A control method of a washing apparatus and a washing apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a control method of a washing equipment and the washing equipment. The washing equipment comprises a barrel for containing laundry. The application controls detection light to be emitted into the barrel, acquires the intensity of the reflected detection light, determines the amount of foam in the barrel, and controls the detection light to be emitted from the liquid level to above the liquid level or irradiated to the liquid level. The application controls the detection light to be emitted from the liquid level to above the liquid level. When there is foam above the liquid level, the detection light will be reflected by the foam. On the contrary, when there is no foam above the liquid level, the detection light will be directly emitted to above the liquid level and will not be reflected. Thus, the amount of foam can be accurately determined by acquiring the intensity of the reflected detection light. The application controls the detection light to be irradiated to the liquid level. When there is foam above the liquid level, the detection light will be diffusely reflected by the foam. On the contrary, when there is no foam above the liquid level, the detection light will be directly emitted to the liquid level and will be totally reflected. Thus, the amount of foam can be accurately determined by acquiring the intensity of the reflected detection light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mechanical equipment technology, specifically, it relates to a control method for a washing machine and the washing machine itself. Background Technology

[0002] "Washing equipment" refers to a general term for a class of household appliances that can perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes, such as washing machines and washer-dryer combos.

[0003] When washing equipment runs a washing program, detergent needs to be added. The detergent produces foam, which helps to wash the clothes. For example, when using a washing machine to wash clothes, detergent needs to be added to the machine to clean the clothes; detergents include laundry liquid, laundry powder, etc.

[0004] After the washing cycle is complete, rinsing is required to remove the detergent foam. Currently, most washing machines have pre-set rinsing programs that do not adjust according to the amount of foam. This often results in incomplete rinsing when there is a lot of foam, and waste of water and electricity when there is little foam.

[0005] Although some washing machines currently control the number of rinses during the rinsing process based on the amount of foam, the methods and structures for obtaining the amount of foam are complex, and the obtained foam amount is inaccurate. Consequently, the rinsing program controlled based on the obtained foam amount is also inaccurate, which can easily lead to problems such as incomplete rinsing or waste of water and electricity.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method for a washing machine to accurately obtain the amount of foam inside the washing machine tub. Another purpose of this invention is to provide a washing machine that automatically obtains the amount of foam inside the washing machine tub and rationally adjusts the rinsing program based on the obtained foam amount.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] A method for controlling a washing machine, the washing machine including a tub for holding clothes, controlling the emission of detection light into the tub, obtaining the intensity of the reflected detection light, determining the amount of foam in the tub, and controlling the detection light to be emitted from the liquid surface upwards or to illuminate the liquid surface.

[0010] Furthermore, the emission of detection light from the liquid surface to above the liquid surface includes: controlling the light-emitting part at the liquid surface to emit detection light to above the liquid surface, and controlling the photosensitive part at the liquid surface to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light.

[0011] Furthermore, the detection light is emitted from the liquid surface to above the liquid surface, including: when the water is drained until the liquid surface reaches the light-emitting part and the photosensitive part, controlling the light-emitting part to emit detection light, and controlling the photosensitive part to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light;

[0012] Preferably, the drainage is controlled until the liquid surface is on the same plane as the upper surface of the light-emitting part and the photosensitive part.

[0013] Furthermore, the detection light illuminating the liquid surface includes: controlling the light-emitting part above the liquid surface to emit detection light towards the liquid surface, and controlling the photosensitive part above the liquid surface to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light;

[0014] Preferably, when the liquid level reaches below the light-emitting part and the photosensitive part, the light-emitting part is controlled to emit detection light, and the intensity of the detection light reflected by the photosensitive part is controlled.

[0015] Furthermore, during the rinsing process, the intensity of the detected reflected light is used to control subsequent rinsing steps.

[0016] Furthermore, when the detection light is emitted from the liquid surface to above the liquid surface, the intensity E of the acquired reflected detection light is compared with the preset intensity E0. If E > E0, the amount of rinsing water in the subsequent rinsing process is increased, and / or the number of rinsing cycles in the subsequent rinsing process is increased.

[0017] And / or, when the detection light shines on the liquid surface, the intensity E of the acquired reflected detection light is compared with the preset intensity E0'. If E < E0', the amount of rinsing water in the subsequent rinsing process is increased, and / or the number of rinsing cycles in the subsequent rinsing process is increased.

[0018] Furthermore, controlling the amount of rinsing water used in subsequent rinsing processes includes: obtaining the current number of rinsing cycles n, comparing the obtained number of rinsing cycles n with the preset total number of rinsing cycles n0, and if n < n0, then controlling the amount of rinsing water used in subsequent rinsing processes to increase.

[0019] Furthermore, controlling the increase of the number of rinses in subsequent rinsing processes includes: obtaining the current number of rinses n, comparing the obtained number of rinses n with the preset number of rinses n0', and if n < n0', then controlling the increase of the number of subsequent rinses.

[0020] The present invention also discloses a washing device, which is controlled by any of the control methods described in the above technical solutions.

[0021] Furthermore, the washing equipment includes a tub for holding clothes and a foam sensor disposed in the tub. The foam sensor includes a housing that can transmit light, and the housing is provided with a light-emitting part for emitting light and a light-receiving part for receiving light.

[0022] Preferably, the foam sensor further includes a control unit, which is electrically and / or communicatively connected to the light-emitting unit and the photosensitive unit, for controlling the on / off state of the light-emitting unit and the photosensitive unit, and converting the light received by the photosensitive unit into light intensity.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0024] In this invention, by controlling the detection light to be emitted from the liquid surface upwards, when there is foam above the liquid surface, the detection light will be reflected by the foam, and conversely, when there is no foam above the liquid surface, the detection light will be emitted directly upwards without reflection. In this way, by obtaining the intensity of the reflected detection light, the amount of foam in the container can be accurately determined.

[0025] In this invention, by controlling the detection light to shine onto the liquid surface, when there is foam above the liquid surface, the detection light will encounter the foam and undergo diffuse reflection; conversely, when there is no foam above the liquid surface, the detection light will shine directly onto the liquid surface and undergo total reflection. In this way, by obtaining the intensity of the reflected detection light, the amount of foam in the container can be accurately determined.

[0026] In this invention, during the rinsing process, the intensity of the reflected detection light is used to control the subsequent rinsing process, so that the rinsing process can not only clean the foam, but also avoid wasting water and electricity resources.

[0027] The washing equipment of the present invention is controlled by the control method of the present invention, which can accurately determine whether there is foam on the liquid surface and the amount of foam, so as to control the rinsing process of the washing equipment according to the amount of foam, so as to achieve a better rinsing effect and avoid wasting water and electricity resources.

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a control method according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of another control method of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3This is a flowchart of another control method of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another control method of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of another control method of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of another control method of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of another control method of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foam sensor of the present invention.

[0038] In the picture:

[0039] 1. Foam sensor; 11. Housing; 12. Light-emitting part; 13. Photosensitive part; 14. Control part; 15. Light-emitting channel; 16. Photosensitive channel.

[0040] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] "Washing equipment" refers to a general term for a class of household appliances that can perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes, such as washing machines and washer-dryer combos.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the present invention discloses a control method for a washing device. The washing device includes a tub for holding clothes, and controls the emission of detection light into the tub to obtain the intensity of the reflected detection light. Based on the intensity of the reflected detection light, the amount of foam in the tub is determined.

[0046] As one embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the washing equipment includes: controlling the detection light to be emitted from the liquid surface upwards. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, the control steps of the washing equipment include:

[0047] S1, Begin;

[0048] S2, preset reflected light intensity E0;

[0049] S3. Control the emission of detection light from the liquid surface upwards;

[0050] S4. Obtain the intensity of the reflected detection light;

[0051] S5. Determine whether the obtained intensity E is greater than the preset reflected light intensity E0;

[0052] S6. If yes, it is determined that there is a lot of foam in the bucket; otherwise, it is determined that there is a little foam in the bucket.

[0053] S7. Determine whether the detection is complete;

[0054] S8. If yes, end the detection; otherwise, repeat steps S3 to S8.

[0055] The preset reflected light intensity E0 was obtained through extensive experimental verification. Specifically, the reflected light intensity of the detection light on a liquid surface without foam was determined to be E1 through experimental verification; the detection light in air is considered to be non-emitted, i.e., the reflected light intensity is recorded as 0. In this embodiment, the preset reflected light intensity is 0 < E0 < E1.

[0056] Preferably, before the washing equipment leaves the factory, the preset reflected light intensity corresponding to different foam amounts is determined through testing. For example, the foam amount is divided into high-medium-low, and the corresponding preset reflected light intensities are E, respectively. 01 E 02 E 03 And 0 < E 03 <E 02 <E 01 .

[0057] When the obtained intensity E > E01 When the amount of foam inside the bucket is determined to be excessive; when the intensity E is obtained... 02 <E≤E 01 When the foam content inside the bucket is determined to be moderate; when the obtained intensity E 03 <E≤E 02 At that time, the amount of foam inside the bucket was determined to be small.

[0058] In this invention, the detection light is controlled to be emitted from the liquid surface upwards, so that when there is foam above the liquid surface, the detection light is reflected by the foam; conversely, when there is no foam above the liquid surface, the detection light is emitted directly upwards without reflection. Thus, by obtaining the intensity of the reflected detection light, it is possible to accurately determine whether there is foam inside the container.

[0059] Furthermore, the more foam there is above the liquid surface, the better the reflection effect on the detection light, and the greater the intensity of the reflected light. That is, by obtaining the intensity of the reflected detection light, the amount of foam in the tank can be accurately determined.

[0060] As another embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the washing equipment includes: controlling the detection light to irradiate the liquid surface. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the control steps of the washing equipment include:

[0061] S1, Begin;

[0062] S2, preset reflected light intensity E0';

[0063] S3. Control the detection light to shine onto the liquid surface;

[0064] S4. Obtain the intensity of the reflected detection light;

[0065] S5. Determine whether the detected intensity E is less than the preset reflected light intensity E0';

[0066] S6. If yes, it is determined that there is a lot of foam in the bucket; otherwise, it is determined that there is a little foam in the bucket.

[0067] S7. Determine whether the detection is complete;

[0068] S8. If yes, end the detection; otherwise, repeat steps S3 to S8.

[0069] The preset reflected light intensity E0' was obtained through extensive experimental verification. Specifically, the intensity of the detected light reflected on a bubble-free liquid surface was determined to be E1' through experimental verification; the preset reflected light intensity E0' is equal to E1'.

[0070] Preferably, before the washing equipment leaves the factory, the preset reflected light intensity corresponding to different foam amounts is determined through testing. For example, the foam amounts are divided into high-medium-low foam amounts, and the corresponding preset reflected light intensities are E, respectively. 01 ', E 02 ', E 03 ', and 0 < E 01 '<E 02 '<E 03 '<E1.

[0071] When the intensity E is obtained 01 '<E≤E 02 When ' is reached, the amount of foam inside the bucket is determined to be excessive; when the intensity E is obtained... 02 '<E≤E 03 At time ', the amount of foam inside the bucket is determined to be moderate; when the obtained intensity E 03 When ' < E < E1, the amount of foam in the bucket is determined to be small.

[0072] In this invention, by controlling the direction of the detection light towards the liquid surface, when there is foam above the liquid surface, the detection light will encounter the foam and undergo diffuse reflection, resulting in a lower intensity of the reflected detection light. Conversely, when there is no foam above the liquid surface, the detection light will directly strike the liquid surface and undergo total internal reflection, resulting in a higher intensity of the reflected detection light. Thus, by obtaining the intensity of the reflected detection light, it is possible to accurately determine whether there is foam inside the container.

[0073] Furthermore, the more foam there is above the liquid surface, the more obvious the diffuse reflection effect on the detection light becomes, and the lower the intensity of the reflected light is obtained. That is, by obtaining the intensity of the reflected detection light, the amount of foam in the tank can be accurately determined.

[0074] As one embodiment of the present invention, controlling the detection light to be emitted from the liquid surface to above the liquid surface includes:

[0075] The light-emitting part 12 at the liquid surface is controlled to emit detection light above the liquid surface, and the photosensitive part 13 at the liquid surface is controlled to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light.

[0076] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the control steps of the washing equipment include:

[0077] S1, Begin;

[0078] S2, preset reflected light intensity E0;

[0079] S3. Control the light-emitting part 12 at the liquid surface to emit detection light above the liquid surface;

[0080] S4. Control the intensity of the reflected detection light by the photosensitive part 13 at the liquid surface;

[0081] S5. Determine whether the detected intensity E is greater than the preset reflected light intensity E0;

[0082] S6. If yes, it is determined that there is a lot of foam in the bucket; otherwise, it is determined that there is a little foam in the bucket.

[0083] S7. Determine whether the detection is complete;

[0084] S8. If yes, end the detection; otherwise, repeat steps S3 to S8.

[0085] In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 12 at the liquid surface emits detection light upwards. When there is foam above the liquid surface, the detection light is reflected when it encounters the foam. By using the photosensitive unit 13 at the liquid surface to obtain the intensity of the reflected detection light, the amount of foam can be determined.

[0086] When the detected intensity E is greater than the preset reflected light intensity E0, it indicates that the intensity of the reflected detection light is relatively large, further indicating that there is a large amount of foam above the liquid surface; conversely, when the detected intensity E is less than or equal to the preset reflected light intensity E0, it indicates that the intensity of the reflected detection light is relatively small, further indicating that there is almost no foam above the liquid surface, and the detection light is directly directed to the liquid surface with almost no emission.

[0087] In another embodiment of the present invention, the detection light is emitted from the liquid surface to above the liquid surface, including:

[0088] When the liquid level reaches the light-emitting part 12 and the photosensitive part 13, the light-emitting part 12 is controlled to emit detection light, and the photosensitive part 13 is controlled to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light.

[0089] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the control steps of the washing equipment include:

[0090] S1, Begin;

[0091] S2, preset reflected light intensity E0;

[0092] S3. Drain water until the liquid level reaches the light-emitting part 12 and the photosensitive part 13;

[0093] S4. Control the light-emitting part 12 at the liquid surface to emit detection light above the liquid surface;

[0094] S5. Control the photosensitive part 13 at the liquid surface to obtain the intensity of the reflected detection light;

[0095] S6. Determine whether the obtained intensity E is greater than the preset reflected light intensity E0;

[0096] S7. If yes, it is determined that there is a lot of foam in the bucket; otherwise, it is determined that there is a little foam in the bucket.

[0097] S8. Determine whether the detection is complete;

[0098] S9. If yes, end the detection; otherwise, repeat steps S4 to S9.

[0099] In this embodiment, when the liquid level reaches the light-emitting part 12 and the photosensitive part 13, the light-emitting part 12 is controlled to emit detection light, and the photosensitive part 13 is controlled to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light. This not only accurately determines whether there is foam above the liquid level, but also avoids the situation where the foam between the liquid level and the light-emitting part 12 and the photosensitive part 13 cannot be effectively detected when the liquid level is below the light-emitting part 12 and the photosensitive part 13.

[0100] In one embodiment of this invention, the drainage is controlled until the liquid surface is on the same plane as the upper surfaces of the light-emitting part 12 and the photosensitive part 13. This embodiment makes the detection result of the amount of foam in the washing equipment more accurate, ensuring that the foam above the liquid surface is completely detected without misjudgment.

[0101] In another embodiment of the present invention, controlling the detection light to irradiate the liquid surface includes:

[0102] The light-emitting part 12 above the liquid surface is controlled to emit detection light towards the liquid surface, and the photosensitive part 13 above the liquid surface is controlled to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light.

[0103] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the control steps of the washing equipment include:

[0104] S1, Begin;

[0105] S2, preset reflected light intensity E0';

[0106] S3. Drain water until the liquid level reaches below the light-emitting part 12 and the photosensitive part 13;

[0107] S4. Control the light-emitting unit 12 to emit detection light;

[0108] S5. Control the photosensitive unit 13 to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light;

[0109] S6. Determine whether the detected intensity E is less than the preset reflected light intensity E0';

[0110] S7. If yes, it is determined that there is a lot of foam in the bucket; otherwise, it is determined that there is a little foam in the bucket.

[0111] S8. Determine whether the detection is complete;

[0112] S9. If yes, end the detection; otherwise, repeat steps S4 to S9.

[0113] In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 12 above the liquid surface emits detection light towards the liquid surface, so that the emitted detection light can be reflected at the liquid surface. The photosensitive unit 13 above the liquid surface acquires the intensity of the reflected detection light, so that the acquired light intensity can represent the situation of light reflection from the liquid surface.

[0114] Furthermore, the drainage is controlled until the liquid surface reaches below the light-emitting part 12 and the photosensitive part 13, so as to ensure that the detection light emitted by the light-emitting part 12 can be directed toward the liquid surface, thereby enabling the intensity of the reflected detection light to truly reflect the amount of foam above the liquid surface.

[0115] As one embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the washing equipment includes:

[0116] During the rinsing process, the intensity of the reflected light is used to control the subsequent rinsing process.

[0117] In this embodiment, the intensity of the reflected light obtained can accurately characterize whether there is foam in the tank and the amount of foam. Furthermore, the rinsing process is controlled based on the amount of foam, ensuring that the rinsing process effectively removes the foam without wasting water or electricity.

[0118] As one embodiment of this invention, the control method for the washing equipment includes:

[0119] When the detection light is emitted from the liquid surface upwards, if the intensity of the reflected detection light is greater than the preset intensity, the amount of rinsing water in the subsequent rinsing process is increased; and / or, the number of rinsing cycles in the subsequent rinsing process is increased.

[0120] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the control steps of the washing equipment include:

[0121] S1. Begin rinsing;

[0122] S2, preset reflected light intensity E0;

[0123] S3. Control the emission of detection light from the liquid surface upwards;

[0124] S4. Obtain the intensity of the reflected detection light;

[0125] S5. Determine whether the obtained intensity E is greater than the preset reflected light intensity E0;

[0126] S6. If yes, it is determined that there is a lot of foam in the bucket, and step S7 is executed; otherwise, it is determined that there is a little foam in the bucket, and step S8 is executed directly.

[0127] S7. Increase the amount of rinsing water in subsequent rinsing processes;

[0128] S8. Determine if rinsing is complete;

[0129] S9. If yes, end the rinsing process; otherwise, repeat steps S4 to S9.

[0130] In this embodiment, if the intensity E obtained is greater than the preset reflected light intensity E0, it indicates that there is a lot of foam in the tank. The amount of rinsing water in the subsequent rinsing process or the number of rinsing processes in the subsequent rinsing process is increased to ensure that more foam can be rinsed clean.

[0131] Conversely, if the intensity E obtained is less than or equal to the preset reflected light intensity E0, it indicates that there is little foam in the tank, and the amount of rinsing water or the number of rinsing cycles will not be increased in the subsequent rinsing process, so as to reduce the waste of water and electricity resources during the rinsing process.

[0132] As another implementation of this embodiment, the control method for the washing equipment includes:

[0133] When the detection light shines on the liquid surface, the intensity E of the reflected detection light is compared with the preset intensity E0'. If E < E0', the amount of rinsing water in the subsequent rinsing process is increased, and / or the number of rinsing cycles in the subsequent rinsing process is increased.

[0134] Specifically, the control steps of the washing equipment include:

[0135] S1. Begin rinsing;

[0136] S2, preset reflected light intensity E0';

[0137] S3. Control the detection light to shine onto the liquid surface;

[0138] S4. Obtain the intensity of the reflected detection light;

[0139] S5. Determine whether the obtained intensity E is less than the preset reflected light intensity E0';

[0140] S6. If yes, it is determined that there is a lot of foam in the bucket and proceeds to step S7; otherwise, it is determined that there is a little foam in the bucket and proceeds to step S8.

[0141] S7. Increase the amount of rinsing water in subsequent rinsing processes;

[0142] S8. Determine if rinsing is complete;

[0143] S9. If yes, end the rinsing process; otherwise, repeat steps S4 to S9.

[0144] In this embodiment, if the detected intensity E is less than the preset reflected light intensity E0', it indicates that diffuse reflection occurred when the detection light irradiated the liquid surface, which further indicates that there is a lot of foam in the tank. The amount of rinsing water in the subsequent rinsing process or the number of rinsing processes in the subsequent rinsing process is increased to ensure that more foam can be rinsed clean.

[0145] As another embodiment of the present invention, controlling the increase of rinsing water volume in subsequent rinsing processes includes: obtaining the current rinsing number n, comparing the obtained rinsing number n with the preset total rinsing number n0, and if n < n0, then controlling the increase of rinsing water volume in subsequent rinsing processes.

[0146] The preset total number of rinses n0 is a factory default value, or it can be set manually; for example, in one rinsing cycle, the preset total number of rinses n0 is 3, 4, 5, etc.

[0147] Specifically, the control steps of the washing equipment are as follows: Figure 7 As shown,

[0148] S1. Begin rinsing;

[0149] S2, preset reflected light intensity E0, preset total number of rinses n0;

[0150] S3. Control the emission of detection light from the liquid surface upwards;

[0151] S4. Obtain the intensity of the reflected detection light;

[0152] S5. Determine whether the obtained intensity E is greater than the preset reflected light intensity E0;

[0153] S6. If yes, it is determined that there is a lot of foam in the bucket, and steps S7 to S9 are executed; otherwise, it is determined that there is a little foam in the bucket, and step S10 is executed directly.

[0154] S7. Get the current number of rinses, n;

[0155] S8. Determine whether the current number of rinses n is less than the preset total number of rinses n0;

[0156] S9. If yes, increase the amount of rinsing water in the subsequent rinsing process; otherwise, proceed directly to step S10.

[0157] S10. Determine if rinsing is complete;

[0158] S11. If yes, end the rinsing process; otherwise, repeat steps S3 to S11.

[0159] In this embodiment, if the number of rinses n is less than the preset total number of rinses n0, it indicates that the current rinse is not the last rinse. The amount of rinsing water in the subsequent rinse process is increased to ensure that the foam can be rinsed off in the subsequent rinse process.

[0160] Conversely, if the number of rinses n is equal to the preset total number of rinses n0, it indicates that the current rinse is the last rinse, meaning the rinsing process is about to be completed. In this case, there is no need to adjust the subsequent rinse water volume, thus avoiding unnecessary control operations and causing control redundancy in the washing equipment.

[0161] In another embodiment of the present invention, controlling the increase in the number of rinses in subsequent rinsing processes includes:

[0162] The preset number of rinses is n0'. The current number of rinses n is obtained. If the number of rinses n < n0', the subsequent number of rinses is increased. The preset number of rinses n0' is less than the total number of rinses n0; for example, if the total number of rinses n0 is 5 times, the preset number of rinses n0' is 3 times.

[0163] In this embodiment, if the number of rinsing times n is less than the preset number of rinsing times n0', it indicates that the number of rinsing times is too low. When it is determined that there is a lot of foam in the tank, the foam can be rinsed clean by increasing the number of rinsing times.

[0164] Conversely, if the number of rinses n is greater than or equal to the preset number of rinses n0', it indicates that the current number of rinses is sufficient, but there is still a lot of foam. This means that simply changing the number of rinses is insufficient to effectively remove the foam. In this case, other methods need to be considered to adjust the rinsing program to effectively remove the foam.

[0165] The present invention also discloses a washing device, which is controlled by any of the control methods described in the above technical solutions.

[0166] The washing equipment of the present invention is controlled by the control method of the present invention, which can accurately determine whether there is foam on the liquid surface and the amount of foam, so as to control the rinsing process of the washing equipment according to the amount of foam, so as to achieve a better rinsing effect and avoid wasting water and electricity resources.

[0167] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, the washing equipment includes a tub for holding clothes and a foam sensor 1 disposed inside the tub. The foam sensor 1 includes a housing 11 that transmits light, and the housing 11 is provided with a light-emitting part 12 for emitting light and a light-receiving part 13 for receiving light.

[0168] The present invention emits detection light through the light-emitting part 12 and receives the reflected detection light through the photosensitive part 13, and obtains the intensity of the reflected detection light, which can effectively determine the amount of foam in the bucket.

[0169] Furthermore, the foam sensor 1 also includes a control unit 14. The control unit 14 is electrically or communicatively connected to the light-emitting unit 12 and the photosensitive unit 13, and is used to control the opening and closing of the light-emitting unit 12 and the photosensitive unit 13, and to convert the light received by the photosensitive unit 13 into the intensity of the light.

[0170] In this system, the photosensitive unit 13 receives the reflected detection light, and the controller, which is connected to the photosensitive unit 13, converts the received reflected detection light into a voltage value.

[0171] For example, when there is no foam above the photosensitive part 13 and only air, the photosensitive part 13 can hardly receive the reflected detection light. At this time, the controller 14 converts it into a low voltage signal with a voltage value of less than or equal to 1.5 volts.

[0172] When there is foam above the photosensitive part 13, the photosensitive part 13 receives a relatively large amount of reflected detection light. At this time, the controller converts it into a medium voltage signal with a voltage value between 1.5 volts and 4 volts.

[0173] When there is liquid above the photosensitive unit 13, the detection light undergoes total internal reflection. The photosensitive unit 13 receives the most reflected detection light, and the controller converts it into a high voltage signal with a voltage value greater than or equal to 4 volts.

[0174] Based on the voltage value output by the foam sensor 1, the present invention can determine the type of substance above the photosensitive part 13, and thus determine whether there is foam above the photosensitive part 13.

[0175] Furthermore, in this invention, the light-emitting part 12 is disposed within the light-emitting channel 15. The light emitted by the light-emitting part 12 propagates within the light-emitting channel 15 and exits through the transparent housing 11. The photosensitive part 13 is disposed within the photosensitive channel 16. The reflected detection light enters the photosensitive channel 16 through the transparent housing 11 and is received by the photosensitive part 13 disposed within the photosensitive channel 16.

[0176] This configuration ensures that the detection light emitted by the light-emitting unit 12 can be effectively emitted without significant loss during the emission process, thus guaranteeing good transmission and detection performance. Furthermore, the arrangement of the photosensitive unit 13 allows it to accurately acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light, avoiding interference from other light beams and resulting in more accurate judgment results.

[0177] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a tub for holding clothes and a foam sensor disposed within the tub, wherein a detection light is emitted into the tub, the intensity of the reflected detection light is acquired, and the amount of foam in the tub is determined, characterized in that: The foam sensor includes a light-transmitting housing, which contains a light-emitting channel and a light-sensing channel. The light-emitting part is disposed in the light-emitting channel, and the light-sensing part is disposed in the light-sensing channel. The light emitted by the light-emitting part propagates in the light-emitting channel and is emitted through the transparent housing. The reflected detection light enters the light-sensing channel through the transparent housing and is received by the light-sensing part. Controlling the detection light to be emitted from the liquid surface to above the liquid surface includes: draining water until the liquid surface reaches the light-emitting part and the photosensitive part, controlling the light-emitting part to emit detection light, and controlling the photosensitive part to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light; Alternatively, controlling the detection light to irradiate the liquid surface includes: draining water until the liquid surface reaches below the light-emitting part and the photosensitive part, controlling the light-emitting part to emit detection light, and controlling the intensity of the detection light reflected by the photosensitive part.

2. The control method for a washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection light is emitted from the liquid surface to above the liquid surface, including: controlling the light-emitting part at the liquid surface to emit detection light to above the liquid surface, and controlling the photosensitive part at the liquid surface to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light.

3. The control method for a washing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Control the drainage until the liquid surface is on the same plane as the upper surface of the light-emitting part and the photosensitive part.

4. The control method for a washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection light irradiation onto the liquid surface includes: controlling the light-emitting part above the liquid surface to emit detection light towards the liquid surface, and controlling the photosensitive part above the liquid surface to acquire the intensity of the reflected detection light.

5. A control method for a washing device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: During the rinsing process, the intensity of the reflected light is used to control the subsequent rinsing process.

6. The control method for a washing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the detection light is emitted from the liquid surface to the top of the liquid surface, the intensity E of the reflected detection light is compared with the preset intensity E0. If E > E0, the amount of rinsing water in the subsequent rinsing process is increased, and / or the number of rinsing cycles in the subsequent rinsing process is increased. And / or, when the detection light shines on the liquid surface, the intensity E of the acquired reflected detection light is compared with the preset intensity E0'. If E < E0', the amount of rinsing water in the subsequent rinsing process is increased, and / or the number of rinsing cycles in the subsequent rinsing process is increased.

7. The control method for a washing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Controlling the amount of rinsing water used in subsequent rinsing processes includes: obtaining the current number of rinsing steps n, comparing the obtained number of rinsing steps n with the preset total number of rinsing steps n0, and if n < n0, then controlling the amount of rinsing water used in subsequent rinsing processes to increase.

8. The control method for a washing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Controlling the number of subsequent rinses in the rinsing process includes: obtaining the current number of rinses n, comparing the obtained number of rinses n with the preset number of rinses n0', and if n < n0', then controlling the increase of the number of subsequent rinses.

9. A washing device, characterized in that: Controlled by any of the control methods described in claims 1-8.

10. A washing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: It includes a tub for holding clothes and a foam sensor disposed inside the tub. The foam sensor includes a housing that transmits light, and inside the housing are a light-emitting part for emitting light and a light-receiving part for receiving light.

11. A washing device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The foam sensor also includes a control unit, which is electrically and / or communicatively connected to the light-emitting unit and the photosensitive unit, for controlling the on / off state of the light-emitting unit and the photosensitive unit, and converting the light received by the photosensitive unit into light intensity.

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