Liquid storage box, additive delivery device and additive identification control method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a liquid storage box, an additive dispensing device, and an identification and control method for additives, wherein a near-field communication tag is provided on the liquid storage box, and the number and position of the near-field communication tags provided on the liquid storage box correspond to or represent the type of additive stored in the liquid storage box. The additive dispensing device is provided with a plurality of near-field communication antennas for detecting and identifying near-field communication tags at different positions on the liquid storage box, and the plurality of near-field communication antennas are respectively connected to a read-write module. When the liquid storage box is inserted into the additive dispensing device, the near-field communication antenna on the additive dispensing device identifies the number and / or position information of the near-field communication tags on the liquid storage box, and determines the type of additive in the liquid storage box based on the number and / or position information of the near-field communication tags obtained. The present invention can automatically and accurately identify the type of additive in the installed liquid storage box based on the different detection signals identified by the near-field communication antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of clothing processing devices, and in particular to a liquid storage box, and also to an additive delivery device matched with the liquid storage box and an additive identification and control method. Background Art

[0002] At present, the dispensing device for washing machines is gradually emerging, but the existing dispensing device only meets the simple needs of users and is far from the standard of high-tech products for intelligent dispensing. The existing additive dispensing device generally has multiple installation positions, each of which is provided with a liquid storage box, so that liquid storage boxes storing different types of additives can be installed on an additive dispensing device at the same time, thereby achieving the effect of the dispensing device selecting or dispensing different types of additives one by one or in combination.

[0003] For example, the invention patent with application number 201710030780.8 discloses an external detergent dispensing device, a control method thereof and a washing machine, which relates to the technical field of household appliances. The external detergent dispensing device includes a detergent box, a water inlet pipeline, a dispensing pipeline and an external circuit board. The two ends of the water inlet pipeline are respectively connected to the tap water joint and the washing machine water inlet valve. The detergent box is connected to the water inlet pipeline through the dispensing pipeline. A dispensing mechanism is installed on the dispensing pipeline for dispensing detergent into the water inlet pipeline.

[0004] The external detergent dispensing device disclosed in the above application is easy to misplace when the user replaces the detergent box. In particular, as the functions of washing machines increase, washing machines can automatically dispense detergents, stubborn stain agents, color protectants, and softeners. Each detergent box is distinguished by an identifier. Users need to learn the corresponding identifiers by themselves, which is easy to remember wrong or misplace. Since the dispensing device cannot intelligently identify the type of additives in the detergent box, it is very easy to misplace the detergent.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is proposed Summary of the invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a liquid storage box. By means of a near-field communication tag provided on the liquid storage box, the type of additive in the liquid storage box can be judged according to the number and / or position information of the near-field communication tags identified on the liquid storage box, so as to solve the problem that the existing additive dispensing device cannot identify the type of additive in the liquid storage box and is prone to incorrect additive dispensing.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0008] A liquid storage box has a sealed chamber for storing additives, and a near field communication tag is arranged on the liquid storage box. The number and position of the near field communication tags arranged on the liquid storage box correspond to the type of additives stored in the liquid storage box.

[0009] Furthermore, the near field communication tag is one or more NFC tags fixed at a set position on the liquid storage box, and the liquid storage box for storing different types of additives is provided with NFC tags of different quantities, positions or combinations.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an additive dispensing device, which is provided with multiple near-field communication antennas for detecting and identifying near-field communication tags at different positions on the liquid storage box, and the multiple near-field communication antennas are respectively connected to the reading and writing modules.

[0011] Furthermore, the additive delivery device is provided with a receiving portion for installing the above-mentioned liquid storage box;

[0012] Multiple near-field communication antennas cover and respond to signals of all near-field communication tags provided on different liquid storage boxes for storing different types of additives in the storage portion. The number of the near-field communication antennas is not less than the number of near-field communication tags on the liquid storage boxes, and corresponds one-to-one to the positions of the near-field communication tags.

[0013] Furthermore, the near field communication tag is an NFC tag, and the near field communication antenna is a plurality of NFC antennas correspondingly arranged on the accommodating portion, and the plurality of NFC antennas can cover and respond to signals of all NFC tags arranged on different storage boxes for storing different types of additives;

[0014] Each NFC antenna can respond to the communication distance of the NFC tag being less than the set distance, so that each NFC antenna is only allowed to identify the NFC tag within the set distance range corresponding to it, and the multiple NFC antennas are identified one by one with the NFC tags on the liquid storage box;

[0015] Preferably, the reading and writing module is an NFC reader / writer connected to multiple NFC antennas respectively, the NFC reader / writer controls the NFC antenna to transmit a radio frequency signal, the NFC tag includes an NFC chip and an induction coil, and the NFC tag receives the radio frequency signal transmitted by the corresponding NFC antenna through the induction coil and then feeds back the NFC tag information in the NFC chip to the corresponding NFC antenna.

[0016] Furthermore, the accommodating portion includes a mounting groove with an open top matching the shape of the liquid storage box, and an upper cover plate covering the opening of the mounting groove;

[0017] The plurality of NFC antennas corresponding to the near field communication tags are arranged on the inner wall of the installation slot according to the set position, or are arranged on the lower side of the upper cover plate; when the liquid storage box is inserted into the installation slot, the NFC tags on the liquid storage box correspond to the NFC antennas on the accommodating portion and are identified one by one;

[0018] Preferably, the NFC tag can be fixed on the inner wall surface or the outer wall surface of the liquid storage box by bonding or plastic sealing.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an additive identification and control method having the above-mentioned additive dispensing device. When a liquid storage box is inserted into the additive dispensing device, a near-field communication antenna on the additive dispensing device identifies the number and / or position information of near-field communication tags on the liquid storage box, and determines the type of additive in the liquid storage box based on the number and / or position information of near-field communication tags obtained.

[0020] Furthermore, the additive delivery device is connected to the processor of the washing machine, and the NFC reader / writer and different NFC antennas recognize the information of the NFC tag at the corresponding position on the liquid storage box;

[0021] The NFC reader / writer feeds back the information of the identified NFC tag to the processor, and the processor infers the type of additive in the liquid storage box according to the number and / or position information of the NFC tag;

[0022] In the washing and / or rinsing program, the processor of the washing machine controls the delivery of different types of additives at different time sequences according to the types of additives in the liquid storage box acquired and the washing process;

[0023] Preferably, the processor stores a type matching table of additive types corresponding to the number and / or position information of NFC tags provided on the liquid storage box, and the processor infers the type of additive in the liquid storage box with reference to the type matching table.

[0024] Furthermore, a position detection module is provided in the additive delivery device;

[0025] When the position detection module detects that the liquid storage box is replaced, the NFC reader is controlled to read the data information of the NFC tag at the corresponding position on the newly replaced liquid storage box through the NFC antenna;

[0026] The NFC reader / writer transmits the read information back to the processor of the washing machine, and the processor re-determines the type of additive based on the data information of the NFC tag on the newly replaced liquid storage box fed back by the NFC reader / writer.

[0027] Further, the position detection module is an infrared sensor or a pressure sensor disposed on the accommodating portion; when the infrared sensor or the pressure sensor detects that the liquid storage box in the accommodating portion has been replaced, a signal is fed back to the processor of the washing machine;

[0028] The processor of the washing machine triggers the NFC reader to start working. The NFC reader reads the data information of the NFC tag at the corresponding position on the newly replaced liquid storage box through the NFC antenna and feeds it back to the processor of the washing machine. The processor re-judges the type of additive and displays and updates the obtained type of additive.

[0029] After adopting the above technical scheme, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0030] In the present application, by setting multiple near-field communication tags on the liquid storage box, the type of additives contained in the liquid storage box is accurately identified by using any one or a combination of information such as the number of near-field communication tags, the location where they are set on the liquid storage box, etc., thereby achieving a significant technical advancement in accurately identifying the category information of additives in different liquid storage boxes.

[0031] Through the above-mentioned arrangement, after different types of liquid storage boxes are respectively loaded into the accommodating portion of the additive dispensing device, due to the different numbers and / or positions of the near-field communication tags provided on the different types of liquid storage boxes, the near-field communication antenna provided on the additive dispensing device senses and identifies the near-field communication tags at the corresponding positions, thereby achieving the purpose of forming different detection signals after different liquid storage boxes are loaded into the additive dispensing device, thereby achieving the purpose of obtaining the type information of the additive in the liquid storage box by identifying the number and / or position information of the near-field communication tags provided on the liquid storage box, so as to solve the problem that the existing additive dispensing device cannot identify the type of additive in the liquid storage box, resulting in the phenomenon of incorrect additive dispensing.

[0032] In the present application, multiple near-field communication antennas arranged on the additive dispensing device cover all signals of all near-field communication tags provided on different liquid storage boxes for storing different types of additives in the response accommodating portion. The identity of the installed liquid storage box can be accurately identified based on the different detection signals recognized by the near-field communication antenna, thereby achieving significant technical progress in automatically and accurately identifying the types of additives.

[0033] The present application adopts a near-field communication tag provided on the liquid storage box as an identification structure for the type of additive in the liquid storage box. When the liquid storage box is placed in the additive delivery device, electric induction detection is adopted, and accurate detection and identification of the additive in the liquid storage box can be achieved without physical contact. The structure is simple, the service life is long, and it is not easy to be damaged.

[0034] The specific implementation modes of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of the upper cover plate of the additive delivery device of the present invention;

[0037] Figures 2 to 4 It is a simplified structural diagram of different types of liquid storage boxes of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 It is the identification principle diagram of the additive delivery device of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 It is a schematic flow chart of the additive delivery control method of the present invention;

[0040] In the figure:

[0041] 1. Liquid storage box;

[0042] 2. NFC tag;

[0043] 21, first card position; 22, second card position; 23, third card position; 24, fourth card position;

[0044] 31. First NFC antenna; 32. Second NFC antenna; 33. Third NFC antenna; 34. Fourth NFC antenna;

[0045] 4. NFC reader; 5. Wires; 6. Top cover; 7. Mounting slot.

[0046] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but are intended to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the purpose, 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 in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside" and "outside" etc. indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0049] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0050] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0051] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a liquid storage box 1 is provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the liquid storage box 1 has a sealed chamber for storing additives, and a near-field communication tag is provided on the liquid storage box 1. The number and position of any one or a combination of the near-field communication tags provided on the liquid storage box 1 correspond to the types of additives stored in the liquid storage box 1.

[0052] The liquid storage box 1 provided in the embodiment of the present invention can accurately identify the type of additives contained in the liquid storage box 1 by setting multiple near-field communication tags on the liquid storage box 1, using the number of near-field communication tags, or the positions at which the tags are set on the liquid storage box 1, or a combination of the number and the positions at which the tags are set, thereby achieving a significant technical advancement in clearly identifying the category information of additives in different liquid storage boxes 1.

[0053] The combination of the number of near field communication tags and the locations where they are set includes a combination of near field communication tags of the same number but at different locations, and a combination of near field communication tags of different numbers but at different locations.

[0054] The embodiment of the present invention adopts a near-field communication tag provided on the liquid storage box 1 as an identification structure for the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1. The near-field communication tag is equivalent to a sensing chip. When the liquid storage box 1 is placed in the additive delivery device, electric induction detection is adopted, and accurate detection and identification of the additive in the liquid storage box 1 can be achieved without physical contact. The structure is simple, the service life is long, and it is not easy to be damaged.

[0055] Embodiment 1

[0056] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, in the liquid storage box 1 provided in this embodiment, the near field communication tag is one or more NFC tags 2 fixed at a set position on the liquid storage box 1, and the liquid storage box 1 for storing different types of additives is provided with NFC tags 2 of different numbers, positions, or combinations of numbers and positions, and the number, positions, or combinations of numbers and positions of the NFC tags 2 provided on the liquid storage box 1 correspond to the different types of additives stored in the liquid storage box 1. The near field communication tag is an NFC tag 2 but is not limited to an NFC tag 2, and may also be an RFID tag, etc.

[0057] This embodiment uses the following three implementation methods to explain in detail how any one or combination of the number and position of the NFC tags 2 provided on the liquid storage box 1 corresponds to different types of additives stored in the liquid storage box 1 .

[0058] First Implementation Method

[0059] In this embodiment, by setting one or more NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1, the type of additive contained in the liquid storage box 1 is accurately identified by utilizing the number of NFC tags 2, thereby achieving the purpose of clearly identifying the category information of additives in different liquid storage boxes 1.

[0060] Specifically, one NFC tag 2 can be set on the liquid storage box 1 to represent that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is detergent, two NFC tags 2 can be set to represent that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is softener, three NFC tags 2 can be set to represent that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is disinfectant, and four NFC tags 2 can be set to represent that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is stubborn stain agent.

[0061] During use, the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 can be inferred by detecting and identifying the number of NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1. The liquid storage box 1 is placed in a receiving portion of an additive dispensing device, and the receiving portion may be one or more, for example, including a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. When four NFC tags 2 are detected on the liquid storage box 1 in the first receiving portion, it can be inferred that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 in the first receiving portion is a stubborn stain agent. If one NFC tag 2 is detected on the liquid storage box 1 in the second receiving portion, it can be inferred that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 in the second receiving portion is a detergent.

[0062] When replacing the liquid storage box 1, the type of additive in the newly replaced liquid storage box 1 can also be inferred by identifying the number of NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1, so as to avoid the situation where the user easily puts the detergent box in the wrong place when replacing the detergent box due to the large number of additives. However, there is no intelligent identification identification structure on the liquid storage box 1, and it is impossible to intelligently identify the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1, resulting in the phenomenon of incorrect additive placement.

[0063] Second implementation method

[0064] In this embodiment, by setting one NFC tag 2 or two, three, etc. set numbers of NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1, and utilizing the positions at which the NFC tags 2 are set, the types of additives contained in the liquid storage box 1 are accurately identified, thereby achieving the purpose of clearly identifying the category information of additives for different liquid storage boxes 1.

[0065] Specifically, Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the liquid storage box 1 is preset with a first clamping position 21, a second clamping position 22, a third clamping position 23, a fourth clamping position 24 and other positions for installing the NFC tag 2. In one solution, an NFC tag 2 is set on the liquid storage box 1, and the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is determined by the position of this NFC tag 2. For example, it can be set that the NFC tag 2 is set at the first clamping position 21 to represent that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is detergent; the NFC tag 2 is set at the second clamping position 22 to represent that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is softener; the NFC tag 2 is set at the third clamping position 23 to represent that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is disinfectant; the NFC tag 2 is set at the fourth clamping position 24 to represent that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is a stubborn stain agent.

[0066] During use, the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 can be inferred by detecting and identifying the position of the NFC tag 2 on the liquid storage box 1. The liquid storage box 1 is placed in the receiving portion of the additive delivery device. When the liquid storage box 1 is placed in the receiving portion, the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 in the receiving portion can be inferred by detecting the position of the NFC tag 2 on the liquid storage box 1. For example, if the position of the NFC tag 2 on the liquid storage box 1 is detected at the first position 21, it can be inferred that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is detergent, and if the position of the NFC tag 2 on the liquid storage box 1 is detected at the second position 22, it can be inferred that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is softener.

[0067] Of course, if Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the number of the NFC tags 2 can also be three, and the type of the additive in the liquid storage box 1 can be determined by the positions of the three NFC tags 2. It can be set that when the three NFC tags 2 are respectively set in the first clamping position 21, the second clamping position 22, and the third clamping position 23, it means that the type of the additive in the liquid storage box 1 is detergent; when the three NFC tags 2 are respectively set in the first clamping position 21, the second clamping position 22, and the fourth clamping position 24, it means that the type of the additive in the liquid storage box 1 is softener; when the three NFC tags 2 are respectively set in the second clamping position 22, the third clamping position 23, and the fourth clamping position 24, it means that the type of the additive in the liquid storage box 1 is disinfectant; when the three NFC tags 2 are respectively set in the first clamping position 21, the third clamping position 23, and the fourth clamping position 24, it means that the type of the additive in the liquid storage box 1 is a stubborn stain agent.

[0068] During use, the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 can be inferred by detecting and identifying the positions of the three NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1. The liquid storage box 1 is placed in the accommodating portion of the additive delivery device. When the liquid storage box 1 is placed in the accommodating portion, the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 in the accommodating portion can be inferred by detecting the positions of the NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1.

[0069] For example, Figure 2 As shown, if three NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1 are detected at the first clamping position 21, the second clamping position 22, and the third clamping position 23, respectively, it can be inferred that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is detergent; Figure 3 As shown, if three NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1 are detected at the first clamping position 21, the third clamping position 23, and the fourth clamping position 24 respectively, it can be inferred that the type of the additive in the liquid storage box 1 is a stubborn stain agent.

[0070] In this embodiment, the types of additives in the liquid storage box 1 are described by taking the four positions for installing the NFC tag 2 preset on the liquid storage box 1 as an example. The preset installation positions may also be five, six, seven, etc., and the number of preset installation positions may be adaptively increased according to the types of additives. In this embodiment, the type of additive in the newly replaced liquid storage box 1 is inferred by identifying the position of the NFC tag 2 on the liquid storage box 1, so as to avoid the user easily misplacing the detergent box in the process of replacing the detergent box due to the large number of additives. The liquid storage box 1 has no intelligent identification identification structure, and it is impossible to realize intelligent identification of the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1, resulting in the phenomenon of incorrect additive placement.

[0071] The third implementation method

[0072] This embodiment is a combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0073] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, in this embodiment, by setting multiple NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1, the type of additives contained in the liquid storage box 1 is accurately identified by utilizing the combination of the number and position of the NFC tags 2, thereby achieving the purpose of clearly identifying the category information of additives for different liquid storage boxes 1.

[0074] Specifically, the liquid storage box 1 is reserved with a first clamping position 21, a second clamping position 22, a third clamping position 23, a fourth clamping position 24 and other positions for installing NFC tags 2. It can be set that three NFC tags 2 are set on the liquid storage box 1, and when the three NFC tags 2 are respectively set in the first clamping position 21, the second clamping position 22, and the third clamping position 23, it means that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is detergent; it can be set that two NFC tags 2 are set on the liquid storage box 1, and when the two NFC tags 2 are respectively set in the first clamping position 21 and the fourth clamping position 24, it means that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is softener; it can be set that one NFC tag 2 is set on the liquid storage box 1, and when the one NFC tag 2 is set in the second clamping position 22, it means that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is disinfectant; it can be set that three NFC tags 2 are set on the liquid storage box 1, and when the three NFC tags 2 are respectively set in the first clamping position 21, the third clamping position 23, and the fourth clamping position 24, it means that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is a stubborn stain agent.

[0075] During use, the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 can be inferred by detecting and identifying the number and position of the NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1. The liquid storage box 1 is placed in the accommodating portion of the additive delivery device. When the liquid storage box 1 is placed in the accommodating portion, the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 in the accommodating portion can be inferred by detecting the position of the NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1.

[0076] For example, Figure 2 As shown, if it is detected that three NFC tags 2 are provided on the liquid storage box 1, and the three NFC tags 2 are respectively located at the first clamping position 21, the second clamping position 22, and the third clamping position 23, it can be inferred that the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 is detergent; Figure 3 As shown, if three NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1 are detected at the first clamping position 21, the third clamping position 23, and the fourth clamping position 24 respectively, it can be inferred that the type of the additive in the liquid storage box 1 is a stubborn stain agent.

[0077] In this embodiment, the types of additives in the liquid storage box 1 are explained by taking the four preset positions for installing the NFC tag 2 on the liquid storage box 1 as an example. The preset installation positions can also be five, six, seven, etc., and the number of preset installation positions can be adaptively increased according to the types of additives.

[0078] In this embodiment, the type of additive in the newly replaced liquid storage box 1 is inferred by identifying the position information of multiple NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1, so as to avoid the situation where the user easily puts the detergent box in the wrong position when replacing it due to the large number of additives. However, there is no intelligent identification identification structure on the liquid storage box 1, and it is impossible to intelligently identify the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1, resulting in the phenomenon of incorrect additive placement.

[0079] Embodiment 2

[0080] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment further provides an additive dispensing device, in which the liquid storage box 1 described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 is installed. The additive dispensing device provided in this embodiment is installed on the outside of the washing machine, and the additive dispensing device is connected in series to the water inlet pipe of the washing machine. The additive in the liquid storage box 1 is dispensed into the water inlet pipe, and the dispensed additive is dispensed into the barrel of the washing machine by utilizing the water inlet of the washing machine.

[0081] The additive dispensing device of this embodiment is provided with a read / write module for identification and multiple near-field communication antennas for detecting and identifying near-field communication tags at different positions on the liquid storage box 1, and the multiple near-field communication antennas are respectively connected to the read / write module through wires 5. The positions where the multiple near-field communication antennas are arranged correspond to the multiple positions on the liquid storage box 1 for installing near-field communication tags.

[0082] Furthermore, the additive dispensing device is provided with a receiving portion for installing the above-mentioned liquid storage box 1, and a plurality of near-field communication antennas cover and respond to signals of all near-field communication tags provided on different liquid storage boxes 1 in the receiving portion.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the near field communication tag is an NFC tag 2, and the corresponding near field communication antenna is a plurality of NFC antennas correspondingly arranged on the accommodating portion, and the plurality of NFC antennas can cover and respond to the signals of all NFC tags 2 arranged on different liquid storage boxes 1 for storing different types of additives.

[0084] Taking the four NFC tag positions provided on the liquid storage box 1 as an example for explanation, the NFC tag positions include a first position 21, a second position 22, a third position 23, and a fourth position 24 which are arranged at intervals on the liquid storage box 1, and a first corresponding position is provided on the accommodating portion corresponding to the first position 21, the second position 22 is provided with a second corresponding position, the third position 23 is provided with a third corresponding position, and the fourth position 24 is provided with a fourth corresponding position.

[0085] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the near field communication antenna includes a first NFC antenna 31 arranged at a first corresponding position of the accommodating portion corresponding to the first card position 21, a second NFC antenna 32 arranged at a second corresponding position of the accommodating portion corresponding to the second card position 22, a third NFC antenna 33 arranged at a third corresponding position of the accommodating portion corresponding to the third card position 23, and a fourth NFC antenna 34 arranged at a fourth corresponding position of the accommodating portion corresponding to the fourth card position 24.

[0086] Through the above-mentioned arrangement, after different types of liquid storage boxes 1 are respectively loaded into the accommodating parts of the additive dispensing device, due to the different numbers and / or positions of the near-field communication tags provided on the different types of liquid storage boxes 1, the near-field communication antenna provided on the additive dispensing device senses and identifies the near-field communication tags at the corresponding positions, thereby achieving the purpose of forming different detection signals after different liquid storage boxes 1 are loaded into the additive dispensing device, thereby achieving the purpose of obtaining the type information of the additive in the liquid storage box 1 by identifying the number and / or position information of the near-field communication tags provided on the liquid storage box 1, so as to solve the problem that the existing additive dispensing device cannot identify the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1, resulting in the phenomenon of incorrect additive dispensing.

[0087] In this embodiment, the multiple near-field communication antennas provided on the additive dispensing device cover all signals of all near-field communication tags provided on different liquid storage boxes 1 for storing different types of additives in the response accommodating portion. The identity of the installed liquid storage box 1 can be accurately identified based on the different detection signals recognized by the near-field communication antenna, thereby achieving significant technical progress in automatically and accurately identifying the types of additives.

[0088] In this embodiment, the multiple NFC antennas correspond to and identify the NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1 one by one. When the liquid storage box 1 is placed in the accommodating portion, the multiple NFC tags 2 and the multiple NFC antennas are exactly opposite to each other. In this embodiment, each NFC antenna can respond to the communication distance of the NFC tag 2 being less than the set distance, so that each NFC antenna is only allowed to identify the NFC tag 2 within the set distance range corresponding to it, that is, the multiple NFC antennas are not allowed to mistakenly identify the NFC tags 2 of other card positions, and can only identify the NFC tags 2 of the corresponding card positions, so as to prevent the problem of misidentification.

[0089] Preferably, if Figure 1 As shown, the reading and writing module is an NFC reader / writer 4 connected to multiple NFC antennas through wires 5 respectively. The NFC reader / writer 4 can use a switch to switch the reading and writing functions between multiple antennas according to actual needs. The NFC reader / writer 4 controls the NFC antenna to transmit a radio frequency signal. The NFC tag 2 includes an NFC chip and an induction coil. After the NFC tag 2 receives the radio frequency signal transmitted by the corresponding NFC antenna through the induction coil, the NFC tag 2 information in the NFC chip is fed back to the corresponding NFC antenna.

[0090] The principle of identifying the category of additives in the above scheme is as follows: a two-way communication is performed between the washing machine processor and the NFC reader 4, and the washing machine processor controls the operation of the additive delivery device and the NFC reader 4. The washing machine processor is responsible for processing all control logic, including triggering the operation of the NFC reader 4, data reading, the NFC antenna is connected to the NFC reader 4, the NFC reader 4 provides energy to the NFC antenna to trigger the NFC antenna to send a corresponding electromagnetic signal, the NFC tag 2 includes a chip and a coil, and the information in the chip can be fed back to the NFC antenna after obtaining energy through the coil. The additive delivery device is an execution device, and the timing, amount, category, etc. of the additive delivery device are controlled by the washing machine processor.

[0091] Preferably, the NFC tag 2 can be fixed on the inner wall surface or the outer wall surface of the liquid storage box 1 by bonding or plastic sealing, and the bonding position corresponds to the position of the NFC antenna.

[0092] Furthermore, the accommodating portion includes an open-top mounting groove 7 matching the shape of the liquid storage box 1, and an upper cover plate 6 covering the opening of the mounting groove 7, wherein the upper cover plate 6 is a shell of the additive delivery device; a plurality of NFC antennas corresponding to near field communication tags are arranged on the inner wall of the mounting groove 7 according to set positions, or arranged on the lower side of the upper cover plate 6. A plurality of NFC tags 2 are correspondingly arranged on the outer side of the top wall of the liquid storage box 1, and when the liquid storage box 1 is inserted into the mounting groove 7, the NFC tags 2 on the liquid storage box 1 correspond to and are identified one by one with the NFC antennas on the accommodating portion.

[0093] In this embodiment, the multiple near-field communication antennas arranged on the additive dispensing device cover all signals of all near-field communication tags provided on different liquid storage boxes 1 for storing different types of additives in the response accommodating portion. The identity of the installed liquid storage box 1 can be accurately identified based on the different detection signals recognized by the near-field communication antenna, and the type of additive can be automatically and accurately identified.

[0094] Embodiment 3

[0095] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides an additive identification and control method having the additive dispensing device of the above-mentioned embodiment 2, wherein the liquid storage box 1 is inserted into the additive dispensing device, and the near-field communication antenna on the additive dispensing device identifies the number and / or position information of the near-field communication tags on the liquid storage box 1, and determines the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 based on the number and / or position information of the near-field communication tags obtained.

[0096] Furthermore, the additive delivery device is connected to the processor of the washing machine, and the NFC reader / writer 4 and different NFC antennas recognize the information of the NFC tag 2 at the corresponding position on the liquid storage box 1;

[0097] The NFC reader / writer 4 feeds back the information of the identified NFC tag 2 to the processor, and the processor infers the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 according to the number and / or position information of the NFC tag 2;

[0098] In the washing and / or rinsing program, the processor of the washing machine controls the different types of additives to be dispensed at different time sequences according to the type of additives in the liquid storage box 1 obtained according to the washing process. When the NFC reader 4 and the NFC antenna recognize that the type of additives in the newly replaced liquid storage box 1 is different from the type of additives in the original liquid storage box 1, the additive dispensing device adjusts the dispensing time sequence to ensure accurate dispensing and avoid mis-dispensing.

[0099] Preferably, the processor stores a type matching table of additive types corresponding to the number and / or position information of the NFC tags 2 provided on the liquid storage box 1, and the processor infers the type of additive in the liquid storage box 1 with reference to the type matching table.

[0100] Furthermore, a position detection module is provided in the additive delivery device; when the position detection module detects that the liquid storage box 1 is replaced, the NFC reader 4 is controlled to read the data information of the NFC tag 2 at the corresponding position on the newly replaced liquid storage box 1 through the NFC antenna;

[0101] The NFC reader 4 transmits the read information back to the processor of the washing machine, and the processor re-determines the type of additive based on the data information of the NFC tag 2 on the newly replaced liquid storage box 1 fed back by the NFC reader 4. The data information includes the presence or absence of the NFC tag 2, or also includes relevant information about the additive in the liquid storage box 1 stored in the NFC tag 2, etc.

[0102] Furthermore, the position detection module is an infrared sensor or a pressure sensor arranged on the accommodating portion; when the infrared sensor or the pressure sensor detects that the liquid storage box 1 in the accommodating portion has been replaced, a signal of replacing the liquid storage box 1 is fed back to the processor of the washing machine.

[0103] After the processor of the washing machine receives the signal of replacing the liquid storage box 1, it triggers the NFC reader 4 to start working. The NFC reader 4 reads the number and / or position data information of the NFC tags 2 at the corresponding position on the newly replaced liquid storage box 1 through the NFC antenna, and feeds it back to the processor of the washing machine. The processor re-judges the type of additive and displays and updates the obtained type of additive.

[0104] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the identification control principle provided by this embodiment is as follows: after the washing machine is turned on, it is in a standby state. At this time, the processor of the washing machine controls the NFC reader 4 to be in an on state. The NFC reader 4 can read the NFC tag 2 at the corresponding position at any time, and can update the data in real time. Alternatively, preferably, when it is detected that the liquid storage box 1 has been replaced, the processor of the washing machine controls the NFC reader 4 to start, identify and update the type of additive in the replaced liquid storage box 1, and transmit the updated read-write data back to the washing machine processor in real time. The washing machine processor identifies and determines the type of additive based on the read data, and displays the identified category.

[0105] After the washing machine is started, it adds different types of additives at different time sequences according to different laundry processes in the washing stage or the rinsing stage, and adds corresponding types of additives. For example, some programs allow the addition of detergents, builders, and softeners, and some programs only allow the addition of softeners. For example, detergents are allowed to be added when water is entering the washing stage, and softeners are allowed to be added when water is entering the last rinse. The washing machine adds the corresponding additive type according to the set addition sequence. During the addition process, the reading and writing functions of the NFC reader 4 can be controlled to be turned off.

[0106] In another embodiment, the NFC tag 2 described in this embodiment can have its own anti-counterfeiting code, which can effectively identify the authenticity of the current additive and promptly remind the user to avoid unscrupulous merchants from counterfeiting the liquid storage box, which may cause the type, brand, viscosity, concentration, quality and other state parameter information of the additive to cause the delivery accuracy of the delivery device to differ too much and the delivery port to be blocked, which will not only affect the washing and care effect of the clothes, but also cause different degrees of damage to the washing load or the additive delivery device.

[0107] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modify the technical contents suggested above into equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still fall within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An additive delivery device, comprising a receiving portion for mounting a liquid storage box, characterized in that: The liquid storage box has a sealed chamber for storing additives, and a near field communication tag is provided on the liquid storage box. The number and position of the near field communication tags provided on the liquid storage box correspond to the type of additives stored in the liquid storage box. The additive delivery device is provided with a plurality of near field communication antennas for detecting and identifying near field communication tags at different positions on the liquid storage box, and the plurality of near field communication antennas are respectively connected to the read-write module; The plurality of near-field communication antennas cover and respond to signals of all near-field communication tags disposed on different liquid storage boxes in the accommodating portion. The number of the near-field communication antennas is not less than the number of near-field communication tags on the liquid storage boxes and corresponds one-to-one to the positions of the near-field communication tags.

2. The additive delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The near field communication tag is one or more NFC tags fixed at a set position on the liquid storage box. The liquid storage box for storing different types of additives is provided with NFC tags of different quantities and positions or in different combinations.

3. The additive delivery device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The near field communication antenna is a plurality of NFC antennas correspondingly arranged on the accommodating portion, and the plurality of NFC antennas can cover and respond to signals of all NFC tags arranged on different storage boxes for storing different types of additives; Each NFC antenna can respond to the communication distance of the NFC tag being less than the set distance, so that each NFC antenna is only allowed to identify the NFC tag within the set distance range corresponding to it, and the multiple NFC antennas are identified one by one with the NFC tags on the liquid storage box.

4. The additive delivery device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reading and writing module is an NFC reader / writer connected to multiple NFC antennas respectively. The NFC reader / writer controls the NFC antenna to transmit a radio frequency signal. The NFC tag includes an NFC chip and an induction coil. After the NFC tag receives the radio frequency signal transmitted by the corresponding NFC antenna through the induction coil, the NFC tag feeds back the NFC tag information in the NFC chip to the corresponding NFC antenna.

5. The additive dosing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The accommodating portion includes a mounting groove with an open top matching the shape of the liquid storage box, and an upper cover plate covering the opening of the mounting groove; The plurality of NFC antennas corresponding to the near field communication tags are arranged on the inner wall of the mounting groove according to the set position, or are arranged on the lower side of the upper cover plate; when the liquid storage box is inserted into the mounting groove, the NFC tags on the liquid storage box correspond to the NFC antennas on the accommodating portion and are identified one by one.

6. The additive delivery device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The NFC tag can be fixed on the inner wall surface or the outer wall surface of the liquid storage box by bonding or plastic sealing.

7. A method for identifying and controlling additives using the additive delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: When the liquid storage box is inserted into the additive dispensing device, the near-field communication antenna on the additive dispensing device identifies the number and / or position information of the near-field communication tags on the liquid storage box, and determines the type of additive in the liquid storage box based on the number and / or position information of the near-field communication tags obtained.

8. The method for identifying and controlling additives according to claim 7, characterized in that: The additive delivery device is connected to the processor of the washing machine, and the NFC reader / writer and different NFC antennas recognize the information of the NFC tag at the corresponding position on the liquid storage box; The NFC reader / writer feeds back the information of the identified NFC tag to the processor, and the processor infers the type of additive in the liquid storage box according to the number and / or position information of the NFC tag; In the washing and / or rinsing program, the processor of the washing machine controls the addition of different types of additives at different time sequences according to the types of additives in the liquid storage box acquired according to the washing process.

9. The method for identifying and controlling additives according to claim 8, characterized in that: The processor stores a type matching table of additive types corresponding to the number and / or position information of the NFC tags provided on the liquid storage box, and the processor infers the type of the additive in the liquid storage box with reference to the type matching table.

10. The additive identification and control method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The additive delivery device is provided with a position detection module; When the position detection module detects that the liquid storage box is replaced, the NFC reader is controlled to read the data information of the NFC tag at the corresponding position on the newly replaced liquid storage box through the NFC antenna; The NFC reader / writer transmits the read information back to the processor of the washing machine, and the processor re-determines the type of additive based on the data information of the NFC tag on the newly replaced liquid storage box fed back by the NFC reader / writer.

11. The method for identifying and controlling additives according to claim 10, characterized in that: The position detection module is an infrared sensor or a pressure sensor disposed on the accommodating portion; when the infrared sensor or the pressure sensor detects that the liquid storage box in the accommodating portion has been replaced, a signal is fed back to the processor of the washing machine; The processor of the washing machine triggers the NFC reader to start working. The NFC reader reads the data information of the NFC tag at the corresponding position on the newly replaced liquid storage box through the NFC antenna and feeds it back to the processor of the washing machine. The processor re-judges the type of additive and displays and updates the obtained type of additive.

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