A washing machine, an automatic dispenser and a control method thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a washing machine, an automatic dispenser, and a control method thereof. The automatic dispenser uses an ultrasonic generator to emit ultrasonic waves; an upper reflective surface is located above the nozzle; an oblique reflective surface is located below the nozzle. After passing through the oblique reflective surface, the ultrasonic waves form an upward-propagating wave, and after passing through the upper reflective surface, they form a downward-propagating wave. The upward and downward waves superimpose to form a standing wave. The vertical distance between the ultrasonic generator and the upper reflective surface satisfies the resonant cavity condition. The nozzle is located at the acoustic pressure node of the standing wave. The controller acquires the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support, obtains the dispensing mass, and calculates the target number of dispensing droplets based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support and the dispensing mass. When the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number, the nozzle is controlled to stop dispensing droplets. This invention is based on acoustic levitation technology, has a relatively small error, and high dispensing accuracy, offering significant advantages for dispensing concentrated liquids.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology, specifically relating to a washing machine, an automatic dispenser, and a control method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] The most crucial aspect of automatic detergent dispensing technology is the precise control of the dosage, which is one of the key reasons why automatic dispensing can replace manual dispensing. Adding excessive amounts of detergent, softener, builder, or disinfectant will leave residue on clothing after the entire washing process, potentially harming human health. When these liquid residues accumulate to a certain level, they can cause yellowing, unpleasant odors, and even damage to the garments. Furthermore, adding too much or too little detergent, softener, builder, or disinfectant during the washing process can affect the friction between the fabrics. Insufficient friction will affect the washing efficiency, while excessive friction may directly damage the clothing.

[0003] Existing automatic dispensing devices mainly include two types: dispensing valve + pulse flow meter and self-priming dispensing pump.

[0004] Automatic dispensing devices using a dispensing valve and pulse flow meter continuously dispense liquid while the flow rate is accumulated by the pulse flow meter. The dispensing accuracy of this type of device primarily depends on the accuracy of the pulse flow meter. The pulse flow meter works by placing a turbine in the center of the pipe, supported by bearings at both ends. When fluid flows through the pipe, it impacts the turbine blades, generating a driving torque that causes the turbine to rotate, overcoming frictional torque and fluid resistance torque. Within a certain flow range and for a given fluid viscosity, the turbine's rotational angular velocity is directly proportional to the fluid velocity. The flow rate through the pipe can be calculated using the turbine's rotational angular velocity. In short, the pulse flow meter does not directly measure the mass or volume of the liquid, which introduces a significant error.

[0005] Self-priming dispensers dispense liquid at a fixed flow rate. Since the flow rate of a self-priming dispenser is roughly constant, directly calculating the dispensed volume based on the pump start-up time will result in a larger error.

[0006] Therefore, the two dispensing devices mentioned above will produce significant errors when dispensing concentrated liquids.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a washing machine, an automatic dispenser and its control method to solve the technical problem of large errors in the dispensing device when dispensing concentrated liquids.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] An automatic dispenser includes a nozzle for discharging droplets, the automatic dispenser further comprising:

[0011] An ultrasonic generator is used to emit ultrasonic waves;

[0012] The upper reflective surface is located above the mouth;

[0013] An oblique reflector, located below the mouth, is used to receive ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator and reflect them to the upper reflector.

[0014] The ultrasonic wave, after passing through the oblique reflecting surface, forms an upward-propagating upward wave. The upward-propagating wave, after passing through the upper reflecting surface, forms a downward-propagating downward wave. The upward-propagating wave and the downward-propagating wave superimpose to form a standing wave. The vertical distance between the ultrasonic generator and the upper reflecting surface satisfies the resonant cavity condition. The mouth is located at the sound pressure node of the standing wave.

[0015] A counting detector is used to detect the number of droplets discharged from the mouth.

[0016] The controller is used to obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support, to obtain the delivery mass, to calculate the target number of droplets to be delivered based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support and the delivery mass, and to control the nozzle to stop discharging droplets when the number of droplets detected by the counting detector reaches the target number.

[0017] In the automatic dispenser described above, the propagation directions of the upward and downward waves are parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0018] The automatic dispenser described above includes at least two nozzles for dispensing different types of dispensing agents. Each nozzle is located at the acoustic pressure node of the ultrasonic wave corresponding to its dispensing agent type. The controller is used to acquire the type and mass of the dispensing agent to be dispensed, acquire the droplet mass of the dispensing agent type that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, calculate the target number of droplets to be dispensed based on the droplet mass and dispensing mass of the dispensing agent type that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, control the ultrasonic generator to emit ultrasonic waves corresponding to the type of dispensing agent to be dispensed, control the nozzle corresponding to the type of dispensing agent to discharge droplets, and control the nozzle to stop dispensing droplets when the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number.

[0019] As described above, in the automatic dispenser, the controller is used to control the nozzle corresponding to the type of dispenser to dispense the dispenser when the type of dispenser to be dispensed is one; the controller is also used to control the nozzles corresponding to different types of dispensers to dispense the dispenser at different times when the type of dispenser to be dispensed is two or more.

[0020] As described above, the lower end of the oblique reflective surface of the automatic dispenser is connected to a channel.

[0021] A control method for the above-mentioned automatic dispenser, the method comprising:

[0022] Obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support, obtain the deployment mass, and calculate the target number of droplets to be deployed based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support and the deployment mass.

[0023] The ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves;

[0024] Control the nozzle to discharge droplets;

[0025] The counting detector detects the number of droplets;

[0026] When the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number, the nozzle is controlled to stop discharging droplets.

[0027] A control method for the above-mentioned automatic dispenser, the method comprising:

[0028] Obtain the type and mass of the agent to be dispensed, obtain the droplet mass of the agent to be dispensed that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, and calculate the target number of droplets to be dispensed based on the droplet mass of the agent to be dispensed that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave and the dispensed mass.

[0029] The ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves corresponding to the type of agent to be administered.

[0030] Control the nozzle that dispenses the appropriate type of agent to be dispensed;

[0031] The counting detector detects the number of droplets;

[0032] When the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number, the nozzle is controlled to stop discharging droplets.

[0033] As described above, the control method for the automatic dispenser, when the type of dispenser to be dispensed is one, controls the nozzle corresponding to the type of dispenser to dispense the dispenser; when the type of dispenser to be dispensed is two or more, controls the nozzles corresponding to different types of dispensers to dispense the dispenser at different times.

[0034] A washing machine, characterized in that the washing machine includes the above-described automatic dispensing device.

[0035] As described above, the washing machine includes a signal input module for selecting the type of dispensing agent to be dispensed, and a controller for controlling the nozzle corresponding to the type of dispensing agent to discharge droplets and controlling the ultrasonic generator to emit ultrasonic waves corresponding to the type of dispensing agent to be dispensed.

[0036] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: The automatic dispenser of the present invention includes a nozzle for discharging droplets, an ultrasonic generator, an upper reflective surface, an oblique reflective surface, a counting detector, and a controller. The ultrasonic generator is used to emit ultrasonic waves; the upper reflective surface is located above the nozzle; the oblique reflective surface is located below the nozzle and is used to receive the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator and reflect them to the upper reflective surface; after passing through the oblique reflective surface, the ultrasonic waves form an upward-propagating upward wave, and after passing through the upper reflective surface, they form a downward-propagating downward wave. The upward wave and the downward wave superimpose to form a standing wave. The vertical distance between the ultrasonic generator and the upper reflective surface satisfies the resonant cavity condition; the nozzle is located at the acoustic pressure node of the standing wave; the counting detector is used to detect the number of droplets discharged by the nozzle; the controller is used to obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can carry, and to obtain the dispensing mass. Based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can carry and the dispensing mass, the controller calculates the target number of droplets to be dispensed and controls the nozzle to stop discharging droplets when the number of droplets detected by the counting detector reaches the target number. The automatic dispenser of this invention is based on acoustic levitation technology. It can directly control the mass of the dispensed droplets by controlling the characteristics of the sound waves, and the quantity of liquid discharged is detected by a counter. Therefore, this invention has a small error and high dispensing accuracy, and has a very obvious advantage for dispensing concentrated liquids.

[0037] The control method of the automatic dispenser of this invention obtains the mass of the droplet that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, and calculates the dispensing mass. Based on the droplet mass supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force and the dispensing mass, the target number of droplets to be dispensed is calculated. An ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves; a control nozzle dispenses droplets; a counting detector detects the number of droplets; and the control nozzle stops dispensing droplets when the number of droplets detected by the counting detector reaches the target number. This invention, based on acoustic levitation technology, can directly control the mass of the dispensed droplets by controlling the characteristics of the sound waves, and the quantity of liquid dispensed is detected by a counter. Therefore, this invention has a relatively small error and high dispensing accuracy, and has a significant advantage for dispensing concentrated liquids.

[0038] The washing machine of this invention includes an automatic dispenser, which comprises a nozzle for discharging droplets, an ultrasonic generator, an upper reflective surface, an oblique reflective surface, a counting detector, and a controller. The ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves; the upper reflective surface is located above the nozzle; the oblique reflective surface is located below the nozzle and is used to receive the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator and reflect them to the upper reflective surface; after passing through the oblique reflective surface, the ultrasonic waves form an upward-propagating upward wave, and after passing through the upper reflective surface, they form a downward-propagating downward wave. The upward and downward waves superimpose to form a standing wave. The vertical distance between the ultrasonic generator and the upper reflective surface satisfies the resonant cavity condition; the nozzle is located at the sound pressure node of the standing wave; the counting detector is used to detect the number of droplets discharged from the nozzle; the controller is used to obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic waves can support, to obtain the dispensing mass, to calculate the target number of droplets to be dispensed based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic waves can support and the dispensing mass, and to control the nozzle to stop discharging droplets when the number of droplets detected by the counting detector reaches the target number. The automatic dispensing device of this invention is based on acoustic levitation technology. It can directly control the mass of the dispensed liquid droplets by controlling the characteristics of sound waves, and detect the amount of liquid discharged by a counter. Therefore, the washing machine of this invention has a small dispensing error and high dispensing accuracy. It has a very obvious advantage for dispensing concentrated liquids, which can ensure the washing quality of clothes and avoid the residue of dispensing agents.

[0039] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic dispenser according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator in a specific embodiment of the present invention at a certain moment.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a standing wave formed in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic dispenser according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic dispenser according to another specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic dispenser according to another specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of another specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of another specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] In the picture:

[0052] 1. Mouth;

[0053] 11. The first bite;

[0054] 12. The second bite;

[0055] 2. Ultrasonic generator;

[0056] 3. Upper reflective surface;

[0057] 4. Oblique reflecting surface;

[0058] 5. Counting detector;

[0059] 6. Passage. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0062] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] An automatic dispenser utilizes acoustic levitation technology. An ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves, creating a standing wave between reflecting surfaces that meet resonance conditions. The dispenser's nozzle is positioned at the acoustic pressure node of this standing wave. Therefore, when the weight of the droplet discharged from the nozzle slightly exceeds the maximum acoustic levitation force, the droplet falls. In other words, the maximum acoustic levitation force of an ultrasonic wave with a defined waveform (including amplitude, period, and wavelength) is determined, thus allowing the determination of the weight of the droplet discharged from the nozzle. This determines the mass of the droplet. The required quantity of liquid to be dispensed is obtained by dividing the mass of the required dispensing agent by the mass of the droplet discharged from the nozzle. The number of droplets discharged is then detected by a counting detector. This method directly determines the mass of the discharged droplet, rather than converting it to mass using other flow meters or time-based calculations. Therefore, this method has a smaller error and higher dispensing accuracy.

[0064] The invention will be further illustrated by two specific examples below:

[0065] Example 1

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic dispenser in this embodiment includes a nozzle 1 for discharging droplets, an ultrasonic generator 2, an upper reflective surface 3, an oblique reflective surface 4, a counting detector 5, and a channel 6.

[0067] The nozzle 1 for discharging droplets is used to discharge droplets.

[0068] In some embodiments, the nozzle 1 for discharging droplets is generally connected to the container of the dispenser. The aperture of the nozzle 1 for discharging droplets is small. For example, the nozzle 1 for discharging droplets is a needle nozzle, which can ensure that the volume of the droplets discharged at one time is not too large, and ensure that the gravity corresponding to the size of the discharged droplets is compatible with the maximum acoustic levitation force.

[0069] In some embodiments, the liquid discharge nozzle 1 can be controlled by a switch device to control whether liquid is discharged. When the switch device is closed, the liquid discharge nozzle 1 does not discharge droplets, and when the switch device is open, the liquid discharge nozzle 1 discharges liquid.

[0070] In some embodiments, the switching device is a solenoid valve.

[0071] The solenoid valve is controlled by the controller. The solenoid valve is normally closed. When the controller is in operation and the dosing agent needs to be added, it outputs a control signal to control the solenoid valve to open. When the number of droplets detected by the counting detector 5 received by the controller reaches the target number, it outputs a control signal to control the solenoid valve to close.

[0072] Ultrasonic generator 2, used to emit ultrasonic waves.

[0073] Among them, ultrasound refers to ultrasound with a predetermined waveform, including amplitude, period and wavelength.

[0074] In some embodiments, the maximum acoustic levitation force , where P m ρ is the amplitude of the sound wave, ω is the density of the agent, λ is the angular frequency of the sound wave, λ is the wavelength of the sound wave, and r is the radius of the droplet.

[0075] Maximum droplet gravity: M = 4 / 3πr 3 ρg, where r is the radius of the droplet and ρ is the density of the additive.

[0076] Let F max =M, then the P of the ultrasound can be obtained. m The relationship between ω and λ is determined by ultrasound.

[0077] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator in this embodiment.

[0078] The upper reflective surface 3 is located above the mouth 1.

[0079] The upper reflecting surface 3 is a smooth reflecting surface.

[0080] In some embodiments, the upper reflective surface 3 is a plane.

[0081] In some embodiments, the upper reflective surface 3 is a concave arc surface.

[0082] The oblique reflector 4 is located below the mouth 1 and is used to receive the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator 2 and reflect them to the upper reflector 3.

[0083] In some embodiments, the oblique reflecting surface 4 is a plane.

[0084] In some embodiments, the oblique reflective surface 4 is a concave arc surface.

[0085] The ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator 2 form an upward wave after passing through the oblique reflecting surface 4, and the upward wave forms a downward wave after passing through the upper reflecting surface 3.

[0086] In this process, the ascending wave and the descending wave superimpose to form a standing wave, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the positions marked by the small circles are the sound pressure nodes.

[0087] The perpendicular distance L between the ultrasonic generator 2 and the upper reflecting surface 3 satisfies the resonant cavity condition: , where λ is the wavelength of the ultrasound.

[0088] Mouth 1 is located at the sound pressure node of the standing wave.

[0089] Once the ultrasonic wave is determined, the positions of the upper reflecting surface 3 and the oblique reflecting surface 4 are also determined. There are multiple positions of the sound pressure wave node between the upper reflecting surface 3 and the oblique reflecting surface 4, and the nozzle 1 can be installed at any of these positions.

[0090] The counting detector 5 is used to detect the number of droplets discharged from the nozzle 1.

[0091] The counting detector 5 is located below the mouth 1 and above the oblique reflector 4.

[0092] The nozzle 1, ultrasonic generator 2, upper reflector 3, oblique reflector 4, and counting detector 5 can be mounted on the same mounting component.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown, the controller is used to obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support, to obtain the delivery mass, to calculate the target number of droplets to be delivered based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support and the delivery mass, and to control the nozzle to stop discharging droplets when the number of droplets detected by the counting detector reaches the target number.

[0094] In some embodiments, the droplet mass m that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support is predetermined and stored in the controller or memory.

[0095] Since the ultrasonic wave is determined, the maximum acoustic levitation force can be determined. The mass of the droplet m*g = the maximum acoustic levitation force, and thus the mass m of the droplet can be determined.

[0096] In some embodiments, the dosage mass is the mass of the agent to be dispensed calculated by the controller based on the actual situation.

[0097] In some embodiments, the dosing mass is the mass of the dosing agent to be dosed that is received by the controller from other devices.

[0098] Target quantity = mass of agent to be applied / m.

[0099] To improve accuracy, the propagation directions of the up-wave and down-wave are parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0100] In some embodiments, when both the upper reflecting surface 3 and the oblique reflecting surface 4 are planar, the upper reflecting surface 3 is horizontally arranged, the oblique reflecting surface 4 is arranged at a 45-degree angle to the upper reflecting surface 3, and the propagation directions of the upward and downward waves are parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0101] To facilitate the dispensing of the agent and the installation of the automatic dispenser and the container to be dispensed, the lower end of the oblique reflective surface 4 is connected to a channel 6, through which the agent enters the container to be dispensed.

[0102] Based on the above-mentioned automatic dispenser, a control method for the automatic dispenser is also proposed:

[0103] Obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasound can support, obtain the deployment mass, and calculate the target number of droplets to be deployed based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasound can support and the deployment mass.

[0104] An ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves;

[0105] Control the nozzle to expel droplets;

[0106] The counting detector measures the number of droplets;

[0107] The nozzle stops discharging droplets when the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number.

[0108] The mass m of the droplet that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasound can support is predetermined and stored in the controller or memory.

[0109] Since the ultrasonic wave is determined, the maximum acoustic levitation force can be determined. The mass of the droplet m*g = the maximum acoustic levitation force, and thus the mass m of the droplet can be determined.

[0110] In some embodiments, the dosage mass is the mass of the agent to be dispensed calculated by the controller based on the actual situation.

[0111] In some embodiments, the dosing mass is the mass of the dosing agent to be dosed that is received by the controller from other devices.

[0112] Target quantity = mass of agent to be applied / m.

[0113] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the control method includes the following steps:

[0114] S1, Begin.

[0115] S2. Obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support, obtain the delivery mass, and calculate the target number of droplets to be delivered based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support and the delivery mass.

[0116] S3, The ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves.

[0117] S4. Control the nozzle to discharge droplets.

[0118] S5, the counting detector detects the number of droplets.

[0119] S6. Determine if the number of droplets has reached the target number. If yes, proceed to step S7; otherwise, proceed to step S5.

[0120] S7. Control the nozzle to stop discharging liquid droplets.

[0121] S8, End.

[0122] This embodiment determines whether the required dosage of the agent has been reached by measuring the mass and number of droplets. It controls the dosage directly by mass, rather than converting the mass into a quantity using a flow meter or time. This results in smaller errors and higher dosage accuracy.

[0123] This embodiment also proposes a washing machine, which includes the aforementioned automatic dispensing device.

[0124] The automatic dispenser delivers the reagent into the washing machine's tub through channel 6. The washing machine calculates the required reagent mass based on the weight of the clothes in the tub.

[0125] The additives can be detergents, softeners, cleaning aids, disinfectants, etc.

[0126] Example 2

[0127] Since multiple types of dispensing agents are typically required in a single device, the automatic dispenser in this embodiment includes at least two nozzles for dispensing different types of agents. Each nozzle is located at the acoustic pressure node of the ultrasonic wave corresponding to its respective agent type. The controller is used to acquire the type and mass of the dispensing agent to be dispensed, the droplet mass of the dispensing agent type that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, calculate the target number of droplets to be dispensed based on the droplet mass and dispensing mass of the dispensing agent type that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, control the ultrasonic generator to emit ultrasonic waves corresponding to the type of dispensing agent, control the nozzle corresponding to the type of dispensing agent to discharge droplets, and control the nozzle to stop dispensing droplets when the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number.

[0128] like Figure 6As shown, the automatic dispenser includes two nozzles, a first nozzle 11 and a second nozzle 12, which dispense different types of agents. The first nozzle 11 corresponds to the first agent container, which stores the first agent. The second nozzle 12 corresponds to the second agent container, which stores the second agent.

[0129] The automatic dispenser in this embodiment includes a first nozzle 11 and a second nozzle 12 for discharging droplets, an ultrasonic generator 2, an upper reflective surface 3, an oblique reflective surface 4, a counting detector 5, and a channel 6.

[0130] The first nozzle 11 is used to discharge the first droplet of the dispensing agent.

[0131] The second nozzle 12 is used to discharge the second droplet of the dispensing agent.

[0132] The ultrasonic generator 2 is used to emit a first ultrasonic wave corresponding to the first delivery agent and a second ultrasonic wave corresponding to the second delivery agent.

[0133] The first ultrasound is a predetermined ultrasound corresponding to the first delivery agent, and the second ultrasound is a predetermined ultrasound corresponding to the second delivery agent. That is, the waveform is determined, including the amplitude, period and wavelength of the ultrasound.

[0134] In some embodiments, the maximum acoustic levitation force , where P m ρ is the amplitude of the sound wave, ω is the density of the agent, λ is the angular frequency of the sound wave, λ is the wavelength of the sound wave, and r is the radius of the droplet.

[0135] Maximum droplet gravity: M = 4 / 3πr 3 ρg, where r is the radius of the droplet and ρ is the density of the additive.

[0136] Let F max =M, then the P of the ultrasound can be obtained. m The relationship between ω and λ is determined by ultrasound.

[0137] Since the density of the first agent is generally different from that of the second agent, the parameters of the first ultrasound wave are generally different from those of the second ultrasound wave. However, in order to meet the resonant cavity conditions, the wavelength of the first ultrasound wave can be preset to be the same as the wavelength λ of the second ultrasound wave.

[0138] The first nozzle 11 is located at the sound pressure node of the standing wave of the first ultrasonic wave, and the second nozzle 12 is located at the sound pressure node of the standing wave of the second ultrasonic wave.

[0139] like Figure 7As shown, the controller is used to obtain the type and mass of the agent to be dispensed, obtain the droplet mass of the agent to be dispensed that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, calculate the target number of droplets to be dispensed based on the droplet mass of the agent to be dispensed that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave and the dispensed mass, control the ultrasonic generator to emit ultrasonic waves corresponding to the agent to be dispensed, control the nozzle corresponding to the agent to be dispensed to discharge droplets, and control the nozzle to stop discharging droplets when the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number.

[0140] In some embodiments, the type of agent to be administered is determined based on the actual situation, and can be determined by the controller or by receiving a demand signal.

[0141] In some embodiments, the dosage mass is the mass of the agent to be dispensed calculated by the controller based on the actual situation.

[0142] In some embodiments, the dosing mass is the mass of the dosing agent to be dosed that is received by the controller from other devices.

[0143] In some embodiments, the droplet mass m that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support is predetermined and stored in the controller or memory.

[0144] Since the ultrasonic wave is determined, the maximum acoustic levitation force can be determined. The mass of the droplet m*g = the maximum acoustic levitation force, and thus the mass m of the droplet can be determined.

[0145] Target quantity = mass of agent to be applied / m.

[0146] In some embodiments, when the controller detects that only one type of agent needs to be dispensed, it controls the nozzle corresponding to that type of agent to dispense the agent; when the controller detects that two or more types of agents need to be dispensed, it controls the nozzles corresponding to different types of agents to dispense the agents at different times. That is, only one type of agent is dispensed at any given time to ensure that the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator are compatible with that type of agent.

[0147] To improve accuracy, the propagation directions of the up-wave and down-wave are parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0148] In some embodiments, when both the upper reflecting surface 3 and the oblique reflecting surface 4 are planar, the upper reflecting surface 3 is horizontally arranged, the oblique reflecting surface 4 is arranged at a 45-degree angle to the upper reflecting surface 3, and the propagation directions of the upward and downward waves are parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0149] To facilitate the dispensing of the agent and the installation of the automatic dispenser and the container to be dispensed, the lower end of the oblique reflective surface 4 is connected to a channel 6, through which the agent enters the container to be dispensed.

[0150] Based on the above-mentioned automatic dispenser, a control method for the automatic dispenser is also proposed:

[0151] Obtain the type and mass of the agent to be deployed, obtain the droplet mass of the agent to be deployed that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, and calculate the target number of droplets to be deployed based on the droplet mass of the agent to be deployed that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave and the deployment mass.

[0152] The ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves corresponding to the type of agent to be administered.

[0153] Control the nozzle that dispenses the appropriate type of agent to be dispensed;

[0154] The counting detector measures the number of droplets;

[0155] When the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number, the nozzle is controlled to stop discharging droplets.

[0156] When the required type of agent is only one, the agent is dispensed from the nozzle corresponding to that type of agent.

[0157] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, when the first agent needs to be administered, the control method includes the following steps:

[0158] S1, Begin.

[0159] S2. Obtain the type of agent to be deployed as the first agent, obtain the deployment mass, obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the first ultrasonic wave can support, and calculate the target number of droplets to be deployed with the first agent based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the first ultrasonic wave can support and the deployment mass.

[0160] S3, The ultrasonic generator emits the first ultrasonic wave.

[0161] S4. Control the discharge of droplets from the first nozzle.

[0162] S5, the counting detector detects the number of droplets.

[0163] S6. Determine if the number of droplets has reached the target number. If yes, proceed to step S7; otherwise, proceed to step S5.

[0164] S7. Control the first nozzle to stop discharging droplets.

[0165] S8, End.

[0166] like Figure 9 As shown, when a second agent needs to be administered, the control method includes the following steps:

[0167] S1, Begin.

[0168] S2. Obtain the type of agent to be deployed as the second agent, obtain the deployment mass, obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the second ultrasonic wave can support, and calculate the target number of droplets to be deployed by the second agent based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the second ultrasonic wave can support and the deployment mass.

[0169] S3, The ultrasonic generator emits a second ultrasonic wave.

[0170] S4. Control the discharge of droplets from the second nozzle.

[0171] S5, the counting detector detects the number of droplets.

[0172] S6. Determine if the number of droplets has reached the target number. If yes, proceed to step S7; otherwise, proceed to step S5.

[0173] S7. Control the second nozzle to stop discharging droplets.

[0174] S8, End.

[0175] When there are two or more types of delivery agents, control the nozzles corresponding to different types of delivery agents to deliver the delivery agents at different times.

[0176] Generally, there are requirements for the order of application of the reagents. If there are requirements for the order of application, the reagents should be applied in the required order. If there are no requirements for the order of application, the reagents can be applied in sequence.

[0177] like Figure 10 As shown, this explanation will be based on the example of obtaining two types of application agents, with the first application agent preceding the second application agent:

[0178] S1, Begin.

[0179] S2. Obtain the types of agents to be deployed as the first agent and the second agent, with the first agent being deployed before the second agent.

[0180] S3. Obtain the mass of the first delivery agent, obtain the mass of the droplets that can be carried by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the first ultrasound, and calculate the target number of droplets delivered by the first delivery agent based on the mass of the droplets that can be carried by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the first ultrasound and the delivery mass.

[0181] S4. The ultrasonic generator emits the first ultrasonic wave.

[0182] S5. Control the discharge of droplets from the first nozzle.

[0183] S6, the counting detector detects the number of droplets.

[0184] S7. Determine if the number of droplets has reached the target number. If yes, proceed to step S8; otherwise, proceed to step S6.

[0185] S8. Control the first nozzle to stop discharging droplets.

[0186] S9. Obtain the mass of the second delivery agent, obtain the mass of the droplets that can be carried by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the second ultrasound, and calculate the target number of droplets delivered by the second delivery agent based on the mass of the droplets that can be carried by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the second ultrasound and the delivery mass.

[0187] S10, The ultrasonic generator emits a second ultrasonic wave.

[0188] S11, Control the discharge of droplets from the second nozzle.

[0189] S12, the counting detector detects the number of droplets.

[0190] S13. Determine if the number of droplets has reached the target number. If yes, proceed to step S14; otherwise, proceed to step S12.

[0191] S14. Control the second nozzle to stop discharging droplets.

[0192] S15, End.

[0193] A washing machine that includes the aforementioned automatic dispenser.

[0194] The automatic dispenser delivers the reagent into the washing machine's tub through channel 6. The washing machine calculates the required reagent mass based on the weight of the clothes in the tub.

[0195] In some embodiments, the washing machine includes a signal input module for selecting the type of dispensing agent to be dispensed, and a controller for controlling the nozzle corresponding to the type of dispensing agent to discharge droplets and controlling the ultrasonic generator to emit ultrasonic waves corresponding to the type of dispensing agent to be dispensed.

[0196] For example, the type of agent to be administered can be selected as the first agent through the signal input module, or the type of agent to be administered can be selected as the second agent through the signal input module, or the type of agent to be administered can be selected as both the first agent and the second agent through the signal input module.

[0197] The additives can be detergents, softeners, cleaning aids, disinfectants, etc.

[0198] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic dispenser, comprising a nozzle for discharging droplets, characterized in that, The automatic dispenser also includes: An ultrasonic generator is used to emit ultrasonic waves; The upper reflective surface is located above the mouth; An oblique reflector, located below the mouth, is used to receive ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator and reflect them to the upper reflector. The ultrasonic wave, after passing through the oblique reflecting surface, forms an upward-propagating upward wave. The upward-propagating wave, after passing through the upper reflecting surface, forms a downward-propagating downward wave. The upward-propagating wave and the downward-propagating wave superimpose to form a standing wave. The vertical distance between the ultrasonic generator and the upper reflecting surface satisfies the resonant cavity condition. The mouth is located at the sound pressure node of the standing wave. A counting detector is used to detect the number of droplets discharged from the mouth. The controller is used to obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support, to obtain the delivery mass, to calculate the target number of droplets to be delivered based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support and the delivery mass, and to control the nozzle to stop discharging droplets when the number of droplets detected by the counting detector reaches the target number.

2. The automatic dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The propagation directions of the upward and downward waves are parallel to the direction of gravity.

3. The automatic dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic dispenser includes at least two nozzles for dispensing different types of agents. Each nozzle is located at the acoustic pressure node of the ultrasonic wave corresponding to its agent type. The controller is used to acquire the type and mass of the agent to be dispensed, acquire the droplet mass of the agent type to be dispensed that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, calculate the target number of droplets to be dispensed based on the droplet mass and the mass of the agent type to be dispensed that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, control the ultrasonic generator to emit ultrasonic waves corresponding to the agent type to be dispensed, control the nozzle corresponding to the agent type to dispense to discharge droplets, and control the nozzle to stop discharging droplets when the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number.

4. The automatic dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that, The controller is used to control the nozzle corresponding to the type of agent to be dispensed when it is determined that there is only one type of agent to be dispensed; the controller is also used to control the nozzles corresponding to different types of agents to dispense the agents at different times when it is determined that there are two or more types of agents to be dispensed.

5. The automatic dispenser according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The lower end of the oblique reflective surface is connected to a channel.

6. A control method for an automatic dispenser based on any one of claims 1-2 and 5, characterized in that, The method is as follows: Obtain the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support, obtain the deployment mass, and calculate the target number of droplets to be deployed based on the droplet mass that the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave can support and the deployment mass. The ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves; Control the nozzle to discharge droplets; The counting detector detects the number of droplets; When the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number, the nozzle is controlled to stop discharging droplets.

7. A control method for an automatic dispenser based on any one of claims 3-4 and 5, characterized in that, The method is as follows: Obtain the type and mass of the agent to be dispensed, obtain the droplet mass of the agent to be dispensed that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave, and calculate the target number of droplets to be dispensed based on the droplet mass of the agent to be dispensed that can be supported by the maximum acoustic levitation force of the ultrasonic wave and the dispensed mass. The ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves corresponding to the type of agent to be administered. Control the nozzle that dispenses the appropriate type of agent to be dispensed; The counting detector detects the number of droplets; When the counting detector detects that the number of droplets has reached the target number, the nozzle is controlled to stop discharging droplets.

8. The control method for the automatic dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that, When only one type of agent is detected, the nozzle corresponding to that type of agent is controlled to dispense the agent; when two or more types of agents are detected, the nozzles corresponding to different types of agents are controlled to dispense the agents at different times.

9. A washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes the automatic dispenser as described in any one of claims 1-5.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The washing machine includes a signal input module for selecting the type of dispensing agent to be added. The controller is used to control the nozzle corresponding to the type of dispensing agent to discharge droplets and to control the ultrasonic generator to emit ultrasonic waves corresponding to the type of dispensing agent to be added.

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