A control method of a washing and drying integrated apparatus and a washing and drying integrated apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a control method of a washing and drying integrated device and the washing and drying integrated device. The control method of the washing and drying integrated device comprises that the washing and drying integrated device has a washing and drying linkage mode, a drying machine is set to start preheating when a washing machine has a remaining cleaning time T, and the preheating time T ends the preheating, an actual cleaning time t of the washing machine from the start of the preheating of the drying machine to the end of the cleaning is detected, and a preheating program of the drying machine is adjusted according to a difference between the actual cleaning time t and the time T. The actual cleaning time t of the washing machine from the start of the preheating of the drying machine to the end of the cleaning is detected, the preheating program of the drying machine is adjusted according to the difference between the actual cleaning time t and the time T, and the temperature in the drying machine can reach the set temperature while the waste of energy 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] Traditional washing machines only have a washing function. After washing clothes, users often find water stains remaining on the clothes, making them unsuitable for immediate wear. While washing machines have a spin-drying function, this doesn't completely remove moisture. Clothes remain damp after spin-drying, and the high-speed rotation of the drum, using centrifugal force, often results in wrinkles, affecting their appearance. Air-drying completely removes moisture, but this process is time-consuming. When users urgently need to use their clothes, this lengthy process is unacceptable. This led to the development of dryers. Dryers quickly dry clothes, but having both a washing machine and dryer in the same home is inconvenient and requires significant space.

[0003] A washer-dryer combo combines the washing and drying functions of a washing machine, quickly drying clothes after washing. Current washer-dryer combos are divided into single-drum and multi-drum types. A single-drum washer-dryer combo has only one washing drum, where washing and drying occur simultaneously. A multi-drum washer-dryer combo has multiple washing drums, with at least one drum used for drying and the others for washing, with washing and drying taking place in separate drums.

[0004] For washer-dryer combos where washing and drying are performed in separate drums, the drying process requires a certain amount of time to reach the set temperature, impacting efficiency. Therefore, existing washer-dryer combos preheat the drying drum before the washing cycle ends to improve efficiency. Specifically, the dryer is set to start preheating when the washing cycle has a remaining time T and end preheating for that time T. However, during the washing cycle, the washing machine may encounter situations such as eccentricity, causing the actual washing time t from the start of preheating to the end of the cycle to exceed time T. This results in the dryer stopping preheating and waiting for the washing cycle to finish. During this waiting period, heat is lost, the drying temperature decreases, and energy is wasted.

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

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a control method and a washing and drying integrated device. By detecting the actual washing time t from the start of preheating of the washing machine to the end of washing, the preheating program of the dryer is adjusted according to the difference between the actual washing time t and time T, so as to achieve the purpose of reducing energy waste while ensuring that the temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] This invention provides a control method for a washer-dryer combo device. The washer-dryer combo device has a washer-dryer linkage mode. The dryer is set to start preheating when the washing machine has a remaining washing time T and to end preheating after a preheating time T. The actual washing time t from the start of preheating by the dryer to the end of washing is detected. The preheating program of the dryer is adjusted according to the difference between the actual washing time t and time T.

[0009] Furthermore, if the actual cleaning time t is greater than time T, the preheating time of the dryer is adjusted from time T to time t, and the final preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature.

[0010] Furthermore, the dryer preheats with a first heating power for a time T until the preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature; the dryer continues to preheat with a second heating power for a time (tT) so that the preheating temperature inside the dryer is maintained at the set temperature, and the first heating power is greater than the second heating power.

[0011] Furthermore, the dryer preheats with a first heating power for a time T until the preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature; after the dryer stops preheating for a first time, the dryer preheats with a second heating power for a second time until time t, until the preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature. The first time is longer than the second time, and the second preheating power is greater than the first preheating power.

[0012] Furthermore, the dryer preheats with a certain heating power for a first time until the preheating temperature inside the dryer is greater than the set temperature. The dryer stops preheating for a second time until time t, at which point the preheating temperature inside the dryer is equal to the set temperature. The first time is greater than time T and also greater than the second time.

[0013] Furthermore, if the actual cleaning time t is less than or equal to time T, then the preheating time of the dryer is time T, and the final preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature.

[0014] Furthermore, if the actual washing time t is less than time T, the washing machine stops washing within time T, and the dryer continues to preheat until time T, at which point the preheating temperature inside the dryer equals the set temperature.

[0015] Furthermore, the actual remaining washing time t1 of the washing machine is detected. If the actual remaining washing time t1 is greater than time T, the washing machine continues to run while the dryer is in standby mode. If the actual remaining washing time t1 is less than or equal to time T, the washing machine continues to run while the dryer begins to preheat.

[0016] Furthermore, when the washing machine and dryer are running simultaneously, the sum of the operating power of the washing machine and the operating power of the dryer shall not exceed the maximum power of the washer-dryer combo.

[0017] The present invention also provides a washer-dryer combo device, and a control method for the washer-dryer combo device provided by the above technical solution.

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

[0019] By detecting the actual washing time t from the start of preheating in the dryer to the end of the wash cycle, and based on the difference between the actual washing time t and time T, the preheating program of the dryer is adjusted so that the temperature inside the dryer can reach the set temperature while reducing energy waste.

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

[0022] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a control method for a washer-dryer integrated device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[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] This invention provides a control method for a washer-dryer combo device. The washer-dryer combo device has a washer-dryer linkage mode. The dryer is set to start preheating when the washing machine has a remaining washing time T and to end preheating after a preheating time T. The actual washing time t from the start of preheating by the dryer to the end of washing is detected. The preheating program of the dryer is adjusted according to the difference between the actual washing time t and time T.

[0028] In embodiments of the present invention, by detecting the actual washing time t from the start of preheating in the dryer to the end of the washing cycle, the preheating program of the dryer is adjusted according to the difference between the actual washing time t and time T, so that the temperature inside the dryer can reach the set temperature while reducing energy waste.

[0029] The washer-dryer combo includes a washing machine and a dryer. The washing machine includes a washing machine casing and a washing drum disposed inside the washing machine casing. The dryer includes a dryer casing and a drying drum disposed inside the dryer casing. The washing machine casing and the dryer casing are stacked. Specifically, the washing machine casing is stacked on top of the dryer casing to achieve the washing machine being stacked on the dryer, or the dryer casing is stacked on top of the washing machine casing to achieve the dryer being stacked on the washing machine. Preferably, the control method of the washer-dryer combo of this application is mainly used in washer-dryer combos where the dryer is stacked on top of the washing machine.

[0030] The washing process consists of four stages: washing, washing and spin-drying, rinsing, and rinsing and spin-drying. The remaining time in the washing stage is monitored in real-time, and the dryer begins preheating during the washing stage. When the wash-dry combined mode is selected, the washing machine first enters the washing stage, followed by the washing and spin-drying stage, and then the rinsing stage. Different washing scenarios require different washing programs. For example, when there are many clothes to wash, and they are not very clean, with a lot of stains, adding too little detergent will not completely remove the stains, resulting in an unsatisfactory washing effect. To thoroughly remove the stains, more detergent needs to be added. However, when too much detergent is added, it can leave residue on the clothes, requiring multiple rinses after washing to completely remove the residue. For washing scenarios with a small amount of laundry and clothes that are relatively clean, with minimal stains, users don't need to add much detergent. After washing, rinsing is unnecessary; the wash-and-spin-dry stage removes residual detergent during the spin-drying process, or a single rinse is sufficient. Since the number of rinses and the duration of each rinse stage vary across different washing programs, and some programs don't even include a rinse stage (only washing and spin-drying), and the spin-drying stage is shorter (usually less than the time required for the dryer to reach preheating temperature), this embodiment of the invention allows sufficient time for the dryer to preheat before the washing stage ends.

[0031] Before adjusting the dryer's preheating program, first check the actual remaining washing time t1 of the washing machine. Compare the actual remaining washing time of the washing machine with time T to determine whether the dryer should start preheating. If the actual remaining washing time t1 is greater than time T, the washing machine continues to run while the dryer is in standby mode. If the actual remaining washing time t1 is less than or equal to time T, the washing machine continues to run while the dryer starts preheating, thus improving the accuracy of the dryer preheating judgment.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, if the actual cleaning time t is greater than time T, the preheating time of the dryer is adjusted from time T to time t.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dryer is set to stop at a preheating time T. At this time, the temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature. If the washing machine washing time t is longer than time T, it is equivalent to extending the washing machine washing time. Then, after the dryer stops preheating, it needs to wait for the washing machine to finish washing. Once the dryer stops preheating and is in the waiting stage, it means that the heat of the dryer will be greatly lost, resulting in energy waste. Therefore, the preheating time of the dryer is adjusted from time T to time t, and the final preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature, so that the preheating of the dryer and the washing machine washing end at the same time, ensuring that the temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature while reducing energy waste.

[0034] For example, during the washing machine's cleaning process, if it enters the eccentric process, the eccentric value of the washing machine is obtained. If the eccentric value is greater than the set eccentric value, the eccentric running time is increased to time T after the eccentric process ends, resulting in time t, thus achieving time t greater than time T.

[0035] Furthermore, during time t, the preheating temperature inside the dryer is maintained at the set temperature in the following manner:

[0036] Method 1: The dryer preheats at a first heating power for time T until the preheated temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature. The dryer then continues preheating at a second heating power for a further time (tT) to maintain the preheated temperature at the set temperature. The first heating power is greater than the second heating power. The dryer continuously preheats for time t. After reaching the set temperature at the first preheating power for time T, it continues preheating at the second heating power (tT). The purpose of this method, where the first heating power is greater than the second heating power, is to ensure the preheated temperature inside the dryer remains at the set temperature with low energy consumption, thus reducing energy waste.

[0037] Method 2: The dryer preheats at a first heating power for time T until the preheated temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature. After the dryer stops preheating for a first time, it preheats at a second heating power for a second time until time t, until the preheated temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature. The first time is longer than the second time, and the second preheating power is greater than the first preheating power. The dryer interrupts preheating at time t, then preheats at the first preheating power for time T until the preheated temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature. After the first time is stopped, the dryer resumes preheating at the second heating power for a second time until preheating time t. During this process, the time spent stopping preheating is longer than the time spent preheating at the second heating power. Therefore, to ensure the preheated temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature, the second heating power must be greater than the first heating power. Because the dryer stops preheating for a first time, and the first time is longer than the second time, excessive energy consumption can be reduced.

[0038] Method 3: The dryer preheats at a certain heating power for a first time until the preheating temperature inside the dryer exceeds the set temperature. The dryer then stops preheating for a second time until time t, at which point the preheating temperature inside the dryer equals the set temperature. The first time is greater than time T and also greater than the second time. The dryer preheats only once within time t, with the first preheating time exceeding time T and also exceeding the second time. This ensures that the preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature. Preheating is stopped before time t is reached, reducing excessive energy consumption.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, if the actual cleaning time t is less than or equal to time T, then the preheating time of the dryer is time T.

[0040] In the embodiments of the present invention, when the actual cleaning time t is less than time T and when the actual cleaning time t is equal to time T, the preheating time of the dryer is T;

[0041] Specifically, if the actual cleaning time t is equal to the time T, the preheating time of the dryer is T, and the final preheating temperature of the dryer is the set temperature;

[0042] If the actual washing time t is less than time T, the washing machine stops washing within time T, and the dryer continues to preheat until time T, at which point the preheating temperature inside the dryer equals the set temperature. To improve the drying effect of the dryer on the clothes, the dryer continues to preheat after the washing machine finishes washing, preheating until time T is reached, and the preheating temperature reaches the set temperature.

[0043] For example, if a user finds paper scraps on their clothes before the washing machine has reached washing time T, in order to avoid contaminating all the clothes with the paper scraps, the user stops the washing machine, the washing machine stops washing the clothes, the user takes the clothes out of the washing machine, washes the clothes manually, and after washing, puts the clothes into the dryer for preheating, so that the actual washing time t is less than time T.

[0044] In embodiments of the present invention, when the washing machine and dryer are running simultaneously, the sum of the operating power of the washing machine and the operating power of the dryer does not exceed the maximum power of the washing and drying integrated equipment.

[0045] In embodiments of the present invention, when the washing machine and dryer are running simultaneously, the sum of the operating power of the washing machine and the operating power of the dryer does not exceed the maximum power of the washer-dryer combo, thus avoiding safety hazards when the operating power of the washer-dryer combo exceeds its maximum power, improving the safety of the washer-dryer combo during operation, and extending its service life.

[0046] After a washing program is selected, if the sum of the operating power of the dryer corresponding to the drying program and the operating power of the washing machine corresponding to the washing program exceeds the maximum power of the washer-dryer combo, the drying program will not be displayed; or the drying program will be displayed, but it will be unselectable; or the drying program will be displayed, and an alarm will be issued after the drying program is selected.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, if the washing machine and / or dryer issues an alarm during the preheating process of the dryer, the operation of the dryer is suspended and the washing and drying linkage mode is canceled.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, during the preheating process of the dryer, the washing machine simultaneously performs washing, spin-drying, rinsing and other operations on 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 washing and drying linkage mode is canceled.

[0049] 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 preheat, the clothes may still not be finished washing when the temperature inside the dryer reaches the preheating temperature, and the clothes cannot be put into the dryer for drying, wasting energy. Similarly, when the dryer issues an alarm, it indicates that the dryer cannot dry the clothes properly after the washing stage, and the dryer should be stopped to avoid safety hazards.

[0050] 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 equipment, and reducing safety hazards.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a washer-dryer combo, wherein the washer-dryer combo has a washer-dryer linkage mode, wherein the dryer is set to start preheating when the washing machine has a remaining washing time T, and to end preheating after a preheating time T, characterized in that, The actual washing time t from the start of preheating in the dryer to the end of the wash cycle is detected, and the preheating program of the dryer is adjusted based on the difference between the actual washing time t and the time T. If the actual cleaning time t is greater than time T, the preheating time of the dryer will be adjusted from time T to time t, and the final preheating temperature inside the dryer will reach the set temperature. The dryer preheats at a first heating power for a time T until the preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature; the dryer continues to preheat at a second heating power for a time (tT) until the preheating temperature inside the dryer is maintained at the set temperature, and the first heating power is greater than the second heating power. The dryer preheats with a first heating power for a time T until the preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature. After the dryer stops preheating for a first time, it preheats with a second heating power for a second time until time t, until the preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set temperature. The first time is longer than the second time, and the second preheating power is greater than the first preheating power. The dryer preheats at a certain heating power for a first time until the preheating temperature inside the dryer is greater than the set temperature. The dryer stops preheating for a second time until time t, at which point the preheating temperature inside the dryer is equal to the set temperature. The first time is greater than time T and also greater than the second time.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the actual cleaning time t is less than or equal to time T, then the preheating time of the dryer is time T, and the preheating temperature inside the dryer reaches the set value.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the actual washing time t is less than time T, the washing machine will stop washing within time T, and the dryer will continue to preheat until time T, at which point the preheating temperature inside the dryer will equal the set temperature.

4. The control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The washing machine detects the actual remaining washing time t1. If the actual remaining washing time t1 is greater than time T, the washing machine continues to run while the dryer is in standby mode. If the actual remaining washing time t1 is less than or equal to time T, the washing machine continues to run while the dryer begins to preheat.

5. The control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, When the washing machine and dryer are running simultaneously, the sum of the operating power of the washing machine and the operating power of the dryer shall not exceed the maximum power of the washer-dryer combo.

6. A washer-dryer combo, characterized in that, The control method of the washing and drying integrated equipment according to any one of claims 1-5 is adopted.

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