A control method of a washing and drying integrated machine and the washing and drying integrated machine

Abstract

The application discloses a control method of a washing and drying integrated machine and the washing and drying integrated machine. The control method comprises that the washing and drying integrated machine has a washing and drying linkage mode. The linkage mode comprises a washing stage in which a washing machine performs washing and a drying stage in which a drying machine performs drying. The drying stage comprises a sterilization step. The drying machine starts the sterilization step before the washing stage of the washing machine ends. When the sterilization time of the drying machine reaches a set sterilization time, the sterilization step of the drying machine ends. The washing and drying integrated machine has the washing stage of the washing machine and the sterilization step of the drying machine to overlap, so that the drying machine starts the sterilization step after the washing stage of the washing machine ends, clothes can be sterilized and deodorized directly after washing, the sterilization and deodorization rate of the clothes is accelerated, and the time required for sterilization and deodorization of the clothes is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household appliance technology, specifically, it relates to a control method for a washer-dryer combo and the washer-dryer combo itself. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, washing machines, as laundry appliances, are increasingly favored by consumers due to their convenience in washing and draining. Washing machines in related technologies typically do not have a drying module. This is mainly because installing a drying module in a conventional way often requires increasing the size of the washing machine, thus increasing the overall space occupied. Without a drying module, users cannot enjoy the integrated washing and drying functions, which is inconvenient. Therefore, washer-dryer combos have emerged on the market. These combos include a washing machine and a dryer, with the dryer stacked on top of the washing machine. This allows for both washing and drying functions without increasing the overall space occupied.

[0003] Existing washer-dryer combos wash clothes in the washing drum of the washing machine and then put them into the drying drum of the dryer for sterilization and deodorization. The drying drum needs to be sterilized and deodorized for a certain period of time before the clothes can be sterilized and deodorized to achieve a better sterilization and deodorization effect, which greatly increases the time required for the drying drum to sterilize and deodorize the clothes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a control method and a washer-dryer combo. The dryer starts sterilization before the washing stage of the washing machine ends, so that the washing stage of the washing machine and the sterilization step of the dryer overlap. This avoids the dryer starting the sterilization step only after the washing stage of the washing machine ends. It can sterilize and deodorize clothes directly after washing, thereby speeding up the sterilization and deodorization rate of clothes, reducing the time required for sterilization and deodorization, and making it more convenient for users.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] This invention provides a control method for a washer-dryer combo. The washer-dryer combo has a washing and drying linkage mode, which includes a washing stage in which the washing machine performs washing and a drying stage in which the dryer performs drying. The drying stage includes a sterilization step. The dryer starts the sterilization step before the washing stage of the washing machine ends, and the sterilization step of the dryer ends when the sterilization time of the dryer reaches the set sterilization time.

[0007] Furthermore, if the washing machine's set washing time is greater than or equal to the set sterilization time, the sterilization step of the dryer ends when the washing stage of the washing machine is completed.

[0008] Furthermore, based on the difference between the set washing time and the set sterilization time, the time when the dryer starts sterilization is obtained. When the washing time of the washing machine reaches the set washing time, the washing stage of the washing machine ends, and at this time the sterilization step of the dryer ends.

[0009] Furthermore, if the washing machine's set washing time is less than the set sterilization time but greater than or equal to the minimum set sterilization time, then the sterilization step of the dryer ends after the washing stage of the washing machine.

[0010] Furthermore, when the washing machine starts washing, the dryer begins sterilization. When the washing time of the washing machine reaches the set washing time, the washing stage of the washing machine ends. After the washing stage of the washing machine ends, the dryer continues to perform sterilization until the sterilization time of the dryer equals the set sterilization time.

[0011] Furthermore, if the washing machine's set washing time is less than the minimum set sterilization time, the dryer will not perform sterilization before the washing cycle of the washing machine ends.

[0012] Furthermore, during the sterilization and deodorization process of the dryer, the drying drum is kept stationary. Under the action of the fan, hot air and negative ions are delivered into the drying drum through the dryer's air duct to sterilize and deodorize its interior.

[0013] During the sterilization and deodorization process of the dryer, the drying drum of the dryer is controlled to rotate continuously in one direction, and the air duct of the dryer sends hot air and negative ions into the drying drum to sterilize and deodorize the inside of the drying drum.

[0014] Furthermore, during the sterilization and deodorization process of the dryer, the heating components and fan of the dryer are first started to heat the air inside the drying drum. When the temperature inside the drying drum reaches the set temperature, the negative ion generator is then started.

[0015] Furthermore, when the sterilization step of the dryer is completed, the washer-dryer combo will issue an alarm to remind the user that the sterilization of the dryer has ended. After the alarm is deactivated, the user can then remove the clothes from the washing machine drum and place them into the drying drum of the dryer.

[0016] Furthermore, if the washing machine and / or dryer issue an alarm during the sterilization process of the dryer's drying drum, the dryer operation will be paused and the linkage mode will be canceled.

[0017] The present invention also provides a washer-dryer combo, including a washing machine and a dryer, wherein the dryer and the washing machine are stacked together, and the control method of the washer-dryer combo provided by the above technical solution is adopted.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0019] The dryer begins sterilization before the washing cycle of the washing machine ends, so that the washing cycle of the washing machine and the sterilization step of the dryer overlap. This avoids the dryer starting the sterilization step after the washing cycle of the washing machine has ended. It can sterilize and deodorize clothes directly after washing, speeding up the sterilization and deodorization process, reducing the time required for sterilization and deodorization, and making it more convenient for users.

[0020] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are provided to further illustrate the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. Clearly, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 The present invention provides a control method for a washer-dryer combo.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a control method for a washer-dryer combo. The washer-dryer combo has a washing and drying linkage mode. The linkage mode includes a washing stage in which the washing machine performs washing and a drying stage in which the dryer performs drying. The drying stage includes a sterilization step. The dryer starts the sterilization step before the washing stage of the washing machine ends. When the sterilization time of the dryer reaches the set sterilization time, the sterilization step of the dryer ends.

[0028] In embodiments of the present invention, the dryer begins sterilization before the washing stage of the washing machine ends, so that the washing stage of the washing machine and the sterilization step of the dryer overlap. This avoids the dryer starting the sterilization step only after the washing stage of the washing machine has ended, and allows the clothes to be sterilized and deodorized directly after washing, thus speeding up the sterilization and deodorization process, reducing the time required for sterilization and deodorization, and making it more convenient for users.

[0029] The control method for the washer-dryer combo is applied to the washer-dryer combo, which includes a dryer and a washing machine stacked with the dryer. Specifically, the washer-dryer combo includes a dryer and a washing machine stacked vertically. The dryer includes a first outer shell and a drying drum disposed within the first outer shell, and the washing machine includes a second outer shell and a washing drum disposed within the second outer shell. Alternatively, the washer-dryer combo includes a washing machine and a dryer stacked vertically.

[0030] More specifically, the washing machine and dryer share a control panel. For example, the dryer is stacked on top of the washing machine, and the shared control panel is connected to the circuit boards of the washing machine and the dryer respectively. The front side of the bottom of the first outer casing has a first notch extending to the left and right, and the front side of the top of the second outer casing has a second notch extending to the left and right. The first notch and the second notch form a notch, and the control panel is embedded in the notch, so that the control panel is located in the middle of the washer-dryer combo, making it convenient for the user to operate.

[0031] First, the user selects a washing program on the device. At the same time, an additional function has been added to the device: a sterilization and deodorization function for the dryer. After the user selects this function, the washing drum will execute the washing program, and the dryer will execute the sterilization and deodorization program.

[0032] It should be noted that the washing stage of a washing machine includes the washing step, rinsing step, and spin-drying step that run in sequence; the drying stage includes the sterilization step and drying step that run in sequence.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, if the set washing time of the washing machine is greater than or equal to the set sterilization time, the sterilization step of the dryer ends when the washing stage of the washing machine ends.

[0034] In embodiments of the present invention, the set washing time, set sterilization time, and minimum set sterilization time of the washing machine can be manually set by the user or determined according to the weight of the clothes;

[0035] Specifically, the washing machine's set washing time is greater than or equal to the set sterilization time. Based on the difference between the set washing time and the set sterilization time, the time when the dryer starts sterilization is obtained, and it is determined when the dryer starts sterilization. While the dryer is sterilizing, the washing machine has already been in the washing stage for a period of time. When the washing machine's washing time reaches the set washing time, the washing stage of the washing machine ends. At this time, the dryer's sterilization time reaches the set sterilization time, and the sterilization step of the dryer ends.

[0036] When the washing machine's set washing time is greater than or equal to the set sterilization time, the time for the dryer to start sterilization is accurately determined based on the difference between the set washing time and the set sterilization time, thus preventing the dryer from performing sterilization too early or too late.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, if the set washing time of the washing machine is less than the set sterilization time and greater than or equal to the minimum set sterilization time, the sterilization step of the dryer ends after the washing stage of the washing machine is completed.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the set washing time of the washing machine is less than the set sterilization time but greater than or equal to the minimum set sterilization time, the dryer starts sterilization when the washing machine starts washing. The washing and sterilization of the washing machine and the dryer start simultaneously. When the washing time of the washing machine reaches the set washing time, the washing stage of the washing machine ends. After the washing stage of the washing machine ends, the dryer continues to perform sterilization until the sterilization time of the dryer is equal to the set sterilization time, and the sterilization step of the dryer ends. By starting the sterilization of the dryer and the washing of the washing machine simultaneously, it is ensured that the dryer has sufficient time to perform sterilization.

[0039] It should be noted that in embodiments where the set washing time of the washing machine is greater than or equal to the set sterilization time, and in embodiments where the set washing time of the washing machine is less than the set sterilization time but greater than or equal to the minimum set sterilization time, the washing stage is divided into washing, washing and spin-drying, rinsing, and rinsing and spin-drying steps in chronological order. After selecting the wash-drying linkage mode, the washing machine first enters the washing step, followed by the spin-drying step, and then the rinsing step. In the washing step, detergent is added to wash the clothes and remove stains. After the washing step, the spin-drying step begins, during which the washing tub inside the washing machine rotates at high speed. The centrifugal force of the high-speed rotation of the washing tub removes water from the clothes and also removes some detergent, facilitating rinsing. In the rinsing stage, water is added to the washing tub, which rotates at low speed. The oscillation of the water flow removes residual detergent and washing water from the clothes.

[0040] Users set different washing programs for different laundry scenarios. For example, when there are many clothes to wash and they are not very clean, they are covered with stains. If too little detergent is added, the stains will not be completely removed, and the washing effect will not be ideal. To thoroughly clean the stains, more detergent needs to be added. However, when too much detergent is added, it is easy for detergent residue to remain on the clothes. After washing, the clothes need to be rinsed multiple times to completely remove the detergent residue. On the other hand, for laundry scenarios with fewer clothes to wash and they are not very clean, there are fewer stains. Users do not need to add much detergent. After washing, the clothes do not need to be rinsed. The wash and spin-dry steps can be performed directly to remove the detergent residue during the spin-drying process, or a single rinse is sufficient to remove the detergent residue.

[0041] Since the number of rinses varies in different washing programs, the duration of the rinsing step also varies. Moreover, some washing programs do not even include a rinsing step, only a washing step and a washing and dehydration step. The washing and dehydration step is relatively short, usually less than the time required for the dryer to preheat to the preheating temperature. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, the dryer starts sterilization before the washing step ends, providing sufficient time for sterilization.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the set washing time of the washing machine is less than the minimum set sterilization time, and the dryer does not perform sterilization before the washing stage of the washing machine ends.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, if the set washing time of the washing machine is less than the minimum set sterilization time, the dryer does not perform sterilization before the end of the washing stage of the washing machine. For example, when the user only selects the dehydration step during the washing stage of the washing machine, since the dehydration step takes a short time, it is not suitable for the dryer to start sterilization when the washing machine is performing the washing stage.

[0044] Specifically for the above embodiment, the running time of the washing stage is T, and the time of the sterilization step is set to 1 hour; when T > 1 hour, the sterilization of the drying drum starts 1 hour before the end of the washing stage; when 30 minutes < T < 1 hour, during the washing operation, the sterilization of the drying drum also runs together. After waiting for the sterilization program of the drying drum to end, the clothes in the washing drum are then put in for drying. When T < 30 minutes, the function of sterilizing and deodorizing the drying drum cannot be selected on the machine side.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, during the process of the dryer performing sterilization and deodorization, the drying drum of the dryer is controlled not to rotate. Under the action of the fan, the air duct of the dryer sends hot air and negative ions into the drying drum to sterilize and deodorize the interior of the drying drum.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, an air duct for sending air into the drying drum is provided on the dryer. The air duct is provided with a heating component and a negative ion generator. A fan is provided at the air inlet of the air duct. During the sterilization process of the dryer, the drying drum does not rotate, and the air duct sends air into the drying drum under the action of the fan. The heating component heats the air duct, and the air duct continuously sends hot air into the drying drum to heat the air inside the drying drum. When it is detected that the temperature inside the drying drum reaches the set temperature, the negative ion generator is started, and the negative ion generator generates negative ions. The hot air and negative ions sterilize the interior of the drying drum. In order to prevent the washing and drying integrated machine from having too high power consumption and resulting in abnormal operation, during the operation of the fan and the heating component, the drum of the washing machine can be paused from rotating.

[0047] In addition, if no fan is provided at the air inlet of the dryer air duct, during the process of the dryer performing sterilization and deodorization, the drying drum of the dryer is controlled to rotate continuously in one direction. The air duct of the dryer sends hot air and negative ions into the drying drum to sterilize and deodorize the interior of the drying drum.

[0048] ​

[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the sterilization step of the dryer is completed, the washer-dryer combo will issue an alarm to remind the user that the sterilization of the dryer has ended. After the alarm is deactivated, the user can then remove the clothes from the washing drum of the washing machine and place them into the drying drum of the dryer.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the sterilization time of the dryer reaches the set sterilization time, the sterilization step of the dryer ends. In order to inform the user that the sterilization step of the dryer has ended and to prevent the user from leaving clothes in the washing drum of the washing machine for a long time, an alarm sound is emitted by the alarm device installed on the washer-dryer combo to remind the user that the sterilization step of the dryer has ended.

[0051] It should be noted that, since the inside of the drying drum is sterilized by high temperature, the temperature of the drying drum can be detected first after the sterilization time of the dryer reaches the set sterilization time. When the temperature of the drying drum is lower than the minimum set temperature, an alarm will be issued to the user. The minimum set temperature is determined according to the temperature that the user can tolerate.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, if the washing machine and / or dryer issues an alarm during the sterilization process of the dryer drum, the dryer operation is paused and the linkage mode is canceled.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, during the sterilization process of the dryer, the washing machine is simultaneously performing operations such as washing, dehydrating, and rinsing the clothes. When the washing machine and / or dryer issues an alarm, that is, when an unexpected situation occurs during the operation of the washing machine and / or dryer, causing the washing machine and / or dryer to malfunction, the operation of the dryer is suspended and the linkage mode is canceled.

[0054] For example, during the rinsing step of a washing machine, water needs to be added to the tub. If a malfunction in the water inlet pipe prevents water from entering the tub, the washing machine cannot continue the rinsing step, causing the clothes to not finish washing within the preset time. The washing machine will then issue an alarm. If the dryer continues to sterilize, the clothes may still not be finished washing by the time the set sterilization time is reached, and the clothes cannot be put into the dryer for sterilization, wasting energy. Similarly, when the dryer issues an alarm, it indicates that the dryer cannot properly sterilize the clothes after the washing stage, and the dryer should be stopped to avoid safety hazards.

[0055] This invention suspends the operation of the dryer and cancels the wash-dry linkage mode after the washing machine and / or dryer issue an alarm, thereby avoiding the waste of electricity caused by the dryer continuing to run, improving the safety of the washer-dryer combo and reducing safety hazards.

[0056] 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. 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 washer-dryer combo, characterized in that, The washer-dryer combo has a washing and drying linkage mode, which includes a washing stage in which the washing machine performs the washing and a drying stage in which the dryer performs the drying. The drying stage includes a sterilization step. The dryer starts the sterilization step before the washing stage of the washing machine ends, and the sterilization step of the dryer ends when the sterilization time of the dryer reaches the set sterilization time. If the washing machine's set washing time is less than the set sterilization time but greater than or equal to the minimum set sterilization time, the sterilization step of the dryer will end after the washing stage of the washing machine. When the washing machine starts washing, the dryer begins sterilization. When the washing time of the washing machine reaches the set washing time, the washing stage of the washing machine ends. After the washing stage of the washing machine ends, the dryer continues to perform sterilization until the sterilization time of the dryer is equal to the set sterilization time. If the washing machine's set washing time is less than the minimum set sterilization time, the dryer will not perform sterilization before the washing cycle ends.

2. The control method for the washer-dryer combo according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the washing machine's set washing time is greater than or equal to the set sterilization time, the sterilization step of the dryer will end when the washing stage of the washing machine is finished.

3. The control method for the washer-dryer combo according to claim 2, characterized in that, The time when the dryer starts sterilization is obtained by the difference between the set washing time and the set sterilization time. When the washing machine reaches the set washing time and the washing stage of the washing machine ends, the sterilization step of the dryer ends.

4. The control method for the washer-dryer combo according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the sterilization and deodorization process in the dryer, the drying drum is kept stationary. Under the action of the fan, hot air and negative ions are delivered into the drying drum through the dryer's air ducts to sterilize and deodorize its interior. During the sterilization and deodorization process of the dryer, the drying drum of the dryer is controlled to rotate continuously in one direction, and the air duct of the dryer sends hot air and negative ions into the drying drum to sterilize and deodorize the inside of the drying drum.

5. The control method for the washer-dryer combo according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the sterilization and deodorization process of the dryer, the heating components and fan of the dryer are started first to heat the air inside the drying drum. When the temperature inside the drying drum reaches the set temperature, the negative ion generator is then started.

6. The control method for a washer-dryer combo according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, If the washing machine and / or dryer issues an alarm during the sterilization process of the dryer drum, the dryer operation will be paused and the linkage mode will be canceled.

7. A washer-dryer combo, comprising a washing machine and a dryer, wherein the dryer and washing machine are stacked together, characterized in that, The control method for the washer-dryer combo machine as described in any one of claims 1-6 is adopted.

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