is difficult to clean. Therefore, how to install an input module equipped with an additive liquid storage case that is suitable for a washing machine and has a sealed container structure is a technical problem that needs to be solved as soon as possible.

[0005] In addition, in the conventional additive dosing device, the groove structure for pulling out the liquid storage case is generally integrally installed in the casing of the washing machine. Therefore, the mold needs to be modified according to different washing machine models to appropriately install the groove on the casing of different washing machine models, otherwise the suitable installation of the sealed liquid storage case cannot be realized. Therefore, how to install the additive dosing device as an independent module and realize the versatility that can be applied to different washing machine models is a technical problem that needs to be solved as soon as possible.

[0006] Meanwhile, in the conventional additive dosing device with an integrated water channel, the integrated water channel is generally integrated in the upper cover of the ceiling of the dosing device. The dosing device using the above structure must first make the additive located in the central liquid storage case flow upward to the integrated water channel in the upper cover, and then flow downward to the outlet at the bottom to be discharged. The dosing device needs to change the water flow direction twice, so a complex water channel structure must be installed in the dosing device. This is disadvantageous for dosing additives, as additives are likely to remain, and the cost of the dosing device is also increased.

[0007] In addition, the conventional dosing device generally requires an external pipeline to be added and to connect the liquid storage case to the dosing water channel, the pump body, the valve body, and other structures through the external pipeline. Therefore, the dosing device needs to be connected to the pipeline separately during assembly, which significantly limits the production efficiency of the washing machine. In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a dosing module which realizes the objective of independent and integrated installation of the dosing module. Another object of the present invention is to provide a dosing module which realizes a rational layout of the water channels integrated on the module and simplifies the module structure, thereby achieving the objective of directly dosing additives without externally connecting the dosing module to the water channels. And another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine equipped with the dosing module, so as to realize the objective of modularizing and assembling the washing machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object of the invention, the specific measures adopted by the present invention are as follows:

[0010] The present invention provides an automatic additive supply module, which includes a main body having an insertion groove therein, a liquid storage case that forms a sealed storage chamber for storing an additive and is retractably mounted in the insertion groove, a water supply channel integrally installed in the main body, and a suction device that sucks the additive stored in the liquid storage case into the water supply channel and supplies it with the passing water flow.

[0011] Furthermore, the main body has an outlet on one side and a suction device attached to the other opposite side. The outlet is used to connect the insertion groove to the outside of the main body and form an opening for pulling the liquid storage case out of the insertion groove and / or for pushing the liquid storage case into the insertion groove. The liquid storage case has a liquid discharge port at one end inserted into the insertion groove, and the liquid discharge port is connected to a water supply channel via a suction device.

[0012] The suction device further includes a suction pump attached to the main body, the suction pump having an inlet communicating with the liquid discharge port of the liquid storage case and an outlet communicating with the water supply channel.

[0013] Preferably, the main body is provided with a temporary storage chamber through which the water supply passage passes, and the outlet of the suction pump communicates with the temporary storage chamber.

[0014] More preferably, the suction pump can be opened in only one direction, from the inlet to the outlet.

[0015] The main body is further provided with a liquid suction channel, one end of which communicates with the inlet of the suction pump and the other end of which communicates with the liquid discharge port of the liquid storage case via a liquid guide structure.

[0016] Preferably, the liquid guide structure includes a liquid guide connection part that is installed in the insertion groove of the main body and communicates with the liquid suction channel. The liquid discharge port of the liquid storage case is provided with a container connection part that opens in correspondence with the liquid guide connection part. The container connection part is provided with a valve body that opens the liquid discharge port when the liquid guide connection part comes into contact with the container connection part and closes the liquid discharge port in a normal state.

[0017] The water supply channel is integrally installed inside the bottom wall of the main body, both ends of the water supply channel are connected to the water inlet and the water discharge structure of the main body, respectively, and the center of the water supply channel is connected to the liquid storage case via the suction device.

[0018] The inside of the main body is divided into a number of spaced apart insertion grooves. A liquid storage case that can be pulled out is attached to each insertion groove. The liquid discharge port of each liquid storage case is connected to the water supply channel via a corresponding suction device.

[0019] Preferably, the outlets of the respective insertion grooves are opened on the same side of the body.

[0020] Furthermore, the water supply passage passes through the outlet of each suction device in sequence, and the additives sucked out by each suction device are introduced via the same water supply passage.

[0021] Alternatively, the water supply passage is divided into a plurality of branch passages connected in parallel, and each branch passage communicates with the outlet of each suction device in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0022] Alternatively, a plurality of branch passages are connected to the main passage of the water supply passage, and each branch passage communicates with the outlet of each suction device in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0023] The present invention further provides an additive dosing module, in which a water supply channel is integrally installed inside the bottom wall of the main body of the dosing module, and a dosing unit provided in the main body doses additive into the water supply channel.

[0024] Furthermore, the bottom wall of the body is composed of an upper part and a lower part that are opposed to each other and engage with each other. The outer circumferences of the upper part and the lower part are connected in a sealing manner, and a sealing gap space is formed between the opposed surfaces of the upper part and the lower part. The opposed surfaces of the upper part and / or the lower part are provided with protruding ribs that protrude relatively, and the protruding ribs divide the gap space between the upper part and the lower part into water supply channels.

[0025] Preferably, the upper and lower connection points are hermetically connected by a cladding technique.

[0026] The water supply channel has two ends communicating with the water inlet and the water discharge structure, respectively, provided in the main body. A suction port is provided in the center of the water supply channel, and the suction port communicates with the input unit.

[0027] Furthermore, a water inlet chamber is provided on the side wall of the main body, extending vertically from top to bottom. The water inlet chamber communicates at its top with the water inlet opening on the side wall of the main body, and at its bottom with the water inlet end of the water supply channel.

[0028] The water supply passage passes through a temporary storage chamber provided on the bottom wall of the main body. The temporary storage chamber is provided with a suction port communicating with the input unit.

[0029] Preferably, the portions of the water supply channel upstream and downstream of the temporary storage chamber are provided with at least one bend which changes the direction of the water flow.

[0030] The water discharge structure is a water discharge chamber provided in the bottom wall of the main body. The water discharge chamber has a water discharge port on one side and communicates with the water discharge end of the water supply channel on the other opposite side.

[0031] Preferably, a water equalizing rib is provided in the discharge chamber. The water equalizing rib divides the discharge chamber into a first portion communicating with the discharge port and a second portion communicating with the discharge end of the water supply channel. The water equalizing rib has a plurality of gaps spaced apart, each gap connecting the first portion and the second portion.

[0032] More preferably, the water discharge chamber is a cone-shaped chamber whose height gradually increases toward the water discharge port along the water discharge direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the water supply channel has a number of branch passages connected in parallel, each of which passes through the input outlet of a corresponding input unit to input the additive sucked out by the corresponding input unit.

[0034] Preferably, each branch passage passes through a temporary storage chamber, the temporary storage chamber being provided with a suction port, and each suction port being connected to a corresponding input unit.

[0035] The water supply passage further includes a main passage having a water inlet end communicating with the water inlet chamber and a water outlet end communicating with the water outlet structure.

[0036] A plurality of branch passages are connected in parallel to the main passage. Both ends of each branch passage are connected to the main passage, and the connection point between the inlet end of the branch passage and the main passage is located upstream of the connection point between the outlet end and the main passage. Each branch passage passes through the input outlet of the input unit.

[0037] The dosing unit further includes a liquid storage case and a suction device, the inlet of which is connected to the liquid storage case through a liquid suction channel, and the outlet of which is connected to the water supply channel, the liquid suction channel being integrally installed inside the bottom wall of the body.

[0038] The present invention further provides a washing machine including a casing, the casing having any one of the automatic additive dispensing modules described above attached thereto, the casing having an opening opposite the outlet of the automatic additive dispensing module, the water inlet of the automatic additive dispensing module being connected to a water inlet pipe of the washing machine, and the water flowing out of the water discharge structure flows into the tub of the washing machine.

[0039] The casing further includes a control panel base provided on the ceiling. The automatic additive supply module is mounted inside the control module. The control panel base has an opening that faces the withdrawal port of the automatic additive supply module in the insertion groove.

[0040] Preferably, the control panel base is annular, and a central portion of the annular control panel base constitutes the clothing insertion opening. The inside of the annular control panel base is hollow to form an installation chamber, and the automatic additive insertion module is installed in the installation chamber. An opening is provided in the inner peripheral wall of the annular control panel base for inserting the liquid storage case therethrough.

[0041] Furthermore, the main body of the additive automatic injection module is assembled to the inner wall of the control panel base. The insertion groove for inserting and mounting the liquid storage case is directly surrounded by the main body or is surrounded by the main body and the inner wall of the control panel base together. The opening of the insertion groove is located on the outer surface of the main body and forms a withdrawal opening for inserting the liquid storage case. Effect of the Invention

[0042] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following significant technical advances:

[0043] By installing as above, the removable liquid storage case is directly installed in the body of the input module, and the entire input module is integrated and directly configured into an integrated module. This allows the module to be directly installed in washing machines of different models, realizing a modular design of the input device and reducing the design and development costs of the washing machine. This also greatly improves the assembly speed of the washing machine. In addition, by installing as above, the liquid storage case of the input module adopts an ink cartridge-type independent sealed container design, so that the additive can be stored in a sealed state. This not only allows the liquid storage case to be pulled out and replaced separately, but also allows the additive to be stored in a sealed environment, avoiding the possibility of contamination due to contact with the outside.

[0044] By installing as above, the water channel structure of the input module is integratedly installed on the bottom wall of the input module, and the integrated installation of the entire input module is realized. And the water supply water channel is integratedly installed on the bottom wall of the input module, and the water channel is installed below the input unit, so that the input water channel can directly flow out from the bottom of the input module and input into the washing tub. This realizes a rational layout of the input module, and increases the water discharge pressure of the input module, which is a significant technical advance.

[0045] Moreover, the present invention has a simple structure, remarkable effect, and is suitable for widespread use.

[0046] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0047] 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]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention when an injection module is assembled from one angle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the assembled input module according to the embodiment of the present invention from another angle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention showing an injection module in an assembled and disassembled state from one angle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the injection module in the embodiment of the present invention when assembled and disassembled from another angle. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a plane structure of an input module in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure taken along line AA of FIG. 5 in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an exploded input module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the input module in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of an input module in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] 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.

[0050] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the defect management method in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in combination with the accompanying drawings according to the embodiments of the present invention. EXAMPLES

[0051] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, an additive injection module will be described. The injection module 100 includes a main body 1 made of an independent member. The main body 1 is provided with at least one insertion groove 3 inside. The opening of the insertion groove 3 is provided on the outer wall of the main body 1 to form an outlet 19. A liquid storage case 2 that can be pulled out to the outside and pushed inward from the outlet is attached inside the insertion groove 3. The liquid storage case 2 constitutes a sealed storage chamber for storing the additive. Preferably, the liquid storage case 2 is an ink cartridge type sealed container and directly constitutes the sealed storage chamber. This makes the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 an independent container for storing the additive. The ink cartridge type sealed container is a container similar in shape to the ink cartridge of a printer. In addition, a water supply channel 5 is integrally installed in the main body 1 of the injection module 100. The water supply channel 5 is configured to allow a water flow to pass through. A suction device is further attached to the main body 1 of the injection module. The suction device has an inlet communicating with the liquid storage case 2 and an outlet communicating with the water supply channel 5. The suction device is used to suck the additive stored in the liquid storage case 2 into the water supply channel 5 and to introduce it together with the water flow passing through the water supply channel 5.

[0052] By installing as above, the removable liquid storage case is directly installed in the body of the input module, and the entire input module is integrated and directly configured into an integrated module. This allows the module to be directly installed in washing machines of different models, realizing a modular design of the input device and reducing the design and development costs of the washing machine. This also greatly improves the assembly speed of the washing machine. In addition, by installing as above, the liquid storage case of the input module adopts an ink cartridge-type independent sealed container design, so that the additive can be stored in a sealed state. This not only allows the liquid storage case to be pulled out and replaced separately, but also allows the additive to be stored in a sealed environment, avoiding the possibility of contamination due to contact with the outside.

[0053] In this embodiment, the main body 1 of the input module 100 has on one side an outlet 19 for pulling out the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 attached in the insertion groove 3 to the outside, and a suction device is attached to the other opposite side. The ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 has a liquid discharge port 16 at one end inserted into the insertion groove 3. The liquid discharge port 16 is connected to the water supply channel 5 via the suction device.

[0054] In this embodiment, the main body 1 of the dosing module is surrounded by a housing. The inside of the housing is hollow, and the hollow area forms the insertion groove 3 located inside the main body 1. The housing also has an opening that connects the insertion groove 3 to the outside. The opening forms a withdrawal port 19 for inserting the liquid storage case 2 into the insertion groove 3 and withdrawing it from the insertion groove 3.

[0055] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, the suction device includes a suction pump 4. The suction pump 4 is attached to the main body 1. Preferably, the suction pump 4 is located inside the main body 1 and fixedly attached to a housing constituting the main body 1. In this embodiment, the suction pump 4 has an inlet communicating with the liquid discharge port 16 of the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 and an outlet communicating with the water supply channel 5. As a result, the suction pump 4 provides power to the fluid after operation, and causes the additive stored in the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 to flow toward the water supply channel 5. Preferably, in this embodiment, the axial directions of the inlet and outlet of the suction pump 4 are installed parallel to each other. Moreover, the inlet and outlet of the same suction pump 4 are installed parallel to or perpendicular to the drawing direction of the liquid storage case 2. This makes it easier to assemble the suction pump 4, and improves the smoothness of adding the additive.

[0056] Of course, in the embodiments of the present invention, the suction device may be any other driving device capable of providing a driving force to the liquid to achieve the injection of the additive, such as a Venturi tube (not shown in the drawings) that uses the flow of water passing through to generate a negative pressure suction force.

[0057] In this embodiment, the suction pump 4 may be a one-way suction pump that can be opened only in one direction from the inlet to the outlet in order to ensure the flow direction of the liquid and prevent the liquid in the waterway from flowing back into the liquid storage case 2. Of course, to achieve the above purpose, a check valve may be installed in the water supply waterway or the liquid storage case 2 to ensure that the liquid in the entire waterway flows in one direction and that backflow is prevented.

[0058] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, in order to improve the smoothness of additive injection, a temporary storage chamber 12 through which the water supply channel 5 passes may be provided in the main body 1 of the injection module, and the outlet of the suction pump 4 may be connected to the temporary storage chamber 12. In this way, the additive sucked out by the suction pump 4 is held in the temporary storage chamber 12 and then washed away by the passing water flow. This makes it possible to inject all of the additive, provided that the smoothness of additive injection is guaranteed. In addition, the capacity of the temporary storage chamber 12 may be measured, and the amount of additive injected may be obtained from the number of injections into the temporary storage chamber 12. This realizes the effect of measuring and estimating the additive sucked out by the suction pump 4.

[0059] 1 to 9, in this embodiment, a liquid suction channel 6 is integrally provided in the main body 1. One end of the liquid suction channel 6 communicates with the inlet of the suction pump 4, and the other end communicates with the liquid discharge port 16 in the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 via a liquid guide structure. As a result, the suction pump 4 communicates with the liquid storage case 2 via the liquid suction channel that is integrally provided in the main body 1 of the input module.

[0060] In this embodiment, the liquid guide structure includes a liquid guide connection part 9 that is installed in the insertion groove 3 of the main body 1 and communicates with the liquid suction channel 6. A container connection part 10 that fits the liquid guide connection part 9 and opens is provided at the liquid discharge port 16 of the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2. The container connection part 10 is provided with a valve body 21 that opens the liquid discharge port 16 when the liquid guide connection part 9 abuts against it and closes the liquid discharge port 16 in a normal state. Preferably, the container connection part 10 is provided on the end cover. The end cover is removably attached to the liquid discharge port 16 of the liquid storage case 2, for example, by screwing. As a result, when the liquid storage case 2 is pulled out, the container connection part 10 appropriately closes the liquid discharge port 16, and the liquid storage case 2 directly constitutes a sealed storage chamber, thereby achieving the purpose of appropriately storing the additive.

[0061] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, the liquid guide connection part 9 installed in the insertion groove of the main body 1 has a rod-like structure extending from the closed end of the insertion groove 3 along the pull-out direction of the liquid storage case 2. The container connection part installed in the liquid discharge port 16 of the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 extends along the pull-out direction of the liquid storage case 2 and forms a sleeve structure protruding toward the closed end of the insertion groove 3. The sleeve structure has a valve body 21 at one end and the other end communicates with the inside of the liquid storage case 2 through the liquid discharge port 16. A compressed spring 22 is further provided in the sleeve structure. Both ends of the spring 22 abut against the valve body 21 and the sleeve structure, respectively. The valve body 21 abuts against one end of the sleeve structure facing the closed end of the insertion groove 3 due to the action of the elastic force of the spring 22, and appropriately seals the passage formed inside the sleeve structure. As a result, the liquid discharge port 16 in the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 is sealed, and the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 forms a sealed container. When the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 is properly inserted into the insertion groove 3, the liquid guide connection part 9 comes into contact with the valve body 21, and the valve body 21 moves toward the inside of the liquid storage case 2 against the elastic force applied by the spring 22. This makes it possible to realize the effect of opening the liquid discharge port 16 of the liquid storage case 2 and introducing an additive.

[0062] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, the water supply channel 5 is integrally installed inside the bottom wall of the main body 1. The main body 1 of the input module 100 is composed of a housing. The main body 1 is installed horizontally, covers the bottom, and has a bottom wall for supporting the liquid storage case 2. A water channel for causing water to flow is provided inside the bottom wall, and at least a part of the water channel constitutes the water supply channel 5. Both ends of the water supply channel 5 are respectively connected to the water inlet 7 and the water discharge structure 8 provided in the main body 1. The center of the water supply channel 5 is connected to the ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 via the suction pump 4.

[0063] In this embodiment, in order to realize the introduction of additives of different categories, the inside of the main body 1 of the input module 100 may be divided into a plurality of insertion grooves 3 arranged at intervals. An ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 that can be pulled out is attached to each insertion groove 3. By storing additives of different categories in each liquid storage case 2, the effect of introducing additives of different categories appropriately is realized. In addition, in this embodiment, the liquid discharge port 16 of each ink cartridge type liquid storage case 2 communicates with the water supply channel 5 through a corresponding suction device. As a result, the additives introduced from the different liquid storage cases 2 all enter the water supply channel 5 and are then swept away through the water supply channel 5, thereby realizing the purpose of introducing additives together with the supply of water to the input module 100.

[0064] Preferably, in this embodiment, in order to ensure the convenience of pulling out each liquid storage case 2, the pull-out openings 19 of each insertion groove 3 provided in the main body 1 may be opened on the same side of the main body 1. This allows the user to easily pull out any one or a combination of liquid storage cases 2 from the same side accordingly.

[0065] In this embodiment, the water supply channel 5 passes through the outlets of each suction device in sequence, and the additives sucked out by each suction device are introduced via the same water supply channel 5. Alternatively, the water supply channel 5 is divided into a plurality of branches connected in parallel, and each branch is connected to the outlet of each suction device in a one-to-one correspondence. Alternatively, a plurality of branches are connected to the main channel 23 of the water supply channel 5, and each branch is connected to the outlet of each suction device in a one-to-one correspondence. By setting as described above and connecting all the water supply channels to each other, when any additive is introduced, the incoming water flow washes the entire introduction channel 5, reducing the amount of additive remaining in the channel. EXAMPLES

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 9, in this embodiment, an additive dosing module is described. A water supply channel 5 is integrally installed inside the bottom wall of the main body 1 of the dosing module 100, and a dosing unit installed in the main body 1 dos the additive into the water supply channel 5. By installing as described above, the water channel structure of the dosing module 100 is integrally installed on the bottom wall of the dosing module 100, and the dosing module 100 as a whole is realized as an integrated installation. In addition, by integrally installing the water supply channel 5 on the bottom wall of the dosing module 100 and installing the channel below the dosing unit, the additive is dosing via the lower channel, so that the number of times the channel needs to be changed in direction is reduced and the length of the channel is shortened. In addition, the dosing channel 5 allows the additive to directly flow out from the bottom of the dosing module 100 and be dosing into the washing tub. This realizes a rational layout of the dosing module 100, and a remarkable technical advance is achieved in that the water discharge pressure of the dosing module 100 is increased.

[0067] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, the bottom wall of the main body 1 is composed of an upper part 17 and a lower part 18 that are engaged with each other in an opposed manner. The outer peripheries of the upper part 17 and the lower part 18 are connected in a hermetically sealed manner, and a hermetically sealed gap space is formed between the opposed surfaces of the upper part 17 and the lower part 18. The opposed surfaces of the upper part 17 and / or the lower part 18 are provided with protruding ribs that protrude relatively, and the protruding ribs divide the gap space between the upper part 17 and the lower part 18 into water supply channels 5. In this way, after the upper part 17 and the lower part 18 are hermetically engaged with each other, a bottom wall structure of the input module 100 having a channel therein through which water flows is formed.

[0068] Preferably, in this embodiment, the connection points of the upper portion 17 and the lower portion 18 are hermetically connected by cladding technology, which ensures the hermeticity of the corresponding connection points of the upper portion 17 and the lower portion 18, and forms a sealed and water-passing channel after engagement.

[0069] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, both ends of the water supply channel 5 are connected to a water inlet 7 and a water discharge structure 8 provided in the main body 1, respectively. A suction port is provided in the center of the water supply channel 5, and the suction port is connected to the input outlet of the input unit. The input outlet of the input unit is a discharge end that sucks out the additive stored in the liquid storage case 2 of the input unit. As a result, the sucked out additive is input into the water supply channel 5 via the suction port, thereby achieving the effect of inputting the additive.

[0070] In this embodiment, the side wall of the main body 1 is provided with a water inlet chamber 11 extending vertically up and down. The upper part of the water inlet chamber 11 communicates with the water inlet 7 opened on the side wall of the main body 1, and the bottom part communicates with the water inlet end of the water supply channel 5. The water inlet chamber 11 is provided to buffer the inlet water flow, thereby ensuring the stability of the water inlet. In addition, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet chamber 11 is equal to or larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the water supply channel 5. This increases the water pressure of the water flow injected into the water supply channel through the water inlet chamber 11, improving the effect of the water flow washing away the additives introduced and the inner wall of the water supply channel 5.

[0071] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, a temporary storage chamber 12 is provided on the bottom wall of the main body 1, and the water supply channel 5 passes through the temporary storage chamber 12. The temporary storage chamber 12 is provided with a suction port that communicates with the input outlet of the input unit. This allows the additive input by the input unit to be directly input into the temporary storage chamber 12, so that quantitative measurement of the additive input can be achieved by using the number of times the temporary storage chamber 12 is sucked. Preferably, in order to link with the measurement, the amount input by the input unit in one operation may be an amount that just fills the temporary storage chamber 12 or an amount that reaches a predetermined liquid level. This makes it possible to achieve the effect of quantitatively measuring the additive input by simply measuring the number of operations of the input unit and the number of times the temporary storage chamber 12 is flushed.

[0072] In this embodiment, the water supply channel 5 portions upstream and downstream of the temporary storage chamber 12 are provided with at least one bend that changes the direction of the water flow, and the bend can be used to adjust the flow rate of the water flow passing through the temporary storage chamber 12. This reduces the flow rate of the water flow passing through the temporary storage chamber, improving the sweeping effect of the passing water flow on the additive being added, reducing the amount of additive remaining in the channel, and improving the degree of mixing of the additive with the passing water flow.

[0073] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, the water discharge structure is a water discharge chamber 13 provided in the bottom wall of the main body 1. The water discharge chamber 13 has a water discharge port 15 provided on one side, and the opposite other side communicates with the water discharge end of the water supply channel 5. Preferably, in this embodiment, a water equalizing rib 14 is provided in the water discharge chamber 13. The water equalizing rib 14 divides the water discharge chamber 13 into a first portion communicating with the water discharge port 15 and a second portion communicating with the water discharge end of the water supply channel 5. The water equalizing rib 14 has a plurality of gaps at intervals, and each gap communicates the first portion with the second portion. As a result, the water discharge water flow is evenly diverted to various places by the action of the water equalizing rib 14 and flows out evenly from different positions of the water discharge port 15, improving the uniformity of the water discharge of the input module.

[0074] In this embodiment, the discharge chamber 13 is a cone-shaped chamber whose height gradually increases toward the water outlet side along the water discharge direction. This increases the discharge cross-sectional area, improving the diffusion of the discharged water flow and expanding the coverage area of ​​the discharged water flow.

[0075] In this embodiment, the water supply channel 5 has a number of branch channels connected in parallel. Each branch channel passes through the input outlet of the input unit to input the additive sucked out by the corresponding input unit. Preferably, each branch channel passes through the temporary storage chamber 12. The temporary storage chamber 12 is provided with a suction port, and each suction port is connected to the corresponding input unit. In this way, after each input unit inputs the additive into the corresponding temporary storage chamber in a one-to-one correspondence, the passing water flow will push it into the water supply channel 5.

[0076] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, in this embodiment, the water supply channel 5 includes a main channel 23. The main channel 23 has a water inlet end that communicates with the water inlet chamber 11 and a water outlet end that communicates with the water outlet structure 8. A plurality of branch channels are connected in parallel to the main channel 23. Both ends of each branch channel are connected to the main channel 23, and the connection point between the water inlet end of the branch channel and the main channel 23 is located upstream of the connection point between the water outlet end and the main channel 23. Each branch channel passes through a temporary storage chamber 12 that communicates with the input outlet of the input unit.

[0077] By installing as described above, the additives sucked out from the input outlets of each input unit are merged into the same water channel, thereby realizing the purpose of inputting different additives respectively. Also, by installing as described above and connecting all the water supply channels to each other, the purpose of the water flow passing through when inputting different additives can simultaneously wash the entire water supply channel and the branch channels into which the different additives are input is realized, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the amount of additive remaining in the water channels.

[0078] Preferably, as shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, three branch passages are connected in parallel to the main passage 23. The first branch passage 24 has a water inlet end communicating with the water inlet chamber 11 and a water discharge end communicating with a portion of the main passage 23 close to the water inlet end. The center of the first branch passage 24 passes through the first temporary storage chamber 27. The first temporary storage chamber 27 is provided with a first suction port, which communicates with the first feeding unit. As a result, the additive stored in the first liquid storage case 36 of the first feeding unit is sucked into the first temporary storage chamber 27 via the first suction water passage 33 by the drive of the first suction pump 30, and is then swept into the main passage 23 by the water flow passing through the first branch passage 24. In this way, the purpose of feeding the first type of additive is achieved.

[0079] The inlet end and the discharge end of the second branch passage 25 are disposed close to each other and communicate with the center of the main passage 23. Both the inlet end and the discharge end of the second branch passage 25 are located downstream of the discharge end of the first branch passage 24. The center of the second branch passage 25 passes through the second temporary storage chamber 28. The second temporary storage chamber 28 is provided with a second suction port, which communicates with the second feeding unit. As a result, the additive stored in the second liquid storage case 37 of the second feeding unit is sucked into the second temporary storage chamber 28 via the second suction water passage 34 by the drive of the second suction pump 31, and is then swept into the main passage 23 by the water flow passing through the second branch passage 25. In this way, the purpose of feeding the second type of additive is achieved.

[0080] The water inlet end and the water discharge end of the third branch passage 26 are installed close to each other, and are connected to the water discharge end of the main passage 23. The center of the third branch passage 26 passes through a third temporary storage chamber 29. A third suction port is provided in the third temporary storage chamber 29, and the third suction port is connected to the third input unit. As a result, the additive stored in the third liquid storage case 38 of the third input unit is sucked into the third temporary storage chamber 29 via the third suction water passage 35 by the drive of the third suction pump 32, and is then swept into the main passage 23 by the water flow passing through the third branch passage 26. In this way, the purpose of inputting the third type of additive is achieved.

[0081] In this embodiment, the input unit may be any conventional device capable of realizing an additive input function, such as the input unit structure described in the above embodiment 1. As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, the input unit includes a liquid storage case 2 and a suction pump 4. The suction pump 4 has an inlet connected to the liquid storage case 2 via a liquid suction channel 6, and an outlet connected to a water supply channel 5. The liquid suction channel 6 can be integrally installed inside the bottom wall of the main body 1, similar to the water supply channel 5. The outlet of the suction pump 4 constitutes an additive input outlet of the input unit, and may be directly connected to the water supply channel 5, or may be connected to a temporary storage chamber 12 through which the water supply channel 5 passes. By installing as described above and making it possible to suck the additive stored in the liquid storage case 2 into the water supply channel 5 by a suction device, it is possible to realize the purpose of sucking and inputting the stored additive. EXAMPLES

[0082] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, a washing machine will be described in the embodiments of the present invention. The washing machine includes a casing. The casing is fitted with a loading module 100 described in any of the above embodiments. The casing is provided with an opening 20 that faces an outlet 19 of the loading module 100. The water inlet 7 of the loading module 100 is connected to a water inlet pipe of the washing machine, and the water flowing out from the water discharge structure 8 flows into the tub of the washing machine.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine may be a clothes washing machine of any conventional structure, such as a pulsator washing machine or a drum washing machine. The washing machine described in the embodiment of the present invention may be a normal washing machine in which the tub is a water tank that only has an outer tub function for storing water in the washing machine, or may be a holeless inner tub washing machine in which the tub has both an inner tub and an outer tub function, does not have a spin hole, and has only a water tank whose drain opening and closing can be controlled, and does not require cleaning. In addition, other washing units, such as a pulsator or a stirring rod, for stirring the water flow to wash clothes may be installed in the tub.

[0084] As shown in Figs. 1 to 9, in this embodiment, the washing machine is a pulsator type washing machine, and includes a tub installed in a casing. The axis of the tub is vertical, and the tub port is opened upward. In this embodiment, the casing of the washing machine includes a control panel base 200 installed in the ceiling, and the input module 100 is attached inside the control module 200. The control panel base 200 has an opening 20 that faces the outlet 19 in the insertion groove 3 of the input module 100. In this embodiment, the control panel base 200 of the washing machine is annular, and the center of the annular control panel base 200 constitutes a clothes input port. The inside of the annular control panel base 200 is hollow to form an attachment chamber. The additive automatic input module 100 is attached inside the attachment chamber. The annular control panel base 200 has an opening 20 for inserting the liquid storage case 2 in the inner peripheral wall thereof. Preferably, the opening 20 is located on the rear side of the inner peripheral wall of the annular control panel base 200 so that the user can easily pull out and attach the liquid storage case 2 .

[0085] In this embodiment, the main body 1 of the input module 100 is assembled to the inner wall of the control panel base 200. The main body 1 may directly surround the insertion groove 3, or the main body 1 and the inner wall of the control panel base 200 may jointly surround the insertion groove 3 for properly drawing out and installing the liquid storage case 2. The opening of the insertion groove 3 is located on the outer surface of the main body 1 of the input module to form an outlet 19 for inserting the liquid storage case 2. The opening 20 of the control panel base 200 is opened to correspond one-to-one to the outlet 19 of the main body 1 of the input module 100. The liquid storage case 2 is inserted into the opening 20 and the outlet 19 in order, and then inserted into the insertion groove 3 and installed.

[0086] In this embodiment, the input module 100 is provided with three ink cartridge-type liquid storage cases 2. Each ink cartridge-type liquid storage case 2 can accommodate additives of different categories, such as detergent, fragrance, fabric softener, disinfectant, etc. In this way, additives of different categories can be appropriately input separately or in combination, so that when the washing machine runs different categories of programs, the additives of different categories can be used to appropriately treat the clothes. In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, each ink cartridge-type liquid storage case 2 of the input module 100 can store detergents of different concentrations, such as super concentrated, concentrated, normal, low foam, etc. In this way, when the washing machine runs different washing programs, detergents of corresponding categories can be appropriately input to appropriately wash different clothes, thereby achieving the purpose of improving the washing effect of the washing machine.

[0087] The above description is merely 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 through a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, slight changes or modifications that can be made by a person skilled in the art using the technical content presented above are equivalently modified equivalent embodiments, and none of them deviate from the content of the technical solution of the present invention. In addition, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention all belong to the scope of the solution of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 100 Input Module 200 Control Panel Base 1 Main unit 2 Liquid storage case 3 Insertion groove 4. Suction pump 5 Water supply channel 6 Liquid suction waterway 7. Water Inlet 8. Water discharge structure 9 Liquid conducting connection 10 Container connection 11. Water Room 12 Temporary Storage Room 13 Spout room 14 Water-equalizing rib 15 Water outlet 16 Liquid spout 17 Upper 18 Lower 19 Drawer 20 aperture 21 Valve body 22 Spring 23 Main road 24 1st Branch 25 Second branch 26 Third branch 27 Temporary Storage Room No. 1 28 Second Temporary Storage Room 29 Temporary Storage Room No. 3 30 First suction pump 31 Second suction pump 32 3rd suction pump 33 1st liquid suction waterway 34 2nd liquid suction waterway 35 3rd liquid suction waterway 36 First storage case 37 Second liquid storage case 38 Third storage case

Claims

1. An automatic additive supply module including a main body having an insertion groove therein, a storage case that forms a sealed storage chamber for storing the additive and is retractably attached to the insertion groove; A water supply channel that is integrally installed in the main body; A suction device installed in the main body sucks the additive stored in the storage case into the water supply channel and introduces it along with the passing water flow; A liquid discharge port is provided at one end that is inserted into the insertion groove, The suction device has an inlet communicating with the liquid discharge port of the liquid storage case and an outlet communicating with the water supply channel; The liquid guide structure is composed of a rod-shaped liquid guide connector and a sleeve structure. a liquid guide connecting portion disposed in the insertion groove and extending from a closed end of the insertion groove along a direction in which the liquid storage case can be pulled out; An automatic additive dispensing module, characterized in that one end of a sleeve structure is connected to the discharge port of the liquid storage case, the sleeve structure extends toward the sealed end of the insertion groove along the direction in which the liquid storage case can be pulled out, a valve body is arranged on the other end of the sleeve structure, and a spring in a compressed state is provided inside the sleeve structure, and both ends of the spring abut against the valve body and the sleeve structure, respectively.

2. The automatic additive dosing module of claim 1, characterized in that the main body has an outlet on one side and a suction device attached to the other opposite side, the outlet is used to connect the insertion groove to the outside of the main body and form an opening for pulling the liquid storage case out of the insertion groove and / or pushing it into the insertion groove, and the discharge port connects the sealed storage chamber of the liquid storage case to a water supply channel via the suction device.

3. An automatic additive dosing module as described in claim 1, characterized in that the main body is provided with a temporary storage chamber through which a water supply water passage passes, and the outlet of the suction device is connected to the temporary storage chamber.

4. The automatic additive dosing module as described in claim 3, characterized in that a liquid suction channel is integrally provided in the main body, one end of which is connected to the inlet of the suction device and the other end of which is connected to the discharge port of the liquid storage case via a liquid guide structure.

5. The automatic additive dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the water supply channel is integrally installed inside the bottom wall of the main body, both ends of the water supply channel are respectively connected to the water inlet and the water outlet structure provided in the main body, and the central part of the water supply channel is connected to the liquid storage case via a suction device.

6. The automatic additive dosing module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the inside of the main body is divided into a plurality of insertion grooves arranged at intervals, each insertion groove is fitted with a plurality of liquid storage cases that can be pulled out to the outside, and the liquid outlet of each liquid storage case is connected to a water supply channel via a one-to-one corresponding suction device.

7. The water supply passage passes through the outlet of each suction device in sequence, and the additives sucked out by each suction device are introduced through the same water supply passage, Alternatively, the water supply passage is divided into a plurality of branch passages connected in parallel, and each branch passage is connected to the outlet of each suction device in a one-to-one correspondence, Alternatively, the automatic additive supply module according to claim 6, characterized in that a plurality of branch passages are connected to the main passage of the water supply channel, and each branch passage is connected to the outlet of each suction device in a one-to-one correspondence.

8. The water supply channel is integrally installed inside the bottom wall of the main body of the input module.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the additive is added to the water supply channel by an injection unit installed inside the body. The additive automatic supply module according to claim 1.

9. The additive automatic dosing module of claim 8, characterized in that the bottom wall of the main body is composed of upper and lower parts that are engaged opposite to each other, the outer peripheries of the upper and lower parts are connected in a sealed manner, a sealed gap space is formed between the opposing surfaces of the upper and lower parts, and the opposing surfaces of the upper and / or lower parts are provided with protruding ribs that protrude relatively, and the protruding ribs divide the gap space between the upper and lower parts into a water supply channel.

10. The side wall of the main body is provided with a water inlet chamber that extends vertically from top to bottom. The body communicates with a water inlet opening on the side wall of the body, and the bottom communicates with the water inlet end of the water supply channel.

10. The additive automatic injection module according to claim 9.

11. A temporary storage chamber is provided on the bottom wall of the main body, and a water supply channel passes through the temporary storage chamber. The temporary storage chamber is provided with a suction port, through which the additive sucked by the feeding unit is suctioned.

11. The additive automatic dosing module of claim 10, which is used to cause an agent to flow into a temporary storage chamber.

12. The water discharge structure is a water discharge chamber provided in the bottom wall of the main body, and the water discharge chamber has a water discharge port on one side.

11. The automatic additive supply module according to claim 10, further comprising a water supply passage, the other side of which communicates with the discharge end of the water supply passage.

13. The water supply channel has a plurality of branches connected in parallel, and each branch has a supply outlet of a supply unit. The automatic additive supply module according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the additives sucked by the corresponding supply units are supplied through the respective supply units.

14. The water supply channel includes a main channel, the main channel having a water inlet end communicating with the water inlet chamber and a water outlet end communicating with the water outlet structure; The additive automatic dosing module of claim 13, characterized in that a plurality of branch passages are connected in parallel to the main passage, both ends of each branch passage are connected to the main passage, and the connection point between the inlet end of each branch passage and the main passage is located upstream of the connection point between the outlet end of each branch passage and the main passage, and each branch passage passes through the dosing outlet of the dosing unit.

15. The additive automatic dosing module according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the dosing unit includes a liquid storage case and a suction device, the suction device has an inlet connected to the liquid storage case via a liquid suction channel and an outlet connected to a water supply channel, and the liquid suction channel is integrally installed inside the bottom wall of the main body.

16. 1. A washing machine including a casing, A washing machine comprising a casing having an automatic additive dispensing module according to any one of claims 1 to 15 attached thereto, the casing having an opening opposite the outlet of the automatic additive dispensing module, the water inlet of the dispensing module being connected to a water inlet pipe of the washing machine, and the water flowing out of the water discharge structure flowing into a tub of the washing machine.

17. The casing includes a control panel base that is mounted on the ceiling, and a loading module The control panel is mounted inside the control module and the additive auto-dispenser is located on the control panel base.

17. The washing machine according to claim 16, wherein an opening is provided in the insertion groove of the input module opposite the outlet.

18. The washing machine according to claim 17, characterized in that the main body of the automatic additive dispensing module is assembled to the inner wall of the control panel base, the insertion groove for properly inserting and mounting the liquid storage case is directly surrounded by the main body or is jointly surrounded by the main body and the inner wall of the control panel base, and the opening of the insertion groove is located on the outer surface of the main body to form an outlet for inserting the liquid storage case.

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