A control method for an additive dosing device

Abstract

This invention discloses a control method for an additive dispensing device. The additive dispensing device includes a storage chamber for holding additives. After the additive dispensing device is activated, it sends a request to obtain the operating status information of the washing equipment. If the request is successful, a first working mode is operated; if the request fails, a second working mode is operated, and the additive dispensing device dispenses additives according to the user's preset instructions. The additive dispensing device of this invention has two different working modes. When the operating status information of the washing equipment cannot be obtained, the second working mode can be operated, controlling the dispensing process according to the received preset instructions to achieve automatic and accurate additive dispensing. Therefore, it can be used in environments without network connectivity or applied to washing equipment without communication functions, flexibly adapting to the usage environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing equipment technology, and more specifically, relates to a control method for an additive dispensing device. Background Technology

[0002] When washing clothes using laundry equipment, detergents, fabric softeners, and other additives need to be added to achieve better washing results. These additives can be added manually by the user or automatically by an automatic dispensing device. When adding additives manually, it's impossible to precisely control the amount dispensed. Adding too little will affect the washing effect, while adding too much will waste the additive and make it difficult to rinse off, leaving residue on the clothes. Most automatic dispensing devices are currently integrated inside the laundry equipment. Due to the size limitations of the overall machine, these devices cannot hold multiple different types of additives simultaneously. Therefore, they generally only allow the dispensing of a single type of detergent or a fixed combination of detergent and fabric softener. Furthermore, the size of the automatic dispensing device also limits the amount of additives that can be stored, resulting in a generally small maximum capacity that requires frequent refills, making it inconvenient for users.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies have proposed a dispensing device independent of the washing equipment. This device's additive capacity is no longer limited by the overall size of the washing equipment and can dispense multiple additives. However, in these solutions, because the dispensing device and the washing equipment have independent control systems, the dispensing device cannot directly obtain the operating status of the washing equipment, and therefore cannot determine when to dispense the additive.

[0004] One solution involves the user determining the operating stage of the washing equipment and manually operating the dispensing device to add additives when needed. However, this requires user intervention, making it cumbersome and significantly reducing the automation level of the dispensing device, thus making it inconvenient for users. Another solution is to establish a communication connection between the dispensing device and the washing equipment's respective control systems, such as direct communication between the dispensing device and the washing equipment, or indirect communication via a cloud server, to allow the dispensing device to obtain information about the washing equipment's operation. However, these solutions require the washing equipment to have communication capabilities, increasing manufacturing costs and making them unsuitable for non-networked washing equipment. Furthermore, they require a network environment to function, rendering the dispensing device unusable in offline environments.

[0005] Currently, to achieve automatic detergent dispensing in situations where there is no communication between the dispensing device and the washing equipment, a solution has been proposed that involves installing a flow meter on the dispensing device to detect the water intake of the washing equipment and dispensing accordingly. However, the flow meter can only determine whether the washing equipment is receiving water, but it cannot directly determine whether the current water intake process is in the washing or rinsing stage. Especially with the increasing variety of operating programs available for washing equipment, when the washing equipment is running a single rinsing or spin-drying program, it is easy for the dispensing device to mistakenly add detergent to the washing equipment during the rinsing water intake stage, affecting the washing effect.

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

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a control method for an additive dispensing device. The additive dispensing device has two different working modes. When the operating status information of the washing equipment cannot be obtained, the second working mode is operated. The dispensing process can be controlled according to the received set instructions to realize the automatic dispensing of additives.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] A control method for an additive dispensing device, wherein the additive dispensing device includes a liquid storage chamber for holding additives, and after the additive dispensing device is turned on, a request to obtain the operating status information of the washing equipment is sent.

[0010] If the request is successful, the first working mode will be executed;

[0011] If the request fails, the second working mode is activated, and the additive dispensing device dispenses the additive according to the user's settings.

[0012] Furthermore, the additive dispensing device includes at least two liquid storage chambers for holding different types of additives, and a water flow detection module for detecting the water entering the washing equipment.

[0013] The setting command includes the type of additive to be added. When the water flow detection module detects water inflow, the additive dispensing device dispenses the corresponding type of additive according to the setting command.

[0014] Preferably, when the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time, the additive dispensing device dispenses the corresponding type of additive according to the set instruction. When water inflow is detected again thereafter, no additive is dispensed. If no user setting instruction is received before the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time, no additive is dispensed.

[0015] Furthermore, the liquid storage chamber includes a first liquid storage chamber for holding detergent and a second liquid storage chamber for holding fabric softener;

[0016] If the additive dispensing device receives the setting instructions for the corresponding detergent and the corresponding fabric softener before the water flow detection module detects water ingress for the first time, the additive dispensing device will dispense the corresponding type of additive according to the first / last set instructions received when water ingress is detected for the first time.

[0017] Alternatively, if the additive dispensing device receives the setting instructions for the corresponding detergent and the corresponding fabric softener before the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time, it will issue a prompt message to the user that detergent and fabric softener cannot be selected at the same time.

[0018] Furthermore, the liquid storage chamber also includes a third liquid storage chamber for holding the detergent additive; if the additive dispensing device receives the setting instruction for the corresponding detergent additive, it will simultaneously dispense the detergent and detergent additive when the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time.

[0019] Furthermore, the additive dispensing device also includes a setting key corresponding to different types of additives. In the second working mode, the setting instruction is triggered by the setting key.

[0020] Preferably, the additive dispensing device further includes indicator lights corresponding to different types of additives; in the second working mode, the initial state of each indicator light is off, and when the additive dispensing device receives a signal that the setting key is triggered, it controls the indicator light corresponding to the corresponding type of additive to light up.

[0021] Furthermore, the additive dispensing device includes at least two liquid storage chambers for holding different types of additives, and a water flow detection module for detecting the water entering the washing equipment.

[0022] The setting instructions include the type of additive to be added, and the correspondence between the number of water inlets of the washing equipment and the type of additive; the additive addition module counts the number of water inlets detected by the water flow detection module and adds the corresponding additive according to the correspondence.

[0023] Furthermore, the additive dispensing device also includes setting keys corresponding to different types of additives, and the additive dispensing device counts the number of times each setting key is triggered.

[0024] If a setting key is triggered N times, the additive corresponding to that setting key will be added when the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the Nth time.

[0025] Furthermore, in the first working mode, the additive dispensing device acquires the operating status information of the washing equipment and controls the additive dispensing process based on the operating status information;

[0026] Preferably, the operating status information includes the current water intake stage of the washing equipment. The additive dispensing device dispenses detergent and washing aid during the washing water intake stage of the washing equipment, and dispenses fabric softener during the final rinsing water intake stage of the washing equipment.

[0027] Furthermore, if the additive dispensing device receives a cancellation instruction from the user for at least one additive, the additive corresponding to the cancellation instruction will not be dispensed during the operation of the washing equipment.

[0028] Furthermore, the additive dispensing device also includes a setting key corresponding to different types of additives. In the first working mode, the cancellation command is triggered by the setting key.

[0029] Preferably, the additive dispensing device further includes indicator lights corresponding to different types of additives; in the first working mode, the initial state of each indicator light is lit, and when the additive dispensing device receives a signal that the setting key is triggered, it controls the indicator light corresponding to the corresponding type of additive to turn off.

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

[0031] The additive dispensing device of the present invention has two different working modes. In particular, when the operating status information of the washing equipment cannot be obtained, the second working mode can be run. The dispensing process is controlled according to the received set instructions to realize the automatic and accurate dispensing of additives. Thus, it can be used in environments without network or applied to washing equipment without communication functions, flexibly adapting to the usage environment.

[0032] The additive dispensing device of the present invention dispenses the user-selected additive during the initial water intake process of the washing equipment, enabling the dispensing of detergent when the washing equipment is running a washing program, as well as the dispensing of fabric softener when the washing equipment is running a single rinsing program or a rinsing and desiccation program, thus providing good adaptability to the diverse programs of the washing equipment.

[0033] The additive dispensing device of this invention can dispense detergent or fabric softener. Through program settings, it prevents the user from selecting detergent and fabric softener simultaneously, avoiding accidental dispensing and affecting laundry performance. The device can also dispense accelerants. Since accelerants assist detergent in improving laundry performance and need to be used simultaneously, when only an accelerant setting command is received, the device can automatically select detergent and control the simultaneous dispensing of both detergent and accelerant, simplifying user operation and preventing unsatisfactory laundry results due to forgetting to select detergent.

[0034] The additive dispensing device of the present invention is equipped with a setting key for users to set the additives to dispense. The operation is simple and easy. At the same time, the indicator light displays the additives set by the user in real time, so that the user can intuitively understand the selected additives and avoid the situation where the user does not realize the wrong selection, which may lead to the final dispensing error.

[0035] The additive dispensing device of the present invention operates in a first working mode when the operating status information of the washing equipment is available. It controls the additive dispensing process according to the operating status information of the washing equipment, making the dispensing more accurate. It can also receive cancellation commands from users and adjust the type of additive to be dispensed according to the cancellation commands, making the dispensing method more flexible.

[0036] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the control method for the additive dispensing device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the second working mode of the additive dispensing device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the first working mode of the additive dispensing device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the second working mode of the additive dispensing device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0042] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] This embodiment provides a control method for an additive dispensing device, which is used in washing equipment such as washing machines and washer-dryer combos, and can realize the automatic dispensing of additives.

[0046] The additive dispensing device includes an inlet connected to an external water source, an outlet connected to the washing equipment, and a water flow detection module for detecting the water entering the washing equipment. The water flow detection module is positioned between the inlet and outlet to detect whether water is flowing through them. Since the water entering the washing equipment passes through the water flow detection module, the water intake status of the washing equipment can be determined. The additive dispensing device also includes at least two storage chambers for holding different types of additives, enabling the dispensing of different types of additives.

[0047] Specifically, the additive dispensing device further includes a water inlet pipe and a dispensing pipe. The two ends of the water inlet pipe are connected to the water inlet and water outlet of the additive dispensing device, respectively, and the water flow detection module is installed on the water inlet pipe. The two ends of the dispensing pipe are connected to the liquid storage chamber and the water inlet pipe, respectively, and a dispensing mechanism, such as a liquid pump, is installed on the dispensing pipe for dispensing the additive into the water inlet pipe.

[0048] In detail, in this embodiment, different liquid storage chambers are connected to different dispensing pipes, and each dispensing pipe is equipped with a dispensing mechanism. The action of different dispensing mechanisms can dispense the additive in the corresponding liquid storage chamber into the water inlet pipe.

[0049] In use, connect the inlet of the additive dispensing device to an external water source and the outlet to the inlet of the washing equipment. When the washing equipment is filled with water, the inlet valve opens, and the external water flows through the inlet pipe of the additive dispensing device to the inlet of the washing equipment, and then enters the washing equipment through the inlet valve. When additives need to be added, the dispensing mechanism adds the additive from the storage chamber to the inlet pipe, allowing the additive to enter the washing equipment along with the water in the inlet pipe.

[0050] In this embodiment, the water flow detection module can be a flow sensor that detects water flow. When the washing equipment is filled with water, the water flow generated in the water inlet pipe passes through the flow sensor. Whether the washing equipment is filling with water can be determined by whether the flow sensor detects the water flow.

[0051] In another embodiment, the water flow detection module is a pressure sensor that detects the static pressure of the water in the inlet pipe. The measuring port of the pressure sensor is located on the inner wall of the inlet pipe. When the washing equipment is filled with water, the water in the inlet pipe flows, and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor decreases. When the washing equipment stops filling with water, the water in the inlet pipe becomes still, and the detected pressure increases to the pressure of the external water supply. The pressure detected by the pressure sensor indicates whether the washing equipment is filling with water.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown in this embodiment, after the additive dispensing device is turned on, a request to obtain the operating status information of the washing equipment is sent.

[0053] If the request is successful, the first working mode will be executed;

[0054] If the request fails, the second working mode is activated, and the additive dispensing device dispenses the additive according to the user's settings.

[0055] Specifically, the additive dispensing device in this embodiment can communicate directly with the washing equipment to obtain the operating status information of the washing equipment. After the additive dispensing device is turned on, it sends a request for the operating status information of the washing equipment. If the washing equipment has a communication function, it can send a feedback signal after receiving the request. The additive dispensing device will run in the first working mode upon receiving the feedback signal; otherwise, it will run in the second working mode.

[0056] In another embodiment, the additive dispensing device and the washing equipment communicate indirectly via a cloud server. After the additive dispensing device is activated, it sends a request to the cloud server, which then sends a request to the washing equipment, receives feedback signals from the washing equipment, and sends these signals back to the additive dispensing device, allowing the additive dispensing device to operate in its first working mode. If the washing equipment itself does not have communication capabilities, or if it is currently in an environment without internet access or with poor network conditions, the additive dispensing device cannot receive feedback signals and will operate in its second working mode.

[0057] The additive dispensing device in this embodiment has two different operating modes. When it cannot obtain the operating status information of the washing equipment, it can operate in a second operating mode, receiving user-set instructions in advance. After the washing equipment starts running the washing program, the additive dispensing module can control the dispensing process according to the received user-set instructions, realizing automatic and accurate dispensing of additives. This allows the additive dispensing device of this embodiment to be used in environments without network access or applied to washing equipment without communication functions, flexibly adapting to the usage environment.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the additive dispensing device includes at least two liquid storage chambers for holding different types of additives, and a water flow detection module for detecting the water entering the washing equipment.

[0059] The setting command includes the type of additive to be added. When the water flow detection module detects water inflow, the additive dispensing device dispenses the corresponding type of additive according to the setting command.

[0060] In the above scheme, the additive dispensing device controls the dispensing process based on the water inlet status of the washing equipment detected by the water flow detection module and specific setting instructions, so that the additive is put into the washing equipment along with the water inlet, thereby realizing the automatic and accurate dispensing of the additive.

[0061] In the specific scheme of this embodiment, in the second working mode, the additive dispensing device does not dispense any additives by default. After receiving the setting instruction, it can dispense additives of the type corresponding to the setting instruction.

[0062] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time, the additive dispensing device dispenses the corresponding type of additive according to the set instruction. Subsequent detections of water inflow do not dispense additives. If no user-set instruction is received before the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time, no additive dispensing will occur.

[0063] In this embodiment, the additive dispensing device dispenses detergent and fabric softener, and the liquid storage chamber includes a first liquid storage chamber for holding detergent and a second liquid storage chamber for holding fabric softener.

[0064] When a user runs a regular laundry program, they can send a setting command for the corresponding detergent to the detergent dispensing device, and then start the regular laundry program. Upon receiving the detergent setting command, the detergent dispensing device dispenses detergent the moment the water flow detection module first detects water intake, i.e., during the washing water intake phase. In subsequent water intake phases, i.e., the rinsing water intake phase, the detergent dispensing device stops dispensing detergent, thus preventing accidental detergent dispensing during the rinsing process.

[0065] When a user wishes to run a single rinse or spin cycle, they can send a setting command for the corresponding fabric softener to the additive dispensing device, and then start the single rinse or spin cycle of the washing machine. After receiving the setting command for the corresponding fabric softener, the additive dispensing device dispenses fabric softener into the washing machine when the water flow detection module first detects water inflow.

[0066] In the above solution, the additive dispensing device is well adapted to the diverse programs of the washing equipment. In particular, it can automatically dispense fabric softener for single rinsing or rinsing programs when the additive dispensing device is not connected to the network, which solves the problem that existing dispensing devices cannot correctly dispense fabric softener when the washing equipment is running a single rinsing or rinsing program.

[0067] In a further embodiment, the additive dispensing device further includes a setting key corresponding to different types of additives. In the second working mode, the setting instruction is triggered by the setting key.

[0068] Preferably, the additive dispensing device further includes indicator lights corresponding to different types of additives. In the second operating mode, all indicator lights are initially off. When the additive dispensing device receives a signal that the setting key has been triggered, it controls the indicator light corresponding to the corresponding type of additive to light up.

[0069] Specifically, the setting keys include a detergent setting key and a fabric softener setting key, and the indicator lights include a detergent indicator light and a fabric softener indicator light. After the additive dispensing device is turned on, if the request is determined to have failed, the second working mode will be activated, and both the detergent indicator light and the fabric softener indicator light will remain off.

[0070] If the user issues a detergent setting command by pressing the detergent setting button, the detergent indicator light will illuminate when the additive dispensing device receives the signal that the detergent setting button has been triggered. The additive dispensing device will dispense detergent when the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time.

[0071] If the user issues a fabric softener setting command by activating the fabric softener setting button, the fabric softener indicator light will illuminate when the additive dispensing device receives the signal that the fabric softener setting button has been activated. The additive dispensing device will dispense fabric softener when the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time.

[0072] The additive dispensing device in this embodiment is equipped with a setting key for users to select and set additives. The operation is simple and easy. At the same time, the indicator light displays the additives selected by the user in real time, so that the user can intuitively understand the selected additives and avoid the situation where the user is unaware of the wrong selection, which may lead to the final dispensing error.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, if the additive dispensing device receives a setting instruction for the corresponding detergent and a setting instruction for the corresponding fabric softener before the water flow detection module detects water ingress for the first time, the additive dispensing device will dispense the corresponding type of additive according to the setting instruction received for the first time when water ingress is detected for the first time.

[0074] Specifically, if the additive dispensing device receives the setting command for the corresponding detergent first after being turned on, it will no longer respond to the setting command for the corresponding fabric softener. When the water flow detection module detects the first water inlet, the detergent will be dispensed directly.

[0075] Similarly, if the additive dispensing device receives the setting command for the corresponding fabric softener first, it will no longer respond to the setting command for the corresponding detergent and will directly dispense the fabric softener when the first water intake is detected.

[0076] In detail, after the additive dispensing device is turned on, when the user triggers the detergent setting button / fabric softener setting button, the corresponding detergent indicator light / fabric softener indicator light will light up. After that, the additive dispensing device will no longer respond to the signal of the fabric softener setting button / detergent setting button being triggered. Even if the user triggers the fabric softener setting button / detergent setting button, the additive dispensing device will control the detergent indicator light / fabric softener indicator light to remain lit and the fabric softener indicator light / detergent indicator light to remain off. And when the water flow detection module detects water inlet for the first time, the detergent / fabric softener will be dispensed.

[0077] In another preferred embodiment, if the additive dispensing device receives a setting instruction for the corresponding detergent and a setting instruction for the corresponding fabric softener before the water flow detection module detects water ingress for the first time, the additive dispensing device will dispense the corresponding type of additive according to the last received setting instruction when water ingress is detected for the first time.

[0078] Specifically, if the additive dispensing device receives at least two setting instructions after being turned on, including both a setting instruction for the corresponding detergent and a setting instruction for the corresponding fabric softener, the additive dispensing device updates the type of additive to be dispensed after each set instruction is received and dispenses the additive according to the last set instruction received.

[0079] In detail, after the additive dispensing device is turned on, when the user triggers the detergent setting button / fabric softener setting button, the corresponding detergent indicator light / fabric softener indicator light will light up. If the additive dispensing device receives a signal that the fabric softener setting button / detergent setting button has been triggered again, it will control the detergent indicator light / fabric softener indicator light to turn off and the fabric softener indicator light / detergent indicator light to light up. And when the water flow detection module detects water inlet for the first time, it will dispense fabric softener / detergent.

[0080] In the above scheme, the additive dispensing device performs only one dispensing process during the operation of the washing equipment. Since the components of detergent and fabric softener interact, they are normally not added to the washing equipment simultaneously. This embodiment, through program settings, prevents the user from selecting detergent and fabric softener simultaneously. Even if the user selects both, only one is dispensed, avoiding the situation where user error causes simultaneous dispensing of detergent and fabric softener, affecting the washing effect.

[0081] When the user presses the setting button, the indicator light corresponding to the selected additive is illuminated, preventing the user from being unable to determine the actual additive type after multiple selections. Before starting the washing machine program, the user can confirm the final selected additive type by observing the illuminated indicator light, avoiding incorrect addition.

[0082] In another preferred embodiment, if the additive dispensing device receives a setting instruction for the corresponding detergent and a setting instruction for the corresponding fabric softener before the water flow detection module detects water inlet for the first time, it will issue a prompt message to the user that the detergent and fabric softener cannot be selected at the same time.

[0083] Specifically, after the additive dispensing device receives the setting command for the corresponding detergent (i.e., the detergent setting button is triggered), if it then receives the dispensing command for the corresponding fabric softener (i.e., the fabric softener setting button is triggered), the additive dispensing device will issue a prompt message. This also applies when the order in which the detergent and fabric softener setting buttons are triggered is reversed.

[0084] In the above scheme, when the user simultaneously selects detergent and fabric softener, the additive dispensing device issues a prompt to remind the user of an incorrect selection. At this time, the user can correct the selected additives, such as canceling all selections and resetting, thus issuing the correct setting command. When an incorrect selection occurs, the additive dispensing device prompts the user to manually select and confirm, avoiding situations where the automatic selection is inconsistent with the user's actual desired additive type.

[0085] The additive dispensing device in this embodiment can also dispense detergent builders, and the liquid storage chamber further includes a third liquid storage chamber for holding detergent builders. The detergent builders include, but are not limited to, proteases, lipases, bleaching agents, and color-protecting agents. Through the combined action of the detergent and the detergent builders, the cleaning effect on clothing can be improved.

[0086] If the additive dispensing device receives the setting instruction for the corresponding detergent builder, it will simultaneously dispense the detergent and detergent builder when the water flow detection module first detects water inflow.

[0087] Specifically, the setting key also includes a detergent setting key, and the setting command for the detergent is triggered by the triggering of the detergent setting key. The indicator light also includes a detergent indicator light. After the additive dispensing device is turned on, when a signal is received that the detergent setting key has been triggered, the detergent indicator light and the detergent indicator light are lit simultaneously, and the detergent and detergent are dispensed simultaneously when the water flow detection module first detects water inflow.

[0088] In the above solution, the detergent booster is used to assist the detergent in improving the washing effect. It needs to be used in conjunction with the detergent; adding the booster alone cannot achieve the desired washing result. When only the setting command for the corresponding booster is received, the additive dispensing device can automatically identify the detergent as the type of additive to be added, and simultaneously add the detergent and booster when the water flow detection module first detects water inflow. Through this method, the user does not need to trigger the detergent setting button and the booster setting button separately, simplifying the user's operation and preventing situations where the user forgets to select the detergent, resulting in unsatisfactory washing results.

[0089] Since the builder and detergent are used simultaneously in this embodiment, the builder and fabric softener cannot be selected at the same time. The specific implementation method is similar to the method of controlling the detergent and fabric softener to not be selected at the same time, and will not be described again.

[0090] In this embodiment, after the additive dispensing device sends a request, if the request is successful, the first working mode is activated. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the specific operation process in the first working mode is as follows: the additive dispensing device acquires the operating status information of the washing equipment and controls the additive dispensing process according to the operating status information.

[0091] Preferably, the operating status information includes the current water intake stage of the washing equipment.

[0092] In the specific scheme of this embodiment, in the first working mode, the additive dispensing device defaults to selecting all three additives and dispensing the three additives during the operation of the washing equipment. That is, the additive dispensing device dispenses detergent and washing aid during the washing water intake stage of the washing equipment and dispenses fabric softener during the final rinsing water intake stage of the washing equipment.

[0093] It is understandable that, since the additive dispensing device directly controls the dispensing process by obtaining the operating status information of the washing equipment, if the washing equipment is running a single rinsing or rinsing program, even if the detergent and detergent additive are selected, they will not be added to the washing equipment because there is no washing water inlet stage.

[0094] In a further embodiment, if the additive dispensing device receives a cancellation instruction from the user for at least one additive, the additive corresponding to the cancellation instruction will not be dispensed during the operation of the washing equipment.

[0095] Furthermore, in the first operating mode, the cancellation command is triggered by the setting key.

[0096] For example, if the additive dispensing device receives a signal that the detergent setting key has been triggered, it will dispense detergent during the washing water intake stage of the washing equipment and dispense fabric softener during the final rinsing water intake stage of the washing equipment.

[0097] Alternatively, if the additive dispensing device receives a signal that the fabric softener setting key has been triggered, it will dispense detergent and builder during the washing water intake stage of the washing equipment, and will not dispense additives during the subsequent rinsing water intake stage.

[0098] In this embodiment, under the first working mode, all indicator lights are initially lit. When the additive dispensing device receives a signal that the setting key is triggered, it controls the indicator light corresponding to the corresponding type of additive to turn off.

[0099] Specifically, after the additive dispensing device is activated and sends a request, if a feedback signal is received indicating a successful request, the detergent indicator, builder indicator, and fabric softener indicator will all illuminate. If the user triggers any setting key to issue a cancellation command, the additive dispensing device, upon receiving the signal that the setting key has been triggered, will control the corresponding indicator light to turn off, and will not dispense the corresponding type of additive during the operation of the washing equipment.

[0100] In this embodiment, the additive dispensing device has two different operating modes, corresponding to two usage environments: one where the operating status information of the washing equipment can be obtained, and the other where it cannot. After activation, the additive dispensing device automatically sends a request to determine the current usage environment and operates in the corresponding mode based on the determination, thus flexibly adapting to the environment. When the operating status information of the washing equipment is available, the appropriate type of additive is dispensed based on the obtained information, resulting in high accuracy in dispensing control. When the operating status information of the washing equipment cannot be obtained, the dispensing process can be controlled according to received preset instructions, achieving automatic and accurate additive dispensing. This allows for use in environments without network connectivity or in washing equipment without communication capabilities.

[0101] Example 2

[0102] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment above is that the setting instruction includes the type of additive to be added, and the correspondence between the number of water inlets of the washing equipment and the type of additive.

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown, in the second working mode, the additive dosing module counts the number of water inflows detected by the water flow detection module and adds the corresponding additives according to the corresponding relationship.

[0104] In the above scheme, users can operate and set various types of additives to be added on the additive dispensing device, and set the timing of dispensing for different types of additives, that is, when to add them when the washing equipment is filled with water.

[0105] Unlike the additive dispensing device in Embodiment 1, which can only dispense detergent and builder detergent or fabric softener separately, users can pre-set the timing of dispensing different types of additives according to the actual washing program. This allows the additive dispensing device to automatically dispense different types of additives at different water inlet stages during a single washing cycle, thus automatically completing a more complex dispensing process and improving the washing effect.

[0106] In this embodiment, the additive dispensing device establishes a correspondence between the number of times the set key is triggered and the type of additive.

[0107] Specifically, the additive dispensing device counts the number of times each setting key is triggered. If the number of times a setting key is triggered is N, the additive corresponding to that setting key is dispensed when the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the Nth time.

[0108] For example, if a user runs a regular washing program on a washing machine that includes one washing stage and two rinsing stages, water needs to be added at the beginning of each stage, so the total number of water additions for one regular washing program is 3.

[0109] During the above process, if the user wishes to add detergent during the washing water intake stage (the first water intake stage) and fabric softener during the final rinsing water intake stage (the third water intake stage), the user can trigger the detergent setting button once and the fabric softener setting button three times.

[0110] The additive dispensing device receives the detergent setting button trigger signal 1 time and the fabric softener setting button trigger signal 3 times, thus establishing a correspondence between "detergent - first water intake" and "fabric softener - third water intake". After the washing equipment starts running, the additive dispensing device counts the number of water intakes through the water flow detection module. Detergent is dispensed when the first water intake is detected, and fabric softener is dispensed when the third water intake is detected.

[0111] In this embodiment, the first operating mode of the additive dispensing device is the same as that in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again.

[0112] The additive dispensing device in this embodiment can establish a correspondence between the number of times the washing equipment is water-intaked and the type of additive based on the number of times different setting keys are triggered. This allows for the automatic dispensing of different types of additives at different water-intake stages during a single operation of the washing equipment. Even when the additive dispensing device cannot obtain the operating status information of the washing equipment, it can still automatically complete the complex dispensing process. This device is highly intelligent and produces better washing results.

[0113] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an additive dispensing device, the additive dispensing device comprising at least two storage chambers for holding different types of additives, an inlet end connected to an external water source, an outlet end connected to a washing device, and a water flow detection module for detecting the water flow into the washing device, characterized in that, After the additive dispensing device is turned on, a request for obtaining running state information of the washing equipment is sent; If the request is successful, a first working mode is run, the additive dispensing device obtains the running state information of the washing equipment, and controls the dispensing process of the additive according to the running state information; If the request fails, a second working mode is run, and the additive dispensing device dispenses according to a set instruction received from a user; The set instruction includes a type of additive to be dispensed; When the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time, the additive dispensing device dispenses the corresponding type of additive according to the set instruction, and does not dispense the additive when water inflow is detected again. If the set instruction from the user is not received before the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time, the additive dispensing device does not dispense the additive.

2. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 1, characterized by, The liquid storage cavity includes a first liquid storage cavity for storing a detergent and a second liquid storage cavity for storing a softener; If the additive dispensing device receives a set instruction corresponding to the detergent and a set instruction corresponding to the softener before the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time, the additive dispensing device dispenses the corresponding type of additive according to the set instruction received for the first / last time when water inflow is detected for the first time. Alternatively, if the additive dispensing device receives a set instruction corresponding to the detergent and a set instruction corresponding to the softener before the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the first time, the additive dispensing device sends prompt information to the user that the detergent and the softener cannot be selected at the same time.

3. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 2, characterized by, The liquid storage cavity further includes a third liquid storage cavity for storing a builder; if the additive dispensing device receives a set instruction corresponding to the builder, the detergent and the builder are dispensed at the same time when water inflow is detected for the first time by the water flow detection module.

4. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 1, characterized by The additive dispensing device further includes a set key corresponding to each type of additive; in the second working mode, the set instruction is that the set key is triggered.

5. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 4, characterized by The additive dispensing device further includes an indicator light corresponding to each type of additive; in the second working mode, the initial state of each indicator light is off, and when the additive dispensing device receives a signal that the set key is triggered, the indicator light corresponding to the type of additive is turned on.

6. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 1, characterized by The set instruction includes a type of additive to be dispensed and a correspondence between the number of water inflows of the washing equipment and the type of additive; the additive dispensing module counts the number of water inflows detected by the water flow detection module and dispenses the corresponding additive according to the correspondence.

7. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 6, characterized by The additive dispensing device further includes a set key corresponding to each type of additive; the additive dispensing device counts the number of times each set key is triggered; If the number of times a set key is triggered is N, the additive corresponding to the set key is dispensed when the water flow detection module detects water inflow for the Nth time.

8. The control method of the additive delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by The running state information includes a current water inflow stage of the washing equipment; the additive dispensing device dispenses the detergent and the builder in the washing water inflow stage of the washing equipment and dispenses the softener in the last rinsing water inflow stage of the washing equipment.

9. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 8, characterized by, If the additive dispensing device receives a user's cancel instruction for at least one additive, the additive corresponding to the cancel instruction is not dispensed during the operation of the washing equipment.

10. The control method of the additive dispensing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the additive dispensing device further comprises a setting key corresponding to each type of additive, and in the first working mode, the cancel instruction is that the setting key is triggered.

11. The control method of the additive delivery device according to claim 10, characterized by, The additive dispensing device further comprises an indicator lamp corresponding to each type of additive; in the first working mode, the initial state of each indicator lamp is on, and when the additive dispensing device receives a signal that the setting key is triggered, the indicator lamp corresponding to the corresponding type of additive is turned off.

Images