Control method and control device of washing electric appliance, washing electric appliance and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a control method of a washing electric appliance, a control device of the washing electric appliance, the washing electric appliance and a computer readable storage medium. The washing appliance comprises a water softener, and the water softener comprises a regeneration cavity and a softening cavity. The control method of the washing electric appliance comprises the step of controlling the regeneration cavity to be communicated with the softening cavity to replace water in the regeneration cavity under the condition that the softening cavity does not need to be regenerated. According to the control method of the washing electric appliance, under the condition that the softening cavity of the washing electric appliance does not need to be regenerated, the regeneration cavity is controlled to be communicated with the softening cavity, so that water in the regeneration cavity can be replaced, and water deterioration, peculiar smell generation and influence on the cleaning power of a dish washing machine caused by the fact that water in the regeneration cavity is not discharged for a long time and is gathered in the regeneration cavity can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a control method for a washing machine, a control device for a washing machine, a washing machine, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] The hardness of the water used in a dishwasher will affect the washing and drying process. If the water is too hard, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water will inhibit the effectiveness of the detergent. At the same time, water droplets remaining on the dishes will leave limescale residue after evaporation.

[0003] In related technologies, dishwashers are equipped with water softeners. Water softeners use resin to adsorb calcium and magnesium ions from water to soften it. After absorbing a certain amount of calcium and magnesium ions, the resin's softening capacity will reach saturation. Once saturated, it will lose its softening effect. At this point, the resin needs to be replaced and regenerated by using brine in the brine chamber. After that, the resin can regain its softening capacity and absorb calcium and magnesium ions again.

[0004] However, due to differences in water quality in different regions, the water in the brine chamber may become smelly if it is not used for a long time, thus affecting the cleaning power of the dishwasher. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a control method for a washing appliance, a control device for a washing appliance, a washing appliance, and a computer-readable storage medium to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] This invention discloses a control method for a washing appliance, the washing appliance including a water softener, the water softener comprising a regeneration chamber and a softening chamber. The control method for the washing appliance includes:

[0007] When the softening chamber does not require regeneration, the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected to replace the water in the regeneration chamber.

[0008] The control method of the above-mentioned washing appliance connects the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber when the softening chamber of the washing appliance does not need to be regenerated. This can replace the water in the regeneration chamber, thereby preventing the water in the regeneration chamber from not being drained for a long time, accumulating in the regeneration chamber, causing water deterioration, producing odors, and affecting the cleaning power of the dishwasher.

[0009] In some embodiments, the control method includes:

[0010] In response to the start-up operation of the washing appliance, the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected to drain the water in the regeneration chamber;

[0011] If the duration of communication between the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber reaches a preset duration, the communication between the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber shall be controlled to be disconnected.

[0012] When the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are not connected, the washing appliance is controlled to sequentially introduce water into the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber to replace the water in the regeneration chamber.

[0013] In some embodiments, controlling the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber to communicate in response to the start-up operation of the washing appliance to drain water from the regeneration chamber includes:

[0014] In response to the start-up operation of the washing appliance and when the washing operation of the washing appliance reaches a preset number of cycles, the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected to drain the water in the regeneration chamber.

[0015] In some embodiments, the control method includes:

[0016] In response to the start-up operation of the washing appliance, the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected to drain the water in the regeneration chamber;

[0017] When the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected, the washing appliance is controlled to simultaneously introduce water into the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber to replace the water in the regeneration chamber.

[0018] In some embodiments, the control method includes:

[0019] Obtain the content of regenerant in the regeneration chamber;

[0020] If the regenerant content exceeds a preset value, the washing appliance will issue an alarm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the control method includes:

[0022] When the softening chamber needs to be regenerated, the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected to enable the softening chamber to be regenerated, based on a preset relationship between the water quality level and the number of washes used in the washing appliance.

[0023] In some embodiments, the water softener includes a water valve that connects the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber;

[0024] The control method includes:

[0025] Control the water valve to close so that the regeneration chamber is connected to the softening chamber;

[0026] The water valve is disconnected to prevent the regeneration chamber from communicating with the softening chamber.

[0027] A control device for a washing appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, implements the control method for the washing appliance described in any of the above embodiments.

[0028] The control device of the aforementioned washing appliance controls the connection between the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber when the resin regeneration frequency of the washing appliance is set to zero. This allows water in the regeneration chamber to be discharged through the softening chamber, thereby preventing water from accumulating in the regeneration chamber for a long time, which would lead to water deterioration, odor, and affect the cleaning power of the dishwasher.

[0029] A washing appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a water softener and a control device for the washing appliance described in the above embodiment, wherein the water softener is electrically connected to the control device.

[0030] In the aforementioned washing appliance, when the resin regeneration frequency of the washing appliance is set to zero, the regeneration chamber is connected to the softening chamber. This allows water in the regeneration chamber to be discharged through the softening chamber, thereby preventing water from accumulating in the regeneration chamber for a long time, which would lead to water deterioration, odor, and affect the cleaning power of the dishwasher.

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0032] In the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium, when the resin regeneration frequency of the washing appliance is set to zero, the regeneration chamber is connected to the softening chamber. This allows water in the regeneration chamber to be discharged through the softening chamber, thereby preventing water from accumulating in the regeneration chamber for an extended period, which could lead to water deterioration, odor, and reduced cleaning power of the dishwasher.

[0033] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water softener according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figures 2 to 5 This is a flowchart of the control method for a washing appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the modules of a washing appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] Water softener 10, regeneration chamber 12, softening chamber 14, water valve 16, processor 18, memory 20, control device 100, washing appliance 200. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] 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.

[0044] This disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described herein. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0045] Dishwashers typically use tap water as their washing water source. The hardness of the tap water can affect the washing and drying performance of the dishwasher. If the water is too hard, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water will inhibit the effectiveness of the detergent. At the same time, water droplets remaining on the dishes will leave limescale residue after evaporation.

[0046] Therefore, dishwashers are equipped with water softeners to soften hard water. Tap water with a calcium and magnesium ion content between 1.4 mmol / L and 5.3 mmol / L is called hard water, while water with a calcium and magnesium ion content between 0.7 mmol / L and 1.4 mmol / L is called soft water.

[0047] Water softeners utilize ion exchange technology, which works by using exchangeable cations (such as Na+ and H+) in the resin to exchange calcium and magnesium ions in the water, retaining them in the resin and thus softening the hard water. The most commonly used cation exchange resin is the sodium-type strong acid cation exchange resin, denoted as RNa. The ionic reaction formula for its softening process is as follows:

[0048] Ca 2+ +2RNa=R2Ca+2Na +

[0049] Mg 2+ +2RNa=R2Mg+2Na +

[0050] The exchange capacity of cation exchange resins is not unlimited. When the hardness of the effluent can no longer be reduced to a certain specified value after a certain period of use, the cation exchange resin is considered "ineffective" and can no longer perform its softening function. To restore the exchange capacity of ion exchange resins, a regenerant such as a sodium chloride solution (8%–10%) is usually used to regenerate the ion exchange resin (also known as reduction). This involves using sodium ions from the sodium chloride solution to replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the resin. The ionic reaction formula is as follows:

[0051] R2Ca+2Na + =2RNa+Ca 2+

[0052] R2Mg+2Na + =2RNa+Mg 2+

[0053] After regeneration, sodium chloride solution is discharged, and the regenerated resin is rinsed with clean water, thus restoring the water softening ability of the exchange resin.

[0054] The softening salt used for resin regeneration is added by the user as a consumable. The user also adjusts the resin regeneration setting of the water softener according to the hardness of the local water used. Different settings result in different regeneration frequencies.

[0055] Table 1 shows an example of the regeneration settings for a water softener. This example water softener has 6 settings, with regeneration frequencies ranging from no regeneration (H1), regeneration once every 10 runs (H2), to regeneration once every run (H6). The factory default setting is H3.

[0056]

[0057] like Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the normal water inlet and regeneration water paths of a dishwasher. During normal water inlet, water softens in the resin chamber. During resin regeneration, the water path becomes the regeneration water path. The regeneration solenoid valve opens, allowing water to flow into the brine chamber and mix thoroughly with the brine. The regeneration water in the brine chamber, driven by its higher water level, is then injected into the resin chamber to undergo a regeneration reaction with the resin.

[0058] The water regeneration step is not triggered every time the dishwasher runs. Instead, it is triggered according to the frequency of the regeneration step corresponding to the user-set water softener regeneration setting, as shown in Table 1. When the user selects setting H1, the frequency of the regeneration step is 0.

[0059] When the water supply in the user's area is soft water, the user will set the soft water regeneration setting to H1. At this time, the dishwasher will not regenerate, and the user will not need to add soft water salt.

[0060] Water quality varies greatly from region to region, resulting in different regeneration frequencies for the resin and the frequency of regeneration salt usage. Water is always present in the salt chamber, which has a capacity of approximately 1L (depending on the specific structure). If the user adds regeneration salt, the water in the salt chamber has a certain degree of corrosion resistance; even if the dishwasher is not used for an extended period, the water remaining in the salt chamber will not corrode or deteriorate.

[0061] However, if the dishwasher's soft water regeneration setting is set to H1, it can be assumed that the water used in the area where the dishwasher is used is soft water. In this case, the user does not need to add regeneration salt to the brine chamber, and the regeneration step will not occur. The water in the brine chamber will then remain there for an extended period, inevitably leading to water contamination, unpleasant odors, reduced cleaning power, and potential health risks for the user.

[0062] Please see Figure 1 The present invention discloses a control method for a washing appliance 200, wherein the washing appliance 200 includes a water softener 10, and the water softener 10 includes a regeneration chamber 12 and a softening chamber 14.

[0063] The control methods for the washing appliance 200 include:

[0064] When the softening chamber 14 does not require regeneration, the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are connected to replace the water in the regeneration chamber 12.

[0065] The control method of the washing appliance 200 described above controls the regeneration chamber 12 to be connected to the softening chamber 14 when the softening chamber 14 does not need to be regenerated. This can replace the water in the regeneration chamber 12, thereby preventing the water in the regeneration chamber 12 from not being drained for a long time, accumulating in the regeneration chamber 12, causing water deterioration, producing odors, and affecting the cleaning power of the dishwasher.

[0066] Specifically, the washing appliance 200 includes a water softener 10, which includes a regeneration chamber 12 and a softening chamber 14. During the washing operation of the washing appliance 200, the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are not connected. The water entering the washing appliance 200 flows through the softening chamber 14 to the washing chamber for washing.

[0067] The material inside the softening chamber 14 can be resin, and the regenerant added to the regeneration chamber 12 is salt. The water quality can be softened by replacing calcium and magnesium ions in the hard water with resin.

[0068] When the resin in the softening chamber 14 needs regeneration, brine from the regeneration chamber 12 is injected into the softening chamber 14 to undergo a regeneration reaction with the resin in the softening chamber 14. When the washing appliance 200 is working, the washing water inlet first refills the regeneration chamber 12 with water, and then injects water into the washing chamber through the softening chamber 14 to start the washing operation.

[0069] Before using the washing machine 200, the user needs to set the resin regeneration frequency according to the local water quality. After obtaining the resin regeneration frequency, the washing machine 200 can perform regeneration operations according to the resin regeneration frequency.

[0070] When the tap water used by the user is soft water, the water softener can be set to the lowest setting (10), which means the resin regeneration frequency is zero and the softening chamber 14 does not need to be regenerated.

[0071] At this time, the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are connected, so that the water stored in the regeneration chamber 12 is discharged through the softening chamber 14. When the washing appliance 200 is working, tap water is re-injected into the regeneration chamber 12 to replace the water in the regeneration chamber. This prevents the water in the regeneration chamber 12 from becoming deteriorated and smelly due to long-term disuse when the washing appliance 200 is not regenerating resin, thus affecting the cleaning effect of the washing appliance 200.

[0072] In one embodiment, a replacement button can be added to the washing appliance 200. The user can control the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 of the water softener 10 to replace the water in the regeneration chamber 12 by using the replacement button.

[0073] Please see Figure 2 In some implementations, the control method includes:

[0074] Step S105: In response to the opening operation of the washing appliance 200, control the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 to connect so as to drain the water in the regeneration chamber 12.

[0075] Step S107: If the duration of communication between the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 reaches a preset duration, control the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 to disconnect.

[0076] Step S109: When the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are not connected, the washing appliance 200 is controlled to sequentially introduce water into the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 to replace the water in the regeneration chamber 12.

[0077] In this way, the water in the regeneration chamber 12 can be almost completely drained.

[0078] Specifically, after receiving the start command from the washing appliance 200, the system first controls the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 to connect. For example... Figure 1 As shown, after the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are connected, the water outlet of the regeneration chamber 12 is located at the bottom of the regeneration chamber 12. Under the action of gravity, the water in the regeneration chamber 12 flows to the softening chamber 14. After a preset time, the water in the regeneration chamber 12 is basically drained. At this time, the connection between the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 can be controlled to be disconnected, and the washing machine 200 can be controlled to start the washing program.

[0079] During the water intake phase of the washing program, new tap water is injected into the regeneration chamber 12, thereby basically completely replacing the water in the regeneration chamber 12. This prevents the water in the regeneration chamber 12 from becoming foul and deteriorating due to long-term disuse, which would affect the cleaning effect of the washing appliance 200.

[0080] Please see Figure 3 In some implementations, step S105 includes:

[0081] Step S1051: In response to the start-up operation of the washing appliance 200 and after the washing appliance 200 has completed a preset number of washing operations, control the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 to connect so as to drain the water in the regeneration chamber 12.

[0082] In this way, there is no need to replace the water in the regeneration chamber 12 every time the washing appliance 200 works, thus minimizing the impact on the normal washing process of the washing appliance 200.

[0083] Specifically, after receiving the start command of the washing appliance 200, it is first necessary to control the connection between the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 and continue for a preset time. This process will increase the washing time. At the same time, during the water intake stage of the washing program, new tap water needs to be re-injected into the regeneration chamber 12. Since the water intake volume is fixed each time, the amount of water entering the washing chamber will be reduced.

[0084] Therefore, it is possible to set the washing machine 200 to complete a preset number of wash cycles before connecting the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 once to drain the water from the regeneration chamber 12. On the one hand, the water in the regeneration chamber 12 is less prone to deterioration during short-term storage and does not require frequent replacement; on the other hand, this allows the washing machine 200 to periodically clean the water stored in the regeneration chamber 12 without affecting the regular washing process.

[0085] The preset number of times can be set according to the usage frequency of the washing appliance 200, or it can be set according to the user's needs; no specific limitation is made here.

[0086] Please see Figure 4 In some implementations, the control method includes:

[0087] Step S111: In response to the opening operation of the washing appliance 200, control the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 to connect so as to drain the water in the regeneration chamber 12;

[0088] Step S113: With the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 connected, control the washing appliance 200 to simultaneously introduce water into the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 to replace the water in the regeneration chamber 12.

[0089] In this way, while the washing process is in progress, the water in the regeneration chamber 12 is controlled to drain, so that the drainage of the regeneration chamber 12 does not affect the normal operation of the washing process.

[0090] Specifically, when the water softener 10 is in the default setting of not performing regeneration, the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are connected before water is introduced in each normal washing cycle. Then, the water inlet valve is opened for normal water intake. Thus, after the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are connected, the outlet of the regeneration chamber 12 is located at the bottom of the regeneration chamber 12. Under the action of gravity, the water in the regeneration chamber 12 and the washing water flow simultaneously to the softening chamber 14. In this way, the water in the regeneration chamber 12 is discharged synchronously during the water intake stage of the washing appliance 200, achieving the purpose of replacing the water in the regeneration chamber 12.

[0091] Furthermore, after the water inlet stage is completed, the water inlet valve is closed, and the regeneration chamber 12 and softening chamber 14 are kept separate. Thus, during the water inlet stage, the regeneration chamber 12 is connected to the water inlet circuit, allowing water to drain from the regeneration chamber 12. In other stages after the water inlet stage, keeping the regeneration chamber 12 and softening chamber 14 separate prevents water from continuously draining from the regeneration chamber 12 during washing or drying processes, thus avoiding interference with the normal washing program of the washing appliance 200. In a single washing cycle, there are multiple water inlet stages. By connecting the regeneration chamber 12 and softening chamber 14 for drainage during each stage, the water in the regeneration chamber 12 can be almost completely replaced after multiple water inlet stages without affecting the normal operation of the washing process.

[0092] Please see Figure 5 In some implementations, the control method includes:

[0093] Step S115: Obtain the regenerant content in regeneration chamber 12;

[0094] Step S117: If the regenerant content is greater than the preset value, control the washing appliance 200 to issue an alarm message.

[0095] In this way, the water in the regeneration chamber 12 can be prevented from mixing with the regenerator and flowing into the softening chamber 14 and the washing chamber, thereby avoiding contamination of the washing water.

[0096] Specifically, the following explanation uses salt as a regenerator. The salt in the regeneration chamber 12 needs to be added by the user. If the user has added salt to the regeneration chamber 12 but sets the resin regeneration frequency to zero, salt water will be mixed into the machine and participate in the washing, affecting the cleaning power of the washing appliance 200.

[0097] Therefore, when the user sets the resin regeneration frequency to zero, the content of regenerant in the regeneration chamber 12 is detected. If the content of regenerant is greater than the preset value, it is considered that there is salt in the regeneration chamber 12. At this time, an alarm message needs to be issued to prompt the user to deal with the salt water in the regeneration chamber 12 to prevent the salt water from being discharged into the washing chamber and participating in the washing.

[0098] Products equipped with a water softener 10 typically have a low salt indicator light or low salt alarm on the control panel to remind the user that salt needs to be added. If the user sets the resin regeneration frequency to zero and uses the same low salt detection scheme, and salt is detected in the regeneration chamber 12, the user will be notified via a panel indicator light or alarm code that the salt in the regeneration chamber 12 needs to be removed; otherwise, it will affect the dishwasher's performance.

[0099] The preset value of the regenerant content in regeneration chamber 12 refers to the concentration of the brine (after the salt in the regeneration chamber dissolves in water) that, when discharged into the softening chamber and mixed with the washing water, will affect the washing process. The preset value of the regenerant content can be obtained from experimental data after the washing appliance has been tested; no specific limit is set here.

[0100] In one embodiment, the regeneration chamber 12 is equipped with a float and a sensor. After salt is added to the regeneration chamber 12, the salt mixes with the water in the regeneration chamber 12, changing the density of the water and thus affecting the buoyancy of the float. When the regenerant content in the regeneration chamber 12 reaches a certain value, the float will rise to a certain extent and be detected by the sensor, thereby determining the regenerant content in the regeneration chamber 12.

[0101] In some implementations, the control method includes:

[0102] When the softening chamber 14 needs to be regenerated, the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are connected to enable the softening chamber 14 to be regenerated, based on the preset relationship between the water quality level and the number of washes used by the washing appliance 200.

[0103] Thus, based on the preset relationship between the water quality grade and the number of washes used by the washing appliance 200, the resin in the softening chamber 14 is regenerated at a certain frequency, which helps to ensure the cleaning effect of the washing appliance 200.

[0104] Specifically, when the resin regeneration frequency is not zero, the resin in the softening chamber 14 will react with the hard water entering the softening chamber 14. Therefore, the resin needs to be regenerated at a certain frequency. For example, as shown in Table 1, the resin regeneration frequency is first determined based on the local tap water quality. Based on the relationship between the number of washes of the washing appliance 200 and the resin regeneration frequency shown in Table 1, after the number of washes reaches the corresponding resin regeneration frequency, the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are connected. This allows the resin in the softening chamber 14 to be regenerated, thereby ensuring the cleaning power of the washing appliance 200.

[0105] In some embodiments, the washing appliance 200 includes a water valve 16 connected to the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14, and the control method includes:

[0106] The water valve 16 is closed to connect the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14.

[0107] The control water valve 16 is disconnected so that the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are not connected.

[0108] Thus, by controlling the opening and closing of the water valve 16, the connection and disconnection states of the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 can be controlled.

[0109] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are connected by a water pipe. A water valve 16 is installed on the water pipe. When the water valve 16 is closed, the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are connected; when the water valve 16 is open, the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 are not connected. The water valve 16 is electrically connected to the control device 100 of the washing appliance 200. By controlling the opening and closing of the water valve 16, the connection and disconnection states of the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 can be controlled.

[0110] In one embodiment, the water valve 16 can be a solenoid valve, which is electrically connected to the control device 100 of the washing appliance 200. By controlling the switch of the solenoid valve, the connection and disconnection states of the regeneration chamber 12 and the softening chamber 14 can be controlled.

[0111] In summary, the control method of this invention is applied to a washing appliance 200 that has a water softener 10 and regenerates the softening resin according to the water quality level. When the tap water used by the washing appliance 200 meets the soft water standard, the water softener 10 of the washing appliance 200 does not need to work. At this time, the washing appliance 200 is controlled to replace the water stored in the regeneration chamber 12 of the water softener 10 within a certain period of time to prevent the water in the regeneration chamber 12 from deteriorating and becoming smelly due to long-term disuse, thereby avoiding affecting the cleaning power of the washing appliance 200.

[0112] Please see Figure 6A control device 100 for a washing appliance 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a processor 18 and a memory 20. The memory 20 stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor 18, implements the control method of the washing appliance 200 according to any of the above embodiments.

[0113] The control device 100 of the aforementioned washing appliance 200 controls the regeneration chamber 12 to connect with the softening chamber 14 when the softening chamber 14 does not need to be regenerated. This allows the water in the regeneration chamber 12 to be replaced, thereby preventing the water in the regeneration chamber 12 from not being drained for a long time, accumulating in the regeneration chamber 12, which would cause the water to deteriorate, produce odors, and affect the cleaning power of the dishwasher.

[0114] A washing appliance 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a water softener 10 and a control device 100 of the washing appliance 200 of the above embodiment, wherein the water softener 10 is electrically connected to the control device 100.

[0115] The aforementioned washing appliance 200 controls the regeneration chamber 12 to be connected to the softening chamber 14 when the softening chamber 14 does not need to be regenerated. This allows the water in the regeneration chamber 12 to be replaced, thereby preventing the water in the regeneration chamber 12 from not being drained for a long time, accumulating in the regeneration chamber 12, which would cause the water to deteriorate, produce odors, and affect the cleaning power of the dishwasher.

[0116] Specifically, the washing appliances 200 include, but are not limited to, dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, etc.

[0117] An embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor 18, implements the steps of the control method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0118] In the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium, when the softening chamber 14 does not require regeneration, the regeneration chamber 12 is connected to the softening chamber 14. This allows the water in the regeneration chamber 12 to be replaced, thereby preventing the water in the regeneration chamber 12 from accumulating in the regeneration chamber 12 for a long time, which would cause the water to deteriorate, produce odors, and affect the cleaning power of the dishwasher.

[0119] It should be noted that the above explanation of the implementation method and its beneficial effects also applies to the control device 100, the washing appliance 200, and the computer-readable storage medium of the washing appliance 200 in the embodiments of this application. To avoid redundancy, they will not be elaborated in detail here.

[0120] It is understood that a computer program includes computer program code. Computer program code can be in the form of source code, object code, executable files, or certain intermediate forms. Computer-readable storage media can include: any entity or device capable of carrying computer program code, recording media, USB flash drives, external hard drives, magnetic disks, optical disks, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and software distribution media, etc. The processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc.

[0121] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0122] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for a washing appliance, the washing appliance comprising a water softener, the water softener comprising a regeneration chamber and a softening chamber, characterized in that, The control method includes: When the softening chamber does not require regeneration, the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected to replace the water in the regeneration chamber.

2. The control method for a washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method includes: In response to the start-up operation of the washing appliance, the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected to drain the water in the regeneration chamber; If the duration of communication between the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber reaches a preset duration, the communication between the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber shall be controlled to be disconnected. When the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are not connected, the washing appliance is controlled to sequentially introduce water into the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber to replace the water in the regeneration chamber.

3. The control method for a washing appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of controlling the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber to communicate in response to the start-up operation of the washing appliance to drain the water in the regeneration chamber includes: In response to the start-up operation of the washing appliance and when the washing operation of the washing appliance reaches a preset number of cycles, the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected to drain the water in the regeneration chamber.

4. The control method for a washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method includes: In response to the start-up operation of the washing appliance, the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected to drain the water in the regeneration chamber; When the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected, the washing appliance is controlled to simultaneously introduce water into the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber to replace the water in the regeneration chamber.

5. The control method for a washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method includes: Obtain the content of regenerant in the regeneration chamber; If the regenerant content exceeds a preset value, the washing appliance will be controlled to issue an alarm.

6. The control method for a washing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method includes: When the softening chamber needs to be regenerated, the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber are connected to enable the softening chamber to be regenerated, based on a preset relationship between the water quality level and the number of washes used in the washing appliance.

7. The control method for a washing appliance according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The water softener includes a water valve, which connects the regeneration chamber and the softening chamber. The control method includes: controlling the water valve to close so that the regeneration chamber is connected to the softening chamber; The water valve is disconnected to prevent the regeneration chamber from communicating with the softening chamber.

8. A control device for a washing appliance, characterized in that, include: processor; and A memory storing a computer program that, when executed by the processor, implements the control method for the washing appliance according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. A washing appliance, characterized in that, The device includes a water softener and a control device for the washing appliance as described in claim 8, wherein the water softener is electrically connected to the control device.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the control method for the washing appliance according to any one of claims 1-7.

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