An air quality detection method and a washing machine

Abstract

This invention discloses an air quality detection method and a washing machine. An air duct is created on the washing machine's drum, connecting the inside and outside of the washing machine. When the inner drum rotates, it agitates the airflow within the washing machine, creating a negative pressure near the inner port of the air duct. This negative pressure allows indoor air to enter the air duct through the outer port, enabling indoor air quality detection while the inner drum is rotating. Air quality data can be displayed on the washing machine's control panel or sent to the user's terminal, allowing the user to know the indoor air quality during the washing process. This simplifies the process of detecting indoor air quality and eliminates the need for users to purchase dedicated air quality detection equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine control technology, specifically, it relates to an air quality detection method and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] A washing machine is a cleaning appliance that uses the mechanical energy generated by electricity to wash clothes. Washing machines are generally divided into front-loading washing machines and top-loading washing machines according to their washing principle. Top-loading washing machines generally include a cabinet and an inner tub inside the cabinet. An impeller is installed at the bottom of the inner tub, and the impeller has protruding ribs. During washing, the motor drives the impeller to rotate. Under the impeller's drive, the water flow in the washing tub forms a vortex that rotates sometimes to the right and sometimes to the left, causing the clothes to rotate and tumble, so as to achieve the washing effect.

[0003] A typical top-loading washing machine consists of a washing machine body and a control panel located on the upper part of the washing machine body. The control panel is usually divided into two parts: one part is responsible for opening or closing the inner tub, and the other part is used to house the computer board, which is responsible for operating the washing machine.

[0004] As atmospheric conditions deteriorate, air quality issues are increasingly attracting public attention. Air quality testing and purification devices are becoming more common in homes. Users need to purchase these devices to monitor indoor air quality, especially after new home renovations when there is a need to test for formaldehyde, benzene, and other volatile organic compounds.

[0005] However, air quality testing equipment is used relatively infrequently by ordinary households. After a few uses, it is usually left unused, and each time it is used, it needs to be taken out, turned on, and tested, which is cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to propose an air quality detection method and a washing machine. Taking advantage of the fact that washing machines are essential and commonly used household appliances, an air duct is opened on its base. By cleverly utilizing the principle that negative pressure is formed inside the washing machine cabinet when the inner drum rotates, indoor air is introduced into the air duct or into the inner drum of the washing machine cabinet, thereby realizing the detection of air quality and issuing a prompt to the user. This simplifies the steps for users to detect indoor air quality and saves users the cost of purchasing special air quality detection equipment.

[0007] The present invention is implemented using the following technical solutions:

[0008] An air quality detection method is proposed for application in a washing machine, the washing machine comprising:

[0009] The washing machine casing has an opening at the top and an inner tub inside.

[0010] A tray base is located above the washing machine body, with an opening and a washing machine cover at the opening; an air duct is provided on the tray base, and the air duct runs through the outside and inside of the washing machine body.

[0011] The method includes:

[0012] Drive the inner barrel to rotate so that a negative pressure is formed around the internal port of the air duct based on the rotation of the inner barrel;

[0013] After outside air is drawn into the air duct under negative pressure, the air quality is detected.

[0014] Display air quality information.

[0015] Furthermore, the step of driving the inner tub to rotate is included in the spin-drying process when the washing machine starts.

[0016] Furthermore, the step of driving the inner tub to rotate is included in the air quality detection process when the washing machine is started;

[0017] The air quality detection process includes:

[0018] Receive air quality detection input commands;

[0019] Drive the inner barrel to rotate.

[0020] Furthermore, air quality testing specifically includes:

[0021] Obtain the rotational speed of the inner barrel;

[0022] When the rotation speed is greater than or equal to the set rotation speed, the air quality is detected.

[0023] Furthermore, the step of detecting air quality is performed by an air quality sensor;

[0024] The air detection sensor is electrically connected to the main control board of the washing machine and is installed in a modular structure inside the air duct or at the air outlet of the air duct.

[0025] A washing machine is proposed, comprising:

[0026] The washing machine casing has an opening at the top and an inner tub inside.

[0027] A tray base is located above the washing machine body, with an opening and a washing machine cover at the opening; an air duct is provided on the tray base, and the air duct runs through the outside and inside of the washing machine body.

[0028] Also includes:

[0029] A negative pressure forming unit is used to drive the inner tub to rotate so that a negative pressure is formed around the internal port of the air duct based on the rotation of the inner tub;

[0030] An air quality detection unit is used to detect the air quality after outside air is drawn into the air duct based on negative pressure from outside the washing machine;

[0031] The notification unit is used to provide air quality information.

[0032] Furthermore, the washing machine is equipped with a dehydration process, and the negative pressure forming unit is incorporated into the dehydration process.

[0033] Furthermore, the washing machine is equipped with an air quality detection process, and the negative pressure forming unit is incorporated into the air quality detection process;

[0034] The air quality detection process includes:

[0035] Receive air quality detection input commands;

[0036] Drive the inner barrel to rotate.

[0037] Furthermore, the air quality detection unit is specifically used for:

[0038] Obtain the rotational speed of the inner barrel;

[0039] When the rotation speed is greater than or equal to the set rotation speed, the air quality is detected.

[0040] Furthermore, the air quality detection unit is integrated into the main control board of the washing machine;

[0041] The washing machine also includes:

[0042] An air quality sensor is electrically connected to the air quality detection unit and is installed in a modular structure inside the air duct or at the air outlet of the air duct.

[0043] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages and positive effects of this invention are as follows: In the air quality detection method and washing machine proposed in this invention, an air duct is opened on the tray above the washing machine cabinet. This air duct runs through the inside and outside of the washing machine cabinet. When the inner drum of the washing machine rotates, the rotation of the inner drum drives airflow in the washing machine cabinet, thereby forming a negative pressure near the inner port of the air duct. This negative pressure allows air from outside the washing machine cabinet, i.e., indoor air, to enter the air duct through the outer port of the air duct. Thus, indoor air quality can be detected while the inner drum of the washing machine is rotating. Air quality data can be prompted through the display panel of the washing machine and by sending data to the user terminal, so that the user can know the indoor air quality during the washing machine's washing process. Compared with the existing method of purchasing dedicated air detection equipment, this invention takes advantage of the fact that the washing machine is an essential and commonly used household appliance. It cleverly utilizes the principle of negative pressure formed inside the washing machine cabinet when the inner drum of the washing machine rotates to introduce indoor air into the air duct or into the inner drum of the washing machine cabinet, thereby realizing air quality detection and prompting the user. This simplifies the steps for users to detect indoor air quality and saves users the cost of purchasing dedicated air quality detection equipment.

[0044] Furthermore, this invention integrates the air quality detection process into the dehydration process, and implements air quality detection based on the high-speed rotation of the inner drum during the dehydration process, so that the washing machine can perform one or even multiple air quality tests as long as it is used once.

[0045] Furthermore, this invention designs a dedicated air quality detection process for washing machines. After the user initiates an air quality detection command, the inner drum can be rotated to detect the air quality.

[0046] Furthermore, air quality testing is performed only when the inner drum is rotated to a speed above the set speed, ensuring the accuracy of air quality testing.

[0047] Furthermore, the present invention assembles the air detection sensor in a modular installation structure inside the air duct or near the port of the air duct located inside the washing machine, and sends the detection data to the main control board of the washing machine for processing, so that users can configure different air detection sensors according to their own needs.

[0048] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0049] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the air quality detection method proposed in this invention;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing machine capable of performing air quality detection proposed in this invention;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the air quality detection method given in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the air quality detection method given in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the air quality detection method given in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a functional architecture diagram of a washing machine given in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "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 limitations on this invention.

[0058] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0059] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0060] The present invention aims to provide users with a simple way to detect indoor air quality without requiring users to purchase special air quality detection equipment, and to obtain indoor air quality information during the washing machine washing process.

[0061] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a washing machine with an air quality detection function based on the following structure:

[0062] The washing machine includes:

[0063] The washing machine casing 1 has an opening at the top and an inner tub inside.

[0064] The tray base 2 is located above the washing machine body 1, and has an opening with a washing machine cover 3 at the opening.

[0065] An air duct 4 is provided on the tray 2, and the air duct 4 runs through the exterior and interior of the washing machine cabinet 1.

[0066] Based on the above structure, the air quality detection method proposed in this invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0067] Step S1: Drive the inner tub to rotate so that a negative pressure is formed around the internal port of the air duct based on the rotation of the inner tub.

[0068] Before driving the inner tub to rotate, the washing machine lid 3 needs to be closed so that the inside of the washing machine body 1 forms a relatively enclosed space.

[0069] After the inner tub is driven to rotate, the rotation of the inner tub drives the airflow inside the washing machine housing 1, thereby creating negative pressure around the internal port of the air duct 4.

[0070] Step S2: After the air outside the washing machine is drawn into the air duct based on negative pressure, the air quality is detected.

[0071] The negative pressure around the internal port of the air duct 4 causes air from outside the washing machine, i.e. indoor air, to be drawn into the air duct 4. Therefore, air samples can be collected inside the air duct 4 or around the internal port of the air duct 4 to test the air quality.

[0072] The specific air quality detection methods can be implemented using existing technologies and are not limited to the aspects described in this invention.

[0073] Step S3: Display air quality information.

[0074] After detecting air quality, the system notifies users of air quality information through displays, sounds, and push notifications, allowing users to know the indoor air quality while the washing machine is running. Compared to existing methods that require purchasing dedicated air quality testing equipment, this invention leverages the fact that washing machines are essential and frequently used household appliances. It cleverly utilizes the principle of negative pressure created inside the washing machine cabinet when the inner drum rotates to introduce indoor air into the air duct or into the inner drum of the washing machine, thereby detecting air quality and notifying users. This simplifies the steps for users to detect indoor air quality and saves them the cost of purchasing dedicated air quality testing equipment.

[0075] The following detailed description of the air quality detection based on a washing machine in this invention is illustrated with several specific embodiments.

[0076] Example 1

[0077] In this embodiment, air quality detection is integrated into the washing machine's spin-drying process, so that users can know the current indoor air quality after using the washing machine to perform a washing or spin-drying process once.

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, the air quality detection method in this embodiment includes:

[0079] Step S31: Initiate air detection when the washing machine starts the spin-drying process.

[0080] When the washing machine is performing the spin-drying process, it prepares to perform an air detection.

[0081] Step S32: Detect air quality when the inner drum is rotated as the dehydration process starts.

[0082] Before driving the inner tub to rotate, the washing machine lid 3 needs to be closed so that the inside of the washing machine body 1 forms a relatively enclosed space.

[0083] During the dehydration process, the inner tub rotates, which in turn drives the airflow inside the washing machine housing 1, thereby creating negative pressure around the internal port of the air duct 4.

[0084] The negative pressure around the internal port of the air duct 4 causes air from outside the washing machine, i.e. indoor air, to be drawn into the air duct 4. Therefore, air samples can be collected inside the air duct 4 or around the internal port of the air duct 4 to test the air quality.

[0085] Step S33: Display air quality data on the washing machine's display screen.

[0086] After detecting air quality data, the data, such as PM2.5 levels, formaldehyde and benzene volatiles levels, humidity, and temperature, are displayed through the washing machine's control panel, display panel, touch screen, or other display interfaces.

[0087] This embodiment integrates air quality detection into the spin-drying process. Air quality detection is performed based on the high-speed rotation of the inner drum during spin-drying, allowing the washing machine to perform one or even multiple air quality checks with just one use. Compared to existing methods that require dedicated air quality testing equipment, this invention leverages the fact that washing machines are essential and frequently used household appliances. It cleverly utilizes the principle of negative pressure created inside the washing machine cabinet when the inner drum rotates to introduce indoor air into the air duct or into the inner drum, thus detecting air quality and alerting the user. This simplifies the steps for users to test indoor air quality and saves them the cost of purchasing dedicated air quality testing equipment.

[0088] Example 2

[0089] A dedicated air quality detection process is designed for washing machines. After the user initiates an air quality detection command, the inner drum is driven to rotate to detect the air quality.

[0090] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the air quality detection method in this embodiment includes:

[0091] Step S41: The user initiates a command to start the air quality detection process.

[0092] Users can input detection commands to the washing machine's main control board through input devices such as the control panel, remote control, and user terminal.

[0093] Step S42: Start the air quality detection process and drive the inner drum to rotate.

[0094] During the air quality detection process, the inner tub is driven to rotate. The rotation of the inner tub drives the airflow inside the washing machine cabinet 1, thereby creating negative pressure around the internal port of the air duct 4.

[0095] Preferably, the rotation speed of the inner tub is controlled to be greater than or equal to the set rotation speed, so as to maintain the high-speed rotation of the inner tub and improve the speed and effect of forming negative pressure.

[0096] Step S43: Detect air quality.

[0097] After a set time following the rotation of the inner drum, or when the inner drum reaches a set rotation speed, an air sample is collected from inside the air duct or near the port of the air duct, and the air quality is tested on the air sample.

[0098] Step S44: Send air quality information to the user terminal.

[0099] Based on the washing machine's wireless module, air quality detection data is sent to the user terminal, allowing the user to check the indoor air quality on their terminal.

[0100] This embodiment features a dedicated air quality detection process. After the user initiates an air quality detection command, the inner drum rotates to detect the air quality. Compared to existing methods that require purchasing dedicated air quality detection equipment, this invention leverages the fact that washing machines are essential and commonly used household appliances. It cleverly utilizes the principle of negative pressure created inside the washing machine cabinet when the inner drum rotates to introduce indoor air into the air duct or into the inner drum of the washing machine cabinet, thereby detecting the air quality and alerting the user. This simplifies the steps for users to detect indoor air quality and saves them the cost of purchasing dedicated air quality detection equipment.

[0101] Example 3

[0102] In this embodiment, the washing machine and the household air treatment device are linked based on a wireless module, so that the household air treatment device processes the air based on the air quality data detected by the washing machine.

[0103] The household air handling device in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, air purifiers, range hoods, household ozone generators, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, air conditioners, and other devices capable of regulating air.

[0104] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the air quality detection method proposed in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0105] Step S51: Initiate air detection when the washing machine starts the spin-drying process.

[0106] When the washing machine is performing the spin-drying process, it prepares to perform an air detection.

[0107] Step S52: Detect air quality when the inner drum is rotated as the dehydration process starts.

[0108] Before driving the inner tub to rotate, the washing machine lid 3 needs to be closed so that the inside of the washing machine body 1 forms a relatively enclosed space.

[0109] During the dehydration process, the inner tub rotates, which in turn drives the airflow inside the washing machine housing 1, thereby creating negative pressure around the internal port of the air duct 4.

[0110] The negative pressure around the internal port of the air duct 4 causes air from outside the washing machine, i.e. indoor air, to be drawn into the air duct 4. Therefore, air samples can be collected inside the air duct 4 or around the internal port of the air duct 4 to test the air quality.

[0111] Step S53: Send a start command to the designated air handling unit based on the abnormal air quality data.

[0112] After detecting air quality data, the air quality data, such as PM2.5 value, formaldehyde and benzene volatiles value, humidity, and temperature, are first displayed through the control panel, display panel, touch screen, or other display interfaces of the washing machine.

[0113] At the same time, the air quality data is compared with the standard data. When abnormal air quality data is detected, a start command is sent to the corresponding air handling device. For example, when the air humidity is detected to be too high, a start command is sent to the dehumidifier. When the PM2.5 value is detected to exceed the standard, a start command is sent to the air purifier.

[0114] Example 4

[0115] This embodiment provides a washing machine as the execution subject for the air quality detection methods proposed in Embodiments 1 to 3 above. Specifically, as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, it includes:

[0116] The washing machine casing 1 has an opening at the top and an inner tub inside.

[0117] The tray base 2 is located above the washing machine body 1, and has an opening with a washing machine cover 3 at the opening.

[0118] An air duct 4 is provided on the tray 2, and the air duct 4 runs through the exterior and interior of the washing machine cabinet 1.

[0119] The negative pressure forming unit 5 is used to drive the inner tub to rotate so that a negative pressure is formed around the internal port of the air duct based on the rotation of the inner tub.

[0120] The air quality detection unit 6 is used to detect the air quality after the air outside the washing machine is drawn into the air duct based on negative pressure.

[0121] The prompting unit 7 is used to display air quality information.

[0122] The prompting unit 7 includes, but is not limited to, the washing machine's display module and the user terminal.

[0123] Furthermore, the washing machine is equipped with a spin-drying process, and the negative pressure forming unit 5 is integrated into the spin-drying process.

[0124] Furthermore, the washing machine is equipped with an air quality command detection process, and the negative pressure forming unit 5 is integrated into the air quality detection process. The air quality detection process includes at least: receiving an air quality detection input command; and driving the inner tub to rotate; wherein, after driving the inner tub to rotate, the rotation speed of the inner tub is acquired, and air quality detection is performed when the rotation speed is greater than or equal to the set rotation speed.

[0125] Furthermore, the air quality detection unit 6 is integrated into the main control board of the washing machine; the washing machine also includes:

[0126] Air detection sensor 8 is electrically connected to air quality detection unit 6; and is installed in a modular structure inside the air duct or at the air outlet of the air duct, sending the detection data to the main control board of the washing machine for processing, so that users can configure different air detection sensors according to their own needs; for example, when users need to detect formaldehyde after renovating a new house, they can configure a formaldehyde detection module, etc.

[0127] It should be noted that, in the specific implementation process, the control part mentioned above can be implemented by a hardware processor executing computer-executable instructions in software form stored in memory, which will not be elaborated here. The programs corresponding to the actions performed by the control can all be stored in the computer-readable storage medium of the system in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to the above modules.

[0128] The computer-readable storage media mentioned above may include volatile memory, such as random access memory; may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory, flash memory, hard disk or solid-state drive; and may also include combinations of the above types of memory.

[0129] The term "processor" as mentioned above can also refer to a collective of multiple processing elements. For example, a processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, and it can also be a special-purpose processor.

[0130] It should be noted that the above description is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting air quality, applied to a washing machine, the washing machine comprising: a washing machine cabinet, having an open upper end and an inner tub inside; a disc seat, disposed above the washing machine cabinet, having an opening on the top, and a washing machine cover at the opening; a wind channel is formed on the disc seat, and the wind channel penetrates the inside and outside of the washing machine cabinet; characterized in that the method comprises: driving the inner tub to rotate, so that a negative pressure is formed around the inner port of the wind channel based on the rotation of the inner tub; after the air outside the washing machine is sucked into the wind channel based on the negative pressure, detecting the air quality; prompting the air quality information; detecting the air quality, specifically comprising: obtaining the rotation speed of the inner tub; when the rotation speed is greater than or equal to a set rotation speed, detecting the air quality.

2. The air quality detection method of claim 1, wherein, The step of driving the inner tub to rotate is included in a dehydration process started by the washing machine.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of driving the inner tub to rotate is included in an air quality detection process started by the washing machine; the air quality detection process comprises: receiving an air quality detection input instruction; driving the inner tub to rotate.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of detecting the air quality is implemented by an air detection sensor; the air detection sensor is electrically connected to a main control board of the washing machine, and is installed in a modular structure inside the wind channel or at an air outlet of the wind channel. 5.A washing machine, comprising: a washing machine cabinet, having an open upper end and an inner tub inside; a disc seat, disposed above the washing machine cabinet, having an opening on the top, and a washing machine cover at the opening; a wind channel is formed on the disc seat, and the wind channel penetrates the inside and outside of the washing machine cabinet; characterized in that the method comprises: a negative pressure forming unit, configured to drive the inner tub to rotate, so that a negative pressure is formed around the inner port of the wind channel based on the rotation of the inner tub; an air quality detection unit, configured to detect the air quality after the air outside the washing machine is sucked into the wind channel based on the negative pressure; a prompting unit, configured to prompt the air quality information; the air quality detection unit, specifically configured to: obtain the rotation speed of the inner tub; when the rotation speed is greater than or equal to a set rotation speed, detect the air quality.

6. A laundry washing machine according to Claim 5, characterized in that The washing machine is provided with a dehydration process, and the negative pressure forming unit is incorporated into the dehydration process.

7. A laundry washing machine according to Claim 5, characterized in that The washing machine is provided with an air instruction detection process, and the negative pressure forming unit is incorporated into the air quality detection process; the air quality detection process comprises: receiving an air quality detection input instruction; driving the inner tub to rotate.

8. A laundry washing machine according to Claim 5, characterized in that The air quality detection unit is incorporated into the main control board of the washing machine; the washing machine further comprises: an air detection sensor, electrically connected to the air quality detection unit; and installed in a modular structure inside the wind channel or at an air outlet of the wind channel.

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