A control method for washing equipment

By using Bluetooth pairing between the washing machine and the water pump to store memories and display indicator lights, the problem of Bluetooth connection confusion is solved, achieving stable data transmission and safe use, making it convenient for users to operate.

CN115704170BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MASCH CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202110938780.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-08-16
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2041-08-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing Bluetooth connection between washing machines and external water pumps is prone to confusion, leading to control problems, unstable data transmission, and potential safety hazards.

Method used

After the washing machine successfully pairs with the water pump via Bluetooth for the first time, it stores the pairing information. Subsequent connections will only be made to the water pump by the machine itself. The pairing information will be cleared by a trigger unit. The connection status will be displayed via a Bluetooth indicator light, and an alarm will be triggered in case of an abnormality.

Benefits of technology

It effectively avoids Bluetooth connection problems, improves data transmission stability and security, facilitates user replacement of water pumps, and enhances user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This invention discloses a control method for a washing device, comprising a washing machine and an external water pump connected to the washing machine via Bluetooth. The control method includes: after the washing machine successfully pairs and connects with the water pump via Bluetooth for the first time, storing and memorizing relevant pairing information; during subsequent use, the washing machine searches for the corresponding water pump based on the stored pairing information and only actively connects to that water pump. By employing the above method, the washing device provided by this invention avoids the phenomenon of chaotic device connection and data transmission, effectively preventing the Bluetooth connection chaos that easily occurs between the washing machine and the water pump, which leads to control confusion or inability to achieve data transmission between the washing machine and the water pump.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household appliance technology, and more specifically, relates to a control method for a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of people's living standards, washing machines have become commonplace in most households, bringing great convenience to daily life. Currently, most fully automatic washing machines on the market rely on the pressure of tap water to fill the machine. However, for rural areas where tap water pressure is insufficient or unavailable, relying solely on tap water pressure for filling the machine is insufficient.

[0003] Meanwhile, in response to the call for water conservation, many users also use other relatively clean domestic water, such as river water, the last rinse water from laundry, or bath water, to initially wash clothes, thus achieving secondary reuse of water resources and saving water. However, when using externally reused water to wash clothes, users need to use a lot of force to pour the water into the washing tub, which is very inconvenient.

[0004] In response to this situation, many users purchase external water pumps separately to draw recycled water from outside into the washing machine. Due to the separate design of the washing machine and the water pump, their control units need to communicate to allow the washing machine to control the pump and ensure coordinated operation. Existing water pumps are typically connected to the washing machine's control board via wires. However, improper wiring or electrical leakage in humid environments can pose safety hazards and endanger users.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, those skilled in the art have implemented Bluetooth wireless modules for external water pumps to communicate wirelessly with washing machines. However, due to the strong penetrating power of Bluetooth signals, when a washing machine connects to an external water pump via Bluetooth, it often connects to other water pumps in the home or to water pumps in neighboring homes, causing connection confusion and inconvenience to users.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a control method for a washing device, in which the washing machine only actively connects to the water pump that is successfully paired for the first time, effectively avoiding the problem of Bluetooth connection confusion between the washing machine and the water pump.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] This application discloses a control method for a washing device, the washing device including a washing machine and an external water pump connected to the washing machine via Bluetooth, the control method including:

[0010] After the washing machine successfully pairs and connects with the water pump via Bluetooth for the first time, it stores and remembers the relevant pairing information.

[0011] During subsequent use, the washing machine searches for the corresponding water pump based on the stored pairing information and only actively connects to that water pump.

[0012] Furthermore, during subsequent use, the washing machine will not actively connect to any water pump other than the paired water pump stored in the pairing information.

[0013] Furthermore, upon initial configuration, the washing machine actively searches for the Bluetooth signal of an available water pump after powering on;

[0014] When the washing machine detects that the Bluetooth signals of two or more water pumps are available, it will automatically pair and connect with the water pump with the strongest signal and store the pairing information in the washing machine.

[0015] Preferably, the water pump includes a power adapter, the power adapter is equipped with a Bluetooth slave module, and the pairing information includes the address information of the power adapter stored in the storage unit of the washing machine.

[0016] Furthermore, during subsequent use, the washing machine continuously searches for the initially paired water pump. If it fails to connect successfully to the water pump within a set time, it will issue a relevant alarm.

[0017] Preferably, the alarm prompt includes: the washing machine's voice prompt module issuing a voice alarm prompt;

[0018] And / or, the washing machine's display unit displays alarm information through text and / or graphics and / or flashing lights.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes the following steps:

[0020] Receives user instruction signals to replace the water pump;

[0021] The pairing information stored in the washing machine is cleared according to the instruction signal, thus releasing the binding relationship between the washing machine and the paired water pump.

[0022] After clearing the pairing information, the washing machine actively searches for the Bluetooth signal of an available water pump and can establish a Bluetooth connection with any of the searched water pumps.

[0023] Furthermore, the control panel of the washing machine is equipped with a trigger unit for controlling the washing machine to clear the pairing information. When the washing machine receives a signal from the user to trigger the trigger unit, it deletes the pairing information.

[0024] Preferably, the triggering unit is a combination clear button including at least two buttons. When the washing machine receives a signal that the two buttons are triggered simultaneously, it deletes the pairing information.

[0025] Even better, when the washing machine receives a signal that two buttons are pressed at the same time, it will issue a corresponding voice prompt.

[0026] Furthermore, the washing machine includes an automatic pairing mode, wherein the automatic pairing mode includes the washing machine automatically executing a pairing command after being turned on;

[0027] When the washing machine receives a start button trigger signal, it cancels the automatic pairing command and starts running according to the washing program selected by the user.

[0028] Preferably, the washing machine also includes a manual pairing mode, wherein the washing machine and the water pump can be paired and connected manually.

[0029] Alternatively, the washing machine is equipped with a manual pairing combination button. The washing machine can start or stop the manual pairing mode and / or switch the selected water pump according to different trigger signals received from the user triggering the manual pairing combination button.

[0030] Furthermore, the washing machine is equipped with a water pump indicator light, which flashes or remains constantly lit after the external water pump function is selected.

[0031] If it is determined that the washing machine and the water pump are not successfully paired or that there is a communication problem, the water pump indicator light will flash rapidly to alert the user.

[0032] Preferably, if the washing machine and the water pump have already established a Bluetooth connection before the user selects the water pump function, the water pump indicator light will remain on.

[0033] If the washing machine is still searching for Bluetooth signals when the user selects the water pump function, the water pump indicator light will flash rapidly.

[0034] Furthermore, if the washing machine fails to pair with the water pump or if there is a communication error, the washing machine's display unit will show a fault code, which includes at least the following:

[0035] The first fault code indicates an abnormal communication between the washing machine's control board and the washing machine's Bluetooth master module;

[0036] The second fault code indicates an abnormal communication between the washing machine's Bluetooth master module and the water pump's Bluetooth slave module.

[0037] Furthermore, after the washing machine and the water pump are successfully connected, the water pump will feed back the acquired water pump parameter information to the washing machine control unit via Bluetooth communication. The washing machine control unit will adjust the washing program according to the received water pump parameter information.

[0038] Preferably, the parameter information of the water pump includes water temperature and / or water quality and / or water quantity information.

[0039] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0040] 1. In this invention, after the washing machine successfully pairs and connects with the water pump via Bluetooth for the first time, it stores and remembers the relevant pairing information. During subsequent use, the washing machine searches for the corresponding water pump based on the stored pairing information and only actively connects to that pump. The washing machine will not actively connect to any other water pumps other than those stored in the pairing information. The washing device provided by this invention avoids the phenomenon of device connection and data transmission confusion, effectively avoiding the Bluetooth connection confusion that easily occurs between existing washing machines and water pumps, leading to control confusion or inability to achieve data transmission between the washing machine and the water pump.

[0041] 2. The washing device provided by the present invention can clear the pairing information stored in the washing machine according to the instruction signal received from the user to replace the water pump, thereby releasing the binding relationship between the washing machine and the paired water pump. In this way, the washing machine can establish a connection with other water pumps, making it convenient for the user to replace other water pumps.

[0042] Furthermore, the triggering unit for controlling the washing machine to clear the pairing information in this application includes a combination clearing key with at least two buttons. The washing machine will only delete the pairing information when it receives a signal that both buttons are triggered simultaneously. Compared to triggering with a single button, this effectively prevents the accidental deletion of stored pairing information due to user operation errors.

[0043] 3. The washing equipment provided by this invention is equipped with a water pump indicator light. Different flashing frequencies of the water pump indicator light display different pairing connection states between the washing machine and the water pump, providing users with intuitive reminders and allowing them to immediately obtain the connection status of the washing machine and the water pump through the indicator light, thus improving the user experience. Furthermore, in this application, when the pairing connection between the washing machine and the water pump fails or communication is abnormal, the washing machine's display unit will display a corresponding fault code, facilitating quick troubleshooting by users or after-sales service personnel.

[0044] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the control method for the washing equipment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the control method for the washing equipment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the washing machine control panel of the present invention;

[0049] In the picture:

[0050] 101. Manual pairing combination keys; 102. Start / Pause key; 103. Power button; 104. Combination clear key; 105. Display area.

[0051] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0053] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0054] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0056] The washing device disclosed in this embodiment includes a washing machine and an external water pump connected to the washing machine via Bluetooth. The external water pump is separately set from the washing machine and can draw recycled water such as bath water, rinsing water, and vegetable washing water into the washing machine to provide washing water for washing clothes, thus saving water resources.

[0057] In this application, the water pump and the washing machine communicate wirelessly via Bluetooth, avoiding safety hazards caused by improper wiring or leakage in humid environments, thus improving safety. Furthermore, the Bluetooth connection between the water pump and the washing machine offers strong signal penetration, stability, and anti-interference capabilities, enabling stable and efficient data transmission and program control between the two devices.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment also discloses a control method for a washing device, the control method comprising:

[0059] After the washing machine successfully pairs and connects with the water pump via Bluetooth for the first time, it stores and remembers the relevant pairing information.

[0060] During subsequent use, the washing machine searches for the corresponding water pump based on the stored pairing information and only actively connects to that water pump.

[0061] In the above solution, the washing machine only actively connects to the water pump that is successfully paired for the first time, effectively avoiding the problem of Bluetooth connection confusion between the washing machine and the water pump.

[0062] Furthermore, during subsequent use, the washing machine will not actively connect to any water pump other than the paired water pump stored in the pairing information.

[0063] The washing device provided by this invention, by adopting the above method, will not experience chaotic device connection and data transmission, effectively avoiding the problem of Bluetooth connection chaos between existing washing machines and water pumps, which leads to control chaos or inability to achieve data transmission between the washing machine and water pump.

[0064] Furthermore, during initial configuration, the washing machine will actively search for the Bluetooth signal of an available water pump after powering on; when only one available water pump's Bluetooth signal is detected, it will directly pair and connect with that water pump.

[0065] When the washing machine detects that two or more water pumps have available Bluetooth signals, it automatically pairs and connects with the water pump with the strongest signal and stores the pairing information in the washing machine.

[0066] In actual use, users will definitely place the water pump they want to use to draw water into the washing machine closer to the washing machine. The Bluetooth signal of the water pump placed near the washing machine will definitely be the strongest. By adopting the above pairing and connection method, even if there are other water pumps in the user's home or the neighbor's home has this type of water pump, the washing machine can accurately pair and connect with the water pump that the user wants to use, achieving a more accurate and efficient pairing and connection.

[0067] Preferably, the water pump includes a pump body and a power adapter mounted on the pump body. The washing machine's control board has a Bluetooth master module, and the power adapter has a Bluetooth slave module connected to the water pump's control board. The washing machine's control board and the water pump's control board achieve wireless data transmission and program control through the Bluetooth master and slave modules.

[0068] During the initial configuration, after the washing machine is turned on, the washing machine's Bluetooth main module will actively search for available adapter Bluetooth signals. When two or more adapters are powered on at the same time and are in a searchable state, the strength of all signals is compared according to the principle of the strongest signal. The washing machine will then analyze and identify the water pump with the strongest signal, and automatically pair and connect with the water pump with the strongest signal, storing the pairing information in the washing machine.

[0069] In this application, the water pump is equipped with indicator lights of different colors to display the status information of the water pump or the power adapter.

[0070] Specifically, the power adapter is equipped with red and green indicator lights. A lit red indicator light indicates that the power adapter is powered on. A flashing green Bluetooth module light (0.5s on, 0.5s off) indicates that the power adapter is discoverable. A solid green light indicates that the adapter has successfully paired and is in a paired state. An off green light indicates that the power adapter's Bluetooth is off and needs to be reactivated by powering it on. The effective discoverability time of the power adapter is set to 2 minutes, starting from when the red light illuminates after the adapter is powered on.

[0071] In this application, the washing machine includes a storage unit, such as a storage chip, and the pairing information includes the address information of the power adapter that was first successfully paired and connected in the storage unit of the washing machine.

[0072] During subsequent use, the washing machine uses the address information stored in the storage unit to determine whether the searched water pump is the first water pump to be connected. If the address information of the searched water pump matches the address information stored in the washing machine's storage unit, it will actively connect to the water pump; if the address information of the searched water pump does not correspond to the address information stored in the washing machine's storage unit, it will not actively connect to the water pump, effectively avoiding the problem of Bluetooth connection confusion that easily occurs between existing washing machines and water pumps.

[0073] In this application, after the washing machine is connected to the adapter, it remembers the relevant information of the paired power adapter. During subsequent use, when both the washing machine and the adapter are powered on, the washing machine will actively connect to the paired adapter based on the remembered pairing information. The washing machine that has stored pairing information will not actively connect to other power adapters. Once the washing machine is paired with the paired power adapter, even if the paired power adapter is not powered on, and other power adapters are powered on and in a discoverable state, the washing machine will not actively connect to any power adapter other than those specified in the pairing information.

[0074] Furthermore, during subsequent use, the washing machine will continuously search for the first-paired water pump each time it is turned on or after the water pump function is selected. If it fails to connect to the water pump within the set time, it will issue a relevant alarm to remind the user.

[0075] Preferably, the alarm prompt includes: the washing machine's voice prompt module issuing a voice alarm prompt;

[0076] And / or, the washing machine's display unit displays alarm information through text and / or graphics and / or flashing lights.

[0077] Specifically, the washing machine continuously searches for paired power adapters according to the pairing information stored in the storage unit. If the connection still fails after a certain period of time, such as more than 30 seconds, the washing machine will sound an alarm and display an alarm code (such as noP) on the digital display panel to alert the user.

[0078] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the control method for the washing equipment provided in this embodiment further includes the following steps:

[0079] Receives user instruction signals to replace the water pump;

[0080] The pairing information stored in the washing machine is cleared according to the instruction signal, thus releasing the binding relationship between the washing machine and the paired water pump.

[0081] After clearing the pairing information, the washing machine actively searches for the Bluetooth signal of an available water pump and can establish a Bluetooth connection with any of the searched water pumps.

[0082] In the above solution, the washing equipment can clear the pairing information stored in the washing machine according to the instruction signal received from the user to replace the water pump, thereby breaking the binding relationship between the washing machine and the paired water pump. In this way, the washing machine can establish a connection with other water pumps, making it convenient for the user to replace other water pumps when the water pump fails.

[0083] Furthermore, the washing machine's control panel is equipped with a trigger unit for controlling the washing machine to clear the pairing information. When the washing machine receives a signal from the user to trigger the trigger unit, it deletes the pairing information. When the user wants to unbind the washing machine from the initially paired water pump, they can directly trigger the trigger unit to quickly clear the pairing information.

[0084] Preferably, the triggering unit is a combination clear button 104 including at least two buttons. When the washing machine receives a signal that the two buttons are triggered simultaneously, it deletes the pairing information.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the triggering unit includes a combination clearing key 104 consisting of at least two buttons: a volume button and a water level button. Of course, any other button combination can also be configured to form the combination clearing key 104. The washing machine will only delete the pairing information when it receives signals that both the volume button and the water level button are triggered simultaneously. Compared to triggering with a single button, this effectively prevents the accidental deletion of stored pairing information due to user error.

[0086] Even better, when the washing machine receives a signal that two buttons are pressed at the same time, it will issue a corresponding voice prompt.

[0087] In this application, when replacing the water pump of the washing machine with another one that is already paired with it, it is necessary to first remove the existing Bluetooth pairing information of the washing machine. A combination clear button 104 is set on the control panel of the washing machine. It is effective when two or more buttons are pressed at the same time. When the combination clear button 104 is pressed at the same time, the washing machine beeps once, and at the same time the Bluetooth pairing information is cleared from the storage chip of the washing machine. The washing machine with the cleared pairing information can establish a Bluetooth connection with any searchable power adapter.

[0088] In another preferred embodiment, the washing machine is also equipped with a voice receiving module, allowing the user to control the washing machine to clear the pairing information via voice control. The user can send a voice control command to the washing machine to replace the water pump. After the voice receiving module receives the command, the washing machine clears the Bluetooth pairing information stored in its storage unit. Using voice control to clear the pairing information not only makes control more convenient and faster, but also enhances the level of intelligence, improves human-machine interaction, and makes the washing machine's control functions and modes more comprehensive and diverse.

[0089] In this application, Bluetooth pairing information is only stored in the washing machine's storage unit, and the water pump does not store pairing information. As long as the paired power adapter has not established a Bluetooth connection with the paired washing machine, it can be connected and paired by a washing machine that has not stored pairing information when the power adapter is in a power-on and discoverable state.

[0090] Furthermore, the washing machine includes an automatic pairing mode, which is enabled by default. The automatic pairing mode includes the washing machine automatically executing a pairing command after being turned on.

[0091] When the washing machine receives the start button 102 trigger signal, it cancels the automatic pairing command and starts running according to the washing program selected by the user.

[0092] In the above solution, some users may not use the water pump and may directly select to start the washing program after turning on the machine. When the user presses the "start button 102" on the washing machine, the washing machine will stop searching for the water pump and start running the washing program selected by the user to avoid affecting the normal operation of the washing program.

[0093] Preferably, the washing machine also includes a manual pairing mode, wherein the washing machine and the water pump can be paired and connected manually.

[0094] Choose a different location, such as Figure 3 As shown, the washing machine is equipped with a manual pairing combination button 101. The washing machine can start or stop the manual pairing mode and / or switch the water pump to be selected according to different trigger signals received from the user triggering the manual pairing combination button 101.

[0095] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the manual pairing combination key 101 includes three keys: "Volume key" + "Schedule key" + "Power key 103". The manual pairing operation method is as follows: press the combination key (such as "Volume" + "Schedule" + "Power" keys) simultaneously to enter the manual pairing mode.

[0096] After the manual pairing mode is activated, the washing machine's digital display (taking a digital display with three 8s as an example) displays the following rules:

[0097] The 8 in the middle is not displayed; the number on the right indicates the number of available power adapters found by the washing machine (maximum number is 8); the number on the left indicates the power adapter to be used, the default is 0. Press the "Volume" button to increase the number, and press the "Schedule" button to decrease the number, thus switching the selected adapter. After selecting a number by pressing the "Volume" button, press the "Start" button to connect. When the connection is successful, the green indicator light of the connected adapter will light up. If it is not the power adapter you want to connect, you can press the "Volume" button and then "Schedule" to select another number, and then press the "Start" button to connect.

[0098] When in manual mode, the searched power adapters are sorted according to signal strength. When manual mode is selected again, the order of the searched adapters may change depending on the signal strength.

[0099] Furthermore, the washing machine is equipped with a water pump indicator light, combined with... Figure 3 As shown, the control panel of the washing machine has a light-transmitting text labeled "Water Pump" on its display area 105. Below the "Water Pump" text is a water pump indicator light. When the external water pump function is selected in the washing machine, the water pump indicator light flashes or stays on, illuminating the "Water Pump" text to provide a visual prompt to the user.

[0100] If it is determined that the washing machine and the water pump are not successfully paired or that there is a communication problem, the water pump indicator light will flash rapidly to alert the user.

[0101] Preferably, if the washing machine and the water pump have already established a Bluetooth connection before the user selects the water pump function, the water pump indicator light will remain on.

[0102] If the washing machine is still searching for Bluetooth signals when the user selects the water pump function, the water pump indicator light will flash rapidly.

[0103] The washing equipment provided by this invention is equipped with a water pump indicator light. The different flashing frequencies of the water pump indicator light display the different pairing and connection states of the washing machine and the water pump, so as to give users intuitive reminders and allow users to get the connection status of the washing machine and the water pump at the first time through the water pump indicator light, thus improving the user experience.

[0104] like Figure 3As shown, the washing machine is also equipped with a child lock indicator light and a timer indicator light. Above the child lock indicator light on the display area 105 of the control panel is the word "Child Lock" or a child's image. The user can activate the child lock function by pressing and holding the program button for 3 seconds. When the user selects the child lock function, the child lock indicator light illuminates, and the word "Child Lock" or the child's image is illuminated. Above the timer indicator light on the display area 105 of the control panel is the word "Timer." When the user selects the timer washing function, the timer indicator light illuminates, and the word "Timer" is illuminated.

[0105] Furthermore, if the washing machine fails to pair with the water pump or if there is a communication error, the washing machine's display unit will show a fault code, which includes at least the following:

[0106] The first fault code indicates an abnormal communication between the washing machine's control board and the washing machine's Bluetooth master module;

[0107] The second fault code indicates an abnormal communication between the washing machine's Bluetooth master module and the water pump's Bluetooth slave module.

[0108] In this application, when the washing machine and the water pump fail to pair or the communication is abnormal, the washing machine's display unit will display the corresponding fault code, which will help users or after-sales service personnel to quickly resolve the fault.

[0109] In this application, pressing and holding the "Volume" button on the washing machine control panel for more than 3 seconds selects the external water pump function. The water pump indicator light will start flashing or remain constantly lit (it will remain constantly lit if a Bluetooth connection has already been established when the button is pressed, and will flash rapidly if it is still searching for a Bluetooth signal). Before the program starts, pressing and holding the "Volume" button again for more than 3 seconds cancels the water pump function. After the program starts running after pressing the "Start" button, the water pump indicator light flashes normally (0.5s on, 0.5s off), and the power adapter supplies power to the external water pump to draw water into the washing machine according to the washing machine's control instructions, filling the washing machine to the set water level. If pairing fails or communication is abnormal after selecting the water pump function, the water pump indicator light flashes rapidly (0.2s on, 0.2s off) for 30 seconds and then an alarm sounds. The digital display shows a fault code (FoP): indicating an abnormal communication between the washing machine's control board and the washing machine's Bluetooth main module; the digital display shows a fault code (noP): indicating an abnormal communication between the washing machine's Bluetooth main module and the adapter's Bluetooth module.

[0110] Furthermore, after the washing machine and the water pump are successfully connected, the water pump will feed back the acquired water pump parameter information to the washing machine control unit via Bluetooth communication. The washing machine control unit will adjust the washing program according to the received water pump parameter information.

[0111] Preferably, the parameter information of the water pump includes water temperature and / or water quality and / or water quantity information.

[0112] For example, the Bluetooth module of the water pump will feed back the water temperature value detected by the water temperature detection unit to the washing machine. If the washing machine determines that the water temperature is lower than the set value, it will start the heating program and control the washing water heating device, such as the electromagnetic heating module, to heat the washing water to avoid the water temperature being too low and affecting the washing effect.

[0113] Alternatively, the Bluetooth module of the water pump can also feed back the water quality information of the pump water detected by the water quality detection unit to the washing machine. When the washing machine determines that the turbidity parameter or hardness parameter of the pump water is greater than the set value, it will increase the amount of detergent or add a softener to ensure the treatment effect of clothes.

[0114] Alternatively, the Bluetooth module of the water pump can also feed back the water level information detected by the water level detection unit to the washing machine. When the washing machine determines that the water level is lower than the set value, it will control the automatic water filling program of the washing machine to start and inject the set amount of tap water to ensure sufficient water for washing.

[0115] Before the washing machine leaves the factory, all previously connected Bluetooth pairing information must be cleared to ensure that the washing machine's Bluetooth main module is in an unpaired state. The testing fixture design only checks whether the washing machine's Bluetooth function is normal; it does not memorize pairing information.

[0116] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing equipment includes a washing machine and an external water pump connected to the washing machine via Bluetooth. The control method includes: After the washing machine successfully pairs and connects with the water pump via Bluetooth for the first time, it stores and remembers the relevant pairing information. During subsequent use, the washing machine searches for the corresponding water pump based on the stored pairing information and only actively connects to that water pump. When the washing machine fails to pair with the water pump or when communication is abnormal, the washing machine's display unit will show a fault code. This fault code will include at least the following: The first fault code indicates an abnormal communication between the washing machine's control board and the washing machine's Bluetooth master module; The second fault code indicates an abnormal communication between the washing machine's Bluetooth master module and the water pump's Bluetooth slave module. After the washing machine and the water pump are successfully connected, the water pump will send the acquired water pump parameter information back to the washing machine control unit via Bluetooth communication. The washing machine control unit will then adjust the washing program based on the received water pump parameter information. The parameter information of the water pump includes the water temperature and / or water quality and / or water quantity.

2. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: During subsequent use, the washing machine will not automatically connect to any water pump other than the paired water pump stored in the pairing information.

3. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Upon initial setup, the washing machine will actively search for the Bluetooth signal of an available water pump after powering on; When the washing machine detects that two or more water pumps have available Bluetooth signals, it automatically pairs and connects with the water pump with the strongest signal and stores the pairing information in the washing machine.

4. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water pump includes a power adapter, which is equipped with a Bluetooth slave module. The pairing information includes the address information of the power adapter stored in the storage unit of the washing machine.

5. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: During subsequent use, the washing machine will continuously search for the initially paired water pump. If it fails to connect to the water pump within the set time, it will issue a relevant alarm.

6. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The alarm prompts include: the washing machine's voice prompt module issuing a voice alarm prompt; And / or, the washing machine's display unit displays alarm information through text and / or graphics and / or flashing lights.

7. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: Receives user instruction signals to replace the water pump; The pairing information stored in the washing machine is cleared according to the instruction signal, thus releasing the binding relationship between the washing machine and the paired water pump. After clearing the pairing information, the washing machine actively searches for the Bluetooth signal of an available water pump and can establish a Bluetooth connection with any of the searched water pumps.

8. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The control panel of the washing machine is equipped with a trigger unit for controlling the washing machine to clear the pairing information. When the washing machine receives a signal from the user to trigger the trigger unit, it will delete the pairing information.

9. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The triggering unit is a combination clear button including at least two buttons. When the washing machine receives a signal that the two buttons are triggered simultaneously, it deletes the pairing information.

10. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the washing machine receives a signal that two buttons are pressed at the same time, it will issue a corresponding voice prompt.

11. The control method for the washing equipment according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that: The washing machine includes an automatic pairing mode, which includes the washing machine automatically executing a pairing command after being turned on. When the washing machine receives a start button trigger signal, it cancels the automatic pairing command and starts running according to the washing program selected by the user.

12. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that: The washing machine also includes a manual pairing mode, which allows the washing machine and the water pump to be paired and connected manually.

13. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that: The washing machine is equipped with a manual pairing combination button. The washing machine can start or stop the manual pairing mode and / or switch the water pump to be selected according to the different trigger signals received from the user triggering the manual pairing combination button.

14. The control method for the washing equipment according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that: The washing machine is equipped with a water pump indicator light. After the external water pump function is selected in the washing machine, the water pump indicator light flashes or stays on. If it is determined that the washing machine and the water pump are not successfully paired or that there is a communication problem, the water pump indicator light will flash rapidly to alert the user.

15. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that: If the washing machine and the water pump have already established a Bluetooth connection before the user selects the water pump function, the water pump indicator light will remain on. If the washing machine is still searching for Bluetooth signals when the user selects the water pump function, the water pump indicator light will flash rapidly.

Citation Information

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