Metal foreign body detection method for washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine and a washing machine, wherein the method comprises: when the washing machine is in a shutdown state and / or a standby state, according to the opening and closing condition of the washing machine door cover, controlling the operation of a metal detection module to detect whether there is a metal foreign matter in the washing machine. The washing machine comprises: a control module, and a door switch detection module and a metal detection module respectively connected to the control module. When the washing machine is in a shutdown state and / or a standby state, the present invention can still effectively detect whether there is a metal foreign matter in the washing machine according to the opening and closing condition of the door cover, thereby achieving more accurate and comprehensive detection, effectively reducing the possibility of metal foreign matter appearing in the washing machine, and improving the safety of the operation of the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of foreign body detection of washing machines, and in particular relates to a method for detecting metal foreign bodies in washing machines and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, washing machines have gradually become one of the essential home appliances in people's homes. Most people use washing machines as their main tool for washing clothes. Due to the fast pace of life, people often forget to check their clothes pockets when washing clothes, and clothes pockets often contain metal foreign objects such as coins, keys, metal ornaments, mobile phones, and headphones.

[0003] Because the clothes are constantly stirred repeatedly during the washing process, these metal foreign objects are likely to fall out of the pockets of the clothes and directly come into contact with the inner drum of the washing machine, causing wear and tear of the inner drum and the clothes. In addition, smaller foreign objects such as coins, keys, and metal ornaments can easily get stuck in the gaps in the inner drum, which may cause problems such as jamming of the inner drum and overloading of the motor, causing serious damage to the washing machine. In addition, electronic products such as mobile phones and headphones cannot be used after being soaked in water, causing property loss to users.

[0004] Although there are schemes for detecting metal foreign objects in clothes in washing machines in the related prior art, most of them are methods for detecting metal foreign objects after the washing machine is turned on. However, many users are accustomed to putting clothes into the washing machine first, and then turning on the machine and selecting the washing program. This will result in no timely, effective and comprehensive detection of whether there are metal foreign objects in the clothes before turning on the machine, and it is very likely that missed detection will occur.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a metal foreign body detection method for a washing machine. When the washing machine is in a turned-off state, it is still possible to effectively detect whether there are metal foreign bodies in the washing machine, thereby solving the problem that the existing washing machine cannot perform comprehensive, effective and timely detection of metal foreign bodies in the washing machine when it is in a turned-off state.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the first aspect of the present application discloses a method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine, comprising:

[0008] When the washing machine is in a shutdown state and / or a standby state, the operation of the metal detection module is controlled according to the opening and closing conditions of the door cover of the washing machine to detect whether there is a metal foreign body in the washing machine.

[0009] Furthermore, when the washing machine is in the off state, when it is detected that the door cover is opened, the metal detection module is controlled to start working; when it is detected that the door cover is in the closed state, the metal detection module is controlled not to work;

[0010] Preferably, when it is detected that the door cover is opened, that clothes pass through the clothes loading port, and / or that the user stays within the set distance range of the washing machine for more than a set time, the metal detection module is controlled to start working.

[0011] Furthermore, if the metal detection module detects that there is a metal foreign object in the clothes put into the washing machine, the detected foreign object information is saved in the local cache area of ​​the washing machine;

[0012] After the washing machine is turned on, a relevant alarm reminder is issued to the user.

[0013] Further, the sending of the relevant alarm reminder to the user includes: controlling the voice alarm unit of the washing machine to send out a voice alarm reminder;

[0014] Preferably, the issuing of a relevant alarm reminder to the user further comprises: controlling a display unit of the washing machine to display the foreign object information.

[0015] Furthermore, the washing machine determines whether the user has taken out the metal foreign object within a set time T1 of sending a relevant alarm reminder to the user;

[0016] If it is determined that the user has not taken out the metal foreign object, the washing machine is controlled to prohibit the execution of any washing program;

[0017] Preferably, while controlling the washing machine to prohibit execution of any washing program, a request confirmation message is also sent to the user whether to resume normal operation of the washing machine. If a confirmation instruction from the user is received, the washing machine is controlled to unlock and resume normal operation.

[0018] Furthermore, the method for determining whether the user has removed the metal foreign body includes:

[0019] If the door cover is detected to be opened again after being closed within the set time T1, it is inferred that the user has taken out the metal foreign body and the alarm reminder is cancelled;

[0020] Preferably, within the set time T1, the metal detection module is controlled to be in working state. If a metal foreign object is detected passing through the clothing delivery port again, it is inferred that the user has taken out the metal foreign object and the alarm reminder is cancelled.

[0021] Furthermore, the metal foreign matter information includes the detected number of metal foreign matters in the washing machine. If it is determined that the number of metal foreign matters taken out by the user is less than the detected number, a relevant alarm reminder will continue to be issued to the user.

[0022] Furthermore, after the washing machine has finished the set interval time of the washing program, the metal detection module is controlled to start again, and if a metal foreign body is detected in the washing tub, a relevant alarm reminder is issued to the user;

[0023] Preferably, after detecting that the clothes in the washing tub are taken out, the metal detection module is controlled to start.

[0024] The following steps are involved:

[0025] Receive a signal from the user triggering the shutdown button;

[0026] The control module of the washing machine controls the door switch detection module to start and keep it powered on;

[0027] If the door switch detection module detects that the door cover is in the open state, the control module wakes up the metal detection module to detect metal foreign objects in the washing machine;

[0028] The detection results are saved in the local cache area of ​​the washing machine without any processing. When the signal of the user triggering the power button is received, a relevant alarm reminder signal is issued to prompt the user.

[0029] A second aspect of the present application further provides a washing machine, which adopts any of the above-mentioned methods for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine.

[0030] Furthermore, the washing machine comprises:

[0031] Control module, and

[0032] The door switch detection module is used to detect the opening and closing status of the washing machine door cover;

[0033] A metal detection module is provided at the clothing loading port of the washing machine and / or in the washing tub, and is used to detect whether there are metal foreign objects in the loaded clothing and / or in the washing tub;

[0034] Preferably, it also includes an alarm reminder module, which is used to send relevant alarm reminders to the user according to the detection results of the metal detection module;

[0035] Preferably, it also includes an infrared detection module for detecting whether there are clothes passing through the clothes delivery port and / or whether there are people staying within a set distance range of the washing machine.

[0036] After adopting the above technical scheme, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0037] 1. When the washing machine is in the shutdown state and / or standby state, the present invention can still effectively detect whether there are metal foreign objects in the washing machine according to the opening and closing conditions of the door cover, which effectively solves the problem that the existing washing machine cannot perform comprehensive, effective and timely detection of metal foreign objects in the washing machine when it is in the shutdown state. It realizes more accurate and comprehensive detection of metal foreign objects and avoids missed detection. On the one hand, it effectively reduces the probability of metal foreign objects appearing in the washing machine and improves the safety of the washing machine operation. On the other hand, it also effectively protects the property of users.

[0038] 2. Within the set T1 time of sending out relevant alarm reminders to the user, if it is determined that the user has not taken out the metal foreign object, the washing machine of the present invention will be controlled to prohibit the execution of any washing program to avoid the situation where there is a metal foreign object in the washing machine and the washing machine continues to execute the washing program, causing irreversible and serious damage to the user's personal property, or causing serious damage to the washing machine, clothes, etc.

[0039] 3. If the present invention determines that the number of metal foreign objects taken out by the user is less than the number detected by the metal detection module, it will continue to send relevant alarm reminders to the user. By adopting the above method, it effectively avoids the situation where there are multiple metal objects in the washing machine, but the user only takes out some metal objects, resulting in some metal objects still remaining in the washing machine.

[0040] 4. After the washing machine executes the set interval time of the washing program, the present invention controls the metal detection module to start again to detect whether there is metal foreign matter in the washing tub. If metal foreign matter is detected in the washing tub, a relevant alarm reminder is issued to the user, reminding the user to take out the washed clothes in time, effectively avoiding the problem of metal parts on the clothes, such as metal zippers or buttons or decorative pendants, etc., rusting in a humid washing tub.

[0041] The specific implementation modes of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the accompanying drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a process of a metal foreign body detection method according to an implementation mode of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2is a schematic flow chart of a metal foreign body detection method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 It is a flow chart of another method for detecting metal foreign matter in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but are intended to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the purpose, 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 in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “inside” and “outside” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0049] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0050] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine, comprising:

[0052] When the washing machine is in a shutdown state and / or a standby state, the operation of the metal detection module is controlled according to the opening and closing conditions of the door cover of the washing machine to detect whether there is a metal foreign body in the washing machine.

[0053] The washing machine provided in this embodiment adopts the above-mentioned metal foreign body detection method. When the washing machine is in the off state, it can still effectively detect whether there are metal foreign bodies in the washing machine according to the opening and closing conditions of the door cover, thereby achieving more accurate and comprehensive detection, effectively reducing the possibility of metal foreign bodies appearing in the washing machine, and improving the safety of the operation of the washing machine.

[0054] Furthermore, when the washing machine is in the off state, when it is detected that the door cover is opened, the metal detection module is controlled to start working; when it is detected that the door cover is in the closed state, the metal detection module is controlled not to work.

[0055] Specifically, the washing machine is provided with a door switch detection module for detecting the state of the door cover. When the washing machine is in the off state, the control board of the washing machine controls the door switch detection module to keep working to detect the closing state of the door cover of the washing machine. When the door switch detection module detects that the user has opened the door cover of the washing machine, it will feedback to the control board of the washing machine, and the control board of the washing machine will wake up the metal detection module and control the metal detection module to start working to detect whether there is any metal foreign matter in the washing machine.

[0056] In one embodiment, the metal detection module can be arranged at the clothing inlet of the washing machine to detect whether there are metal foreign objects in the clothes passing through the clothing inlet; or, the metal detection module can also be arranged in the washing tub to detect whether there are metal foreign objects in the clothes put into the washing tub; or, metal detection modules can be arranged at the clothing inlet and in the washing tub at the same time to simultaneously detect whether there are metal foreign objects in the clothes passing through the clothing inlet and the clothes put into the washing tub.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the washing machine is in the off state, it is still possible to effectively detect whether there are metal foreign objects in the washing machine according to the opening and closing of the door cover, which effectively solves the problem that the existing washing machine cannot perform comprehensive, effective and timely detection of metal foreign objects in the washing machine when it is in the off state. It realizes more accurate and comprehensive detection of metal foreign objects to avoid missed detection. On the one hand, it effectively reduces the probability of metal foreign objects appearing in the washing machine, improves the safety of the washing machine operation, and avoids metal foreign objects from causing damage to the washing machine or clothes. On the other hand, it also effectively protects the property of users.

[0058] Preferably, when it is detected that the door cover is opened, and clothes are passed through the clothes loading port and / or the user stays within the set distance range of the washing machine for more than a set time, it is inferred that the user has a tendency to put clothes in, and then the metal detection module is controlled to start working.

[0059] Whether the user puts clothes into the washing machine, the identification distance can be set according to infrared sensing or radar somatosensory, such as a range of 1m. If a user passes by or stays, the metal detection module can be controlled to start working. Or according to the photoelectric sensor, a similar sensor can be added to the clothing inlet. When clothes are detected passing through the clothing inlet, the metal detection module can be triggered to start working. If the washing machine is not equipped with a similar sensor, the metal detection module can be triggered to work without infrared sensing or radar somatosensory as long as the cover opening conditions are met.

[0060] Preferably, in this embodiment, when it is detected that the door cover is opened and when it is determined that the user has a tendency to put out clothes, the metal detection module is controlled to start working, so that the detection is more accurate, effective and targeted, avoiding unnecessary waste of energy.

[0061] Furthermore, if the metal detection module detects that there is a metal foreign object in the clothes put into the washing machine, the detected foreign object information is saved in the local cache area of ​​the washing machine;

[0062] After the washing machine is turned on, a relevant alarm reminder is issued to the user. The washing machine is provided with an alarm reminder module. When the metal detection module detects that there is a metal foreign body in the clothes put in, after the washing machine is turned on, the control panel of the washing machine controls the alarm reminder module to start an alarm, reminding the user to remove the metal foreign body in time.

[0063] Furthermore, the sending of relevant alarm reminders to the user includes: controlling a voice alarm unit of the washing machine, such as a buzzer, to send out a voice alarm reminder; giving the user an intuitive auditory reminder, so that the user can obtain the voice alarm reminder as soon as the washing machine is turned on.

[0064] Preferably, the sending of relevant alarm reminders to the user further includes: controlling a display unit of the washing machine, such as a display panel, to display the foreign object information. The clothing information is displayed in the form of text or graphics to give the user an intuitive visual reminder.

[0065] In this embodiment, when the washing machine is in the off state, only the corresponding display screen and other working modules are in the power-off state, and the control panel, metal detection module, etc. are in the pseudo-power-off state. The door switch detection module detects the door cover switch state of the washing machine. If it is determined that the door cover is open, the metal detection module is awakened to work. If it is determined that the door cover is closed, the metal detection module is controlled not to work.

[0066] It further determines whether the user has put clothes into the washing machine, and determines whether there are users staying within the identification distance or whether there are clothes passing through the clothing inlet according to the infrared sensor or radar body sensor settings. When the metal detection module detects the presence of metal objects in the clothes, it saves the identification results to the machine cache area. When the washing machine is turned on, the washing machine will issue a fault alarm through its own display panel and buzzer sound to remind the user to check in time; if the washing machine is in standby mode, its detection method is also based on the door cover switch status and whether the user has made a throwing action to identify and detect.

[0067] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine determines whether the user takes out the metal foreign body within the set time T1 of sending a relevant alarm reminder to the user;

[0068] If it is determined that the user has not taken out the metal foreign object, the washing machine is controlled to prohibit the execution of any washing program. By adopting the above method, within the set T1 time when the washing machine sends out relevant alarm reminders to the user, if it is determined that the user has not taken out the metal foreign object, the washing machine is controlled to prohibit the execution of any washing program, so as to avoid the washing machine continuing to execute the washing program when there is a metal foreign object in the washing machine, causing irreversible serious damage to the user's personal property, or causing damage to the washing machine, clothes, etc.

[0069] Specifically, when it is determined that the washing machine has not removed the metal foreign object within the set T1 time for issuing a relevant alarm reminder to the user, the starting system of the washing machine can be locked, and / or the water inlet system of the washing machine can be locked, and / or the washing tub of the washing machine can be locked to prohibit the washing machine from executing any washing program, thereby preventing the washing machine from causing irreversible damage to electronic products such as headphones and mobile phones due to water ingress, thereby causing property loss to the user.

[0070] Preferably, while controlling the washing machine to prohibit execution of any washing program, a request confirmation message is also sent to the user whether to resume normal operation of the washing machine. If a confirmation instruction from the user is received, the washing machine is controlled to unlock and resume normal operation.

[0071] Specifically, within the set time T1, if the user has not removed the metal foreign body, the washing machine is prohibited from executing any washing program. At the same time, the washing machine can be controlled to unlock and resume normal operation according to the user's instructions, making the entire control of the washing machine more humane and reasonable.

[0072] Furthermore, the method for determining whether the user has removed the metal foreign body includes:

[0073] In one embodiment, within the set T1 time, if the door cover is detected to be opened again after being closed, it is inferred that the user has taken out the metal foreign object, and the alarm reminder is cancelled. This solution is mainly for the case where the user closes the door cover before turning on the machine after putting the clothes in, or closes the door cover within the T1 time. If the door cover is detected to be opened again within the T1 time, it can be inferred that the user opened the door cover to take out the metal foreign object, and the washing machine can be controlled to cancel the alarm reminder.

[0074] Furthermore, if the user is not detected to have opened the door cover within the set time T1, it can be inferred that the user has not taken out the metal foreign object, and the washing machine is controlled to be locked and any washing program is prohibited. After receiving the user's confirmation instruction to confirm that the washing machine has resumed normal operation, the washing machine is controlled to be unlocked and resume normal operation; or within the T2 time when the washing machine is prohibited from executing any washing program, if the user is detected to have opened the door cover, it can be inferred that the user has taken out the metal foreign object, and the washing machine is controlled to be unlocked and resume normal operation.

[0075] In another preferred embodiment: within the set T1 time, the metal detection module is controlled to be in working state, and if a metal foreign object is detected passing through the clothing inlet again, it is inferred that the user has taken out the metal foreign object and the alarm reminder is cancelled.

[0076] In the above embodiment, within the set T1 time after the washing machine is turned on and issues an alarm reminder to the user, if the metal detection module detects that a metal foreign object has entered the clothing inlet again, it is inferred that the user has taken the metal foreign object out of the washing machine, and the washing machine can be controlled to cancel the alarm reminder.

[0077] Furthermore, if the metal detection module has not detected any metal foreign object passing through the clothing loading port again within the set time T1, it is inferred that the user has not taken out the metal foreign object, and the washing machine is controlled to be locked and any washing program is prohibited to be executed. After receiving the user's confirmation instruction to confirm that the washing machine has resumed normal operation, the washing machine is controlled to be unlocked and resume normal operation; or within the T2 time when the washing machine is prohibited from executing any washing program, the metal detection module detects that the user has taken out the metal foreign object, and the washing machine is controlled to be unlocked and resume normal operation.

[0078] Furthermore, since there may be multiple metal foreign objects in the clothes when the user puts them in, and the user may only take out one or part of the metal foreign objects when taking them out, some metal foreign objects may still remain in the washing machine. In this way, after the washing machine starts the washing program, the metal foreign objects left in the washing tub may be damaged, or may cause damage to the washing machine or the clothes.

[0079] In this embodiment, the metal foreign body information includes the number of metal foreign bodies detected in the washing machine. In one embodiment, a ring-shaped metal detection module is provided at the clothing loading port of the washing machine. When the user is putting in clothes, the control panel of the washing machine can record the number of feedbacks of the metal foreign body signal detected by the metal detection module, and accumulate the number of metal foreign bodies detected. This embodiment is mainly applicable to the situation where the user puts in clothes one by one or several pieces of clothes. For example, if the control panel of the washing machine determines that the metal detection module has fed back five signals during the process of the user putting in clothes, it can be inferred that there are five metal foreign bodies in the clothes put in by the washing machine.

[0080] Or in another embodiment, a plurality of metal detection modules are arranged at intervals on the circumference of the clothing loading port, and when the user is loading the clothing, the control panel of the washing machine infers the number of metal foreign bodies according to the signals fed back by different detection modules. For example, five metal detection modules are arranged at intervals on the circumference of the clothing loading port, and when the user is loading the clothing, if three metal detection modules feed back metal foreign body signals to the control panel of the washing machine, it can be inferred that there are three metal foreign bodies in the clothing loaded by the washing machine.

[0081] Alternatively, in another embodiment, a plurality of metal detection modules may be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the washing tub, and the control panel of the washing machine infers the number of metal foreign bodies based on the signals fed back by different detection modules.

[0082] Alternatively, in another embodiment, a metal detection module may be provided in the washing tub, and the control panel of the washing machine records the number of feedbacks of metal foreign body signals detected by the metal detection module when the washing tub rotates one circle, and accumulates the number of metal foreign bodies.

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, the metal foreign body information includes the detected number of metal foreign bodies in the washing machine. If it is determined that the number of metal foreign bodies taken out by the user is less than the detected number, the relevant alarm reminder will continue to be issued to the user.

[0084] In the above embodiment, if it is determined that the number of metal foreign objects taken out by the user is less than the number detected by the metal detection module, a relevant alarm reminder will continue to be issued to the user. By adopting the above method, it is effectively avoided that there are multiple metal objects in the washing machine, while the user only takes out some metal objects, resulting in some metal objects still remaining in the washing machine.

[0085] Furthermore, after the washing machine has executed the set interval time of the washing program, the metal detection module is controlled to start again, and if metal foreign matter is detected in the washing tub, a relevant alarm reminder is issued to the user.

[0086] In the above embodiment, after the washing machine completes the set interval time of the washing program, the metal detection module is controlled to start again to detect whether there is metal foreign matter in the washing tub. If metal foreign matter is detected in the washing tub, a relevant alarm reminder is issued to the user, reminding the user to take out the washed clothes in time, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of metal parts on the clothes, such as metal zippers or buttons or decorative pendants, etc., rusting in a humid washing tub.

[0087] Preferably, in another embodiment, after detecting that the clothes in the washing tub are taken out, the metal detection module is controlled to start.

[0088] In the above embodiment, after the washing machine completes the washing program and detects that the clothes have been taken out, the metal detection module is controlled to start again to detect whether there are metal foreign objects in the washing tub, thereby effectively preventing metal parts such as zippers, buttons or decorative accessories on the clothes from falling off during the washing process and remaining in the washing machine. When the washing program is executed next time, the metal parts are stirred into the impeller or the motor shaft, thereby damaging the washing machine and affecting the normal progress of the washing program.

[0089] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine comprises the following steps:

[0090] Receive a signal from the user triggering the shutdown button;

[0091] The control module of the washing machine controls the door switch detection module to start and keep it powered on;

[0092] If the door switch detection module detects that the door cover is in the open state, the control module wakes up the metal detection module to detect metal foreign objects in the washing machine;

[0093] The detection results are saved in the local cache area of ​​the washing machine without any processing. When the signal of the user triggering the power button is received, a relevant alarm reminder signal is issued to prompt the user.

[0094] Specifically, the washing machine electronic control board provided in this embodiment is divided into two parts: a control board and a power board. Many devices on the control board use weak electricity, which is converted from 220V AC power through the power board. The control board is also connected to many modules, including water level, temperature, metal detection, door switch detection, WiFi, infrared and other modules. The power supply of these modules can be achieved through the control board.

[0095] When the user presses the shutdown button, only the display screen goes out, and other irrelevant modules can also be powered off according to actual usage to reduce power consumption when the machine is turned off. The main control board is in a non-interrupted power state when the washing machine is turned off. It needs to control the door switch detection module to make a judgment. If the door switch detection module detects that the door cover of the washing machine is open, it controls the metal detection module to be in a ready state, performs real-time detection, and saves the detection results to the local end without any processing. After the machine is turned on, the relevant alarm signal is triggered to prompt the user.

[0096] This embodiment also provides a washing machine, which adopts the above-mentioned method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine.

[0097] Furthermore, the washing machine comprises:

[0098] Control module, and

[0099] The door switch detection module is used to detect the opening and closing status of the washing machine door cover;

[0100] The metal detection module is arranged at the clothing loading port of the washing machine and / or in the washing tub, and is used to detect whether there are metal foreign objects in the loaded clothing and / or the washing tub; the metal detection module includes a metal detector.

[0101] Preferably, it also includes an alarm reminder module, which is used to issue relevant alarm reminders to the user according to the detection results of the metal detection module.

[0102] Preferably, it also includes an infrared detection module for detecting whether there are clothes passing through the clothes delivery port and / or whether there are people staying within a set distance range of the washing machine.

[0103] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the washing machine further comprises:

[0104] A backup power supply device, which supplies power to at least the metal detection module when the washing machine is in a shutdown state;

[0105] Preferably, when the washing machine is in the off state, the backup power supply device also supplies power to one or more of the door switch detection module, the alarm reminder module, and the infrared detection module;

[0106] Preferably, the control module has a metal detection module working circuit, the metal detection module working circuit is connected in series with a control switch, the control switch is linked with the door cover, when the door cover is opened, the control switch is turned on, and when the door cover is closed, the control switch is turned off;

[0107] Preferably, the power supply device is a battery.

[0108] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modify the technical contents suggested above into equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still fall within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine, characterized in that: include: When the washing machine is in the off state and / or standby state, the operation of the metal detection module is controlled according to the opening and closing status of the washing machine door cover to detect whether there is a metal foreign body in the washing machine; When the washing machine is in the off state, when it is detected that the door cover is opened, and when it is detected that clothes are passing through the clothes loading port and / or the user stays within the set distance range of the washing machine for more than a set time, the metal detection module is controlled to start working; If the metal detection module detects metal foreign objects in the clothes put into the washing machine, the detected foreign object information will be saved in the local cache area of ​​the washing machine; after the washing machine is turned on, a relevant alarm reminder will be issued to the user; After the washing machine has finished the set interval of the washing program, when it detects that the clothes in the washing tub are taken out, the metal detection module is controlled to start again; if metal foreign matter is detected in the washing tub, a relevant alarm reminder is issued to the user.

2. The method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the washing machine is in the off state, when it is detected that the door cover is in the closed state, the metal detection module is controlled not to work.

3. The method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sending of the relevant alarm reminder to the user includes: controlling the voice alarm unit of the washing machine to send out a voice alarm reminder.

4. The method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sending of the relevant alarm reminder to the user also includes: controlling the display unit of the washing machine to display the foreign object information.

5. The method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The washing machine determines whether the user has taken out the metal foreign object within a set time T1 of issuing a relevant alarm reminder to the user; If it is determined that the user has not removed the metal foreign object, the washing machine is controlled to prohibit the execution of any washing program.

6. The method for detecting metallic foreign bodies in a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: While controlling the washing machine to prohibit execution of any washing program, a request confirmation message is also sent to the user whether to resume normal operation of the washing machine. If a confirmation instruction from the user is received, the washing machine is controlled to unlock and resume normal operation.

7. The method for detecting metallic foreign matter in a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The method for determining whether the user has removed the metal foreign body comprises: Within the set time T1, if it is detected that the door cover is opened again after being closed, it is inferred that the user has taken out the metal foreign object and the alarm reminder is cancelled.

8. The method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: During the set T1 time, the metal detection module is controlled to be in working state. If a metal foreign object is detected passing through the clothing delivery port again, it is inferred that the user has taken out the metal foreign object and the alarm reminder is cancelled.

9. The method for detecting metallic foreign bodies in a washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The metal foreign body information includes the detected number of metal foreign bodies in the washing machine. If it is determined that the number of metal foreign bodies taken out by the user is less than the detected number, the relevant alarm reminder will continue to be issued to the user.

10. The method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Receive a signal from the user triggering the shutdown button; The control module of the washing machine controls the door switch detection module to start and keep it powered on; If the door switch detection module detects that the door cover is in the open state, the control module wakes up the metal detection module to detect metal foreign objects in the washing machine; The detection results are saved in the local cache area of ​​the washing machine without any processing. When the signal of the user triggering the power button is received, a relevant alarm reminder signal is issued to prompt the user.

11. A washing machine, characterized in that: A method for detecting metal foreign matter in a washing machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 is adopted.

12. The washing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The washing machine comprises: Control module, and The door switch detection module is used to detect the opening and closing status of the washing machine door cover; The metal detection module is arranged at the clothing loading port of the washing machine and / or in the washing tub, and is used to detect whether there are metal foreign objects in the loaded clothing and / or the washing tub.

13. The washing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: It also includes an alarm reminder module, which is used to send relevant alarm reminders to the user according to the detection results of the metal detection module.

14. The washing machine according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: It also includes an infrared detection module for detecting whether there are clothes passing through the clothes delivery port and / or whether there are people staying within a set distance range of the washing machine.

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