A washing and conditioning agent residual amount detection device, a laundry treating apparatus, and a detection method

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of clothes treatment equipment, and discloses a washing and protecting agent residual amount detection device, clothes treatment equipment and a detection method. The washing and protecting agent residual amount detection device comprises a box body, a box cover, a non-contact detection assembly and a driving part. The box body is arranged in the clothes treatment equipment, the filling opening of the box body faces the mounting opening of the clothes treatment equipment, the box body is used for containing the washing and protecting agent, the box cover is located at the mounting opening, and the box cover is rotatably connected with the clothes treatment equipment. The non-contact detection assembly can be arranged in the box body, and the driving part is communicatively connected with the non-contact detection assembly. When the clothes treatment equipment is started, the non-contact detection assembly detects the residual amount V of the washing and protecting agent in the box body. When it is detected that the residual amount V is less than or equal to Vmin, the driving part drives the box cover to rotate to open the pouring opening, and the box body containing the washing and protecting agent is exposed, so that the user can directly see that the residual amount of the washing and protecting agent is insufficient, and timely supplement can be made, thereby improving the cleaning effect of clothes, avoiding secondary cleaning, and saving water and electricity resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing processing equipment technology, and in particular to a detergent residue detection device, clothing processing equipment and detection method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of smart home technology, washing machines, as one of the indispensable household appliances in daily life, are also gradually becoming intelligent. In traditional washing machines, the remaining amount of detergent relies on manual detection by the user. Users need to check the remaining amount regularly and add it manually when it is low, which has many inconveniences in actual use.

[0003] For modern consumers with fast-paced lifestyles and busy daily routines, the process of manually checking and adding detergent is easily overlooked, especially after the washing machine has not been used for a long time. This can lead to insufficient detergent, which not only directly affects the cleaning effect of clothes but may also cause a second wash, thereby increasing water consumption, electricity consumption, and time costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a detergent residue detection device, clothing treatment equipment, and detection method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide a detergent level detection device that can prevent users from forgetting to add detergent, improve cleaning results, save water and electricity resources, and enhance user experience.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A detergent residue detection device is installed on a garment processing device, the garment processing device having an installation port, including:

[0008] A box body is disposed inside the garment processing equipment, with the filling port of the box body facing the installation port;

[0009] A lid is located at the mounting port, and the lid is rotatably connected to the garment processing equipment.

[0010] A non-contact detection component is disposed inside the box, and the non-contact detection component is used to detect the remaining amount V of the detergent inside the box;

[0011] The driving component is communicatively connected to the non-contact detection component. When the non-contact detection component detects that the remaining amount V≤Vmin, the driving component drives the lid to rotate to open the filling port.

[0012] When the garment processing equipment is turned on, the remaining amount V of detergent in the box is detected by a non-contact detection component. When the remaining amount V ≤ Vmin, the drive unit drives the box cover to open, exposing the detergent box. This allows the user to see the amount of detergent that is insufficient and replenish it in time, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the clothes, avoiding secondary washing, and saving water and electricity resources.

[0013] Optionally, the detergent remaining quantity detection device further includes a prompting element, which is communicatively connected to the non-contact detection component. The remaining quantity V ≤ Vmin, and the prompting element is used to prompt the user to add detergent.

[0014] This ensures that users are notified of insufficient detergent when the garment processing equipment is turned on, effectively preventing users from forgetting to replenish detergent due to being busy or negligent, and improving washing results.

[0015] Optionally, the lid is a one-piece structure, which can save on the manufacturing cost of the lid, simplify the manufacturing process of the lid, and improve the manufacturing efficiency of the lid; or, the lid is a folding structure, which can reduce the space occupied after unfolding when the filling port is opened, thereby improving space utilization.

[0016] Optionally, the lid includes:

[0017] A first cover plate, the first end of which is rotatably connected to the end of the mounting port;

[0018] The second cover plate has its first end rotatably connected to the second end of the first cover plate. The two sides of the second end of the second cover plate are slidably connected to the two side walls opposite to the mounting opening. The driving component is used to drive the first cover plate to flip so that the first cover plate and the second cover plate can be folded or unfolded, significantly reducing the space occupied after the box lid is opened, and reserving space inside the clothing processing equipment.

[0019] Optionally, the two side walls opposite to the mounting opening are respectively provided with slide rails, and the two sides of the second end of the second cover are respectively provided with pulleys. The pulleys are slidably connected to the corresponding slide rails, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the movement of the first cover, and thus improving the smoothness of folding and unfolding the lid.

[0020] Another objective of this invention is to provide a garment processing device that can prevent users from forgetting to add detergent and improve the cleaning effect.

[0021] A garment processing device includes a body, a top cover, and the aforementioned detergent balance detection device. The top cover is rotatably connected to the body, and at least a portion of the detergent balance detection device is disposed on the top cover.

[0022] The detergent level detection device can detect the detergent level in the container when the garment processing equipment is turned on. If the detergent level is low, it will automatically open the container lid to prompt the user to add detergent. This can effectively avoid the problem of incomplete cleaning of clothes due to insufficient detergent, thus ensuring that the garment processing equipment can always provide a stable washing effect.

[0023] Optionally, the top cover is provided with the mounting port and the handle groove, the box cover is located at the mounting port and is rotatably connected to the top cover, and the handle groove is located at the end of the mounting port away from the rotation axis of the box cover.

[0024] The handle groove provides users with a structure that is easy to grip, allowing users to easily apply force and complete the operation when they need to manually open the lid, making the operation more effortless and convenient.

[0025] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for detecting the remaining amount of detergent, which can prevent users from forgetting to add detergent and improve the cleaning effect.

[0026] A method for detecting residual detergent, applied in the aforementioned garment processing equipment, comprising:

[0027] When the garment processing equipment is turned on, the remaining amount V of detergent in the container is detected.

[0028] If the remaining amount V > Vmin, the laundry processing equipment will execute the washing program;

[0029] If the remaining amount V ≤ Vmin, the drive unit's drive box cover will open and a prompt signal will be issued.

[0030] When the device is turned on, the remaining amount V of detergent in the box is detected by a non-contact detection component, and the remaining amount V is compared with the preset minimum liquid level threshold Vmin. When the remaining amount V is detected to be ≤ Vmin, the box cover is opened by the drive component and a reminder signal is issued to prompt the user to add detergent in time, which can improve the washing effect, avoid secondary washing, and save water and electricity resources.

[0031] Optionally, if the remaining amount V≥Vmax is detected after the prompt signal is issued, the drive unit drives the cover to close, and the clothing processing device executes the washing program;

[0032] After issuing a prompt signal, if the remaining amount V≥Vmax is detected, it means that the user has added enough detergent. The drive unit closes the drive box cover, and the garment processing equipment can start the washing program, avoiding manual operation by the user and simplifying the operation steps.

[0033] If no change in the remaining quantity V is detected within a preset time T after the prompt signal is issued, the driving component drives the lid to close and the clothing processing equipment to shut down.

[0034] If no change in the remaining amount V is detected within a preset time T after the prompt signal is issued, the drive unit's drive box cover closes and the garment processing equipment shuts down. This prevents the garment processing equipment from running for an extended period due to insufficient detergent addition, avoiding resource waste and extending the equipment's lifespan.

[0035] Optionally, the prompt signal includes at least one of text, pattern, light, and alarm sound. One or more prompt methods can be selected and combined according to the usage requirements of the garment processing equipment to improve the user experience.

[0036] Beneficial effects:

[0037] The detergent remaining quantity detection device provided by this invention detects the remaining quantity V of detergent in the box through a non-contact detection component when the clothing processing equipment is turned on. When the remaining quantity V is detected to be ≤ Vmin, the drive component drives the box cover to open, so as to expose the detergent box. This allows the user to see intuitively that the remaining quantity of detergent is insufficient and replenish it in time, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the clothes, avoiding secondary washing, and saving water and electricity resources.

[0038] The garment processing equipment provided by this invention includes a body, a top cover, and the aforementioned detergent balance detection device. The top cover is rotatably connected to the body, and at least part of the detergent balance detection device is disposed on the top cover. The detergent balance detection device can detect the detergent in the box when the garment processing equipment is turned on, and when the detergent is insufficient, it drives the box cover to open automatically to prompt the user to add detergent. This can effectively avoid the problem of incomplete cleaning of clothes due to insufficient detergent, thereby ensuring that the garment processing equipment can always provide efficient washing results.

[0039] The detergent remaining amount detection method provided by this invention detects the remaining amount V of detergent in the box through a non-contact detection component when the equipment is turned on, and compares the remaining amount V with a preset minimum liquid level threshold Vmin. When the remaining amount V is detected to be ≤ Vmin, the box cover is opened by a drive component and a reminder signal is issued to prompt the user to add detergent in time, which can improve the washing effect, avoid secondary washing, and save water and electricity resources. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the detergent remaining quantity detection device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the lid is open from a certain perspective;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the detergent balance detection device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the lid is closed;

[0042] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the detergent remaining quantity detection device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the lid is open, viewed from another angle;

[0043] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the method for detecting the remaining amount of detergent provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0045] In the picture:

[0046] 110. Top cover; 111. Mounting port; 112. Slide rail; 120. Box cover; 121. First cover plate; 1211. First pivot part; 1212. First protrusion; 122. Second cover plate; 1221. Pulley; 1222. Protruding plate part; 1223. Second pivot part; 1224. Second protrusion; 113. Handle groove;

[0047] 200. Drive components. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0049] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] This embodiment provides a detergent residue detection device, which is installed on a garment processing device. The garment processing device is provided with an installation port 111, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, the detergent remaining quantity detection device includes a box body, a box cover 120, a non-contact detection component, and a drive unit 200. The box body is disposed inside the garment processing equipment, with the filling port of the box body facing the mounting port 111. The box body is used to hold detergent. The box cover 120 is located at the mounting port 111 and can be rotatably connected to the garment processing equipment. The non-contact detection component can be disposed inside the box body. The drive unit 200 is communicatively connected to the non-contact detection component. When the garment processing equipment is turned on, the non-contact detection component detects the remaining detergent in the box body. When the non-contact detection component detects that the remaining amount V ≤ Vmin, the drive component 200 drives the lid 120 to rotate to expose the detergent container, allowing the user to intuitively see that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient and replenish it in time, thereby improving the cleaning effect of clothes, avoiding secondary washing, and saving water and electricity resources. Furthermore, when the user adds detergent to the remaining amount V ≥ Vmax, the drive component 20 can drive the lid 120 to close, reducing the steps of manual operation by the user and improving the convenience of the detergent dispensing device and the user experience.

[0054] Optionally, the non-contact detection component includes a signal processing unit and a non-contact liquid level sensor. The signal processing unit is communicatively connected to the drive unit 200, and the non-contact liquid level sensor is communicatively connected to the signal processing unit. The non-contact liquid level sensor is used to transmit a first signal into the container and receive the first signal after refraction or reflection. The signal processing unit calculates the remaining amount V based on the propagation time T of the first signal. Since the non-contact liquid level sensor does not directly contact the liquid, it effectively avoids detection errors caused by liquid adhering to the container walls, thus improving the detection accuracy of the remaining amount V of the detergent.

[0055] It should be noted that the signal processing unit consists of one or more microcontrollers. The microcontroller runs a control program, which calculates the remaining amount V based on the propagation time of the first signal and causes the drive unit 200 to operate. The connection circuit and control program between the signal processing unit, the non-contact liquid level sensor and the drive unit 200 are existing technologies and will not be described in detail.

[0056] In this embodiment, the non-contact liquid level sensor is an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor includes a signal transmitting end and a signal receiving end, both of which are located on the same side of the housing, for example, on the same side wall of the housing. The signal transmitting end emits high-frequency ultrasonic pulses, which are reflected on the surface of the detergent. The reflected waves are received by the signal receiving end. By accurately measuring the time difference between ultrasonic emission and reception, and based on the speed of ultrasonic wave propagation in the air, the distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the surface of the detergent can be accurately calculated, thereby determining the remaining amount V of the detergent.

[0057] In other embodiments, the non-contact liquid level sensor can be a photoelectric sensor. The measurement principle of the photoelectric sensor is the same as that of the ultrasonic sensor, and will not be described again.

[0058] Optionally, the detergent level detection device also includes a prompting element. The prompting element is communicatively connected to the signal processing unit. When the ultrasonic sensor detects that the remaining amount of detergent in the box is V≤Vmin, the prompting element prompts the user to add detergent in at least one of the following ways: text, pattern, light, or alarm sound. This ensures that the user is aware of the detergent shortage when the garment processing equipment is turned on, effectively preventing the user from forgetting to add detergent due to being busy or negligent, and improving the washing effect.

[0059] Optionally, the prompting device can be a display screen of the garment handling equipment. When the remaining amount V ≤ Vmin, the signal processing unit sends a signal indicating insufficient detergent to the controller of the garment handling equipment. The controller then causes the display screen of the garment handling equipment to show the words "Detergent low, please replenish," or other prompts or numbers. It should be noted that the specific connection circuit and control program between the non-contact detection component and the controller of the garment handling equipment are existing technologies and will not be described in detail.

[0060] In one embodiment, the indicator may be a warning light. When the remaining amount V ≤ Vmin, the controller controls the warning light of the garment handling equipment to flash to remind the user that the detergent is low. In another embodiment, the indicator may be a speaker. When the remaining amount V ≤ Vmin, the controller controls the speaker of the garment handling equipment to emit a buzzer or a voice prompt saying "Detergent is low, please add more."

[0061] In another embodiment, when the remaining amount V≤Vmin, the controller controls the display screen, warning light and speaker of the clothing processing equipment to operate simultaneously to remind the user that the remaining amount of detergent is insufficient, effectively avoiding the adverse effects of insufficient detergent on the cleaning effect of clothes and improving the user experience.

[0062] For example, the value of Vmin is set to 150 mL, the washing and conditioning products include detergent and fabric softener, the box includes a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity, the first cavity is used to contain detergent, the second cavity is used to contain fabric softener, and the non-contact detection component includes two ultrasonic sensors, which are used to detect the remaining amount of detergent V1 and the remaining amount of fabric softener V2, respectively.

[0063] When the remaining amount of detergent V1 or fabric softener V2 is less than or equal to 150 mL, the signal processing unit will cause the drive unit 200 to open the cover 120 to indicate to the user that the detergent or fabric softener is insufficient. In other embodiments, the value of Vmin can be set to 50 mL-200 mL, specifically 50 mL, 75 mL, 90 mL, 105 mL, 120 mL, 135 mL, 150 mL, 175 mL, 200 mL, etc., depending on actual needs.

[0064] Optionally, Vmax can be set to 500mL. When the remaining amount of detergent V1 or fabric softener V2 is greater than or equal to Vmax, the actuator 200 drives the lid 120 to close. In other embodiments, Vmax can be between 480mL and 600mL, such as 480mL, 500mL, 520mL, 540mL, 560mL, 580mL, 600mL, etc. The value of Vmax needs to be set according to the maximum capacity of the container to ensure that it will not overflow due to overfilling.

[0065] Taking the detection of the remaining detergent volume V1 as an example, the height inside the container is set to Hmax = 20cm when the maximum remaining detergent volume Vmax = 500mL. An ultrasonic sensor is used to detect the remaining volume V1 to calculate the liquid level. The corresponding calculation process is as follows:

[0066] The speed of sound in air is v = 340 m / s. Assume that the time interval Δt = 0.002 s is measured by an ultrasonic sensor.

[0067] Calculate the propagation distance: d = (v * Δt) / 2 = (340 * 0.002) / 2 = 0.34 m = 3.4 cm;

[0068] Calculate the liquid level: H = Hmax - d = 20cm - 3.4cm = 16.6cm;

[0069] Converted to the remaining amount V1: V1=(H / Hmax)*Vmax=(16.6 / 20)*500=415mL.

[0070] This calculation method can accurately determine the detergent level within the container, thus providing a reminder of the remaining detergent level. The fabric softener detection process is the same as the detergent detection process and will not be described in detail here.

[0071] Optionally, the lid 120 is constructed as a folding structure. When the filling port is open, the lid 120 can be folded to reduce the space occupied after unfolding, thereby improving space utilization.

[0072] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the box cover includes a first cover plate 121 and a second cover plate 122. The first end of the first cover plate 121 is rotatably connected to the end of the mounting port 111, and the first end of the second cover plate 122 is rotatably connected to the second end of the first cover plate 121. The two sides of the second end of the second cover plate 122 are slidably connected to the two side walls opposite to the mounting port 111. When the driving component drives the first cover plate 121 to flip upward through the driving component 200, the first cover plate 121 and the second cover plate 122 are folded together, which significantly reduces the space occupied by the box cover 120 after it is opened, and reserves space inside the clothing processing equipment.

[0073] Optionally, the driving component 200 is an electric actuator. Two electric actuators are rotatably mounted on two opposite side walls of the mounting opening, and the output ends of the electric actuators are rotatably connected to the inner side wall of the first cover plate 121. The symmetrical arrangement of the two electric actuators ensures that the first cover plate 121 is subjected to uniform force during opening or closing, avoiding the offset, shaking, or jamming that may be caused by unilateral driving, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the movement of the first cover plate 121, and further improving the smoothness of folding and unfolding of the lid 120.

[0074] In other embodiments, the driving element 200 can be a drive motor, the output shaft of which is connected to the rotating shaft of the first cover plate 121. The drive motor drives the first cover plate 121 to flip, so that the first cover plate 121 and the second cover plate 122 are folded or unfolded.

[0075] Optionally, the cover 120 also includes a connecting shaft. The first cover plate 121 is provided with a first rotating shaft portion 1211, and the first rotating shaft portion 1211 is provided with a first through hole. The second cover plate 122 is provided with a second rotating shaft portion 1223, and the second rotating shaft portion 1223 is provided with a second through hole. The connecting shaft passes through the first through hole and the second through hole in sequence, so that the first cover plate 121 and the second cover plate 122 are rotatably connected.

[0076] Optionally, the first cover plate 121 is preset to flip upward at an angle of 64°. In order to avoid interference between the second cover plate 122 and the drive member 200 after folding, in other embodiments, the opening angle of the first cover plate 121 can be between 60° and 180°, specifically 60°, 75°, 90°, 105°, 120°, 150°, 180°, etc., which can flexibly adapt to the structural layout of different garment processing equipment.

[0077] Optionally, such as Figures 3-4 As shown, the two side walls opposite to the mounting port 111 are respectively provided with slide rails 112, and the two sides of the second end of the second cover plate 122 are respectively provided with pulleys 1221. The pulleys 1221 are slidably connected with their corresponding slide rails 112, which can significantly reduce the resistance of the movement of the second cover plate 122 and improve the smoothness of opening and closing of the cover 120.

[0078] Optionally, the first cover plate 121 is provided with a first protrusion 1212 corresponding to the slide rail 112, and the second cover plate 122 is provided with a second protrusion 1224 corresponding to the slide rail 112. When the cover 120 is closed, the first protrusion 1212 and the second protrusion 1224 abut against the slide rail 112, which makes the upper surface of the first cover plate 121 and the second cover plate 122 flush with the upper surface of the garment processing equipment, thereby improving the aesthetics of the top cover 110.

[0079] Example 2

[0080] This embodiment provides a detergent remaining quantity detection device, which is basically the same as Embodiment 1. The difference is that the detergent box only includes a first receiving cavity, which is used to hold the mixed solvent of detergent and fabric softener. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the box and saves the manufacturing cost of the detergent remaining quantity detection device.

[0081] Example 3

[0082] This embodiment provides a detergent remaining quantity detection device, which is basically the same as Embodiment 1. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the lid 120 is constructed as an integral structure. The detergent remaining quantity detection device includes two driving components 200, both of which are electric actuators. The two electric actuators are rotatably mounted on two opposite side walls of the mounting opening, and the output end of the electric actuator is rotatably connected to the inner side wall of the lid 120.

[0083] The one-piece structure of the lid 120 simplifies the manufacturing process and improves the manufacturing efficiency. The symmetrical arrangement of the two electric push rods ensures that the lid 120 is subjected to uniform force during opening or closing, avoiding the deviation, shaking or jamming that may be caused by unilateral drive, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the lid 120's movement.

[0084] Example 4

[0085] This embodiment provides a garment processing device, including a body, a top cover 110, and a detergent level detection device as described in any of the above embodiments. The top cover 110 is rotatably connected to the body, and the box is disposed inside the body. The top cover 110 has an installation port, and the box cover is located at the installation port and rotatably connected to the top cover 110. The detergent level detection device can detect the detergent level in the box when the garment processing device is turned on, and when the detergent level is low, it drives the box cover 120 to automatically open to prompt the user to add detergent. This can effectively avoid the problem of incomplete cleaning of clothes due to insufficient detergent, thereby ensuring that the garment processing device can always provide a stable washing effect.

[0086] Optionally, the top cover 110 is provided with a handle groove 113 and an installation port 111. The handle groove 113 is located at the end of the delivery port 111 away from the rotation axis of the cover 120. The handle groove 113 provides a structure that is easy for the user to grip, so that the user can easily apply force and complete the operation when it is necessary to manually open the cover 120, making the operation more labor-saving and convenient.

[0087] Optionally, the depth of the handle groove 113 is greater than the depth of the slide rail 112. The deeper handle groove 113 can provide a more precise point of force application, reducing the difficulty of operation for users when opening and closing the lid 120. In addition, the greater depth of the handle groove 113 than the slide rail 112 can limit the pulley 1221 when the lid 120 is closed, preventing the second cover 122 from moving accidentally and improving the stability of the second cover 122.

[0088] Optionally, the second cover plate 122 is provided with a protruding plate portion 1222 corresponding to the handle groove 113. The protruding plate portion 1222 can block the side of the handle groove 113 that is close to the installation opening, so as to prevent foreign objects from falling from the handle groove 113 into the box body when the box cover 120 is closed, and keep the detergent clean.

[0089] Alternatively, the garment handling equipment can be a washing machine or a washer-dryer combo.

[0090] This embodiment focuses on a washing machine as an example of a clothing processing device. The washing machine has a first and a second receiving cavity inside its casing. The first receiving cavity holds detergent, and the second receiving cavity holds fabric softener. The non-contact detection component includes a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor. The first ultrasonic sensor detects the remaining amount of detergent V1, and the second ultrasonic sensor detects the remaining amount of fabric softener V2. The specific working process is as follows:

[0091] First, press the power button on the washing machine. The built-in system of the washing machine starts, and the automatic detection program starts simultaneously. At this time, the first ultrasonic sensor inside the washing machine detects the remaining amount of detergent V1, and the second ultrasonic sensor detects the remaining amount of fabric softener V2.

[0092] When the remaining amount of detergent or fabric softener is detected to be lower than the Vmin value, the top cover 110 opens under the drive of the drive unit 200, the indicator light on the washing machine control panel flashes, and the display screen shows a clear text prompt informing the user of the type of detergent that needs to be added. For example, if the detergent is insufficient, it will display "Low detergent content, please add an appropriate amount of detergent".

[0093] At this point, users can slowly pour detergent or fabric softener into the corresponding container according to the prompts. During the pouring process, users can check the real-time liquid level information (displayed as a percentage) on the display screen at any time to accurately control the amount added.

[0094] Finally, the first and second ultrasonic sensors detect that the remaining amount of detergent V1 and fabric softener V2 have both reached the Vmax value, respectively. The indicator light will then stop flashing, and the display screen will indicate that the addition is complete. The lid 120 will automatically fall and close under the drive of the drive unit 200, and the user can continue to select the washing program and start the washing process.

[0095] Example 5

[0096] This embodiment provides a method for detecting residual detergent, applied in the clothing treatment equipment of Embodiment 4, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the methods for detecting residual detergent include:

[0097] When the garment processing equipment is turned on, the remaining amount V of detergent in the container is detected.

[0098] If the remaining amount V > Vmin, the laundry processing equipment will execute the washing program;

[0099] If the remaining amount V ≤ Vmin, the drive unit 200 will drive the box cover 120 to open and issue a prompt signal.

[0100] The detergent remaining amount detection method provided in this embodiment detects the remaining amount V of detergent in the container through a non-contact detection component when the device is turned on. The remaining amount V is compared with a preset minimum liquid level threshold Vmin. When the remaining amount V ≤ Vmin, the container cover 120 is opened by the drive component 200, and a reminder signal is issued to prompt the user to add detergent in time. This improves the washing effect, avoids secondary washing, and saves water and electricity. The numerical ranges of Vmin and Vmax in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0101] Optionally, if after issuing a prompt signal, the remaining amount V≥Vmax is detected, the drive unit 200 drives the cover 120 to close, and the clothing processing equipment executes the washing program;

[0102] After issuing a prompt signal, if the remaining amount V≥Vmax is detected, it means that the user has added enough detergent. The drive unit 200 and drive box cover 120 are closed, and the garment processing equipment can start the washing program, avoiding manual operation by the user and simplifying the operation steps.

[0103] If no change in the remaining amount V is detected within a preset time T after the prompt signal is issued, the drive unit 200 and the drive box cover 120 will close, and the clothing processing equipment will be shut down. This prevents the clothing processing equipment from running for a long time due to the failure to add detergent in time, avoids waste of resources, and can also improve the service life of the clothing processing equipment.

[0104] Optionally, the preset time T can be in the range of 5 min to 10 min, specifically 5 min, 6 min, 7 min, 8 min, 9 min, 10 min, etc.

[0105] Optionally, the prompt signal includes at least one of text, pattern, light, and alarm sound. One or more prompt methods can be selected and combined according to the usage needs of the garment processing equipment to improve the user experience.

[0106] For example, text prompts can be displayed on the display panel of the garment handling equipment to present detailed information, such as "Please add detergent" or "Detergent is low, please add more promptly".

[0107] The illustrative display can show a flashing pattern of the detergent bottle on the display screen of the garment handling equipment, making it easy for users to identify at a glance.

[0108] Lighting indicators can provide a striking visual reminder by changing the color or flashing effect of the lights on the garment processing equipment (such as flashing red to indicate low liquid level).

[0109] Alarm prompts can be made to users via audio signals (such as beeping or voice announcements through the speakers of the garment handling equipment).

[0110] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A detergent residue detection device, installed on a garment processing device, wherein the garment processing device is provided with an installation port (111), characterized in that, include: A box body is disposed inside the garment processing equipment, with the filling port of the box body facing the installation port; A lid (120) is located at the mounting port (111), and the lid (120) can be rotatably connected to the garment processing equipment; A non-contact detection component is disposed inside the box, and the non-contact detection component is used to detect the remaining amount V of the detergent inside the box; The drive unit (200) is communicatively connected to the non-contact detection component. When the non-contact detection component detects that the remaining amount V≤Vmin, the drive unit (200) drives the lid (120) to rotate to open the filling port.

2. The detergent remaining quantity detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detergent remaining quantity detection device also includes a prompting element, which is communicatively connected to the non-contact detection component. When the remaining quantity V ≤ Vmin, the prompting element is used to prompt the user to add detergent.

3. The detergent remaining quantity detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lid (120) is constructed as a single piece; or, the lid (120) is constructed as a folding structure.

4. The detergent remaining quantity detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lid (120) includes: A first cover plate (121) is rotatably connected at its first end to the end of the mounting port (111). The second cover plate (122) has its first end rotatably connected to the second end of the first cover plate (121). The two sides of the second end of the second cover plate (122) are slidably connected to the two side walls opposite to the mounting port (111). The driving member (200) is used to drive the first cover plate (121) to flip so that the first cover plate (121) and the second cover plate (122) can be folded or unfolded.

5. The detergent residue detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting port (111) has two side walls opposite to each other with slide rails (112), and the second end of the second cover plate (122) has two pulleys (1221) on both sides, and the pulleys (1221) are slidably connected to the corresponding slide rails (112).

6. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The device includes a body, a top cover (110), and a detergent balance detection device as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the top cover (110) is rotatably connected to the body, and at least a portion of the detergent balance detection device is disposed on the top cover (110).

7. The garment processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top cover (110) is provided with the mounting port (111) and the handle groove (113). The box cover (120) is located at the mounting port (111) and is rotatably connected to the top cover (110). The handle groove (113) is located at one end of the mounting port (111) away from the rotation axis of the box cover (120).

8. A method for detecting residual detergent, applied in the garment processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method for detecting the remaining amount of shampoo and conditioner includes: When the garment processing equipment is turned on, the remaining amount V of detergent in the container is detected. If the remaining amount V > Vmin, the laundry processing equipment will execute the washing program; If the remaining amount V≤Vmin, the drive unit (200) drives the cover (120) to open and issues a prompt signal.

9. The method for detecting residual detergent according to claim 8, characterized in that, If, after issuing a prompt signal, the remaining amount V≥Vmax is detected, the drive unit (200) drives the cover (120) to close, and the clothing processing equipment executes the washing program; If no change in the remaining amount V is detected within a preset time T after the prompt signal is issued, the drive unit (200) drives the lid (120) to close, and the clothing processing equipment is turned off.

10. The method for detecting the remaining amount of detergent according to claim 9, characterized in that, The prompt signal includes at least one of text, pattern, light, and alarm sound.

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