Ventilation control method, control device, computer readable storage medium for a washing machine

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of clothes processing, and provides a ventilation control method, a control device and a computer readable storage medium for a washing machine, wherein the washing machine comprises a clothes processing barrel and a ventilation module, the ventilation module comprises: 1) a ventilation unit, air from an external environment can enter a ventilation chamber of the ventilation unit through an air inlet and then be discharged to an inner space of the barrel through an air outlet; 2) a heating unit comprising a heating component, the heating component can discharge heat to the air discharged to the inner space of the barrel; the ventilation control method comprises: acquiring the humidity of the inner space of the barrel; determining whether the humidity is in a current humidity interval; according to the determination result, the heating component is started in a set manner; wherein the current humidity interval is determined according to a reference humidity. Through such a structure, the clothes in the inner space of the barrel can be kept at an expected humidity level in an assisted manner by the heating component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing handling technology, and specifically provides a ventilation control method, control device, and computer-readable storage medium for a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines, as a widely used household appliance, are primarily used for the centralized cleaning of clothes. Different washing programs can be used to wash clothes of different materials and properties. The main types of washing machines on the market are top-loading (pulsator) washing machines and front-loading (drum) washing machines. Top-loading washing machines clean clothes by simulating a hand-washing method of rubbing and kneading. Front-loading washing machines clean clothes by simulating a hand-washing method of beating or tumbling.

[0003] Washing machines typically have a door, allowing users to easily remove and air-dry washed clothes. However, there are situations where users forget to remove their clothes. Since washed clothes still contain moisture and are often piled up and wrung out, and the inner drum is a relatively enclosed environment, if clothes remain inside for too long (e.g., overnight or even several days), the inner drum space containing the clothes may develop an odor or even mold.

[0004] As an improvement, Chinese invention patent application (CN110130053A) discloses a vent structure, a washing machine, and a control method, specifically disclosing the following: The vent structure includes a vent and a rotating body. The vent is disposed on the device to be ventilated and communicates with a chamber within the device. The rotating body is rotatably disposed at the vent, and a first connecting hole is radially disposed on the rotating body, which can selectively communicate with the vent. This vent structure, through the rotation of the rotating body, can either block the vent or connect the connecting hole on the rotating body to the vent, thereby selectively opening or closing the vent. When the washing machine is in washing mode, the rotating body blocks the vent, preventing heat or washing water from being ejected from the vent, thus preventing heat loss and avoiding burns to the user. After the washing machine finishes washing, the rotating body rotates, connecting the connecting hole to the vent, thereby connecting the inside and outside of the washing machine, allowing moisture to escape through the vent, preventing mold or odor from developing in the washing machine or on the clothes inside.

[0005] It can be seen that the literature uses ventilation into the inner drum / tube space to prevent clothes from getting moldy or smelly while they are stored there. However, ventilation alone has limited effect on drying clothes. Since the clothes have already undergone a relatively scientific cleaning process, improper drying may lead to the following problem: even if the clothes do not have mold or smell, they may still need to be washed a second time.

[0006] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The present invention is proposed to solve at least some of the above-mentioned technical problems, or to solve the above-mentioned technical problems to at least a certain extent.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] In view of the above, the first aspect of the present invention provides a ventilation control method for a washing machine, the washing machine including a clothes handling tub and a ventilation module, the ventilation module including: 1) a ventilation unit, including: a ventilation base forming a ventilation chamber; wherein the ventilation chamber has an air inlet that can communicate with the external environment and an air outlet that can communicate with the inner space of the clothes handling tub, and air from the external environment enters the ventilation chamber through the air inlet and is distributed to the inner space of the tub through the air outlet; wherein the air inlet is provided with a cover, at least a portion of the cover being movably disposed on the ventilation base at a position corresponding to the air inlet; 2) a heating unit, including a heating component, the heating component being able to distribute heat to the air distributed to the inner space of the tub; the ventilation control method includes: acquiring the humidity of the inner space of the tub; determining whether the humidity is within a current humidity range; and, based on the determination result, activating the heating component in a set manner; wherein the current humidity range is determined based on a preset reference humidity.

[0011] This design allows for the distribution of heated air into the clothes inside the drum. Compared to ordinary air, the warmer air is more effective at drying washed clothes that haven't been removed from the drum.

[0012] It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the specific structural form, number, and relative placement of the heating components to the heating unit based on the actual situation. For example, it could be placed upstream of the air inlet to preheat the air before it flows into the ventilation chamber; placed downstream of the air outlet to replenish the air after it flows out of the ventilation chamber; placed between the air inlet and outlet; etc.

[0013] Taking the heating element located between the air inlet and the air outlet as an example, the heating element can be located inside the ventilation chamber or independently outside the ventilation unit.

[0014] Preferably, the heating unit includes a heating base, the heating base having a heating chamber, and the heating component disposed in the heating chamber.

[0015] This configuration provides a specific structural form for the heating unit.

[0016] It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the manner in which the heating element is configured in the heating channel based on the actual situation, such as by directly or indirectly placing it in the channel to distribute heat to the heating channel.

[0017] It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the structural form, number, and movable portion of the cover relative to the air outlet, as well as the specific method of achieving the movement, based on the actual situation. For example, the cover may be composed of multiple sub-covers, some of which are movably configured, such as in a retractable manner.

[0018] Preferably, the heating chamber is in communication with the ventilation chamber.

[0019] This configuration provides a specific structural form for the ventilation module.

[0020] It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the specific connection method between the heating chamber and the ventilation chamber based on the actual situation. For example, the heating chamber may be a single, separately constructed channel (denoted as channel 1), and the ventilation chamber may include two channels (denoted as channel 21 and channel 22), wherein channel 1 is connected to the air inlet, and channel 2 is connected to the air outlet. In this way, heated air from the external environment can be distributed into the internal space of the container through the air inlet → channel 21 → channel 1 → channel 22 → air outlet. Channels 21 and 22 may or may not be connected.

[0021] Taking the example of air being distributed into the space inside the barrel through the air inlet → channel 21 → channel 1 → channel 22 → air outlet, heating components can be configured only for channel 1, or heating components can be configured for channels 21 and 22.

[0022] Preferably, at least a portion of the heating chamber is located within the ventilation chamber.

[0023] This configuration provides a specific way to structure the heating chamber and the ventilation chamber.

[0024] Preferably, the ventilation substrate and the heating substrate are fixedly connected or integrally formed, and at least a portion of the ventilation chamber and the heating chamber are shared.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the ventilation module of the aforementioned washing machine, the cover is rotatably disposed on the ventilation base at a position corresponding to the air inlet.

[0026] This configuration provides a specific way for the cover to move.

[0027] Preferably, the ventilation unit includes a drive mechanism connected to the ventilation base to drive the cover to rotate.

[0028] This configuration provides a specific way for the cover to rotate.

[0029] Preferably, the cover includes a cover base and a connecting end extending from the cover base toward the side near the ventilation chamber, the connecting end being provided with a connecting shaft, and the power output end of the drive mechanism being connected to the connecting shaft.

[0030] This composition provides a specific structural form for the cover.

[0031] Preferably, the washing machine includes a plug-in terminal, and the heating component is plugged into the plug-in terminal; and / or the ventilation module is provided with a partition at a position corresponding to the air outlet, and the air outlet is divided into multiple air outlet areas by the partition.

[0032] This configuration provides a specific arrangement for the heating element and the air outlet.

[0033] It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the location of the connector based on actual needs, such as the heating element, the ventilation element, or any reasonable location on the washing machine other than either of these. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can determine the number of partitions, the air outlet area of ​​the separated air outlet zones, the air outlet direction, and other attributes based on the actual situation.

[0034] Based on the above structural couple, by determining whether the humidity is within the humidity range, the clothes in the tub can be kept at the expected humidity level by means of the heating component.

[0035] It is understandable that those skilled in the art can determine the reference humidity and the mapping relationship between the reference humidity and the current humidity range according to actual needs. For example, the reference humidity can be a quantitative or variable, and the current humidity range can be calculated from the reference humidity using a specific formula, derived by introducing empirical data based on the reference humidity, or directly equal to the reference humidity, etc.

[0036] Furthermore, it is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the specific start-up timing and operating parameters of the heating element according to actual needs. For example, the operating parameters may correspond to one or more factors such as the current time, the condition of the clothing, the humidity of the space inside the tub, and the current humidity range. The operating mode of the heating element may be: running with constant operating parameters for a certain period of time followed by power cut-off, and then restarting after a certain interval; or continuously running with constant or variable operating parameters for a set period of time; etc.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the ventilation control method for the washing machine described above, the step of "determining whether the humidity is within the current humidity range" includes: obtaining the current ventilation mode of the washing machine; and determining whether the humidity is within the current humidity range corresponding to the current ventilation mode.

[0038] This structure provides a specific way to determine the current humidity range.

[0039] Specifically, in determining the current humidity range, with the baseline humidity as a reference, the ventilation mode is used as a limiting factor, and on this basis, better ventilation can be achieved for the clothes inside the bin.

[0040] It is understandable that those skilled in the art can determine the type and specific form of ventilation modes based on actual needs, such as developing different ventilation modes based on empirical data or user requirements. For example, when customizing different ventilation modes according to user needs, the current humidity range will also incorporate a portion related to the user's customization.

[0041] In one possible implementation of the ventilation control method for the washing machine described above, the ventilation mode includes a first ventilation mode, with one end of the current humidity range corresponding to the first ventilation mode being the reference humidity.

[0042] This configuration provides a specific form of the first ventilation mode.

[0043] In one possible implementation of the ventilation control method for the washing machine described above, the right end of the current humidity range corresponding to the first ventilation mode is used as the reference humidity. The "starting the heating element in a set manner according to the judgment result" includes: when the humidity is not in the current humidity range corresponding to the first ventilation mode, the heating element is first started until the humidity reaches the left end of the current humidity range corresponding to the first ventilation mode.

[0044] This configuration provides a specific activation method for the heating component.

[0045] In one possible implementation of the ventilation control method for the washing machine described above, the ventilation mode includes a second ventilation mode, the reference humidity is located between the left and right endpoints of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode, and the "starting the heating element in a set manner according to the judgment result" includes: when the humidity is not within the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode, operating the heating element to bring the humidity between the left and right endpoints of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode.

[0046] This configuration provides a specific activation method for the heating component.

[0047] In one possible implementation of the ventilation control method for the washing machine described above, the washing machine is equipped with a ventilation program corresponding to the ventilation control method. The ventilation program has a duration, which includes a first stage and a second stage in sequence. The phrase "operating the heating element to bring the humidity between the left and right endpoints of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode when the humidity is not within the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode" includes: during the first stage, when the humidity is not within the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode, operating the heating element to bring the humidity between the left and right endpoints of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode.

[0048] This configuration provides a specific activation method for the heating component.

[0049] In one possible implementation of the ventilation control method for the washing machine described above, the "starting the heating element in a set manner according to the judgment result" includes: during the second stage, when the humidity is close to the reference humidity or the right end of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode, the heating element is operated and the humidity is between the left end of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode and the reference humidity.

[0050] This configuration provides a specific activation method for the heating component.

[0051] It is understood that those skilled in the art can flexibly determine the specific method for determining the left and right endpoints of the current humidity range corresponding to the first / second ventilation mode according to actual needs, such as using a quantitative method or using variables. Taking the left endpoint of the second ventilation mode as a variable as an example, it can be derived from empirical data, from a reference humidity, and / or from the right endpoint, etc.

[0052] A second aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium adapted to store a plurality of program codes adapted to be loaded and run by a processor to perform the ventilation control method of a washing machine as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0053] It is understood that the computer-readable storage medium has all the technical effects of the ventilation control method for the washing machine described in any of the foregoing claims, and will not be repeated here.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the ventilation control method for a washing machine of the present invention can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed by a processor, it can implement the steps of the various method embodiments described above. The computer program includes computer program code, which includes, but is not limited to, program code for executing the ventilation control method for the washing machine described above. For ease of explanation, only the parts relevant to the present invention are shown. The computer program code can be in the form of source code, object code, executable file, or some intermediate form. The computer-readable storage medium can include: any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code, a medium, a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a computer memory, a read-only memory, a random access memory, an electrical carrier signal, a telecommunication signal, and a software distribution medium, etc. It should be noted that the content contained in the computer-readable storage medium can be appropriately added or removed according to the requirements of legislation and patent practice in the jurisdiction. For example, in some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, the computer-readable storage medium does not include electrical carrier signals and telecommunication signals.

[0055] A third aspect of the present invention provides a control device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory being adapted to store a plurality of program codes, the program codes being adapted to be loaded and executed by the processor to perform the ventilation control method of a washing machine as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0056] It is understood that this control device possesses all the technical effects of the ventilation control method for the washing machine described in any of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be elaborated further here. This control device can be a control device device comprising various electronic devices.

[0057] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a control device comprising a control module configured to perform the ventilation control method for a washing machine as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0058] It is understood that the control device has all the technical effects of the ventilation control method of the washing machine described in any of the foregoing claims, and will not be repeated here.

[0059] In the description of this invention, a "control module" may include hardware, software, or a combination of both. A module may include hardware circuitry, various suitable sensors, communication ports, memory, and may also include software components, such as program code, or a combination of software and hardware. The processor may be a central processing unit, microprocessor, image processor, digital signal processor, or any other suitable processor. The processor has data and / or signal processing capabilities. The processor may be implemented in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include any suitable medium capable of storing program code, such as magnetic disks, hard disks, optical disks, flash memory, read-only memory, random access memory, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, it should be understood that since the control module is only used to illustrate a functional unit in the system corresponding to the ventilation control method of the washing machine of the present invention, the physical device corresponding to the control module can be the processor itself, or a part of the processor's software, hardware, or a combination of both. Therefore, the number of control modules is only illustrative. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control module can be adaptively split according to actual circumstances. The specific splitting of the control module will not cause the technical solution to deviate from the principle of the present invention; therefore, the technical solutions after splitting will all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0061] The control method of the washing machine of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with a twin-tub laundry handling device comprising a washing machine with two pulsator washing units. In the drawings:

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the ventilation module of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ;

[0063] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the ventilation module of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2;

[0064] Figure 3 An exploded view of the ventilation module of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0065] Figure 4 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a ventilation module of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a cover and a drive mechanism.

[0066] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the construction of a current humidity range corresponding to a first ventilation mode and a second ventilation mode in a ventilation control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0067] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart of a ventilation control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0068] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0069] 100. Ventilation module; 11. Ventilation base (heating base); 111. Ventilation chamber (heating chamber); 112. Main body; 1121. Screw hole; 1122. Buckle; 113. Rear cover; 12. Air inlet; 13. Cover; 131. Cover base; 132. Connecting end; 133. Connecting shaft; 14. Drive mechanism; 141. Housing; 15. Air outlet; 151. Partition; 152. Air outlet area; 2. Heating component; 21. Plug. Detailed Implementation

[0070] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, although the embodiments are described in conjunction with the ventilation chamber and heating chamber in the ventilation module sharing a single chamber, those skilled in the art can modify them according to actual circumstances, such as the ventilation chamber and heating chamber being two independent and interconnected chambers constructed through the ventilation base and heating base, respectively.

[0071] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The singular terms "an" and "this" may also include plural forms.

[0072] Furthermore, to better illustrate the present invention, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can be practiced even without certain specific details. In some examples, the specific structure and working principle of washing machines well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail, in order to highlight the main points of the present invention.

[0073] Washing machines include a clothes handling drum. After washing, it's possible that the user forgets to remove the damp clothes. Therefore, a ventilation function, such as an 8-hour automatic ventilation function, can be added to the washing machine. This allows for automatic drying of washed clothes stored in the drum if they are not removed promptly after washing. In one specific embodiment, a 7.44W, 2.01m / min axial flow fan is installed. Upon detecting that washed clothes have been stored in the drum for a certain period, the fan activates to introduce ambient air into the drum, thus drying the clothes. Specifically, the negative pressure created by the axial flow fan within the drum draws in ambient air, thereby drying the washed clothes. However, considering the fan's air delivery capacity and the accumulation and twisting of clothes within the drum, as described in the background section, ventilation alone may still have limited drying effect. Since the clothes have already undergone a relatively scientific cleaning process, improper drying could lead to the following problem: even if the clothes don't show signs of mold or odor, a second wash may be necessary. Therefore, this invention is proposed, specifically, to dry already washed clothes by incorporating a ventilation module into the washing machine.

[0074] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the ventilation module of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the ventilation module of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 , Figure 3 An exploded view of the ventilation module of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The figure shows a structural schematic diagram of a ventilation module for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a cover and a drive mechanism. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the ventilation module 100 mainly includes a ventilation unit and a heating unit, wherein:

[0075] 1) The ventilation unit includes a ventilation base 11, which forms a ventilation chamber 111. The ventilation chamber has an air inlet 12 that can communicate with the external environment and an air outlet 15 that can communicate with the inner space of the laundry processing tub. In this way, the air from the external environment enters the ventilation chamber through the air inlet and is then distributed to the inner space of the tub through the air outlet, thereby drying the inner space of the tub where the washed but not yet removed clothes are located.

[0076] In one specific embodiment, the ventilation base 11 includes a main body 112 and a rear cover 113, which are fastened together to form a ventilation chamber 111. The upper part of the main body is provided with an installation structure including screw holes 1121 and snap fasteners 1122, such as allowing the ventilation module to be installed to the top inner wall of the washing machine by screwing and snapping. Obviously, this is only an exemplary description, and those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust the structure of the ventilation base and the specific method of fixing the ventilation module to the washing machine according to the actual situation.

[0077] 2) The heating unit includes a heating base with a heating chamber. The heating chamber is equipped with a heating element 2. This allows the heating element to dissipate heat to the air released into the drum space via the ventilation unit, thereby better drying the drum space where washed but not yet removed clothes are located. In this embodiment, the heating base and the ventilation base are shared structures, and correspondingly, the ventilation chamber and the heating chamber are shared chambers.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the heating element is a straight tube structure whose main body extends completely into the ventilation chamber, with one end fixed to the wall of the ventilation base and having a plug 21. In this way, the heating element can be electrically connected by plugging the plug into a socket (such as a receptacle) on the washing machine. Based on this, simply energizing the heating element will heat the air in the ventilation chamber. Obviously, this is only an exemplary description, and those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust the structure and specific arrangement of the heating element according to actual conditions. For example, a spiral heating tube disposed on the inner wall of the heating chamber.

[0079] In one possible implementation, a cover 13 is provided at the air inlet of the ventilation module. The cover is movably disposed on the ventilation base at the position corresponding to the air inlet. This allows the cover to block the air inlet during normal washing cycle operation or when there is no ventilation requirement in the clothes handling drum. This prevents wash water from overflowing into the external environment during normal washing cycle operation. When ventilation is required in the clothes handling drum, the cover opens the air inlet. The opening degree can be adjusted according to actual needs to achieve effective ventilation of the clothes inside the drum.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the cover is rotatably positioned on the ventilation base at the location corresponding to the air inlet. For example, the cover may be equipped with a drive mechanism 14, such as a motor, which can drive the cover to rotate.

[0081] For example, the cover 13 mainly includes a cover base 131 and a side extending from the cover base towards the ventilation chamber ( Figure 4Two connecting ends 132 extending from the right side of the cover are provided, each with a connecting shaft 133 arranged along the length of the cover. One connecting shaft is freely accommodated in a mounting hole (not shown) on the side plate of the ventilation base, and the other connecting shaft is connected to the power output end of the motor. The ventilation module is equipped with a cover 141 for the motor. After the motor is installed on the ventilation base, the cover is placed over the motor. The cover can be connected to the ventilation base by snap-fit ​​or other methods as shown in the figure.

[0082] Based on this structure, the lid can be controlled by adjusting the motor's operating parameters to perform the following actions: During a normal washing cycle, the lid can be flipped 90° from front to bottom to block the air inlet, effectively preventing water splashing and ensuring the washing machine's performance during normal washing. When the washing machine is not in use, assuming there are no clothes in the laundry tub (i.e., the user has removed the clothes for drying), the lid can remain sealed. If clothes are detected in the laundry tub, the motor can be used to open the air outlet and activate the heating element to release heat into the ventilation chamber, depending on the condition of the clothes. For example, the lid can be flipped 90° upwards from front to top to fully open the air inlet, simultaneously activating the heating element.

[0083] It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the opening degree and method of the air inlet according to the actual situation, and can determine the start / stop status of the heating element and its operating parameters in the start state according to actual needs. For example, it could be: at regular intervals, the cover is fully opened once and held for a set time. For multiple cover opening states, the heating element is activated once at each interval. For example: the cover is fully opened once every 30 minutes and held for 5 minutes. Assuming that the heating element is not activated the first time the cover is fully opened, the heating element is activated the second time.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the ventilation module has two partitions 151 at the position corresponding to the air outlet 15 along the air outlet direction, thereby dividing the air outlet into three air outlet areas 152 by the two partitions.

[0085] In this example, two partitions divide the air outlet into three roughly equal-sized air outlet areas. Furthermore, since the partitions are positioned approximately along the air outlet direction, the air outlet direction of each area is not significantly different from that of a single, undivided air outlet. Obviously, those skilled in the art can adjust the number, structure, and orientation of the partitions according to the actual situation. For example, the partitions could be inclined plates, thus allowing adjustment of the air outlet direction of the corresponding air outlet area; the two surfaces of the partition could be sloped (with different thicknesses along the air outlet direction), thus allowing for opposite adjustments to the air outlet directions of two air outlet areas related to the two surfaces; and so on.

[0086] Taking the aforementioned air outlet as an example that includes multiple air outlet areas, in order to better set the air outlet parameters of each air outlet area, a movable sealing structure similar to the aforementioned cover can be configured for one or more air outlet areas. In this way, the air volume, air outlet direction, etc. of the corresponding air outlet area can be adjusted more precisely by adjusting the opening and closing state of the sealing structure of the corresponding air outlet area.

[0087] Based on this setup, the following needs can be addressed: depending on the quantity and condition of the clothes inside the bin, one or more air outlet areas can be connected. Furthermore, when the corresponding air outlet areas are connected, it's necessary to continuously change the airflow direction. This can be achieved by first moving the sealing structure of the air outlet areas that don't require airflow to a closed state. Then, the sealing structure of the air outlet areas that do require airflow can be moved to an open state. By moving the sealing structure according to a pre-defined pattern, the requirement to change the airflow direction can be met. Based on this, the performance of the ventilation module can be optimized in the airflow stage.

[0088] As can be seen, in the ventilation module of the washing machine of the present invention, for situations where clothes are not removed from the drum space in a timely manner after washing, the ventilation unit and the heating unit work together to deliver air containing heat to the clothes in the drum space. Compared with ordinary air, the temperature of the air delivered to the drum space is increased by adding heat to the air. Based on this, it is expected to achieve better drying of the washed clothes remaining in the drum space.

[0089] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the construction of a current humidity range corresponding to a first ventilation mode and a second ventilation mode in a ventilation control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5As shown, in the two-dimensional coordinate system, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the humidity of the space inside the drum. The starting point when the washing machine begins operating in the first / second ventilation mode is considered the zero point of the horizontal axis, and the humidity of the space inside the drum after the first / second ventilation mode ends is considered the target point of the vertical axis (usually non-zero). Therefore, the origin of the two-dimensional coordinate system is (the zero point of time, the non-zero point of humidity). In this example, y(t), y1(t), and y2(t) are all time-related humidity boundary lines. y(t) is the baseline humidity boundary line fitted from experimental data, and y1(t) and y2(t) are the first and second humidity boundary lines, respectively, established based on the performance of the heating element, and are higher and lower than the value of y(t) at the same time. [y2(t), y(t)] constitutes the current humidity range corresponding to the first ventilation mode (e.g., strong heat mode), and [y2(t), y1(t)] constitutes the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode (e.g., economy mode or power-saving mode).

[0090] In this example, the control curve corresponding to the first ventilation mode is the dashed curve in the figure, and the control curve corresponding to the second ventilation mode is the solid curve in the figure.

[0091] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 6 A schematic flowchart illustrating a ventilation control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 As shown, this ventilation control method mainly includes the following steps:

[0092] S601. Determine the current ventilation mode.

[0093] If a ventilation mode is required (the washing program has finished and the clothes have not been removed, thus meeting the requirement to run the ventilation mode), the default ventilation mode can be run, the user-selected ventilation mode can be run, the appropriate ventilation mode can be determined and run, or the ventilation mode can be selected when the user knows that the washing program has finished and the clothes should be removed, but the objective conditions for removing the clothes cannot be met (such as the user having to go out before the washing program is finished).

[0094] S603. When the current ventilation mode is the strong heat mode, the humidity of the space inside the clothes processing tub is detected by the humidity sensor, and it is determined whether the humidity is within the current humidity range corresponding to the strong heat mode, that is, whether the humidity inside the tub is within [y2(t), y(t)]. If yes, the ventilation mode is operated normally and the heating component is not started. If no, proceed to S605.

[0095] Parameters in the ventilation mode may include, but are not limited to, motor speed, operating mode (continuous or intermittent), and the opening state of the cover (fixed or variable opening).

[0096] S605. First, run the heating element until the humidity inside the tank reaches the left end of the current humidity range corresponding to the strong heat mode, i.e., y2(t).

[0097] S607. Adjust the start / stop status or operating parameters of the heating element to keep the humidity inside the tank within [y2(t), y(t)] until the high-heat mode operation ends. For example, exit the ventilation mode 8 hours after starting the high-heat mode.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, by adjusting the start / stop status or operating parameters of the heating element, the humidity inside the tank can be ideally set within [y2(t), y(t)] as shown by the dashed curve (preset curve) in the figure.

[0099] S609. When the current ventilation mode is the economy mode, the humidity of the space inside the clothing processing tank is detected by the humidity sensor, and it is determined whether the humidity is within the current humidity range corresponding to the economy mode, that is, whether the humidity is within [y2(t), y1(t)]. If yes, the ventilation mode is operated normally and the heating component is not started. If no, proceed to S611.

[0100] Similar to the ventilation mode corresponding to the high-heat mode mentioned above, the parameters in the ventilation mode may include, but are not limited to, the motor speed, the operating mode (continuous operation or intermittent operation), and the opening state of the cover (fixed opening or variable opening).

[0101] S611. Adjust the start / stop status or operating parameters of the heating element so that the detected humidity inside the barrel is within [y2(t), y1(t)] until the first stage of the ventilation process ends.

[0102] For example, the ventilation procedure may last for 8 hours, with the first phase being the first 7 hours and the second phase being the last 1 hour.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, by adjusting the start / stop status or operating parameters of the heating element, the humidity inside the tank can be ideally set within [y2(t), y1(t)] as shown by the solid curve (preset curve) in the figure.

[0104] S613. In the second stage of the ventilation process, adjust the start / stop status / operation parameters of the heating element according to the humidity of the tank space at the starting point of the second stage.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the specific adjustment method is as follows:

[0106] 1) If the humidity of the space inside the barrel at the starting point of the second stage is close to the level of y(t), such as slightly greater than y(t) but close to y(t), or still within the current humidity range but already close to or touching y(t), then the heating element is activated and the humidity of the space inside the barrel is within a subset of [y2(t), y1(t)] [y2(t), y(t)].

[0107] Preferably, this situation is defined only as the humidity of the space inside the barrel that is still within the current humidity range but has approached or touched y(t).

[0108] 2) If the humidity inside the bucket at the starting point of the second stage is close to y1(t), or if it is greater than y1(t) but close to y1(t), or if it is still within the current humidity range but has approached (at this time, the humidity inside the bucket is greater than the previously mentioned value slightly greater than y(t)) or has reached y1(t), then the heating element is activated to bring the humidity inside the bucket into a subset [y2(t), y1(t)] of [y2(t), y(t)]. During adjustment, the heating element is first activated until the humidity reaches the left endpoint of this subset [y2(t), y(t)], i.e., y2(t). Based on this, reasonable adjustments can be made to bring the humidity within [y2(t), y(t)].

[0109] Preferably, all cases where the humidity inside the barrel is greater than y(t) are defined as this case.

[0110] 3) If the humidity inside the tank at the starting point of the second stage is less than y(t), similar to the first stage, the humidity inside the tank can be adjusted to be within [y2(t), y1(t)] by adjusting the start / stop status or operating parameters of the heating element until the second stage of the ventilation program ends.

[0111] It can be seen that in the ventilation control method of the invented washing machine, by introducing a heating element and setting the current humidity range corresponding to different ventilation modes, when the washing machine needs to run the ventilation mode, the start / stop status and operating parameters of the heating element can be adjusted so that the clothes that have been washed but not removed in the clothes processing drum can be in a drum space with a low humidity level, thereby effectively preventing clothes from getting moldy or having odors, and improving the user experience.

[0112] It should be noted that although the steps in the above embodiments are described in a specific order, those skilled in the art will understand that, in order to achieve the effects of the present invention, different steps do not necessarily have to be executed in this order. They can be executed simultaneously or in other orders, and some steps can be added, replaced, or omitted. For example, when the current operating ventilation mode is the strong heat mode, the ventilation process can be divided into a first stage and a second stage similar to the economic mode; when the current operating ventilation mode is the economic mode, the first stage and the second stage are not distinguished; etc.

[0113] It should be noted that although the safety control method described above is used as an example, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited thereto. In fact, users can flexibly adjust the relevant steps and parameters according to actual application scenarios, such as making more detailed distinctions and controls on the specific adjustment methods of the second stage.

[0114] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ventilation control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes a clothes handling tub and a ventilation module, the ventilation module comprising: 1) A ventilation unit, which includes: A ventilated substrate having ventilated chambers; The ventilation chamber has an air inlet that can communicate with the external environment and an air outlet that can communicate with the internal space of the clothing processing tub. Air from the external environment enters the ventilation chamber through the air inlet and is then distributed to the internal space of the tub through the air outlet. The air inlet is provided with a cover, and at least a portion of the cover is movably disposed on the ventilation base at a position corresponding to the air inlet. 2) A heating unit, which includes a heating component capable of distributing heat to the air distributed into the space inside the barrel; The ventilation control method includes: Obtain the humidity inside the barrel; Determine if the humidity is within the current humidity range; Based on the judgment result, the heating component is activated in a predetermined manner; The current humidity range is determined based on a preset reference humidity. The determination of whether the humidity is within the current humidity range includes: Get the current ventilation mode of the washing machine; Determine whether the humidity is within the current humidity range corresponding to the current ventilation mode; The ventilation mode includes a second ventilation mode, the reference humidity is located between the left and right endpoints of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode, and the washing machine is configured with a ventilation program corresponding to the ventilation control method. The ventilation program has a duration, which includes a second phase. The step of activating the heating component in a predetermined manner based on the judgment result includes: If the humidity is not within the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode, the heating element is operated to bring the humidity between the left and right endpoints of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode. This step includes: During the second phase, when the humidity is close to the reference humidity or the right end of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode, the heating element is operated and the humidity is positioned between the left end of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode and the reference humidity.

2. The ventilation control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ventilation mode includes a first ventilation mode, with one end of the current humidity range corresponding to the first ventilation mode as the reference humidity.

3. The ventilation control method for a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The right endpoint of the current humidity range corresponding to the first ventilation mode is taken as the reference humidity. The step of activating the heating component in a set manner based on the judgment result includes: If the humidity is not within the current humidity range corresponding to the first ventilation mode, the heating element is first operated until the humidity reaches the left end of the current humidity range corresponding to the first ventilation mode.

4. The ventilation control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The duration includes a first phase and a second phase in sequence, wherein operating the heating element to bring the humidity between the left and right endpoints of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode when the humidity is not within the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode includes: During the first phase, if the humidity is not within the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode, the heating element is operated and the humidity is positioned between the left and right endpoints of the current humidity range corresponding to the second ventilation mode.

5. A computer-readable storage medium comprising a memory adapted to store a plurality of program codes, characterized in that, The program code is adapted to be loaded and run by a processor to perform the ventilation control method of the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A control device, the control device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory being adapted to store a plurality of program codes, characterized in that, The program code is adapted to be loaded and run by the processor to perform the ventilation control method of the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A control device, characterized in that, The device includes a control module configured to perform the ventilation control method of the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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