An additive box and dispensing device and its identification and control method

Abstract

This invention discloses an additive box, a dispensing device, and a method for identifying and controlling the additive. The additive box has a liquid storage chamber for storing additives and a recessed liquid level detection mating part that refracts and detects light. During dispensing, the control unit of the dispensing device controls a light emitting module to emit detection light to the liquid level detection mating part of the additive box in real time or at intervals. The remaining amount of additive in the additive box is inferred by judging the amount of light received by the light receiving module from the refracted and / or reflected light from the liquid level detection mating part. This invention achieves the detection of the remaining liquid level by utilizing the structure of the additive box itself, while also preventing unscrupulous merchants from counterfeiting the same additive box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing processing equipment technology, and in particular to an additive box and dispensing device and its identification and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, external dispensing devices for washing machines are gradually emerging. However, most existing dispensing devices have limited functions and simple structures, merely meeting basic user needs. They fall far short of the standards of high-tech products that enable intelligent dispensing, especially in the detection of residual additives, where issues such as insufficient detection accuracy and false alarms are prominent.

[0003] Patent application number 201810179883.5 discloses an automatic detergent additive dispensing device, including a container for holding detergent additives and a mounting part for supporting the container. The container is removably disposed within the mounting part. The device also includes at least one set of liquid level detection structures for detecting the liquid level inside the container. The liquid level detection structure includes a probe, which is a conductive probe, and a conductive part connected to a circuit. One end of the probe is sealed and inserted into the container, and the other end contacts the conductive part to conduct the circuit when the container is placed in the mounting part. When the container is removed from the mounting part, the circuit is disconnected from the conductive part.

[0004] The automatic detergent additive dispensing device disclosed in the above application detects the remaining amount of detergent additive in the container by setting a conductive probe inside the container. This not only requires significant modifications to the container structure, making the entire automatic dispensing device complex, but also increases the production and manufacturing costs of the container. Furthermore, the effect of detecting the remaining amount of additive by using a conductive probe is not very good.

[0005] Furthermore, existing additive boxes lack effective structures to prevent counterfeiting by other brands, making them easy for other brands to imitate. This leads to uncontrollable problems such as significant differences in the dispensing accuracy of the dispensing device or blockage of the dispensing port due to differences in additive concentration, viscosity, and container size, which affect the user experience.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an additive box. Through the liquid level detection mating part formed by the recess of the additive box itself, the accurate detection of the additive liquid level in the additive box can be achieved without making major changes to the structure of the additive box, and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0008] To achieve this objective, according to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] An additive box has an internal liquid storage chamber for storing additives, and the additive box has an inwardly recessed liquid level detection mating part that can refract detection light.

[0010] Furthermore, the liquid level detection mating part is a light refraction surface formed by the inward indentation of the bottom wall of the additive box. The light refraction surface and the incident light path of the detection light are at a certain tilt angle. After part of the detection light is obliquely incident on the light refraction surface, it is refracted by the medium inside the additive box and then emitted.

[0011] Preferably, the light refraction surface includes a first refraction surface and a second refraction surface set at a certain angle. The detection light is obliquely incident on the first refraction surface, and a portion of the detection light can be refracted by the first refraction surface into the medium inside the additive box, while another portion of the detection light can be reflected by the first refraction surface to the second refraction surface and then reflected out by the second refraction surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the liquid level detection mating part is an annular groove formed by the upward indentation of the bottom wall of the additive box. The annular groove includes a first inclined sidewall and a second inclined sidewall that gradually slope inward from bottom to top. The inner wall surface of the first inclined sidewall forms the first refractive surface, and the inner wall surface of the second inclined sidewall forms the second refractive surface.

[0013] Preferably, the annular groove further includes a first vertical sidewall and a second vertical sidewall disposed opposite to each other, the first vertical sidewall being connected between the lower edge of the first inclined sidewall and the bottom wall of the additive box, and the second vertical sidewall being connected between the lower edge of the second inclined sidewall and the bottom wall of the additive box.

[0014] Furthermore, the cross-section of the additive box is circular or a regular polygon;

[0015] Preferably, the additive box is spherical in shape, and the additive box includes a spherical part with its bottom corners cut off and a horizontal connecting surface connected to the cut at the lower end of the spherical part, the horizontal connecting surface forming the bottom wall of the additive box;

[0016] The bottom wall has a through-hole at its center, and the edge of the through-hole extends downward to form a liquid outlet. The lower end of the liquid outlet forms the liquid outlet of the additive box. The liquid level detection mating part is arranged on the bottom wall of the additive box along the outer periphery of the through-hole.

[0017] Furthermore, the additive box is made entirely of a transparent material; or, at least the liquid level detection mating part is made of a transparent material.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device having any of the above-described additive boxes, wherein the dispensing device is provided with a photoelectric detection mechanism for detecting the additive liquid level in the additive box, the photoelectric detection mechanism including a light emitting module for emitting light to the liquid level detection mating part, and a light receiving module for receiving refracted and / or reflected light from the liquid level detection mating part.

[0019] Furthermore, the dispensing device is provided with a receiving portion for placing the additive box;

[0020] The light emitting module is mounted on the bottom wall of the accommodating part corresponding to the first refractive surface. The light receiving module is located on the refracted light path of the emitted light after being refracted by the additive in the additive box. The light receiving module can be mounted on the side wall or the top wall of the accommodating part.

[0021] Alternatively, the light emitting module is mounted on the bottom wall of the accommodating part corresponding to the first refractive surface, and the light receiving module is mounted on the bottom wall of the accommodating part corresponding to the second refractive surface. The light receiving module is located on the reflected light path of the emitted light after being reflected by the second refractive surface.

[0022] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an identification and control method having the above-mentioned dispensing device, wherein during the dispensing process, the control unit of the dispensing device controls the light emitting module to emit detection light to the liquid level detection mating part of the additive box in real time or at intervals;

[0023] The remaining amount of additive in the additive box is inferred by judging the amount of light received by the light receiving module from the refracted and / or reflected light refracted and / or reflected by the liquid level detection mating part.

[0024] Preferably, the remaining amount of additive in the additive box is inferred by judging the amount of light reflected by the second refractive surface received by the light receiving module.

[0025] Furthermore, when the liquid level of the additive in the detergent box is lower than the liquid level detection mating part, the light receiving module will not receive the reflected light or the amount of reflected light received will be lower than the set value.

[0026] The dispensing device also includes an MCU module. During the dispensing process, when the control unit determines that the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving module is lower than the set value, it controls the light receiving module to convert the light signal into an electrical signal and upload it to the MCU module. After processing the electrical signal, the MCU module sends a prompt to the user that the additive is insufficient.

[0027] Preferably, the dispensing device further includes a display module connected to the MCU module. The MCU module not only sends a prompt to the user that the additive is low, but also sends a signal indicating that the additive is low to the display module.

[0028] Furthermore, the dispensing device also includes a position detection module. When the position detection module detects that a new additive box has been replaced in the accommodating part, it sends a signal to the control unit, which then controls the light emitting module to emit light to the liquid level detection mating part of the additive box.

[0029] If the light receiving module fails to receive reflected light within a set time, it sends a signal to the control unit. The control unit then deduces that the additive box is counterfeit and issues a warning message to the user.

[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0031] 1. During the dispensing process, the control unit of the dispensing device controls the light emitting module to emit detection light to the liquid level detection mating part of the additive box in real time or at intervals. By judging the amount of light received by the light receiving module after refraction and / or reflection of the refracted and / or reflected light from the liquid level detection mating part, the remaining amount of additive in the additive box is inferred. This invention, through the liquid level detection mating part formed by the recess of the additive box itself, can achieve accurate detection of the additive liquid level in the additive box without requiring significant modifications to the additive box structure. The structure is simple, easy to implement, and has low manufacturing costs.

[0032] 2. This invention, through a liquid level detection unit installed inside the additive box, can not only detect the remaining additive level but also prevent counterfeit additive boxes from other brands. When a new additive box is replaced within the container, if the light receiving module fails to receive reflected light within a set time, it is deduced that the additive box is counterfeit, and a prompt message is sent to the user, reminding them to replace the additive box promptly. This effectively avoids uncontrollable problems such as significant differences in dispensing accuracy or dispensing port blockage caused by users replacing additive boxes with other brands, due to variations in additive concentration, viscosity, and box size. These issues negatively impact the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the dispensing device in this invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the dispensing device in this invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is the first identification and control method for detecting the remaining amount of additives in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is the second identification and control method for detecting the remaining amount of additives in this embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is an identification and control method for detecting the identity of additive boxes in this embodiment of the invention;

[0038] The components include: 1. Additive box; 12. Liquid level detection assembly; 121. First refractive surface; 122. Second refractive surface; 13. Liquid outlet; 3. Light emitting module; 4. Light receiving module. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, this embodiment provides an additive box 1, which has a liquid storage chamber for storing additives inside, and a liquid level detection mating part 12 formed by an inward recess that can refract detection light.

[0045] In this embodiment, the liquid level detection mating part 12 formed by the recess of the additive box 1 itself can realize the accurate detection of the additive liquid level in the additive box 1 without making major changes to the structure of the additive box 1. The structure is simple, easy to implement, and has low manufacturing cost.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the liquid level detection mating part 12 can be located below the side wall or on the bottom wall of the additive box 1. Preferably, in this embodiment, the liquid level detection mating part 12 is a light refraction surface formed by the inward indentation of the bottom wall of the additive box 1. The light refraction surface and the incident light path of the detection light are at a certain tilt angle. After part of the detection light is obliquely incident on the light refraction surface, it is refracted by the medium inside the additive box 1 and then emitted.

[0047] Furthermore, the incident light path of the detection light is a vertical light propagation path emitted from bottom to top, and the light refraction surface is an inclined plane set at an angle of less than 90° with the horizontal plane. The light refraction surface is made of transparent material, so that the light will be obliquely incident on the light refraction surface and refracted into the additive box 1 at the junction with the light refraction surface. The refraction angle of the light will change with the amount of additive in the additive box 1.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, when the additive box 1 is fully loaded, light is refracted by the light refraction surface into the additive box 1 filled with additives, forming a refraction angle of α1. When the liquid level of the additive in the additive box 1 drops to the highest position of the liquid level detection mating part 12, the density of the overall medium in the additive box 1 decreases due to the air content at this time, and the refraction angle of the light increases from α1 to α2. When the liquid level of the additive in the additive box 1 drops below the junction of the incident light path and the light refraction surface, the additive box 1 is almost filled with air. Since the light refracted by the light refraction surface into the additive box 1 can hardly be refracted into the liquid additive, the refraction angle continues to increase and is almost close to 45°.

[0049] Preferably, such as Figure 2 As shown, the light refraction surface includes a first refraction surface 121 and a second refraction surface 122 set at an angle of β, where β < 180 degrees. The detection light is obliquely incident on the first refraction surface 121. A portion of the detection light can be refracted by the first refraction surface 121 into the medium inside the additive box 1, and then refracted by the medium inside the additive box 1 before exiting. Another portion of the detection light can be reflected by the first refraction surface 121 to the second refraction surface 122, and then reflected out by the second refraction surface 122.

[0050] The first refractive surface 121 and the second refractive surface 122 form a light refraction surface similar to "Λ". The azimuth angle of the reflected light reflected by the second refractive surface 122 can be adjusted by adjusting the angle β between the first refractive surface 121 and the second refractive surface 122.

[0051] Furthermore, the liquid level detection mating part 12 is an annular groove formed by the upward indentation of the bottom wall of the additive box 1. The annular groove includes a first inclined sidewall and a second inclined sidewall that gradually converge inward from downward to upward. The inner wall surface of the first inclined sidewall forms the first refractive surface 121, and the inner wall surface of the second inclined sidewall forms the second refractive surface 122.

[0052] Preferably, the annular groove further includes a first vertical sidewall and a second vertical sidewall disposed opposite to each other, the first vertical sidewall being connected between the lower edge of the first inclined sidewall and the bottom wall of the additive box 1, and the second vertical sidewall being connected between the lower edge of the second inclined sidewall and the bottom wall of the additive box 1.

[0053] The height of the first and second vertical sidewalls can be adjusted as needed to meet the different liquid level requirements of the additives. For example, some users may need to receive a reminder when there is a little more additive left in the additive box 1, such as when the liquid level of the additive in the additive box 1 is lower than L1. Other users may need to receive a reminder when there is even less additive left in the additive box 1, such as when the liquid level of the additive in the additive box 1 is lower than L2, where L2 < L1. In this case, the detection height of the liquid level can be adjusted by reducing the height of the first and second vertical sidewalls.

[0054] Furthermore, the cross-section of the additive box 1 is circular or regular polygonal. Since the liquid level detection mating part 12 in this example is ring-shaped, it is preferable to set the cross-section of the additive box 1 to be circular or regular polygonal. In this way, when placing the additive box 1, the user does not need to consider whether the position of the additive box 1 is correct. No matter how it is placed, the purpose of detecting the additive liquid level in the additive box 1 can be achieved through the liquid level detection mating part 12.

[0055] Preferably, the additive box 1 is spherical in shape, comprising a partially spherical body with its bottom corners cut off and a horizontal connecting surface connected to the cut-off portion at the bottom of the partially spherical body, the horizontal connecting surface forming the bottom wall of the additive box 1. Of course, the additive box 1 in this embodiment is not limited to the above shape and can be any other shape.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the bottom wall has a through-hole at its center, and the edge of the through-hole extends downward to form a liquid outlet. The lower end of the liquid outlet opens to form the liquid outlet 13 of the additive box 1. By setting the additive box 1 to a spherical shape and opening the liquid outlet 13 at the bottom of the spherical additive box 1, all the additives in the additive box 1 will be drawn out along the inner wall of the additive box 1 towards the liquid outlet 13.

[0057] The liquid level detection fitting part 12 is disposed on the bottom wall of the additive box 1 along the outer periphery of the guide port. The height of the liquid level detection fitting part 12 is higher than the bottom wall. When the liquid level of the additive in the additive box 1 is lower than the liquid level detection fitting part 12, a prompt will be issued to the user, giving the user sufficient time to replace the additive box 1 and effectively preventing the additive box 1 from being empty.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the additive box 1 is made entirely of a transparent material, or at least the liquid level detection mating part 12 is made of a transparent material. Preferably, the additive box 1 is made entirely of a transparent material, which allows the user to visually observe the remaining amount of additive inside the additive box 1.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a dispensing device having the additive box 1 in the above embodiment 1. The dispensing device is provided with a photoelectric detection mechanism for detecting the additive liquid level in the additive box 1. The photoelectric detection mechanism includes a light emitting module 3 for emitting light to the liquid level detection mating part 12, and a light receiving module 4 for receiving the refracted and / or reflected light from the liquid level detection mating part 12.

[0061] Furthermore, the dispensing device is provided with a receiving portion for placing the additive box 1. The photoelectric detection mechanism is installed on the receiving portion. When the additive box 1 is placed in the receiving portion, the photoelectric detection mechanism can detect the liquid level of the additive in the additive box 1. Of course, the photoelectric detection mechanism can also be installed in any other position outside the receiving portion, as long as it can emit and receive light to the liquid level detection mating part 12.

[0062] In the first implementation:

[0063] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the remaining amount of additive in the additive box 1 is determined by detecting the amount of light refracted by the first refractive surface 121 to the additive box 1 and then refracted by the medium inside the additive box 1.

[0064] Specifically, the light emitting module 3 is installed on the bottom wall of the accommodating part corresponding to the first refractive surface 121, and the light receiving module 4 is located on the refracted light path of the emitted light refracted by the additive in the additive box 1. The light receiving module 4 can be installed on the side wall or top wall of the accommodating part. The specific position of the light receiving module 4 is set according to the refracted light path corresponding to the specifically set detection liquid level.

[0065] Referring to Embodiment 1, for example, the light receiving module 4 can be positioned at a location where the light emitted after being refracted by an angle α2 by the medium inside the additive box 1 is located when the liquid level in the additive box 1 has just dropped to the top of the liquid level detection mating part 12. During the dispensing process, when the light receiving module positioned corresponding to the α2 refraction angle receives the refracted light, it can be deduced that the liquid level of the additive in the additive box 1 has dropped to the top of the liquid level detection mating part 12, indicating insufficient additive, and a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0066] In the second implementation:

[0067] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the light emitting module 3 is mounted on the bottom wall of the accommodating part corresponding to the first refractive surface 121, and the light receiving module 4 is mounted on the bottom wall of the accommodating part corresponding to the second refractive surface 122. The light receiving module 4 is located on the reflected light path of the emitted light after being reflected by the second refractive surface 122. The liquid level information of the additive in the additive box 1 can be inferred by detecting the amount of light received by the light receiving module 4.

[0068] In this embodiment, the angle between the first refractive surface 121 and the second refractive surface 122 can be adjusted so that the emitted light path and the incident light path are parallel to each other, one vertically upward and the other vertically downward. In this way, both the light emitting module 3 and the light receiving module 4 can be installed on the bottom wall of the accommodating part, which makes it easier to set up the light emitting module 3 and the light receiving module 4.

[0069] The dispensing device provided in this embodiment is an external dispensing device. The dispensing device and the clothing processing equipment each have independent control systems. The dispensing device is installed in the water inlet optical path between the tap water connector and the water inlet valve of the clothing processing equipment. The clothing processing equipment is a washing machine or a washer-dryer combo.

[0070] The dispensing device includes a liquid storage module connected to the garment processing equipment via a dispensing pipeline, and a dispensing module installed on the dispensing pipeline for dispensing additives to the garment processing equipment. The liquid storage module includes the additive box 1 described in Embodiment 1 above. The dispensing device is installed on the water inlet pipeline connecting the tap water connector and the water inlet valve of the garment processing equipment. The two ends of the dispensing pipeline are respectively connected to the additive box 1 and the water inlet pipeline. The dispensing module is installed on the dispensing pipeline, and the dispensing module includes a dispensing pump or a venturi tube for dispensing garment additives into the water inlet pipeline.

[0071] When water enters the garment processing equipment, the inlet valve of the garment processing equipment is opened, and the water from the tap water connector passes through the inlet pipe. The dispensing module dispenses the garment additives from the additive box 1 into the inlet pipe, so that the additives enter the garment processing equipment along with the tap water in the inlet pipe.

[0072] In this embodiment, the dispensing device can be installed outside the clothing processing equipment, that is, the dispensing device is installed on the clothing processing equipment and located outside the clothing processing equipment. For example, the dispensing device can be fixedly installed on the outer wall of the housing of the clothing processing equipment.

[0073] Alternatively, the dispensing device and the clothing processing equipment can be two independent sets of equipment, with no assembly or connection between them. In this case, the location of the dispensing device is relatively unrestricted, as long as the water inlet optical path between the dispensing device and the washing machine and the tap water connector can be connected, the additive can be dispensed into the washing machine along with the water entering through the water inlet optical path.

[0074] Example 3

[0075] This embodiment provides an identification and control method with the delivery device described in Embodiment 2, based on Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides an identification and control method for a dispensing device. During the dispensing process, the control unit of the dispensing device controls the light emitting module 3 to emit detection light to the liquid level detection mating part 12 of the additive box 1 in real time or at intervals. The remaining amount of additive in the additive box 1 is inferred by judging the amount of light received by the light receiving module 4 through the refracted and / or reflected light from the liquid level detection mating part 12.

[0077] The identification and control method of the dispensing device provided in this embodiment infers the remaining amount of additive in the additive box 1 by judging the amount of light received by the light receiving module 4 and refracted and / or reflected by the liquid level detection mating part 12. The liquid level detection mating part 12, formed by the recess of the additive box 1 itself, enables accurate detection of the additive liquid level in the additive box 1 without requiring significant modifications to the structure of the additive box 1. The structure is simple, easy to implement, and has low manufacturing costs.

[0078] The identification and control method of the dispensing device provided in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the additive box 1 and dispensing device provided in Embodiments 1 and 2:

[0079] In one implementation:

[0080] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the light receiving module 4 can be positioned at a location where the light emitted after being refracted by an angle α2 by the medium inside the additive box 1 is located when the liquid level in the additive box 1 has just dropped to the top of the liquid level detection assembly 12. By detecting whether the light receiving module 4 receives light, the liquid level information of the additive in the additive box 1 can be inferred.

[0081] Specifically, during the dispensing process, when the light receiving module 4 detects that the light refracted by the medium in the additive box 1 has been received, it can be inferred that the liquid level of the additive in the additive box 1 has dropped to the top of the liquid level detection unit 12, which is lower than the set liquid level value. It can be inferred that the remaining amount of additive is insufficient, and a prompt message of insufficient remaining amount is issued to the user.

[0082] In two implementation methods

[0083] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the light emitting module 3 is mounted on the bottom wall of the accommodating part corresponding to the first refractive surface 121, and the light receiving module 4 is mounted on the bottom wall of the accommodating part corresponding to the second refractive surface 122. The light receiving module 4 is located on the reflected light path of the emitted light after being reflected by the second refractive surface 122. The liquid level information of the additive in the additive box 1 can be inferred by detecting the amount of light received by the light receiving module 4.

[0084] The remaining amount of additive in the additive box 1 is obtained by detecting the liquid level information of the additive in the additive box 1. When the liquid level of the additive in the detergent box 1 is lower than the liquid level detection mating part 12, the light receiving module 4 will not receive the reflected light or the amount of the reflected light received will be lower than the set value.

[0085] Specifically, the dispensing device also includes an MCU module. During the dispensing process, when the control unit determines that the amount of reflected light received by the light receiving module 4 is lower than the set value, it controls the light receiving module 4 to convert this light signal into an electrical signal and upload it to the MCU module. After processing the electrical signal, the MCU module sends a prompt to the user that the additive is low, prompting the user to replace the additive box 1 in a timely manner.

[0086] Preferably, the dispensing device further includes a display module connected to the MCU module. While the MCU module sends a prompt to the user that the additive is low, it also sends a signal indicating that the additive is low to the display module, providing the user with a more intuitive prompt.

[0087] More preferably, if the user fails to replace the additive box 1 within a set time after being notified that the additive is low, the dispensing module of the dispensing device is locked, preventing the dispensing module from continuing to execute the dispensing command, thus avoiding empty dispensing, improving washing performance, and extending the service life of the dispensing device.

[0088] In another implementation: such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the dispensing device also includes a position detection module, which can be a pressure sensor or an infrared sensor installed on the receiving part. The position detection module can also be installed at any other location outside the receiving part.

[0089] When the position detection module detects that a new additive box 1 has been replaced in the receiving compartment, it sends a signal to the control unit indicating that the additive box 1 has been replaced. The control unit then controls the light emitting module 3 to emit light towards the liquid level detection mating part 12 of the additive box 1. If the light receiving module 4 does not receive the reflected light within a set time, it sends a signal to the control unit. The control unit then deduces that the additive box 1 is counterfeit and issues a warning message to the user. Since the counterfeit additive box 1 lacks the aforementioned liquid level detection mating part 12, the light receiving module 4 will not receive the reflected light when the additive box 1 is placed in the receiving compartment.

[0090] This embodiment, through the liquid level detection unit 12 installed inside the additive box 1, can not only detect the remaining additive information in the additive box 1, but also prevent other brands from counterfeiting the additive box 1. When a new additive box 1 is replaced in the receiving part, if the light receiving module 4 does not receive reflected light within a set time, it is inferred that the additive box 1 is counterfeit, and a prompt message is sent to the user to remind them to replace the additive box 1 in a timely manner. This effectively avoids uncontrollable problems such as large differences in the dispensing accuracy of the dispensing device or blockage of the dispensing port caused by users replacing the additive box 1 with other brands.

[0091] The additive box described in the above embodiments is a cartridge-type additive box, which has an independent and closed liquid storage chamber inside. For example, it can be a cartridge-type detergent box, a cartridge-type fabric softener box, or a cartridge-type disinfectant box, etc.

[0092] The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can be further combined or replaced, and the embodiments are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the concept and scope of the present invention. Various changes and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the design concept of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An additive dosing device, characterized in that The adding device is provided with a containing part for placing the additive box; The bottom wall of the additive box is concave upward to form an annular groove, which comprises a first inclined side wall, a second inclined side wall, and a first vertical side wall and a second vertical side wall, which are gradually inclined inward from bottom to top, the inner side wall surface of the first inclined side wall forms a first refracting surface, and the inner side wall of the second inclined side wall forms a second refracting surface; The first vertical side wall is connected between the lower edge of the first inclined side wall and the bottom wall of the additive box, and the second vertical side wall is connected between the lower edge of the second inclined side wall and the bottom wall of the additive box; The light emitting module is installed on the bottom wall of the containing part corresponding to the first refracting surface; The light receiving module is installed on the bottom wall of the containing part corresponding to the second refracting surface, and the light receiving module is located on the reflection light path of the light reflected by the emitting light through the second refracting surface; The light receiving module is installed on the side wall or top wall of the containing part, and the light receiving module is located on the refracted light path of the light refracted by the additive in the additive box.

2. The additive dosing device of claim 1, wherein: The first refracting surface and the second refracting surface are arranged at an angle, and the detection light is obliquely incident on the first refracting surface, part of the detection light can be refracted into the medium in the additive box by the first refracting surface, and the other part of the detection light can be reflected to the second refracting surface through the first refracting surface and reflected by the second refracting surface.

3. The additive dosing device of claim 1, wherein: The cross section of the additive box is circular or regular polygonal.

4. The additive dosing device of claim 1, wherein: The additive box is spherical, which comprises a partial spherical body with a cut-off bottom corner and a horizontal connecting surface connected at the lower end of the cut of the partial spherical body, and the horizontal connecting surface forms the bottom wall of the additive box; The center of the bottom wall has a through hole, the edge of the through hole extends downward to form a liquid outlet interface, and the lower end of the liquid outlet interface is open to form a liquid outlet of the additive box, and the annular groove is arranged on the bottom wall of the additive box along the outer periphery of the through hole.

5. The additive dosing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: At least the annular groove is made of transparent material.

6. The additive dosing device of claim 2, wherein: The first refracting surface and the second refracting surface are arranged at an angle β, wherein β < 180 degrees.

7. A method of identifying and controlling the additive dosing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: During the dispensing process, the control unit of the dispensing device controls the light emitting module to emit detection light to the annular groove of the additive box in real time or at intervals; The amount of light information of the refracted light and / or reflected light refracted and / or reflected by the annular groove received by the light receiving module is used to infer the amount of additive in the additive box.

8. The identification control method of a drop device according to claim 7, characterized by: The amount of light information of the reflected light reflected by the second refracting surface received by the light receiving module is used to infer the amount of additive in the additive box; When the liquid level of the additive in the detergent box is lower than the annular groove, the light receiving module cannot receive the reflected light or the amount of the received reflected light is lower than the set value.

9. The identification control method of a drop device according to claim 8, characterized by: The dispensing device further comprises an MCU module, and during the dispensing process, when the control unit judges that the amount of the reflected light received by the light receiving module is lower than the set value, the light receiving module converts the light signal into an electric signal and uploads it to the MCU module, and the MCU module processes the electric signal and sends a prompt to the user that the amount of additive is insufficient.

10. The identification control method of a drop device according to claim 9, characterized by: The feeding device further comprises a display module connected with the MCU module, and the MCU module sends a signal of insufficient additive to the display module for display while sending a prompt of insufficient additive to the user.

11. The identification control method of a drop device according to claim 10, characterized by: The feeding device further comprises a position detection module, and when the position detection module detects that a new additive cartridge is replaced in the accommodating portion, the position detection module feeds a signal to the control unit, and the control unit controls the light emitting module to emit light to the annular groove of the additive cartridge. If the light receiving module does not receive reflected light at all within a set time, the control unit is fed a signal, and the control unit infers that the additive cartridge is a fake one and sends a prompt information to the user.

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