Clothes treatment agent liquid level detection circuit, dispensing device and washing machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses a liquid level detection circuit for laundry treatment agent, a dispensing device, and a washing machine. The liquid treatment agent dispensing device includes a liquid storage box, a liquid pump, and a liquid mixing box body. The liquid pump has at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet. The liquid mixing box body has a cavity formed therein and is provided with a water inlet, at least one liquid inlet, and at least one liquid outlet communicating with the cavity. The water inlet of the liquid mixing box body is connected to a water inlet pipe of the washing machine, the liquid outlet of the liquid mixing box body is connected to a washing tub of the washing machine, the liquid inlet of the liquid mixing box body is plug-connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid pump, and the liquid inlet of the liquid pump is plug-connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box. The use of a detachable liquid storage box facilitates cleaning. The use of a shorter liquid storage box liquid level probe to detect the liquid level height in the liquid storage box reduces the influence of bubbles on the probe. The detection accuracy can be further improved by using the liquid storage box liquid level probe and the liquid pump liquid level probe for joint detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of laundry equipment, and in particular to a laundry treatment agent liquid level detection circuit, a dispensing device and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of science and technology, smart washing machine dispensing technology is increasingly being applied to washing machine operations. This technology can intelligently and accurately add a dosage of laundry treatment based on the amount of laundry, largely eliminating the need for manual dosing, which can lead to inaccurate dosing. Furthermore, smart dispensing technology allows for a larger volume of laundry treatment to be dispensed at once, allowing for extended use, significantly reducing the time and cost of adding treatment per wash.

[0003] The detergent additive boxes of some existing clothing processing devices are not removable. After long-term use, gel-like detergent additives will accumulate inside the detergent additive box, or when replacing detergent additives of different brands, unpredictable chemical reactions will occur, causing odor inside the box. The non-removable detergent additive box cannot be cleaned, which greatly reduces the user experience of the product.

[0004] Liquid level detection technology is an important part of the intelligent delivery system to achieve intelligence. There are two main types of liquid level height detection for intelligent delivery systems on the market, liquid level probe detection and float detection. Liquid level probe detection is easily affected by bubbles in the liquid storage chamber, resulting in misjudgment, and the liquid level probe is usually set in a transition chamber. The setting of the transition chamber will directly cause errors in delivery accuracy; the float detection structure is mostly used in intelligent delivery systems with a detachable liquid storage box structure, but this structure requires sufficient structural space to be laid out, and cannot be applicable to all intelligent delivery systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To this end, the present invention provides a laundry treatment agent liquid level detection circuit, a dispensing device and a washing machine to solve the problems of the prior art dispensing system in that the washing additive box cannot be disassembled and the liquid level detection accuracy is poor.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a liquid level detection circuit for a laundry treatment agent dispensing device of a washing machine, wherein the dispensing device includes a liquid storage box and a liquid pump for extracting the laundry treatment agent from the liquid storage box, and the liquid level detection circuit includes a main controller, a liquid storage box liquid level probe, and a liquid pump liquid level probe;

[0007] A liquid level probe of the liquid storage box is arranged in the liquid storage cavity of the liquid storage box;

[0008] A liquid level probe of the liquid pump is arranged in the cavity of the liquid pump;

[0009] The liquid level probe of the liquid storage box contacts the clothes treating agent in the liquid storage box and can be conducted through the clothes treating agent; the liquid level probe of the liquid suction pump contacts the clothes treating agent in the liquid suction pump and can be conducted through the clothes treating agent;

[0010] The liquid level probe of the liquid storage box and the liquid level probe of the liquid suction pump form a series relationship in the liquid level detection circuit; the main controller determines whether the clothing treatment agent of the dispensing device is insufficient based on the liquid level detection signal of the liquid storage box liquid level probe and the liquid level detection signal of the liquid suction pump liquid level probe; when the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber is higher than the position of the liquid storage chamber liquid level probe, the liquid storage chamber liquid level probe contacts the clothing treatment agent and is conducted through the clothing treatment agent, the liquid level detection circuit is closed, and the main controller does not send a signal; when the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber is lower than the position of the liquid storage chamber liquid level probe, the liquid storage chamber liquid level probe does not contact the clothing treatment agent, the liquid level detection circuit is disconnected, and the main controller sends a low liquid level signal.

[0011] Further optionally, the clothing treatment agent liquid level detection circuit also includes a contact conduction structure, which is electrically connected to the liquid storage box liquid level probe and the main controller respectively, and the contact conduction structure is used to make the liquid storage box liquid level probe and the main controller conductive when the liquid storage box is inserted into the installation box; when the liquid storage box pops out of the installation box, the liquid storage box liquid level probe is disconnected from the main controller.

[0012] Further optionally, the contact-type conductive structure includes a first contact member and a second contact member electrically connected to the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box; the first contact member is arranged on a side of the installation box close to the liquid storage box, and the second contact member is arranged at one end of the liquid storage box. When the liquid storage box is inserted into the installation box, the first contact member contacts the second contact member, and at this time the liquid storage box liquid level probe is connected to the main controller; when the liquid storage box pops out of the installation box, the second contact member is separated from the first contact member, and at this time the liquid storage box liquid level probe is disconnected from the main controller.

[0013] Further optionally, the first contact member is a metal spring, which is arranged on the installation box; the second contact member is a contact metal sheet, which is arranged on the liquid storage box and corresponds to the position of the metal spring.

[0014] Further optionally, the number of the liquid level detection circuits corresponds to the number of the liquid storage chambers, one liquid storage chamber corresponds to one liquid level detection circuit, and one liquid level detection circuit corresponds to a group of the liquid pump liquid level probes, a group of the liquid storage box liquid level probes, and a group of the contact-type conductive structures; each group of the liquid pump liquid level probes, the liquid storage box liquid level probes, and the contact-type conductive structures are connected in series with the main controller to form one liquid level detection circuit.

[0015] The present invention also provides a clothing treatment agent dispensing device, which includes a mounting box, a liquid storage box, a liquid pump, a liquid mixing box, and a liquid level detection circuit, wherein:

[0016] The interior of the installation box has a cavity for accommodating the liquid storage box, and one end of the installation box is formed with an opening for the liquid storage box to enter and exit the cavity;

[0017] At least one liquid storage cavity is formed inside the liquid storage box, and the liquid storage cavity is provided with at least one liquid injection port and at least one liquid outlet;

[0018] The liquid pump has at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet;

[0019] The mixing box body has a cavity formed therein, and is provided with a water inlet, at least one liquid inlet, and at least one liquid outlet communicating with the cavity; the water inlet of the mixing box body is communicated with the water inlet pipe of the washing machine, and the liquid outlet of the mixing box body is communicated with the washing tub of the washing machine; the at least one liquid inlet of the mixing box body is connected in a one-to-one correspondence with the at least one liquid outlet of the liquid pump;

[0020] The liquid level detection circuit includes a main controller, a liquid storage box liquid level probe, and a liquid pump liquid level probe; wherein:

[0021] A liquid level probe of the liquid storage box is arranged in the liquid storage cavity of the liquid storage box;

[0022] A liquid level probe of the liquid pump is arranged in the cavity of the liquid pump;

[0023] The liquid level probe of the liquid storage box contacts the clothes treating agent in the liquid storage box and can be conducted through the clothes treating agent; the liquid level probe of the liquid suction pump contacts the clothes treating agent in the liquid suction pump and can be conducted through the clothes treating agent;

[0024] The liquid level probe of the liquid storage box and the liquid level probe of the liquid suction pump form a series relationship in the liquid level detection circuit; the main controller determines whether the clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment agent dispensing device is insufficient based on the liquid level detection signal of the liquid storage box liquid level probe and the liquid level detection signal of the liquid suction pump liquid level probe; when the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber is higher than the position of the liquid storage chamber liquid level probe, the liquid level probe of the liquid storage chamber contacts the clothing treatment agent and is conducted through the clothing treatment agent, the liquid level detection circuit is closed, and the main controller does not send a signal; when the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber is lower than the position of the liquid storage chamber liquid level probe, the liquid storage chamber liquid level probe does not contact the clothing treatment agent, the liquid level detection circuit is disconnected, and the main controller sends a low liquid level signal.

[0025] Further optionally, a detachable contact conduction structure is provided between the liquid storage box and the mounting box, wherein the mounting box is provided with a first contact piece, and the liquid storage box is provided with a second contact piece, wherein the first contact piece is electrically connected to the main controller, and the second contact piece is electrically connected to the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box; when the liquid storage box is inserted into the mounting box and locked, the first contact piece contacts the second contact piece, so that the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box is connected to the main controller; conversely, when the liquid storage box is popped out of the mounting box, the first contact piece is separated from the second contact piece, and the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box is disconnected from the main controller.

[0026] Further optionally, each of the liquid storage cavities is provided with a liquid level detection circuit, and the liquid pump liquid level probe, the liquid storage box liquid level probe and the liquid storage cavity are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected in series in the liquid level detection circuit.

[0027] Further optionally, the liquid level probes of the liquid storage box are all arranged horizontally and are arranged at the lower part of one end of the liquid storage box. Only a part of the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box leaks out from the interior of the liquid storage cavity, and the other part extends to the outside of the liquid storage box and is connected to the detachable contact conduction structure.

[0028] Further optionally, the liquid inlet of the liquid mixing box body is plug-connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid pump.

[0029] Further optionally, one end of the liquid storage box is provided with a liquid outlet connected to the liquid storage cavity, and the interior of the liquid storage box outlet is provided with a valve core mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the liquid outlet, and the valve core mechanism includes a tubular valve body with a sealing surface formed therein, a side sealing ring for sealing the gap between the tubular valve body and the inner wall of the liquid outlet, a needle valve, a needle valve sealing ring, a needle valve spring and a needle valve plug; one end of the tubular valve body is connected to the needle valve plug, the needle valve is arranged inside the tubular valve body along the axis of the tubular valve body, and the needle valve sealing ring is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of one end of the needle valve; the needle valve spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the other end of the needle valve, and the needle valve spring is used to provide elastic force for the needle valve, so that the needle valve sealing ring is sealed by contacting with the sealing surface of the tubular valve body.

[0030] Further optionally, the clothing treatment agent dispensing device further includes:

[0031] A locking mechanism, comprising a lock and a bayonet that locks with the lock, wherein the bayonet is provided at one end of the liquid storage box, and the lock is provided at a side of the liquid mixing box body close to the liquid storage box;

[0032] A rebound mechanism is arranged on the rear cover of the mounting box, and the rebound mechanism includes a rebound push rod and a push rod spring. The push rod spring is arranged in a spring compartment of the rear cover of the mounting box, one end of the rebound push rod is sleeved in the spring compartment and abuts against the push rod spring, and the other end of the rebound push rod abuts against the liquid storage box.

[0033] Further optionally, the clothing treatment agent dispensing device further includes:

[0034] The induction device includes a sensor and a magnet that cooperates with the sensor in induction. The magnet is arranged at one end of the liquid storage box, and the sensor is arranged on the installation box.

[0035] The present invention further provides a washing machine, which adopts any one of the above-mentioned laundry treatment agent liquid level detection circuits, or adopts any one of the above-mentioned laundry treatment agent dispensing devices.

[0036] The present invention has the following advantages: the clothing treatment agent dispensing device of the present invention facilitates cleaning by using a detachable liquid storage box, thereby enhancing the user experience; by using a shorter liquid storage box liquid level probe to detect the liquid level height in the liquid storage box, the influence of bubbles on the probe is reduced, thereby improving the detection accuracy; by jointly detecting the liquid storage box liquid level probe and the liquid pump liquid level probe, the detection accuracy can be further improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can, without inventive effort, derive other implementation drawings based on the provided drawings.

[0038] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in this specification are intended only to complement the contents disclosed herein and to facilitate understanding and reading by persons familiar with the art. They are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention may be implemented and therefore have no substantive technical significance. Any structural modifications, changes in proportions, or adjustments in sizes, without affecting the efficacy and objectives of the present invention, shall still fall within the scope of the technical contents disclosed herein.

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a liquid pump provided by the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a liquid mixing box provided by the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the connection between the liquid pump and the liquid mixing box provided by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the clothing treatment agent dispensing device is installed on a main frame;

[0043] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at A in the middle;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the laundry treatment agent dispensing device provided by the present invention in a disassembled state;

[0045] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of an embodiment of the liquid storage box provided by the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional cross-sectional structure of an embodiment of a liquid storage box provided by the present invention;

[0047] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a first contact member and a second contact member provided by the present invention;

[0048] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the installation box provided by the present invention;

[0049] Figure 11 for Figure 10Schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at A in the middle;

[0050] Figure 12 A schematic side view of the structure of an installation box embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0051] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at B in the middle;

[0052] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the connection between the contact-type conduction structure provided by the present invention, the liquid level probe, and the main controller;

[0053] Figure 15 A schematic side view of the structure of an embodiment of the liquid storage box provided by the present invention;

[0054] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at A in the middle;

[0055] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of an embodiment of the installation box provided by the present invention;

[0056] In the figure: 10-liquid pump; 11-liquid pump level probe; 12-liquid pump fixing member;

[0057] 20-mixing liquid box body; 21-through hole;

[0058] 30 - Liquid storage box; 31 - Liquid injection port; 32 - Sealing cap; 33 - One-way valve; 34 - Valve core mechanism; 341 - Tubular valve body; 342 - Side sealing ring; 343 - Needle valve; 344 - Needle valve sealing ring; 345 - Needle valve spring; 346 - Needle valve plug; 35 - Box front cover; 36 - Front decorative cover; 37 - Front cover; 38 - Liquid level probe for liquid storage box;

[0059] 40 - Mounting box; 41 - Roller; 42 - Spring pressure wheel mechanism; 421 - Base; 422 - Compression spring; 423 - Pressure wheel mounting base; 424 - Pressure wheel; 43 - Box middle cover; 44 - Box rear cover; 45 - Lock; 46 - Bayonet; 47 - Rebound ejector; 48 - Ejector spring; 49 - Sensor; 50 - Magnet; 51 - First contact member; 52 - Second contact member;

[0060] 60-main controller; 70-main frame; 80-door front cover; 90-washing tub. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The following describes the implementation of the present invention using specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the other advantages and benefits of the present invention from the disclosure herein. Obviously, the embodiments described are only a portion of the present invention, not all of it. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0062] The present invention provides a liquid level probe on the liquid storage box and the liquid suction pump, and forms a liquid level detection circuit with the contact conduction structure to detect the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber; a plug-in structure is provided to realize the rapid connection between the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box and the liquid suction port of the liquid suction pump, and a valve core mechanism is provided at the liquid storage pipe of the liquid storage box to avoid liquid leakage when the liquid storage box pops out of the installation box; the locking and rebound mechanisms are provided so that the liquid storage box and the installation box can be detachably connected; the liquid level detection accuracy is improved, the addition of clothing treatment agent and the cleaning of the liquid storage box are convenient, and the user experience is improved.

[0063] Example

[0064] <Mixed liquid box>

[0065] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a laundry treatment agent mixing device, preferably a laundry treatment agent mixing device for use in a laundry treatment agent dispensing device, comprising: a liquid pump 10 and a liquid mixing box 20. The liquid pump 10 has two liquid inlets (E and F in the figure) and two liquid outlets (G and H in the figure). The two liquid inlets of the liquid pump 10 are tubular, parallel, and spaced apart. The distance between the two liquid inlets of the liquid pump 10 is equal to the distance between the two liquid outlets of the liquid storage box 30. The liquid inlet of the liquid mixing box 20 is plug-connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid pump 10. An annular groove is provided on the edge of the liquid inlet of the liquid pump 10, and a sealing ring is provided in the groove. The sealing ring is used to seal the annular gap between the liquid inlet of the liquid pump 10 and the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box 30. The two liquid outlets of the liquid pump 10 are tubular, parallel, and spaced apart. The distance between the two liquid outlets of the liquid pump 10 is equal to the distance between the two liquid inlets of the liquid mixing box 20. A liquid level probe 11 is provided in the liquid pump 10 . One end of the liquid level probe 11 extends to the outside of the liquid pump 10 to form a contact terminal. The contact terminal is in contact with the contact piece to achieve conduction with the main controller 60 of the washing machine.

[0066] like Figure 2 and 3As shown, the mixing box 20 has a cavity formed within it. Its dimensions match those of the mounting box 40. The mixing box 20 is screwed to the other end of the mounting box 40 and serves as part of the rear cover of the mounting box 40. The mixing box 20 has a four-way structure and is equipped with a water inlet (A) communicating with the cavity, two liquid inlets (B and C), and a liquid outlet (D). The water inlet, liquid inlet, and liquid outlet are all located on the side of the mixing box 20 facing away from the liquid storage box 30. The water inlet of the mixing box 20 is connected to the washing machine's water inlet pipe. A water inlet solenoid valve is installed on the water inlet pipe. This water inlet solenoid valve is electrically connected to the washing machine's main controller 60, which controls the opening and closing of the water inlet solenoid valve. The liquid outlet of the mixing box 20 is connected to the washing machine's washing tub 90 and is used to discharge diluted laundry treatment agent. The liquid inlet of the mixing liquid box body 20 is pluggably connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid pump 10, which is in turn pluggably connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box 30. This pluggable connection facilitates the removal and insertion of the liquid storage box 30. The mixing liquid box body 20 is provided with through-holes 21 through which the liquid inlet of the liquid pump 10 can pass. The number and position of the through-holes 21 correspond to the number and position of the liquid inlets of the liquid pump 10. By inserting the liquid inlet of the liquid pump 10 through the through-holes 21 and then plugging it into the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box 30, the space occupied by the liquid pump 10 and the mixing liquid box body 20 can be reduced, thereby significantly reducing the volume of the clothing treatment agent dispensing device. When the main controller 60 controls the liquid extraction pump 10 to operate, the liquid extraction pump 10 pumps the laundry treatment agent in the liquid storage box 30 into the liquid mixing box 20. At the same time, when the main controller 60 controls the water inlet solenoid valve to open, water enters the liquid mixing box 20 through the water inlet and mixes with the laundry treatment agent in the liquid mixing box 20, diluting the laundry treatment agent. The diluted laundry treatment agent then flows out of the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box 30 and into the washing tub 90. For convenient control, a solenoid valve is provided on each pipeline between the liquid outlet and the washing tub 90. The solenoid valve is electrically connected to the main controller 60, and the main controller 60 controls the amount of laundry treatment agent flowing into each washing tub 90.

[0067] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the number of liquid inlets and liquid outlets of the liquid pump 10 is two, but the number of liquid inlets and liquid outlets of the liquid pump 10 is not limited to this. It is specifically determined according to the number of liquid storage chambers of the liquid storage box 30. The number of liquid storage chambers is equal to the number of liquid inlets and liquid outlets of the liquid pump 10.

[0068] <Dispensing device>

[0069] like Figure 4 and 5As shown, the present embodiment also provides a clothing treatment agent dispensing device, which is arranged on the upper part of the main frame 70 and located behind the washing machine panel, close to the water inlet flow path, and transports clothing treatment agent to the multi-barrel clothing treatment device from top to bottom, avoiding the problem of liquid accumulation in the pipeline caused by the liquid pump 10 transporting the clothing treatment agent from bottom to top in the prior art, reducing the difficulty of dispensing, and at the same time reducing the technical requirements for the liquid pump 10 and reducing costs.

[0070] like Figure 6 、 7 As shown in Figure 8 , the laundry treatment agent dispensing device includes a liquid storage box 30, a mounting housing 40, and a detachable contact conductive structure. The liquid storage box 30 has two liquid storage chambers formed therein: one for storing laundry treatment agent, and the other for storing softener. The number of liquid storage chambers is not limited to two and can be determined based on actual needs. The two liquid storage chambers are separated into independent chambers by a partition plate. The size of each liquid storage chamber is determined based on the amount of laundry treatment agent required to be stored. The bottom walls of the two liquid storage chambers are sloped to ensure that as much laundry treatment agent as possible flows to the lower area, facilitating extraction by the liquid pump 10. Each liquid storage chamber is equipped with a liquid level probe 38 for detecting the liquid level. Specifically, the liquid level probe 38 is located at the lower portion of one end of the liquid storage box 30. Only a short portion of the liquid level probe 38 protrudes from the interior of the liquid storage chamber; the remaining portion extends to the exterior of one end of the liquid storage box 30 and connects to the detachable contact conductive structure. Because only a short portion of the liquid level probe 38 protrudes from the interior of the liquid storage cavity, it is less affected by bubbles within the liquid storage cavity, and accordingly, the output liquid level information is more accurate. Because each liquid level probe 38 is located at the bottom of its corresponding liquid storage cavity and a certain distance above the liquid outlet of the corresponding liquid storage cavity 30, this vertical height setting can control the final amount of detergent additive dispensed by the intelligent dispensing system.

[0071] One end of the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box is electrically connected to one end of the detachable contact conduction structure, and the other end of the detachable contact conduction structure is electrically connected to the main controller. The other end of the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box is in contact with the clothing treatment agent in the liquid storage chamber. One end of the liquid level probe of the liquid pump is in contact with the clothing treatment agent in the liquid pump, and the other end is electrically connected to the main controller. The liquid level probe of the liquid storage box, the clothing treatment agent, the liquid level probe of the liquid pump, the detachable contact conduction structure and the main controller constitute a liquid level detection circuit, and the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber is detected by conducting and disconnecting the liquid level detection circuit.

[0072] It should be noted that the liquid level detection of each type of clothing treatment agent is jointly performed by two liquid level probes, one of which is the liquid storage box liquid level probe 38. When the liquid level is lower than the height of the liquid storage box liquid level probe 38, the liquid storage box liquid level probe 38 provides the intelligent dosing system with an alarm low liquid level signal and then dispenses the liquid during the last operation; the other liquid level probe is the liquid pump level probe 11. Since there is always clothing treatment agent in the liquid pump 10 and the liquid pump 10 is connected to the liquid storage chamber, the clothing treatment agent acts as a conductive medium. When the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber is lower than the height set by the liquid storage box liquid level probe 38, the two liquid level probes cannot be connected through the clothing treatment agent acting as a conductive medium, so the system outputs a low liquid level signal to remind the user to add clothing treatment agent.

[0073] The mounting box 40 is disposed on the upper portion of the main frame 70. The mounting box 40 has a cavity inside for accommodating the liquid storage box 30. An entrance is formed at one end of the mounting box 40 for the liquid storage box 30 to enter and exit the cavity. The mounting box 40 is composed of two opposing shells, which are spaced a certain distance apart and connected by screws.

[0074] <Separable contact conduction structure>

[0075] like Figure 9 、 10 As shown in Figures 11, 12, 13, and 14, a detachable contact conductive structure is disposed between the liquid storage box and the mounting box. The detachable contact conductive structure is electrically connected to the liquid storage box liquid level probe 38 and the main controller 60, respectively. When the liquid storage box 30 is inserted into the mounting box 40, the detachable contact conductive structure connects the liquid storage box liquid level probe 38 to the washing machine's main controller 60; when the liquid storage box 30 is removed from the mounting box 40, the liquid storage box liquid level probe 38 is disconnected from the washing machine's main controller 60. The detachable contact conductive structure and the plug-in connection between the liquid storage box 30 and the liquid pump 10 allow the liquid storage box 30 to be removed separately, facilitating cleaning and enhancing the user experience.

[0076] The detachable contact conduction structure includes a first contact member 51 and a second contact member 52 electrically connected to the liquid level probe 38 of the liquid reservoir. The first contact member 51 is located on the side of the housing cover 43 near the liquid reservoir 30, and the second contact member 52 is located at one end of the liquid reservoir 30. When the liquid reservoir 30 is inserted into the mounting housing 40, the first contact member 51 contacts the second contact member 52, connecting the liquid level probe 38 to the washing machine's main controller 60. When the liquid reservoir 30 is removed from the mounting housing 40, the second contact member 52 separates from the first contact member 51, disconnecting the liquid level probe 38 from the washing machine's main controller 60. The first contact member 51 is a metal spring with a certain degree of elastic deformation, and a bow-shaped spring is used to meet this elastic deformation requirement. The second contact member 52 is a contact metal sheet connected to the liquid level probe 38 via a wiring harness. The detachable contact conduction structure does not require plugging and unplugging. When the liquid storage box 30 is inserted into the mounting box 40, it contacts the contact metal sheet on the liquid storage box 30 within a larger contact range, thereby conducting and transmitting electrical signals, effectively avoiding the risk of deformation and failure of the plug-in structure due to large assembly errors. Furthermore, the larger contact range allows for accurate transmission of liquid level electrical signals within a certain assembly error, thereby improving assembly efficiency and reducing assembly costs.

[0077] <Liquid reservoir>

[0078] like Figure 15 As shown, in some preferred embodiments, the liquid storage box 30 is provided with two liquid injection ports 31 connected to the liquid storage chamber. The number of liquid injection ports 31 is the same as the number of liquid storage chambers, and the two have a one-to-one correspondence. Each liquid injection port 31 is provided with a sealing cap 32, which is provided with an annular sealing ring to prevent leakage. In this embodiment, the liquid injection port 31 is located at the upper portion of one side of the liquid storage box 30. Furthermore, the liquid storage box 30 is provided with an air vent connected to the liquid storage chamber, and a one-way valve 33 is embedded in the air vent. The one-way valve 33 allows outside air to enter the liquid storage chamber and prevents liquid from flowing out of the liquid storage chamber. During the process of reducing the laundry treatment agent inside the liquid storage chamber, the internal pressure inside the liquid storage chamber is lower than the external air pressure. Under the action of the air pressure difference, the one-way valve 33 opens to allow outside air to enter the liquid storage chamber, ensuring that the pressure inside and outside the liquid storage box 30 remains consistent. Furthermore, to facilitate the removal of the liquid storage box 30, the other end of the liquid storage box 30 is provided with a handle. Furthermore, a front cover 37 is provided at the other end of the liquid storage box 30, and the front cover 37 is snapped together with the liquid storage box 30. After the liquid storage box 30 is inserted into the installation box 40, the front cover 37 of the liquid storage box 30 is flush with the end surface of the door front cover 80. The user can release the pop-up installation box 40 by pressing the front cover 37 of the liquid storage box 30.

[0079] like Figure 16As shown, in some preferred embodiments, one end of the liquid storage box 30 is provided with a liquid outlet connected to the liquid storage cavity, and the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box 30 is specifically provided at the lower part of one end of the liquid storage box 30. The interior of the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box 30 is provided with a valve core mechanism 34 for controlling the opening and closing of the liquid outlet. The valve core mechanism 34 includes a tubular valve body 341 with a sealing surface formed therein, a side sealing ring 342 for sealing the gap between the tubular valve body 341 and the inner wall of the liquid outlet, a needle valve 343, a needle valve sealing ring 344, a needle valve spring 345 and a needle valve plug 346. The inner diameter of one end of the tubular valve body 341 is large, and the inner diameter of the other end is small, so an annular sealing surface is formed at the connection between the large inner diameter section and the small inner diameter section. One end of the tubular valve body 341 is connected to a needle valve plug 346. Preferably, the connection is removable. Specifically, the outer circumference of one end of the tubular valve body 341 is provided with multiple slots, and the needle valve plug 346 is provided with multiple latches near one end of the tubular valve body 341. During installation, the latches engage the corresponding slots, thereby achieving a removable connection and facilitating subsequent maintenance. The needle valve 343 is disposed within the tubular valve body 341 along its axis. The needle valve sealing ring 344 is sleeved around the outer circumference of one end of the needle valve 343. The outer diameter of one end of the needle valve 343 is larger than that of the other end, thereby forming an annular protrusion on the outer circumference of the needle valve 343. A needle valve spring 345 is sleeved around the outer circumference of the other end of the needle valve 343. The needle valve spring 345 is used to provide elastic force to the needle valve 343, enabling the needle valve sealing ring 344 to seal by contacting the sealing surface of the tubular valve body 341. When the liquid inlet of the liquid pump 10 is inserted into the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box 30, the liquid inlet of the liquid pump 10 pushes the needle valve 343 toward the needle valve plug 346. At this time, the needle valve spring 345 is compressed, and the needle valve sealing ring 344 is away from the sealing surface. At this time, the clothing treatment agent in the liquid storage chamber flows into the liquid pump 10 through the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box 30; when the liquid storage box 30 is pulled out from the mounting box 40, the liquid inlet of the liquid pump 10 is pulled out from the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box 30. At this time, the needle valve spring 345 extends, and the needle valve spring 345 pushes the needle valve 343 away from the needle valve plug 346. Under the pressure of the annular protrusion, the needle valve sealing ring 344 fits against the sealing surface, thereby achieving a sealing effect, and the clothing treatment agent in the liquid storage box 30 cannot flow out from the liquid outlet.

[0080] <Installation cabinet>

[0081] like Figure 17As shown, in some preferred embodiments, a guide mechanism is provided inside the mounting box 40, and the guide mechanism includes a plurality of rollers 41, and the plurality of rollers 41 are rotatably provided inside the mounting box 40, and the rollers 41 are used to guide the liquid storage box 30. Preferably, it is provided at the bottom inside the mounting box 40, and correspondingly, a groove is provided at the bottom of the liquid storage box 30, and the groove can limit the rollers 41. Furthermore, a spring pressure wheel mechanism 42 is provided inside the mounting box 40, and the spring pressure wheel mechanism 42 includes a base 421, a compression spring 422, a pressure wheel mounting seat 423 and a pressure wheel 424; the base 421 is connected to the mounting box 40, and the base 421 has a cavity inside, a port is provided at the bottom thereof, and a slide groove extending in the vertical direction is provided on the side wall;

[0082] The pressure wheel mounting seat 423 is provided with a latch that slidably engages with the slide groove. The compression spring 422 is disposed in the base 421 and abuts against the pressure wheel mounting seat 423. The pressure wheel 424 is rotatably disposed on the pressure wheel mounting seat 423. Correspondingly, a latching groove is provided on the top of the liquid storage box 30. When the pressure wheel 424 encounters the latching groove during the outward movement of the liquid storage box 30, the pressure wheel 424 will be stuck, and the liquid storage box 30 will stop moving, preventing it from falling to the ground and being damaged.

[0083] like Figure 17 As shown, in some preferred embodiments, a rear cover mechanism is provided at the other end of the mounting box 40. The rear cover mechanism includes a middle cover 43 and a rear cover 44. The middle cover 43 and the rear cover 44 are snapped together and connected to the other end of the mounting box 40. The rear cover 44 is provided with a spring compartment. The spring compartment is arranged horizontally, and the opening of the spring compartment faces the liquid storage box 30. A front cover 35 is provided at the entrance of the mounting box 40. A front decorative cover 36 is provided on the side of the front cover 35 facing away from the mounting box 40. During installation, the mounting box 40 is fixed to the front cover 80 of the door of the washing machine. The front cover 80 is provided with screw holes, and the mounting box 40 can be fixed to the rear side of the front cover 80 by screws. The screws are then covered by the front decorative cover 36 to ensure an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0084] like Figure 17As shown, in some preferred embodiments, the laundry treatment agent dispensing device further includes a locking mechanism and a rebound mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a lock catch 45 and a bayonet 46 that locks with the lock catch 45. The bayonet 46 is provided at one end of the liquid storage box 30, and the lock catch 45 is provided on a side of the liquid mixing box body 20 adjacent to the liquid storage box 30. The rebound mechanism is used to assist the liquid storage box 30 in ejecting from the mounting box 40. The rebound mechanism includes a rebound push rod 47 and a push rod spring 48. The push rod spring 48 is disposed within a spring compartment. One end of the rebound push rod 47 is sleeved within the spring compartment and abuts against the push rod spring 48, while the other end of the rebound push rod 47 abuts against the liquid storage box 30. During use, the liquid storage box 30 can be locked or released from the mounting box 40 with a single press.

[0085] In some preferred embodiments, the laundry treatment agent dispensing device further includes a laundry treatment agent mixing device, which is the laundry treatment agent mixing device described in the above embodiment. The liquid mixing box 20 of the laundry treatment agent mixing device is disposed at the other end of the mounting box 40 and serves as part of the rear cover of the mounting box 40. The liquid pump 10 of the laundry treatment agent mixing device is connected to the mounting box 40 via a liquid pump fixing member 12.

[0086] like Figure 17 As shown, in some preferred embodiments, the laundry treatment agent dispensing device further includes a sensing device, which includes a sensor 49 and a magnet 50 that inductively cooperates with the sensor 49. The magnet 50 is disposed at one end of the liquid storage box 30, and the sensor 49 is disposed on the housing cover 43. The sensor 49 is electrically connected to the main controller 60 of the washing machine. In this embodiment, the sensor 49 is a Hall sensor, and the magnet 50 is used to detect separation and proximity with the Hall sensor, providing a signal for the Hall sensor to function.

[0087] Correspondingly, this embodiment further provides a washing machine, which includes a washing machine main body and a clothes treating agent dispensing device, and the clothes treating agent dispensing device is the clothes treating agent dispensing device described in the above embodiment.

[0088] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0089] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, the numerical expressions and the numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. The techniques, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the techniques, methods and equipment should be considered as part of the authorization specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as being merely exemplary and not as limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0090] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0091] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, tasks, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0092] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of this application and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0093] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid level detection circuit for a laundry treatment agent dispenser of a washing machine, wherein the dispenser comprises a liquid storage box and a liquid pump for extracting the laundry treatment agent from the liquid storage box; The liquid level detection circuit includes a main controller, a liquid storage box liquid level probe and a liquid pump liquid level probe; A liquid level probe of the liquid storage box is arranged in the liquid storage cavity of the liquid storage box; A liquid level probe of the liquid pump is arranged in the cavity of the liquid pump; The liquid level probe of the liquid storage box contacts the clothes treating agent in the liquid storage box and can be conducted through the clothes treating agent; the liquid level probe of the liquid suction pump contacts the clothes treating agent in the liquid suction pump and can be conducted through the clothes treating agent; The liquid level probe of the liquid storage box and the liquid level probe of the liquid pump form a series relationship in the liquid level detection circuit; the main controller determines whether the clothing treatment agent in the dispensing device is insufficient based on the liquid level detection signal of the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box and the liquid level detection signal of the liquid pump; When the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber is higher than the position of the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box, the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box contacts the clothes treating agent and is connected through the clothes treating agent, the liquid level detection circuit is closed, and the main controller does not send any signal; When the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber is lower than the position of the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box, the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box does not contact the laundry treatment agent, the liquid level detection circuit is disconnected, and the main controller sends a low liquid level signal; The liquid level detection circuit further includes a contact-type conductive structure, the contact-type conductive structure including a first contact member and a second contact member; the first contact member is arranged on a side of the mounting box close to the liquid storage box, and the second contact member is arranged at one end of the liquid storage box; the first contact member is electrically connected to the main controller, the second contact member is electrically connected to the liquid storage box liquid level probe, and the liquid pump liquid level probe is electrically connected to the main controller, thereby the liquid storage box liquid level probe, the laundry treatment agent, the liquid pump liquid level probe, the contact-type conductive structure and the main controller constitute a liquid level detection circuit, and the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber is detected by conducting and disconnecting the liquid level detection circuit; When the liquid storage box is inserted into the mounting box, the first contact piece contacts the second contact piece, so that the liquid storage box liquid level probe is connected to the main controller; when the liquid storage box pops out of the mounting box, the second contact piece separates from the first contact piece, so that the liquid storage box liquid level probe is disconnected from the main controller.

2. The laundry treatment agent liquid level detection circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first contact member is a metal spring, which is arranged on the installation box; the second contact member is a contact metal sheet, which is arranged on the liquid storage box and corresponds to the position of the metal spring.

3. The laundry treatment agent liquid level detection circuit according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: The number of the liquid level detection circuits corresponds to the number of the liquid storage chambers. One liquid storage chamber corresponds to one liquid level detection circuit. One liquid level detection circuit corresponds to a group of the liquid pump level probes, a group of the liquid storage box level probes, and a group of the contact-type conductive structures. Each group of the liquid pump level probes, the liquid storage box level probes, and the contact-type conductive structures are connected in series with the main controller to form one liquid level detection circuit.

4. A clothing treatment agent dispensing device, characterized in that: The laundry treatment agent dispensing device includes an installation box, a liquid storage box, a liquid pump, a liquid mixing box and a liquid level detection circuit; wherein: The interior of the installation box has a cavity for accommodating the liquid storage box, and one end of the installation box is formed with an opening for the liquid storage box to enter and exit the cavity; At least one liquid storage cavity is formed inside the liquid storage box, and the liquid storage cavity is provided with at least one liquid injection port and at least one liquid outlet; The liquid pump has at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet; The mixing box body has a cavity formed therein, and is provided with a water inlet, at least one liquid inlet, and at least one liquid outlet communicating with the cavity; the water inlet of the mixing box body is communicated with the water inlet pipe of the washing machine, and the liquid outlet of the mixing box body is communicated with the washing tub of the washing machine; the at least one liquid inlet of the mixing box body is connected in a one-to-one correspondence with the at least one liquid outlet of the liquid pump; The liquid level detection circuit includes a main controller, a liquid storage box liquid level probe, and a liquid pump liquid level probe; wherein: A liquid level probe of the liquid storage box is arranged in the liquid storage cavity of the liquid storage box; A liquid level probe of the liquid pump is arranged in the cavity of the liquid pump; The liquid level probe of the liquid storage box contacts the clothes treating agent in the liquid storage box and can be conducted through the clothes treating agent; the liquid level probe of the liquid suction pump contacts the clothes treating agent in the liquid suction pump and can be conducted through the clothes treating agent; The liquid level probe of the liquid storage box and the liquid level probe of the liquid pump form a series relationship in the liquid level detection circuit; the main controller determines whether the clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment agent dispensing device is insufficient based on the liquid level detection signal of the liquid storage box liquid level probe and the liquid level detection signal of the liquid pump liquid level probe; When the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber is higher than the position of the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box, the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box contacts the clothes treating agent and is connected through the clothes treating agent, the liquid level detection circuit is closed, and the main controller does not send any signal; When the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber is lower than the position of the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box, the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box does not contact the laundry treatment agent, the liquid level detection circuit is disconnected, and the main controller sends a low liquid level signal; A detachable contact conductive structure is provided between the liquid storage box and the mounting box, the detachable contact conductive structure including a first contact member and a second contact member; the mounting box is provided with the first contact member, and the liquid storage box is provided with the second contact member; the first contact member is electrically connected to the main controller, the second contact member is electrically connected to the liquid storage box liquid level probe, and the liquid pump liquid level probe is electrically connected to the main controller, and thus the liquid storage box liquid level probe, the clothing treatment agent, the liquid pump liquid level probe, the detachable contact conductive structure and the main controller constitute a liquid level detection circuit, and the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber is detected by conducting and disconnecting the liquid level detection circuit; When the liquid storage box is inserted into the mounting box and locked, the first contact piece contacts the second contact piece, so that the liquid storage box liquid level probe is connected to the main controller; when the liquid storage box is popped out of the mounting box, the first contact piece separates from the second contact piece, so that the liquid storage box liquid level probe is disconnected from the main controller.

5. The clothing treatment agent dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the liquid storage chambers is provided with a liquid level detection circuit. The liquid pump level probe, the liquid storage box level probe and the liquid storage chamber correspond to each other one by one and are connected in series in the liquid level detection circuit.

6. The clothing treatment agent dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid level probes of the liquid storage box are all arranged horizontally and are arranged at the lower part of one end of the liquid storage box. Only a part of the liquid level probe of the liquid storage box leaks out from the inside of the liquid storage cavity, and the other part extends to the outside of the liquid storage box and is connected to the detachable contact conduction structure.

7. The clothing treatment agent dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The liquid inlet of the liquid mixing box body is plug-connected with the liquid outlet of the liquid pump.

8. The clothing treatment agent dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the liquid storage box is provided with a liquid outlet connected to the liquid storage cavity, and a valve core mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the liquid outlet is provided inside the liquid outlet of the liquid storage box, and the valve core mechanism includes a tubular valve body with a sealing surface formed inside, a side sealing ring for sealing the gap between the tubular valve body and the inner wall of the liquid outlet, a needle valve, a needle valve sealing ring, a needle valve spring and a needle valve plug; one end of the tubular valve body is connected to the needle valve plug, the needle valve is arranged inside the tubular valve body along the axis of the tubular valve body, and the needle valve sealing ring is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of one end of the needle valve; the needle valve spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the other end of the needle valve, and the needle valve spring is used to provide elastic force for the needle valve, so that the needle valve sealing ring is sealed by contacting with the sealing surface of the tubular valve body.

9. The clothing treatment agent dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The clothing treatment agent dispensing device further includes: A locking mechanism, comprising a lock and a bayonet that locks with the lock, wherein the bayonet is provided at one end of the liquid storage box, and the lock is provided at a side of the liquid mixing box body close to the liquid storage box; A rebound mechanism is arranged on the rear cover of the mounting box, and the rebound mechanism includes a rebound push rod and a push rod spring. The push rod spring is arranged in a spring compartment of the rear cover of the mounting box, one end of the rebound push rod is sleeved in the spring compartment and abuts against the push rod spring, and the other end of the rebound push rod abuts against the liquid storage box.

10. The clothing treatment agent dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The clothing treatment agent dispensing device further includes: The induction device includes a sensor and a magnet that cooperates with the sensor in induction. The magnet is arranged at one end of the liquid storage box, and the sensor is arranged on the installation box.

11. A washing machine, characterized in that: The washing machine adopts the laundry treatment agent liquid level detection circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or adopts the laundry treatment agent dispensing device according to any one of claims 4 to 10.

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