Dispensing assembly and laundry treatment apparatus
By using an ultrasonic liquid level detection device in the dispensing component, the problem of inaccurate detergent level detection in the prior art is solved, achieving higher detection accuracy and user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUXI FILIN ELECTRONICS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing liquid level detection devices cannot accurately detect detergent levels, are prone to false alarms, and affect user experience.
An ultrasonic liquid level detection device is used to detect the detergent level by emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, reducing the influence of factors such as detergent viscosity and wall adhesion.
This improves the accuracy of detergent level detection and enhances the user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN224337966U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of clothing processing equipment, and particularly relates to a dispensing component and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology
[0002] This section provides only background information relevant to this disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.
[0003] Laundry detergent dispensers typically include a dispensing unit. During the washing process, detergent is dispensed into the detergent chamber using this unit to enhance the washing effect. The dispensing unit usually includes a level detection device that monitors the detergent level within the unit to remind the user to add more detergent.
[0004] However, due to factors such as detergent viscosity and detergent residue sticking to the walls, existing liquid level detection devices cannot accurately detect the liquid level of the detergent, which is prone to false alarms and reduces the user experience. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this application is to at least solve the problem of how to improve the accuracy of detergent level detection. This purpose is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0006] A first aspect of this application provides a dispensing component for a garment handling device, the dispensing component comprising:
[0007] The box body has a detergent chamber with a liquid outlet for storing detergent, and the liquid outlet is connected to the garment processing chamber of the garment processing equipment.
[0008] A liquid level detection device is installed in the housing and located near or on the bottom surface of the detergent chamber. The liquid level detection device includes a transmitter and a receiver arranged opposite to each other. The transmitter and the receiver are spaced apart on a plane intersecting the height direction of the detergent chamber. The transmitter is used to emit ultrasonic signals that pass through the detergent chamber, and the receiver is used to receive the ultrasonic signals.
[0009] According to the dispensing component of this application, when used in a garment processing device, the container is mounted on the body of the garment processing device, and detergent is added to the detergent chamber within the container. When the garment processing device washes garments, the detergent in the detergent chamber is dispensed into the garment processing chamber of the garment processing device through the outlet to improve the washing effect. The transmitter of the liquid level detection device emits an ultrasonic signal, which is received by the receiver. When the space between the transmitter and receiver is filled with detergent, the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver is stable, indicating that the detergent in the detergent chamber meets the usage requirements. When the space between the transmitter and receiver is not filled with detergent, the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver fluctuates, indicating that the remaining detergent in the detergent chamber is insufficient, requiring replenishment. Using ultrasound to detect the detergent level reduces the influence of factors such as detergent viscosity and detergent residue on the walls, improving the detection accuracy of the detergent level and effectively enhancing the user experience.
[0010] In addition, the delivery component according to this application may also have the following additional technical features:
[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid level detection device further includes a mounting base, which is mounted on the housing, and the transmitter and the receiver are respectively disposed on the mounting base.
[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the mounting base is installed on the inner wall of the detergent chamber, the liquid level detection device is disposed near the bottom surface of the detergent chamber, and both the transmitter and the receiver are disposed inside the detergent chamber.
[0013] In some embodiments of this application, at least the transmitter and the receiver are provided with waterproof structures.
[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the mounting base is installed on the outer wall of the housing, the liquid level detection device is disposed near the bottom surface of the detergent chamber, a portion of the body of the transmitter passes through the housing and is disposed within the detergent chamber, and a portion of the body of the receiver passes through the housing and is disposed within the detergent chamber.
[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the body of the transmitter located in the detergent cavity and the body of the receiver located in the detergent cavity are respectively provided with waterproof structures.
[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the housing has multiple outer side walls, the mounting base is mounted on one of the outer side walls, the liquid level detection device is disposed near the bottom surface of the detergent chamber, and the transmitter and the receiver are respectively disposed on two other oppositely disposed outer side walls.
[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the connection method between the mounting base and the housing includes at least one of snap-fit, adhesive bonding, and fastener connection.
[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the detergent chamber has a lower limit liquid level, the lower limit liquid level is spaced apart from the bottom surface, the space between the transmitter and the receiver forms a detection space, and along the height direction of the detergent chamber, the lower limit liquid level is flush with the top of the detection space, or the lower limit liquid level is located between the top and bottom of the detection space.
[0019] And / or, the dispensing assembly further includes a dispensing pipe and a dispensing pump, one end of the dispensing pipe being connected to the liquid outlet, the other end of the dispensing pipe being connected to the clothing processing chamber, and the dispensing pump being disposed on the dispensing pipe for dispensing detergent.
[0020] A second aspect of this application provides a garment processing apparatus, the garment processing apparatus comprising:
[0021] The machine body is provided with a clothing processing chamber;
[0022] According to the dispensing assembly described above, the detergent chamber of the dispensing assembly is connected to the garment processing chamber through the liquid outlet.
[0023] According to the garment processing device of this application, a box is installed on the main body of the garment processing device, and detergent is added to the detergent chamber of the box. When the garment processing device washes clothes, the detergent in the detergent chamber is released into the garment processing chamber of the garment processing device through the liquid outlet to improve the washing effect. The transmitter of the liquid level detection device emits an ultrasonic signal, and the receiver receives the ultrasonic signal. When the space between the transmitter and receiver is full of detergent, the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver is in a stable state, and the detergent in the detergent chamber is sufficient for use. When the space between the transmitter and receiver is not full of detergent, the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver will fluctuate, and the remaining detergent in the detergent chamber is insufficient for use, requiring replenishment of detergent. Using ultrasound to detect the detergent level reduces the influence of factors such as detergent viscosity and detergent residue on the wall, improves the detection accuracy of the detergent level, and effectively enhances the user experience. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:
[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a garment processing device according to some embodiments of this application is shown;
[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a delivery component according to some embodiments of this application is shown;
[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a delivery component according to some embodiments of this application is shown;
[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of the delivery component from another perspective;
[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a delivery component according to some embodiments of this application is shown;
[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of the delivery component from another perspective;
[0031] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a control method for a garment processing apparatus according to some embodiments of this application is shown schematically.
[0032] The attached figures are labeled as follows:
[0033] 100. Garment processing equipment;
[0034] 10. Body;
[0035] 11. Garment processing chamber;
[0036] 20. Deployment components;
[0037] 21. Box body;
[0038] 211. Detergent chamber; 212. Dispenser outlet;
[0039] 22. Liquid level detection device;
[0040] 221. Mounting base; 222. Transmitter; 223. Detection space; 224. Receiver;
[0041] a. The height direction of the detergent cavity. Detailed Implementation
[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
[0043] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.
[0044] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.
[0045] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "over," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" would subsequently be oriented as "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in the text will be interpreted accordingly.
[0046] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, according to an embodiment of this application, a dispensing component 20 for a clothing processing device 100 is proposed. The dispensing component 20 includes a box 21 and a liquid level detection device 22 installed on the box 21.
[0047] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 5 As shown, a detergent chamber 211 is provided on the box body 21. The detergent chamber 211 is provided with a liquid outlet 212. The interior of the detergent chamber 211 is used to store detergent in the clothing treatment process. The clothing treatment chamber 11 of the clothing treatment device 100 is connected to the detergent chamber 211 through the liquid outlet 212.
[0048] It should be understood that, in this application, the detergents include, but are not limited to, detergents, fabric softeners, and disinfectants used in the garment processing.
[0049] A liquid level detection device 22 is mounted and fixed on the housing 21. The device is located near or on the bottom surface of the detergent chamber 211. The device includes a transmitter 222 and a receiver 224, which are positioned opposite each other on a plane intersecting the height direction 'a' of the detergent chamber 211. The receiver 224 and transmitter 222 are spaced apart. The height direction 'a' of the detergent chamber 211 refers to the direction perpendicular to the detergent surface when detergent is stored in the chamber. During operation, the transmitter 222 emits an ultrasonic signal to the receiver 224, which passes through the detergent chamber 211 and is received by the receiver 224.
[0050] When the dispensing component 20 of this application is used in the garment processing device 100, the housing 21 is installed on the body 10 of the garment processing device 100, and detergent is added to the detergent chamber 211 of the housing 21. When the garment processing device 100 performs a washing operation on the garments, the detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is dispensed into the garment processing chamber 11 of the garment processing device 100 through the liquid outlet 212 to improve the washing effect on the garments.
[0051] The transmitter 222 of the liquid level detection device 22 emits an ultrasonic signal, which is received by the receiver 224. When the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is filled with detergent, the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 is in a stable state. At this time, the detergent in the detergent chamber 211 can meet the usage requirements. The liquid level device is set close to the bottom surface of the detergent chamber 211. When the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is not filled with detergent, the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 will fluctuate. At this time, the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent chamber 211 cannot meet the usage requirements, and detergent needs to be replenished.
[0052] By using ultrasound to detect the detergent level, the influence of factors such as detergent viscosity and detergent residue on the walls is reduced, improving the detection accuracy of the detergent level and effectively enhancing the user experience.
[0053] It should be noted that in this application, the top of the box 21 is provided with a filling port, which is connected to the detergent chamber 211. When the detergent storage in the detergent chamber 211 is insufficient, the user can replenish the detergent in the detergent chamber 211 through the filling port. The filling port is equipped with a cover plate, which is installed on the box 21 in an openable and closable manner. The cover plate can open or close the filling port. When adding detergent, the cover plate is opened to open the filling port for replenishment. After the detergent is replenished, the cover plate is closed to isolate the detergent chamber 211 from the outside environment, reducing the possibility of foreign objects falling into the detergent chamber 211 and contaminating the detergent or causing blockage of the outlet 212.
[0054] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 5 As shown, the liquid outlet 212 is located at the bottom of the box body 21 and is connected to the detergent chamber 211. By placing the liquid outlet 212 at the bottom of the box body 21, gravity can be used to allow the detergent to flow naturally to the liquid outlet 212 and out, thereby reducing the need for a power source when the detergent flows out of the detergent chamber 211 and thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the dispensing component 20.
[0055] Furthermore, the box 21 is installed on the body 10 of the garment processing equipment 100. The installation method of the box 21 on the body 10 includes, but is not limited to, pull-out installation or plug-in installation. For example, when the box 21 is pulled out of the body 10, a pull-out hole is provided on the body 10, and a sliding groove is provided on the pull-out hole. The extension direction of the sliding groove is consistent with the depth direction of the pull-out hole. A protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the box 21. The protrusion is embedded in the sliding groove and can slide relative to the sliding groove. By driving the box 21 with external force, the protrusion slides in the sliding groove, thereby realizing the pull-out action of the box 21 relative to the body 10.
[0056] In this application, the shape of the box 21 includes, but is not limited to, square, circular, or elliptical shapes. Furthermore, the box 21 can be made of metal or non-metal. When the box 21 is made of metal, such as stainless steel, it can be formed by stamping. When the box 21 is made of non-metal, such as plastic, it can be manufactured by injection molding.
[0057] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 6 As shown, the liquid level detection device 22 includes a mounting base 221, a transmitter 222, and a receiver 224. The mounting base 221 is connected to and fixed relative to the housing 21, and the receiver 224 and the transmitter 222 are respectively mounted on the mounting base 221.
[0058] Specifically, the receiver 224 and the transmitter 222 are respectively mounted on the same side of the mounting base 221. On a plane intersecting the height direction a of the detergent chamber 211, the receiver 224 and the transmitter 222 are spaced apart and positioned opposite each other. By setting the mounting base 221 and respectively mounting the receiver 224 and the transmitter 222 on it, the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 can be fixed in place simply by mounting the mounting base 221 on the housing 21. This reduces assembly steps and effectively improves assembly efficiency.
[0059] In addition, during the manufacturing process of the liquid level detection device 22, the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 can be installed and fixed on the mounting base 221, thereby improving the positional installation accuracy of the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224, and thus reducing the problem of reduced liquid level detection accuracy caused by poor installation positional accuracy of the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224.
[0060] It should be noted that, in this application, the mounting base 221 may be equipped with a control module and a communication module (the communication method is wired communication or wireless communication). The control module is electrically connected to the transmitter 222, the receiver 224 and the communication module respectively. The control module controls the transmitter 222 to emit ultrasonic signals. The receiver 224 feeds back the received ultrasonic signals to the control module. The control module processes the received ultrasonic signals and generates a liquid level detection signal. The liquid level detection signal is fed back to the controller of the clothing processing equipment 100 through the communication module. The controller further controls the clothing processing equipment 100 based on the generated liquid level detection signal.
[0061] The following description uses the bottom surface of the liquid level detection device 22 near the detergent chamber 211 as an example.
[0062] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the liquid level detection device 22 is entirely installed inside the detergent chamber 211. The mounting base 221 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the detergent chamber 211, and the receiver 224 and the transmitter 222 are respectively installed inside the detergent chamber 211.
[0063] Specifically, when the detergent chamber 211 is filled with detergent, the liquid level detection device 22 is immersed in the detergent. At this time, the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 of the liquid level detection device 22 is filled with detergent. When the liquid level detection device 22 is running, the transmitter 222 sends an ultrasonic signal to the receiver 224. The ultrasonic signal passes through the detergent and reaches the receiver 224, where it is received. Since the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is filled with detergent, the amount of interference medium between them is constant, and the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 is stable. This indicates that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is sufficient and no replenishment is required.
[0064] As the detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is used, the detergent level drops. When the detergent level drops, the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is not completely filled with detergent. Furthermore, as the detergent is used, the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 will continue to decrease. At this time, the amount of interference medium between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 gradually decreases, and the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 fluctuates. This indicates that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is insufficient and needs to be replenished.
[0065] By placing the liquid level detection device 22 inside the detergent chamber 211, interference factors during the detection process can be effectively reduced, thereby further improving the detection accuracy of the liquid level detection device 22.
[0066] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid level detection device 22 is entirely disposed within the detergent chamber 211, wherein the mounting base 221 is fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the detergent chamber 211, and the receiver 224 and the transmitter 222 are respectively disposed within the detergent chamber 211. At least the receiver 224 and the transmitter 222 are respectively provided with waterproof structures.
[0067] By setting up a waterproof structure, the transmitter 222 and receiver 224 can be effectively isolated from the detergent, reducing the adverse effects of water in the detergent on the transmitter 222 and receiver 224, thereby reducing the failure rate of the liquid level detection device 22 and effectively reducing the maintenance cost of the dispensing component 20.
[0068] It should be noted that a waterproof structure can also be provided on the outside of the mounting base 221, and waterproof structures can be provided at the joint position of the transmitter 222 and the mounting base 221, as well as at the joint position of the receiver 224 and the mounting base 221, in order to improve the waterproof level of the liquid level detection device 22 and further reduce the failure rate of the liquid level detection device 22.
[0069] In this embodiment, the waterproof structure includes, but is not limited to, waterproof membranes, waterproof adhesives, or waterproof shells.
[0070] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the liquid level detection device 22 is partially disposed inside the detergent chamber 211 and partially disposed outside the detergent chamber 211. The mounting base 221 is fixed to the outer wall of the housing 21. A portion of the receiver 224 passes through the housing 21 and is disposed inside the detergent chamber 211, while a portion of the transmitter 222 passes through the housing 21 and is disposed inside the detergent chamber 211.
[0071] Specifically, when the detergent chamber 211 is filled with detergent, the body of the transmitter 222 and the body of the receiver 224, both located within the detergent chamber 211, are immersed in the detergent. At this time, the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is filled with detergent. When the liquid level detection device 22 is running, the transmitter 222 sends an ultrasonic signal to the receiver 224. The ultrasonic signal passes through the detergent and reaches the receiver 224, where it is received. Since the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is filled with detergent, the amount of interference medium between them is constant, and the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 is stable. This indicates that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is sufficient and no replenishment is required.
[0072] As the detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is used, the detergent level drops. When the detergent level drops, the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is not completely filled with detergent. Furthermore, as the detergent is used, the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 will continue to decrease. At this time, the amount of interference medium between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 gradually decreases, and the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 fluctuates. This indicates that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is insufficient and needs to be replenished.
[0073] By placing part of the transmitter 222 and part of the receiver 224 inside the detergent chamber 211, interference factors during the detection process can be reduced, and the impact of the detection device on the volume of the detergent chamber 211 can be reduced, thereby increasing the detergent storage capacity of the detergent chamber 211.
[0074] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid level detection device 22 is partially disposed inside the detergent chamber 211, and partially disposed outside the detergent chamber 211. The mounting base 221 is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the housing 21. A portion of the receiver 224 passes through the housing 21 and is disposed inside the detergent chamber 211, and a portion of the transmitter 222 passes through the housing 21 and is disposed inside the detergent chamber 211. Both the receiver 224 and the transmitter 222, located inside the detergent chamber 211, have waterproof structures.
[0075] By setting up a waterproof structure, the transmitter 222 and receiver 224 can be effectively isolated from the detergent, reducing the adverse effects of water in the detergent on the transmitter 222 and receiver 224, thereby reducing the failure rate of the liquid level detection device 22 and effectively reducing the maintenance cost of the dispensing component 20.
[0076] It should be noted that two through holes are provided on the side wall of the housing 21. One through hole is for the transmitter 222 to pass through (a sealing structure, such as a sealing ring or sealant, is provided at the joint of the two), and the other through hole is for the receiver 224 to pass through (a sealing structure, such as a sealing ring or sealant, is provided at the joint of the two).
[0077] In this embodiment, the waterproof structure includes, but is not limited to, waterproof membranes, waterproof adhesives, or waterproof shells.
[0078] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, all liquid level detection devices 22 are located on the outside of the detergent chamber 211. The housing 21 has multiple outer side walls, with the mounting base 221 mounted on one outer side wall, and the transmitter 222 and receiver 224 respectively mounted on the other two oppositely arranged outer side walls.
[0079] Specifically, the multiple outer side walls of the housing 21 are connected in sequence. The multiple outer side walls include a first outer side wall, a second outer side wall, and a third outer side wall connected in sequence. The first outer side wall and the third outer side wall are respectively connected to opposite sides of the second outer side wall. Furthermore, the first outer side wall and the third outer side wall are arranged in parallel and spaced apart (the second outer side wall is perpendicularly connected to the first outer side wall, and the second outer side wall is also perpendicularly connected to the third outer side wall). The structure formed by the first outer side wall, the second outer side wall, and the third outer side wall protrudes from the outer surface of the housing 21. The transmitter 222 is mounted on the first outer side wall, the mounting base 221 is mounted on the second outer side wall, and the receiver 224 is mounted on the third outer side wall.
[0080] When the detergent chamber 211 is filled with detergent, the portion of the structure of the detergent chamber 211 enclosed by the first, second, and third outer outer walls is filled with detergent. When the liquid level detection device 22 is running, the transmitter 222 sends an ultrasonic signal to the receiver 224. The ultrasonic signal passes through the first outer outer wall, the detergent, and the third outer outer wall in sequence before reaching and being received by the receiver 224. Since the detergent liquid level in the detergent chamber 211 corresponding to the transmitter 222 and receiver 224 does not change, the amount of interference medium between the transmitter 222 and receiver 224 is constant, and the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 is stable. This indicates that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is sufficient and no replenishment is required.
[0081] As the detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is used, the detergent level drops. When the detergent level drops, the detergent level between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 decreases, and this decrease continues as the detergent is used. At this time, the amount of interference medium between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 gradually decreases, and the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 fluctuates. This indicates that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is insufficient and needs to be replenished.
[0082] By placing the liquid level detection device 22 inside the detergent chamber 211, interference factors during the detection process can be reduced, as well as the impact of the detection device on the volume of the detergent chamber 211, thereby increasing the detergent storage capacity of the detergent chamber 211.
[0083] It should be noted that the transmitter 222 is disposed in close contact with the first outer side wall to reduce the gap between them, thereby further improving the detection accuracy. Similarly, the receiver 224 is disposed in close contact with the third outer side wall to reduce the gap between them, thereby further improving the detection accuracy.
[0084] In some embodiments of this application, the connection between the mounting base 221 and the housing 21 includes at least one of snap-fit, adhesive bonding, and fastener connection.
[0085] Specifically, the connection and fixing method between the mounting base 221 and the housing 21 can be one, two, or three of the following: snap-fit, adhesive bonding, and fastener connection. The installation and fixing method can be set according to the specific application scenario. When there are two or more connection and fixing methods between the mounting base 221 and the housing 21, the connection and fixing strength between the mounting base 221 and the housing 21 can be improved.
[0086] Taking the connection and fixing method between the mounting base 221 and the box body 21 as a fastener (such as screws) connection as an example, when the mounting base 221 and the box body 21 are connected and fixed, the mounting base 221 is set at the installation position of the box body 21, and then the fasteners are respectively matched with the mounting base 221 and the box body 21 to fix the mounting base 221 on the box body 21.
[0087] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 or Figure 3 As shown, the detergent chamber 211 has a lower limit liquid level, and the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 forms a detection space 223. Along the height direction a of the detergent chamber 211, the lower limit liquid level is flush with the top of the detection space 223, or the lower limit liquid level is located between the top and bottom of the detection space 223.
[0088] Specifically, the lower limit liquid level is set inside the detergent chamber 211, and the lower limit liquid level is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the detergent chamber 211. The volume of the detergent chamber 211 below the lower limit liquid level is only sufficient to meet the needs of the garment processing equipment 100 for one garment washing operation. That is, when the detergent level is lower than the lower limit liquid level, detergent needs to be added to the detergent chamber 211 to meet the subsequent use of the garment processing equipment 100. Along the height direction a of the detergent chamber 211, the top of the detection space 223 formed by the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is set flush with the lower limit liquid level, or the lower limit liquid level is set between the top and bottom of the detection space 223 formed by the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224. When the detergent level in the detergent chamber 211 is lower than the lower limit liquid level, the interference medium between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 will change, and the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 will fluctuate. This indicates that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is insufficient and needs to be replenished.
[0089] It should be noted that, in this application, the lower limit liquid level can be set according to the volume of the detergent chamber 211. For example, the lower limit liquid level can be 1 / 8, 1 / 7, 1 / 6, 1 / 5, 1 / 4, etc. of the height of the detergent chamber 211.
[0090] In some embodiments of this application, the dispensing component 20 further includes a dispensing pipeline and a dispensing pump. The outlet 212 of the detergent chamber 211 is connected to the garment processing chamber 11 of the garment processing device 100 through the dispensing pipeline. The dispensing pump is located on the dispensing pipeline and is used to control the on / off state of the dispensing pipeline and the flow rate.
[0091] Specifically, by setting up the dispensing pipeline, the box 21 can be flexibly configured, facilitating its layout and installation. A dispensing pump is installed to provide power for dispensing the detergent, thereby improving the efficiency of detergent dispensing.
[0092] The second aspect of this application discloses a garment processing device 100, such as... Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the garment processing device 100 includes a body 10 and a dispensing component 20 according to the above claims. The body 10 is provided with a garment processing chamber 11, and the detergent chamber 211 of the dispensing component 20 is connected to the garment processing chamber 11 through a liquid outlet 212.
[0093] According to the garment processing device 100 of this application, a housing 21 is installed on the body 10 of the garment processing device 100, and detergent is added to the detergent chamber 211 of the housing 21. When the garment processing device 100 performs a washing operation on the garments, the detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is released into the garment processing chamber 11 of the garment processing device 100 through the liquid outlet 212 to improve the washing effect on the garments. The transmitter 222 of the liquid level detection device 22 emits an ultrasonic signal, and the receiver 224 receives the ultrasonic signal. When the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is full of detergent, the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 is in a stable state. At this time, the detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is sufficient to meet the usage requirements. When the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is not full of detergent, the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 will fluctuate. At this time, the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is insufficient to meet the usage requirements, and detergent needs to be replenished. By using ultrasound to detect the detergent level, the influence of factors such as detergent viscosity and detergent residue on the walls is reduced, improving the detection accuracy of the detergent level and effectively enhancing the user experience.
[0094] It should be noted that the garment processing equipment 100 also includes a controller, which is communicatively connected to the liquid level detection device 22. The controller receives the liquid level detection signal fed back by the liquid level detection device 22 and further controls the garment processing equipment 100 based on the liquid level detection signal.
[0095] In addition, the garment handling equipment 100 also includes an alarm module, which is connected to the controller. When the detergent level does not meet the set requirements and detergent needs to be replenished, the controller controls the alarm module to issue an alarm reminder (at least one of sound, light and electricity) so that the user can be informed that detergent needs to be replenished and thus replenish the detergent in a timely manner.
[0096] In this application, the aforementioned clothing processing device 100 can be a washing machine, a washer-dryer combo, or other clothing processing device 100 with washing function. For ease of description, this application only uses a drum washing machine as an example for illustration. The structure of other parts of the drum washing machine can be referred to the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.
[0097] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the garment processing equipment 100 of this application is controlled by the following control method, which includes:
[0098] S1: Obtain the current status of the clothing processing device 100.
[0099] Specifically, the controller determines the state of the clothing processing device 100 based on its current parameters, so that the controller can perform further control on the clothing processing device 100 according to the determined state.
[0100] For example, when the controller determines that the clothing processing device 100 is in the clothing washing state, the controller controls the clothing processing device 100 to remain in the current state and controls the liquid level detection device 22 to remain in the off state.
[0101] For example, when the controller determines that the clothing processing equipment 100 is in the clothing dehydration state, the controller controls the clothing processing equipment 100 to remain in the current state and controls the liquid level detection device 22 to remain in the off state.
[0102] For example, when the controller determines that the laundry processing equipment 100 is in the state of laundry washing completion, the controller controls the liquid level detection device 22 to operate and further controls the laundry processing equipment 100 according to the liquid level of the detergent.
[0103] For example, when the controller determines that the garment processing equipment 100 is in the self-test state, the controller controls the liquid level detection device 22 to run and further controls the garment processing equipment 100 according to the liquid level of the detergent.
[0104] S2: Based on the current state as the preset state, control the liquid level detection device 22 to start and feed back the liquid level detection signal in the detergent chamber 211.
[0105] Specifically, a preset state is set, and the controller matches the current state of the clothing handling device 100 with the preset state. If the matching result is inconsistent, the controller controls the clothing handling device 100 to perform further actions (excluding detecting the detergent level, which may include performing a washing operation, etc.). If the matching result is consistent, the controller controls the clothing handling device 100 to detect the detergent level. After confirming the detergent level, the controller further controls the clothing handling device 100 to perform further actions (which may include performing a washing operation, etc.).
[0106] In this application, the preset state is either the state where the laundry processing device 100 has finished washing the clothes or the state where the laundry processing device 100 is in power-on self-test mode.
[0107] When the preset state is that the laundry is finished, the controller controls the liquid level detection device 22 to detect the detergent level. If the remaining amount of detergent is not enough to meet the usage requirements (the remaining amount of detergent is enough to meet the usage requirements for one wash), the controller controls the alarm module to send a reminder message to the user to remind the user to add detergent. If the remaining amount of detergent is enough to meet the usage requirements (the remaining amount of detergent is enough to meet the usage requirements for one wash), the controller controls the liquid level detection device 22 to turn off and controls the laundry processing equipment 100 to perform further actions (such as performing a washing operation).
[0108] When the preset state is the power-on self-test state, before the laundry processing equipment 100 performs the washing action, the controller first controls the liquid level detection device 22 to detect the liquid level of the detergent. If the remaining amount of detergent is not sufficient for use (the remaining amount of detergent is sufficient for one wash), the controller controls the alarm module to send a reminder message to the user to remind the user to add detergent. If the remaining amount of detergent is sufficient for use (the remaining amount of detergent is sufficient for one wash), the controller controls the liquid level detection device 22 to turn off and controls the laundry processing equipment 100 to perform further actions (such as performing the washing operation).
[0109] S3: Based on the liquid level detection signal as the first detection signal, control the clothing processing equipment 100 to execute the clothing processing program.
[0110] Specifically, along the height direction a of the washing chamber, when the top of the detection space 223 formed between the transmitter 222 and receiver 224 of the liquid level detection device 22 is lower than the liquid level in the detergent chamber 211, the liquid level detection signal is the first detection signal.
[0111] S4: Based on the liquid level detection signal as the second detection signal, control the clothing processing equipment 100 to pause the clothing processing program and control it to issue an alarm command.
[0112] Specifically, along the height direction a of the washing chamber, when the top of the detection space 223 formed between the transmitter 222 and receiver 224 of the liquid level detection device 22 is higher than the liquid level in the detergent chamber 211, the liquid level detection signal is the second detection signal.
[0113] According to the control method of the garment processing equipment 100 of this application, the transmitter 222 of the liquid level detection device 22 emits an ultrasonic signal, and the receiver 224 receives the ultrasonic signal. When the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is filled with detergent, the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 is in a stable state, and the liquid level detection signal fed back by the liquid level detection device 22 is the first detection signal. At this time, the detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is sufficient for use. When the space between the transmitter 222 and the receiver 224 is not filled with detergent, the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 224 will fluctuate, and the liquid level detection signal fed back by the liquid level detection device 22 is the second detection signal. At this time, the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent chamber 211 is insufficient for use, and detergent needs to be replenished. By using ultrasound to detect the detergent level, the influence of factors such as detergent viscosity and detergent residue on the wall is reduced, the detection accuracy of the detergent level is improved, and the user experience is effectively enhanced.
[0114] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A dispensing component for a garment processing device, characterized in that, The delivery component includes: The box body (21) is provided with a detergent chamber (211) having a liquid outlet (212). The detergent chamber (211) is used to store detergent. The liquid outlet (212) is connected to the clothing processing chamber (11) of the clothing processing equipment. A liquid level detection device (22) is installed on the housing (21). The liquid level detection device (22) is close to or located on the bottom surface of the detergent chamber (211). The liquid level detection device (22) includes a transmitter (222) and a receiver (224) arranged opposite to each other. On a plane intersecting the height direction of the detergent chamber (211), the transmitter (222) and the receiver (224) are spaced apart. The transmitter (222) is used to transmit ultrasonic signals through the detergent chamber (211), and the receiver (224) is used to receive the ultrasonic signals.
2. The delivery component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level detection device (22) further includes a mounting base (221), which is mounted on the housing (21), and the transmitter (222) and the receiver (224) are respectively disposed on the mounting base (221).
3. The delivery component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting base (221) is installed on the inner wall of the detergent chamber (211), the liquid level detection device (22) is arranged near the bottom surface of the detergent chamber (211), and the transmitter (222) and the receiver (224) are both arranged inside the detergent chamber (211).
4. The dispensing component according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least the transmitter (222) and the receiver (224) are provided with waterproof structures.
5. The delivery component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting base (221) is installed on the outer wall of the box (21), the liquid level detection device (22) is disposed near the bottom surface of the detergent chamber (211), part of the body of the transmitter (222) passes through the box (21) and is disposed in the detergent chamber (211), and part of the body of the receiver (224) passes through the box (21) and is disposed in the detergent chamber (211).
6. The dispensing component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmitter (222) and the receiver (224) located in the detergent cavity (211) are respectively provided with waterproof structures.
7. The dispensing component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The box body (21) has multiple outer side walls, the mounting base (221) is mounted on one of the outer side walls, the liquid level detection device (22) is disposed near the bottom surface of the detergent chamber (211), and the transmitter (222) and the receiver (224) are respectively disposed on the other two oppositely disposed outer side walls.
8. The delivery component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connection between the mounting base (221) and the housing (21) includes at least one of snap-fit, adhesive, and fastener connection.
9. The dispensing component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The detergent chamber (211) has a lower limit liquid level, which is spaced apart from the bottom surface. The space between the transmitter (222) and the receiver (224) forms a detection space (223). Along the height direction of the detergent chamber (211), the lower limit liquid level is flush with the top of the detection space (223), or the lower limit liquid level is located between the top and bottom of the detection space (223). And / or, the dispensing assembly further includes: a dispensing pipeline and a dispensing pump, one end of the dispensing pipeline being connected to the liquid outlet (212), the other end of the dispensing pipeline being used to connect to the clothing processing chamber (11), and the dispensing pump being located on the dispensing pipeline for dispensing detergent.
10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment includes: The body (10) is provided with a clothing processing chamber (11); According to any one of claims 1 to 9, the detergent chamber (211) of the dispensing component is connected to the garment processing chamber (11) through the liquid outlet (212).