Method for detecting a detergent automatic dispenser for washing machines and device therefor

Abstract

The application relates to a detection method and device for a detergent automatic feeding device of a washing machine. The detection method comprises the following steps: determining an initial detergent residual amount of the detergent automatic feeding device; determining a required detergent amount for each washing of the washing machine after the detergent automatic feeding device is replenished with liquid; determining a current residual liquid amount of the detergent automatic feeding device according to the initial detergent residual amount and the required detergent amount for each washing of the washing machine; and detecting whether the detergent automatic feeding device is invalid according to the current residual liquid amount of the detergent automatic feeding device, a liquid deficiency reminding amount of the detergent automatic feeding device and a liquid deficiency detection result of the washing machine on the detergent. The application can realize invalidity detection of the detergent automatic feeding device through software optimization of the washing machine, so that the washing effect of the washing machine can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cleaning appliance technology, and in particular to a detection method and apparatus for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Most washing machines are equipped with automatic detergent dispensing devices, such as mechanical pumps or peristaltic pumps. These devices draw detergent from the detergent dispenser and, along with water, flush it into the washing unit. When the detergent level in the dispenser drops below a certain point, the user is alerted to the need for refilling. However, detergent can dry out and clump under extreme conditions, potentially causing blockages in the automatic dispensing device (such as the pump body or the pipes following the pump). This can lead to poor or no detergent dispensing, rendering the device ineffective and resulting in poor washing performance.

[0003] However, there is currently a lack of technical means to detect malfunctions in automatic detergent dispensing devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this application provides a detection method and apparatus for an automatic detergent dispensing device for washing machines.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a detection method for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine is provided, comprising:

[0006] Determine the initial detergent balance of the automatic detergent dispensing device;

[0007] Determine the amount of detergent required for each wash cycle of the washing machine after the automatic detergent dispensing device has been replenished.

[0008] The current remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined based on the initial amount of detergent remaining and the amount of detergent required for each wash in the washing machine.

[0009] Based on the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, the amount of detergent low liquid alerted by the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the detergent low liquid detection result of the washing machine, the system detects whether the automatic detergent dispensing device is malfunctioning.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a detection device for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine is provided, comprising:

[0011] The first determining module is used to determine the initial remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device.

[0012] The second determining module is used to determine the amount of detergent required by the washing machine for each wash after the automatic detergent dispensing device has been replenished.

[0013] The third determining module is used to determine the current remaining liquid volume of the automatic detergent dispensing device based on the initial remaining amount of detergent and the amount of detergent required for each wash by the washing machine.

[0014] The detection module is used to detect whether the automatic detergent dispensing device is malfunctioning based on the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, the amount of detergent low liquid reminder from the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the detergent low liquid detection result from the washing machine.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this application, a washing machine is provided, comprising:

[0016] At least one processor; and

[0017] A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein,

[0018] The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method as described in the first aspect above.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in the first aspect to be implemented.

[0020] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application can include the following beneficial effects: based on the amount of detergent stored in the automatic detergent dispensing device, combined with the remaining amount after several uses, the amount of detergent low in the automatic detergent dispensing device's detergent low warning, and the washing machine's detergent low detection results, the effectiveness of the automatic detergent dispensing device can be determined. In other words, this application can achieve failure detection of the automatic detergent dispensing device through software optimization of the washing machine itself, thereby ensuring the washing effect of the washing machine.

[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a detection method for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a detection method for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a detection method for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a detection device for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a detection device for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a detection device for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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 numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a detection method for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the detection method for the automatic detergent dispensing device in a washing machine is used in the washing machine, including but not limited to the following steps.

[0032] In step 101, the initial remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined.

[0033] In the embodiments of this application, when replenishing the detergent automatic dispensing device, the detergent in the automatic dispensing device can be filled with detergent all at once, or a certain amount of detergent can be added to the automatic dispensing device.

[0034] In one implementation, when the detergent dispenser is filled to capacity, the initial remaining detergent level can be determined as the volume of the dispenser. For example, the volume of the dispenser is related to its structural design, which is typically pre-designed; therefore, the volume can be determined by identifying the model of the dispenser.

[0035] In another implementation, when a certain amount of detergent is added to the automatic detergent dispensing device (replenishing the device but not filling it completely), the initial remaining detergent level can be determined using a sensor system within the washing machine. For example, the sensor system can detect the liquid level in the automatic detergent dispensing device and determine the initial remaining detergent level based on the detected level information. Alternatively, a relationship between the liquid level and the remaining detergent level can be stored. Thus, knowing the current liquid level, the remaining detergent level corresponding to that current level can be determined based on this relationship; this is the initial remaining detergent level of the automatic detergent dispensing device.

[0036] In step 102, the amount of detergent required for each wash in the washing machine is determined after the detergent dispensing device has replenished the detergent.

[0037] Optionally, the amount of detergent required for each wash cycle can be a known, fixed value. Alternatively, the amount of detergent required for each wash cycle can be determined based on the washing mode and / or other parameter information, after replenishment by the automatic detergent dispensing device.

[0038] In one implementation, the amount of detergent required for each wash can be determined based on at least one of the following: the washing mode of the washing machine after the automatic detergent dispensing device replenishes the detergent, the parameter information of the detergent, and the parameter information of the clothes to be washed. Here, the term "at least one" can be understood as one or more, and "multiple" can refer to two or more types.

[0039] In the embodiments of this application, the parameter information of the detergent may include, but is not limited to, the type and / or concentration of the detergent. The parameter information of the item to be washed may include, but is not limited to, the weight and / or degree of soiling of the item.

[0040] Optionally, the amount of detergent required for each wash varies depending on the washing mode, the weight and / or degree of soiling of the laundry, and the detergent concentration. For example, after the automatic detergent dispensing device replenishes the detergent, the washing machine can determine the amount of detergent required for each wash based on the washing mode (or washing program), the weight and degree of soiling of the laundry, and the detergent concentration.

[0041] In step 103, the current remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined based on the initial amount of detergent remaining and the amount of detergent required for each wash in the washing machine.

[0042] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the amount of detergent required for each wash can be accumulated to obtain the total amount of detergent required by the washing machine from the time the detergent automatic dispensing device replenishes the liquid until the current wash. The difference between the initial remaining amount of detergent and the total amount of detergent is calculated, and the difference is the current remaining liquid volume of the detergent automatic dispensing device.

[0043] In step 104, the automatic detergent dispensing device is checked for malfunction based on the current remaining liquid level, the detergent shortage warning level, and the detergent shortage detection result from the washing machine.

[0044] Optionally, the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device can be compared and analyzed with the amount of detergent low in the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the results of the washing machine's detection of low detergent levels in the automatic detergent dispensing device can be taken into account to determine whether the automatic detergent dispensing device is malfunctioning.

[0045] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the effectiveness of the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined based on the amount of detergent stored in the device, the remaining amount after several uses, the amount of detergent low in the device's low-liquidity warning, and the washing machine's low-liquidity detection results. In other words, this application can achieve fault detection of the automatic detergent dispensing device through software optimization of the washing machine itself, thereby ensuring the washing effect of the washing machine.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a detection method for another automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the detection method for the automatic detergent dispensing device in a washing machine is used in the washing machine, including but not limited to the following steps.

[0047] In step 201, the initial remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined.

[0048] In the embodiments of this application, step 201 can be implemented in any of the ways described in the various embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this, nor will they be described in detail.

[0049] In step 202, the amount of detergent required for each wash in the washing machine is determined after the detergent dispensing device has replenished the detergent.

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, step 202 can be implemented in any of the ways described in the various embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this, nor will they be described in detail.

[0051] In step 203, the current remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined based on the initial amount of detergent and the amount of detergent required for each wash in the washing machine.

[0052] In the embodiments of this application, step 203 can be implemented in any of the ways described in the various embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this, nor will they be described in detail.

[0053] In step 204, the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device is compared and analyzed with the amount of detergent low liquid alerted by the automatic detergent dispensing device.

[0054] Optionally, the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device can be compared with the amount of detergent low in the device's low liquid warning indicator. For example, if the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device is less than or equal to the amount of detergent low in the device's low liquid warning indicator, step 205 can be executed.

[0055] In the embodiments of this application, the detergent low-liquidity reminder amount of the automatic detergent dispensing device can be understood as the remaining amount of detergent in the device when it is low. Optionally, this amount can be a known fixed value, and its magnitude can be determined based on the structural design of the automatic detergent dispensing device. In one implementation, a preset detergent low-liquidity reminder amount can be obtained based on the structural design of the automatic detergent dispensing device. This amount is then compared with the current remaining amount of detergent in the device. The effectiveness of the automatic detergent dispensing device can then be determined based on the comparison result and the washing machine's detergent low-liquidity detection result.

[0056] In step 205, in response to the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the detergent low liquid warning level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine's detergent low liquid detection result indicating low liquid level, it is determined that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in an effective state, and / or, a low liquid warning is issued.

[0057] Optionally, in embodiments of this application, the washing machine can determine whether the detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is low based on a sensing system. For example, the washing machine can detect the detergent level in the automatic detergent dispensing device based on a sensing system, and use this level to determine whether the detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is low.

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, when it is determined that the current remaining liquid volume of the automatic detergent dispensing device is less than or equal to the amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device's low liquid warning, and the washing machine's low liquid detection result for detergent is low, it can be concluded that there is no abnormality such as dryness or blockage in the automatic detergent dispensing device (such as the pump body or the pipe after the pump). In other words, the automatic detergent dispensing device is pumping liquid smoothly, and it can be determined that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in an effective state, can normally pump detergent, and can display a low liquid warning on the washing machine's operating interface to remind the user that the detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is low.

[0059] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the method may further include step 206.

[0060] In step 206, in response to the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the amount of detergent low liquid alerted by the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine's detergent low liquid detection result being no low liquid level, it is determined that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in a malfunctioning state.

[0061] In the embodiments of this application, when it is determined that the current remaining liquid volume of the automatic detergent dispensing device is less than or equal to the detergent low liquid warning amount of the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine's detergent low liquid detection result is no low liquid, it indicates that there may be abnormal conditions such as dry blockage in the automatic detergent dispensing device (such as the pump body or the pipe after the pump), which causes the automatic detergent dispensing device to have poor or no liquid pumping, so that the automatic detergent dispensing device is not low in liquid. However, based on the calculated current remaining liquid volume of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the detergent low liquid warning amount of the automatic detergent dispensing device, it can be determined that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in a malfunctioning state.

[0062] In some embodiments of this application, when the automatic detergent dispensing device malfunctions, a preset alarm feedback method can be used for malfunction notification. For example, a voice broadcast can be used to notify the user of the malfunction, or a malfunction prompt can be displayed on the washing machine's operating interface to remind the user that the automatic detergent dispensing device has malfunctioned, or other methods can be used for malfunction notification, such as using a buzzer for audible warning, etc. This application does not specifically limit the methods used.

[0063] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating a detection method for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, according to an exemplary embodiment, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the detection method for the automatic detergent dispensing device in a washing machine is used in the washing machine, including but not limited to the following steps.

[0064] In step 301, the initial remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined.

[0065] In the embodiments of this application, step 301 can be implemented in any of the ways described in the various embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this, nor will they be described in detail.

[0066] In step 302, the amount of detergent required for each wash in the washing machine is determined after the detergent dispensing device has replenished the detergent.

[0067] In the embodiments of this application, step 302 can be implemented in any of the ways described in the various embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this, nor will they be described in detail.

[0068] In step 303, the current remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined based on the initial amount of detergent remaining and the amount of detergent required for each wash in the washing machine.

[0069] In the embodiments of this application, step 303 can be implemented in any of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this and will not be described in detail.

[0070] In step 304, the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device is compared and analyzed with the amount of detergent low liquid alerted by the automatic detergent dispensing device.

[0071] In the embodiments of this application, step 304 can be implemented in any of the ways described in the various embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this, nor will they be described in detail.

[0072] In step 305, in response to the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the detergent low liquid warning level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine's detergent low liquid detection result indicating low liquid level, it is determined that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in an effective state, and / or, a low liquid warning is issued.

[0073] In the embodiments of this application, step 305 can be implemented in any of the ways described in the various embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit this, nor will they be described in detail.

[0074] In step 306, in response to the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the amount of detergent low liquid alerted by the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine's detergent low liquid detection result being no low liquid level, it is determined whether the washing machine has detected a low liquid level in the automatic detergent dispensing device during at least one more wash cycle.

[0075] Optionally, considering differences in dispensing accuracy, the number of uses can be modified. If the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device is less than or equal to the amount indicated by the device's low detergent warning, and the washing machine detects no low detergent level, it can be determined whether the washing machine detected a low detergent level during at least one more wash cycle.

[0076] In step 307, in response to the washing machine detecting that the automatic detergent dispensing device is not short of liquid during at least one wash cycle, it is determined that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in a malfunctioning state.

[0077] For example, a correction cycle of 2 to 3 times can be introduced. If the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined to be less than or equal to the amount of detergent low in the device's low-liquidity warning, and the washing machine's detergent low-liquidity detection result is not low, the washing machine continues to perform 2 to 3 washes. During these 2 to 3 washes, if the washing machine still detects that the automatic detergent dispensing device is not low based on the sensor system, then the automatic detergent dispensing device can be determined to be in a malfunctioning state. Optionally, if the washing machine detects that the automatic detergent dispensing device is low in liquid during at least one more wash cycle, then the automatic detergent dispensing device can be determined to be in a valid state.

[0078] To facilitate understanding of this application by those skilled in the art, examples will be described below.

[0079] For example, based on the structural design of the automatic detergent dispensing device, and using identification, the volume of the automatic detergent dispensing device is known to be L. T Based on the washing machine brand's design, the automatic detergent dispensing amount varies depending on the washing program (or washing mode), the weight of the laundry, and the degree of soiling. Let's assume this dispensing amount is L. i Based on the structural design of the automatic detergent dispensing device, the known detergent low liquid warning level of the automatic detergent dispensing device is L. R Meanwhile, the machine's software provides a counting function, with the number of uses starting at 0 when the user fills the detergent bottle, and incrementing the count by 1 each time the user runs the program.

[0080] Among them, L iThe washing program selected by the user, the actual load (i.e., the weight of the clothes to be washed), the degree of soiling, and the detergent concentration will change. When the counter increments by 1, the system will make the above judgments and calculate the required detergent dosage (L) based on the current count. i After the number of uses reaches i = n, the remaining detergent dosage is... Under normal circumstances, if L 剩 ≤L R When the washing machine detects a low detergent level in the automatic detergent dispensing unit using its sensor system, a notification will appear on the user interface to remind the user. If the algorithm based on the machine's software has already determined L... 剩 ≤L R However, if the sensor system determines that the detergent dispenser is not low on detergent, it may indicate a malfunction. Considering variations in dispensing accuracy, a correction cycle of 2 to 3 times is introduced. After 2 to 3 more washes under these conditions, if the sensor system still detects that the detergent dispenser is not low on detergent, it determines that the dispenser is malfunctioning, sends an alarm to the user, and prompts them to contact customer service or after-sales support for repair.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a detection device for an automatic detergent dispensing apparatus for a washing machine, according to an exemplary embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The device includes: a first determining module 401, a second determining module 402, a third determining module 403, and a detection module 404.

[0082] The first determining module 401 is used to determine the initial remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device.

[0083] The second determining module 402 is used to determine the amount of detergent required for each wash cycle of the washing machine after the automatic detergent dispensing device has replenished the detergent. In one implementation, the second determining module 402 determines the amount of detergent required for each wash cycle based on at least one of the washing mode, detergent parameter information, and parameter information of the clothes to be washed.

[0084] The third determining module 403 is used to determine the current remaining liquid volume of the automatic detergent dispensing device based on the initial remaining detergent volume and the amount of detergent required for each wash of the washing machine.

[0085] The detection module 404 is used to detect whether the automatic detergent dispensing device is malfunctioning based on the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, the amount of detergent low liquid reminder from the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the detergent low liquid detection results from the washing machine.

[0086] In one implementation, the detection module 404 is specifically used to: compare and analyze the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device with the detergent low liquid reminder level of the automatic detergent dispensing device; in response to the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the detergent low liquid reminder level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine's detergent low liquid detection result being low liquid, determine that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in an effective state, and / or perform low liquid reminder processing.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the detection module 404 is further configured to: determine that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in a malfunctioning state in response to the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the amount of detergent low liquid alerted by the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine's detection result for the detergent low liquid level being no low liquid level.

[0088] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the device may further include a fourth determining module 505. The fourth determining module 505 is used to determine whether the washing machine detects a lack of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device during at least one more wash cycle after the washing machine detects that the detergent is not low. In an embodiment of this application, the detection module 504 is further used to determine that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in a malfunctioning state when the washing machine detects that the automatic detergent dispensing device is not low during at least one more wash cycle. Figure 5 Medium 501~504 and Figure 4 Types 401 to 404 have the same function and structure.

[0089] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 6 As shown, the device may include an alert module 606. The alert module 606 is used to provide a malfunction alert using a preset alarm feedback method when the automatic detergent dispensing device fails. Figure 6 601~605 and Figure 5 The 501-505 series have the same function and structure.

[0090] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0091] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the effectiveness of the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined based on the amount of detergent stored in the device, the remaining amount after several uses, the amount of detergent low in the device's low-liquidity warning, and the washing machine's low-liquidity detection results. In other words, this application can achieve fault detection of the automatic detergent dispensing device through software optimization of the washing machine itself, thereby ensuring the washing effect of the washing machine.

[0092] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment. (Refer to...) Figure 7 The washing machine 700 may include one or more of the following components: an automatic detergent dispensing device ( Figure 7 (Not shown in the image), processing component 702, memory 704, power component 706, multimedia component 708, input / output (I / O) interface 712, sensor component 714.

[0093] Processing component 702 typically controls the overall operation of washing machine 700, including operations associated with display, washing programs, data communication, and recording. Processing component 702 may include one or more processors 720 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, processing component 702 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between processing component 702 and other components. For example, processing component 702 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 708 and processing component 702.

[0094] Memory 704 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of washing machine 700. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method used to operate on washing machine 700. Memory 704 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0095] The power supply component 706 provides power to various components of the washing machine 700. The power supply component 706 may include a power management system, one or more power sources, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to the washing machine 700.

[0096] The multimedia component 708 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the washing machine 700 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touchscreen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensors may sense not only the boundaries of the touch or swipe action but also the duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation.

[0097] I / O interface 712 provides an interface between processing component 702 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0098] The sensor assembly 714 includes one or more sensors for providing status assessments of various aspects of the washing machine 700. For example, the sensor assembly 714 can detect the detergent level in the automatic detergent dispensing device of the washing machine 700.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the washing machine 700 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the methods described above.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 704 including instructions, which can be executed by a processor 720 of the washing machine 700 to perform the above-described method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0101] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0102] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for detecting an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, characterized in that, include: Determine the initial detergent balance of the automatic detergent dispensing device; Determine the amount of detergent required for each wash cycle of the washing machine after the automatic detergent dispensing device has been replenished. The current remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined based on the initial amount of detergent remaining and the amount of detergent required for each wash in the washing machine. Based on the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, the amount of detergent low liquid alert from the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the detergent low liquid detection result from the washing machine, the system detects whether the automatic detergent dispensing device is malfunctioning. The step of detecting whether the automatic detergent dispensing device is malfunctioning based on the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, the detergent low liquid warning level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the detergent low liquid detection result of the washing machine includes: The current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device is compared and analyzed with the amount of detergent low liquid alerted by the automatic detergent dispensing device; In response to the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the amount of detergent low liquid alerted by the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine's detection result for the detergent low liquid level being no low liquid level, it is determined that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in a malfunctioning state.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the amount of detergent required for each wash cycle after replenishment by the automatic detergent dispensing device includes: The amount of detergent required for each wash is determined based on at least one of the washing mode of the washing machine during each wash after the automatic detergent dispensing device has replenished the detergent, the parameter information of the detergent, and the parameter information of the item to be washed.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of detecting whether the automatic detergent dispensing device is malfunctioning based on the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, the detergent low liquid warning level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the detergent low liquid detection result of the washing machine further includes: In response to the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the detergent low liquid warning level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine detecting a low liquid level in the detergent, the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined to be in an effective state, and / or a low liquid warning is issued.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After the washing machine detects that the detergent is not low on liquid, the method further includes: Determine whether the washing machine detects a lack of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device during at least one more wash cycle; In response to the washing machine detecting that the automatic detergent dispensing device is not low on detergent during at least one wash cycle, it is determined that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in a malfunctioning state.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to a malfunction of the automatic detergent dispensing device, a preset alarm feedback method is used to provide a malfunction reminder.

6. A detection device for an automatic detergent dispensing device for a washing machine, characterized in that, include: The first determining module is used to determine the initial remaining amount of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device. The second determining module is used to determine the amount of detergent required by the washing machine for each wash after the automatic detergent dispensing device has been replenished. The third determining module is used to determine the current remaining liquid volume of the automatic detergent dispensing device based on the initial remaining amount of detergent and the amount of detergent required for each wash by the washing machine. The detection module is used to detect whether the automatic detergent dispensing device is malfunctioning based on the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, the amount of detergent low liquid reminder from the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the detergent low liquid detection result of the washing machine. Specifically, the detection module is used for: The current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device is compared and analyzed with the amount of detergent low liquid alerted by the automatic detergent dispensing device; In response to the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the amount of detergent low liquid alerted by the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine's detection result for the detergent low liquid level being no low liquid level, it is determined that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in a malfunctioning state.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The second determining module is specifically used for: The amount of detergent required for each wash is determined based on at least one of the washing mode of the washing machine during each wash after the automatic detergent dispensing device has replenished the detergent, the parameter information of the detergent, and the parameter information of the item to be washed.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The detection module is also used for: In response to the current remaining liquid level of the automatic detergent dispensing device being less than or equal to the detergent low liquid warning level of the automatic detergent dispensing device, and the washing machine detecting a low liquid level in the detergent, the automatic detergent dispensing device is determined to be in an effective state, and / or a low liquid warning is issued.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The fourth determining module is used to determine whether the washing machine detects a shortage of detergent in the automatic detergent dispensing device during at least one more wash cycle after the washing machine detects that the detergent is not short of liquid. The detection module is further configured to: determine that the automatic detergent dispensing device is in a malfunctioning state when the washing machine detects that the automatic detergent dispensing device is not short of liquid during at least one washing cycle.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The reminder module is used to provide a failure reminder using a preset alarm feedback method when the automatic detergent dispensing device fails.

11. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; as well as A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 5 to be implemented.

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