A control method and apparatus of a laundry treating apparatus, a storage medium, and a laundry treating apparatus

By analyzing the hardness and pH value of the water to set the washing water temperature, the problem of scale formation in hard water for clothing processing equipment has been solved, achieving economical and efficient scale reduction and extended equipment life.

CN118668425BActive Publication Date: 2026-08-25HEFEI HAIER WASHING MACHINE
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310287738.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-03-20
Publication Date
2026-08-25
Estimated Expiration
2043-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing garment processing equipment is prone to limescale buildup when using hard water, leading to blockages, mold growth, and damage to clothing. In addition, existing soft water equipment is costly or generates wastewater.

Method used

By analyzing water hardness and pH value, different washing water temperatures are set to reduce scale formation, including controlling the washing water temperature below a first set temperature to avoid scale formation, and combining the geographical location information of the garment processing equipment to obtain water quality data to optimize the washing process.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces scale formation, saves costs and is environmentally friendly, extends equipment life, and requires no additional structure or sensors; the control method is simple and practical.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application discloses a control method and device of a clothes processing apparatus, a storage medium and the clothes processing apparatus. A first set temperature at which scale starts to be generated at present is obtained according to hardness and pH analysis of water, and washing water temperature is controlled according to the first set temperature. A second set temperature at which a scale generation speed reaches a maximum value is also obtained, and the first set temperature is lower than the second set temperature. Washing water temperature is controlled according to the first set temperature and / or the second set temperature. The application obtains the first set temperature at which scale starts to be generated at present according to hardness and pH analysis of water, and controls washing water temperature according to the first set temperature, so that scale generation is reduced, no additional consumption is needed, and no additional structure needs to be added to the clothes processing apparatus. The control method is simple, practical, economical and efficient.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household appliance technology, and specifically relates to a control method, device, storage medium, and clothing processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology, various clothing processing equipment such as washing machines and shoe washing machines have entered thousands of households, freeing people's hands and greatly facilitating their lives.

[0003] Water containing high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium salts is called "hard water." River water, lake water, well water, and spring water are all hard water. Tap water, obtained by sedimentation to remove sediment and disinfection from river, lake, or well water, is also hard water. Because tap water contains calcium and magnesium ions, these laundry detergents face an unavoidable problem: limescale buildup. Limescale formation is closely related to water quality and temperature. During washing, limescale adheres to the laundry detergent, eventually causing blockages, mold, and dirt. Furthermore, limescale particles constantly rub and impact the laundry during washing, potentially damaging it.

[0004] There are water softening devices on the market now, as well as clothing treatment devices with water softening functions. Current water softening methods often use chemical methods, which on the one hand generate wastewater and cause waste, and on the other hand, the consumables are expensive. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an economical and affordable method to reduce limescale and clothing treatment devices.

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

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and provide a control method, device, storage medium, and clothing processing equipment that can effectively reduce the formation of scale.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0008] The first technical solution of the present invention is a control method for a clothing processing device, wherein a first set temperature at which scale begins to form is obtained based on water hardness and pH analysis, and the washing water temperature is controlled based on the first set temperature.

[0009] Furthermore, based on water hardness and pH analysis, a second set temperature is determined where the rate of scale formation reaches its maximum. The first set temperature is lower than the second set temperature. The washing water temperature is controlled based on the first set temperature and / or the second set temperature.

[0010] Furthermore,

[0011] Control the washing water temperature to be lower than the second set temperature;

[0012] Preferably, the washing water temperature is controlled to be lower than the first set temperature.

[0013] Furthermore, the garment processing equipment also obtains a third set temperature to maximize the washing effect of the detergent, and controls the washing water temperature based on the first set temperature, the second set temperature, and the third set temperature.

[0014] Furthermore, the garment processing equipment includes multiple washing water temperature control modes, including at least:

[0015] The first control mode controls the washing water temperature to be lower than the first set temperature.

[0016] The second control mode controls the washing water temperature to be equal to the third set temperature.

[0017] Furthermore, the water hardness and pH are detected by preset sensors or obtained through analysis of geographical location information linked to the clothing processing equipment.

[0018] Furthermore, the washing water temperature should not exceed the critical temperature that the garment being washed can withstand.

[0019] The second technical solution of the present invention is a control device for a garment processing equipment, comprising one or more processors and a computer-readable storage medium storing an executable program. When the one or more processors execute the executable program, the one or more processors are used to implement the control method for the garment processing equipment as described above.

[0020] The third technical solution of the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium storing an executable program, wherein when the executable program is executed by one or more processors, the one or more processors are used to implement the control method of the clothing processing device as described above.

[0021] The fourth technical solution of the present invention is a garment processing device, including a heating component, employing the control method of the garment processing device as described above, or including the control device of the garment processing device as described above, or including the computer-readable storage medium as described above.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0023] 1. This invention determines the initial set temperature at which scale formation begins based on water hardness and pH analysis, and controls the washing water temperature according to the initial set temperature to reduce scale formation. There is no additional consumption, and no need to add extra structures to the clothing processing equipment. The control method is simple, practical, economical and efficient.

[0024] 2. The present invention obtains a first set temperature at which scale formation begins and a second set temperature at which the scale formation rate reaches its maximum value based on water hardness and pH analysis. The washing water temperature is controlled according to the first set temperature and / or the second set temperature to ensure that the scale formation rate is kept at a low level during the washing process, or even to avoid scale formation altogether.

[0025] 3. This invention can analyze the hardness and pH of water by using the geographical location information bound to the clothing processing equipment, reducing the use of sensors, saving energy and protecting the environment, and extending the life of the clothing processing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0026] 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:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the present invention.

[0028] 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

[0029] The water saturation index, also known as the Laagelier index, indicates the tendency of calcium carbonate to precipitate and form scale in water under given conditions. A positive saturation index indicates a tendency for scale formation, while a negative saturation index indicates a tendency for scale to dissolve. The water saturation index is determined by the water's pH level and is calculated through pH measurement.

[0030] Furthermore, the lower the pH value, the stronger the acidity of the water, the higher the saturation index, and the less calcium can be dissolved. 2+ The more calcium a solution contains, the higher the pH value, the stronger the alkalinity of the water, the lower the saturation index, and the less calcium can be dissolved. 2+ The fewer.

[0031] Furthermore, the higher the water temperature, the higher the water saturation index. At the same time, according to the calcium carbonate solubility curve, the higher the water temperature, the lower the solubility of calcium carbonate. Therefore, water temperature and scale formation are closely related. As the water temperature rises, the tendency for scale to form in the water also gradually increases.

[0032] Therefore, the present invention provides a control method for a garment processing device, which controls the washing water temperature according to the hardness and pH of the water to reduce the formation of scale.

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0034] [Example 1]

[0035] This embodiment provides a specific solution for controlling the washing water temperature based on the water hardness and pH.

[0036] Specifically, this embodiment determines the first set temperature at which scale formation begins based on water hardness and pH analysis, and controls the washing water temperature accordingly. It is understood that controlling the washing water temperature below the first set temperature can prevent scale formation during floor cleaning; while in some cases, controlling the washing temperature above but close to the first set temperature can effectively reduce scale formation.

[0037] Furthermore, based on water hardness and pH analysis, a second set temperature was determined to maximize the rate of scale formation.

[0038] Because the tendency for scale to form in water gradually increases with rising water temperature, the first set temperature is lower than the second set temperature.

[0039] Furthermore, the washing water temperature is controlled according to the first set temperature and / or the second set temperature.

[0040] In this embodiment, the garment processing equipment controls the washing water temperature to be lower than a second set temperature during washing to ensure that the rate of scale formation in the washing water is lower than a maximum value, thereby reducing scale formation. Preferably, the garment processing equipment controls the washing water temperature to be lower than a first set temperature during washing, which is lower than the temperature at which scale forms, to avoid scale formation.

[0041] Furthermore, the maximum value of the adjustable range of the washing water temperature can be set to be less than or equal to the second or first set temperature based on the second or first set temperature obtained from the analysis of each wash. When setting the washing program, the user can set the washing temperature independently within the adjustable range, or the washing equipment can automatically select the washing temperature within the adjustable range.

[0042] Furthermore, a "stain-free wash" function option can be preset on the garment processing equipment. After the user selects this function, the garment processing equipment will automatically select the washing water temperature, which is lower than the first set temperature.

[0043] [Example 2]

[0044] This embodiment provides a more comprehensive washing water temperature control scheme, such as... Figure 1 As shown, based on the aforementioned embodiments, the clothing processing device in this embodiment also obtains a third set temperature to maximize the washing effect of the detergent, and the clothing processing device controls the washing water temperature according to the first set temperature, the second set temperature and the third set temperature.

[0045] Specifically, the garment processing equipment analyzes the obtained water hardness and pH, along with information such as the weight, material, and degree of soiling of the clothes being washed, to determine the amount of detergent to be added and the third set temperature for maximizing the washing effect. The optimal third set temperature varies depending on the active ingredients in the detergent and the type of soiling the clothes.

[0046] In some implementations, the garment processing equipment includes a general water temperature control mode, referred to as a "normal wash mode." In this mode, reducing limescale buildup is the first priority, while ensuring washing effectiveness is the second priority. To ensure washing effectiveness, a higher temperature is often required, while reducing limescale buildup requires a lower washing temperature. Therefore, in this mode, the garment processing equipment determines a compromise washing temperature based on a comprehensive analysis of a first set temperature, a second set temperature, and a third set temperature. Specifically, if the first set temperature is lower than the second set temperature, and the third set temperature is also lower than the second set temperature, the washing temperature is set to the third set temperature. If the third set temperature is higher than the second set temperature, the washing temperature is set to a value higher than the first set temperature but lower than the second set temperature. This value can be determined by calculation using the following method:

[0047] T = a1T1 + a2T2 + a3T3

[0048] Wherein, T represents the washing water temperature;

[0049] a1, a2, a3 — First, second, and third temperature coefficients;

[0050] T1, T2, T3 – First, second, and third set temperatures.

[0051] Specifically, those skilled in the art can set and adjust the values ​​of the first, second, and third temperature coefficients according to actual conditions. This calculation formula is one method for calculating washing water temperature. Those skilled in the art can also use other calculation methods, or summarize empirical tables based on experimental data and select the washing water temperature by looking up the tables.

[0052] Furthermore, the garment processing equipment includes multiple washing water temperature control modes, at least including,

[0053] The first control mode controls the washing water temperature to be lower than the first set temperature.

[0054] The second control mode controls the washing water temperature to be equal to the third set temperature.

[0055] The first control mode, also known as the "scale-free wash mode," prioritizes preventing scale buildup by ensuring the wash water temperature is below the first set temperature. The second priority is setting the wash water temperature to the third set temperature. In other words, this mode maximizes the washing effect while ensuring no scale buildup. Specifically, if the third set temperature is lower than the first set temperature after the user selects this mode, the wash water temperature will be set directly to the third set temperature. If the third set temperature is higher than the first set temperature, the wash water temperature will be set to the maximum value below the first set temperature. Until the third set temperature is reached, the detergent's washing effect will increase as the wash water temperature rises.

[0056] The second control mode is also known as the "super clean wash mode". This mode prioritizes controlling the washing water temperature to the third set temperature to achieve the best washing effect. Specifically, in this mode, the formation of limescale is ignored and the clothing treatment equipment only guarantees the washing effect. When the clothes are heavily soiled, users can choose this mode according to their preferences.

[0057] Furthermore, the water hardness and pH are obtained through preset sensors or by analyzing geographical location information linked to the garment processing device. Specifically, the garment processing device can obtain water hardness and pH by setting hardness and pH detection modules, or it can obtain water hardness and pH data for that region from a server by linking the garment processing device to geographical location information, or the user can manually input and store the water hardness and pH information.

[0058] Furthermore, all fabrics have a certain maximum temperature they can withstand, also known as a critical temperature. When the washing water temperature exceeds this critical temperature, the fabric will be damaged by the high temperature. Therefore, as a preferred implementation, the garment processing equipment controls the washing water temperature to not exceed the critical temperature that the fabric can withstand. Understandably, the washing water temperature is also not lower than the natural temperature of tap water.

[0059] [Example 3]

[0060] This embodiment provides a control device for a garment processing equipment, including one or more processors and a computer-readable storage medium storing an executable program. When one or more processors execute the executable program, the one or more processors are used to implement the control method of the garment processing equipment described above.

[0061] [Example 4]

[0062] This embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium storing an executable program that, when executed by one or more processors, enables the one or more processors to implement the control method for the clothing processing device as described above.

[0063] [Example 5]

[0064] This embodiment provides a garment processing device, including a heating component, employing the control method for garment processing devices as described above, or including the control device for garment processing devices as described above, or including the computer-readable storage medium as described above.

[0065] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0066] 1. This invention controls the washing water temperature based on the hardness and pH of the water to reduce the formation of scale. There is no additional consumption, and no need to add extra structures to the clothing processing equipment. The control method is simple, practical, economical and efficient.

[0067] 2. The present invention obtains a first set temperature at which scale formation begins and a second set temperature at which the scale formation rate reaches its maximum value based on water hardness and pH analysis. The washing water temperature is controlled according to the first set temperature and / or the second set temperature to ensure that the scale formation rate is kept at a low level during the washing process, or even to avoid scale formation altogether.

[0068] 3. This invention can analyze the hardness and pH of water by using the geographical location information bound to the clothing processing equipment, reducing the use of sensors, saving energy and protecting the environment, and extending the life of the clothing processing equipment.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", 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.

[0071] 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 one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0072] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. 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.

[0073] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or codes on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium. Other examples and embodiments are within the scope and spirit of this invention and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the functional units can be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a single unit.

[0074] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units can be a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For instance, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between units or modules may be electrical or other forms.

[0075] The technical solution of this invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard drive, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0076] As described above, similar technical solutions can be derived from the solutions presented in the accompanying drawings. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this invention, without departing from the scope of the invention, shall still fall within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a garment processing device, characterized in that: Includes multiple washing water temperature control modes, at least including, The first control mode controls the washing water temperature to be lower than the first set temperature. The second control mode controls the washing water temperature to be equal to the third set temperature. The system obtains a first set temperature at which scale formation begins based on water hardness and pH analysis. The clothing treatment device obtains a third set temperature at which the detergent achieves maximum washing effect. The system also obtains a second set temperature at which the scale formation rate reaches its maximum value based on water hardness and pH analysis. The first set temperature is lower than the second set temperature. The washing water temperature is controlled according to the first set temperature, the second set temperature, and the third set temperature.

2. The control method for the garment processing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The hardness and pH of the water are detected by preset sensors or analyzed through the geographical location information associated with the clothing processing equipment.

3. The control method for the garment processing equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The washing water temperature should not exceed the critical temperature that the garment being washed can withstand.

4. The control method for the garment processing equipment as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, In the first control mode, if the third set temperature is lower than the first set temperature, the washing water temperature is directly set to the third set temperature; if the third set temperature is higher than the first set temperature, the washing water temperature is set to the maximum value lower than the first set temperature.

5. A control device for a garment processing apparatus, comprising one or more processors and a computer-readable storage medium storing an executable program, characterized in that: When the one or more processors execute the executable program, the one or more processors are used to implement the control method of the garment processing device as described in any one of claims 1-3.

6. A computer-readable storage medium storing an executable program, characterized in that: When the executable program is executed by one or more processors, the one or more processors are used to implement the control method of the clothing processing device as described in any one of claims 1-3.

7. A garment processing device, comprising a heating component, characterized in that: The control method of the garment processing equipment as described in any one of claims 1-3, or the control device of the garment processing equipment as described in claim 5, or the computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 6.

Citation Information

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