Washing equipment control method and washing equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of washing equipment, particularly provides a control method of washing equipment and the washing equipment, and aims to solve the problem that a user is easily scalded due to the fact that existing washing equipment cannot accurately warn steam discharge. In order to achieve the purpose, the corresponding relation between the washing program and the steam amount is pre-stored in the washing equipment, and the control method comprises the steps that in the running process of the washing equipment, the washing program of the washing equipment is called; determining a steam amount corresponding to the washing program; acquiring the external air velocity; determining steam discharge time based on the steam quantity and the external air flow velocity; obtaining steam generation time; determining a steam discharge time period based on the steam generation time and the steam discharge time; and in the steam discharge time period, reminding information is sent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of washing equipment, and specifically provides a control method for washing equipment and washing equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of technology, washing equipment has become an indispensable household appliance for every family. For example, dishwashers have been purchased by many families.

[0003] In order to ensure the washing effect and improve the washing quality, the dishwasher is designed with a heating function. When the dishwasher is washing, the heating temperature is usually high, which causes the dishwasher to generate steam during the washing process. The generated steam is discharged into the outside air through the steam outlet set on the dishwasher. Since the dishwasher generates steam during the washing process, but there is currently no means to know the specific time period of steam emission, it is impossible to accurately warn of steam emission, which in turn causes the risk of scalding users during the discharge process of high-temperature steam, resulting in a reduced user experience.

[0004] Accordingly, the art requires a new control method for washing equipment and washing equipment to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, to solve the problem that existing washing equipment cannot accurately warn of steam emission, thereby easily causing scalding to users.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a washing device, characterized in that a correspondence between a washing program and a steam amount is pre-stored in the washing device, and the control method includes: when the washing device is in operation, calling the washing program of the washing device; determining the steam amount corresponding to the washing program; obtaining the outside air flow rate; determining the steam discharge time based on the steam amount and the outside air flow rate; obtaining the steam generation time; determining the steam discharge time period based on the steam generation time and the steam discharge time; and sending a reminder message during the steam discharge time period.

[0007] Through the above control method, an accurate steam discharge time period can be obtained, so that an early warning can be issued within the steam discharge time period to avoid steam scalding. In addition, the above control method does not need to add additional structures, simplifies the structure of the washing equipment, and reduces production costs.

[0008] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned washing device, the washing device also pre-stores the correspondence between the washing program and the steam generation time, and the step of "obtaining the steam generation time" further includes: obtaining the steam generation time corresponding to the washing program.

[0009] The above control method does not need to add an additional steam detection structure, thereby reducing production costs.

[0010] In the preferred technical solution of the control method for the above-mentioned washing equipment, the washing equipment is provided with a steam outlet, and the steam outlet is provided with a steam flow meter, and the control method further includes: after the operation of the washing equipment is completed, obtaining the total flow value detected by the steam flow meter; storing the correspondence between the washing program and the total flow value, and recording it as the correspondence between the washing program and the steam amount; after the step of "calling the washing program of the washing equipment", the control method further includes: calling the correspondence between the same washing program and the steam amount most recently; the step of "determining the steam amount corresponding to the washing program" further includes: determining the steam amount corresponding to the same washing program most recently.

[0011] The above control method can ensure that the external environmental factors of the current washing program are the same as those of the last washing program, thereby reducing errors and ensuring the accuracy of the obtained steam volume, and further ensuring the accuracy of the obtained steam emission time period.

[0012] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned washing device, the washing device pre-stores the correspondence between the washing program, the external temperature and the steam volume, and the control method also includes: obtaining the external temperature; the step of "determining the steam volume corresponding to the washing program" further includes: determining the steam volume corresponding to the washing program and the external temperature.

[0013] The above control method can further improve the accuracy of the obtained steam amount.

[0014] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the washing equipment is provided with a human body detection device, and the control method further includes: detecting whether there is a person within a preset range by the human body detection device; the step of "sending a reminder message during the steam emission time period" further includes: during the steam emission time period, if there is a person within the preset range, sending a reminder message.

[0015] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the washing equipment is provided with a human body detection device, and the control method further includes: within a preset time period before the end of the washing program, detecting by the human body detection device whether there is a person within a preset range; based on the detection result of the human body detection device, selectively controlling the door lock of the washing equipment to unlock or send a reminder message.

[0016] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the step of "selectively controlling the door lock of the washing equipment to unlock or sending a reminder message based on the detection result of the human body detection device" further includes: when there is a person within the preset range, sending a reminder message; when there is no one within the preset range, controlling the door lock of the washing equipment to unlock.

[0017] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned washing device, a temperature sensor is provided in the washing device, and the control method further includes: obtaining the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor; the step of "sending a reminder message when there is someone within the preset range" further includes: when there is someone within the preset range and the temperature value is greater than the preset temperature value, sending a reminder message to warn the user to stay away.

[0018] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the step of "sending a reminder message when there is someone within the preset range" also includes: when there is someone within the preset range and the temperature value is less than or equal to the preset temperature value, sending a reminder message that the door lock is about to be opened.

[0019] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a washing device, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is suitable for storing a plurality of program codes, and the program codes are suitable for being loaded and run by the processor to execute the control method of the washing device described in any of the above embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a main flow chart of the control method of the washing equipment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a possible flow chart of the control method of the washing device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific applications. For example, although the washing device in the specification is introduced as a dishwasher, the washing device of the present invention can obviously also be a washing machine or a sock washing machine, etc., as long as the washing device can generate steam during the washing process.

[0024] In order to solve the problem that the existing washing equipment cannot accurately warn of steam emission, which may easily cause scalding to users. The present invention provides a dishwasher, which can be provided with a heating device (heating wire or heating tube, etc.) to heat the washing water, thereby improving the washing effect. In addition, a washing cavity is provided in the dishwasher, and the washing cavity is used to hold bowls. The dishwasher is provided with a steam outlet, which is respectively connected to the washing cavity and the outside air, so that the steam in the washing cavity is discharged to the outside air through the steam outlet.

[0025] As a possible implementation, the dishwasher of the present invention is provided with a human body detection device, which is used to detect whether a person is approaching within a preset range. The present invention does not limit the specific form of the human body detection device, for example, the human body detection device is a camera or an infrared sensor, etc.

[0026] As a possible implementation, a temperature sensor is provided inside the dishwasher of the present invention, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature value inside the dishwasher.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the control method of the dishwasher of the present invention includes the following steps.

[0028] Step S100: When the dishwasher is running, call up the washing program of the dishwasher.

[0029] Step S101: Determine the steam volume corresponding to the washing program.

[0030] The dishwasher of the present invention pre-stores a correspondence between a washing program and a steam volume. There are multiple methods for determining the correspondence between a washing program and a steam volume. For example, a steam flow meter is provided on the steam outlet. After each operation of the dishwasher, the total flow value detected by the steam flow meter is obtained. For example, before each operation of the dishwasher, the steam flow meter is automatically reset to zero. After the operation of the dishwasher is completed, the value detected by the steam flow meter is the total flow value. Then, the correspondence between each washing program and the total flow value is stored. The correspondence between each washing program and the total flow value stored is the correspondence between each washing program and the steam volume. Then, the steam volume corresponding to the same washing program with the most recent time is determined. In this case, in the current operation of the dishwasher, the correspondence between the most recent same washing program and the steam volume is retrieved. For example, if the washing program of the current dishwasher is "Powerful Wash", and the historical operation times of the "Powerful Wash" washing program include May 26, 2023, April 30, 2023, April 1, 2023, etc., then the correspondence between the "Powerful Wash" washing program and the steam volume that was run on May 26, 2023 is retrieved to determine the steam volume corresponding to the "Powerful Wash" washing program that was run on May 26, 2023. Since the washing program obtained by the above method is the most recent same washing program, it can be ensured that the external environmental factors for using the current washing program and the same washing program used last time are the same, thereby reducing errors and ensuring the accuracy of the obtained steam volume.

[0031] Of course, the above-mentioned correspondence between the washing program and the steam volume may also be a correspondence set before the dishwasher leaves the factory, and the correspondence may be obtained based on experiments or empirical formulas.

[0032] As a possible implementation, the dishwasher pre-stores the correspondence between the washing program, the outside temperature and the steam volume. There are many methods for determining the correspondence between the washing program, the outside temperature and the steam volume. For example, the dishwasher is tested before leaving the factory, or the dishwasher prototype is tested, wherein a steam flow meter is provided on the steam outlet of the dishwasher for the experimental test, and the experimental test method is to run each washing program of the dishwasher in sequence under different outside temperature conditions, and after each washing program is run, the steam volume of the program detected by the steam flow meter is recorded, so that the correspondence between the washing program, the outside temperature and the steam volume can be obtained. For example, the steam volume corresponding to the "strong wash" washing program at 60°C is A1, the steam volume corresponding to the "strong wash" washing program at 65°C is B1, the steam volume corresponding to the "strong wash" washing program at 70°C is C1, the steam volume corresponding to the "standard wash" washing program at 60°C is A2, the steam volume corresponding to the "standard wash" washing program at 65°C is B2, and the steam volume corresponding to the "standard wash" washing program at 70°C is C2.

[0033] In this case, the control method of the present invention further includes: obtaining the outside temperature, and determining the amount of steam corresponding to the washing program and the outside temperature. Among them, a temperature sensor can be set on the outer shell of the dishwasher to obtain the outside temperature through the temperature sensor. Or the dishwasher is connected to other household appliances that can detect the outside temperature, such as the dishwasher is connected to the air conditioner, the air conditioner sends the obtained indoor temperature to the dishwasher, the dishwasher obtains the indoor temperature sent by the air conditioner, and records the indoor temperature as the outside temperature. For example, if the outside temperature obtained by the dishwasher is 60°C, if the washing program is "strong wash", the corresponding steam volume is A1, and if the washing program is "standard wash", the corresponding steam volume is A2.

[0034] Step S102: Obtain the external air flow rate.

[0035] Possibly, a flow rate sensor is provided on the steam outlet, and the flow rate value detected by the flow rate sensor is recorded as the outside air flow rate. The steam flow value per unit time can also be detected by the above-mentioned steam flow meter, and recorded as the outside air flow rate. Alternatively, a gas flow rate sensor or an air flow rate measuring instrument is provided on the outside of the dishwasher, and the outside air flow rate is detected by the gas flow rate sensor or the air flow rate measuring instrument. Alternatively, the outside air flow rate is directly input by the user, for example, the control panel of the dishwasher is provided with three buttons of "low speed", "medium speed" and "high speed", and the user selects one of the buttons to obtain the air flow rate represented by the corresponding button, wherein "low speed" < "medium speed" < "high speed", and the sizes of these three flow rates can be set according to experience, for example, "low speed" is the normal indoor air flow rate, "medium speed" is the first gear wind speed of the range hood, and "high speed" is the second gear wind speed of the range hood. Of course, the above examples are only exemplary, and as long as the outside air flow rate can be obtained, the acquisition method can be adjusted.

[0036] Step S103: Determine the steam discharge time based on the steam quantity and the external air flow rate.

[0037] The cross-sectional area of ​​the steam outlet can also be stored in the dishwasher. When the steam volume and the outside air flow rate are determined, since the steam volume = steam discharge time × cross-sectional unit time flow rate = steam discharge time × outside air flow rate × cross-sectional area of ​​the steam outlet, in this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam outlet can be obtained, and the steam discharge time can be determined based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam outlet, the outside air flow rate and the steam volume. Of course, the above is not restrictive. For example, the value of the cross-sectional area in the controller has been quantified, and the steam discharge time can be obtained by only obtaining the variables of the steam volume and the outside air flow rate.

[0038] Step S104: Obtain steam generation time.

[0039] There are multiple methods for obtaining the steam generation time. As a possible implementation method, the dishwasher also pre-stores the corresponding relationship between the washing program and the steam generation time. For example, the dishwasher is subjected to experimental testing before leaving the factory, or the dishwasher prototype is subjected to experimental testing. The experimental testing method is to run each washing program of the dishwasher in sequence, and then manually record the steam generation time of each washing program in sequence, and then store the corresponding relationship of the steam generation time corresponding to each washing program in the memory of the dishwasher. Alternatively, the steam flow meter on the steam outlet of the dishwasher is used for detection. When each washing program is running, when the value detected by the steam flow meter is greater than 0, the time at this time is recorded, and the time at this time is recorded as the steam generation time corresponding to the running washing program, so that the corresponding relationship of the steam generation time corresponding to each washing program can be obtained, and then the corresponding relationship is stored in the memory of the dishwasher.

[0040] Step S105: Determine the steam discharge time period based on the steam generation time and the steam discharge time.

[0041] Usually, the time for a dishwasher to generate steam is continuous, that is, the time from when the dishwasher generates steam to when the steam is discharged is a continuous time period. Therefore, based on the steam generation time and the steam discharge time, the method for determining the steam discharge time period is described in the following specific embodiment. For example, if the steam generation time is the 30th minute after the washing program starts running, and the steam discharge time is 20 minutes, then the steam discharge time period is from the 30th minute to the 50th minute after the washing program starts running. Or if the steam generation time is 50 minutes before the end of the washing program, and the steam discharge time is 20 minutes, then the steam discharge time period is from 50 minutes before the end of the washing program to 30 minutes before the end of the washing program. Or if the steam generation time is 17:00 and the steam discharge time is 30 minutes, then the steam discharge time period is 17:00-17:30.

[0042] Step S106: Send reminder information during the steam discharge time period.

[0043] During the steam discharge time period, a reminder message is sent to inform the user in time to avoid scalding.

[0044] As a possible implementation, the control method of the present invention further includes: sending a reminder message if there is a person within a preset range during the steam discharge time period, so that when someone approaches, a reminder message can be sent in time to avoid scalding due to the user approaching the dishwasher.

[0045] In summary, the present invention can accurately judge the steam emission time through the above-mentioned control method, thereby achieving accurate early warning and avoiding scalding of users.

[0046] As a possible implementation, Figure 2 As shown, the control method of the present invention also includes the following steps.

[0047] Step S201: within a preset time period before the end of the washing program, a human body detection device is used to detect whether there is a person within a preset range.

[0048] The present invention does not limit the specific value of the preset time period, for example, the preset time period is 5 minutes or 3 minutes. Preferably, the preset time period is less than or equal to 5 minutes. That is, when the washing program of the dishwasher is about to end, the human body detection device detects whether there is a person within the preset range.

[0049] Step S202: Based on the detection result of the human body detection device, selectively control the door lock of the dishwasher to unlock or send a reminder message.

[0050] As a possible implementation, when no one is within a preset range, the door lock of the dishwasher is controlled to be unlocked. That is, when the dishwasher is about to finish washing, if no one is within the preset range, there is no risk of scalding the user, and the door lock of the dishwasher can be directly controlled to be unlocked.

[0051] As a possible implementation, when there is someone within a preset range, a reminder message is sent.

[0052] The control method of the present invention further includes: obtaining a temperature value detected by a temperature sensor, and further, when there is a person within a preset range and the temperature value is greater than a preset temperature value, sending a reminder message to warn the user to stay away. When there is a person within the preset range and the temperature value is less than or equal to the preset temperature value, sending a reminder message that the door lock is about to be opened.

[0053] That is to say, if there is someone within the preset range and the temperature value is greater than the preset temperature value, if the user opens the door of the dishwasher at this time, there is a risk of scalding the user. In this case, a reminder message is sent to warn the user to stay away. If there is someone within the preset range and the temperature value is less than or equal to the preset temperature value, in this case, the temperature value of the dishwasher is not enough to scald the user, but it will also cause physical discomfort to the user. At this time, a reminder message that the door lock is about to be opened is sent to notify the user that the dishwasher is about to finish washing and the door lock is about to be unlocked, so that the user waits a little while before opening the door, thereby avoiding causing physical discomfort to the user and improving the user experience.

[0054] It should be noted that the form of the reminder information may include but is not limited to voice-type information, text-type information, light-type information, etc.; the subject that issues the reminder information may include but is not limited to a dishwasher and a terminal device, etc.; the specific reminder method may be a combination of any of the above reminder forms and reminder subjects, as long as it can have the effect of reminding the user. Those skilled in the art can make a choice based on the specific needs of the actual application, and no specific limitation is made here. Among them, voice-type information can send reminder information to the user through voice broadcast or through a beeping tone; text-type information can send reminder information to the user through a pop-up floating window or scrolling playback; light-type information can be a light that is on for a long time or intermittently. The settings of the reminder methods described above are only for illustrative purposes, and can be selected according to actual needs in actual applications.

[0055] On the other hand, the present invention further provides a washing device, which includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is suitable for storing multiple program codes, and the program codes are suitable for being loaded and run by the processor to execute the control method of the washing device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0056] Those skilled in the art can understand that the above-mentioned dishwasher also includes some other well-known structures, such as a processor, a controller, a memory, etc., wherein the memory includes but is not limited to a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a serial memory, a parallel memory or a register, etc., and the processor includes but is not limited to a CPLD / FPGA, a DSP, an ARM processor, a MIPS processor, etc. In order to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, these well-known structures are not shown in the drawings.

[0057] Although the various steps in the above embodiment are described in the above-mentioned order, those skilled in the art can understand that in order to achieve the effect of this embodiment, different steps do not have to be executed in such an order. They can be executed simultaneously (in parallel) or in reverse order. For example, step S101 and step S102 can be executed simultaneously or in reverse order. These simple changes are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0058] So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a washing device, characterized in that: The washing device has a pre-stored correspondence between washing programs and steam volumes, and the control method includes: During the operation of the washing device, calling a washing program of the washing device; determining a steam volume corresponding to the washing program; Get the outside air velocity; determining a steam discharge time based on the steam amount and the outside air flow rate; Get the steam generation time; determining a steam discharge time period based on the steam generation time and the steam discharge time; During the steam emission time period, a reminder message is sent.

2. The control method of the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The washing device also pre-stores a correspondence between the washing program and the steam generation time. The step of "obtaining steam generation time" further includes: The steam generation time corresponding to the washing program is obtained.

3. The control method of the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The washing device is provided with a steam outlet, and the steam outlet is provided with a steam flow meter, and the control method further comprises: After the washing equipment has finished running, obtaining the total flow value detected by the steam flow meter; storing the corresponding relationship between the washing program and the total flow value, and recording it as the corresponding relationship between the washing program and the steam volume; After the step of "calling the washing program of the washing device", the control method further includes: Retrieving the correspondence between the most recent washing program and the steam volume; The step of "determining the amount of steam corresponding to the washing program" further includes: Determine the steam volume corresponding to the most recent wash program.

4. The control method of the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The washing device has a pre-stored correspondence between a washing program, an outside temperature and a steam volume, and the control method further includes: Get the outside temperature; The step of "determining the amount of steam corresponding to the washing program" further includes: The steam amount corresponding to the washing program and the ambient temperature is determined.

5. The control method of washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The washing device is provided with a human body detection device, and the control method further comprises: Detecting whether there is a person within a preset range by the human body detection device; The step of "sending a reminder message during the steam emission time period" further includes: During the steam emission time period, if there is someone within the preset range, a reminder message is sent.

6. The control method of washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The washing device is provided with a human body detection device, and the control method further comprises: In a preset time period before the washing program ends, the human body detection device detects whether there is a person within a preset range; Based on the detection result of the human body detection device, the door lock of the washing device is selectively controlled to be unlocked or a reminder message is sent.

7. The control method of the washing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The step of "selectively controlling the door lock of the washing device to unlock or send a reminder message based on the detection result of the human body detection device" further includes: When there is someone within the preset range, a reminder message will be sent; When no one is within the preset range, the door lock of the washing device is controlled to be unlocked.

8. The control method of the washing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The washing device is provided with a temperature sensor, and the control method further comprises: Obtaining a temperature value detected by the temperature sensor; The step of "sending a reminder message when there is someone within the preset range" further includes: When there is someone within the preset range and the temperature value is greater than the preset temperature value, a reminder message is sent to warn the user to stay away.

9. The control method of the washing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The step of "sending a reminder message when there is someone within the preset range" also includes: When there is someone within the preset range and the temperature value is less than or equal to the preset temperature value, a reminder message is sent that the door lock is about to be opened.

10. A washing device, characterized in that: The washing device comprises a memory and a processor, the memory is suitable for storing a plurality of program codes, and the program codes are suitable for being loaded and run by the processor to execute the control method of the washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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