A control method for additive delivery device and additive delivery device

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing equipment, and discloses a control method and an additive delivery device for an additive delivery device, wherein the additive delivery device includes a water inlet, a water outlet connected to the washing equipment, and a water flow detection module arranged between the water inlet and the water outlet, and the additive delivery device also includes a timing module; the additive delivery device controls whether to deliver the additive according to the time interval ΔT between the previous water inlet and the current water inlet obtained by the timing module. The additive delivery device of the present invention can control whether to deliver the additive during the current water inlet according to the time interval ΔT between the previous water inlet and the current water inlet, and can effectively avoid the mistaken delivery of the additive when no communication connection is established between the additive delivery device and the washing equipment, so as to prevent the mistaken delivery of detergent during the rinsing stage, for example.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing equipment, and in particular, relates to a control method of an additive delivery device and an additive delivery device. Background Art

[0002] When using a washing machine to wash clothes, detergents, softeners and other additives need to be added to achieve better washing results. Additives can be added manually by the user, or automatically by an automatic dispensing device. When the user manually adds additives, it is impossible to accurately control the amount of additives added. If the amount added is too small, it will affect the washing effect. If the amount added is too large, it will cause a waste of additives. Most of the current automatic dispensing devices are integrated inside the washing equipment. Due to the size of the entire washing equipment, the size of the automatic dispensing device is limited, and the maximum storage capacity of the additive is small, requiring users to frequently replenish it, which is inconvenient to use.

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, the prior art proposes a dosing device that is independent of the washing equipment. Since the dosing device is independently set, the storage capacity of the additive is no longer limited by the volume of the washing equipment. However, in the above solution, since the dosing device and the washing equipment have independent control systems, the dosing device cannot directly obtain the operating status of the washing equipment, and thus cannot determine when to dosing the additive.

[0004] One solution is for the user to independently determine the operating stage of the washing equipment and operate the dispensing device to dispense the additives when necessary. However, since the user's intervention is required, the operation is cumbersome, which greatly reduces the degree of automation of the dispensing device and makes it inconvenient for users to use. Another solution is to establish a communication connection between the dispensing device and the control system of each washing equipment so that the dispensing device can obtain the operating progress of the washing equipment. However, the above solution requires the washing equipment to have a communication function, which increases the manufacturing cost of the washing equipment. At the same time, it cannot be applied to non-networked washing equipment.

[0005] At present, in order to realize automatic dispensing without communication between the dispensing device and the washing equipment, a solution is proposed to set a flow meter on the dispensing device and detect the water inflow of the washing equipment through the flow meter for dispensing. However, the flow meter can only determine whether the washing equipment is taking in water, but cannot directly determine whether the current water inflow process belongs to the washing stage or the rinsing stage. When the dispensing device is used to dispense detergent, it is easy to make a misjudgment and put detergent into the washing equipment during the rinsing water inflow stage, affecting the washing effect.

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

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a control method and an additive dosing device for an additive, which controls whether the additive dosing device performs additive dosing by obtaining the time interval between two water inflows, thereby effectively avoiding misjudgment of the timing of additive dosing.

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0009] A control method for an additive delivery device, the additive delivery device comprising a water inlet, a water outlet connected to a washing device, and a water flow detection module arranged between the water inlet and the water outlet, the additive delivery device further comprising a timing module;

[0010] The additive delivery device controls whether to deliver the additive according to the time interval ΔT between the previous water inflow and the current water inflow obtained by the timing module.

[0011] Furthermore, the previous water inflow is the water inflow closest to the current water inflow;

[0012] Alternatively, the previous water inflow is the water inflow in which the additive was added before the current water inflow.

[0013] Furthermore, if the time interval ΔT is less than the preset time interval ΔT0, the additive delivery device does not deliver additives during the current water intake process;

[0014] Preferably, the preset time interval ΔT0 is greater than or equal to the longest time required for the washing device to run a washing program;

[0015] Alternatively, the additive delivery device receives setting information from a user to determine the preset time interval ΔT0.

[0016] Further, if the time interval ΔT is greater than or equal to the preset time interval ΔT0, after the water flow detection module detects that the continuous water inflow duration reaches the time threshold t0, the additive delivery device delivers the additive in the subsequent water inflow process of the current water inflow;

[0017] The time threshold t0 is greater than the longest continuous water inflow time required for the washing device to perform spray water inflow and / or eccentrically evenly distributed water inflow, and is less than the water inflow time required for the washing device to inflow water to the lowest washing water level;

[0018] Preferably, the time threshold t0 is less than half of the time required for the washing device to be filled with water to the lowest washing water level.

[0019] Furthermore, if the continuous water inflow time is less than the time threshold t0, the timing module will re-time the continuous water inflow time when the water flow detection module detects the start of water inflow again, so as to control whether to add additives.

[0020] Further, after the water flow detection module detects that the continuous water inlet duration reaches the time threshold t0, the additive dosing device performs an intermittent additive dosing process during the subsequent water inlet process of this water inlet.

[0021] Further, the intermittent additive dosing process includes:

[0022] During the continuous water inlet process, every time a preset duration T0 elapses, the additive dosing device performs a first dosing step of a first preset dosing amount X1;

[0023] When the water flow detection module detects that the water inlet stops, the additive dosing device ends the dosing process;

[0024] The setting of the preset duration T0 satisfies: T0 < t0, where t0 is less than half of the water inlet duration required for the washing equipment to inlet water to the lowest washing water level;

[0025] Preferably, before the first execution of the first dosing step, the additive dosing device first performs a second dosing step of a second preset dosing amount X2;

[0026] Among them, the setting of the second preset dosing amount X2 satisfies: X2 > X1;

[0027] More preferably, the setting of the second preset dosing amount X2 satisfies: X2 / t0 = X1 / T0.

[0028] Further, if the additive dosing device receives a manual dosing instruction, it performs additive dosing after the water flow detection module detects water inlet, otherwise it controls whether the additive dosing device performs additive dosing according to the time interval ΔT;

[0029] Preferably, a manual dosing key is provided on the additive dosing device, and the manual dosing instruction is that the manual dosing key is triggered.

[0030] Further, the additive dosing device has an automatically enabled / disabled automatic dosing mode;

[0031] In the automatic dosing mode, the additive dosing device controls whether to perform additive dosing according to the time interval ΔT, otherwise the additive dosing device does not perform additive dosing;

[0032] Preferably, an automatic dosing key is provided on the additive dosing device, and when the additive dosing device receives a signal that the automatic dosing key is triggered, it enables the automatic dosing mode.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide an additive dosing device, including:

[0034] A water flow detection module for detecting whether water is being inlet.

[0035] A timing module is used to obtain the time interval ΔT between the previous water inflow and the current water inflow;

[0036] A delivery module, used to perform the additive delivery operation;

[0037] The processing module is used to determine whether to control the delivery module to perform the additive delivery operation according to the time interval ΔT.

[0038] After adopting the above technical scheme, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0039] The additive delivery device of the present invention can control whether to deliver additives during the current water inflow according to the time interval ΔT between the previous water inflow and the current water inflow, and can effectively avoid the erroneous delivery of additives when no communication connection is established between the additive delivery device and the washing equipment.

[0040] The additive dispensing device of the present invention does not dispense additives when the time interval ΔT is small. When the washing device runs a complete washing program, it prevents the situation where detergent is mis-dosed again during the rinsing water inlet stage, for example. When the time interval ΔT is large enough, the additive dispensing device can automatically determine to dispense additives without the need for the user to operate again. It has a high degree of automation and is easy to use. The additive dispensing device only dispenses additives when it detects that the continuous water inflow reaches the time threshold t0, avoiding the situation where detergent is mis-dosed during the spray water inflow stage or the eccentric uniform water inflow stage.

[0041] The additive delivery device of the present invention delivers additives intermittently during the water inflow process, so that the additives are evenly distributed in the water during the water inflow process, and then more easily evenly dispersed and fully dissolved in the water during the subsequent washing process, so as to achieve a better washing effect. At the same time, a fixed amount of additives is delivered at each fixed water inflow time interval, so that the amount of additive delivered and the water inflow time are always kept in a certain ratio. The additive delivery device does not need to know the total water inflow time in advance, and can also achieve accurate control of the amount of additive delivered.

[0042] Before the first step of the additive delivery device of the present invention is executed, the second delivery step of the second preset delivery amount S2 is executed first. The second preset delivery amount S2 corresponds to the water intake within the time threshold t0, so that the total delivery amount is more accurate. At the same time, since t0>T0, it can be ensured that when the additive delivery device delivers the additive for the first time during the water intake process, there is already enough water in the washing device, so as to avoid the additive being directly absorbed by the clothes and unable to be fully dissolved in the water, which affects the washing effect.

[0043] After receiving a manual dosing instruction, the additive dosing device of the present invention will dosing the additive after the water flow detection module detects water inflow, and will no longer judge whether to dosing based on the time interval ΔT. This can meet the user's laundry needs in special circumstances. For example, when it is necessary to run two or more washing programs in succession, additives can also be dosed continuously for multiple times.

[0044] 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

[0045] 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:

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an additive delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 It is a flow chart of the control method of the additive delivery device in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] In the figure: 1. Additive input port; 2. Transparent display window; 3. Display screen; 4. Time setting key; 5. Automatic dispensing key; 6. Manual dispensing key; 7. Power key; 8. Water inlet; 9. Water outlet.

[0049] 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

[0050] 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.

[0051] An embodiment of the present invention provides an additive dispensing device and a control method thereof. The additive dispensing device is used in a washing device such as a washing machine, and can realize automatic dispensing of additives.

[0052] like Figure 1As shown, the additive delivery device in this embodiment includes a water inlet end 8 connected to an external water source, a water outlet end 9 connected to a washing device, and a water flow detection module arranged between the water inlet end and the water outlet end. Specifically, the additive delivery device includes a water inlet pipeline, a delivery pipeline, and a liquid storage chamber for holding additives. The two ends of the water inlet pipeline are respectively connected to the water inlet end 8 and the water outlet end 9 of the additive delivery device, and the water flow detection module is arranged on the water inlet pipeline. The two ends of the delivery pipeline are respectively connected to the liquid storage chamber and the water inlet pipeline, and a delivery mechanism, such as a liquid pump, is arranged on the delivery pipeline for delivering additives into the water inlet pipeline.

[0053] When in use, the water inlet end 8 of the additive delivery device is connected to an external water source, and the water outlet end 9 is connected to the water inlet of the washing device. When the washing device is fed with water, the water inlet valve of the washing device is opened, and the external water source passes through the water inlet pipeline of the additive delivery device, and then enters the washing device from the water inlet valve of the washing device. When it is necessary to deliver the additive, the delivery mechanism delivers the additive in the liquid storage chamber into the water inlet pipeline, so that the additive enters the washing device together with the water in the water inlet pipeline.

[0054] In this embodiment, the water flow detection module can be a flow sensor for detecting water flow. When the washing device is taking in water, the flowing water generated in the water inlet pipe passes through the flow sensor. Whether the washing device is taking in water can be determined based on whether the flow sensor detects the passing of water.

[0055] In another solution of this embodiment, the water flow detection module is a pressure sensor for detecting the static pressure of water in the water inlet pipe, and the measuring nozzle of the pressure sensor is located on the inner wall of the water inlet pipe. When the washing device is filled with water, the water in the water inlet pipe flows, and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor decreases. When the washing device stops, the water in the water inlet pipe is stationary, and the detected pressure increases to the water supply pressure of the external water source. According to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, it can be determined whether the washing device is being filled with water.

[0056] In this embodiment, the additive delivery device is further provided with an additive delivery port 1 for adding additives to the liquid storage chamber, and a transparent display window 2 for the user to observe the remaining amount of additives in the liquid storage chamber. The user can promptly find out the shortage of additives through the transparent display window 2, and then add additives to the liquid storage chamber through the additive delivery port 1, so as to ensure that the additive delivery device has sufficient additives for delivery when in use.

[0057] In this embodiment, the additive delivery device further includes a timing module, and the timing module can perform timing during the operation of the additive delivery device, so as to obtain the time interval ΔT between the previous water inflow and the current water inflow.

[0058] In this embodiment, the additive delivery device is used to deliver detergent during the water inlet stage of the washing equipment. Figure 2 As shown, the control method of the additive delivery device includes: the additive delivery device controls whether to deliver the additive according to the time interval ΔT between the previous water inflow and the current water inflow.

[0059] To implement the above control method, the additive delivery device of this embodiment further includes a processing module. During the operation of the additive delivery device, the water flow detection module is used to detect whether water is being inflowed, and the timing module is used to obtain the time interval ΔT between the previous water inflow and the current water inflow and feed it back to the processing module. The processing module is used to determine whether to control the delivery module to perform the additive delivery operation according to the time interval ΔT, and send instructions to the delivery module when delivery is required, so that the delivery module performs the additive delivery operation.

[0060] In this embodiment, the delivery module is a delivery mechanism arranged on the delivery pipeline.

[0061] Specifically, if the time interval ΔT is less than the preset time interval ΔT0, the additive delivery device does not deliver additives during the current water inflow process of the washing device.

[0062] If the time interval ΔT is greater than or equal to the preset time interval ΔT0, after the water flow detection module detects that the continuous water inflow duration reaches the time threshold t0, the additive delivery device delivers additives in the subsequent water inflow process of this water inflow.

[0063] In one solution of this embodiment, the previous water inflow is the water inflow closest to the current water inflow. The time interval ΔT is specifically the interval between the end of the water inflow closest to the current water inflow and the start of the current water inflow.

[0064] In the above scheme, each time the water flow detection module detects that the water inflow stops, the timing module starts timing, and then when the water flow detection module detects that the water inflow starts again, the time interval ΔT can be obtained and fed back to determine whether additives are added during this water inflow, and the control logic is simple.

[0065] When a general washing machine runs a complete washing program, it will go through the washing water inlet stage and at least one rinsing water inlet stage. The additive delivery device is required to deliver detergent during the washing water inlet stage, but no delivery is required during the rinsing water inlet stage.

[0066] In this embodiment, the preset time interval ΔT0 is greater than or equal to the maximum time required for the washing device to run a laundry program. Preferably, the preset time interval ΔT0 is set to be equal to the maximum time required for the washing device to run a laundry program, such as 2 to 5 hours. The additive delivery device will deliver additives only when the interval between two adjacent water inflows is greater than the preset time interval ΔT0, so that the additive delivery device can automatically deliver additives during the washing water inflow stage and not deliver additives during the rinsing water inflow stage in a complete laundry program.

[0067] When the user runs two laundry programs in a short period of time, the interval between the washing water inlet phase of the second laundry program and the rinsing water inlet phase of the previous laundry program may be short, resulting in a false judgment that detergent does not need to be added.

[0068] In view of the above situation, the preset time interval ΔT0 in this embodiment can also be manually set by the user according to the actual situation. The user reduces the setting value of the preset time interval ΔT0 to less than the time required for one rinse plus the final dehydration during the last rinse water inlet stage of the first washing program, and the additive delivery device can deliver additives during the washing water inlet process of the second washing program. During the washing water inlet process of the second washing program, the user readjusts the preset time interval ΔT0 to a value close to the longest time required for the washing device to run a washing program, and the additive delivery device will not deliver detergent again during the subsequent rinse water inlet stage.

[0069] Specifically, the additive dispensing device has a time setting key 4, and the user can set the preset time interval ΔT0 by operating the time setting key 4. The additive dispensing device receives the setting information of the user to determine the preset time interval ΔT0. The additive dispensing device is also provided with a display screen 3, and the display screen 3 displays the setting value of the current preset time interval ΔT0 in real time when the user operates the time setting key 4, which is more convenient for the user to perform the setting operation.

[0070] In another solution of this embodiment, the previous water inflow is the water inflow in which the additive is added before the current water inflow. The time interval ΔT is specifically the interval time between the end of the previous water inflow in which the additive is added and the start of the current water inflow.

[0071] In the above scheme, the additive delivery device determines whether to deliver additives for this water inflow based on the interval between the end of the last water inflow of additive delivery and the current water inflow. After the washing device finishes the water inflow of the washing stage, when the time interval ΔT is less than the preset time interval ΔT0, the additive delivery is not performed even if the water inflow is detected, thereby preventing the additive delivery device from mistakenly delivering detergents during the subsequent rinsing water inflow stage. When the washing device is detected to be inflowing again after the time interval ΔT is greater than or equal to the preset time interval ΔT0, the previous washing program has been completed, and it is now the washing water inflow stage of another washing program. The additive delivery device can automatically deliver detergents without the need for the user to operate again, which is convenient to use.

[0072] Compared with the previous solution that makes judgment based on the time interval between two adjacent water inflows, the above solution does not require the user to manually adjust the set value of the preset time interval ΔT0 when the washing machine continuously runs multiple washing programs, and multiple detergent injections can also be achieved. Therefore, the judgment result of the above solution is more accurate, the probability of misjudgment is lower, the user needs less operation, and it is more convenient to use.

[0073] By adopting the above-mentioned scheme to control the working process of the additive dosing device, the additive dosing device does not need to establish a communication connection with the washing equipment to obtain the operating progress of the washing equipment, and can also effectively avoid the wrong addition of additives. It can realize automatic and accurate addition of additives, save the manufacturing cost of the additive dosing device, and at the same time make the additive dosing device more adaptable, and can be applied to non-networked washing equipment that does not have a communication function.

[0074] In this embodiment, the timing module is preferably used to obtain the time interval ΔT between the end of the last water inlet for additive delivery and the start of the current water inlet. When the time interval ΔT is greater than or equal to the preset time interval ΔT0, the additive delivery device will deliver the additive only after the continuous water inlet reaches the time threshold t0. The time threshold t0 is greater than the longest continuous water inlet time required for the washing device to perform spray water inlet and / or eccentric uniform water inlet, and is less than the water inlet time required for the washing device to fill the water to the lowest washing water level.

[0075] Preferably, the time threshold t0 is less than half of the time required for the washing device to fill with water to the lowest washing water level. This ensures that for any water filling process at any washing water level, the additive can be added before the water filling process is halfway through, avoiding the additive being added too late and unable to be evenly mixed with the washing water to fully foam, thereby affecting the washing effect.

[0076] For washing equipment with a water inlet spray function, or a washing machine that eliminates eccentricity by distributing the load evenly during the dehydration stage, since the amount of water inlet during the above-mentioned water inlet process is small, the water inlet duration is significantly shorter than the time required for washing water inlet. The additive delivery device can effectively distinguish the above-mentioned water inlet process from the washing water inlet process according to the continuous water inlet duration detected by the water flow detection module, thereby delivering detergent during the washing water inlet stage and avoiding the occurrence of mistaken detergent delivery during other water inlet stages. In order to effectively avoid the mistaken delivery of detergent, the time threshold t0 can be set to about 30s.

[0077] In a preferred solution of this embodiment, if the continuous water inflow duration is less than the time threshold t0, the timing module will re-time the continuous water inflow duration when the water flow detection module detects the start of water inflow again, so as to control whether to add additives.

[0078] In this embodiment, the timing module is used to time the time interval ΔT when the water flow detection module does not detect water inflow, and is used to time the continuous water inflow duration during the water inflow process.

[0079] Specifically, the timing module may include a first timing submodule and a second timing submodule. The first timing submodule is used for timing the time interval ΔT, and the second timing submodule is used for obtaining the water inflow duration. The two timing submodules work independently, and the control logic is simpler.

[0080] The first timing submodule starts timing after each water inflow process in which the additive is added, and feeds back the current time interval ΔT when the water flow detection module detects the start of water inflow. If the time interval ΔT is less than the preset time interval ΔT0, the additive delivery device does not deliver the additive during this water inflow process, and the first timing submodule continues to time. If the time interval ΔT is greater than or equal to the preset time interval ΔT0, after the continuous water inflow reaches the time threshold t0, the first timing submodule stops timing and resets to zero, and restarts timing after the water inflow ends.

[0081] When the time interval ΔT fed back by the first timing submodule is greater than or equal to the preset time interval ΔT0, the second timing submodule starts timing and gives feedback when the continuous water inflow reaches the time threshold t0. After the additive delivery device receives the feedback signal from the second timing submodule, it delivers additives in the subsequent water inflow process of this water inflow. When the water flow detection module detects that the water inflow stops, the second timing submodule stops timing and resets to zero, and starts timing again from zero next time. If the continuous water inflow stops before reaching the time threshold t0, the second timing submodule also stops timing and resets to zero, and starts timing again from zero at the next water inflow.

[0082] In a further solution of this embodiment, after the water flow detection module detects that the continuous water inlet duration reaches the time threshold t0, the additive dosing device performs an intermittent additive dosing process during the subsequent water inlet process of this water inlet.

[0083] In the above solution, the additive is intermittently put into the washing equipment during the water inlet process, so that the additive is evenly distributed in the water during the water inlet process, and then it is easier to be evenly dispersed and fully dissolved in the water during the subsequent laundry process, so as to achieve a better laundry effect.

[0084] Specifically, the intermittent additive dosing process includes:

[0085] During the continuous water inlet process, every time a preset duration T0 elapses, the additive dosing device performs a first dosing step of a first preset dosing amount X1;

[0086] When the water flow detection module detects that the water inlet stops, the additive dosing device ends the dosing process;

[0087] The setting of the preset duration T0 satisfies: T0 < t0, where t0 is less than half of the water inlet duration required for the washing equipment to fill the water to the lowest washing water level.

[0088] In the above solution, the additive dosing device doses a fixed amount of additive at every fixed water inlet duration. For example, 1 ml of additive is dosed every 10 s of water inlet, so that the dosing amount of the additive and the elapsed water inlet duration always maintain a certain ratio. The additive dosing device can achieve accurate control of the additive dosing amount without预先 knowing the total water inlet duration.

[0089] In a preferred solution of this embodiment, before the first execution of the first dosing step, the additive dosing device first performs a second dosing step of a second preset dosing amount X2;

[0090] Among them, the setting of the second preset dosing amount X2 satisfies: X2 > X1.

[0091] Preferably, the setting of the second preset dosing amount X2 satisfies: X2 / t0 = X1 / T0.

[0092] In the scheme of this embodiment, setting the preset time T0 as small as possible is more conducive to accurately controlling the amount of additives added, and before the first step of first addition is executed, the actual total water inflow time of the washing device is t0+T0. The additive delivery device first executes the second delivery step before the first execution of the first delivery step to deliver the second preset delivery amount X2 of additives into the washing device, and the total delivery amount of additives is more accurate. On the other hand, since the time threshold t0 is greater than the preset time T0, it can be ensured that when the additive delivery device delivers the additive for the first time during this water inflow process, there is already enough water in the washing device, especially for drum washing machines. The water inflow before the first delivery of additives is large, and the sewage outlet in the drum can be filled first to prevent the additives from being directly absorbed by the clothes and unable to be fully dissolved in the water, affecting the washing effect.

[0093] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the second delivery step is performed when the continuous water inflow time reaches the time threshold t0 after the water inflow starts, and then the first delivery step is performed once every preset time T0 until the water inflow stops.

[0094] In a further solution of this embodiment, if the additive delivery device receives a manual delivery instruction, the additive delivery is performed after the water flow detection module detects water inflow, otherwise the additive delivery device is controlled to perform additive delivery according to the time interval ΔT.

[0095] Preferably, if Figure 1 As shown, a manual delivery key 6 is provided on the additive delivery device, and the manual delivery instruction is when the manual delivery key 6 is triggered.

[0096] In the above scheme, the user can send a manual delivery instruction to the additive delivery device by triggering the manual delivery key 6, and then the additive delivery device delivers additives when the water flow detection module detects water inflow, instead of judging whether to deliver based on the time interval ΔT.

[0097] Regarding the solution of controlling whether to add additives by the interval time between two adjacent water inflows, when the user runs two washing programs consecutively, the user can trigger the manual adding key 6 before the start of the second washing program to add additives during the washing water inflow stage.

[0098] When the interval time between the last water inlet of additive and the current water inlet is used to control whether the additive delivery device performs delivery, in some special cases, such as when the user needs to run the washing program of the washing device multiple times in succession, a manual delivery instruction can also be sent through the manual delivery key 6 to achieve the purpose of delivering additives during multiple consecutive water inlets, and the delivery of additives will not be completed due to the time interval ΔT not reaching the preset time interval ΔT0.

[0099] In this embodiment, the manual delivery instruction can be used once, that is, when the user determines that the additive needs to be delivered during the water inflow, the manual delivery key 6 can be triggered to issue a manual delivery instruction, the first timing submodule stops timing and resets, and the additive delivery device does not judge the time interval ΔT, but directly delivers the additive during the current water inflow process or in the subsequent water inflow process. After the water inflow is completed, the first timing submodule starts timing, and when the water flow detection module detects the start of water inflow again, it will still determine whether to deliver according to the time interval ΔT.

[0100] The effect of the manual delivery instruction can also be continuous, that is, after the user triggers the manual delivery key 6, the additive delivery device will deliver additives in the subsequent water inflow process of this water inflow each time it detects that the continuous water inflow time reaches the time threshold t0, until the manual delivery key 6 is triggered again, the additive delivery device will determine whether to deliver according to the time interval ΔT when it detects the start of water inflow. In order to remind the user of the current working status of the additive delivery device and prevent the user from forgetting to turn off the manual delivery function after triggering the manual delivery key 6, the display screen 3 can also display that the manual delivery function of the current additive delivery device is turned on.

[0101] In another solution of this embodiment, the additive delivery device has an automatic delivery mode that can be turned on / off.

[0102] In the automatic delivery mode, the additive delivery device controls whether to deliver the additive according to the time interval ΔT, otherwise the additive delivery device does not deliver the additive.

[0103] Preferably, if Figure 1 As shown, the additive delivery device is provided with an automatic delivery key 5, and the additive delivery device starts the automatic delivery mode when receiving a signal that the automatic delivery key 5 is triggered.

[0104] In the above scheme, the automatic dispensing mode of the additive dispensing device can be manually turned on or off by the user. When the automatic dispensing mode is turned on, the additive dispensing device controls whether to dispense additives according to the time interval ΔT. When the automatic dispensing mode is turned off, the additive dispensing device does not dispense additives, thereby meeting different user needs. For example, when running a single rinse program, no additives will be dispensed.

[0105] Furthermore, a power button 7 is also provided on the additive delivery device. After the additive delivery device is connected to an external power source, the user triggers the power button 7 to issue a power-on command, and the additive delivery device is turned on. After the additive delivery device is turned on, when the water flow detection module detects for the first time that the washing device continues to inflow water to reach the time threshold t0, the additive delivery is performed in the subsequent water inflow process of this water inflow.

[0106] After the current delivery process is completed, if the automatic delivery mode is turned on, whether to deliver additives is controlled according to the time interval ΔT each time water inflow is detected. If the automatic delivery module is not turned on, the additive delivery device will no longer deliver additives.

[0107] In a further solution of this embodiment, the additive delivery device has a preset standby waiting time T off If the additive delivery device detects that there is no water flow for a period of time that reaches the standby waiting time T off When the additive delivery device automatically enters the standby state, the standby waiting time T off Less than the preset time interval ΔT0.

[0108] In the standby state, the timing module continues to work and keeps timing, while the water flow detection module and the delivery mechanism stop working and no longer receive signals. The water flow detection module restarts only when the additive delivery device receives a signal that the power button 7 is triggered.

[0109] In the above scheme, the additive delivery device can automatically standby when no water ingress is detected for a long time, and most modules stop working, which can reduce energy consumption. However, the timing module continues to time during the standby period. When the additive delivery device restarts and detects water ingress, it does not affect the acquisition of the time interval ΔT, so that whether to deliver additives can be accurately controlled.

[0110] The additive delivery device of this embodiment can be externally mounted on the washing device, so that its capacity is not limited by the volume of the entire washing device, and can have a larger liquid storage chamber to store more additives, reducing the frequency of manual replenishment of additives by users. The water inflow of the washing device passes through the water flow detection module on the additive delivery device, so that the additive delivery device can learn the water inflow of the washing device, and thus control whether to deliver additives during the current water inflow according to the time interval ΔT between the previous water inflow and the current water inflow.

[0111] The additive delivery device and the washing equipment have independent control systems respectively. The additive delivery device is controlled only by the time interval ΔT, and does not need to establish a communication connection with the washing equipment to directly obtain the operation progress of the washing equipment, thus saving manufacturing costs. At the same time, the additive delivery device of this embodiment can be applied to washing equipment that does not have a communication function, and has stronger adaptability.

[0112] 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. A control method for an additive delivery device, the additive delivery device comprising a water inlet, a water outlet connected to a washing device, and a water flow detection module arranged between the water inlet and the water outlet, characterized in that: The additive delivery device further comprises a timing module; The additive delivery device controls whether to deliver the additive according to the time interval ΔT between the previous water inflow and the current water inflow obtained by the timing module; If the time interval ΔT is greater than or equal to the preset time interval ΔT0, after the water flow detection module detects that the continuous water inflow duration reaches the time threshold t0, the additive delivery device delivers the additive in the subsequent water inflow process of the current water inflow; The time threshold t0 is greater than the longest continuous water inflow time required for the washing device to perform spray water inflow and / or eccentrically distributed water inflow, and is less than half of the water inflow time required for the washing device to fill water to the lowest washing water level.

2. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The previous water inflow is the water inflow closest to the current water inflow; Alternatively, the previous water inflow is the water inflow in which the additive was added before the current water inflow.

3. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 2, characterized in that: If the time interval ΔT is less than the preset time interval ΔT0, the additive delivery device does not deliver additives during the current water intake process.

4. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The preset time interval ΔT0 is greater than or equal to the longest time required for the washing device to run a washing program; Alternatively, the additive delivery device receives setting information from a user to determine the preset time interval ΔT0.

5. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: If the continuous water inflow time is less than the time threshold t0, the timing module will re-time the continuous water inflow time when the water flow detection module detects the start of water inflow again, so as to control whether to add additives.

6. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the water flow detection module detects that the continuous water inflow duration reaches the time threshold t0, the additive delivery device performs an intermittent delivery process of the additive in the subsequent water inflow process of this water inflow.

7. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The intermittent additive delivery process includes: During the continuous water inflow process, every time a preset time T0 passes, the additive delivery device executes a first delivery step of a first preset delivery amount X1; When the water flow detection module detects that the water inflow stops, the additive delivery device ends the delivery process; The setting of the preset time length T0 satisfies: T0 < t0.

8. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Before executing the first delivery step for the first time, the additive delivery device first executes the second delivery step of the second preset delivery amount X2; Among them, the setting of the second preset delivery amount X2 satisfies: X2 > X1.

9. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The setting of the second preset delivery amount X2 satisfies: X2 / t0 = X1 / T0.

10. The control method of the additive delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: If the additive delivery device receives a manual delivery instruction, the additive delivery is performed after the water flow detection module detects water inflow, otherwise the additive delivery device is controlled to perform additive delivery according to the time interval ΔT.

11. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 10, characterized in that: A manual delivery key is provided on the additive delivery device, and the manual delivery instruction is when the manual delivery key is triggered.

12. The control method of the additive delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The additive delivery device has an automatic delivery mode that can be turned on or off; In the automatic delivery mode, the additive delivery device controls whether to deliver the additive according to the time interval ΔT, otherwise the additive delivery device does not deliver the additive.

13. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 12, characterized in that: An automatic delivery key is arranged on the additive delivery device, and the additive delivery device starts the automatic delivery mode when receiving a signal that the automatic delivery key is triggered.

14. An additive dosing device, executing the control method of the additive dosing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: include: A water flow detection module is used to detect whether water is entering; A timing module is used to obtain the time interval ΔT between the previous water inflow and the current water inflow; A delivery module, used to perform the additive delivery operation; The processing module is used to determine whether to control the delivery module to perform the additive delivery operation according to the time interval ΔT.

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