Washing machine fault handling method, device and washing machine

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a fault handling method and device for a washing machine, and the washing machine. The method comprises the following steps: when a fault is detected in the washing machine, obtaining a function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault; if the fault causes some functions of the washing machine to be unusable, sending a first prompt message, the first prompt message being used to prompt a user of functions that can be used normally; if the fault causes all functions of the washing machine to be unusable, sending a second prompt message, the second prompt message being used to prompt a user of the fault of the washing machine. By sending different prompt messages to the user, the user can understand the functions of the washing machine affected by the fault. When some functions are unusable due to the fault, the user can use the functions that can be used normally according to the first prompt message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a method and device for handling a washing machine fault, and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] In order to improve people's quality of life, household appliances have gradually become more versatile, such as washing machines with multiple functions such as washing, drying and steam care. However, when household appliances fail, users are unable to use them in time due to the slow repair service provided by after-sales, resulting in a reduced user experience. Summary of the invention

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for handling a fault of a washing machine is provided, the method comprising: in response to detecting a fault occurring in the washing machine, obtaining a function of the washing machine that is rendered unusable due to the fault; if the fault renders some functions of the washing machine unusable, sending a first prompt message, the first prompt message being used to prompt a user of functions that are normally used; if the fault renders all functions of the washing machine unusable, sending a second prompt message, the second prompt message being used to prompt a user of the fault of the washing machine.

[0005] In any embodiment, obtaining the function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault includes: obtaining the function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault from a pre-constructed correspondence table, wherein the correspondence table is used to store the fault and the function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault.

[0006] In any embodiment, the method also includes: displaying a function entry for making an appointment for home service on the display screen of the washing machine; in response to detecting that the function entry is triggered, displaying a reservation page associated with the function entry, wherein the reservation page includes multiple display information; based on the user's response to the display information, sending the home service appointment information to the server, and displaying a third prompt information on the display screen.

[0007] In any embodiment, the method further includes: acquiring fault information; and sending the fault information to a server that is communicatively connected to the washing machine, so that an operation and maintenance personnel analyzes the fault information received by the server.

[0008] In any embodiment, the sending of the fault information to a server that is in communication with the washing machine comprises: checking the signal strength of the communication connection between the washing machine and the server; if the signal strength is greater than or equal to a signal strength threshold, sending the fault information to the server;

[0009] If the signal strength is less than the signal strength threshold, the user is prompted to check the network.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a fault handling device for a washing machine is provided, the device comprising: a determination unit, for, when a fault of the washing machine is detected, obtaining functions of the washing machine that are rendered unusable due to the fault; a prompt unit, for, if the fault renders some functions of the washing machine unusable, sending a first prompt message, the first prompt message being used to prompt a user of functions that are normally used, and if the fault renders all functions of the washing machine unusable, sending a second prompt message, the second prompt message being used to prompt a user of the fault of the washing machine.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine is provided, wherein the washing machine performs fault processing using the method described in any embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: when the present disclosure detects that a fault occurs in the washing machine, the function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault is obtained; if the fault causes some functions of the washing machine to be unusable, a first prompt message is sent, and the first prompt message is used to prompt the user of the functions that can be used normally; if the fault causes all functions of the washing machine to be unusable, a second prompt message is sent, and the second prompt message is used to prompt the user of the fault of the washing machine. By sending different prompt messages to the user, the user can understand the functions of the washing machine affected by the fault. When some functions are unusable due to the fault, the user can use the functions that can be used normally according to the first prompt message.

[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings herein are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, and together with the description, are used to explain the technical solutions of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 4 is a flowchart of a method for troubleshooting a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a specific flow chart of a method for troubleshooting a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3It is a specific flow chart of after-sales service shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 The diagram is a schematic diagram of a fault handling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0020] The terms used in this disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms of "a", "said" and "the" used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0021] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in the present disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining".

[0022] The fault handling method provided by the present disclosure can be applied to household appliances with multiple functions. The following embodiments are described by taking a household appliance washing machine as an example. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing machine can have two or more functions, such as a washing function, a drying function, and a steam care function.

[0023] The following embodiments will specifically illustrate a method for troubleshooting a washing machine provided by the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for troubleshooting a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the fault handling method of the washing machine provided by the present disclosure includes step 101, step 102a and step 102b.

[0025] In step 101, in response to detecting a fault of the washing machine, a function of the washing machine that is rendered unusable by the fault is obtained.

[0026] The washing machine can be tested for faults while it is powered on and running. If it is detected that the washing machine has no faults, it can be run according to normal procedures. If it is detected that the washing machine has faults, the functions that make the washing machine unusable are obtained.

[0027] In some embodiments, a correspondence between a fault and a function of the washing machine that is rendered unusable due to the fault may be established in advance, and when a fault is detected in the washing machine, the function of the washing machine that is rendered unusable due to the fault may be acquired.

[0028] For example, when it is detected that a steam water box failure occurs in a washing machine, it can be obtained that the failure will cause the steam care function of the washing machine to be unusable.

[0029] In step 102a, if the fault causes some functions of the washing machine to be unusable, a first prompt message is sent, where the first prompt message is used to remind the user of the functions that are normally used.

[0030] Usually, a washing machine has multiple functions, such as a washing function, a drying function, and a steam care function. If a malfunction of the washing machine causes some functions of the washing machine to be unusable, the user is prompted to use the functions that can be used normally. For example, if the steam care function is unusable, but the washing function and the drying function can be used normally, the user is prompted to use the washing function and the drying function normally. In order to distinguish it from the prompt information mentioned later, in this embodiment, the prompt information used to prompt the user of the functions that can be used normally is referred to as the first prompt information.

[0031] When a malfunction of the washing machine is detected, the first prompt information prompts the user of the functions that can be used normally, so that the user can choose according to his or her own needs, and avoids the embarrassment of the user not knowing that the functions can be used normally when the malfunction of the washing machine only causes some functions to be unavailable. For example, when the first prompt information prompts the user to use the washing function normally, the user can continue to use the washing function of the washing machine.

[0032] In step 102b, if the fault causes all functions of the washing machine to be unusable, a second prompt message is sent, where the second prompt message is used to prompt the user that the washing machine has a fault.

[0033] When a malfunction of the washing machine renders all functions of the washing machine unusable, a prompt message for notifying the user of the malfunction of the washing machine may be sent. In this embodiment, the prompt message notifying the user of the malfunction of the washing machine is referred to as second prompt message.

[0034] For example, in the case of a motor failure in a washing machine, the failure will render all functions of the washing machine unusable. In this case, the user is prompted that the washing machine is faulty, that is, the user is prompted to repair the washing machine.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first prompt information and the second prompt information may be displayed on a display screen of the washing machine, or may be displayed in an application installed on a user terminal, where the application is an application for controlling the washing machine.

[0036] The present invention, when detecting that a malfunction occurs in the washing machine, obtains the function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the malfunction; if the malfunction causes some functions of the washing machine to be unusable, sends a first prompt message, the first prompt message is used to prompt the user of the functions that can be used normally; if the malfunction causes all functions of the washing machine to be unusable, sends a second prompt message, the second prompt message is used to prompt the user of the malfunction of the washing machine. By sending different prompt messages to the user, the user can understand the functions of the washing machine affected by the malfunction. In the case that some functions are unusable due to the malfunction, the user can use the functions that can be used normally according to the first prompt message.

[0037] In some embodiments, obtaining the function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault may include: obtaining the function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault from a pre-constructed correspondence table, wherein the correspondence table is used to store the fault and the function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault. For example, a correspondence table as shown in Table 1 is pre-constructed. It should be noted that Table 1 is only an example, and in actual applications, faults and functions that cause the washing machine to be unusable due to the fault can be added as needed.

[0038]

[0039] Table 1

[0040] Among them, communication failure refers to a communication failure between different controllers. The controller may include a display panel and a main board, for example. The display panel is mainly responsible for display functions, and the main board is mainly responsible for driving various loads of the whole machine. If the communication between the main board and the display panel fails, the user will not be able to control the various loads of the whole machine by pressing the display panel. In other words, this failure will cause all functions of the washing machine to be unusable.

[0041] In one embodiment, considering that the most important function of a washing machine is the washing function, the faults can be pre-divided into whole machine function faults and partial function faults, wherein whole machine function faults include faults that cause all functions of the washing machine to be unusable, and partial function faults include faults that do not affect the normal use of the washing function. In other words, partial function faults refer to load faults that will only be used in the drying or steam care mode. These faults will not affect the normal operation of the washing mode when advanced functions such as drying and steam care are not used. Referring to Table 1, partial function faults include but are not limited to steam water box water inlet failure, fan failure, compressor failure, and detergent and / or softener delivery failure. Among them, the detergent and / or softener are delivered using a designated delivery box. In the case where the detergent and / or softener cannot be delivered automatically normally, the user can deliver them through the drum door without affecting the washing function.

[0042] That is to say, when a malfunction of the washing machine is detected, if the malfunction is a partial functional malfunction, a first prompt message is sent, and the first prompt message is used to prompt the user to use the washing function normally.

[0043] In some embodiments, the user can fill in the reservation information on the display screen of the washing machine to make an appointment for home service, specifically including: displaying a function entrance for making an appointment for home service on the display screen of the washing machine; in response to detecting that the function entrance is triggered, displaying a reservation page associated with the function entrance, wherein the reservation page includes multiple display information; based on the user's response to the display information, sending the home service reservation information to the server, and displaying a third prompt information on the display screen.

[0044] This embodiment helps users quickly make an appointment for door-to-door service by using the reservation door-to-door service interface on the display screen of the washing machine, thereby improving the user's after-sales experience.

[0045] For example, the information displayed on the reservation page may include, but is not limited to, name, contact information, service location, and whether a home visit is scheduled. When it is detected that the user chooses to make a home visit, the user's response to the displayed information is sent to the server, and a third prompt message is displayed on the display screen, wherein the third prompt message is used to prompt the user that the reservation has been successful and the user is waiting for the home visit.

[0046] In one embodiment, the display information includes the time of purchase of the washing machine; in this case, displaying a third prompt message on the display screen based on the user's response to the display information may include: obtaining the time difference between the time of purchase of the washing machine and the current time; if the time difference is greater than or equal to a preset value, displaying a third prompt message on the display screen, and the third prompt message is used to prompt the user to repurchase the washing machine.

[0047] For example, the purchase time filled in by the user in the default format (X year X month) and the current time are obtained; the time difference between the purchase time and the current time is obtained, and if the time difference is greater than or equal to a preset value (for example, 10 years), a third prompt message is displayed on the display screen, such as "It is recommended that you buy a new washing machine."

[0048] In some embodiments, after the first prompt information or the second prompt information is displayed, fault information can be obtained; the fault information is sent to a server that is communicatively connected to the washing machine, so that an operation and maintenance personnel can analyze the fault information received by the server.

[0049] When a fault is detected in the washing machine, fault information may be saved, which may include a fault code and a fault cause. The fault information is obtained and sent to a server or cloud connected to the washing machine. The operation and maintenance personnel may analyze the fault information received from the server or cloud, provide a basis for analyzing the condition of the washing machine for after-sales service, and help the operation and maintenance personnel quickly find the cause of the fault.

[0050] In some embodiments, sending the fault information to a server that is communicatively connected to the washing machine may include: checking the signal strength of the communication connection between the washing machine and the server; if the signal strength is greater than or equal to a signal strength threshold, sending the fault information to the server; if the signal strength is less than the signal strength threshold, prompting the user to check the network.

[0051] In some embodiments, before obtaining the function of the washing machine that is rendered unusable due to the fault, the method further includes: if the fault meets a preset fault condition, obtaining the function of the washing machine that is rendered unusable due to the fault; if the fault does not meet the preset fault condition, prompting the user to restart the washing machine.

[0052] In one example, it is assumed that the fault condition is that the same fault occurs twice within a preset time period, or three different faults occur within a preset time period. Taking the running time when the washing machine is first powered on as the starting time, when a fault is detected in the washing machine, the number of faults is updated to once, and the fault is recorded. Since in this case, the number of faults is once, which does not meet the fault condition, the user is prompted to restart the washing machine. After the user restarts the washing machine, assuming that the washing machine fails again within the preset time period, the number of faults is updated to twice, and the fault is recorded, assuming that the second fault is the same as the first fault. At this time, since the fault condition that the same fault occurs twice within the preset time period is met, it can be determined that the washing machine itself has a fault, and the function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault is obtained.

[0053] Figure 2 It is a specific flow chart of a method for troubleshooting a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] After power-on and during operation, the washing machine is checked for faults (201). If no fault occurs, the washing machine is operated according to normal procedures (202). If a fault occurs, fault information is stored (203). If the same fault does not occur twice in a row within a preset time period or different faults occur three times in a row within a preset time period, fault information is reported and the user is prompted to restart the washing machine (204). If the same fault occurs twice in a preset time period or different faults occur three times in a preset time period, it is determined that the washing machine itself has a fault.

[0055] The function of the washing machine that cannot be used due to the fault is obtained. If the fault causes some functions of the washing machine to be unusable, the user is prompted to use the functions that can be used normally (205). If the fault causes all functions of the washing machine to be unusable, the user is prompted that the washing machine is faulty and is requested not to start the machine and wait for repair (206).

[0056] The network status is detected in a preset detection cycle. If the network is not connected, the user is prompted to connect to the network to send fault information (207). If the network is connected, the fault information is sent to the cloud (208). The function of booking door-to-door service is displayed on the display interface of the display screen, and the user is prompted to fill in the booking information (209).

[0057] In the present embodiment, when a malfunction of the washing machine is detected, the functions of the washing machine that are unusable due to the malfunction are obtained. If the malfunction causes some functions of the washing machine to be unusable, the user is prompted to use the functions normally. The function of storing and sending malfunction information to the Internet may also be added to the program, so that the malfunction information can be synchronized to the cloud or server, facilitating after-sales engineers to quickly handle the malfunction. The function of making an appointment for door-to-door service may also be added to the display interface of the washing machine to help users make an appointment for door-to-door service.

[0058] Figure 3 It is a specific flow chart of after-sales service shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0059] After-sales engineers can analyze the fault information uploaded by the washing machine (301). If the user does not make an appointment for door-to-door service, the after-sales engineer will call back within a set time limit (e.g., three working days) to remotely assist in solving the fault (302). If the fault is not solved or the user chooses to make an appointment for door-to-door service, the after-sales engineer will provide door-to-door service with corresponding accessories based on the analysis results, repair or replace the faulty component (303). If the fault is not solved, the after-sales engineer will determine the cause of the fault based on the on-site analysis results and provide door-to-door service again (304). After the fault is solved, the after-sales engineer will upload the fault information, processing process and results to the cloud or server (305), and accumulate technical after-sales experience through induction and summary.

[0060] Corresponding to the aforementioned method embodiments, the present disclosure also provides device embodiments.

[0061] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fault handling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, the present disclosure provides a fault handling device for a washing machine, which includes a determination unit 401 and a prompt unit 402 .

[0062] The determination unit 401 is configured to, when it is detected that a fault occurs in the washing machine, obtain a function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault.

[0063] The prompt unit 402 is used to send a first prompt message if the fault causes some functions of the washing machine to be unusable, and the first prompt message is used to prompt the user of the functions that are normally used. If the fault causes all functions of the washing machine to be unusable, a second prompt message is sent, and the second prompt message is used to prompt the user of the fault of the washing machine.

[0064] In some embodiments, the device also includes: a reservation unit, used to display a function entrance for reserving home service on the display screen of the washing machine, and in response to detecting that the function entrance is triggered, display a reservation page associated with the function entrance, wherein the reservation page includes multiple display information, and based on the user's response to the display information, send the home service reservation information to the server, and display a third prompt information on the display screen.

[0065] In some embodiments, the device further includes: a sending unit, configured to obtain fault information and send the fault information to a server communicatively connected to the washing machine, so that an operation and maintenance personnel can analyze the fault information received by the server.

[0066] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure shall be included in the scope of protection of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for troubleshooting a washing machine, It is characterized in that The method comprises: In response to detecting a fault of the washing machine, determining whether the fault meets a preset fault condition, if so, obtaining a function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault, and if not, prompting a user to restart the washing machine; Wherein, if the washing machine has the same fault twice within a preset time period, or has three different faults within the preset time period, it is determined that the fault meets the preset fault condition; If the fault causes some functions of the washing machine to be unusable, sending a first prompt message, wherein the first prompt message is used to remind the user of the functions that are normally used; If the fault causes all functions of the washing machine to be unusable, a second prompt message is sent, where the second prompt message is used to prompt the user that the washing machine has a fault.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The obtaining of the function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault includes: The function of the washing machine being unusable due to the fault is obtained from a pre-constructed correspondence table, where the correspondence table is used to store the fault and the function of the washing machine being unusable due to the fault.

3. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: Displaying a function entry for booking door-to-door service on a display screen of the washing machine; In response to detecting that the function entry is triggered, displaying a reservation page associated with the function entry, wherein the reservation page includes a plurality of display information; According to the user's response to the displayed information, the door-to-door service reservation information is sent to the server, and the third prompt information is displayed on the display screen.

4. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: Get fault information; The fault information is sent to a server that is communicatively connected to the washing machine, so that an operation and maintenance personnel can analyze the fault information received by the server.

5. The method according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The sending the fault information to a server that is communicatively connected to the washing machine includes: checking the signal strength of the communication connection between the washing machine and the server; If the signal strength is greater than or equal to the signal strength threshold, sending the fault information to the server; If the signal strength is less than the signal strength threshold, the user is prompted to check the network.

6. A fault handling device for a washing machine, It is characterized in that The device comprises: a determination unit, configured to, when a fault of the washing machine is detected, determine whether the fault meets a preset fault condition, and if so, obtain a function of the washing machine that is unusable due to the fault, and if not, prompt a user to restart the washing machine; Wherein, if the washing machine has the same fault twice within a preset time period, or has three different faults within the preset time period, it is determined that the fault meets the preset fault condition; A prompt unit is used to send a first prompt message if the fault causes some functions of the washing machine to be unusable, and the first prompt message is used to prompt the user of the functions that are normally used; if the fault causes all functions of the washing machine to be unusable, a second prompt message is sent, and the second prompt message is used to prompt the user of the fault of the washing machine.

7. The device according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The device also includes: A reservation unit is used to display a function entry for reserving home service on the display screen of the washing machine, and in response to detecting that the function entry is triggered, display a reservation page associated with the function entry, wherein the reservation page includes multiple display information, and based on the user's response to the display information, send the home service reservation information to the server, and display a third prompt information on the display screen.

8. The device according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The device also includes: The sending unit is used to obtain fault information and send the fault information to a server that is communicatively connected to the washing machine, so that an operation and maintenance personnel can analyze the fault information received by the server.

9. A washing machine, It is characterized in that The washing machine uses the method described in any one of claims 1 to 5 to perform fault processing.

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