Washing apparatus, control method thereof, storage medium, control device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of washing equipment, and particularly provides a washing equipment, a control method thereof, a storage medium and a control device, wherein a washing procedure of the washing equipment comprises a washing stage and a rinsing stage, the washing stage and the rinsing stage both comprise a draining sub-stage, and the control method of the washing equipment comprises: detecting a draining time length of at least one draining sub-stage; and in the case that the draining time length is not less than a set time length, increasing a rinsing time length of the rinsing stage in a set manner. Through such a setting, whether the rinsing time length needs to be increased is determined in the manner of detecting the draining time length, and on the basis of the increased rinsing time length, the residual foam can be removed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing equipment technology, specifically to a washing device and its control method, a computer-readable storage medium, and a control device. Background Technology

[0002] Washing equipment (such as washing machines) typically uses detergent in the process of washing clothes. Accordingly, washing equipment needs to be equipped with a detergent dispenser to hold the detergent. Clearly, detergent is a consumable item, and to ensure the washing machine's performance, it needs to be replenished promptly when the detergent is insufficient or depleted.

[0003] Detergent use typically produces foam, and if a large amount of detergent is used, residual foam may remain. This foam can accumulate on clothes, in the inner drum, and in drainage paths, affecting not only the cleanliness of the clothes but also the subsequent performance of the washing machine. Therefore, avoiding foam residue is essential.

[0004] The problem of high detergent usage is difficult to overcome: for example, in manually operated washing machines, the amount of detergent is controlled by the user, and clothes are washed frequently, resulting in generally high usage; for washing machines with precise dispensing functions, various brands and types of detergents are available on the market, and their functions, principles, and dosages inevitably differ. Therefore, even when using detergents precisely dispensed according to the design specifications, there is still a possibility of high usage. Therefore, the current way to avoid foam residue is to promptly remove any remaining foam.

[0005] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the following problem in the prior art: how to promptly remove residual foam when foam is not removed during the operation of the washing program in a washing device.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] The first aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a washing device, wherein the washing program operated by the washing device includes a washing stage and a rinsing stage, and both the washing stage and the rinsing stage include a draining sub-stage. The control method includes: detecting the draining duration of at least one draining sub-stage; and, if the draining duration is not less than a set duration, increasing the rinsing duration of the rinsing stage in a set manner.

[0010] By using this setting, the rinsing time is increased by detecting the drainage time, and on this basis, it is possible to remove residual foam.

[0011] It should be noted that the washing stage typically includes a main drain sub-stage, which can be considered as the entirety or a portion thereof; the rinsing stage typically includes two rinsing stages, each of which includes a rinsing drain sub-stage, which can be considered as the entirety or a portion thereof. Those skilled in the art can choose flexibly according to the actual situation.

[0012] In addition, it should be noted that the rinsing time of the rinsing stage can be flexibly selected according to the actual situation. For example, a separate rinsing can be added after the last rinsing, or a rinsing can be added between two rinsings, or one of the rinsings can be extended directly.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the above control method, the washing stage includes a main drainage sub-stage, and the "detecting the drainage duration of at least one drainage sub-stage" includes: detecting the drainage duration of the main drainage sub-stage.

[0014] This setup provides a specific phase for detecting the duration of drainage.

[0015] Specifically, foam residue is more noticeable during the washing stage compared to the rinsing stage. Therefore, in the main drain stage, the increased drainage time due to foam residue is more pronounced. Thus, measuring the drainage time during the main drain stage reveals the true level of foam residue.

[0016] Furthermore, the rinsing stage is planned directly based on the drainage time of the main drainage stage, which effectively solves the technical problem of foam residue and avoids multiple subsequent tests and verifications.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the above control method, the "increasing the rinsing time of the rinsing stage in a set manner when the drainage time is not less than the set time" includes: when the drainage time is not less than the set time and the set time is less than a first threshold, during the increased rinsing time, keeping the water level in the laundry tub within the set water level.

[0018] This setup saves on washing water while ensuring that residual foam is removed.

[0019] Specifically, if the drainage time is less than the first threshold, it indicates that the foam residue is not very serious. In this case, it is sufficient to promote the removal of foam by rinsing appropriately.

[0020] It should be noted that, given a fixed water level, those skilled in the art can determine the corresponding rinsing time based on actual conditions. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appropriately add the foam-removal-promoting stage, constructed based on "water level and rinsing time," to the rinsing stage. For example, it could be:

[0021] This stage also includes a drainage sub-stage, thus it is equivalent to a separate new rinse. Therefore, this new rinse can be inserted into an existing rinse stage, such as between the first and second rinses.

[0022] This stage's design does not include a separate drainage sub-stage; therefore, it is essentially a modification of the existing rinsing stage. For example, after the existing second rinse reaches the drainage sub-stage, once the water level drops to the set level, another rinse is performed for the set duration, after which the remaining wash water is drained. Alternatively, after the existing second rinse reaches the drainage sub-stage, once the water level drops to a lower level (e.g., the limit is the end of drainage), water is added until it reaches the set level, then a rinse is performed for the set duration, and ideally, the remaining wash water is drained.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the above control method, the rinsing stage includes multiple rinsings, and the "increasing the rinsing time of the rinsing stage in a set manner" includes increasing the rinsing time after the last rinsing is completed.

[0024] This setting provides a specific way to increase the rinsing time.

[0025] Specifically, since the foam residue problem is not serious at this point, it can be replenished appropriately after the current rinsing is completed.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the above control method, the phrase "increasing the rinsing time of the rinsing stage in a set manner when the drainage time is not less than the set time" includes: adding one rinsing step when the drainage time is not less than the set time and the set time is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold.

[0027] This setup ensures that any remaining foam is removed.

[0028] Specifically, since the residual foam is quite noticeable at this point, adding a separate, complete rinse can both avoid affecting the existing rinsing quality and, by rationally designing the additional rinse, further improve foam removal. For example, this additional rinse could involve maximizing the water level and flexibly adjusting the motor operating parameters and rinsing duration.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the above control method, the rinsing stage includes multiple rinsings, and the "additional rinsing" includes adding a rinsing before the first rinsing or after the last rinsing.

[0030] This setup allows for the planning of the additional rinse, promoting the removal of residual foam. Simultaneously, this method more fully preserves the rinsing effect achievable in the original rinsing stage, thus avoiding any impact on the rinsing performance of the existing stage while promoting residual foam removal.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the above control method, the control method further includes: detecting the motor speed of the main drainage sub-stage; the "increasing the rinsing time of the rinsing stage in a set manner when the drainage time is not less than the set time" includes: increasing the rinsing time of the rinsing stage in a set manner when the motor speed is not greater than the set speed and the drainage time is not less than the set time.

[0032] This setting allows for a more accurate determination of the necessity to increase the rinsing time.

[0033] A second aspect of the present invention provides a computer storage medium including a memory adapted to store a plurality of program codes adapted to be loaded and run by a processor to perform the control method of the washing apparatus described in any of the preceding claims.

[0034] It is understood that the computer-readable storage medium has all the technical effects of the control method of the washing equipment described in any of the foregoing claims, and will not be repeated here.

[0035] 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 control method of the washing device described in any of the preceding claims.

[0036] It is understood that the control device has all the technical effects of the control method of the washing equipment described in any of the foregoing claims, and will not be repeated here.

[0037] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a washing apparatus, the washing apparatus including a control module configured to perform the control method of the washing apparatus described in any of the preceding claims.

[0038] It is understood that the washing equipment has all the technical effects of the control method of the washing equipment described in any of the foregoing items, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the washing equipment being a drum washing machine. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a control method for a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating the control method of a pulsator washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0042] 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 this embodiment describes the control method of the present invention in conjunction with a drum washing machine, it is clear that the control method of the present invention is also applicable to other types of washing equipment, such as pulsator washing machines, tandem washing machines, etc.

[0043] It should be noted that, in the description of this invention, the term "A and / or B" refers to all possible combinations of A and B, such as only A, only B, or A and B. The terms "at least one A or B" or "at least one of A and B" have a similar meaning to "A and / or B" and can include only A, only B, or A and B. The singular terms "a" or "this" may also include plural forms. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] 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 implemented even without certain specific details. In some instances, well-known principles of stoves and other technologies are not described in detail to highlight the main points of the present invention.

[0045] Taking a front-loading washing machine as an example, a front-loading washing machine mainly includes an outer drum and an inner drum that is rotatably installed inside the outer drum. A door is located on the front of the outer drum, allowing clothes to be placed into the inner drum or removed from it when the door is open. A motor is located at the rear of the inner drum, driving the drum to rotate. This causes the clothes to be washed to be repeatedly lifted and tumbled inside the drum, effectively cleaning them by mimicking the action of a stick striking the clothes.

[0046] Typically, a detergent dispenser is located above the outer drum of a washing machine, holding and dispensing laundry detergent into the inner drum. In front-loading washing machines with automatic detergent dispensing, once the type and amount of detergent to be added are determined (e.g., based on the user-selected washing program and the identified material and weight of the clothes to be washed), the control module can control the suction pump to dispense the corresponding amount of detergent into the inner drum. With the aforementioned lifting and dropping action, the clothes to be washed are cleaned.

[0047] As mentioned in the background section, due to the availability of various brands and functions of detergents on the market, differences in function, principle, and dosage are inevitable. Therefore, even for washing machines with precise dispensing models, there is a possibility of using a larger amount of detergent when precisely dispensing according to the design specifications. This embodiment uses the phenomenon of foam residue in a precisely dispensing model as an example to illustrate this.

[0048] The washing program of a drum washing machine typically includes a washing stage, a rinsing stage, and a spin-drying stage. The rinsing stage may include a first rinse and a second rinse, and each stage includes a draining sub-stage.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic flowchart illustrating a control method for a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the control method mainly includes the following steps:

[0050] S101. Detect the drainage duration of at least one of the aforementioned drainage sub-stages;

[0051] S102. If the drainage time is not less than the set time, increase the rinsing time of the rinsing stage in a set manner.

[0052] First, the inventors need to specifically explain the reasons why the parameter detected in this invention is the drainage time:

[0053] In general, to ensure the accuracy of control logic, the accuracy of the detected parameters must be guaranteed during the detection phase, and a strict correspondence must be ensured between the detected parameter results and the executed actions during the execution phase. This corresponds to the phenomena observed in control logic.

[0054] For example, Chinese invention patent application (CN104233700A) discloses a washing machine control method and a washing machine, specifically disclosing the following: The washing machine is equipped with a turbidity sensor for detecting water turbidity and a conductivity sensor for detecting water conductivity; before washing, the conductivity of the clean water is detected; after washing, the conductivity of the rinse water is detected and the turbidity value is detected simultaneously during each rinsing stage; the conductivity change is calculated based on the measured conductivity of the clean water and the rinsing water; when both the turbidity value and the conductivity change are lower than the corresponding set thresholds, rinsing stops. During each rinsing cycle, the washing machine automatically detects and calculates the turbidity and conductivity changes of the rinsing water, and determines whether the clothes are rinsed clean accordingly. It stops promptly after the clothes are rinsed clean, achieving water and energy savings.

[0055] It can be seen that this literature determines whether to increase the number of rinses by repeatedly measuring turbidity and water conductivity. However, the inventors discovered in their research and experiments that, considering the washing machine itself, this method of determining the number of rinses by measuring turbidity and water conductivity has the following problem: Since the washing water, clothes, and detergent mix randomly in the inner drum during the garment processing, the detected turbidity and water conductivity cannot guarantee that they accurately reflect the actual levels. Therefore, the conclusion on whether to increase the number of rinses based on this method may be misjudged. Furthermore, even if this method could accurately determine whether to increase the number of rinses, given that a washing machine is a household appliance, it is unnecessary to rely on the accuracy of parameters such as turbidity and conductivity to ensure the correctness of the conclusion regarding whether to increase the number of rinses. In fact, it is sufficient to simply reflect the fact that more rinses are needed to the washing machine.

[0056] With this in mind, the present invention avoids the inaccurate parameter detection approach caused by the washing environment of the washing machine by detecting the drainage time. The fact that more rinsing is needed can be accurately obtained through a simple detection method.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, S101 specifically involves detecting the drainage duration of the main drainage sub-stage within the washing phase. The reason for selecting only the main drainage sub-stage for drainage duration detection is that foam residue is more pronounced in the washing phase compared to the subsequent rinsing and spin-drying phases. Therefore, the increase in drainage duration due to foam residue is more significant in the main drainage sub-stage of the washing phase. In this way, the true level of foam residue can be reflected simply by detecting the drainage duration of the main drainage sub-stage.

[0058] For a typical drum washing machine, the normal drainage time for the main drain sub-stage during the washing cycle is around 120 seconds (set time). If foam residue exists, the drainage time will usually increase to between 120 and 480 seconds. The control logic of this invention mainly targets this time range. If the drainage time of the main drain sub-stage increases to more than 480 seconds, an alarm can be triggered directly, such as pausing the washing program simultaneously, thus informing the user that the washing process cannot continue normally due to excessive foam residue.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating a control method for a drum washing machine according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 As shown, in one specific implementation, the control method includes the following steps:

[0060] S201. Detect the drainage duration of the main drainage sub-stage during the washing phase;

[0061] S202. Determine if the drainage time is less than 120 seconds:

[0062] If so, proceed with the subsequent rinsing as normal;

[0063] If not, then the rinsing time in the rinsing stage needs to be increased. Specifically:

[0064] S203. Determine whether the drainage time is greater than or equal to 120s and less than or equal to 240s (first threshold):

[0065] If so, an additional rinse is added after the second rinse. The motor operating parameters and rinsing time during the rinsing are the same as those during the second rinse. During the rinsing, the water level in the inner drum is raised to the middle water level.

[0066] If not, then proceed with the following judgment:

[0067] S204. Determine whether the drainage time is greater than or equal to 240s and less than 480s (second threshold):

[0068] If so, an additional rinse will be added before the first rinse. During this rinse, the motor operating parameters will be the same as in the first rinse, but the rinse duration will be longer. During the rinse, the water level in the inner drum will rise to the high water level.

[0069] If not, then the drainage time is longer than 480 seconds. You can refer to the troubleshooting methods for alarms and pausing the washing program mentioned above.

[0070] The drum washing machine includes a control module configured to execute the control method described above.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the control method of this invention can also 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 can be in the form of source code, object code, executable file, or some intermediate form. The computer-readable 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 included in the computer-readable 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 medium does not include electrical carrier signals and telecommunication signals.

[0073] Furthermore, it should be understood that since the control module is only used to illustrate the functional units of the system 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 software and hardware. 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.

[0074] 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. These changes are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, in addition to detecting the drainage time of the main drainage sub-stage, the motor speed can also be detected.

[0075] It should be noted that although the control method described above is given 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 structure, steps, and parameters in the steps according to actual application scenarios and other circumstances.

[0076] 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 control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing program operated by the washing equipment includes a washing stage and a rinsing stage, both of which include a draining sub-stage. The washing stage includes a main draining sub-stage. The control method includes: The drainage duration of the main drainage sub-stage is detected; When the drainage time is not less than the set time, the rinsing time of the rinsing stage is increased in a set manner, including: If the drainage time is not less than the set time and the set time is less than the first threshold, during the increased rinsing time, the water level in the laundry tub is kept within the set water level, and This includes a drainage stage after the rinsing time; or After the previous rinsing cycle reaches the drain stage, and the water level drops to the set level, a second rinsing cycle is performed for the required duration. Afterward, the remaining wash water is drained; or After the previous rinsing reaches the drain stage, the water level drops to the preset low water level, and then water is added to the set water level for rinsing for the set time. After that, the remaining washing water is drained.

2. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rinsing stage includes multiple rinsings, and the "increasing the rinsing time of the rinsing stage in a set manner" includes: Increase the rinsing time after the final rinse.

3. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phrase "increasing the rinsing time of the rinsing stage in a set manner when the drainage time is not less than the set time" includes: If the drainage time is not less than the set time and the set time is not less than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, an additional rinse is added.

4. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rinsing stage includes multiple rinsings, and the "additional rinsing" includes: Add an extra rinse before the first rinse or after the last rinse.

5. The control method for the washing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The control method further includes: Detect the motor speed during the main drainage stage; The phrase "increasing the rinsing time of the rinsing stage in a set manner when the drainage time is not less than the set time" includes: When the motor speed is not greater than the set speed and the drainage time is not less than the set time, the rinsing time of the rinsing stage is increased in a set manner.

6. 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 control method of the washing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A control device, the control device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory being adapted to store multiple lines of program code, characterized in that, The program code is adapted to be loaded and run by the processor to perform the control method of the washing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A washing device, characterized in that, The washing device includes a control module configured to perform the control method of the washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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