Liquid storage box, storage box, additive delivery device, identification method and equipment

Abstract

This invention relates to a liquid storage box, a container, an additive dispensing device, an identification method, and an apparatus. The liquid storage box includes: a first box body having a sealed chamber for containing additives; at least one light receiving component disposed in the first box body, the number and / or position of the at least one light receiving component corresponding to different arrangements of the photosensitivity characteristics of the first light receiving component to indicate the type of additive stored in the first box body; and a first wiring component disposed in the first box body, the first wiring component being wired to the at least one first light receiving component. This invention uses different arrangements of the photosensitivity characteristics of at least one light receiving component to correspond to different additive types, and the user does not need to distinguish the position of the container in the liquid storage box, thus achieving automatic identification of the additive type.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing processing equipment technology, and in particular to a liquid storage box, a container, an additive dispensing device, an identification method, and equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Existing methods for identifying additives in garment processing equipment suffer from inaccuracies to varying degrees. For example, when using conductivity to identify additive types, differences in solution concentration can lead to variations in conductivity readings and detection errors. Similarly, color-coded labels cannot accurately distinguish additives with similar colors, and environmental factors can also introduce detection errors. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problem in related technologies that the types of additives stored in additive dispensing devices cannot be accurately identified, the first aspect of this invention proposes a liquid storage box, the liquid storage box comprising:

[0004] A first box body having a sealed chamber for containing additives;

[0005] At least one light receiving component, wherein the at least one first light receiving component is disposed in the first housing, and the number and / or position of the at least one light receiving component corresponds to different arrangements and combinations of the photosensitivity characteristics of the first light receiving component to represent the types of additives stored in the first housing;

[0006] A first wiring component is disposed in the first housing, and the first wiring component is connected to the wire of the at least one first optical receiving component;

[0007] The photosensitive characteristics include positive photosensitive characteristics, negative photosensitive characteristics, and non-photosensitive characteristics. The resistance value of the first light receiving component with positive photosensitive characteristics is positively correlated with the light intensity, the resistance value of the first light receiving component with negative photosensitive characteristics is negatively correlated with the light intensity, and the resistance value of the first light receiving component with non-photosensitive characteristics does not change with the light intensity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least one first light receiving component includes a photoresistor and a non-photoresistor, and the first housing for storing different types of additives is provided with photoresistors and non-photoresistors arranged in different combinations of photosensitive characteristics, quantities and / or positions.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first wiring component includes a first positive terminal and at least one first negative terminal, the positive lines of the at least one first optical receiving component are all connected to the first positive terminal, and the negative lines of the at least one first optical receiving component are connected to the at least one first negative terminal in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first housing includes an insertion end, the first wiring component is disposed at the insertion end, the first wiring component includes a first wiring component body, the first wiring component body includes a cavity, the first positive terminal is disposed at the bottom wall of the cavity, and the at least one first negative terminal is disposed at the side wall of the cavity.

[0011] The second aspect of the present invention provides a receiving box, the receiving box including a second box body, the second box body having at least one receiving cavity, the receiving cavity being used to receive any of the liquid storage boxes proposed in the first aspect of the present invention;

[0012] The accommodating box includes at least one light emitting component, which is disposed in the accommodating cavity and corresponds one-to-one with the position of the at least one first light receiving component. When the liquid storage box is placed inside the accommodating cavity, the light emitted by the at least one light emitting component can illuminate the corresponding first light receiving component.

[0013] A second wiring component is disposed in the second housing. The second wiring component is electrically coupled to the first wiring component to supply power to the at least one first optical receiving component.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second housing has multiple independent accommodating cavities, each of which is provided with at least one light emitting component, and the number and arrangement of the light emitting components in different accommodating cavities are the same, and the liquid storage box can be accommodated in any of the accommodating cavities.

[0015] In some embodiments, the at least one light emitting component is disposed on the same side of the receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity further includes at least one second light receiving component, which is disposed in the receiving cavity at a position opposite to the at least one light emitting component, and the number of the at least one second light receiving component is less than or equal to the number of the at least one light emitting component;

[0016] When the liquid storage box is not contained in the accommodating cavity, the light emitted by the at least one light emitting component can illuminate the at least one second light receiving component.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second wiring component includes a second positive terminal and at least one second negative terminal. The second positive terminal is used to cooperate with the first positive terminal of the first wiring component, and the at least one second negative terminal is used to cooperate with at least one first negative terminal of the first wiring component.

[0018] In some embodiments, the receiving cavity includes an opening, and the liquid storage box is disposed within the receiving cavity through the opening;

[0019] The second wiring component includes a second wiring component body, which is disposed on a first wall surface of the accommodating cavity opposite to the opening, and the structure of the second wiring component body is adapted to the structure of the first wiring component body of the liquid storage box. The second positive terminal is disposed at one end of the second wiring component body away from the first wall surface, and the at least one second negative terminal is disposed on the side wall of the second wiring component body.

[0020] With the liquid storage box contained within the accommodating cavity, the body of the second wiring component mates with the recessed cavity.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second positive terminal includes a resilient connector, and the second negative terminal includes a resilient sheet;

[0022] With the liquid storage box placed inside the accommodating cavity, the elastic connector abuts against the first positive terminal, and the elastic sheet abuts against the corresponding first negative terminal.

[0023] A third aspect of the present invention provides an additive dispensing device, the additive dispensing device comprising:

[0024] The receiving box is any of the receiving boxes proposed in the second aspect of the present invention;

[0025] A liquid storage box, wherein the liquid storage box is any of the liquid storage boxes proposed in the first aspect of the present invention, the liquid storage box is housed in the receiving box, and the first wiring component cooperates with the second wiring component;

[0026] When the second wiring component is energized, the type of signal fed back by the at least one optical receiving component reflects the type of additive stored in the first box.

[0027] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides an additive identification method, which is applied to the additive dispensing device of the third aspect of the present invention, the additive identification method comprising:

[0028] Determine the type of signal fed back by the at least one first optical receiving component;

[0029] The types of additives in the liquid storage box are determined according to the permutation and combination method.

[0030] In some embodiments, the additive identification method further includes:

[0031] Determine the light receiving state of the second light receiving component of the additive dispensing device;

[0032] The assembly state of the liquid storage box and the container box is determined based on the light receiving state of the second light receiving component.

[0033] The fifth aspect of the present invention provides a garment processing device, wherein the garment processing device is provided with any of the additive dispensing devices proposed in the third aspect of the present invention, or the additive identification method proposed in the fourth aspect of the present invention is used to identify the additives.

[0034] The technical solution of the present invention can include the following beneficial effects: The present invention uses at least one light receiving component disposed on the first body of the liquid storage box, and distinguishes different types of additives by different arrangements and combinations of the number and / or position of the light receiving components and the photosensitive characteristics of the light receiving components. There is no need to manually input the type of additive. Furthermore, when the liquid storage box and the container box are used together, the user does not need to distinguish the position of the container cavity set in the liquid storage box. The same liquid storage box can be used with any container cavity, and the same container cavity can also be used with any liquid storage box. In all cases, the automatic identification of the type of additive stored in the liquid storage box can be achieved, thereby improving the user experience.

[0035] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid storage tank according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a receiving box according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a wiring diagram of the first optical receiving component and the first wiring component of a liquid storage box according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a first light receiving component and a second light receiving component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a first wiring component and a second wiring component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figures 6a-6c This is an assembly diagram of the first wiring component and the second wiring component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a first wiring component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a second wiring component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an additive dispensing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 10 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the identification of additives according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a second flowchart illustrating the identification of additives according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Figure 12 This is the third flowchart illustrating the identification of additives according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a garment processing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Figure 14 This is a top view of a garment processing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] Figure 15 This is a control flow diagram of a garment processing device illustrated by a specific example.

[0052] The components are as follows: 10. Main body; 20. Door; 30. Clothing treatment drum; 40. Outer drum; 50. Additive dispensing system; 501. Additive dispensing device; 502. Mixing device; 503. Dispensing pipeline; 504. Liquid dispensing pump; 60. Drain pipe; 70. Drain pump; 80. First water inlet pipeline; 90. Rinsing pipeline; 51. Liquid storage box; 511. First box body; 512. First light receiving component; 513. First wiring component; 5131. Main body of the first wiring component. ; 5132, First positive terminal; 5133, First negative terminal; 514, Liquid outlet; 515, Positive wire; 516, Negative wire; 52, Receptacle box; 521, Second box body; 5211, Receptacle cavity; 5212, First wall surface; 522, Light emitting component; 523, Second light receiving component; 524, Second wiring component; 5241, Second wiring component body; 5242, Second positive terminal; 5243, Second negative terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0054] The following describes this embodiment in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and examples can be combined with each other.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, this embodiment proposes a liquid storage box 51, which includes a first box body 511, at least one first light receiving component 512, and a first wiring component 513. The first box body 511 has a sealed chamber for containing additives. The additives are, for example, laundry detergent, pretreatment agent, enzyme preparation, defoamer, fabric softener, whitening agent, or antibacterial agent. The first light receiving component 512 is disposed on the outer wall surface of the first box body 511. The placement of the first light receiving component 512 on the first box body 511 is not limited; it can be disposed on any side wall of the first box body 511. When there are multiple first light receiving components 512, their arrangement on the first box body 511 is also not limited. For example, multiple first light receiving components 512 can be located on the same side wall of the first box body 511, or multiple first light receiving components 512 can be located on different side walls of the first box body 511. When multiple first optical receiving components 512 are located on the same side wall of the first housing 511, the multiple first optical receiving components 512 can be arranged in an array or in a row. A first wiring component 513 is disposed on the first housing 511 and is connected to the wires of the first optical receiving components 512. When the first wiring component 513 is energized, it can supply power to the first optical receiving components 512.

[0056] The first light-receiving component 512 exhibits photosensitive characteristics under illumination. These photosensitive characteristics include positive, negative, and non-photosensitive characteristics. The resistance value of the first light-receiving component 512 with positive photosensitive characteristics is positively correlated with the light intensity, the resistance value of the first light-receiving component 512 with negative photosensitive characteristics is negatively correlated with the light intensity, and the resistance value of the first light-receiving component 512 with non-photosensitive characteristics does not change with the light intensity. The number and / or position of at least one light-receiving component, corresponding to different arrangements of the photosensitive characteristics of the first light-receiving component 512, represent the types of additives stored in the first housing 511. When the first light-receiving component 512 is illuminated and powered on, the photosensitive characteristics can be determined by detecting the type of signal fed back by the first light-receiving component 512. The type of signal fed back by the first light-receiving component 512 includes a positive signal, a negative signal, or no signal feedback. When the first light receiving component 512 has positive photosensitivity, it feeds back a positive signal; when it has negative photosensitivity, it feeds back a negative signal; and when it has no photosensitivity, there is no signal feedback. Therefore, based on the type of signal fed back by the first light receiving component 512, the number and / or position of the first light receiving component 512 and its arrangement with photosensitivity characteristics can be deduced, and then the type of additive stored in the first box 511 can be determined based on the determined arrangement.

[0057] In one example, during baking, a first light-receiving component 512 with positive photosensitivity is, for example, a photoresistor with a positive brightness coefficient; a first light-receiving component 512 with negative photosensitivity is, for example, a photoresistor with a negative brightness coefficient; and a first light-receiving component 512 with non-photosensitive characteristics is, for example, a non-photoresistor. The reservoir 51 may include one or more combinations of photoresistors with negative brightness coefficients, photoresistors with negative brightness coefficients, and non-photoresistors. At least one first light-receiving component 512 includes both photoresistors and non-photoresistors, and a first housing 511 for storing different types of additives is provided with arrangements of photoresistors and non-photoresistors with different photosensitivity characteristics, quantities, and / or positions. In one possible implementation, when multiple first light-receiving components 512 include at least two photoresistors, the resistance types of the at least two photoresistors may not be exactly the same, thereby obtaining more permutations and combinations.

[0058] In one example, such as Figure 3 As shown, taking the first housing 511 with three first light receiving components 512 as an example, each first light receiving component 512 can be a photoresistor with a positive brightness coefficient, a photoresistor with a negative brightness coefficient, or a non-photoresistor. According to different combinations of photosensitive characteristics, there are 27 possible combinations, corresponding to 27 different types of additives. In other feasible embodiments, the types of additives stored in the first housing 511 can be represented by adjusting the number of photoresistors with negative brightness coefficients and / or non-photoresistors based on the number of photoresistors with the same positive brightness coefficient, or by adjusting the number of photoresistors with positive brightness coefficients and / or non-photoresistors based on the number of photoresistors with the same negative brightness coefficient, or by adjusting the number of photoresistors with positive brightness coefficients and / or negative brightness coefficients based on the number of non-photoresistors. In practical applications, the number of the first light receiving components 512 can be adjusted according to the required type of additives to obtain more permutation and combination methods to match more types of additives. For example, the number of the first light receiving components 512 is 2 to 4, preferably 3.

[0059] In some embodiments, the photoresistors located in the same first housing 511 have the same photosensitive characteristics. The photosensitive characteristics of the photoresistors correspond to the types of additives stored in the first housing 511. Different arrangements and combinations of the number and / or positions of photoresistors and non-photoresistors represent the types of additives under the corresponding additive types. Additive types include, for example, conventional additives, stain removers, detergent additives, etc. Different additive types include a variety of different additive types. In a preferred embodiment, the first housing 511 for storing the same additive type and different additive types is provided with photoresistors and non-photoresistors in different arrangements and combinations. The first housing 511 for storing different additive types is provided with photoresistors with different photosensitive characteristics. Different types and different kinds of additives can be distinguished by the photosensitive characteristics and the arrangement and combination of photoresistors and non-photoresistors under those photosensitive characteristics.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 6c and Figure 7 As shown, the first wiring component 513 includes a first positive terminal 5132 and at least one first negative terminal 5133. The positive wires 515 of at least one first light receiving component 512 are all connected to the first positive terminal 5132, and the negative wires 516 of at least one first light receiving component 512 are connected to at least one first negative terminal 5133 in a one-to-one correspondence. Figure 3 The diagram shows the wiring between the first optical receiving component 512 and the first wiring component 513. Taking three first optical receiving components 512 as an example, the negative wire 516 is led out from the first optical receiving component 512, and the three negative wires 516 are respectively connected to three corresponding first negative wiring terminals 5133. The positive wire 515 is led out from the first optical receiving component 512, and the three positive wires 515 are combined and connected to the same first positive wiring terminal 5132. This simplifies the wiring and the number of first positive wiring terminals 5132. In one example, such as... Figure 6c and Figure 7 As shown, the first housing 511 includes an insertion end, a first wiring component 513 disposed at the insertion end, the first wiring component 513 including a first wiring component body 5131, the first wiring component body 5131 including a cavity, a first positive terminal 5132 disposed on the bottom wall of the cavity, and at least one first negative terminal 5133 disposed on the side wall of the cavity. In a preferred embodiment, a groove is provided at the position of the insertion end corresponding to the position of the first wiring component body 5131, and the first wiring component body 5131 is disposed in the groove. When the insertion end is provided with a liquid outlet 514, the first wiring component body 5131 and the liquid outlet 514 are staggered.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, this embodiment proposes a receiving box 52, which includes a second box body 521, at least one light emitting component 522, and a second wiring component 524. The second box body 521 has at least one receiving cavity 5211 for receiving the liquid storage box 51 of any of the above embodiments. The receiving box 52 includes at least one light emitting component 522, which is disposed in the receiving cavity 5211 and corresponds one-to-one with the placement position of at least one first light receiving component 512. When the liquid storage box 51 is contained in the receiving cavity 5211, the light emitted by the at least one light emitting component 522 can illuminate the corresponding first light receiving component 512. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the light emitting component 522 and the first light receiving component 512. A second wiring component 524 is disposed in the second housing 521. The second wiring component 524 can be electrically coupled to the first wiring component 513, meaning that when the second wiring component 524 is energized, a current path can be formed between the second wiring component 524 and the first wiring component 513 to supply power to at least one first light receiving component 512. The second wiring component 524 is connected by a wire, through which an external power supply or other power supply circuit supplies power to the second wiring component 524.

[0062] When light emitted by at least one light emitting component 522 illuminates a corresponding first light receiving component 512, and the first wiring component 513 and the second wiring component 524 cooperate, the photosensitive signal of the first light receiving component 512 is determined by detecting the feedback signal generated by the at least one first light receiving component 512. For example, if the first light receiving component 512 provides a positive signal, it indicates that the resistance of the first light receiving component 512 has increased, and the first light receiving component 512 is a photoresistor with a positive brightness coefficient; if the first light receiving component 512 provides a negative signal, it indicates that the resistance of the first light receiving component 512 has decreased, and the first light receiving component 512 is a photoresistor with a negative brightness coefficient; if the first light receiving component 512 does not generate a feedback signal, it indicates that the resistance value of the first light receiving component 512 has not changed, and the first light receiving component 512 is a non-photoresistor. Therefore, the combination of multiple first light receiving components 512 can be determined based on the signal fed back by at least one first light receiving component 512, and thus the type of additive stored in the first housing 511 where the at least one first light receiving component 512 is located can be determined. When at least one light emitting component 522 includes multiple light emitting components 522, the light emitted by the multiple light emitting components 522 is of the same intensity, so as to ensure that all first light receiving components 512 feed back signals under the same light intensity, thus ensuring the accuracy of the detection results.

[0063] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 2The second housing 521 has multiple independent accommodating cavities 5211, each accommodating cavity 5211 having at least one light emitting component 522. The number and arrangement of the light emitting components 522 in different accommodating cavities 5211 are the same, and the liquid storage box 51 can be accommodated in any accommodating cavity 5211. By setting the number and arrangement of the light emitting components 522 in different accommodating cavities 5211 to be the same, the arrangement direction of the multiple first light receiving components 512 of the liquid storage box 51 is the same as the arrangement direction of the multiple light emitting components 522, and the number of the first light receiving components 512 of the liquid storage box 51 is less than or equal to the number of light emitting components 522 in any accommodating cavity 5211, so that the liquid storage box 51 can be freely combined with any accommodating cavity 5211 without distinguishing the position of the accommodating cavity 5211.

[0064] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 2 At least one light emitting component 522 is disposed on the same side of the receiving cavity 5211. The receiving box 52 also includes at least one second light receiving component 523, which is disposed within the receiving cavity 5211 and located opposite the light emitting component 522. The number of the at least one second light receiving component 523 is less than or equal to the number of the at least one light emitting component 522, and the at least one second light receiving component 523 is disposed opposite to the at least one light emitting component 522. The number of light emitting components 522 and second light receiving components 523 is not explicitly limited; for example, the number of light emitting components 522 can be selected as 2-4, preferably 3, and the number of second light receiving components 523 is preferably 2 to increase the reliability of detection. The second light receiving component 523 is exemplarily a photosensitive element. When the liquid storage box 51 is not contained in the accommodating cavity 5211, light emitted by at least one light emitting component 522 can illuminate the corresponding second light receiving component 523, thereby determining the assembly state of the liquid storage box 51 and the accommodating cavity 5211 based on the light receiving state of the second light receiving component 523.

[0065] In one example, the second housing 521 is, for instance, a non-transparent housing. When the liquid storage box 51 is inserted into the receiving box 52, the light emitted by the light emitting component 522 is blocked by the second housing 521 and cannot be sensed by the second light receiving component 523. In another example, the light emitted by the light emitting component 522 is emitted perpendicular to the second housing 521. The light emitting component 522, the first light receiving component 512, and the second light receiving component 523 are arranged along the light transmission path. When the liquid storage box 51 is inserted into the receiving box 52, the light emitted by the light emitting component 522 is blocked by the first light receiving component 512 and cannot be sensed by the second light receiving component 523.

[0066] In other possible implementations, the second housing 521 includes a light-transmitting portion and a non-light-transmitting portion, with the light-transmitting portion located below the non-light-transmitting portion. The liquid storage box 51 is equipped with multiple light-emitting components 522, arranged along the height direction of the first housing 511. At least one light-emitting component 522 corresponds to the light-transmitting portion, while the other light-emitting components 522 correspond to the non-light-transmitting portion. There are also multiple second light-receiving components 523, also arranged along the height direction of the first housing 511. At least one second light-receiving component 523 corresponds to the light-transmitting portion, while the other second light-receiving components 523 correspond to the non-light-transmitting portion. Since the additive is generally a non-transparent liquid, the assembly state of the liquid storage box 51 and the container 52 is determined by the light-receiving state of the second light-receiving component 523 corresponding to the non-light-transmitting portion, and whether the liquid storage box 51 stores the additive is determined by the light-receiving state of the second light-receiving component 523 corresponding to the light-transmitting portion. For example, if the second light receiving component 523 corresponding to the light-transmitting part receives light, but the second light receiving component 523 corresponding to the non-light-transmitting part does not receive light, it indicates that the liquid storage box 51 is installed in the container 52, and the liquid storage box 51 contains no additives or has very few additives. If the second light receiving component 523 corresponding to the light-transmitting part does not receive light, and the second light receiving component 523 corresponding to the non-light-transmitting part also does not receive light, it indicates that the liquid storage box 51 is installed in the container 52, and the liquid storage box 51 contains additives, and the amount of additives is relatively large. If the second light receiving component 523 corresponding to the light-transmitting part receives light, and the second light receiving component 523 corresponding to the non-light-transmitting part also receives light, it indicates that the liquid storage box 51 is not installed in the container 52.

[0067] In other possible implementations, the container 52 includes not only a container cavity that cooperates with the liquid storage box disclosed in the above embodiments, but also a general container cavity. Here, the general container cavity refers to a container cavity that needs to be placed into a designated additive liquid storage box. The general container cavity does not have an additive identification function.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6a , 6b and Figure 8As shown, the second wiring component 524 includes a second positive terminal 5242 and at least one second negative terminal 5243. The second positive terminal 5242 is used to cooperate with the first positive terminal 5132 of the first wiring component 513, and the at least one second negative terminal 5243 is used to cooperate one-to-one with at least one first negative terminal 5133 of the first wiring component 513. For example, the accommodating cavity 5211 includes an opening, and the liquid storage box 51 is disposed within the accommodating cavity 5211 through the opening. The second wiring component 524 includes a second wiring component body 5241, which is disposed on a first wall surface 5212 of the accommodating cavity 5211 opposite to the opening and protrudes from the first wall surface 5212. The structure of the second wiring component body 5241 is adapted to the structure of the first wiring component body 5131 of the liquid storage box 51. The second positive terminal 5242 is disposed at the end of the second wiring component body 5241 away from the first wall surface 5212, and at least one second negative terminal 5243 is disposed on the side wall of the second wiring component body 5241. When the liquid storage box 51 is contained in the accommodating cavity 5211, the second wiring component body 5241 and the cavity of the first wiring component body 5131 are engaged. At this time, the second negative terminal 5243 is in contact with the first negative terminal 5133, and the second positive terminal 5242 is in contact with the first positive terminal 5132. When the second wiring component 524 is energized, the working circuit of the first optical receiving component 512 can be connected.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figures 6a-6cAs shown, the second wiring component body 5241 is cylindrical, and its head has an arc-shaped transition, which helps to improve the assembly efficiency of the second wiring component body 5241 and the cavity of the first wiring component body 5131. Even when there is a certain dimensional deviation between the second wiring component body 5241 and the cavity, it can still be smoothly inserted into the cavity. The second positive terminal 5242 is located in the middle of the head of the second wiring component body 5241. The second positive terminal 5242 includes an elastic connector, that is, the second positive terminal 5242 can perform a small degree of axial expansion and contraction. The second negative terminal 5243 is located on the side of the second wiring component body 5241. The second negative terminal 5243 includes an elastic piece, preferably an arc-shaped elastic metal piece arranged in an equilateral triangle on the second wiring component body 5241. The main body 5131 of the first wiring component is, for example, cylindrical. A first negative terminal 5133 is provided on the inner wall of the main body 5131, which mates with a second negative terminal 5243. A first positive terminal 5132 is provided at the center of the bottom wall of the main body 5131, which mates with the second positive terminal 5242. The second negative terminal 5243 is made of an arc-shaped elastic metal sheet, and the second positive terminal 5242 is allowed to expand and contract slightly axially to ensure good contact and stability even under vibration during operation.

[0070] like Figures 6a-6c As shown, during the installation of the liquid storage box 51 into the accommodating cavity 5211, the head of the second wiring component body 5241 first extends into the recess of the first wiring component body 5131. Subsequently, the second negative terminal 5243 is pressed against the inner wall of the recess, and after the second negative terminal 5243 undergoes expansion and contraction deformation, it enters the recess and contacts the first negative terminal 5133. After the second wiring component body 5241 is fully inserted into the recess, the first positive terminal 5132 contacts and engages with the second positive terminal 5242, and the working circuit of the first light receiving component 512 is turned on. At this time, with the liquid storage box 51 inside the accommodating cavity 5211, the elastic connector abuts against the first positive terminal 5132, and the elastic sheet abuts against the corresponding first negative terminal 5133.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 9As shown, this embodiment proposes an additive dispensing device 501, which includes a container 52 and a storage container 51. The container 52 can be any of the container 52 proposed in the above embodiments, and the storage container 51 can be any of the storage containers 51 proposed in the above embodiments. The storage container 51 is housed within the container 52, and a first wiring component 513 cooperates with a second wiring component 524. When the second wiring component 524 of the container 52 is energized, the signal type fed back by at least one optical receiving component reflects the type of additive stored in the first container 511.

[0072] In some embodiments, the additive dispensing device 501 further includes an identification unit (not shown in the figure), which is electrically connected to a plurality of second wiring components 524. The identification unit can identify the type of additive based on the signal type fed back by at least one first light receiving component 512. The signal type includes a positive signal, a negative signal, and no signal feedback. When the first light receiving component 512 feeds back a positive signal, it indicates that the resistance value of the first light receiving component 512 has increased, and this first light receiving component 512 has positive photosensitivity characteristics, such as a photoresistor with a positive brightness coefficient. When the first light receiving component 512 feeds back a negative signal, it indicates that the resistance value of the first light receiving component 512 has decreased, and at this time, the first light receiving component 512 has negative photosensitivity characteristics, such as a photoresistor with a negative brightness coefficient. When the first light receiving component 512 feeds back no signal, it indicates that the first light receiving component 512 has non-photosensitive characteristics, such as a non-photoresistor. Therefore, by identifying the signal type fed back by at least one first light receiving component 512, the arrangement and combination of the photosensitivity characteristics of at least one light receiving component can be determined, thereby determining the type of additive stored in the liquid storage box 51 based on the determined arrangement and combination. Furthermore, the structure of the container 52 in this embodiment is identical, and the liquid storage box 51 and the container 52 can be arbitrarily assembled without specifying the container 52 corresponding to the liquid storage box 51. When the container 52 is assembled with any liquid storage box 51, or when the liquid storage box 51 is assembled with any container 52, the type of additive can be identified by recognizing the signal state fed back by at least one first light receiving component 512 of the liquid storage box 51. This improves the convenience of assembling the liquid storage box 51 and the container 52, increases the assembly efficiency of the liquid storage box 51 and the container 52, and enhances the user experience. Moreover, only two or three signals need to be fed back, the principle is simple, no complex processing (such as color or label recognition processing) is required, and the accuracy and sensitivity are high.

[0073] In some embodiments, the identification unit further determines whether the liquid storage box 51 and the container 52 are properly assembled based on the continuity of the circuit between the first wiring component 513 and the second wiring component 524. If the circuit between the first wiring component 513 and the second wiring component 524 is continuous, it indicates that the liquid storage box 51 and the container 52 are properly assembled; if the circuit between the first wiring component 513 and the second wiring component 524 is disconnected, it indicates that the liquid storage box 51 and the container 52 are not properly assembled, and the position of the liquid storage box 51 needs to be readjusted.

[0074] In some embodiments, the identification unit further determines the assembly state of the liquid storage box 51 and the receiving box 52 based on the light receiving state of the second light receiving component 523. If the second light receiving component 523 receives light emitted by the light emitting component 522, it indicates that the liquid storage box 51 is not assembled into the receiving cavity 5211. If the second light receiving component 523 does not receive light emitted by the light emitting component 522, it indicates that the liquid storage box 51 is disposed within the receiving box 52, and the liquid storage box 51 blocks the light emitted by the light emitting component 522, so the second light receiving component 523 cannot receive light.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment proposes an additive identification method, which is applied to the additive dispensing device 501 of the above embodiment. Figure 10 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the identification of additives according to an exemplary embodiment, see reference. Figure 10 The additive identification method includes the following steps:

[0076] S101. Determine the signal type fed back by at least one first optical receiving component 512;

[0077] S102. Determine the type of additive in the reservoir 51 based on the signal type.

[0078] Figure 11 This is a second flowchart illustrating the identification of additives according to an exemplary embodiment, see reference. Figure 11 The additive identification method also includes the following steps:

[0079] S111. Determine the light receiving state of the second light receiving component 523 of the additive dispensing device 501;

[0080] S112. Determine the assembly state of the liquid storage box 51 and the container box 52 based on the light receiving state of the second light receiving component 523.

[0081] Figure 12 This is the third flowchart illustrating the additive identification process according to an exemplary embodiment, see reference. Figure 12 Additive identification methods also include:

[0082] S121. Determine the on / off state of the circuit between the first wiring component 513 and the second wiring component 524;

[0083] S122. Determine whether the liquid storage box 51 and the container box 52 are properly assembled based on the on / off state.

[0084] The method for identifying additives in this embodiment has been described in detail in the embodiment section of the additive dispensing device 501, and will not be repeated here.

[0085] This embodiment first uses the second optical receiver 523 to detect whether the user has placed the liquid storage box 51, and then ensures that the liquid storage box 51 is properly installed by checking the circuit connection status between the first wiring component 513 and the second wiring component 524. This is to prevent the user from not placing the liquid storage box 51 and not being able to detect it in time, thus affecting the washing process, and to prevent the liquid storage box 51 from being improperly installed, thus affecting the detection and identification. Then, the first optical receiver 512 can accurately and quickly identify the type of additive that has been placed, which is convenient for selecting the appropriate washing program. Alternatively, it can also determine whether the type of additive in the liquid storage box 51 is consistent with the type of additive recommended to the user by the clothing treatment equipment based on information such as the type of stains on the clothing, thereby determining whether the additive in the liquid storage box 51 has been put in the wrong place.

[0086] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment provides a garment processing device, which may be a washing machine, washer-dryer, tumble dryer, or garment care machine. The garment processing device includes an additive dispensing device 501 according to any of the above embodiments, or uses an additive identification method according to any of the above embodiments to identify the additive.

[0087] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, taking a drum washing machine as an example, the washing machine includes a body 10, a door 20, a clothes handling drum 30, an outer drum 40, and an additive dispensing system 50. The bottom of the outer drum 40 is equipped with a drain pipe 60, and a drain pump 70 is mounted on the drain pipe 60. The additive dispensing system 50 includes an additive dispensing device 501 and a mixing device 502. The mixing device 502 has a mixing chamber. The additive dispensing device 501 is connected to the mixing chamber via a dispensing pipe 503, and a dispensing pump 504 is mounted on the dispensing pipe 503. The outlet of the mixing chamber is connected to a first water inlet pipe 80. Water from the first water inlet pipe 80 enters the mixing chamber and mixes with the additives inside. The mixed water then flows into the clothes handling drum 30. The dispensing pump 504 is also connected to a rinsing pipe 90 to rinse the additives inside the dispensing pump 504. The rinsed liquid enters the mixing chamber to prevent the additives from remaining in the dispensing pump 504 for a long time and causing corrosion.

[0088] The control method of the washing machine in this embodiment will be described in detail below with specific examples. Figure 15The flowchart illustrates that before the user adds the additive to the storage chamber, the light emitting component 522 stably illuminates the second light receiving component 523. After the user selects or adds the additive according to a recommendation (process S01), the second light receiving component 523 generates a signal feedback because the storage box 51 blocks the light (process S02). Since there are preferably two second light receiving components 523, if both second light receiving components 523 generate a change in signal feedback, it is determined that the storage box 51 has been placed in the receiving box 52; otherwise, it is determined that the storage box 51 has not been placed in the receiving box 52, and the user is reminded to place the storage box 51 in the receiving box 52 (process S03). The two second light receiving components 523 are used to reduce detection errors and prevent partial obstruction by other items from affecting the accuracy of the detection. After detecting a signal feedback from the second light receiving component 523, the system then checks whether the circuit between the first wiring component 513 and the second wiring component 524 is connected (process S04). If the circuit between the first wiring component 513 and the second wiring component 524 is connected, it indicates that the liquid storage box 51 is placed correctly, and the type of additive is detected using the first light receiving component 512 (process S06). If the circuit between the first wiring component 513 and the second wiring component 524 is not connected, the user is reminded to place the liquid storage box 51 in the correct position (process S05). After the circuit between the first wiring component 513 and the second wiring component 524 is detected to be connected, the additive type identification detection is performed (process S06). Specifically, when there is only one first light receiving component 512, when the light emitted by the light emitting component 522 shines on the first light receiving component 512, the feedback signal generated by the first light receiving component 512 is detected. If the first light receiving component 512 only feeds back a positive signal (resistance value increases), it corresponds to additive type one. If the first light receiving component 512 only feeds back a negative signal (resistance value decreases), it corresponds to additive type two. If the first light receiving component 512 does not generate a feedback signal (resistance value does not change, at this time the first light receiving component 512 is a non-photoresistor, but the circuit is connected), it corresponds to additive type three. The above three cases are the cases where only one photoresistor is used. Furthermore, more additive types can be distinguished by combining two first light receiving components 512. If both first light receiving components 512 generate positive signals (i.e., positive-positive), it corresponds to additive type four; if both first light receiving components 512 generate negative signals (i.e., negative-negative), it corresponds to additive type five; if one first light receiving component 512 generates a positive signal and the other generates a negative signal (i.e., positive-negative), it corresponds to additive type six, and so on, allowing for the identification of multiple additives. In this way, by simply setting the corresponding arrangement of first light receiving components 512 on the liquid storage box 51 corresponding to the additive type, the corresponding additive type can be accurately identified, and the photosensitive detection has good sensitivity.Once the type of additive is identified, the washing program can be started (process S07).

[0089] The additive dispensing device 501 of the garment processing equipment in this embodiment includes a container 52 and a liquid storage box 51. The container 52 has multiple independent accommodating cavities 5211, and each accommodating cavity 5211 is provided with a liquid storage box 51. Each liquid storage box 51 can be placed in any accommodating cavity 5211, and each accommodating cavity 5211 can accommodate any liquid storage box 51. When the liquid storage box 51 is matched with any accommodating cavity 5211, the type of additive in the liquid storage box 51 can be accurately identified, which solves the problem of incorrect additive dispensing caused by placing the liquid storage box 51 in the wrong accommodating cavity 5211, and improves the user experience.

[0090] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0091] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0092] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this application includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as should be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of this application pertain.

[0093] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0094] It should be understood that various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0096] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0097] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc. Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. An additive dispensing device, characterized in that, The additive dispensing device includes: A liquid storage box includes a first box body, at least one first light-receiving component, and a first wiring component. The first box body has a sealed chamber for containing additives. The at least one first light-receiving component is disposed in the first box body. The number and / or position of the at least one first light-receiving component correspond to different arrangements of the photosensitivity characteristics of the first light-receiving components, representing the types of additives stored in the first box body. The first wiring component is disposed in the first box body and is wired to the at least one first light-receiving component. The photosensitivity characteristics include positive photosensitivity, negative photosensitivity, and non-photosensitive characteristics. The resistance value of the first light-receiving component with positive photosensitivity is positively correlated with the light intensity, the resistance value of the first light-receiving component with negative photosensitivity is negatively correlated with the light intensity, and the resistance value of the first light-receiving component with non-photosensitive characteristics does not change with the light intensity. A receiving box includes a second housing, at least one light emitting component, a second wiring component, and at least one second light receiving component. The second housing has multiple independent receiving cavities, each of which contains the at least one light emitting component. The number and arrangement of the light emitting components in different receiving cavities are the same. The liquid storage box can be accommodated in any of the receiving cavities. The positions of the at least one light emitting component and the at least one first light receiving component correspond one-to-one. The at least one light emitting component is located on the same side of the receiving cavity. The at least one second light receiving component is located in the receiving cavity and on the opposite side of the light emitting component. The number of the at least one second light receiving component is less than or equal to the number of the at least one light emitting component. The at least one second light receiving component is arranged opposite to the at least one light emitting component. When the liquid storage box is contained within the accommodating cavity, the light emitted by the at least one light emitting component can illuminate the corresponding first light receiving component; when the liquid storage box is not contained within the accommodating cavity, the light emitted by the at least one light emitting component can illuminate the at least one second light receiving component. The second wiring component is disposed in the second housing and can be electrically coupled to the first wiring component to supply power to the at least one first optical receiving component. When the second wiring component is energized, the signal type fed back by the at least one first optical receiving component reflects the type of additive stored in the first housing.

2. The additive dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one first light receiving component includes a photoresistor and a non-photoresistor, and the first box for storing different types of additives is provided with photoresistors and non-photoresistors in different numbers and / or positions and arrangements of photosensitive characteristics.

3. The additive dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first wiring component includes a first positive terminal and at least one first negative terminal. The positive lines of the at least one first optical receiving component are all connected to the first positive terminal, and the negative lines of the at least one first optical receiving component are connected to the at least one first negative terminal in a one-to-one correspondence.

4. The additive dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first housing includes an insertion end, the first wiring component is disposed at the insertion end, the first wiring component includes a first wiring component body, the first wiring component body includes a cavity, the first positive terminal is disposed at the bottom wall of the cavity, and the at least one first negative terminal is disposed at the side wall of the cavity.

5. The additive dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second wiring component includes a second positive terminal and at least one second negative terminal. The second positive terminal is used to cooperate with the first positive terminal of the first wiring component, and the at least one second negative terminal is used to cooperate with at least one first negative terminal of the first wiring component.

6. The additive dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The accommodating cavity includes an opening, and the liquid storage box is disposed within the accommodating cavity through the opening; The second wiring component includes a second wiring component body, which is disposed on a first wall surface of the accommodating cavity opposite to the opening, and the structure of the second wiring component body is adapted to the structure of the first wiring component body of the liquid storage box. The second positive terminal is disposed at one end of the second wiring component body away from the first wall surface, and the at least one second negative terminal is disposed on the side wall of the second wiring component body. With the liquid storage box contained within the accommodating cavity, the second wiring component body engages with the first wiring component body.

7. The additive dispensing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second positive terminal includes a flexible connector, and the second negative terminal includes a flexible sheet; With the liquid storage box placed inside the accommodating cavity, the elastic connector abuts against the first positive terminal, and the elastic sheet abuts against the corresponding first negative terminal.

8. A method for identifying additives, characterized in that, The additive identification method is applied to the additive dispensing device according to any one of claims 1-7, and the additive identification method includes: Determine the type of signal fed back by the at least one first optical receiving component; The type of additive in the reservoir is determined based on the signal type.

9. The additive identification method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The additive identification method further includes: Determine the light receiving state of the second light receiving component of the additive dispensing device; The assembly state of the liquid storage box and the container box is determined based on the light receiving state of the second light receiving component.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment is equipped with an additive dispensing device as described in any one of claims 1-7, or uses the additive identification method of claim 8 or 9 to identify the additive.

Images