Washing equipment and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of smart home, in particular to washing equipment and a control method thereof, and aims to solve the problems of crowded space caused by existence of a washing machine in an existing household toilet and resource waste caused by pre-washing of clothes. To this end, the washing apparatus of the present application comprises: a washing machine; the pre-washing basin is arranged at the top of the washing machine; the output end of the first control valve is communicated with the faucet and an inner barrel of the washing machine; the output end of the second control valve is communicated with an inner barrel of the washing machine and a drain pipe of the washing machine; the controller controls the working state of the first control valve so that an external water source can selectively enter the faucet or an inner barrel of the washing machine, and controls the working state of the second control valve so that the water source in the pre-washing basin can selectively enter the inner barrel of the washing machine or a drain pipe of the washing machine. The space utilization rate can be increased, washing water in the clothes pre-washing process can be reutilized, and therefore resources are saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of smart home technology, and specifically provides a washing device and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] At present, in the home laundry operation, some users choose to place the washing machine in the bathroom, so that when washing some clothes, they first pre-wash the clothes in the wash basin of the bathroom cabinet, and then put the clothes into the washing machine for washing, thereby improving the cleanliness of the clothes by pre-washing.

[0003] However, when washing clothes in the above manner, on the one hand, the washing machine will occupy space in the user's bathroom, making the bathroom more crowded; on the other hand, the washing water produced by pre-washing is usually not particularly dirty, and discharging this part of the washing water and the detergent inside it directly through the wash basin will cause a waste of resources.

[0004] Accordingly, the art needs a new technical solution to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application aims to solve the above technical problems, namely, to solve the problems of crowded space in existing household bathrooms due to the presence of washing machines and waste of resources due to pre-washing of clothes.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a washing device, comprising:

[0007] washing machine;

[0008] A pre-wash basin, which is arranged on the top of the washing machine, the pre-wash basin is provided with a faucet, and the bottom of the pre-wash basin is provided with a water outlet;

[0009] A first control valve, which is arranged in the washing machine, wherein an output end of the first control valve is respectively connected to the faucet and an inner drum of the washing machine;

[0010] A second control valve is disposed at the water outlet, and an output end of the second control valve is respectively connected to the inner drum of the washing machine and the drain pipe of the washing machine; and

[0011] A controller controls the working state of the first control valve to allow an external water source to selectively enter the faucet or the inner drum of the washing machine, and controls the working state of the second control valve to allow the water source in the pre-wash basin to selectively enter the inner drum of the washing machine or the drain pipe of the washing machine.

[0012] In a technical solution of the above-mentioned washing equipment, both the first control valve and the second control valve are solenoid valves.

[0013] In a technical solution of the above-mentioned washing equipment, the washing equipment further comprises:

[0014] A mirror cabinet is used to be arranged above the pre-wash basin, and a control panel of the washing machine is arranged on the mirror cabinet, and the control panel is communicatively connected with the washing machine.

[0015] In a technical solution of the above-mentioned washing device, the washing machine is a drum washing machine.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present application provides a control method for a washing device, the washing device comprising:

[0017] washing machine;

[0018] A pre-wash basin, which is arranged on the top of the washing machine, the pre-wash basin is provided with a faucet, and the bottom of the pre-wash basin is provided with a water outlet;

[0019] A first control valve is disposed in the washing machine, the first control valve being communicated with the faucet and the inner drum of the washing machine respectively;

[0020] A second control valve is disposed at the water outlet, the second control valve being connected to the inner drum of the washing machine and the drain pipe of the washing machine respectively; and

[0021] a controller, which controls the working state of the first control valve so that the external water source selectively enters the faucet or the inner drum of the washing machine, and controls the working state of the second control valve so that the water source in the pre-wash basin selectively enters the inner drum of the washing machine or the drain pipe of the washing machine;

[0022] The control method comprises:

[0023] Controlling the first control valve to operate so that external water source enters the faucet and adds water to the pre-wash basin;

[0024] When the faucet is turned on, controlling the washing machine to enter a standby state;

[0025] Acquiring the door status information of the washing machine within a preset time period;

[0026] The second control valve is selectively controlled to operate according to the door status information, so that the water in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine and controls the washing machine to enter a washing program, or the water in the pre-wash basin enters the drain pipe of the washing machine.

[0027] In a technical solution of the above control method, the step of "selectively controlling the second control valve to operate according to the door state information so that the water source in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine and controls the washing machine to start a washing program, or the water source in the pre-wash basin enters the drain pipe of the washing machine" includes:

[0028] If the door of the washing machine is opened, the second control valve is controlled to operate so that the water in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine and the washing machine is controlled to enter a washing program; and / or

[0029] If the door of the washing machine is not opened, the second control valve is controlled to operate so that the water in the pre-washing tub flows into the drain pipe of the washing machine.

[0030] In a technical solution of the above control method, after the step of “if the door of the washing machine is opened, controlling the second control valve to operate so that the water source in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine and controlling the washing machine to start a washing program”, the control method further includes:

[0031] Determining whether the user puts clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine; and

[0032] The washing machine is selectively controlled to execute a washing program according to the judgment result.

[0033] In one technical solution of the above control method, the step of "selectively controlling the washing machine to execute a washing program according to the judgment result" includes:

[0034] When it is determined that the user puts clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine, controlling the washing machine to execute a washing program; and / or

[0035] When it is determined that the user has not put the clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine, the washing machine is controlled to issue an error reminder.

[0036] In one technical solution of the above control method, the step of "determining whether the user puts clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine" includes:

[0037] Whether the user has put the clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine is determined by weighing.

[0038] In one technical solution of the above control method, the step of "determining whether the user puts clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine" includes:

[0039] It is determined by image acquisition whether the user has put clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine.

[0040] As mentioned above, the washing device of the present application integrates the pre-wash basin and the washing machine as an integrated structure, which can not only reduce the occupied area of ​​the equipment and improve space utilization, but also when the clothes are pre-washed in the pre-wash basin, the washing water generated and the detergent dissolved in the washing water can be discharged into the washing machine for secondary utilization, thereby saving resources.

[0041] During the use of the washing machine, the present application determines whether the user needs to perform a laundry operation based on the door state information, and further determines whether the clothes are put into the inner drum of the washing machine after confirming that the door is in an open state within a preset time period, so that the controller selectively controls the working state of the first control valve and the second control valve, so that when the user is only washing, the washing water in the pre-wash basin is directly discharged, or when the user needs to perform a laundry operation, the washing water in the pre-wash basin is controlled to enter the inner drum of the washing machine, so as to realize the secondary use of the washing water. Therefore, the control method of the present application further improves the intelligence of the washing machine and enhances the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The preferred embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a washing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 2 It is a manifestation Figure 1 Side view of the internal structure of the washing equipment.

[0045] Figure 3 It is a flow chart of the main steps of the control method of the washing equipment given in the embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 4 It is a detailed step flow chart of the control method of the washing equipment given in the embodiment of the present application.

[0047] In the figures, the reference numerals refer to the following:

[0048] 1. Washing machine; 2. Pre-wash basin; 21. Water outlet; 22. Faucet; 3. First control valve; 4. Second control valve; 5. Mirror cabinet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The preferred embodiments of the present application 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 application and are not used to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments to them as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0050] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc. indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of description, and do not indicate or imply that the relevant devices or elements must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting this application. In addition, ordinal numbers such as "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0051] In addition, it should be noted that in the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 , is a washing device disclosed in an embodiment of the present application, which includes a washing machine 1 and a pre-wash basin 2 arranged on the top of the washing machine 1. In one implementation of the present application, the washing machine 1 is a drum washing machine. Of course, it can also be a washing machine of other forms, and the present application does not limit this. The pre-wash basin 2 can be used for daily washing by users, and can also be used for pre-washing clothes. A water outlet 21 is provided at the bottom of the pre-wash basin 2, and the washing water in the pre-wash basin 2 can be discharged through the water outlet 21. The pre-wash basin 2 is provided with a faucet 22, and water can be added to the pre-wash basin 2 through the faucet 22.

[0053] Reference Figure 2, is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a washing machine (the specific structure of the washing machine 1 is not shown in the figure), wherein the washing machine further comprises a first control valve 3, a second control valve 4 and a controller (not shown in the figure). The first control valve 3 is fixedly installed in the washing machine 1. Optionally, the first control valve 3 is a three-way valve, and one end of the three-way valve is connected to an external clean water source as an input end, and the other two ports are output ends. The two output ends of the first control valve 3 are respectively connected to the faucet 22 and the inner drum of the washing machine 1. The controller can control the working state of the first control valve 3, so that the external water source can selectively enter the faucet 22 or the inner drum of the washing machine 1. The second control valve 4 is fixedly installed at the water outlet 21. Similarly, the second control valve 4 can be selected as a three-way valve, and one end of the three-way valve is connected to the pre-wash basin 2 as an input end, and the other two ports are used as output ends. The two output ends of the second control valve 4 are respectively connected to the inner drum of the washing machine 1 and the drain pipe of the washing machine 1. The controller can control the working state of the second control valve 4, so that the water source in the pre-wash basin 2 can selectively enter the inner drum of the washing machine 1 or the drain pipe of the washing machine 1. When the water source in the pre-wash basin 2 enters the inner drum of the washing machine 1, it can be used as washing water for clothes. When the water source in the pre-wash basin 2 enters the drain pipe of the washing machine 1, it can be discharged to the floor drain of the bathroom through the drain pipe.

[0054] In some implementations of the present application, the first control valve 3 and the second control valve 4 are both solenoid valves, and the controllers are communicatively connected to the solenoid valves to realize the opening and closing of each output end of the first control valve 3 and the second control valve 4.

[0055] The washing device of the present application is installed in a bathroom as an example. The water pipe on the bathroom wall that provides the water source is connected and fixed to the input end of the first control valve 3, and the washing machine 1 is fixed to the bathroom wall. At this time, the water source can enter the faucet 22 and the inner drum of the washing machine 1 respectively. In this case, the user can use the pre-wash basin 2 for daily washing. At this time, there is no need to perform laundry operations. The controller controls the second control valve 4 to operate so that the water in the pre-wash basin 2 is directly discharged to the floor drain through the drain pipe of the washing machine 1. When the user needs to perform laundry operations, the pre-wash basin 2 is used to pre-wash clothes, and then the controller controls the second control valve 4 to operate so that the water in the pre-wash basin 2 is discharged into the inner drum of the washing machine 1. Of course, when washing clothes, the controller can also control the first control valve 3 to operate so that the external water source enters the inner drum of the washing machine 1.

[0056] The washing device of the present application integrates the pre-wash basin 2 and the washing machine 1 as an integrated structure, which can not only reduce the occupied area of ​​the equipment and improve the space utilization rate, but also when the clothes are pre-washed in the pre-wash basin 2, the washing water generated and the detergent dissolved in the washing water can be discharged into the washing machine 1 for secondary utilization, thereby saving resources.

[0057] It should be noted that, for the pre-wash basin 2, a separate switch may be provided on the faucet 22. At this time, the first control valve 3 and the faucet 22 may be kept in a connected state, and water may be added to the pre-wash basin 2 by controlling the switch of the faucet 22. Of course, in some other implementations, the drainage of the faucet 22 may also be controlled by a controller, that is, no switch is provided at the water outlet of the faucet 22, and water may be added to the pre-wash basin 2 by controlling the action of the first control valve 3 by the controller. The specific implementation form of the faucet 22 is not specifically limited in this application.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 In a possible implementation of the present application, the washing device of the present application also includes a mirror cabinet 5, which can be separately arranged from the washing machine 1 and the pre-wash basin 2. When installing, the mirror cabinet 5 can be installed above the pre-wash basin 2, and the user can use the mirror cabinet 5 to tidy up his makeup.

[0059] It should be noted that, in the present application, the control panel of the washing machine 1 is arranged on the mirror cabinet 5. Optionally, the control panel can be arranged at the lower part of the mirror cabinet 5. The control panel is connected to the washing machine 1 in communication. The control panel is provided with buttons for controlling the washing mode of the washing machine 1. Since the height of the washing machine 1 is relatively low, when performing the washing operation, the user can select the washing mode of the washing machine 1 through the control panel on the mirror cabinet 5 according to the type of clothes or the needs of the user. The user does not need to bend down to operate, thereby improving the user experience.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 The present application also discloses a control method for a washing device, which comprises the following steps:

[0061] S101: Control the first control valve to allow external water to enter the faucet and add water to the pre-wash basin.

[0062] In the above steps, the step of controlling the action of the first control valve can be implemented through the user's voice command, or by setting a physical switch on the pre-wash basin and implementing the above steps through the opening and closing of the physical switch.

[0063] S102: When the faucet is turned on, control the washing machine to enter a standby state.

[0064] It should be understood that when the washing device is not in use, the washing machine is in a shut-down state. When the faucet is turned on, the washing machine enters a standby state from the shut-down state to wait for the next operation.

[0065] S103: Acquire the door status information of the washing machine within a preset time period.

[0066] S104: selectively controlling the second control valve to operate according to the door state information, so that the water in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine and controls the washing machine to enter a washing program, or the water in the pre-wash basin enters the drain pipe of the washing machine.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 Specifically, in one implementation of the present application, step S104 further includes:

[0068] S1041: If the door of the washing machine is opened, the second control valve is controlled to operate so that the water in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine and the washing machine is controlled to enter a washing program.

[0069] S1042: If the door of the washing machine is not opened, the second control valve is controlled to operate so that the water in the pre-wash tub flows into the drain pipe of the washing machine.

[0070] It should be noted that in the above step S103, the preset time period starts from when the washing machine enters the standby state, and the specific value of the preset time period can be determined according to the actual needs of the user. The specific value of the preset time period can be set to the time required for the user to pre-wash clothes, or the time required for a wash. For example, the preset time period is 15 minutes, and the door status information is obtained within 15 minutes, that is, whether the door of the washing machine is opened is monitored within 15 minutes. When the washing machine body is opened, it means that the user is going to wash clothes. Then, after 15 minutes, the second control valve is controlled to operate so that the washing water in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine, and the washing machine is controlled to enter the washing program. Within 15 minutes, if the door of the washing machine is not opened, it means that the user does not intend to wash clothes. Then, after 15 minutes, the second control valve is controlled to operate so that the washing water in the pre-wash basin enters the drain pipe of the washing machine and is directly discharged to the floor drain.

[0071] It should also be noted that the washing machine entering the washing program in the above steps means that the washing machine enters but does not execute the washing program, that is, it is a preparatory stage of the washing process.

[0072] Accordingly, after step S1041, the control method further includes the following steps:

[0073] S105: Determine whether the user puts clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine.

[0074] S106: Selectively controlling the washing machine to execute a washing program according to the determination result.

[0075] Through the above steps S105 and S106, after judging whether the user has done laundry through the door status information, it is judged again whether the clothes are put into the inner drum of the washing machine, and then further judged and controlled whether the washing machine needs to execute the washing program. This step is used for further confirmation, which can prevent the system from misjudging due to the user's mistaken operation to open the door. For example, when the children in the user's home are playing, the door of the washing machine is opened within the above preset time period, or the user accidentally knocks the door open due to excessive body movements when washing, etc., when encountering the above phenomenon, the system does not execute the washing program. Of course, further judgment through steps S105 and S106 can also avoid the situation where the user intends to wash clothes but forgets to put them in. In summary, through steps S105 and S106, the intelligence of the washing equipment is further improved, avoiding the phenomenon of system misjudgment due to misoperation, or forgetting to put clothes into the washing machine due to the user's own reasons.

[0076] Specifically, in one implementation of the present application, step S106 further includes:

[0077] S1061: When it is determined that the user puts the clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine, the washing machine is controlled to execute a washing program.

[0078] At this time, the washing machine can be controlled to start the washing program. During the washing program, in addition to the washing water from the pre-wash basin, the first control valve can be selectively controlled by the controller according to the water level in the inner drum of the washing machine to allow external water to enter the inner drum of the washing machine to meet the water volume requirement during the washing process.

[0079] S1062: When it is determined that the user has not put the clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine, the washing machine is controlled to issue an error reminder.

[0080] The error reminder may be in the form of a voice announcement, for example, the voice content may be "Please check whether the clothes to be washed are put into the washing machine", or "Please confirm whether the washing program needs to be executed", and wait for further operation of the user. When the user confirms to wash but does not put the clothes in, the clothes are put into the inner drum of the washing machine to start the washing operation. When the user confirms that the washing is not needed, the controller controls the second control valve to operate and discharge the washing water in the inner drum of the washing machine.

[0081] In some possible implementations, step S105 may include the following two specific methods:

[0082] The first method is to determine whether the user has put the clothes into the washing machine by weighing. For example, the specific weighing principle can be to detect the weight of the clothes by collecting the current of the washing machine drive motor. Of course, structures such as weight sensors can also be used to achieve weighing.

[0083] The second method is to set an image acquisition module in the washing machine and determine whether the user puts clothes into the washing machine based on the detection results of the image acquisition module.

[0084] In the above control method of the present application, the washing machine is controlled to enter the washing program by obtaining the state information of the door body of the washing machine and confirming that the door body has been opened within a preset time period, and then the step of judging whether the clothes are put into the inner drum of the washing machine is used to confirm whether to control the washing machine to execute the washing program. However, the present application is not limited to this. In other possible implementations, it is also possible to judge whether the door body is opened within a preset time period and whether the clothes are put into the washing machine. When it is confirmed that the door body has been opened and the clothes have been put into the washing machine, the washing machine is controlled to enter the washing program, and the washing machine is directly controlled to execute the washing program after the preset time period.

[0085] During the use of the washing machine, the present application determines whether the user needs to perform a laundry operation based on the door state information, and further determines whether the clothes are put into the inner drum of the washing machine after confirming that the door is in an open state within a preset time period, so that the controller selectively controls the working state of the first control valve and the second control valve, so that the washing water in the pre-wash basin is directly discharged when the user is only washing, or when the user needs to perform a laundry operation, the washing water in the pre-wash basin is controlled to enter the inner drum of the washing machine, so as to realize the secondary use of the washing water. Therefore, the control method of the present application further improves the intelligence of the washing machine and enhances the user experience.

[0086] So far, the technical solutions of the present application 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 application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present application, 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 application.

Claims

1. A washing device, characterized in that: include: washing machine; A pre-wash basin, which is arranged on the top of the washing machine, the pre-wash basin is provided with a faucet, and the bottom of the pre-wash basin is provided with a water outlet; A first control valve, which is arranged in the washing machine, wherein an output end of the first control valve is respectively connected to the faucet and an inner drum of the washing machine; A second control valve is disposed at the water outlet, and an output end of the second control valve is respectively connected to the inner drum of the washing machine and the drain pipe of the washing machine; and A controller controls the working state of the first control valve to allow an external water source to selectively enter the faucet or the inner drum of the washing machine, and controls the working state of the second control valve to allow the water source in the pre-wash basin to selectively enter the inner drum of the washing machine or the drain pipe of the washing machine.

2. The washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first control valve and the second control valve are both solenoid valves.

3. The washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The washing device also includes: A mirror cabinet is used to be arranged above the pre-wash basin, and a control panel of the washing machine is arranged on the mirror cabinet, and the control panel is communicatively connected with the washing machine.

4. The washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The washing machine is a drum washing machine.

5. A control method for a washing device, characterized in that: The washing equipment comprises: washing machine; A pre-wash basin, which is arranged on the top of the washing machine, the pre-wash basin is provided with a faucet, and the bottom of the pre-wash basin is provided with a water outlet; A first control valve is disposed in the washing machine, the first control valve being communicated with the faucet and the inner drum of the washing machine respectively; A second control valve is disposed at the water outlet, the second control valve being connected to the inner drum of the washing machine and the drain pipe of the washing machine respectively; and a controller, which controls the working state of the first control valve so that the external water source selectively enters the faucet or the inner drum of the washing machine, and controls the working state of the second control valve so that the water source in the pre-wash basin selectively enters the inner drum of the washing machine or the drain pipe of the washing machine; The control method comprises: Controlling the first control valve to operate so that external water source enters the faucet and adds water to the pre-wash basin; When the faucet is turned on, controlling the washing machine to enter a standby state; Acquiring the door status information of the washing machine within a preset time period; The second control valve is selectively controlled to operate according to the door status information, so that the water in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine and controls the washing machine to enter a washing program, or the water in the pre-wash basin enters the drain pipe of the washing machine.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The step of "selectively controlling the second control valve to operate according to the door state information so that the water source in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine and controls the washing machine to start a washing program, or the water source in the pre-wash basin enters the drain pipe of the washing machine" includes: If the door of the washing machine is opened, the second control valve is controlled to operate so that the water in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine and the washing machine is controlled to enter a washing program; and / or If the door of the washing machine is not opened, the second control valve is controlled to operate so that the water in the pre-washing tub flows into the drain pipe of the washing machine.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: After the step of "if the door of the washing machine is opened, controlling the second control valve to operate so that the water source in the pre-wash basin enters the inner drum of the washing machine and controlling the washing machine to start a washing program", the control method further includes: Determining whether the user puts clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine; and The washing machine is selectively controlled to execute a washing program according to the judgment result.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of "selectively controlling the washing machine to execute a washing program according to the judgment result" includes: When it is determined that the user puts clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine, controlling the washing machine to execute a washing program; and / or When it is determined that the user has not put the clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine, the washing machine is controlled to issue an error reminder.

9. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of "determining whether the user puts clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine" includes: Whether the user has put the clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine is determined by weighing.

10. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of "determining whether the user puts clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine" includes: It is determined by image acquisition whether the user has put clothes into the inner drum of the washing machine.

Images