A cleaning control method of a washing machine and a washing machine

Abstract

The application discloses a cleaning control method of a washing machine, and the control method comprises the following steps: S1, starting the washing machine; S2, obtaining a first cleaning program running number M; S3, judging whether the first cleaning program running number M is greater than or equal to a first preset number M1 according to the obtained first cleaning program running number M, and if not, reminding a user to run a second cleaning program. When the washing machine is used for a long time, the running number of the first cleaning program is obtained, the user is reminded to run the second cleaning program for the washing machine when the first cleaning running number does not reach the first preset number, the cleaning of the periodic washing of the washing machine is reminded, the residues or bacteria of the washing machine are cleaned in time, the washing effect of the washing machine on clothes is improved, and the experience of the user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, washing machines have become a necessity for every family. After use, some pollutants remain in the inner and outer drums of the washing machine. If the washing machine is not cleaned over a long period of time, bacteria will grow, causing serious hygiene problems for users and affecting the user experience.

[0003] Chinese patent application CN106283497A discloses a washing machine and its drum self-cleaning reminder method and device. The drum self-cleaning reminder method includes the following steps: when the washing machine is turned on, acquiring the number of washing machine cycle counts from a counter; determining whether the number of cycle counts is greater than or equal to a first preset value; if the number of cycle counts is greater than or equal to the first preset value, reminding the user to run the drum self-cleaning program. Therefore, this method can periodically remind the user to run the drum self-cleaning program, thereby promptly cleaning residues in the washing drum, improving the washing machine's washing performance, making washed clothes cleaner and healthier, and enhancing the user experience. However, while this self-cleaning reminder method reminds the user to run the drum self-cleaning program based on the cycle count, the cleaning time is relatively long, and there is no option for a shorter self-cleaning time. Furthermore, the excessively long cycle time results in a poor user experience.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a cleaning control method and washing machine for a washing machine. First, the number of times the first cleaning program runs is obtained. Based on the obtained number of times the first cleaning program runs, it is determined whether the number of times the first cleaning program runs is greater than or equal to a first preset number. If not, the user is reminded to run the cleaning program. While regularly reminding the user to run the cleaning program, a first cleaning program and a second cleaning program are set for the user to choose from. This can clean the residue in the washing tub in time, thereby improving the washing performance of the washing machine, reducing the growth of bacteria, and increasing the user experience.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a cleaning control method for a washing machine, the cleaning method including a first cleaning program and a second cleaning program, wherein the running time of the first cleaning program is shorter than the running time of the second cleaning program, and the control method includes the following steps.

[0007] S1. Washing machine starts;

[0008] S2. Obtain the number of times the first cleaning program runs, M;

[0009] S3. Based on the number of times the first cleaning program has been run (M), determine whether the number of times the first cleaning program has been run (M) is greater than or equal to the first preset number (M1). If not, remind the user to run the second cleaning program.

[0010] Furthermore, between step S1 and step S2, the following steps are also included:

[0011] Obtain the number of washing cycles N1 of the washing machine; based on the obtained number of washing cycles N1, determine whether the number of washing cycles N1 is greater than or equal to the preset number of washing cycles N. If yes, proceed to step S2; otherwise, stop the washing machine from running the cleaning control program.

[0012] Furthermore, in step S3, the methods of reminding the user include voice prompts, text prompts, or infrared alarm prompts;

[0013] Preferably, the reminder method is a voice prompt.

[0014] Further, in step S3, if so, the following steps are performed:

[0015] Get the number of times the first cleaning process has run, M, again;

[0016] Determine whether the first cleaning cycle M is greater than or equal to the second preset cycle M2. If yes, the washing machine will automatically run the second cleaning program; otherwise, the program will end.

[0017] Furthermore, the first preset number M1 is less than the second preset number M2.

[0018] Furthermore, if it is determined that the washing machine will automatically run the second cleaning program, the following steps are also included:

[0019] When the second cleaning cycle ends, the number of washing cycles N1 and the number of first cleaning cycles M of the washing machine are reset to zero.

[0020] Furthermore, in step S3, if not, the user is prompted to run the second cleaning procedure, and the process also includes the following steps:

[0021] S4. The washing machine receives the user's instruction to run the first cleaning program or to run the second cleaning program, and controls the operation of the corresponding cleaning program.

[0022] Furthermore, in step S4, if the user selects to run the first cleaning program and the first cleaning program is run, the step further includes the following steps:

[0023] S51, the number of the first cleaning cycle M is increased by one.

[0024] Furthermore, in step S4, if the user selects to run a second cleaning program, the washing machine runs the second cleaning program, which also includes the following steps:

[0025] S52. The number of washing cycles N1 and the number of first cleaning cycles M of the washing machine are reset to zero and the counting starts again.

[0026] A washing machine employing any of the cleaning control methods described above.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0028] This invention allows users to select between a first cleaning program and a second cleaning program with different running times on the washing machine. This avoids reducing the user experience due to excessively long cleaning program running times during daily use and increases the practicality of the washing machine.

[0029] This invention first obtains the number of times the washing machine performs its first cleaning cycle to determine whether the user needs to clean the clothes before washing. Then, combined with the number of washing cycles, the invention reminds the user to perform a periodic cleaning cycle after the washing machine meets the above two conditions. This timely cleans the residue in the washing tub, improves the washing performance of the washing machine, enhances the washing effect of clothes, and improves the user experience.

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] 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:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a cleaning control method according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of another cleaning control method of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the cleaning method of the present invention.

[0035] 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

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 limiting this invention.

[0038] 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.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a cleaning control method for a washing machine, the cleaning method comprising a first cleaning program and a second cleaning program.

[0040] The first cleaning program takes less time to run than the second cleaning program.

[0041] The control method includes the following steps:

[0042] S1. Washing machine starts;

[0043] S2. Obtain the number of times the first cleaning program runs, M;

[0044] S3. Based on the number of times the first cleaning program has been run (M), determine whether the number of times the first cleaning program has been run is greater than or equal to the first preset number (M1). If not, remind the user to run the second cleaning program.

[0045] This invention provides a cleaning control method for a washing machine. When the washing machine is in use, a first cleaning run count M is obtained. The first cleaning run count M is compared with a first preset count M1. If the obtained first cleaning run count M is less than the first preset count M1, the user is reminded to run a second cleaning program. This provides a cleaning reminder for the washing machine's periodic washing cycle, enabling timely removal of residues or bacteria from the washing machine, improving the washing effect of the washing machine, and enhancing the user experience.

[0046] Furthermore, between step S1 and step S2, the following steps are also included:

[0047] Obtain the number of washing cycles N1 of the washing machine; based on the obtained number of washing cycles N1, determine whether the number of washing cycles N1 is greater than or equal to the preset number of washing cycles. If yes, proceed to step S2; otherwise, stop the washing machine from running the cleaning control program.

[0048] When the washing machine stops running the cleaning control program, continued operation also includes the washing machine continuing to wash, and after the washing machine finishes washing, the number of washing runs N1 of the washing machine is incremented by one.

[0049] When washing clothes, this invention first obtains the number of washing cycles N1 of the washing machine. When the number of washing cycles N1 reaches the number of cycles required for a cleaning reminder, it determines whether the number of washing cycles is greater than or equal to the preset number of washing cycles N. If yes, step S2 is executed; otherwise, the washing machine stops running the cleaning control program and continues to run. By first obtaining the number of washing cycles N1 to determine whether the washing machine needs cleaning, this invention improves the efficiency of periodic cleaning and enhances the user experience, as relying solely on the washing cycle for judgment is insufficient for timely daily cleaning.

[0050] The preset number of washing cycles is 50 ≤ N ≤ 100.

[0051] Preferably, the preset number of washing cycles N is 70.

[0052] In step S3, based on the number of times the first cleaning program is run M, it is determined whether the number of times the first cleaning program is run M is greater than or equal to the first preset number M1. If not, the user is reminded to run the second cleaning program; if so, the washing machine runs normally.

[0053] The first preset number of cleaning cycles is 10 ≤ M1 ≤ 20.

[0054] Preferably, the first preset number of times M1 is 15 times.

[0055] By obtaining the number of times the first cleaning program runs, M, it is determined whether the number of times the first cleaning program runs, M, is greater than or equal to the first preset number, M1. If not, the user is reminded to run the cleaning program. If so, it is determined again whether the number of times the first cleaning program runs, M, is greater than or equal to the second preset number, M2. This ensures that after the number of washing cycles, N1, reaches the target, but the number of times the first cleaning program runs, M, does not reach the first preset number, M1, the user is reminded that the washing tub needs to be cleaned. This improves the cleaning effect of the washing machine and meets the requirement of periodic reminders to the user.

[0056] Specifically, when using the washing machine, the system first obtains the number of washing cycles N1 and determines whether the number of washing cycles N1 has reached the preset number of cycles requirement. If it has, the system then obtains the number of times the washing machine has run the first cleaning program within the preset number of cycles requirement, M. It then determines whether the number of first cleaning cycles M is greater than or equal to the preset number of first cleaning cycles M1. If so, the system does not remind the user to perform cleaning; otherwise, the system reminds the user to perform the second cleaning program. This ensures that after the washing machine has reached the required number of washing cycles, it does not immediately begin cleaning. The system then determines the number of first cleaning cycles M. If the number of first cleaning cycles M has not reached the first preset number M1, it indicates that the operating requirements of the cleaning program have been met, and the user is reminded to run the second cleaning program for deep cleaning. This timely cleaning of the washing tub avoids reducing the washing effect of clothes and improves the user experience.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the first cleaning program in this invention is a program for users to clean the washing tub on a daily basis. Users can manually select it before or after washing. The first cleaning program typically runs for 6-20 minutes. To ensure the cleaning effect, a high-speed agitation method is used.

[0058] The program's washing methods include the user selecting the first cleaning program.

[0059] Fill the tank to the set water level and run it in a high-speed turbulent flow for a minute.

[0060] The high-speed dehydration process is now complete, and the mini-cleaning cycle is finished.

[0061] The high-speed turbulent water flow lasts for 4-10 minutes.

[0062] Preferably, the high-speed turbulent water flow operates for 5 minutes.

[0063] The high-speed turbulence rotation speed is generally between 160-230. This washing method has a strong water flow and a good rinsing effect. The contaminants such as lint inside the washing machine are easily agitated and discharged from the drum through the drain pipe. It provides a daily and timely cleaning method, reduces the long running time, water consumption and high power consumption of the existing cleaning program, improves cleaning efficiency and enhances the user experience.

[0064] Furthermore, in step S3, the methods of reminding the user include voice prompts, text prompts, or infrared alarm prompts;

[0065] Preferably, the reminder method is a voice prompt.

[0066] By setting voice prompts, text prompts, or infrared alarms, the washing machine can notify the user via voice when cleaning is needed, making it easier for the user to know that the washing tub needs to be cleaned and preventing prolonged washing from reducing the washing effect.

[0067] Further, in step S3, if so, the following steps are performed:

[0068] Get the number of times the first cleaning process has run, M, again;

[0069] Determine whether the first cleaning cycle M is greater than or equal to the second preset cycle M2. If yes, the washing machine will automatically run the second cleaning program; otherwise, the program will end.

[0070] This invention allows the washing machine to operate normally when the number of washing cycles reaches a preset number N and the number of cleaning cycles also meets the requirements. After the cleaning cycle ends, the number of washing cycles is incremented by one, and the washing machine retrieves the first cleaning cycle M. It then determines whether the first cleaning cycle M is greater than or equal to a second preset number M2. If so, it determines that the second cleaning program will run automatically; otherwise, it determines that the program has ended. When both the number of washing cycles N1 and the first cleaning cycle M are greater than or equal to the preset number N and the first cleaning cycle M are greater than or equal to the first preset number M1, it then determines whether the first cleaning cycle M is greater than or equal to the second preset number M2. This prevents users from only selecting the first cleaning program for an extended period, which could lead to incomplete cleaning of contaminants or bacteria in the washing tub. This improves the washing effect and practicality of the washing machine and enhances the user experience.

[0071] The first preset number of times M1 is less than the second preset number of times M2.

[0072] The second preset number of times for the first cleaning procedure is 20 ≤ M2 ≤ 30 times.

[0073] Preferably, the second preset number of times M2 is 25 times.

[0074] Furthermore, if it is determined that the washing machine will automatically run the second cleaning program, the following steps are also included:

[0075] When the second cleaning cycle ends, the number of washing cycles N1 and the number of first cleaning cycles M of the washing machine are reset to zero.

[0076] By comparing the number of first cleaning cycles M with the second preset number M2, the washing machine automatically runs the second cleaning program when the number of first cleaning cycles M reaches the second preset number M2, thereby improving the cleanliness of the drum, enhancing the washing effect, and increasing the user experience.

[0077] Specifically, when the number of times the first cleaning program runs (M) reaches the first preset number (M1), the washing machine stops running the cleaning control program and then starts washing. After washing, the washing machine retrieves the number of times the first cleaning program runs (M) again and compares it with the second preset number (M2). When the second preset number (M2) is met, the washing machine automatically runs the second cleaning program to thoroughly clean the contaminants or bacteria in the washing tub. After the second cleaning is completed, the number of times the washing program runs (N1) and the number of times the first cleaning program runs (M) are reset to zero and recalculated. This achieves periodic cleaning of the washing tub of the washing machine while meeting the cleaning needs of daily use.

[0078] Furthermore, in step S3, if not, the user is prompted to run the second cleaning procedure, and the process also includes the following steps:

[0079] S4. The washing machine receives the user's instruction to run the first cleaning program or to run the second cleaning program, and controls the operation of the corresponding cleaning program.

[0080] After reminding the user that cleaning is needed, the washing machine receives the user's selection to run a first cleaning program or a second cleaning program. The washing machine then runs the first cleaning program or the second cleaning program according to the received instructions. The user can select the appropriate program by voice or by clicking the corresponding button on the washing machine.

[0081] The present invention also provides a second cleaning method. When the user selects to run the second cleaning program, water is first introduced to the set water level, and then the water is heated to a high temperature while washing. The high temperature achieves the purpose of sterilization and disinfection. At the same time, the washing is accompanied by intermittent agitation and other washing methods. After washing, two more rinses are performed, and finally high-speed dehydration is performed to complete the large cleaning program. The second cleaning program has a longer running time and can perform periodic cleaning of the washing tub.

[0082] Furthermore, in step S4, if it is determined that the user selects to run the first cleaning program, the process of controlling the execution of the first cleaning program also includes the following steps:

[0083] S51, the number of the first cleaning cycle M is increased by one.

[0084] After the user selects to run the first cleaning program, the washing machine runs according to the first cleaning program. After the program ends, the number of times the first cleaning program has run, M, is incremented by one. When the user is short on time, selecting the first cleaning program can improve the washing efficiency while cleaning the washing tub, allowing the user to complete the washing in a short time. This improves the washing effect and efficiency of the washing machine when washing clothes, and enhances the user experience.

[0085] Furthermore, in step S4, if the user selects to run a second cleaning program, the washing machine runs the second cleaning program, which also includes the following steps:

[0086] S52. The number of washing cycles N1 and the number of first cleaning cycles M of the washing machine are reset to zero and the counting starts again.

[0087] In step S5, if it is determined that the user selects to run the second cleaning program, the washing machine runs the second cleaning program in sequence. First, water is introduced into the washing machine to the preset position. Then, the washing machine heats the water to a high temperature while washing, achieving the purpose of sterilization and disinfection through high temperature. At the same time, the washing machine intermittently performs washing methods such as agitation washing to self-clean the washing tub. Then, two rinsing cycles are performed, and finally, high-speed spin drying is performed. After cleaning is completed, the washing machine automatically resets the number of washing cycles N1 and the number of first cleaning programs M to zero and recalculates the number of washing cycles.

[0088] The first and second cleaning programs in this invention can also be automatically selected by the user. Before or after washing, the user can switch between the first and second cleaning programs by pressing buttons, text, and voice prompts. The user can also change the program temperature and program running time by pressing buttons or voice. When the user selects cleaning, the first cleaning program is selected by default, which has high cleaning efficiency, short time, and facilitates the rinsing of contaminants in the washing machine.

[0089] The present invention also provides a washing machine that employs any of the cleaning control methods described above.

[0090] 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. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. 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 cleaning control method for a washing machine, the cleaning control method comprising a first cleaning program and a second cleaning program, wherein the running time of the first cleaning program is shorter than the running time of the second cleaning program, characterized in that: The cleaning control method includes the following steps: S1. Washing machine starts; Obtain the number of washing cycles N1 of the washing machine; based on the obtained number of washing cycles N1, determine whether the number of washing cycles N1 is greater than or equal to the preset number of washing cycles N. If yes, proceed to step S2; otherwise, stop the washing machine from running the cleaning control program. When the washing machine stops running the cleaning control program, continuing to run also includes the washing machine continuing to wash, and after the washing machine finishes washing, the number of washing runs N1 of the washing machine is incremented by one; S2. Obtain the number of times the first cleaning program runs, M; S3. Based on the number of times the first cleaning program runs M, determine whether the number of times the first cleaning program runs is greater than or equal to the first preset number M1. If not, remind the user to run the second cleaning program and proceed to step S4. If so, the number of times the first cleaning program runs, M, is obtained again. It is then determined whether the number of times the first cleaning program runs, M, is greater than or equal to the second preset number, M2. If so, the washing machine automatically runs the second cleaning program. If not, the program is determined to have ended. The first preset number, M1, is less than the second preset number, M2. S4. The washing machine receives the user's instruction to run the first cleaning program or the instruction to run the second cleaning program, and controls the operation of the corresponding cleaning program. In step S4, if the user selects to run the first cleaning program and controls the running of the first cleaning program, the following steps are also included: S51, the number of times the first cleaning program runs, M, is incremented by one.

2. The cleaning control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, the methods for reminding the user include: voice prompts, text prompts, or infrared alarm prompts.

3. The cleaning control method for a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The method of reminding users is through voice prompts.

4. A cleaning control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: In step S3, if it is determined that the washing machine will automatically run the second cleaning program, the following steps are also included: When the second cleaning cycle ends, the number of washing cycles N1 and the number of first cleaning cycles M of the washing machine are reset to zero.

5. A cleaning control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: In step S4, if the user selects to run a second cleaning program, the washing machine runs the second cleaning program. Includes the following steps, S52. The number of washing cycles N1 and the number of cycles M of the first cleaning program of the washing machine are reset to zero and the counting starts again.

6. A cleaning control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: In step S4, if the user selects the first cleaning program, then: Fill the tank with water to the set level; Run the water in a high-speed, turbulent flow for a minute; The high-speed dehydration process has ended, and the first cleaning cycle is complete.

7. A cleaning control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: In step S4, if the user selects the second cleaning program, then: Fill the tank with water to the set level; The water is heated to a high temperature while the washing process is underway; Rinse twice; The high-speed dehydration process is complete, and the second cleaning cycle is finished.

8. A washing machine, characterized in that: A cleaning control method for a washing machine as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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