An additive dosing apparatus and a control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an additive feeding device and a control method thereof, the additive feeding device comprises a touch screen, and the control method comprises the following steps: receiving a touch instruction selected by a user; generating a washing and protecting program of a washing and protecting device based on the received touch instruction selected by the user; and controlling the washing and protecting device to run in the generated washing and protecting program. In the application, the washing and protecting device is controlled to run by the washing and protecting program generated by the additive feeding device, so that the user can control one washing and protecting device to run or control multiple washing and protecting devices to run at the same time through the additive feeding device, the operation process of the washing and protecting device is simplified, the additive feeding device is more intelligent and humanized, and the use experience of the user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household appliance technology, specifically, it relates to an additive dispensing device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of science and technology and the increasing demands of users, laundry and care equipment is becoming more and more intelligent. Many mid- to high-end laundry and care equipment have built-in automatic dispensing modules. However, the types of additives that can be dispensed by the automatic dispensing module are limited, and the storage capacity is also limited, requiring users to manually add additives frequently. The replenishment process is cumbersome and cannot truly achieve automatic dispensing. Therefore, external additive dispensing devices are gradually being applied to laundry and care equipment, enabling traditional laundry and care equipment to have automatic dispensing functions. At the same time, the types of additives that can be dispensed by mid- to high-end laundry and care equipment with automatic dispensing functions are expanded.

[0003] Currently, many families own two or more laundry and care appliances, such as dryers and washing machines, which are commonly used household clothing processing equipment. Dryers and washing machines perform washing and drying operations on clothes separately to meet people's increasingly refined needs for clothing processing equipment. However, existing dryers and washing machines, or two or more washing machines, all require users to control them separately, which is cumbersome to operate, inefficient, wastes users' time, and affects the user experience. Moreover, each laundry and care appliance is equipped with an additive dispensing device, which is not conducive to saving limited home space and causes unnecessary expenses in living costs, failing to achieve the intelligent and user-friendly design of laundry and care equipment.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method for controlling an additive dispensing device to achieve the purpose of controlling the operation of a washing and care device; another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling an additive dispensing device to achieve the purpose of automatically dispensing additives into the washing and care device.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A method for controlling an additive dispensing device, the additive dispensing device including a touch screen, the control method comprising:

[0008] Receive touch commands selected by the user;

[0009] Based on the received touch command selected by the user, generate a washing and care program for the washing and care equipment;

[0010] Control the washing and care equipment to run according to the generated washing and care program.

[0011] Furthermore, before receiving the user-selected touch command, the process also includes:

[0012] Obtain the model number of the washing and care equipment;

[0013] The control touchscreen displays an activation button that matches the model of the acquired washing and care equipment.

[0014] Furthermore, receiving the user-selected touch command specifically includes:

[0015] Select the activation button that matches the model of the acquired personal care device;

[0016] The control touch screen displays the program buttons corresponding to the activation key that matches the model of the acquired washing and care equipment, and displays the washing and care program that the washing and care equipment is allowed to execute.

[0017] Select the activation key that matches the model of the acquired washing and care equipment and press the specified program button.

[0018] Furthermore, before receiving the user-selected touch command, the process also includes:

[0019] Obtain the washing and care programs that the washing and care equipment is allowed to perform;

[0020] Control the touchscreen display to match the program buttons that correspond to the washing and care programs allowed to be executed by the washing and care equipment.

[0021] Furthermore, the washing and care equipment allows the execution of washing and care programs, including recommended programs. The specific program buttons displayed on the control touchscreen that match the acquired washing and care programs allowed by the equipment include:

[0022] The program buttons corresponding to the recommended washing and care program are fully lit, while the program buttons corresponding to other washing and care programs that the washing and care equipment is allowed to execute are half lit.

[0023] Furthermore, the washing and care device is a garment processing device, and before receiving the user-selected touch command, it further includes:

[0024] Obtain the parameters of the clothes used in this wash and care;

[0025] Based on the parameters of the clothes used in this wash and care, a recommended wash and care program is determined.

[0026] Furthermore, the touchscreen includes a touch area for the washing and care device and buttons. The touch area includes parameter buttons associated with the washing and care program. Receiving the user-selected touch command specifically includes:

[0027] It receives preset parameters that the user sets or inputs via parameter buttons associated with the washing and care program.

[0028] Furthermore, after generating the washing and care program for the washing and care equipment, the following steps are also included:

[0029] Obtain information on additives;

[0030] The dosage data is determined based on the generated washing and care program and the obtained additive information;

[0031] Delivery instructions are generated based on the determined delivery data.

[0032] Furthermore, the control of the washing and care equipment to operate according to the generated washing and care program also includes:

[0033] During the washing and care process, the additives are controlled by executing the dispensing instructions.

[0034] The present invention also provides an additive dispensing device, which applies any of the additive dispensing device control methods described above.

[0035] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0036] 1. In this invention, the washing and care program is generated by the additive dispensing device to control the operation of the washing and care equipment. This allows users to control one washing and care equipment individually or multiple washing and care equipment simultaneously through the additive dispensing device, without having to directly control the washing and care equipment. This simplifies the operation process of the washing and care equipment, makes the additive dispensing device more intelligent and user-friendly, and improves the user experience.

[0037] 2. In this invention, an activation key matching the model of the washing and care equipment is displayed on the touch screen to establish a control channel between the washing and care equipment and the additive dispensing device, enabling users to quickly activate the corresponding program button of the washing and care equipment. The touch screen display interface is more concise and makes it easier for users to select the washing and care program to be executed.

[0038] 3. In this invention, the touch screen directly displays the program buttons that match the washing and care programs that the washing and care equipment is allowed to execute. This helps users to intuitively understand the washing and care programs that the washing and care equipment can execute. In particular, the program buttons corresponding to the recommended washing and care programs are fully lit up, which helps to improve the washing and care effect of the washing and care equipment.

[0039] 4. In this invention, the user sets or inputs preset parameters through parameter buttons associated with the washing and care program, thereby generating a washing and care program that matches the user's personal preferences. This links the washing and care program executed by the washing and care equipment, the additive dispensing instructions executed by the additive dispensing equipment, and the user's personalized information, thus achieving personalized and intelligent washing and care.

[0040] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0041] 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:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the additive dispensing device control method in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a logic framework diagram of the additive dispensing device control method in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a logic framework diagram of the additive dispensing device control method in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a logic framework diagram of the additive dispensing device control method in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection frame between the additive dispensing device and the washing and care device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the additive dispensing device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] In the picture:

[0049] 100. Washing and care equipment;

[0050] 200. Additive dispensing equipment; 201. Touch screen; 2011. Activation button; 2012. Program button; 2013. Parameter button.

[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", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship according to 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 limiting 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] Example 1

[0056] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a control method for an additive dispensing device 200, the additive dispensing device 200 including a touch screen 201, and the control method including:

[0057] Step S1: Receive the touch command selected by the user;

[0058] Step S2: Based on the received touch command selected by the user, generate a washing and care program for the washing and care device 100;

[0059] Step S3: Control the washing and care equipment 100 to run the generated washing and care program.

[0060] In this embodiment, the user can directly control the operation of one or more washing and care devices 100 through the touch screen 201 of the additive dispensing device 200, which simplifies the operation process of the washing and care device 100. At the same time, multiple washing and care devices 100 share one dispensing device, which helps to save space and cost.

[0061] In this embodiment, the washing and care program includes a main wash program and additional programs. Based on garment parameters, the main wash program includes mixed wash, cotton fabric wash, linen fabric wash, silk fabric wash, wool fabric wash, polyester fabric wash, and down jacket wash, etc. Based on the working mode, the main wash program includes rinsing, spin-drying, and washing and rinsing, etc. Based on the functions performed, the additional programs include disinfection, sterilization, steaming, and self-cleaning, etc.

[0062] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, after generating the washing and care program for the washing and care device 100 in step S2, the method further includes:

[0063] Step S21: Obtain additive information;

[0064] Step S22: Determine the dosage data based on the generated washing and care program and the acquired additive information;

[0065] Step S213: Generate delivery instructions based on the determined delivery data.

[0066] In this embodiment, the additive dispensing device 200 determines the additive dispensing data based on the washing and care program and additive information, and generates an additive dispensing instruction based on the additive dispensing data, thereby achieving precise and intelligent dispensing of additives into the washing and care device 100.

[0067] In this embodiment, the additive information includes the type of additive, storage location, and additive release sequence, and the release data includes the additive type, release order, release quantity, and release time.

[0068] In this embodiment, the types of additives include main detergents and auxiliary detergents. Main detergents include various types of detergents. Auxiliary detergents, in terms of function, include softeners, bleachers, disinfectants, fragrances, etc. In terms of acidity or alkalinity, main detergents or auxiliary detergents include acidic additives, neutral additives, and alkaline additives.

[0069] In this embodiment, each washing and care program corresponds to at least one set of delivery data, and the delivery data with default association for the corresponding washing and care mode is obtained based on the washing and care program database.

[0070] In this embodiment, when multiple sets of delivery data are determined for each washing and care program, the determined delivery data is corrected based on the user's personalized information obtained from the washing and care program database.

[0071] In this embodiment, the washing and care program database is stored on the additive dispensing device 200 and / or the washing and care device 100 and / or the cloud and / or the smart terminal, so as to facilitate timely acquisition of washing and care programs and corresponding additive dispensing data, and at the same time, to form washing and care programs associated with user personalized information.

[0072] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, step S3, controlling the washing and care device 100 to run the generated washing and care program, further includes:

[0073] Step S4: During the washing and care process, execute the dispensing instructions to control the addition of additives.

[0074] In this embodiment, during the washing and care process, the additive dispensing device 200 dispenses additives to the washing and care device 100, enabling the washing and care device 100 to automatically dispense additives, expanding the types of additives dispensed, enhancing the washing and care effect, and improving the user experience.

[0075] Through the above-mentioned control method of the additive dispensing device 200, the additive dispensing device 200 generates a washing and care program to control the operation of the washing and care equipment 100. This allows users to control the operation of one washing and care equipment 100 individually or multiple washing and care equipment 100 simultaneously through the additive dispensing device 200, without having to directly control the washing and care equipment 100. This simplifies the operation process of the washing and care equipment 100, making the additive dispensing device 200 more intelligent and user-friendly, and improving the user experience.

[0076] Example 2

[0077] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above embodiment one: Step S1, before receiving the touch command selected by the user, further includes:

[0078] Step S01a: Obtain the model number of the washing and care equipment 100;

[0079] Step S02a: Control the touch screen 201 to display the activation button 2011 that matches the model of the acquired washing and care device 100.

[0080] In this embodiment, the additive dispensing device 200 is associated with at least one washing and care device 100. The washing and care device directly or via a smart terminal sends the model number of the washing and care device 100 to the additive dispensing device. The additive dispensing device 200 controls the display of an activation button 2011 that matches the model number of the washing and care device 100 so that it can be used for touch operation to generate a washing and care program.

[0081] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, step S1, receiving the touch command selected by the user, specifically includes:

[0082] Step S11a: Select the activation button 2011 that matches the model of the acquired washing and care device 100;

[0083] Step S12a: Control the touch screen 201 to display the program button 2012 corresponding to the activation key that matches the model of the acquired washing and care device 100, and display the washing and care program that the washing and care device 100 is allowed to execute;

[0084] Step S13a: Select the specified program button 2012 under the activation key that matches the model of the acquired washing and care device 100.

[0085] In this embodiment, the model of the washing and care device 100 corresponds to the activation key, and the corresponding program button 2012 under the activation key makes the display interface of the touch screen 201 more concise and facilitates the user to select the washing and care program to be executed and confirm the specified program button 2012.

[0086] In this embodiment, the washing and care equipment 100 is allowed to execute washing and care programs including recommended washing and care programs. In step S01b, the control touch screen 201 displays program buttons 2012 that match the obtained washing and care programs allowed to be executed by the washing and care equipment 100, specifically including:

[0087] The program buttons 2012 corresponding to the recommended washing and care program are fully lit, while the program buttons 2012 corresponding to other washing and care programs that the washing and care equipment 100 is allowed to execute are half lit.

[0088] In this embodiment, the recommended washing and care program corresponding to the program button 2012 is fully lit, enabling users to quickly and intuitively determine the best washing and care program suitable for this washing and care. The operation is simple, improves the human-computer interaction of the additive equipment, makes it more user-friendly, and enhances the washing and care effect of the additive.

[0089] In this embodiment, the washing and care device 100 is a clothing processing device. Step S1, before receiving the user-selected touch command, further includes:

[0090] Step S01: Obtain the parameters of the clothes to be washed and cared for;

[0091] Step S02: Based on the obtained parameters of the clothes for this wash and care, determine the recommended wash and care program.

[0092] In this implementation, clothing parameters include the type and / or material and / or weight and / or degree of soiling of the clothing. Based on the differences in clothing parameters, a washing and care program that matches the clothing parameters is matched to achieve more delicate and cleaner care for the clothing.

[0093] In this embodiment, a turbidity sensor detects the degree of soiling of the current laundry and calculates and displays a recommended washing and care program based on the detected turbidity; a weighing sensor detects the weight of the current laundry and calculates and displays a recommended washing and care program based on the detected weight.

[0094] Through the above-mentioned additive dispensing device 200 control method, the touch screen 201 displays an activation key that matches the model of the washing and care device 100, establishing a control channel between the washing and care device 100 and the additive dispensing device 200, enabling the user to quickly activate the corresponding program button 2012 of the washing and care device 100. The display interface of the touch screen 201 is more concise, making it easier for the user to select the washing and care program to be executed.

[0095] Example 3

[0096] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above embodiment one: Step S1, before receiving the touch command selected by the user, further includes:

[0097] Step S01b: Obtain the washing and care program that the washing and care equipment 100 is allowed to execute;

[0098] Step S02b: Control the touch screen 201 to display program buttons 2012 that match the washing and care program allowed to be executed by the acquired washing and care device 100.

[0099] In this embodiment, the washing and care program database is stored on the additive dispensing device 200 and / or the washing and care device 100 and / or the cloud and / or a smart terminal. The touch screen 201 of the additive dispensing device 200 is provided with the washing and care device 100 control area and corresponding program buttons 2012, which simplifies the processing of the additive dispensing device 200, improves the response speed, and provides users with a better user experience.

[0100] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in step S02b, after the control touch screen 201 displays the program button 2012 that matches the acquired washing and care program allowed to be executed by the washing and care device 100, the following steps are also included:

[0101] Step S02b: Select the specified program button 2012.

[0102] In this embodiment, the washing and care equipment 100 is allowed to execute washing and care programs including recommended washing and care programs. In step S02b, the control touch screen 201 displays program buttons 2012 that match the obtained washing and care programs allowed to be executed by the washing and care equipment 100, specifically including:

[0103] The program buttons 2012 corresponding to the recommended washing and care program are fully lit, while the program buttons 2012 corresponding to other washing and care programs that the washing and care equipment 100 is allowed to execute are half lit.

[0104] In this embodiment, the washing and care device 100 is a clothing processing device. Step S1, before receiving the user-selected touch command, further includes:

[0105] Step S01: Obtain the parameters of the clothes to be washed and cared for;

[0106] Step S02: Based on the obtained parameters of the clothes for this wash and care, determine the recommended wash and care program.

[0107] Through the above-mentioned additive dispensing device 200 control method, the touch screen 201 directly displays the program button 2012 matching the washing and care program that the washing and care device 100 is allowed to execute, which helps users to intuitively understand the washing and care programs that the washing and care device 100 can execute. In particular, the program button 2012 corresponding to the recommended washing and care program is fully lit up, which helps to improve the washing and care effect of the washing and care device 100.

[0108] Example 4

[0109] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above embodiment one: the touch screen 201 includes a touch area of ​​the washing and care device 100 and buttons, and the control interface of the washing and care device 100 includes parameter buttons 2013 associated with the washing and care program. Step S1, receiving the touch command selected by the user, specifically includes:

[0110] Step S01c: Receive preset parameters set or input by the user via parameter button 2013 associated with the washing and care program.

[0111] In this embodiment, the user can set the washing and care program and its parameters that the washing and care device 100 is currently performing and / or will be performing and / or has already completed through the touch area and buttons of the washing and care device 100, so that the washing and care program can perform washing and care according to the preset parameters.

[0112] In this embodiment, the parameters include modifying one or more of the following: the order of operation of the washing and care program, the number of times, the running time, the temperature, or the water level, thereby forming preset parameters for the washing and care program, so that the additive dispensing device 200 controls the washing and care device 100 to execute the preset parameters of the washing and care program.

[0113] Through the above-mentioned additive dispensing device 200 control method, the user sets or inputs preset parameters through the parameter button 2013 associated with the washing and care program, thereby generating a washing and care program that matches the user's personal preferences. This makes the washing and care program executed by the washing and care device 100 and the dispensing instructions executed by the additive dispensing device 200 associated with the user's personalized information associated with the program, thus realizing personalized and intelligent washing and care.

[0114] 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. An additive dosing apparatus control method, the additive dosing apparatus comprising a touch screen, characterized by, The control method includes: Step S1. Receive the touch command selected by the user; Step S2. Based on the received touch command selected by the user, generate the washing and care program for the washing and care device; Step S2 further includes: obtaining additive information; determining dosage data based on the generated washing and care program and the obtained additive information; and generating a dosage instruction based on the determined dosage data. Step S3. Control the washing and care equipment to run the generated washing and care program; Step S3 further includes executing a dispensing command to control the dispensing of additives during the washing and care process; Before step S1, receiving the touch command selected by the user, the method further includes: obtaining the model of the washing and care device; controlling the touch screen to display an activation button that matches the obtained model of the washing and care device; Step S1, receiving the touch command selected by the user, specifically includes: Step S11a: Select the activation button that matches the model of the acquired washing and care device; Step S12a: Control the touch screen to display the program button corresponding to the activation key that matches the model of the acquired washing and care equipment, and display the washing and care program that the washing and care equipment is allowed to execute; Step S13a: Among the washing and care programs that the self-washing and care device is allowed to execute, select the program button specified under the activation key that matches the model of the acquired washing and care device; In step S12a, the washing and care programs that the washing and care equipment is allowed to execute include recommended washing and care programs. Specifically, in step S12a, controlling the touch screen to display the program buttons that match the obtained washing and care programs that the washing and care equipment is allowed to execute specifically includes: controlling the program buttons corresponding to the recommended washing and care programs to be fully lit, and controlling the program buttons corresponding to other washing and care programs that the washing and care equipment is allowed to execute to be half lit.

2. The additive delivery apparatus control method according to claim 1, characterized by, The washing and care equipment is a garment processing device; before step S1, receiving the touch command selected by the user, it also includes: Obtain the parameters of the clothes used in this wash and care; Based on the parameters of the clothes used in this wash and care, a recommended wash and care program is determined.

3. The method for controlling an additive dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touchscreen includes a touch area for the washing and care device and buttons. The touch area includes parameter buttons associated with the washing and care program. Receiving touch commands selected by the user specifically includes: It receives preset parameters that the user sets or inputs via parameter buttons associated with the washing and care program.

4. An additive dispensing device, characterized in that, The additive dispensing device control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is applied.

5. The additive dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The additive dispensing equipment is associated with at least one washing and care device.

6. The additive dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The additive dispensing device includes a touch screen, which directly controls the associated washing and care equipment.

7. An additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The additive dispensing device and / or the washing and care device stores a washing and care program database; the washing and care program database stores multiple washing and care programs; each washing and care program corresponds to at least one set of dispensing data; The additive dispensing device obtains the dispensing data associated with the corresponding washing and care mode by default based on the washing and care program database.

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