Control method of a washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

The application relates to a control method of a washing machine and the washing machine, and relates to the technical field of washing machines. The washing machine comprises an electrolytic water program. The control method comprises the following steps: in the electrolytic water program, the PH value of washing water and electrolytic water power are obtained; the electrolytic water rate is determined according to the PH value of the washing water; whether the electrolytic water power and the electrolytic water rate satisfy a preset relationship is judged; and the adjustment time of the electrolytic water power and the adjustment time of the electrolyte concentration are determined according to the judgment result. The adjustment time of the electrolytic water power and the adjustment time of the electrolyte concentration are determined, the electrolytic water power or the electrolyte concentration is reasonably adjusted in the electrolytic water process, the electrolytic water rate is improved, the electrolytic water time is shortened, the electrolytic water efficiency and the sterilization capacity of the electrolytic water solution are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing machine technology, and in particular to a control method for a washing machine and a washing machine itself. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are many washing machines on the market with sterilization functions, employing various sterilization methods such as light sterilization, high-temperature sterilization, disinfectant sterilization, and ozone sterilization. However, each of these methods has its drawbacks. For example, light sterilization has a limited sterilization range and rate, failing to achieve comprehensive sterilization; high-temperature sterilization can cause irreversible damage to some heat-sensitive clothing, affecting the user experience; disinfectants (such as anionic disinfectants) are consumed during the sterilization process, requiring users to add them periodically, which is inconvenient and increases both sterilization costs and unnecessary labor for users; ozone sterilization produces ozone that can cause some clothing to fade and damage washing machine components, and also poses risks to human health and the environment.

[0003] Among related technologies, washing machines that achieve sterilization through water electrolysis have been proposed. The water electrolysis process can occur after water is introduced through the inlet valve, or it can occur first and then the electrolyzed water is released into the washing machine and dissolved in the wash water. However, current control methods for electrolyzed water are relatively simple, and the disinfection effect of the electrolyzed water cannot be effectively controlled. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this invention proposes a control method for a washing machine and a washing machine.

[0005] The first aspect of this invention provides a control method for a washing machine, the washing machine including a water electrolysis program, the control method comprising:

[0006] In the water electrolysis process, the pH value of the washing water and the water electrolysis power are obtained;

[0007] The rate of water electrolysis is determined based on the pH value of the washing water;

[0008] Determine whether the electrolysis power and the electrolysis rate of water satisfy a preset relationship;

[0009] The timing for adjusting the electrolysis power and the timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration are determined based on the judgment results.

[0010] Further optionally, the preset relationship is a preset linear relationship;

[0011] And / or, the preset relationship is: P = k1 × V;

[0012] Where P is the electrolysis power, V is the electrolysis rate, and k1 is a coefficient, k1 > 0.

[0013] Further optionally, determining the water electrolysis rate based on the pH value of the washing water includes:

[0014] Determine the change in pH of the wash water per unit time, ΔpH / t;

[0015] The water electrolysis rate is determined based on the change ΔpH / t.

[0016] Further optionally, the water electrolysis rate satisfies:

[0017] V = k2 × ΔpH / t;

[0018] Where V is the water electrolysis rate, ΔpH / t is the change in pH of the washing water per unit time, and k2 is a coefficient, which is greater than 0.

[0019] Further optionally, determining the timing for adjusting the water electrolysis power and the electrolyte concentration based on the judgment result includes:

[0020] When the electrolysis power and the electrolysis rate satisfy a preset relationship, the timing for adjusting the electrolysis power is determined based on the pH value of the washing water.

[0021] When the electrolysis power and the electrolysis rate do not meet the preset relationship, the timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration is determined based on the pH value of the washing water and the electrolysis rate.

[0022] Further optionally, determining the timing of adjusting the water electrolysis power based on the pH value of the washing water includes:

[0023] Compare the pH value of the washing water with the set pH value;

[0024] When the pH value of the washing water is greater than the set pH value, the adjustment timing for reaching the electrolysis power is determined, and the electrolysis power is increased.

[0025] Further optionally, determining the timing of electrolyte concentration adjustment based on the pH value of the washing water and the water electrolysis rate includes:

[0026] Compare the pH value of the washing water with the set pH value;

[0027] When the pH value of the washing water is greater than the set pH value, compare the electrolysis rate of water with the set electrolysis rate of water.

[0028] When the water electrolysis rate is lower than the set water electrolysis rate, determine the timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration and increase the amount of electrolyte added to the washing water.

[0029] Alternatively, when the pH value of the washing water is less than or equal to the set pH value, the water electrolysis program ends and the laundry washing program is executed.

[0030] Further optionally, after adjusting the electrolysis power or electrolyte concentration, the pH value of the washing water and the electrolysis power are obtained again, and the control flow of the electrolysis process is restarted based on the obtained pH value of the washing water and the electrolysis power.

[0031] The second aspect of the present invention provides a washing machine that employs the control method proposed in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention can include the following beneficial effects: The present invention determines the timing of adjusting the water electrolysis power and the timing of adjusting the electrolyte concentration, and improves the water electrolysis rate by reasonably adjusting the water electrolysis power or electrolyte concentration during the water electrolysis process, so as to shorten the water electrolysis time, improve the water electrolysis efficiency and the bactericidal ability of the water electrolysis solution. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0039] Among related technologies, washing machines that use water electrolysis for sterilization have relatively simple control over the electrolyzed water, and the disinfection effect of the electrolyzed water cannot be effectively controlled.

[0040] To address the above technical problems, this embodiment proposes a control method for a washing machine. The washing machine in this embodiment includes a water electrolysis program, and the control method includes:

[0041] In the water electrolysis process, the pH value of the washing water and the water electrolysis power are obtained;

[0042] The rate of water electrolysis is determined based on the pH value of the washing water;

[0043] Determine whether the electrolysis power and the electrolysis rate of water meet the preset relationship;

[0044] Based on the judgment results, determine the timing for adjusting the electrolysis power and the timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration.

[0045] This embodiment determines the timing for adjusting the water electrolysis power and the electrolyte concentration. By reasonably adjusting the water electrolysis power or electrolyte concentration during the water electrolysis process, the water electrolysis rate can be increased, thereby shortening the water electrolysis time, improving the water electrolysis efficiency, and enhancing the bactericidal ability of the electrolyzed water solution.

[0046] The following describes this embodiment in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 A control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, with reference to Figure 1 The washing machine in this embodiment includes a water electrolysis program, and the control method includes the following steps:

[0048] S11, in the water electrolysis process, obtain the pH value of the washing water and the water electrolysis power;

[0049] In this embodiment, the washing machine includes a water electrolysis device. This device generates an electrolyzed aqueous solution by electrolyzing water containing an electrolyte. The electrolyzed aqueous solution kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic microorganisms contaminated in and on all surfaces in contact with the solution. The electrolyte can be, for example, sodium chloride. The washing machine includes an electrolysis program, which can be executed according to user instructions or by default after the washing machine starts. In this embodiment, after the electrolysis program is started, the washing water in the inner or outer drum of the washing machine can be electrolyzed after water enters through the inlet valve to generate an electrolyzed aqueous solution with bactericidal effects. Alternatively, water that has not yet entered the washing machine can be electrolyzed first, and then the electrolyzed aqueous solution obtained is released into the washing machine and dissolved in the washing water in the inner or outer drum. This embodiment's washing machine also includes a pH detection device for detecting the pH value of the washing water. In this embodiment, during the water electrolysis process, the pH value of the washing water detected by the pH detection device is obtained. The pH value of the washing water can be obtained in real time or at set intervals, such as every 5 seconds, to reduce the number of program runs. Simultaneously, it is also necessary to obtain the current water electrolysis power. Water electrolysis power is the electrical power supplied to the water electrolysis device, reflecting its electrolysis capability. A higher water electrolysis power indicates a stronger electrolysis capability, and vice versa. This embodiment determines the pH value of the washing water and the water electrolysis power, and then determines the water electrolysis rate based on the pH value of the washing water, ultimately determining whether the water electrolysis power and rate satisfy a preset relationship.

[0050] S12, determine the water electrolysis rate based on the pH value of the washing water;

[0051] In this embodiment, the pH value of the washing water can be the pH value of the washing water detected directly by the pH detection device each time, or it can be the average of the pH values ​​of the washing water obtained multiple times. The water electrolysis rate refers to the speed at which the water electrolysis device electrolyzes water containing electrolytes to generate an electrolyzed aqueous solution. Since the pH value of the electrolyzed aqueous solution reflects the generation of the solution, the water electrolysis rate is related to the pH value of the washing water. Therefore, after determining the pH value of the washing water, the water electrolysis rate can be determined based on that pH value.

[0052] S13, determine whether the electrolysis power and the electrolysis rate of water meet the preset relationship;

[0053] In this embodiment, the water electrolysis rate is also related to the water electrolysis power. When the electrolyte concentration is higher than the set concentration, the water electrolysis power and the water electrolysis rate satisfy a preset relationship; that is, as the water electrolysis power increases, the water electrolysis rate increases accordingly, and the water electrolysis rate and the water electrolysis power are positively correlated, such as a linear relationship. When the electrolyte concentration is lower than or equal to the set concentration, the water electrolysis rate no longer increases with the increase of power, but instead begins to decrease. At this time, the water electrolysis rate and the water electrolysis power no longer satisfy the preset relationship. Therefore, by determining whether the water electrolysis power and the water electrolysis rate satisfy the preset relationship, the electrolyte concentration can be determined, and thus the adjustment method for the water electrolysis rate can be determined.

[0054] S14. Based on the judgment results, determine the timing for adjusting the electrolysis power and the timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration.

[0055] In this embodiment, by determining whether the water electrolysis rate and the water electrolysis power satisfy a preset relationship, different determination results can determine whether the water electrolysis rate is adjusted by adjusting the water electrolysis power or by adjusting the electrolyte concentration. When the water electrolysis rate and the water electrolysis power satisfy the preset relationship, it means that the water electrolysis rate increases with the increase of the water electrolysis power, and the electrolyte concentration is at a level higher than the set concentration. In this case, increasing the water electrolysis power can increase the water electrolysis rate. When the water electrolysis rate and the water electrolysis power do not satisfy the preset relationship, it means that the water electrolysis rate does not increase with the increase of the water electrolysis power, and may even decrease with the increase of the water electrolysis power. This indicates that the electrolyte concentration is at a level lower than or equal to the set concentration, and increasing the water electrolysis power can no longer increase the water electrolysis rate. Only by increasing the electrolyte concentration can the water electrolysis rate be increased. Therefore, by determining whether the water electrolysis rate and the water electrolysis power satisfy the preset relationship, the timing for adjusting the water electrolysis power and the timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration can be determined.

[0056] To accurately determine the timing for adjusting the electrolysis power and electrolyte concentration, when the electrolysis power and electrolysis rate meet a preset relationship, the timing for adjusting the electrolysis power is determined based on the pH value of the washing water; when the electrolysis power and electrolysis rate do not meet the preset relationship, the timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration is determined based on the pH value of the washing water and the electrolysis rate.

[0057] In this embodiment, the preset relationship between the water electrolysis rate and the water electrolysis power can be a preset linear relationship, and / or the water electrolysis power and the water electrolysis rate satisfy the formula: P=k1×V; where P is the water electrolysis power, V is the water electrolysis rate, and k1 is a coefficient, k1>0. The value of k1 can be determined according to the electrolyte concentration and the type of electrolyte.

[0058] This embodiment determines the method to increase the water electrolysis rate by determining whether the water electrolysis rate and the water electrolysis power meet a preset relationship, thereby effectively improving the water electrolysis efficiency and shortening the water electrolysis time.

[0059] Figure 2 A control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, with reference to Figure 2 The method for determining the water electrolysis rate based on the pH value of the washing water in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0060] S21, Determine the change in pH value of the washing water per unit time ΔpH / t;

[0061] In this embodiment, when the washing machine starts executing the water electrolysis program, the initial pH value of the washing water detected by the pH detection device is H1, and the initial detection time is t1. As the water electrolysis program proceeds, after time t2, the pH value of the washing water detected by the pH detection device is H2. The pH value of the washing water will change during the time interval t2-t1, and the amount of pH change is denoted as ΔpH, where ΔpH = H2 - H1. By dividing the amount of pH change by the time change t2-t1, the amount of pH change of the washing water per unit time during the water electrolysis process, ΔpH / t, can be obtained. Similarly, during the operation of the water electrolysis program, the amount of pH change of the washing water per unit time, ΔpH / t, can be determined at any given moment.

[0062] S22, determine the water electrolysis rate based on the change ΔpH / t.

[0063] In this embodiment, the water electrolysis rate is related to the change in pH of the wash water per unit time, ΔpH / t. A higher water electrolysis rate results in a larger change in ΔpH / t, and a lower rate results in a smaller change in ΔpH / t. In one example, the water electrolysis rate satisfies: V = k2 × ΔpH / t, where V is the water electrolysis rate, ΔpH / t is the change in pH of the wash water per unit time, and k2 is a coefficient greater than 0. The value of k2 can be determined based on the electrolyte concentration and type; for example, k2 = 1.

[0064] Figure 3 A control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, with reference to Figure 3 The method for determining the timing of water electrolysis power adjustment based on the pH value of the washing water in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0065] S31, compare the pH value of the washing water with the set pH value;

[0066] S32, When the pH value of the washing water is greater than the set pH value, determine the timing for adjusting the electrolysis power and increase the electrolysis power.

[0067] In this embodiment, since the washing water needs to reach a certain pH value to have a disinfecting and sterilizing effect, the set pH value is the maximum pH value at which the washing water achieves the ideal sterilization effect. The set pH value is related to the type of clothing being washed in the washing machine. After determining the pH value of the washing water, it is compared with the set pH value. If the pH value of the washing water is greater than the set pH value, it means that the pH value of the washing water has not yet reached the pH value for the ideal sterilization effect. It is necessary to increase the electrolysis rate of the water to lower the pH value of the washing water so that the pH value of the washing water is less than or equal to the set pH value. When the electrolysis rate and the electrolysis power meet a preset relationship, when the pH value of the washing water is greater than the set pH value, it is determined that the adjustment timing of the electrolysis power is reached. At this time, the electrolysis rate and the electrolysis power increase together, and the electrolysis rate can be increased by increasing the electrolysis power.

[0068] It should be noted that after increasing the electrolysis power, the pH value of the wash water should be continuously monitored. If the pH value of the wash water is still higher than the set pH value, the electrolysis rate should be increased by further increasing the electrolysis power, provided that the electrolysis rate and power meet the preset relationship, until the pH value of the wash water is less than or equal to the set pH value, or until the electrolysis rate and power no longer meet the preset relationship. When the pH value of the wash water is less than or equal to the set pH value, it means that the pH value of the wash water has reached the pH value with ideal disinfection and sterilization effect, and the electrolysis process should be stopped at this time. When the electrolysis rate and power no longer meet the preset relationship, it means that increasing the electrolysis power can no longer increase the electrolysis rate, and it is necessary to increase the electrolyte concentration to increase the electrolysis rate.

[0069] Figure 4 A control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, with reference to Figure 4 The timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration based on the pH value of the washing water and the rate of water electrolysis in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0070] S41, compare the pH value of the washing water with the set pH value;

[0071] S42, When the pH value of the washing water is greater than the set pH value, compare the electrolysis rate of water with the set electrolysis rate of water.

[0072] S43, When the water electrolysis rate is less than the set water electrolysis rate, determine the timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration and increase the amount of electrolyte added to the washing water.

[0073] In this embodiment, after determining the pH value of the washing water, the pH value is compared with a set pH value. If the pH value of the washing water is greater than the set pH value, it indicates that the pH value of the washing water has not yet reached the ideal pH value for sterilization. The pH value needs to be lowered by increasing the electrolysis rate so that it is less than or equal to the set pH value. When the electrolysis rate and electrolysis power do not meet a preset relationship, the electrolysis rate is related to the electrolyte concentration, increasing with increasing electrolyte concentration. When the electrolysis rate is less than the set electrolysis rate, it indicates that the electrolyte concentration is too low. The timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration is determined, and the electrolysis rate is adjusted by regulating the electrolyte concentration. In one example, the electrolyte concentration is increased by increasing the amount of electrolyte added to the washing water, thereby increasing the electrolysis rate. The set electrolysis rate is the minimum electrolysis rate Vy, and its magnitude is related to the type of electrolyte added. The amount of washing water added can be a set amount or determined based on the current electrolysis rate.

[0074] When the water electrolysis rate is greater than or equal to the set water electrolysis rate, it means that the water electrolysis rate can meet the water electrolysis requirements. At this time, the pH value of the washing water is re-evaluated. If the pH value of the washing water is less than the set pH value, the water electrolysis program ends. If the pH value of the washing water is greater than the set pH value, the water electrolysis rate is compared with the set water electrolysis rate again, and the comparison result determines whether to increase the amount of electrolyte to increase the water electrolysis rate.

[0075] In this embodiment, during the electrolysis process, the washing machine changes the electrolysis rate after adjusting the electrolysis power or electrolyte concentration. Therefore, it needs to re-obtain the pH value of the washing water and the electrolysis power. If the pH value of the washing water exceeds the set pH value, the control flow of the electrolysis process restarts based on the re-obtained pH value and electrolysis power, forming a closed-loop control. Furthermore, during each electrolysis process, the electrolysis process stops when the electrolysis power reaches its maximum. Alternatively, each increase in the amount of washing water added accumulates the amount added, and the electrolysis process stops when the total amount of washing water added reaches the set amount.

[0076] In this embodiment, during the water electrolysis program, when the pH value of the washing water is lower than the set pH value, it indicates that the pH value of the washing water has reached the ideal pH value for sterilization. At this time, the water electrolysis program ends, and the clothes washing program is executed after the water electrolysis program ends to start washing the clothes.

[0077] This embodiment also proposes a washing machine that employs the control method proposed in the above embodiments.

[0078] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0079] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0080] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0081] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes a water electrolysis program, and the control method includes: In the water electrolysis process, the pH value of the washing water and the water electrolysis power are obtained; The rate of water electrolysis is determined based on the pH value of the washing water; Determine whether the electrolysis power and the electrolysis rate of water satisfy a preset relationship, wherein the preset relationship is a preset linear relationship; The timing for adjusting the electrolysis power and the timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration are determined based on the judgment results. The step of determining the timing for adjusting the electrolysis power and the electrolyte concentration based on the judgment result includes: When the electrolysis power and the electrolysis rate satisfy a preset relationship, the timing for adjusting the electrolysis power is determined based on the pH value of the washing water. When the electrolysis power and the electrolysis rate do not meet the preset relationship, the timing for adjusting the electrolyte concentration is determined based on the pH value of the washing water and the electrolysis rate.

2. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset relationship is: P = k1 × V; Where P is the electrolysis power, V is the electrolysis rate, and k1 is a coefficient, k1 > 0.

3. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of determining the water electrolysis rate based on the pH value of the washing water includes: Determine the change in pH of the wash water per unit time, ΔpH / t; The water electrolysis rate is determined based on the change ΔpH / t.

4. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water electrolysis rate satisfies: V = k2 × ΔpH / t; Where V is the water electrolysis rate, ΔpH / t is the change in pH of the washing water per unit time, and k2 is a coefficient, which is greater than 0.

5. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, After adjusting the electrolysis power or electrolyte concentration, the pH value of the washing water and the electrolysis power are obtained again, and the control flow of the electrolysis process is restarted based on the obtained pH value of the washing water and the electrolysis power.

6. A washing machine, characterized in that, It employs the control method described in any one of claims 1-5.

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