An external dispensing device and a method for monitoring the remaining amount of additives, and a washing machine.

Abstract

This invention discloses an external dispensing device, a method for monitoring the remaining additive level, and a washing machine. The method for monitoring the remaining additive level includes: monitoring the remaining additive level in the dispensing device during the washing machine's water intake process; and stopping the monitoring of the remaining additive level when the washing machine stops intake. By employing the above method, this invention effectively avoids the problem of existing external dispensing devices failing to dissipate additives naturally after the user replaces the additive dispenser, as the entire water path of the dispensing device remains sealed when the washing machine stops intake, leading to misjudgment and continuous alarms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household appliance technology, specifically, it relates to an external dispensing device and a method for monitoring the remaining amount of additives, as well as a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, external dispensing devices for washing machines are gradually emerging. However, most existing external dispensing devices have limited functions and simple structures, only meeting basic user needs. In particular, issues such as insufficient detection accuracy and false alarms are prominent in the detection of additive residue.

[0003] Existing external dispensing devices employ two methods for liquid level detection: First, a liquid level sensor is installed inside the detergent dispenser, connected to an alarm. When the liquid level in the detergent dispenser reaches a set value, the alarm is activated. Second, a liquid level detection device is installed in the transfer dispensing chamber, which communicates with the detergent dispenser. When the liquid level in the transfer dispensing chamber is detected to be lower than a set value, an alarm is triggered, prompting the user to replace the additive dispenser.

[0004] In the first method, since the additive boxes of the external dispensing device are all disposable, and each additive box is equipped with a liquid level sensor to detect the liquid level, the cost is high and it is not conducive to widespread use. In the second method, when the user replaces a new additive box filled with detergent, the detergent in the additive box cannot flow down naturally, regardless of whether there is liquid additive remaining in the transfer dispensing chamber. Because the internal water circuit of the dispensing device is filled with water, the liquid level detection device still cannot detect the additive and remains in an alarm state, making it impossible to clear the alarm in time, causing some inconvenience to the user.

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

[0006] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a method for monitoring the remaining additive level in an external dispensing device. This method stops monitoring the additive level when the washing machine stops filling with water. It effectively solves the problem that with existing external dispensing devices, after the user has replaced the additive dispenser, the entire water circuit of the dispensing device is sealed because the washing machine stops filling with water, preventing the additive from flowing out naturally. This causes the dispensing device to misjudge that the additive has not been updated and continue to alarm, making it impossible to clear the alarm in a timely manner.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the first aspect of this application discloses a method for monitoring the remaining amount of additives in an external dispensing device, the method comprising:

[0008] During the water intake process of the washing machine, the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device is monitored; when the washing machine stops intake, the monitoring of the remaining amount of additive is stopped.

[0009] Furthermore, by obtaining information on the water flow rate in the water inlet pipe of the dispensing device or the status of the washing machine's water inlet valve, it can be determined whether the washing machine is in a water-filling state.

[0010] If it is determined that the washing machine has started to fill with water, the remaining amount monitoring device will start to monitor the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device.

[0011] If it is determined that the washing machine has finished filling with water, the remaining amount monitoring device will stop monitoring the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device.

[0012] Preferably, during the entire water intake process of the washing machine, the residual amount monitoring device monitors the residual amount of additive in the dispensing device in real time.

[0013] Furthermore, the dispensing device includes an additive box, a suction unit, and a suction pipe connecting the additive box and the suction unit;

[0014] During the water intake process of the washing machine, the information of the additive in the suction pipe is detected by the residual monitoring device to determine whether there is an additive in the additive box.

[0015] If it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box, an alarm will be triggered; if it is determined that there is additive in the additive box, the dispensing device will be controlled to operate normally.

[0016] Preferably, the suction pipeline includes a suction tube and a transfer dispensing chamber connected between the inlet of the suction tube and the outlet of the additive box. The remaining amount monitoring device determines whether there is additive in the additive box by detecting the information of the additive in the transfer dispensing chamber.

[0017] Furthermore, upon detecting that there is no additive in the additive box and simultaneously triggering an alarm, the following steps are also executed:

[0018] The suction unit is controlled to operate continuously until the residual monitoring device detects that additives are flowing into the suction line, at which point the suction operation stops and the alarm is deactivated.

[0019] Furthermore, if it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box during the water filling process of the washing machine, the washing machine will stop filling with water at the same time as the alarm is sounded.

[0020] Preferably, the following determination steps are performed before controlling the washing machine to stop water intake:

[0021] Determine whether the current actual amount of additive added has reached the required amount. If yes, control the washing machine to continue water intake normally; otherwise, control the washing machine to stop water intake.

[0022] Further, after controlling the washing machine to stop water intake, perform the following steps:

[0023] After detecting that the user has replaced the detergent dispenser, the system controls the washing machine to resume water intake and stops the alarm.

[0024] Alternatively, the system can send a confirmation message to the user asking whether to continue filling the water tank. If the system receives confirmation from the user to continue filling the water tank, it can control the washing machine to resume filling the water tank.

[0025] Furthermore, the remaining quantity monitoring device includes a conductive probe disposed within the transfer and delivery cavity;

[0026] If the conductive probe detects N consecutive low pulse signals during the water filling process of the washing machine, it will determine that there is no additive in the additive box and issue an alarm.

[0027] If the conductive probe detects N consecutive high pulse signals, it is determined that there are additives in the detergent box, and the dispensing device is controlled to work normally.

[0028] Preferably, the suction line includes a suction tube and a transfer dispensing cavity connected between the inlet of the suction tube and the outlet of the additive box, and the conductive probe is disposed in the transfer dispensing cavity.

[0029] Furthermore, after detecting N consecutive low pulse signals, the conductive probe performs the following steps:

[0030] Control the suction unit to perform suction action at time T1;

[0031] If the conductive probe detects N consecutive low pulse signals again, it is determined that there are no additives in the detergent box, and an alarm is triggered.

[0032] If the conductive probe detects N consecutive high pulse signals, it is determined that there are additives in the detergent box, and the dispensing device is controlled to work normally.

[0033] In a second aspect, this application also provides an external dispensing device that employs the above-described additive balance monitoring method.

[0034] Preferably, the external dispensing device has a connector slot for installing the additive box, and the additive box is connected to the transfer dispensing cavity after being placed into the connector slot.

[0035] The water inlet pipe of the external dispensing device is connected between the tap water connector and the water inlet valve of the washing machine, and a flow meter or flow sensor is installed in the water inlet pipe.

[0036] A third aspect of this application also provides a washing machine that employs the above-described additive balance monitoring method or has the above-described external dispensing device.

[0037] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0038] 1. This invention monitors the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device during the water intake process of the washing machine; and stops monitoring the remaining amount of additive when the washing machine stops intake. By adopting the above method, it effectively avoids the problem of existing external dispensing devices where, even after the user has added new additive or replaced the additive box, the additive cannot flow out naturally because the entire water circuit of the dispensing device is sealed when the washing machine stops intake, leading to misjudgment by the dispensing device and continued alarm, which cannot be cleared in time, causing great inconvenience to the user.

[0039] 2. During the water intake process of the washing machine, if it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box, an alarm will be sounded. If it is determined that the current actual amount of additive added is less than the required amount, the washing machine will be controlled to stop water intake. This ensures that the amount of additive added is sufficient and the washing effect of clothes is good. It effectively avoids the problem that the user replaces the additive box in time, and the washing machine has stopped water intake before the user replaces the additive box, resulting in the current amount of additive added not reaching the required amount, which leads to poor washing and care effect of clothes.

[0040] 3. In this invention, after the conductive probe detects N consecutive low pulse signals for the first time, the dispensing device does not immediately alarm. Instead, it controls the suction unit to perform a suction action for time T1, and then the conductive probe continues to detect. If N consecutive low pulse signals are detected again, it is determined that there is no additive in the detergent box, and an alarm is triggered. If no additive is detected, the dispensing device is controlled to work normally. This effectively avoids the problem of false alarms caused by the conductive probe misdetecting N consecutive low pulse signals when the additive contains air bubbles, impurities, etc., passing through the conductive probe, thus reducing the possibility of false alarms.

[0041] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0042] 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:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the additive dispensing device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the additive balance monitoring method in this invention.

[0045] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the additive balance monitoring method in this invention.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the additive balance monitoring method in this invention.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the additive balance monitoring method in this invention.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the additive balance monitoring method in this invention.

[0049] In the picture:

[0050] 101. Conductive probe; 102. Additive box; 103. Suction pipeline; 1031. Transfer and dispensing chamber; 1032. Suction pipe; 104. Dispensing pipeline; 105. Suction unit; 106. Water inlet pipeline; 1061. Water inlet end; 1063. Water outlet end; 107. Solenoid valve.

[0051] 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

[0052] 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.

[0053] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0054] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this embodiment discloses a method for monitoring the remaining amount of additives in an external dispensing device, the method comprising:

[0057] During the water intake process of the washing machine, the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device is monitored; when the washing machine stops intake, the monitoring of the remaining amount of additive is stopped.

[0058] The additive balance monitoring method provided in this embodiment effectively avoids the problem that existing external dispensing devices, after adding new additives or replacing the additive box 102, fail to dispense additives naturally because the washing machine stops filling with water and the entire water circuit of the dispensing device is sealed. This leads to the dispensing device misjudging that the user has not added additives or replaced the additive box 102, and still alarms, causing significant inconvenience to the user.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the washing machine is in a water intake state by obtaining the water flow information in the water inlet pipe 106 of the dispensing device, or by obtaining the status of the washing machine's water inlet valve.

[0060] Specifically, whether the washing machine is in a water-filling state can be determined by a flow meter or flow sensor installed in the water inlet pipe 106. If the flow meter or flow sensor detects a pulse signal, it can be determined that the washing machine is in a water-filling state. Alternatively, the water-filling state of the washing machine can also be determined by obtaining the opening and closing status of the washing machine's water inlet valve.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, if it is determined that the washing machine has started to fill with water, the remaining amount monitoring device will start to monitor the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device.

[0062] If the washing machine is determined to have finished filling with water, the remaining amount monitoring device will stop monitoring the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device.

[0063] In the above solution, when the washing machine is filling with water, the water inlet valve is open, and the water inlet pipe 106 is not sealed. The suction unit 105 can extract the liquid additive from the additive box 102 simply by operating. When the washing machine has finished filling with water, the water inlet valve is closed, and the water inlet pipe 106 of the dispensing device is sealed. At this time, the control level monitoring device stops monitoring the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device, effectively avoiding the problem that the dispensing device is still in an alarm state even though the user has replaced the additive box 102 or added additive.

[0064] Preferably, during the entire water intake process of the washing machine, the remaining amount monitoring device monitors the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device in real time, ensuring the timeliness of alarm prompts by monitoring the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device in real time.

[0065] Of course, during the water intake process, the remaining amount monitoring device can also be controlled to monitor the remaining amount of additive in the dosing device at regular intervals.

[0066] In this embodiment, the remaining volume monitoring can be achieved through the following methods: infrared detection, liquid level conductive probe detection, motor detection, float detection, liquid level detection, etc., or other methods may be used. The remaining volume monitoring device includes a control module and a detection module. The detection module includes an infrared sensor module, a conductive probe 101, a motor detection module, a float, a liquid level sensor, etc.

[0067] Preferably, in this embodiment, a liquid level conductive probe 101 is used to monitor the remaining amount of additive in the additive box 102. By using the conductive probe 101, the remaining amount of additive in the additive box 102 can be accurately determined, and the user can be promptly alerted. When the washing machine stops filling with water, the control module is set not to process the signal fed back from the conductive probe 101, so as to stop monitoring the remaining amount of additive when the washing machine stops filling with water.

[0068] The remaining amount monitoring device includes an alarm module, such as an alarm, that is connected to the control module via a wired or wireless means. When the remaining amount monitoring device detects that there is no additive in the additive box, it controls the alarm module to issue an alarm, prompting the user to replace the liquid storage box in time.

[0069] In this embodiment, the additive can be a liquid laundry treatment agent such as detergent, fabric softener, disinfectant, fragrance, or bleach.

[0070] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this invention, the dispensing device includes an additive box 102, a suction unit 105, and a suction pipe 103 connected between the additive box 102 and the suction unit 105.

[0071] Preferably, in this embodiment, the dispensing device is provided with a slot for placing and installing the additive box 102. The additive box 102 is a sealed chamber containing additive storage, and it is a disposable cartridge-type liquid storage box. When the additive box 102 placed in the slot of the dispensing device is exhausted, the exhausted additive box 102 is removed and a new additive box 102 is placed in the slot.

[0072] In another embodiment, the dispensing device may also be provided with a sealed liquid storage chamber for direct storage of additives. When the additives are insufficient, the user can directly pour the purchased additives into the liquid storage chamber of the dispensing device for subsequent dispensing.

[0073] In this embodiment, the suction unit 105 is a dispensing pump or a venturi tube. Preferably, in this embodiment, the dispensing pump is a piston pump capable of dispensing a fixed amount of liquid.

[0074] The inlet of the suction unit 105 is connected to the outlet of the additive box 102 through the suction pipe 103. The outlet of the suction unit 105 is connected to the water inlet pipe 106 through the dispensing pipe 104. When dispensing additives, the suction unit 105 first draws the additives in the additive box 102 into the suction pipe 103, and then dispenses the additives in the suction pipe 103 into the water inlet pipe 106 through the dispensing pipe 104. The additives dispensed into the water inlet pipe 106 are then dispensed into the washing machine along with the water entering the washing machine.

[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, during the water filling process of the washing machine, the information of the additive in the suction pipe 103 is detected by the residual monitoring device to determine whether there is additive in the additive box 102:

[0076] If it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box 102, an alarm will be triggered; if it is determined that there is additive in the additive box 102, the dispensing device will be controlled to operate normally.

[0077] In the above scheme, the presence of additive in the additive box 102 can be determined by detecting the flow rate or level of the additive in the suction pipe 103. When the suction unit 105 is activated, if no flow rate signal of additive in the suction pipe 103 is detected within a set time, or if the level of additive in the suction pipe 103 is consistently lower than a set value, it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box 102.

[0078] Preferably, such as Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the suction pipe 103 includes a suction pipe 1032 and a transfer and dispensing chamber 1031 connected between the inlet of the suction pipe 1032 and the outlet of the additive box 102. The outlet of the suction pipe 1032 is connected to the inlet of the suction unit 105, and the inlet of the suction pipe 1032 is connected to the outlet of the transfer and dispensing chamber 1031. During dispensing, the suction unit 105 draws the additive from the additive box 102 into the transfer and dispensing chamber 1031, then draws the additive from the transfer and dispensing chamber 1031 back into the suction pipe 1032, and then dispenses it through the dispensing pipe 104 into the water inlet pipe 106, where it is dispensed into the washing tub along with the water entering the washing machine.

[0079] In this embodiment, the remaining amount monitoring device is installed in the transfer and dispensing chamber 1031 to detect the additive information in the transfer and dispensing chamber 1031 to determine the remaining amount of additive in the additive box 102. When the remaining amount monitoring device detects that the liquid level of the additive in the transfer and dispensing chamber 1031 is always lower than the set value, it can be determined that there is no additive in the additive box, and an alarm will be triggered.

[0080] Furthermore, combined Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, upon detecting that there is no additive in the additive box 102 and simultaneously triggering an alarm, the following steps are also executed:

[0081] The suction unit 105 is controlled to operate continuously until the residual monitoring device detects that additives are flowing into the suction pipeline 103 or detects that the additive liquid level in the transfer and dispensing chamber 1031 is greater than the set value. Then the suction operation is stopped and the alarm is stopped.

[0082] In the above scheme, when it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box 102, the corresponding piston pump continues to operate until a new additive box 102 is replaced, the additive is extracted, the conductive probe 101 detects liquid, then the alarm stops, and the piston pump stops operating.

[0083] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 or Figure 5 As shown, if it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box 102 during the water filling process of the washing machine, the washing machine will stop filling with water at the same time as the alarm is sounded.

[0084] Preferably, the following determination steps are performed before controlling the washing machine to stop water intake:

[0085] Determine whether the current actual amount of additive added has reached the required amount. If yes, control the washing machine to continue water intake normally; otherwise, control the washing machine to stop water intake.

[0086] This embodiment, by employing the above method, during the water intake process of the washing machine, if it is determined that there is no additive in the additive dispenser 102, an alarm will be triggered. Simultaneously, if it is determined that the current actual amount of additive dispensed is less than the required amount, the washing machine will be controlled to pause water intake. This ensures sufficient additive dosage and optimal washing results, effectively preventing the problem of poor clothing care caused by users replacing the additive dispenser 102 only after the washing machine has stopped filling with water, resulting in insufficient additive dosage.

[0087] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, after controlling the washing machine to pause water intake, the following steps are performed: if it is detected that the user has replaced the detergent dispenser, the washing machine is controlled to automatically resume water intake and the alarm is stopped.

[0088] Specifically, a solenoid valve 107 that can control the opening and closing of the water circuit can be installed on the water inlet pipe 106 of the dispensing device. When it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box 102, an alarm will be sounded. At the same time, if it is determined that the actual amount of additive dispensed is less than the required amount, the solenoid valve 107 will be closed and the washing machine will stop dispensing water.

[0089] The dispensing device is equipped with a pressure sensor or infrared sensor to detect whether a new additive box 102 has been placed inside. When the pressure sensor or infrared sensor detects that a new additive box 102 has been placed inside the dispensing device, it sends a signal to the dispensing device or the washing machine's control system that a new additive box 102 has been replaced. The control system then controls the solenoid valve 107 to open, allowing the washing machine to resume normal water intake.

[0090] In the above solution, the pressure sensor or infrared sensor on the dispensing device can be used to intelligently detect and identify whether the user has put in a new additive box 102, thereby automatically controlling whether the washing machine continues to fill with water, ensuring the accuracy of the additive dispensing amount, and improving the automation and intelligence of the entire dispensing device.

[0091] Or, in another implementation, such as Figure 5 As shown, after the washing machine stops water intake, the following steps are performed: a request confirmation message is sent to the user asking whether to continue water intake; if the user confirms to continue water intake, the washing machine is controlled to resume water intake.

[0092] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the dispensing device or washing machine can send a request confirmation message to the user regarding whether to continue water intake through voice, display on the control interface, or control buttons. After receiving the user's confirmation signal to continue water intake, such as a voice confirmation instruction, a touch selection confirmation, or a button confirmation instruction, the solenoid valve 107 is opened and the washing machine resumes water intake.

[0093] In the above method, after the user replaces the additive box 102, he / she can send an instruction signal to the dispensing device or washing machine to continue water intake, control the solenoid valve 107 to open, and the washing machine resumes water intake.

[0094] The above method is applicable to the following scenarios:

[0095] For example, a user may have run out of additive dispenser 102, but still want the washing machine to continue washing, or the user may feel that the clothes are not very dirty and the current amount of additive is sufficient, or the user may feel that the missing additive is unnecessary, such as a fragrance enhancer. In this case, the user sends a signal to the dispensing device, washing machine, or mobile control terminal to continue water intake. Upon receiving this signal, the dispensing device, washing machine, or mobile control terminal will control the washing machine to resume water intake according to the user's wishes, ensuring the normal operation of the washing program.

[0096] By adopting the above method, the washing machine or dispensing device can control whether the washing machine resumes water intake according to the user's wishes, which improves the flexibility of control, gives the user control over whether to resume water intake, meets the different needs of different users, and enhances the user experience.

[0097] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the remaining quantity monitoring device includes a conductive probe 101 disposed in the transfer and dispensing cavity 1031. The conductive probe 101 consists of at least two steel needles connected to the detection circuit. The conductive probe 101 is fixedly disposed on the peripheral sidewall of the transfer and dispensing cavity 1031.

[0098] Preferably, the liquid level detection end of the conductive probe 101 is located at a set height above the middle part of the entire transfer and dispensing chamber 1031. In this way, when the dispensing device issues an alarm, there will still be a certain amount of additive in the transfer and dispensing chamber 1031, avoiding the phenomenon of empty dispensing, and also giving the user more time to replace the additive box.

[0099] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, during the water intake process of the washing machine, if the conductive probe 101 detects N consecutive low pulse signals, it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box 102 and an alarm is triggered.

[0100] If the conductive probe 101 detects N consecutive high pulse signals, it is determined that there are additives in the detergent box, and the dispensing device is controlled to work normally.

[0101] The N≥3, preferably, the N=3.

[0102] Further, after detecting N consecutive low pulse signals, the conductive probe 101 performs the following steps:

[0103] Control the suction unit 105 to perform suction action at time T1;

[0104] If the conductive probe 101 detects N consecutive low pulse signals again after the TI time, it is determined that there is no additive in the detergent box and an alarm is triggered.

[0105] If the conductive probe 101 detects N consecutive high pulse signals after the TI time, it is determined that there are additives in the detergent box, and the dispensing device is controlled to work normally.

[0106] In this embodiment of the invention, after the conductive probe 101 detects N consecutive low pulse signals for the first time, the dispensing device does not immediately alarm. Instead, it controls the suction unit 105 to perform a suction action for time T1 before continuing to detect. If N consecutive low pulse signals are detected again, it is determined that there is no additive in the detergent box, and an alarm is triggered. If no additive is detected, the dispensing device is controlled to work normally. This effectively avoids the problem of false alarms caused by the conductive probe 101 mistakenly detecting N consecutive low pulse signals when the additive contains bubbles or impurities.

[0107] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides an external dispensing device that uses the above-described additive balance monitoring method.

[0108] Preferably, the external dispensing device has a connector slot for installing the additive box 102, and the additive box 102 is connected to the transfer dispensing cavity 1031 after being placed into the connector slot. The additive box 102 and the transfer dispensing cavity 1031 can be connected by means of a piercing structure or a one-way valve connector structure.

[0109] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the water inlet pipe 106 of the external dispensing device is connected between the tap water connector and the washing machine's water inlet valve. The water inlet end 1061 of the external dispensing device's water inlet pipe 106 can be directly connected to the tap water connector, or connected to the tap water connector via a connecting pipe. The water outlet end 1062 of the external dispensing device's water inlet pipe 106 can be directly connected to the washing machine's water inlet valve, or connected to the washing machine's water inlet valve via a connecting pipe.

[0110] This embodiment also provides a washing machine that employs the above-described additive balance monitoring method or has the above-described external dispensing device. The washing machine can be a top-loading washing machine or a front-loading washing machine.

[0111] 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 method for monitoring the remaining amount of additives in an external dispensing device, characterized in that: During the water intake process of the washing machine, the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device is monitored. The dispensing device includes an additive box, a suction unit, and a suction pipe connecting the additive box and the suction unit. The inlet of the suction unit is connected to the outlet of the additive box through the suction pipe, and the outlet of the suction unit is connected to the water inlet pipe of the washing machine through the dispensing pipe. When dispensing the additive, the suction unit first draws the additive in the additive box into the suction pipe, and then dispenses the additive in the suction pipe into the water inlet pipe through the dispensing pipe. The additive dispensed into the water inlet pipe is dispensed into the washing machine along with the water intake. If it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box, then it is determined whether the current actual amount of additive added has reached the required amount. If yes, then the washing machine is controlled to continue water intake normally; if no, then the washing machine is controlled to stop water intake. When the washing machine stops filling with water, the monitoring of the remaining amount of additive is stopped, and the entire water circuit of the dispensing device is sealed. The dispensing device is equipped with a sensor to detect whether a new additive box has been placed in it. After the washing machine stops water intake, if the sensor detects that a new additive box has been placed in the dispensing device, the washing machine will automatically resume water intake.

2. The method for monitoring additive balance according to claim 1, characterized in that, By obtaining information on the water flow rate in the water inlet pipe of the dispensing device or the status of the washing machine's water inlet valve, it can be determined whether the washing machine is in the water intake state. If it is determined that the washing machine has started to fill with water, the remaining amount monitoring device will start to monitor the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device. If it is determined that the washing machine has finished filling with water, the remaining amount monitoring device will stop monitoring the remaining amount of additive in the dispensing device. Throughout the entire water intake process of the washing machine, the residual amount monitoring device monitors the residual amount of additive in the dispensing device in real time.

3. The method for monitoring the residual amount of additives according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the water intake process of the washing machine, the information of the additive in the suction pipe is detected by the residual monitoring device to determine whether there is an additive in the additive box. If it is determined that there is no additive in the additive box, an alarm will be triggered; if it is determined that there is additive in the additive box, the dispensing device will be controlled to operate normally. The suction pipeline includes a suction tube and a transfer dispensing chamber connected between the inlet of the suction tube and the outlet of the additive box. The remaining amount monitoring device determines whether there is additive in the additive box by detecting the information of the additive in the transfer dispensing chamber.

4. The method for monitoring additive balance according to claim 3, characterized in that, Upon detecting that there is no additive in the additive box and simultaneously triggering an alarm, the following steps are also executed: The suction unit is controlled to operate continuously until the residual monitoring device detects that additives are flowing into the suction line, at which point the suction operation stops and the alarm is deactivated.

5. The method for monitoring additive balance according to claim 4, characterized in that, After stopping the washing machine from filling with water, perform the following steps: After detecting that the user has replaced the detergent dispenser, the system controls the washing machine to resume water intake and stops the alarm. Alternatively, the system can send a confirmation message to the user asking whether to continue filling the water tank. If the system receives confirmation from the user to continue filling the water tank, it can control the washing machine to resume filling the water tank.

6. The method for monitoring additive balance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The remaining quantity monitoring device includes a conductive probe installed inside the transfer and delivery chamber; If the conductive probe detects N consecutive low pulse signals during the water filling process of the washing machine, it will determine that there is no additive in the additive box and issue an alarm. If the conductive probe detects N consecutive high pulse signals, it is determined that there are additives in the detergent box, and the dispensing device is controlled to work normally.

7. The method for monitoring additive balance according to claim 6, characterized in that, After detecting N consecutive low pulse signals, the conductive probe performs the following steps: Control the suction unit to perform suction action at time T1; If the conductive probe detects N consecutive low pulse signals again, it is determined that there are no additives in the detergent box, and an alarm is triggered. If the conductive probe detects N consecutive high pulse signals, it is determined that there are additives in the detergent box, and the dispensing device is controlled to work normally.

8. An external dispensing device, characterized in that, The additive balance monitoring method according to any one of claims 1-7 is adopted; The external dispensing device has a slot for installing an additive box, and the additive box is connected to the transfer dispensing cavity after being placed into the slot. The water inlet pipe of the external dispensing device is connected between the tap water connector and the water inlet valve of the washing machine, and a flow meter or flow sensor is installed in the water inlet pipe.

9. A washing machine, characterized in that, The additive balance monitoring method described in any one of claims 1-7, or the external dispensing device described in claim 8, is adopted.

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