Washing machine control methods, control devices, and washing machines

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology, and particularly relates to a control method, control device, and washing machine for a washing machine. The control method includes: acquiring washing parameters of the washing machine; determining the equivalent washing time for a single wash based on the washing parameters; accumulating the equivalent washing time of each wash within a statistical period; and determining the timing of executing a drum cleaning program based on the accumulated equivalent washing time. This invention can accurately determine when drum cleaning needs to be performed, ensuring that the drum cleaning program is executed only when drum cleaning is required, effectively reducing the accumulation of dirt inside the washing machine, while also minimizing the impact of the drum cleaning program on user operation and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] After multiple washes, a significant amount of dirt and grime accumulates on the inside and outside of the washing machine's drum. Running a drum cleaning program is essential to reduce this residue and buildup. While some technologies determine the need for drum cleaning based on the cumulative number of washes, this alone cannot accurately pinpoint the cleaning requirement. Running a drum cleaning program at the wrong time can negatively impact the washing experience and reduce user satisfaction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problem of inaccurate drum cleaning requirements in related technologies, the first aspect of this invention proposes a control method for a washing machine, the control method comprising:

[0004] Obtain the washing parameters of the washing machine;

[0005] The equivalent washing time for a single wash cycle of the washing machine is determined based on the washing parameters.

[0006] The equivalent washing time for each wash within the statistical period is accumulated;

[0007] The timing of the drum cleaning program is determined based on the cumulative equivalent washing time.

[0008] In some embodiments, the washing parameters include: a first type of washing parameters that have a positive impact on the equivalent washing time, and a second type of washing parameters that have a negative impact on the equivalent washing time;

[0009] The first type of washing parameters includes: washing mode, or may also include at least one of detergent dosage and clothing soiling level, and the second type of washing parameters includes defoaming times.

[0010] In some embodiments, determining the equivalent washing time for a single wash cycle based on the washing parameters includes:

[0011] The main wash duration, main wash weight, rinsing duration, and rinsing weight are determined based on the washing mode.

[0012] The equivalent duration of the main wash is determined based on the main wash duration and the main wash weight, and the equivalent duration of the rinsing is determined based on the rinsing duration and the rinsing weight.

[0013] The equivalent washing time is determined based on the main wash equivalent time, the rinsing equivalent time, and the number of defoaming cycles.

[0014] In some implementations, the equivalent washing time is a function of the main wash time, the main wash weight, the rinsing time, the rinsing weight, and the number of defoaming cycles;

[0015] And / or, the equivalent washing time satisfies the formula: T0=(t1*c+t2*d))-e*x;

[0016] Where: T0 is the equivalent washing time, t1 is the main washing time, c is the main washing weight, t2 is the rinsing time, d is the rinsing weight, e is a constant greater than 0, and x is the number of defoaming cycles.

[0017] In some embodiments, determining the equivalent washing time for a single wash cycle based on the washing parameters includes:

[0018] The main wash duration, main wash weight, rinsing duration, and rinsing weight are determined based on the washing mode.

[0019] The equivalent duration of the main wash is determined based on the main wash duration and the main wash weight, and the equivalent duration of the rinsing is determined based on the rinsing duration and the rinsing weight.

[0020] A first weight is determined based on the amount of detergent used, and / or a second weight is determined based on the degree of soiling of the clothing;

[0021] The equivalent washing time is determined based on the first weight and / or the second weight, the equivalent main wash time, the equivalent rinsing time, and the number of defoaming cycles.

[0022] In some implementations, the equivalent washing time is a function of the main wash equivalent time, the rinsing equivalent time, the first weight, the second weight, and the number of defoaming cycles;

[0023] And / or, the equivalent washing time satisfies the formula: T0=(a+b)*(t1*c+t2*d))-e*x;

[0024] Wherein: T0 is the equivalent washing time, a is the first weight corresponding to the amount of detergent used, b is the second weight corresponding to the level of dirt, t1 is the main washing time, c is the main washing weight, t2 is the rinsing time, d is the main washing weight, e is a constant greater than 0, and x is the number of defoaming cycles.

[0025] In some embodiments, determining the equivalent rinsing time based on the rinsing duration and the rinsing weight includes:

[0026] Obtain the number of rinses and the actual sub-rinse time for each rinse;

[0027] The sub-rinse weight of each rinsing is determined based on the number of rinsing cycles.

[0028] The equivalent sub-rinse time for each rinse is determined based on the actual sub-rinse time and the sub-rinse weight.

[0029] The equivalent sub-rinse time of each rinse is accumulated to determine the equivalent rinsing time.

[0030] In some implementations, both the main wash weight and the rinsing weight are positively correlated with the degree of soiling of the clothes;

[0031] And / or, in the same washing mode, the sub-rinse weights of each rinse decrease sequentially according to the rinsing order.

[0032] In some implementations, determining the timing of the cylinder cleaning procedure based on the accumulated equivalent duration includes:

[0033] If the accumulated equivalent washing time is within the set threshold range, remind the user to run the drum cleaning program and execute the drum cleaning program according to the user's control command;

[0034] If the cumulative equivalent washing time exceeds the maximum value of the set threshold range, a drum cleaning program is forcibly executed;

[0035] If the accumulated equivalent washing time is less than the minimum value of the set threshold range, the equivalent washing time continues to be accumulated.

[0036] In some implementations, the control method further includes: after running the drum cleaning program, resetting the equivalent washing time to zero and entering the next statistical cycle.

[0037] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control device comprising one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, wherein when the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are used to implement any of the control methods for washing machines proposed in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0038] A third aspect of the present invention provides a washing machine that operates according to any of the control methods for washing machines proposed in the first aspect of the present invention, or includes the control device proposed in the second aspect of the present invention.

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention can include the following beneficial effects: The present invention determines the equivalent washing time of the washing machine based on the washing parameters of the washing machine, and accurately determines the timing when the drum cleaning program needs to be executed based on the equivalent washing time, so as to ensure that the drum cleaning program is executed only when there is a need for drum cleaning, effectively reducing the accumulation of dirt inside the washing machine, while reducing the impact of the drum cleaning program on the user's washing of clothes, and improving the user experience.

[0040] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0041] 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.

[0042] Figure 1 This is one of the control flowcharts of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a second control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 3 This is the third control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 4 This is the fourth control flowchart of a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a control flow diagram of a washing machine illustrated with a specific example. Detailed Implementation

[0047] 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.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a control flow of a washing machine illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 , refer to Figure 1 The control method includes the following steps:

[0049] S11. Obtain the washing parameters of the washing machine.

[0050] In this embodiment, washing parameters are acquired during the washing program of the washing machine or after the washing program of the washing machine ends. The washing program includes a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. The washing parameters include parameters of the washing process and the rinsing process.

[0051] In one example, the washing parameters include a first type of washing parameters that positively affect the equivalent washing time and a second type of washing parameters that negatively affect the equivalent washing time. The first type of washing parameters includes the washing mode, and may also include at least one of detergent dosage and the degree of soiling of the clothes. The second type of washing parameters includes the number of defoaming cycles. The washing mode is determined based on the user's selection, and may include, for example, standard wash, gentle wash, or quick wash. The detergent dosage can be obtained by weighing via a weighing module on the detergent dispenser, or, in a washing machine with an automatic dispensing function, by determining the detergent dosage based on the amount dispensed by the automatic dispensing system. Alternatively, the user can input the detergent dosage via a control panel or smart terminal. The washing machine stores multiple preset detergent dosage ranges, each corresponding to a different detergent dosage level. The detergent dosage level is determined based on the preset detergent dosage range in which the actual detergent dosage falls. Detergent dosage levels may include, for example, high detergent dosage, medium detergent dosage, and low detergent dosage. The level of soiling for clothes is determined by the turbidity value of the wash water detected by a turbidity detection device inside the washing machine. The washing machine stores multiple preset turbidity ranges, each corresponding to a different level of soiling. The soiling level is determined based on the actual detected turbidity value falling within one of these preset ranges. Soil levels include, for example, very dirty, lightly soiled, or clean. The soiling level can also be entered by the user via the control panel or a smart device. The number of defoaming cycles is the actual number of times defoaming is performed during the washing cycle, accumulated from these cycles.

[0052] S12. Determine the equivalent washing time for a single wash cycle of the washing machine based on the washing parameters.

[0053] In this embodiment, different washing parameters of the washing machine will result in different degrees of dirt accumulation inside the washing machine. For example, for clothes with the same level of dirt, as the main wash or rinsing time is extended, more dirt will be washed out and mixed in the water, making it easier to adhere to the inside of the washing machine. The more detergent used, the more likely the excess detergent will adhere to the inside of the washing machine. The higher the level of dirt on the clothes, the more dirt will be contained in the wash water or rinsing water, and the easier it will be for the dirt to adhere to the inside of the washing machine. Since the foam generated during the washing process will increase the degree of dirt in the washing machine, the defoaming operation can reduce the degree of dirt inside the washing machine to a certain extent. The defoaming operation can be carried out by spraying or by using ultrasonic vibration to defoam the foam. Therefore, in related technologies, simply determining whether the washing machine needs drum cleaning based on the cumulative number of washes cannot accurately determine when to perform drum cleaning. This embodiment determines the equivalent washing time of a single wash by combining various washing parameters that affect the degree of dirt accumulation with the actual washing program, and determines when to perform the drum cleaning program based on the equivalent washing parameters, thereby effectively reducing the degree of dirt accumulation inside the washing machine. It should be noted that the single wash defined in this embodiment refers to a complete washing process, including the washing process, rinsing process and dehydration process.

[0054] S13. Accumulate the equivalent washing time for each wash within the statistical period.

[0055] In this embodiment, the start time of the statistical cycle is the end time of the previous drum cleaning program, and the end time of the statistical cycle is the start time of the next drum cleaning program. After the previous drum cleaning program ends, a new statistical cycle begins. Within the new statistical cycle, the equivalent washing time for each wash is accumulated until the next drum cleaning program begins. The execution of the next drum cleaning program can be based on user instructions or it can be forcibly executed when the accumulated equivalent washing time reaches the maximum value of a set threshold range.

[0056] S14. Determine the timing of the drum cleaning program based on the cumulative equivalent washing time.

[0057] In this embodiment, the washing machine stores a set threshold range, with different range intervals corresponding to different execution times of the drum cleaning program. After accumulating the equivalent washing time of each wash, the range within which the accumulated equivalent time falls is determined, and the timing for running the drum cleaning program is determined based on the range. In one example, if the accumulated equivalent washing time is within the set threshold range, the user is prompted to execute the drum cleaning program. If the user issues a control command for the drum cleaning program via the control panel or mobile terminal, the drum cleaning program is executed according to the user's control command. If the user does not issue a control command for the drum cleaning program, the equivalent washing time continues to be accumulated. If the accumulated equivalent washing time exceeds the maximum value of the set threshold range, the drum cleaning program is forcibly executed. If the accumulated equivalent washing time is less than the minimum value of the set threshold range, the equivalent washing time continues to be accumulated. The minimum value of the set threshold range ranges from 4500 min to 5500 minutes; for example, the minimum value of the set threshold range is 5000 min. The maximum value of the threshold range is set to be between 8500 min and 10500 min. For example, the maximum value of the threshold range is set to 10000 min.

[0058] This embodiment determines the equivalent washing time of the washing machine based on the washing parameters, and accurately determines the timing of the drum cleaning program based on the equivalent washing time, so as to ensure that the drum cleaning program is executed only when there is a need for drum cleaning, effectively reducing the accumulation of dirt inside the washing machine, while reducing the impact of the drum cleaning program on the user's use of the washing machine, and improving the user experience.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a control flow of a washing machine illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 , refer to Figure 2 Determining the equivalent washing time of a washing machine based on washing parameters includes the following steps:

[0060] S21. Determine the main wash duration, main wash weight, rinsing duration, and rinsing weight according to the washing mode.

[0061] In this embodiment, different washing modes correspond to different main wash durations, main wash weights, rinsing durations, and rinsing weights. The main wash weight and rinsing weight are preset values ​​and vary depending on the washing mode.

[0062] S22. Determine the equivalent duration of the main wash based on the main wash duration and the main wash weight, and determine the equivalent duration of the rinse based on the rinsing duration and the rinsing weight.

[0063] In this embodiment, the washing machine stores the main wash weight and rinsing weight corresponding to different washing modes. After determining the washing mode, the corresponding main wash duration and rinsing duration, as well as the corresponding main wash weight and rinsing weight, can be obtained. Then, the equivalent main wash duration is determined based on the main wash weight and main wash duration, and the equivalent rinsing duration is determined based on the rinsing weight and rinsing duration. The main wash weights are different for different washing modes. For example, in the standard washing mode, the washing weight is 1, and in the gentle washing mode, the washing weight ranges from 0.5 to 0.8. In one example, the equivalent main wash duration is a function of the main wash weight and the main wash duration, and / or, the equivalent main wash duration satisfies the formula: T1 = t1 * c, where: T1 is the equivalent main wash duration corresponding to the washing mode, t1 is the main wash duration, and c is the main wash weight. The equivalent rinsing time is a function of the rinsing weight and the rinsing time, and / or the equivalent rinsing time satisfies the formula: T2=t2*d, where: T2 is the equivalent rinsing time corresponding to the washing mode, t2 is the rinsing time, and d is the rinsing weight.

[0064] S23. Determine the equivalent washing time based on the equivalent main wash time, the equivalent rinsing time, and the number of defoaming cycles.

[0065] In this embodiment, after determining the main wash duration, main wash weight, rinsing duration, and rinsing weight, the equivalent washing duration can be calculated using a formula. In one example, the equivalent washing duration is a function of the main wash duration, main wash weight, rinsing duration, and rinsing weight; and / or, the equivalent washing duration satisfies the formula: T0=(t1*c+t2*d))-e*x; where: T0 is the equivalent washing duration, t1 is the main wash duration, c is the main wash weight, t2 is the rinsing duration, d is the rinsing weight, e is a constant greater than 0, and x is the number of defoaming cycles, for example, e is 20.

[0066] It should be noted that steps S21 and S22 are not related to each other. This embodiment does not limit the execution order of steps S21 and S22. In practical applications, step S21 can be executed first and then step S22, or step S22 can be executed first and then step S21, or steps S21 and S22 can be executed simultaneously.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a control flow of a washing machine illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 , refer to Figure 3 Determining the equivalent washing time of a washing machine based on washing parameters includes the following steps:

[0068] S31. Determine the main wash duration, main wash weight, rinsing duration, and rinsing weight according to the washing mode.

[0069] S32. Determine the equivalent duration of the main wash based on the main wash duration and the main wash weight, and determine the equivalent duration of the rinse based on the rinsing duration and the rinsing weight;

[0070] S33. Determine a first weight based on the amount of detergent used, and / or determine a second weight based on the degree of soiling of the clothing;

[0071] S34. Determine the equivalent washing time based on the first weight and / or the second weight, the equivalent main wash time, the equivalent rinsing time, and the number of defoaming cycles.

[0072] In the above embodiments, steps S31 to S32 are the same as steps S21 to S22, and the specific content is as described in the specific description of steps S21 to S22.

[0073] In step S33, the washing machine stores a first mapping relationship between detergent dosage level and first weight. The detergent dosage level is determined based on the detergent dosage, and the first weight is determined based on the detergent dosage level and the first mapping relationship. For example, the first weights for high detergent dosage, medium detergent dosage, and low detergent dosage are 0.5, 1.5, and 3, respectively. The washing machine also stores a second mapping relationship between clothing soiling level and second weight. The second weight is determined based on the determined clothing soiling level and the second mapping relationship. For example, the second weights for very soiled, slightly soiled, and clean soiling levels are 0.5, 1.5, and 3, respectively. During the washing process, either the first weight or the second weight can be determined, or both can be determined simultaneously.

[0074] In step S34, after determining the first weight and / or the second weight, the main wash duration, the main wash weight, the rinsing duration, the rinsing weight, and the number of soaks, the equivalent washing duration can be calculated using a formula.

[0075] In one example, the equivalent washing time is a function of the first weight, the main wash time, the main wash weight, the rinsing time, the rinsing weight, and the number of bubbles; and / or, the equivalent washing time satisfies the formula: T0=a*(T1+T2)-e*x; where: T0 is the equivalent washing time, a is the first weight corresponding to the amount of detergent, T1 is the equivalent main wash time corresponding to the washing mode, T2 is the equivalent rinsing time corresponding to the washing mode, e is a constant greater than 0, x is the number of defoaming times, and the value of e ranges from 10 to 30. For example, e is 20.

[0076] In another example, the equivalent washing time is a function of the second weight, the main wash time, the main wash weight, the rinsing time, the rinsing weight, and the number of bubbles; and / or, the equivalent washing time satisfies the formula: T0=b*(T1+T2)-e*x; where: T0 is the equivalent washing time, b is the second weight corresponding to the level of soiling, T1 is the equivalent main wash time corresponding to the washing mode, T2 is the equivalent rinsing time corresponding to the washing mode, e is a constant greater than 0, x is the number of defoaming times, and the value of e ranges from 10 to 30, for example, e is 20.

[0077] In another example, the equivalent washing time is a function of the first weight, the second weight, the main wash time, the main wash weight, the rinsing time, the rinsing weight, and the number of bubbles; and / or, the equivalent washing time satisfies the formula: T0=(a+b)*(T1+T2)-e*x; where: T0 is the equivalent washing time, a is the first weight corresponding to the amount of detergent, b is the second weight corresponding to the level of soiling, T1 is the equivalent main wash time corresponding to the washing mode, T2 is the equivalent rinsing time corresponding to the washing mode, e is a constant greater than 0, x is the number of defoaming times, and the value of e ranges from 10 to 30. For example, e is 20.

[0078] It should be noted that the above steps S31 and S33 are not related to each other. This embodiment does not limit the execution order of steps S31 and S33. In practical applications, step S31 can be executed first and then step S33, or step S33 can be executed first and then step S31, or steps S33 and S31 can be executed simultaneously.

[0079] Figure 4 This is a control flow of a washing machine illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 , refer to Figure 4 The equivalent rinsing time is determined based on the rinsing weight and rinsing duration, including:

[0080] S41. Obtain the number of rinses and the actual sub-rinse time for each rinse;

[0081] S42. Determine the sub-rinse weight of each rinsing cycle based on the number of rinsing cycles.

[0082] S43. Determine the equivalent sub-rinse time for each rinse based on the actual sub-rinse time and sub-rinse weight.

[0083] S44. Accumulate the equivalent sub-rinse times of each rinse to determine the equivalent rinsing time.

[0084] In this embodiment, the equivalent rinsing time is related to the number of rinsing cycles; the more rinsing cycles, the longer the equivalent rinsing time. Different rinsing cycles correspond to different sub-rinsing weights. In one example, under the same washing mode, the sub-rinsing weights of each rinse decrease sequentially according to the rinsing order. This is because as the number of rinsing cycles increases, the amount of dirt in the rinse water decreases, thus having a smaller impact on the level of dirtiness in the washing machine. For example, in the standard washing mode, there are five rinsing cycles, and the rinsing weights for the first to fifth rinsing cycles are 0.8, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, and 0.2, respectively. In the gentle washing mode, there are three rinsing cycles, and the rinsing weights for the first to third rinsing cycles are 1, 0.5, and 0.2, respectively. In one example, the equivalent rinsing time is a function of the sub-rinsing weights and sub-rinsing times, and / or, the equivalent rinsing time satisfies the formula: T2=t21*d1+t22*d2+……+t2n*dn; where: T2 is the equivalent rinsing time corresponding to the washing mode, t21, t22……t2n are the sub-rinsing times of each rinsing, d1, d2……dn are the sub-rinsing weights of each rinsing, and n is the number of rinsing cycles.

[0085] In some implementations, both the main wash weight and the rinse weight are positively correlated with the degree of soiling of the clothes. The higher the degree of soiling of the clothes, the more stains are contained in the clothes, and the more stains are contained in the main wash water and the rinse water. The stains are more likely to be deposited in the washing machine. Therefore, by setting the rinse weight and the washing weight to be positively correlated with the degree of soiling of the clothes, it is possible to more accurately determine when drum cleaning is needed.

[0086] In a specific example, if the user selects the standard washing mode, the main wash weight is 1, the number of rinses is 5, the spin-drying time is not included in the washing machine's washing time, the user selects "very dirty" for the degree of soiling of the clothes, the second weight is 3, the detergent detection shows a high detergent dosage, the first weight is 3, and the number of defoaming detections is 3, the calculation module calculates the equivalent washing time of the washing machine as: T0=(3+3)*(1*45+0.8*20+0.6*16+0.5*14+0.4*10+0.2*5)-20*3. If the user selects the gentle washing mode, the main wash weight is 0.5, the number of rinses is 3, and the weights are 1, 0.5, and 0.2 respectively. The user selects "clean" for the degree of soiling of the clothes, with a second weight of 0.5. The detergent detection shows low detergent dosage, with a first weight of 0.5. The number of defoaming detections is 4. The calculation module calculates the equivalent washing time of the washing machine as: T0 = (0.5 + 0.5) * (0.5 * 40 + 1 * 15 + 0.5 * 10 + 0.2 * 5) - 20 * 4.

[0087] In some implementations, the control method further includes: after running the drum cleaning program, resetting the equivalent washing time to zero and entering the next statistical cycle.

[0088] In this embodiment, before executing the drum cleaning program, the washing machine needs to perform an empty drum detection. If the detection result is an empty drum, the drum cleaning program is executed. If clothes are detected in the drum, the empty drum detection is performed again after a set interval, until the detection result is an empty drum. The set interval ranges from 5 minutes to 10 minutes; for example, the set interval is 5 minutes. After running the drum cleaning program, the previously accumulated equivalent washing time is reset to zero. Then, the current drum cleaning program is used as the start time of the next statistical cycle, and the equivalent washing time is re-accumulated.

[0089] Figure 5 This is a control flowchart of a washing machine shown as a specific example, refer to... Figure 5 The control method for a washing machine includes the following steps:

[0090] S51. Execute the washing program, then proceed to S52;

[0091] S52. Detect detergent dosage, washing mode, garment soiling level and defoaming times. Determine the first weight a based on detergent dosage, the second weight b based on garment soiling level, and the main wash weight c, rinsing weight b, main wash duration t1 and rinsing duration t2 based on washing mode. Proceed to S53.

[0092] S53. According to the formula: T N =T N-1 +(a+b)*(t1*c+t2*d)-e*x, calculate the cumulative equivalent washing time within the statistical period, and proceed to S54, where: T N The cumulative equivalent washing time is defined as follows: a is the first weight corresponding to the amount of detergent used, b is the second weight corresponding to the level of soiling, t1 is the main wash time corresponding to the washing mode, t2 is the rinsing time, c is the main wash weight, d is the rinsing weight, e is a constant greater than 0, x is the number of defoaming cycles, and N is the number of times the washing program runs.

[0093] S54. Determine whether the cumulative equivalent washing time satisfies: Tmin ≤ T N <Tmax, Tmin is the minimum cumulative equivalent washing time to be executed for the drum cleaning program, and Tmax is the maximum cumulative equivalent washing time to be executed for the drum cleaning program. If the judgment result is yes, proceed to S55; if the judgment result is no, proceed to S56.

[0094] S55. When the user takes out clothes, ask whether to execute the drum cleaning program. If the user's instruction to execute the drum cleaning program is received, proceed to S57. If the user's instruction to execute the drum cleaning program is not received, return to S51.

[0095] S56. Determine whether the cumulative equivalent washing time meets the following condition: T NIf the result is <Tmin, return to S51; if the result is <Tmin, proceed to S57.

[0096] S57. Check if the washing drum is empty. If it is found to be empty, proceed to S58. If it is found to contain clothes, proceed to S59.

[0097] S58, Perform the cylinder cleaning procedure, then proceed to S60;

[0098] S59. Return to S57 after setting the interval duration;

[0099] S60. Reset the accumulated equivalent washing time to zero. N And then it ended.

[0100] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment provides a control device including one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions. When the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are used to implement the control method of a washing machine according to any of the above embodiments.

[0101] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment provides a washing machine that operates according to the washing machine control method of any of the above embodiments, or includes the control device proposed in the above embodiments.

[0102] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0103] Furthermore, 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 at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0104] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this application includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as should be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of this application pertain.

[0105] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0106] It should be understood that various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0107] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0108] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0109] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc. Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, The control method includes: Obtain the washing parameters of the washing machine; The equivalent washing time for a single wash cycle of the washing machine is determined based on the washing parameters. The equivalent washing time for each wash within the statistical period is accumulated; The timing of the drum cleaning program is determined based on the cumulative equivalent washing time. The washing parameters include: a first type of washing parameters that have a positive impact on the equivalent washing time, and a second type of washing parameters that have a negative impact on the equivalent washing time; wherein, the first type of washing parameters includes: washing mode, or may also include at least one of detergent dosage and clothing soiling level, and the second type of washing parameters includes defoaming times; The step of determining the equivalent washing time for a single wash cycle of the washing machine based on the washing parameters includes: The main wash duration, main wash weight, rinsing duration, and rinsing weight are determined based on the washing mode. The equivalent duration of the main wash is determined based on the main wash duration and the main wash weight, and the equivalent duration of the rinsing is determined based on the rinsing duration and the rinsing weight. The equivalent washing time is determined based on the main wash equivalent time, the rinsing equivalent time, and the number of defoaming cycles.

2. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The equivalent washing time is a function of the main wash time, the main wash weight, the rinsing time, the rinsing weight, and the number of defoaming cycles; And / or, the equivalent washing time satisfies the formula: T0 = (t1*c + t2*d) - e*x; Where: T0 is the equivalent washing time, t1 is the main washing time, c is the main washing weight, t2 is the rinsing time, d is the rinsing weight, e is a constant greater than 0, and x is the number of defoaming cycles.

3. A method for controlling a washing machine, characterized in that, The control method includes: Obtain the washing parameters of the washing machine; The equivalent washing time for a single wash cycle of the washing machine is determined based on the washing parameters. The equivalent washing time for each wash within the statistical period is accumulated; The timing of the drum cleaning program is determined based on the cumulative equivalent washing time. The washing parameters include: a first type of washing parameters that have a positive impact on the equivalent washing time, and a second type of washing parameters that have a negative impact on the equivalent washing time. The first type of washing parameters includes: washing mode, detergent dosage, and clothing soiling level. The second type of washing parameters includes the number of defoaming cycles. The step of determining the equivalent washing time for a single wash cycle of the washing machine based on the washing parameters includes: The main wash duration, main wash weight, rinsing duration, and rinsing weight are determined based on the washing mode. The equivalent duration of the main wash is determined based on the main wash duration and the main wash weight, and the equivalent duration of the rinsing is determined based on the rinsing duration and the rinsing weight. A first weight is determined based on the amount of detergent used, and / or a second weight is determined based on the degree of soiling of the clothing; The equivalent washing time is determined based on the first weight and / or the second weight, the equivalent main wash time, the equivalent rinsing time, and the number of defoaming cycles.

4. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The equivalent washing time is a function of the main wash equivalent time, the rinsing equivalent time, the first weight, the second weight, and the number of defoaming cycles; And / or, the equivalent washing time satisfies the formula: T0 = (a + b) * (t1 * c + t2 * d)) - e * x; Wherein: T0 is the equivalent washing time, a is the first weight corresponding to the amount of detergent used, b is the second weight corresponding to the level of dirt, t1 is the main washing time, c is the main washing weight, t2 is the rinsing time, d is the main washing weight, e is a constant greater than 0, and x is the number of defoaming cycles.

5. The control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The step of determining the equivalent rinsing time based on the rinsing duration and the rinsing weight includes: Obtain the number of rinses and the actual sub-rinse time for each rinse; The sub-rinse weight of each rinsing is determined based on the number of rinsing cycles. The equivalent sub-rinse time for each rinse is determined based on the actual sub-rinse time and the sub-rinse weight. The equivalent sub-rinse time of each rinse is accumulated to determine the equivalent rinsing time.

6. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the main wash weight and the rinsing weight are positively correlated with the degree of soiling of the clothes. And / or, in the same washing mode, the sub-rinse weights of each rinse decrease sequentially according to the rinsing order.

7. The control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The determination of the timing for executing the cylinder cleaning procedure based on the accumulated equivalent duration includes: If the accumulated equivalent washing time is within the set threshold range, remind the user to run the drum cleaning program and execute the drum cleaning program according to the user's control command; If the cumulative equivalent washing time exceeds the maximum value of the set threshold range, a drum cleaning program is forcibly executed; If the accumulated equivalent washing time is less than the minimum value of the set threshold range, the equivalent washing time continues to be accumulated.

8. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control method further includes: after running the drum cleaning program, the equivalent washing time is reset to zero, and the next statistical cycle begins.

9. A control device comprising one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, wherein when the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are configured to implement the control method of a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A washing machine that operates according to the control method of any one of claims 1-8, or includes the control device of claim 9.

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