Residue monitoring device for treating agent feeding device and treating agent feeding device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of clothes treatment equipment, in particular to a residual amount monitoring device for a treating agent putting device and the treating agent putting device, and aims to solve the problem that a treating agent putting device of a washing machine in the prior art cannot monitor the residual amount of a solid treating agent. For this purpose, the remaining amount monitoring device of the present invention comprises: a monitoring part comprising a first monitoring member; the triggering part can be vertically and movably arranged in the containing cavity, and when the triggering part moves to a first datum plane higher than the bottom wall of the containing cavity of the treating agent feeding device, the first monitoring part can generate an induction signal or stop generating the induction signal; and the elastic connecting piece is vertically arranged and connected with the triggering part, and the triggering part can be kept static on the first datum plane when only bearing the gravity of the triggering part and the pulling force of the elastic connecting piece. According to whether the first monitoring piece generates the sensing signal, the residual amount monitoring device achieves monitoring of the residual amount of the solid treating agent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of garment processing equipment technology, specifically providing a residual monitoring device and a processing agent dispensing device for a processing agent dispensing device. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements and improved living standards, washing machines are becoming increasingly automated and intelligent. Some washing machines feature automatic detergent dispensing, which dispenses the appropriate amount of detergent based on the weight and level of soiling of the clothes. This prevents clothes from being poorly cleaned due to insufficient detergent added manually by the user, and also avoids detergent residue remaining after rinsing due to excessive detergent addition.

[0003] As the treatment agent is consumed, the remaining amount of treatment agent decreases. In order to avoid the situation where there is no treatment agent or insufficient treatment agent when treating clothes, it is necessary to monitor the remaining amount of treatment agent so that users can replenish the treatment agent in time. However, the treatment agent dispensing device of existing washing machines cannot monitor the remaining amount of solid types of treatment agents such as laundry detergent and soap powder. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, namely, to solve the problem that the treatment agent dispensing device of the washing machine in the prior art cannot monitor the remaining amount of solid treatment agent.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a residual monitoring device for a treatment agent dispensing apparatus, the residual monitoring device comprising: a monitoring unit including a first monitoring element; a triggering unit vertically movably disposed within a receiving cavity, wherein when the triggering unit moves to a first reference surface higher than the bottom wall of the receiving cavity of the treatment agent dispensing apparatus, it can cause the first monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or cause the first monitoring element to stop generating a sensing signal; and an elastic connector vertically disposed and connected to the triggering unit, wherein the triggering unit can remain stationary on the first reference surface when subjected only to its own weight and the tension of the elastic connector.

[0006] When the above technical solution is adopted, when there is no treatment agent or the treatment agent in the receiving cavity is small, the trigger part is in a balanced state and stays on the first reference surface, causing the first monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or stop generating a sensing signal. At this time, solid treatment agent is added to the receiving cavity. The solid treatment agent falls onto the trigger part, disrupting the balance of the trigger part and causing the trigger part to move downward. As the amount of solid treatment agent increases, the gravity of the solid treatment agent causes the trigger part to move downward and be buried on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, causing the first monitoring element that generates a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal, or causing the first monitoring element that stops generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal. After the treatment agent is added, as the solid treatment agent is consumed, the amount of solid treatment agent above the trigger part decreases. Under the action of the elastic element, the trigger part gradually moves upward and eventually returns to the first reference surface, causing the first monitoring element that stops generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal, or causing the first monitoring element that generates a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal. At this time, the remaining amount of solid treatment agent is small and needs to be replenished in time. The remaining amount of solid treatment agent is monitored according to whether the first monitoring element generates a sensing signal.

[0007] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned balance monitoring device, the triggering part includes a triggering element and a pressure-bearing element disposed on the triggering element. The triggering element is used to cause the first monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or to cause the first monitoring element to stop generating a sensing signal. The pressure-bearing element includes a pressure-bearing cover, which is a frustum-shaped shell structure.

[0008] When the above technical solution is adopted, the pressure cover with the frustum-shaped shell structure increases the area for receiving solid treatment agent when adding solid treatment agent, ensuring that the trigger part can receive a sufficient amount of solid treatment agent to move the trigger part downward. As the solid treatment agent gradually decreases, the solid treatment agent on the pressure cover can also slide out of the pressure cover under the action of vibration because the vibration structure usually generates vibration each time the solid treatment agent is added to ensure that the solid treatment agent can be added smoothly. As the solid treatment agent on the pressure cover gradually decreases, the trigger part can also return to the first reference plane, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of the monitoring results.

[0009] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned residual monitoring device, the pressure-bearing component further includes multiple slip-limiting components, which are arc-shaped sheet structures and are disposed on the top wall of the pressure-bearing cover.

[0010] When the above technical solution is adopted, the slip limiting component is used to reduce the falling speed of the solid treatment agent, further ensuring that the trigger part can receive a sufficient amount of solid treatment agent so that the trigger part can move downward.

[0011] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned residual monitoring device, the triggering part includes a trigger element and a float connected to each other. The trigger element is used to cause the first monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or to cause the first monitoring element to stop generating a sensing signal. The density of the triggering part is less than the density of the liquid treatment agent.

[0012] By employing the above technical solution, the density of the triggering part is reduced through the setting of the float, allowing the triggering part to float on the liquid treatment agent and rise and fall with the increase and decrease of the liquid treatment agent. When there is no treatment agent or a small amount of treatment agent in the receiving cavity, the triggering part is in a balanced state and stays on the first reference surface, causing the first monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or stop generating a sensing signal. At this time, liquid treatment agent is added to the receiving cavity, and the liquid treatment agent falls onto the triggering part, disrupting the balance of the triggering part and causing the triggering part to move downward to the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, causing the first monitoring element that generated a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal, or causing the first monitoring element that stopped generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal. If liquid treatment agent continues to be added, the triggering part moves upward under the action of buoyancy as the amount of liquid treatment agent increases. When the triggering part returns to the first reference surface, it causes the first monitoring element that stopped generating a sensing signal to... The device generates a sensing signal, or causes the first monitoring element that generates the sensing signal to stop generating the sensing signal; when the trigger unit continues to move upward as the liquid treatment agent increases to a level higher than the first reference plane, it causes the first monitoring element that generates the sensing signal to stop generating the sensing signal, or causes the first monitoring element that stops generating the sensing signal to generate the sensing signal; after the treatment agent is added, as the liquid treatment agent is consumed, the trigger unit moves downward as the liquid treatment agent decreases. When the trigger unit lowers to the first reference plane, it causes the first monitoring element that stops generating the sensing signal to generate the sensing signal, or causes the first monitoring element that generates the sensing signal to stop generating the sensing signal. At this time, the remaining liquid treatment agent is low and needs to be replenished in time; depending on whether the first monitoring element generates a sensing signal, it is possible to monitor both the remaining amount of solid treatment agent and the remaining amount of liquid treatment agent, thus improving the applicability of the remaining amount monitoring device.

[0013] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned balance monitoring device, the monitoring unit further includes a second monitoring element. When the triggering unit moves to the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, it can cause the second monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or cause the second monitoring element to stop generating a sensing signal.

[0014] When the above technical solution is adopted, if there is no treatment agent or a small amount of treatment agent in the receiving cavity, the trigger part is in a balanced state and rests on the first reference surface, causing the first monitoring element to generate a sensing signal and simultaneously causing the second monitoring element to stop generating a sensing signal, or causing the first monitoring element to stop generating a sensing signal and simultaneously causing the second monitoring element to generate a sensing signal. At this time, treatment agent is added to the receiving cavity. If the treatment agent is a solid treatment agent, as the amount of solid treatment agent increases, the solid treatment agent presses down on the trigger part and buries it on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, causing the first monitoring element that generated a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal and simultaneously causing the second monitoring element that stopped generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal, or causing the first monitoring element that stopped generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal and simultaneously causing the second monitoring element that generated a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal. If the treatment agent is a liquid treatment agent, the trigger part is first pressed down onto the bottom wall of the receiving cavity by the liquid treatment agent, causing the first monitoring element that generated a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal and simultaneously causing the second monitoring element that stopped generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal, or causing the first monitoring element that stopped generating a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal. The first monitoring element generates a sensing signal, simultaneously causing the second monitoring element that was generating a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal. As the amount of liquid treatment agent increases, when the trigger unit returns to the first reference surface, it causes the first monitoring element that was not generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal, and simultaneously causes the second monitoring element that was generating a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal, or it causes the first monitoring element that was generating a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal, and simultaneously causes the second monitoring element that was not generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal. When the trigger unit continues to move upward with the liquid treatment agent to a level higher than the first reference surface, it causes the first monitoring element that was generating a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal, and simultaneously causes the second monitoring element that was not generating a sensing signal to continue to stop generating a sensing signal, or it causes the first monitoring element that was not generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal, and simultaneously causes the second monitoring element that was generating a sensing signal to continue generating a sensing signal. Based on whether the first and second monitoring elements generate sensing signals, it is possible to monitor both the remaining amount of solid and liquid treatment agents, and also to determine whether the treatment agent being added is a liquid or solid treatment agent.

[0015] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned margin monitoring device, the triggering part includes a magnetic component, and the first monitoring component and the second monitoring component are magnetic induction sensors, which are used to convert magnetic signals into electrical signals.

[0016] By employing the above technical solution, the magnetic induction sensor detects the magnetic component, causing the first monitoring component to generate an electrical signal when the magnetic component approaches the first monitoring component, and the second monitoring component to generate an electrical signal when the magnetic component approaches the second monitoring component. This enables accurate monitoring of the remaining amount of the treatment agent and accurate determination of the type of treatment agent.

[0017] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned balance monitoring device, the balance monitoring device further includes a support cylinder vertically disposed in the receiving cavity, the monitoring part is disposed inside the support cylinder, and the triggering part is sleeved outside the support cylinder and moves vertically along the support cylinder.

[0018] When the above technical solution is adopted, the support cylinder is used to protect the monitoring unit, prevent liquid or solid treatment agents from contacting the monitoring components of the monitoring unit and affecting the monitoring results, and at the same time provide guidance for the triggering unit.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned balance monitoring device, the balance monitoring device further includes a cylinder cover, which is disposed on the top of the support cylinder, and the top of the elastic connector is connected to the cylinder cover.

[0020] When the above technical solution is adopted, the cylinder cover is used to facilitate the installation of the elastic connector. At the same time, when adding the treatment agent, it can divert the treatment agent to prevent the treatment agent from entering the inside of the support cylinder, the elastic connector, and the gap between the trigger part and the support cylinder, which would affect the vertical movement of the trigger part and thus affect the monitoring effect.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a treatment agent dispensing device, the treatment agent dispensing device including the remaining amount monitoring device, the treatment agent dispensing device further including a box body, the box body having the receiving cavity formed therein.

[0022] When the above technical solution is adopted, the treatment agent dispensing device can monitor the remaining amount of solid treatment agent.

[0023] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned treatment agent dispensing device, the treatment agent dispensing device further includes a box cover, the box cover is provided with a dispensing port, and at least a portion of the trigger part is located directly below the dispensing port.

[0024] When the above technical solution is adopted, at least part of the trigger is located directly below the dispensing port. When the treatment agent is added from the dispensing port, as much of the treatment agent as possible can fall onto the trigger, thereby making the monitoring results more accurate.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the residual monitoring device provided by the present invention are as follows: When there is no treatment agent or the treatment agent is low in the receiving cavity, the trigger part is in a balanced state and stays on the first reference surface, causing the first monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or stop generating a sensing signal. At this time, solid treatment agent is added to the receiving cavity. The solid treatment agent falls onto the trigger part, disrupting the balance state of the trigger part and causing the trigger part to move downward. As the amount of solid treatment agent increases, the gravity of the solid treatment agent causes the trigger part to move downward and be buried on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, causing the first monitoring element that generates a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal, or causing the first monitoring element that stops generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal. After the treatment agent is added, as the solid treatment agent is consumed, the amount of solid treatment agent above the trigger part decreases. Under the action of the elastic element, the trigger part gradually moves upward and eventually returns to the first reference surface, causing the first monitoring element that stops generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal, or causing the first monitoring element that generates a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal. At this time, the residual amount of solid treatment agent is low and needs to be replenished in time. The residual amount of solid treatment agent is monitored based on whether the first monitoring element generates a sensing signal. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the treatment agent dispensing device of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one usage state of the treatment agent dispensing device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another usage state of the treatment agent dispensing device of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the pressure-bearing component of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reed switch of the present invention.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 1-Box body, 2-Box cover, 3-Balance monitoring device, 21-Dispensing port, 22-Dispensing cover, 31-Monitoring part, 32-Triggering part, 33-Elastic connector, 34-First reference surface, 35-Supporting cylinder, 36-Cylinder cover, 311-First monitoring component, 312-Second monitoring component, 313-Input terminal, 314-Output terminal, 321-Triggering component, 322-Pressure bearing component, 323-Float, 3111-Protective cover, 3112-Fixed end, 3113-Moving end, 3221-Pressure bearing cover, 3222-Slip limiting component. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0035] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the relevant devices or elements must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0036] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this invention, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Moreover, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] Based on the background art, existing washing machine dispensing devices cannot monitor the remaining amount of solid dispensing agent. The aim is to address this issue by having a trigger unit in a balanced state and stationary on a first reference surface when there is no dispensing agent or a small amount in the receiving cavity. This causes a first monitoring element to generate or cease generating a sensing signal. When solid dispensing agent is added to the receiving cavity, it falls onto the trigger unit, disrupting its balance and causing it to move downwards. As the amount of solid dispensing agent increases, its gravity causes the trigger unit to descend and become buried against the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, thus generating a sensing signal. The first monitoring element stops generating a sensing signal, or causes the first monitoring element that stopped generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal; after the treatment agent is added, as the solid treatment agent is consumed, the amount of solid treatment agent above the trigger part decreases. Under the action of the elastic element, the trigger part gradually moves upward and eventually returns to the first reference surface, causing the first monitoring element that stopped generating a sensing signal to generate a sensing signal, or causing the first monitoring element that generated a sensing signal to stop generating a sensing signal. At this time, the remaining amount of solid treatment agent is low and needs to be replenished in time. The remaining amount of solid treatment agent is monitored based on whether the first monitoring element generates a sensing signal.

[0038] The treatment agent dispensing device of the present invention is applied to clothing treatment equipment such as washing machines, dryers, and washer-dryer combos, and is used to dispense a treatment agent into the washing drum. The treatment agent can be a solid treatment agent or a liquid treatment agent, and can be detergent, fabric softener, disinfectant, antistatic agent, etc., without specific limitations.

[0039] First refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the treatment agent dispensing device of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the treatment agent dispensing device includes a box body 1, a box cover 2 and a balance monitoring device 3. The box body 1 has a receiving cavity, and the box cover 2 is provided with a dispensing port 21. At least part of the trigger part 32 is located directly below the dispensing port 21. The box cover 2 is also hinged with a dispensing cover 22, which covers the entire dispensing port 21.

[0040] The remaining quantity monitoring device 3 includes a monitoring unit 31, a trigger unit 32, and an elastic connector 33. The monitoring unit 31 includes a first monitoring element 311 and a second monitoring element 312. The trigger unit 32 is vertically movable within the receiving cavity. When the trigger unit 32 moves to a first reference plane 34 higher than the bottom wall of the receiving cavity of the treatment agent dispensing device, it can cause the first monitoring element 311 to generate a sensing signal or stop generating a sensing signal. When the trigger unit 32 moves to the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, it can cause the second monitoring element 312 to generate a sensing signal or stop generating a sensing signal. The first monitoring element 311, the second monitoring element 312, and the trigger unit 32 are configured as follows: The trigger part 32 is positioned such that when it is on the first reference plane and on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, it cannot simultaneously cause the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312 to generate sensing signals or stop generating sensing signals. Specifically, this can be achieved by adjusting parameters such as the size of the trigger part 32, the distance between the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312, and the monitoring range of the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312. The elastic connector 33 is vertically arranged and connected to the trigger part 32. When the trigger part 32 is only subjected to its own weight and the tension of the elastic connector 33, it can remain stationary on the first reference plane 34. The elastic connector 33 can be an elastic structure such as a spring or a rubber band. When there is no treatment agent or a small amount of treatment agent in the receiving cavity, the trigger 32 is in a balanced state and rests on the first reference surface 34, causing the first monitoring element 311 to generate or stop generating a sensing signal. At this time, solid treatment agent is added to the receiving cavity. The solid treatment agent falls onto the trigger 32, disrupting the balance of the trigger 32 and causing the trigger 32 to move downward. As the amount of solid treatment agent increases, the gravity of the solid treatment agent causes the trigger 32 to move downward and be buried in the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, causing the first monitoring element 311 to stop generating a sensing signal, or to stop generating a sensing signal altogether. The first monitoring element generates a sensing signal in response to the signal. After the treatment agent is added, as the solid treatment agent is consumed, the amount of solid treatment agent above the trigger part 32 decreases. Under the action of the elastic element, the trigger part 32 gradually moves upward and eventually returns to the first reference surface 34, causing the first monitoring element 311, which was previously not generating a sensing signal, to generate a sensing signal, or causing the first monitoring element 311, which was generating a sensing signal, to stop generating a sensing signal. At this time, the remaining amount of solid treatment agent is low and needs to be replenished in time. The remaining amount of solid treatment agent is monitored based on whether the first monitoring element 311 generates a sensing signal.

[0041] The remaining volume monitoring device 3 also includes a support cylinder 35 and a cover 36. The support cylinder 35 is vertically disposed within the receiving cavity. The monitoring part 31 is disposed within the support cylinder 35. The trigger part 32 is sleeved outside the support cylinder 35 and moves vertically along the support cylinder 35. The cover 36 is disposed on the top of the support cylinder 35. The top of the elastic connector 33 is connected to the cover 36. The cover 36 is threadedly connected to or snapped onto the support cylinder 35. The cover 36 facilitates the installation of the elastic connector 33 and, when adding the treatment agent, can divert the treatment agent to prevent it from entering the interior of the support cylinder 35, the elastic connector 33, or the gap between the trigger part 32 and the support cylinder 35, thus affecting the vertical movement of the trigger part 32 and consequently the monitoring effect. It should be noted that the support cylinder 35 can be detachably connected to the box body 1, fixedly connected to the box body 1, or integrally formed with the box body 1. Those skilled in the art can adjust it as needed.

[0042] The triggering unit 32 includes a triggering element 321, a pressure bearing element 322, and a float 323. The triggering element 321 is used to cause the first monitoring element 311 and / or the second monitoring element 312 to generate a sensing signal or to stop generating a sensing signal. The pressure-bearing component 322 is disposed on the trigger component 321, and the float 323 is connected to the trigger component 321 so that the density of the trigger part 32 is less than the density of the liquid treatment agent. This allows the trigger part 32 to float on the liquid treatment agent and rise and fall as the liquid treatment agent increases or decreases. Based on whether the first monitoring component 311 and the second monitoring component 312 generate sensing signals, the remaining amount of liquid treatment agent is monitored, and the determination of whether the treatment agent is a solid or liquid treatment agent is achieved, thus improving the applicability of the remaining amount monitoring device 3. The float 323 can cover the trigger component 321 to prevent the trigger component 321 from contacting the treatment agent and affecting the monitoring results. The float 323 can also be disposed below or above the trigger component 321 or in other positions, as long as it is connected to the trigger component 321 and the overall density of the trigger part 32 is less than the density of the liquid treatment agent.

[0043] Optionally, the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312 can be magnetic induction sensors for converting magnetic signals into electrical signals, preferably reed switches or Hall elements; correspondingly, the trigger element 321 is a magnetic element, which can be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, and the shape of the magnetic element is preferably ring-shaped to prevent the trigger part 32 from rotating during vertical movement, which would prevent the first monitoring element 311 and / or the second monitoring element 312 from sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic element. Alternatively, the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312 can also be ultrasonic sensors for converting ultrasonic signals into electrical signals, and correspondingly, the trigger element 321 is an ultrasonic transmitter capable of emitting ultrasonic waves.

[0044] Then refer to Figures 1-3 , Figure 2This shows a state where the treatment agent dispensing device of the present invention contains a sufficient amount of solid treatment agent. Figure 3 This shows a state where the treatment agent dispensing device of the present invention contains a sufficient amount of liquid treatment agent. For example... Figure 1 As shown, taking the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312 as reed switches and the trigger element 321 as a magnetic element as an example, when the trigger element 321 moves into the sensing range of the first monitoring element 311, the first monitoring element 311 generates an electrical signal; when the trigger element 321 moves into the sensing range of the second monitoring element 312, the second monitoring element 312 generates an electrical signal. When there is no treatment agent or a small amount of treatment agent in the receiving cavity, the trigger part 32 is in a balanced state and stays on the first reference surface 34, causing the first monitoring element 311 to generate a sensing signal and the second monitoring element 312 to stop generating a sensing signal. At this time, treatment agent is added to the receiving cavity. If the treatment agent is a solid treatment agent, as the amount of solid treatment agent increases, the solid treatment agent presses down the trigger part 32 and buries it on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, causing the first monitoring element 311 to stop generating a sensing signal and the second monitoring element 312 to generate a sensing signal. The state at this time is as follows. Figure 2 As shown; if the treatment agent is a liquid treatment agent, the trigger part 32 is first pressed down onto the bottom wall of the receiving cavity by the liquid treatment agent, causing the first monitoring element 311 to stop generating a sensing signal and the second monitoring element 312 to generate a sensing signal. As the amount of liquid treatment agent increases, when the trigger part 32 returns to the first reference surface 34, the first monitoring element 311 generates a sensing signal and the second monitoring element 312 stops generating a sensing signal. When the trigger part 32 continues to move upward with the liquid treatment agent to a position above the first reference surface 34, the first monitoring element 311 stops generating a sensing signal and the second monitoring element 312 continues to stop generating a sensing signal. The state at this time is as follows. Figure 3As shown, the determination of whether the administered treatment agent is a liquid or solid treatment agent is realized based on whether the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312 generate a sensing signal. After the treatment agent is added, if the treatment agent is a solid treatment agent, as the solid treatment agent is consumed, the amount of solid treatment agent above the trigger part 32 decreases. Under the action of the elastic member, the trigger part 32 gradually moves upward and eventually returns to the first reference surface 34, causing the first monitoring element 311 to generate a sensing signal and the second monitoring element 312 to stop generating a sensing signal. At this time, the remaining amount of solid treatment agent is low and needs to be replenished in time. If the treatment agent is a liquid treatment agent, as the liquid treatment agent is consumed, the trigger part 32 moves downward as the liquid treatment agent decreases. When the trigger part 32 drops to the first reference surface 34, the first monitoring element 311 generates a sensing signal and the second monitoring element 312 stops generating a sensing signal. At this time, the remaining amount of liquid treatment agent is low and needs to be replenished in time. By determining whether the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312 generate sensing signals, the device can monitor both the remaining amount of solid treatment agent and the remaining amount of liquid treatment agent, thus improving the applicability of the remaining amount monitoring device 3. In the case where the treatment agent needs to be replenished, that is, when the main control board receives the sensing signal generated by the first monitoring element 311 but does not receive the sensing signal generated by the second monitoring element 312 during the process of adding the treatment agent, the garment treatment device can issue a prompt message through the display screen, speaker, indicator light, vibration motor, wireless communication terminal device, etc., to remind the user to replenish the treatment agent.

[0045] Possibly, one end of the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312 are connected to the input terminal 313 via connecting wires, and the other end of the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312 are connected to the two output terminals 314 via connecting wires, and the input terminal 313 and the output terminal 314 are connected to the main control board of the washing machine; the bottom wall of the support cylinder 35 is provided with a first through hole, and the bottom wall of the box body 1 is provided with a second through hole, the second through hole communicating with the first through hole, and the connecting wire passing through the first through hole and the second through hole.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that, although the above combination Figure 1 The description states that the monitoring unit 31 includes a first monitoring element 311 and a second monitoring element 312, but this is not limiting; the monitoring unit 31 may also include only the first monitoring element 311, as long as it can monitor the remaining amount of the treatment agent. Furthermore, although the above description combines... Figure 1 The description indicates that the triggering part 32 includes a pressure-bearing member 322 and a float 323, but this is not limiting. The triggering part 32 may also include only the triggering member 321, or include the triggering member 321, and one of the pressure-bearing member 322 and the float 323. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed. Furthermore, although the above description combines... Figure 1 The description describes a residual monitoring device 3 comprising a support cylinder 35, with a monitoring unit 31 disposed within the support cylinder 35. However, this is not a limitation; the support cylinder 35 can also be a support rod, providing guidance for the vertical movement of the trigger unit 32. Accordingly, the monitoring unit 31 can be disposed outside the housing 1 or directly inside the housing 1. When the monitoring unit 31 is disposed inside the housing 1, it has a sealing structure, with the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312 disposed within the sealing structure to prevent the treatment agent from directly contacting the first monitoring element 311 and the second monitoring element 312 and affecting the monitoring results. All the above adjustments do not depart from the principles of the present invention and are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0047] See below. Figure 1 and Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the pressure-bearing component of the present invention. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the pressure-bearing component 322 includes a pressure-bearing cover 3221 and multiple sliding limiting components 3222. The pressure-bearing cover 3221 has a frustum-shaped shell structure. The frustum-shaped shell structure of the pressure-bearing cover 3221 increases the area for receiving the solid treatment agent when it is added, ensuring that the trigger part 32 can receive a sufficient amount of solid treatment agent to allow it to move downwards. As the solid treatment agent gradually decreases, vibration is typically generated by the vibration structure each time the solid treatment agent is added, ensuring smooth dispensing. Therefore, the solid treatment agent on the pressure-bearing cover 3221 can also slide off the pressure-bearing cover 3221 along the inclined surface under the vibration. As the solid treatment agent on the pressure-bearing cover 3221 gradually decreases, the trigger part 32 can also return to the first reference surface 34, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of the monitoring results. The sliding member 3222 has an arc-shaped sheet structure. The sliding member 3222 is located on the top wall of the pressure cover 3221. The arc apex of the sliding member 3222 faces the center of the pressure cover 3221. Multiple sliding members 3222 are arranged alternately along the circumference of the pressure cover 3221, and there is a gap between two adjacent sliding members 3222. The sliding member 3222 is used to reduce the falling speed of the solid treatment agent, further ensuring that the trigger part 32 can receive a sufficient amount of solid treatment agent to allow the trigger part 32 to move downward. The pressure cover 3221 is provided with a mounting hole, which is sleeved on the outside of the support cylinder 35. The outer diameter of the cylinder cover 36 is larger than the diameter of the mounting hole. When adding treatment agent, the cylinder cover 36 guides the treatment agent to the sliding member 3222, preventing the treatment agent from entering between the trigger part 32 and the support cylinder 35 through the mounting hole and affecting the vertical movement of the trigger part 32.

[0048] See last for reference. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reed switch structure of the present invention. (See attached diagram.) Figure 5As shown, the reed switch includes a protective cover 3111, a fixed end 3112, and a movable end 3113. Inert gas is injected into the protective cover 3111. The fixed end 3112 and the movable end 3113 are located inside the protective cover 3111. One of the fixed end 3112 and the movable end 3113 is connected to the input terminal 313, and the other of the fixed end 3112 and the movable end 3113 is connected to the output terminal 314. The fixed end 3112 can be a cup-shaped structure. The movable end 3113 is inserted into the cup-shaped structure of the fixed end 3112. The cup-shaped structure is not magnetic. The movable end 3113 is configured to be magnetic and deflect under the action of a magnetic field to contact the fixed end 3112 to generate a monitoring current.

[0049] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely used to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can adjust the above embodiments so that the present invention can be applied to more specific application scenarios.

[0050] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A residual monitoring device for a treatment agent dosing apparatus, characterized in that, The remaining capacity monitoring device includes: The monitoring unit includes a first monitoring element; A triggering part is vertically movable within the receiving cavity. When the triggering part moves to a first reference surface higher than the bottom wall of the receiving cavity of the treatment agent dispensing device, it can cause the first monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or cause the first monitoring element to stop generating a sensing signal. An elastic connector is provided, which is vertically arranged and connected to the triggering part. The triggering part can remain stationary on the first reference surface when it is only subjected to its own weight and the tension of the elastic connector.

2. The residual monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering part includes a triggering element and a pressure-bearing element disposed on the triggering element. The triggering element is used to cause the first monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or to cause the first monitoring element to stop generating a sensing signal. The pressure-bearing element includes a pressure-bearing cover, which is a frustum-shaped shell structure.

3. The residual monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure-bearing component also includes multiple slip-limiting components, which are arc-shaped sheet structures and are disposed on the top wall of the pressure-bearing cover.

4. The balance monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering part includes a trigger element and a float connected to each other. The trigger element is used to cause the first monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or to cause the first monitoring element to stop generating a sensing signal. The density of the triggering part is less than the density of the liquid treatment agent.

5. The balance monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring unit also includes a second monitoring element. When the triggering unit moves to the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, it can cause the second monitoring element to generate a sensing signal or cause the second monitoring element to stop generating a sensing signal.

6. The remaining capacity monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The triggering part includes a magnetic component, and the first monitoring component and the second monitoring component are magnetic induction sensors, which are used to convert magnetic signals into electrical signals.

7. The balance monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The remaining capacity monitoring device further includes a support cylinder vertically disposed within the receiving cavity, the monitoring part being disposed inside the support cylinder, and the triggering part being sleeved outside the support cylinder and moving vertically along the support cylinder.

8. The remaining capacity monitoring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The remaining amount monitoring device also includes a cylinder cover, which is located on the top of the support cylinder, and the top of the elastic connector is connected to the cylinder cover.

9. A treatment agent dispensing device, characterized in that, The treatment agent dispensing device includes a balance monitoring device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and the treatment agent dispensing device further includes a housing, wherein the receiving cavity is formed within the housing.

10. The treatment agent dispensing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The treatment agent dispensing device also includes a lid with a dispensing port, and at least a portion of the trigger is located directly below the dispensing port.

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