Washing machine control method and washing machine

Abstract

The invention firstly provides a control method of a washing machine. A distance measuring sensor and an electric cover are arranged at a door body of the washing machine; the controller controls the electric cover to be opened before or while controlling the water inlet valve to feed water into the washing cavity according to a washing program, so that the distance measuring sensor is exposed; during water feeding, when the distance measuring sensor detects that the load height in the washing machine reaches a preset value, water feeding is controlled to be stopped. The invention further provides the washing machine, a control method of the washing machine and the washing machine, the water consumption does not need to be determined according to the weight of the clothes to be washed, the data detected by the distance measuring sensor is compared with the preset data so as to accurately control the water inlet process and reduce water and electricity consumption, and the electric cover is arranged so that the water consumption can be reduced. Foams generated in the washing process are prevented from being attached to the distance measuring sensor, and detection data are prevented from being influenced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing equipment, and in particular, relates to a control method and a control device for a washing machine and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] With the development of cities and the quickening pace of life, washing machines, as a household appliance that can free users' hands and save users' time in handling housework, are accepted and purchased by more and more users.

[0003] In the existing washing machine, after the user selects the washing program, the water intake will be determined according to the weight of the clothes. If the user does not adjust the water intake according to his needs, the controller will determine the water consumption according to the weight of the clothes, and further control the water intake through the liquid level meter, water intake flow rate, water intake time, etc. However, this water intake control method only considers the weight of the clothes, but not the material and water absorption of the clothes, resulting in insufficient water intake when washing clothes with strong water absorption, affecting the washing effect; when the water intake is insufficient, the water intake needs to be adjusted and the water intake needs to be supplemented if the control system allows, and there may be multiple water intake and water replenishment operations, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and will extend the washing cycle.

[0004] To solve this problem, some high-end washing machines are equipped with cameras and image acquisition devices. Based on the built-in algorithm, the materials of the clothes to be washed are judged when the user puts the clothes in. The water consumption is determined based on the weight of the clothes, the material of the clothes and the water absorption rate of the materials, and the water intake is controlled by the level meter, water intake flow rate and water intake time. However, the cost of cameras and image acquisition devices is high, and the product audience rate is limited. Moreover, even if cameras or image acquisition devices are installed, it is impossible to avoid adjusting the water consumption and replenishing the water intake, which increases the washing time and affects the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a control method and a washing machine. It is not necessary to determine the water consumption according to the weight of the clothes to be washed. The data detected by the ranging sensor is compared with the preset data to accurately control the water inlet process and reduce the water and electricity consumption. By setting an electric cover, the foam generated during the washing process is prevented from adhering to the ranging sensor and affecting the detection data.

[0006] In order to achieve the first invention objective, the present invention first provides a method for controlling a washing machine, and the technical solution adopted is:

[0007] A control method for a washing machine, wherein a distance measuring sensor and an electric cover are arranged at a door of the washing machine; a controller controls a water inlet valve to open the electric cover before or while water is flowing into a washing chamber according to a washing program, so as to expose the distance measuring sensor; during water flow, when the distance measuring sensor detects that the load height in the washing machine reaches a preset value, water flow is stopped.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a lighting lamp, which is turned on when the washing machine is running; and is turned off when the distance sensor detects the load height.

[0009] Furthermore, the lighting lamp is turned on during the working interval of the ranging sensor; preferably, the lighting lamp is turned on once during the working interval after the ranging sensor works n times.

[0010] Furthermore, when the difference between the real-time distance detected by the distance measuring sensor and the maximum distance detected reaches a preset value, the water intake is stopped.

[0011] Furthermore, after water ingress, the distance between the ranging sensor and the load detected in real time first decreases and then increases as water ingress continues, and the distance measured before the increase is the maximum distance; or when water ingress is initially detected, the distance between the ranging sensor and the load is set as the initial distance, and the multiple initial distances obtained are sorted. After water ingress, the maximum value measured in real time by the ranging sensor corresponding to the maximum initial distance is the maximum distance.

[0012] Furthermore, when water is initially inflowed, the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the load is set as the initial distance, and the difference between the initial distance and the real-time distance is calculated. When the difference of the latter time is greater than or equal to the difference of the previous time or the absolute value of the difference of the latter time is less than or equal to the absolute value of the difference of the previous time, the real-time distance h corresponding to the difference of the previous time is marked as the maximum distance h2; or if the same difference appears after an interval of n differences, the real-time distance corresponding to the difference between the same differences or the maximum distance value is marked as the maximum distance.

[0013] Furthermore, when no water enters, the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the load is set as the initial distance, the difference between the initial distance and the real-time distance is calculated, and a continuous and overlapping comparison interval of the real-time distance or difference is set. There are n distance values ​​and / or differences in the interval, and an interval is set every m data, m≤n, so that the data in adjacent intervals have a certain overlap. According to the time sequence of the received data, if the real-time distance h or difference in the same interval is all the same, the data in this interval is excluded. If there is a difference in the real-time distance h or difference in a certain interval, the maximum real-time distance h or difference in the interval is determined, and for the remaining intervals after excluding the intervals with all the same data, the real-time distance corresponding to the maximum real-time distance or the maximum difference in each interval is determined and marked as the maximum distance.

[0014] Furthermore, when no water enters, the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the load is set as the initial distance. When the difference between the real-time distance detected by the distance measuring sensor and the maximum distance detected reaches a preset value and the real-time distance is greater than or equal to the initial distance, the water intake is stopped.

[0015] Furthermore, when no water is entering, the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the load is set as the initial distance. While detecting the distance and the water entering, the impeller of the washing machine is rotated or the impeller and the washing tub are moved in opposite directions. When the difference between the real-time distance and the detected lowest water level reaches a preset value and the real-time distance is greater than or equal to the initial distance and / or the difference between the real-time distance and the detected lowest water level reaches a preset value, the water entry is controlled to stop.

[0016] The second invention object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0017] A washing machine includes a washing machine control method as described above.

[0018] In summary, the control method of a washing machine provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0019] 1. No changes are needed to the existing products. The control method of the present invention can be completed by adding a distance measuring sensor and changing the control program in the controller.

[0020] 2. Stirring the clothes before water intake can make the top of the clothes as flat as possible and distribute the clothes as evenly as possible to avoid the situation where some clothes are locally high, which will affect the variance calculation results in the later stage and thus affect the water intake control;

[0021] 3. According to the different loads, the water intake is accurately controlled by changing the distance to ensure the washing effect while avoiding the waste of water and electricity;

[0022] 4. When the calculated variance is small, it means that the surface variance of the load (clothing, water surface) is small. When the water intake reaches the washing requirement, the water surface usually overflows the clothing and is relatively stable. In this way, the water intake can be effectively controlled.

[0023] 5. An electric cover is installed at the laser ranging module to prevent the foam during washing from adhering to the laser ranging module, especially adhering to or clogging the transmitting hole, which will affect the accuracy of the ranging data;

[0024] 6. When testing flatness, turn off the lighting to avoid the influence of the lighting on the distance measurement and improve the accuracy of the distance measurement data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of the working state of a laser ranging sensor in a washing machine provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of a laser ranging module, an electric cover, and an illuminating lamp in a washing machine provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 : A schematic diagram of the control logic of an electric cover in a washing machine control method provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 : A logic diagram of a washing machine control method provided by the present invention;

[0030] Among them, there are a transmitting unit 1, a receiving unit 2, a distance measuring sensor 3, a lighting lamp 4, a controller 5, and an electric cover 6.

[0031] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but are intended to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “inside” and “outside” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" 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 ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0035] The present invention provides a washing machine, comprising a washing tub, a door body, and a distance sensor, wherein the distance sensor is arranged at the upper part of the washing tub and above the highest water level allowed by the washing machine, so as to accurately detect the distance between the clothes in the washing tub and the distance sensor. In this embodiment, the distance sensor can be a laser distance measuring module, and further, the distance measuring sensor is a TOF laser distance measuring module, which has a transmitting and receiving function, and comprises a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which can emit a laser with a wavelength of 900nm to 960nm, and it is recommended to emit a laser with a wavelength of 940nm, and emit the laser to the bottom of the washing tub. The laser is reflected after reaching the water surface or the surface of the clothes, and the receiving unit receives the reflected laser, and the height of the water surface is calculated according to the propagation speed of the laser and the propagation time from the emission to the reception, and the distance measurement detection can be performed in real time or at a fixed time to accurately control the water inlet.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, the laser ranging module is arranged above the washing tub, such as the bottom surface of the door body (towards the inside of the washing tub), the balance ring, the upper part of the side wall of the washing tub, etc., and the laser can be emitted into the washing tub, and the laser is made to fall on the bottom of the inside of the washing tub and the clothes to effectively realize the distance detection. Taking the laser ranging module arranged on the bottom surface of the door body as an example, the laser ranging module is fixed to the bottom surface of the door body by gluing or any other means. In order to prevent the washing water from measuring the laser ranging module during the washing process, causing the laser ranging module to be ineffective due to water ingress, silicone is poured at the laser ranging module. In order to improve the appearance of the bottom surface of the door body, the silicone covers the entire bottom of the door body. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are arranged at intervals, and transmitting holes are arranged at the transmitting unit and the receiving unit. Both transmitting holes are conical holes. The difference is that the size is different. The top of the transmitting hole corresponding to the transmitting unit (the top surface of the silicone) is directly The diameter is between 0.3cm and 0.5cm, preferably, the diameter is 0.4cm, the cone angle is between 25° and 45°, preferably, the cone angle is 35°, the top diameter of the transmitting hole corresponding to the receiving unit is between 0.15cm and 0.3cm, preferably, the diameter is 0.2cm, the cone angle is between 15° and 35°, preferably, the cone angle is 25°, the transmitting hole diameter and the cone hole of the receiving unit are smaller than the relative data of the transmitting unit, which can avoid the receiving unit from receiving too many invalid laser signals of multiple diffuse reflections, the invalid laser signals include but are not limited to the emitted laser being reflected by the load and then part of the diffusely reflected laser being reflected again by the clothes or the side wall of the washing tub and then received by the receiving unit, this part of the invalid laser signal increases the propagation time, the measured distance is greater than the real distance, and the ranging fails. The emission hole is set as a conical hole. The silicone has a certain thickness, and the large diameter end of the conical hole faces the water surface. When the water droplets splashed into the conical hole during the washing process, the path becomes narrower. Under the dual effects of gravity and surface tension, the water droplets cannot completely enter the conical hole and contact the emission unit or the receiving unit, which does not affect the laser emission and reception effects.

[0037] The laser distance measurement module is connected to the water inlet control module through a communication protocol, such as an I2C communication protocol, which is simpler to implement, has strong scalability, and can achieve synchronous communication. The water inlet control module is connected to the controller of the washing machine through a washing machine bus communication, or is integrated with the controller.

[0038] The laser ranging module detects the distance between the load (including but not limited to clothes before water enters, the wet surface of clothes when water enters but the clothes are not immersed, and the water surface after the clothes are immersed, the same below) and the laser ranging module, and sends the detected real-time data to the water inlet control module (when the water inlet control module is integrated with the controller, it can be directly sent to the controller, the same below), and the water inlet control module determines whether the water inlet meets the requirements according to a predetermined procedure to control the water inlet. The data sent by the laser ranging module include but are not limited to the laser emission time, receiving time, and converted real-time distance data. When the laser ranging module only has the emission and receiving functions, the laser ranging module emits the laser at a fixed time according to the instructions of the water inlet control module or the controller, and receives the reflected laser, and sends the emission time and receiving time to the water inlet control module. The water inlet control module combines the laser propagation speed and wavelength of the pre-stored laser ranging module to calculate the distance between the laser ranging module and the load, and compares it with the preset value to determine whether the water inlet is satisfied, control the water inlet, or the laser ranging has the computing ability, and calculates the distance between the loads according to the laser emission time and receiving time as well as the propagation speed and wavelength, and sends the calculated distance value to the water inlet control module or the controller.

[0039] Furthermore, in order to further prevent the detergent foam generated during the washing process from splashing onto the door body and blocking the emission hole, or accumulating and adhering to the laser ranging module, thereby affecting the laser ranging result when water enters, in the present embodiment, an electric cover 6 is provided at the door body, and its action is controlled by a controller, so that the electric cover 6 is used to close the laser ranging module during the washing process.

[0040] Preferably, a protective frame is provided inside the door body, the laser ranging module is provided in the space enclosed by the protective frame and the bottom surface of the door body, and an electric cover 6 is provided on the top surface of the protective frame. The electric cover 6 closes or opens the open end of the protective frame under the action of the driver. The driver is also provided in the space enclosed by the protective frame and the door body to prevent the driver from being damaged by water.

[0041] The electric cover 6 is slidably connected to the protection frame, a slide groove is provided at the bottom of the electric cover 6, the end of the protection frame is inserted into the slide groove, and the electric cover 6 is fixed to the output shaft of the driver;

[0042] Alternatively, one end of the electric cover 6 is pivotally connected to the corresponding side wall of the protection frame, and the electric cover 6 can be rotated around a fixed point under the drive of a driver to open or close the open end of the protection frame.

[0043] In practical applications, the specific structures of the protection frame and the electric cover 6 and the action mode of the electric cover 6 can be determined according to the volume of the laser ranging module and the bottom area of ​​the door body. For example, the protection frame can be two parallel side panels, and two parallel slide grooves are set on the bottom surface of the electric cover 6; or the protection frame is only one side panel, and the electric cover 6 is pivotally connected to the side panel.

[0044] The electric cover 6 may be a plate-like structure, connected to the protective frame by sliding or pivoting, or the electric cover 6 may be a box-like structure or a U-shaped frame structure with one end open, and the laser ranging module may be accommodated in the space enclosed by the box-like structure or the U-shaped frame structure and the door body. When the electric cover 6 is a box-like structure or a U-shaped frame structure, whether a protective frame needs to be provided is determined according to the size of the box-like structure or the U-shaped frame structure. When the protective frame is not provided, the electric cover 6 is connected to the door body by straight pull assembly, such as being connected to the door body by sliding or pivoting.

[0045] The coordination structure between the electric cover 6 and the door body can adopt existing technology or any technology that may appear in the future. The electric cover 6 can cover the laser ranging module to prevent the foam and water droplets generated during the washing process from adhering to the surface of the laser ranging module and affecting the ranging result. No requirements or restrictions are made.

[0046] The driver of the electric cover can be a motor or an electromagnet. The electric cover 6 is provided with magnetic material and a reset spring. The electromagnet is arranged on the door body. When water enters, the electromagnet is energized, and under the magnetic attraction, the electric cover 6 opens and compresses the reset spring. When the water enters, the electromagnet loses power and the magnetism disappears. Under the action of the reset spring, the electric cover is reset to cover the laser ranging module.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the driver of the electric cover 6 is connected to the controller, and the controller controls the position of the electric cover 6 according to the received washing signal. For example, when the controller receives the washing signal and controls the water inlet valve to open to let water in, the electric cover 6 is opened to expose the laser distance measuring module for distance detection. When the water inlet is finished and the washing program (cleaning or rinsing process) is entered, the controller controls the electronic cover to close to prevent the foam generated by washing from affecting the distance measurement. In the present invention, the "exposed" means that the electric cover 6 is set below the laser distance measuring module (toward the side of the washing tub) to block the emission hole. When water is in, the electric cover 6 pivots or slides to leave the emission hole position. The emission hole is unobstructed, and the laser can be emitted into the washing tub and the reflected laser can be received to perform distance detection.

[0048] In this embodiment, the washing machine is also provided with a lighting lamp 4. After the program is started, the lighting lamp 4 is turned on to illuminate the inside of the washing tub, so that the user can observe the water inflow and washing conditions in real time. The lighting lamp 4 can be set on the balance ring or the door body. Preferably, Figure 2 As shown, the lighting lamp 4 is integrated with the laser ranging module 3 to form a ranging lighting module, which is sealed and fixed to the bottom of the door body using silicone. The lighting lamp 4 includes a plurality of LED lamp beads, which are evenly distributed in the silicone to provide necessary lighting for the washing tub. The LED lamp beads are cold light sources and do not generate much heat.

[0049] When an electric cover 6 is provided, since the electric cover 6 will block the laser ranging module 3 during the washing process, the lighting lamp 4 is provided on the outer side of the electric cover 6. During the washing process, the electric cover 6 is closed, and the lighting lamp 4 faces the washing tub to illuminate the washing tub.

[0050] In this embodiment, after the controller receives the washing program instruction and the door is closed, the lighting lamp 4 is turned on so that the situation in the washing tub can be observed at any time. During the water intake process, especially when the laser ranging module detects the load height, the lighting lamp 4 is controlled to be turned off to prevent the light emitted by the lighting lamp 4 from affecting the data collection of the receiving unit 2, thereby affecting the precise control of the water intake.

[0051] Through experimental tests on light intensity and light reflectivity on the load and test data, it is shown that when the light intensity exceeds 1k Lux, the measurement range of the laser ranging module will be affected. When the light intensity exceeds 5k Lux, the measurement range of the laser ranging module will be greatly affected, and the water ingress cannot be accurately controlled. To this end, before and during the water ingress, the working state of the lighting lamp 4 needs to be effectively controlled to achieve that when the laser ranging module is in the working state, that is, when the load height (the distance between the load and the laser ranging sensor) is detected, the lighting lamp 4 is controlled to be turned off and the lighting is stopped to avoid affecting the data collection of the laser ranging module. Specifically:

[0052] In this embodiment, after the washing machine is powered on, the user selects a washing program and starts it. The controller detects the progress of the program in real time and detects whether it is in the water filling stage. For example, the controller is set to detect whether it is in the water filling stage every predetermined time, such as once every 200ms. The controller 5 controls the working state of the laser ranging module and the lighting lamp 4 according to the received information:

[0053] If it is detected that the current washing process is not in the water inlet stage, the controller 5 controls the lighting lamp 4 to be in a working state to illuminate the washing tub, and the laser ranging module is in a non-working state;

[0054] If it is detected that the current washing process is in the water intake stage, the controller 5 controls the lighting 4 to be turned off, stops lighting, and the laser ranging module enters the working state to prevent the light of the lighting lamp 4 from affecting the ranging accuracy.

[0055] It should be noted that the laser ranging module will only enter the working state when the washing machine is in the water filling stage, so as to judge the reasonable water filling amount in the water filling stage, and control the lighting lamp 4 to stop lighting during the working process of the laser ranging module. The lighting lamp 4 will only be turned on during the working interval of the laser ranging module; to avoid frequent opening and closing of the lighting lamp 4, during the water filling process, the lighting lamp 4 can be controlled to be turned on once every predetermined time, and turned on during the interval between two adjacent laser ranging measurements. For example, after the laser ranging module works n times, the lighting lamp 4 is turned on once during the nth and n+1th working times of the laser ranging module, and this cycle is repeated. After the laser ranging module works n times, the lighting lamp 4 is turned on once during the working interval between the nth and n+1th ranging measurements, so that the user can observe the water filling status.

[0056] In order to achieve precise control of water intake, combined with the different water absorption rates of clothes made of different materials and the different water consumption during the washing process, Figure 4 The present invention provides a method for controlling water inlet of a pulsator washing machine, which specifically includes the following embodiments:

[0057] Embodiment 1

[0058] According to the rated washing capacity of the pulsator washing machine, the user puts the clothes to be washed whose weight is less than or equal to the rated washing capacity into the washing tub of the washing machine, and selects a washing program. In the present invention, the washing program includes but is not limited to any washing link in the whole washing process, washing, and rinsing that requires controlling water inlet, and starts the washing program through a predetermined program or pressing a start button. The controller first controls the pulsator and the washing tub to move relative to each other, or only controls the pulsator to drive the clothes in the washing tub to do a small flip. During the flipping process, the clothes are spread out as much as possible and the top surface is flat to avoid the clothes from being stacked and supported on each other after being thrown in at random, and the local position of the clothes when the material is thicker and harder is towering, which affects the measurement of the initial distance between the clothes and the laser ranging module when no water is in, thereby affecting the subsequent precise control of water inlet.

[0059] After the impeller rotates or the impeller and the washing tub rotate relative to each other for a predetermined time, the surface of the clothes is deemed to be flat. At this time, water is controlled to flow in, and the distance between the surface of the clothes and the laser ranging module is measured at the same time, which is marked as the initial distance h1. The clothes have a certain water absorption. After the water flow starts, the water is poured on the clothes and absorbed by the clothes. The false height generated by the stacking of clothes in the initial state is reduced by the impact of the water flow and the gravity of the wet clothes themselves. The load sinks, and the distance value measured by the laser ranging module becomes larger. When the clothes and water are mixed to a certain proportion, the clothes are full of water. Under the action of gravity, the clothes are all attached together, the false height disappears, and the real height generated by the stacking of clothes at the bottom of the washing tub is presented. At this time, the maximum distance h2 between the load and the laser ranging module is measured, which is the minimum value of the measurable water level. As the water flow continues, the clothes that have been saturated with water no longer absorb water, and the water will rise along the surface of the clothes, causing the measured distance value to decrease. Therefore, the maximum distance h2 is the maximum value obtained during the measurement process. In this process, starting from the initial distance, the clothes absorb water and sink, there is no obvious water level in the washing tub, and then the water surface begins to rise after saturation with water. The distance value measured by the laser ranging module reaches a maximum value from the initial distance, then rebounds to the initial distance, and then the water surface rises to make the distance smaller. The laser ranging module detects the distance value in real time or according to the program setting timer, and sends the measurement data to the water inlet control module or controller, which records the initial distance, the minimum distance and the real-time distance value, and controls the continuous water inlet.

[0060] The water inlet control threshold Δhth is pre-stored in the water inlet control module or controller. When the maximum distance h2 is measured, the distance value rebounds and becomes smaller. The distance value h is detected in real time, and Δh=maximum distance h2-real-time distance h is calculated. When Δh≥Δhth, the water inlet control module or controller determines that the water in the washing drum has met the washing needs, controls to stop the water inlet and starts the washing program.

[0061] In this embodiment, although the initial distance is not involved in the calculation, the initial distance h1 is used to determine and obtain the maximum distance h2, and at the same time, to define the highest position of the load after water inflow, that is, the minimum distance between the load and the laser ranging module after water inflow. When Δh≥Δhth, the water inflow control module or controller determines that the water in the washing tub has met the washing needs, controls to stop water inflow and start the washing program. Further, when Δh≥Δhth, it is further determined that the real-time distance h≥initial distance h1, controls to stop water inflow and start the washing program. At this time, the initial distance h1 is used to define the minimum distance between the load and the laser ranging module, or is slightly higher than the initial distance h1. At this time, the water inflow has submerged the clothes and there is a surplus, which is sufficient for washing.

[0062] Regarding determining and obtaining the maximum distance h2, the following methods are included but are not limited to:

[0063] 1. After water enters, the laser distance measuring module detects the distance to the load in real time. The load in the washing machine is wetted by water and sinks, and the measured distance increases. As the clothes and water gradually mix, the distance measuring sensor detects that the distance to the load first decreases and then increases. The distance measured before the increase is marked as the maximum distance h2. The water inlet control module or controller records the real-time distance h obtained each time, and obtains the maximum value from a large number of data and marks it as the maximum distance h2. This method is the simplest and most direct, and the real-time distance can be obtained without complex calculations;

[0064] 2. Before or at the beginning of water inflow, when water inflow does not affect the position of clothes, the laser ranging module measures the distance between the clothes and the clothes and marks it as the actual initial distance h1. As the water inflow process continues, the clothes begin to sink, and the measured distance value increases. The measured data is sent to the water inflow control module or controller to calculate the difference between the initial distance h1 and the real-time distance h. In this process, the difference is negative, and the absolute value of the difference increases as the water inflow continues. The difference or the absolute value of the difference is recorded. When the latter difference is greater than or equal to the previous difference or the latter difference When the absolute value of is less than or equal to the absolute value of the previous difference, the real-time distance h corresponding to the previous difference or the absolute value of the difference is marked as the maximum distance h2; or when the same difference appears after n differences, it means that an inflection point has appeared in the increase of the real-time distance, and the inflection point is located within the n differences. If n=1, the real-time distance corresponding to the difference between the same differences is the maximum distance h2, and the distance value between the same real-time distances is the maximum distance h2. If n>1, the real-time distance corresponding to the difference in the n data or the largest distance value is marked as the maximum distance h2.

[0065] 3. Since it takes time for clothes to absorb water during the water intake process, there will be a situation in which two or more adjacent real-time distances h or the difference between the real-time distance h and the initial distance h1 obtained by the water intake control module or controller are equal within a period of time. At this time, the clothes are still in the process of absorbing water and sinking, and have not reached the lowest point. Therefore, a continuous and overlapping comparison interval of the real-time distance h or the difference is set, and there are n distance values ​​and / or difference values ​​(which can be difference values ​​or absolute values ​​of difference values) in the interval. An interval is set every m data, m≤n, so that the data in adjacent intervals have a certain overlap. According to the time sequence of the received data, if the real-time distances h or differences in the same interval are all the same, the data in this interval are excluded. If there are differences in the real-time distances h or differences in a certain interval, the maximum real-time distance h or difference value in the interval is determined, and for the remaining intervals after excluding the intervals with all the same data, the real-time distances corresponding to the maximum real-time distances h or the maximum difference values ​​in each interval are determined and marked as the maximum distance h2. It should be noted that when the clothes absorb water and the distance value increases, a large number of identical real-time distances or differences will appear. When the maximum distance is reached and the clothes begin to rebound, the water absorption reaches saturation, and the occurrence of identical real-time distances or differences decreases or even disappears. The maximum distance interval can be determined by whether there is identical data in the interval and whether the identical data disappears.

[0066] There are many methods for determining the maximum distance h. The above are only a few achievable methods. In practical applications, one can be selected according to needs. Any method for determining the maximum distance h that may appear now or in the future is applicable to the present invention.

[0067] When the distance between the load and the laser ranging module begins to rebound, the distance value starts to decrease from the maximum distance h2. When the difference Δh between the maximum distance h2 after rebound and the real-time distance h is greater than or equal to the preset value Δhth, and the real-time distance h ≥ the initial distance h1, the water inlet control module or controller determines that the water inlet can meet the washing needs and stops the water inlet. It should be noted that during the water filling process, the addition and injection of detergent are carried out in the conventional way, without any change, and will not affect the overall water inlet control logic. After the water inlet is completed, the controller controls the washing machine to start the formal washing process.

[0068] For the whole washing process, including the washing and rinsing processes, before the washing procedure, the water inlet process has the aforementioned problem that the clothes absorb water, causing the distance to increase to the maximum value and then rebound, and the distance decreases. In the rinsing process, although the clothes have water, they are not saturated, and the spin drying process at the end of washing is equivalent to the rotation of the impeller before the first water inlet of washing or the relative rotation of the impeller and the washing tub to make the surface of the clothes reach a flat state. Therefore, before the rinsing water inlet, there is no need to rotate the impeller again or make the impeller and the washing tub rotate relative to each other. According to the maximum distance h2 recorded in the washing water inlet process, and the water inlet process is detected in real time, combined with the water inlet time, when the water inlet time exceeds the predetermined value, it is detected that the difference Δh between the recorded maximum distance h2 and the real-time distance h is greater than or equal to the preset value Δhth, the water inlet is controlled to stop. Combined with the water inlet time, the time preset value is set to avoid insufficient water inlet caused by insufficient water inlet time, when the clothes and water inlet do not reach a specific ratio, and the difference Δh between the maximum distance h2 and the real-time distance h is detected to be greater than or equal to the preset value Δhth. In this embodiment, the preset control threshold Δhth is a threshold of the difference in distance between the load and the laser ranging module.

[0069] When the program selected by the user is only the rinsing program, since the surface of the clothes will not be flat when the user puts in the clothes, nor will it be the same as the clothes after being spun dry, it is also necessary to rotate the impeller or make the impeller and the washing tub move relative to each other to make the surface of the clothes flat. The clothes will also sink slightly due to absorbing water, and the sinking distance is smaller than that of dry clothes, but the water required for this part of the distance is already included in the clothes to be spun dry. Therefore, even if the difference between the maximum distance h2 and the initial distance h1 is small, there is still a certain difference. The maximum distance h2 can be determined by the above method. When the maximum distance value h2 is obtained, and the difference Δ between the real-time distance h and the maximum distance h2 is greater than or equal to the preset value Δh, the water intake is controlled to stop. Therefore, the water intake control method provided by the present invention is also applicable to a separate rinsing program.

[0070] Implementation II

[0071] It is basically the same as the first embodiment, except that, even if the impeller rotates or makes relative movement between the impeller and the washing tub, there is still deviation in the height of each point on the surface of the clothes, and it is impossible to achieve a completely flat state. Therefore, in this embodiment, a plurality of laser ranging modules are provided to detect the distance between the load at multiple positions in the washing tub and the load, so as to further accurately control the water inlet.

[0072] Multiple laser ranging modules simultaneously collect data and send the data to the water inlet control module or controller. Multiple initial distances can be obtained at the beginning of water inlet or before water inlet. Weighted average calculation is performed on the multiple initial distances, and the average value obtained by calculation is marked as the initial distance h1; the water inlet control module or controller controls continuous water inlet, and each laser ranging module determines the maximum distance of each detection position as described in Example 1. Similarly, weighted average calculation is performed on the multiple maximum distances, and the average value obtained by calculation is marked as the maximum distance h2; after the distance of each detection position reaches the maximum distance, the water level rebounds and rises, and the distance value becomes smaller. When each detection position reaches the maximum distance, the distance between all detection positions and the laser ranging module is counted in real time, and the weighted average value is calculated. The maximum distance h2 and the average value are calculated as the difference Δh described in Example 1 and compared with the preset Δhth. When the difference Δh is greater than or equal to the preset value Δhyh, the water inlet is controlled to stop.

[0073] It should be noted that since the surface of the clothes cannot be completely flat, the water absorption rate of the clothes at each detection position is not necessarily exactly the same, and the time for each detection position to reach the maximum distance is not the same. The water inlet control module or controller records the maximum distance between each laser ranging module and the detection position. When all detection positions have measured the maximum distance, the weighted average of each maximum distance is calculated. At the same time, when the maximum distance of all detection positions is detected, the water level in the washing tub will rise evenly, and then the real-time distance of each detection position will be detected, and the weighted average will be calculated. At this time, the water level at each detection position is roughly the same, and the weighted average is basically the same as the actual water level, so the water inlet can be accurately controlled.

[0074] Embodiment three:

[0075] It is basically the same as the second embodiment, and is also provided with multiple laser ranging modules, the difference being that the clothes to be washed are evenly distributed in the washing tub by rotating the impeller or making the impeller and the washing tub move relative to each other. Although the surface of the clothes cannot be completely flat, there will be no local area without clothes or very little clothes. Therefore, the multiple initial distances obtained are sorted, and the initial distance corresponding to the minimum value is regarded as the false height caused by the stacking of clothes and is excluded. The largest initial distance is marked as the initial distance h1 mentioned above. Correspondingly, after water inflow, the maximum distance detected by the laser ranging module corresponding to the initial distance is marked as the maximum distance h2 required for the water control process. After determining the maximum distance h2, continue to detect the real-time distance at this point, and control the water inflow as described in the first embodiment.

[0076] Rotating the impeller or the relative rotation of the impeller and the washing tub sometimes cannot completely solve the false height caused by the clothes squeezing each other. Therefore, the detection position with the largest initial distance is selected as the detection point of the initial distance and the maximum distance of the data. The initial distance is the largest, and the height of the clothes here is the smallest. Correspondingly, the maximum distance at this position will also be the largest. In this way, the water level can be controlled to avoid the false height caused by the clothes squeezing each other, resulting in insufficient water intake and ineffective washing.

[0077] Embodiment 4

[0078] The method of determining the initial distance and the maximum distance in the first embodiment is basically the same, and a laser distance measuring module is set. The difference is that: when detecting the initial distance, the maximum distance and the real-time distance after the distance rebounds, while water is entering, the impeller is kept rotating or the washing tub and the impeller are moved in the opposite direction, so that the laser distance measuring module can detect at different positions in the washing tub. As time goes on, each detection position forms a ring, and the water entry process is controlled accordingly. Specifically:

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the user puts the clothes to be washed (the weight of the clothes is less than or equal to the washing capacity) into the washing tub of the washing machine according to the rated washing capacity of the pulsator washing machine, and selects a washing program (including but not limited to the whole washing process, washing, and any washing link in rinsing that requires controlling water inlet), and starts the washing program through a predetermined program or pressing a start button. The controller first controls the pulsator and the washing tub to move relative to each other, or only controls the movement of the pulsator, driving the clothes in the washing tub to do a small flip or movement. During the flipping process, the clothes are spread out as much as possible and the top surface is flat, so as to avoid the clothes from being stacked and supported on each other after being thrown in at random, and the local position of the clothes when the material is thicker and harder is towering, which affects the measurement of the initial distance between the clothes and the laser ranging module when no water is in, thereby affecting the subsequent precise control of water inlet.

[0080] Keep the impeller rotating or the impeller and the washing tub in relative motion. During the motion, the laser ranging module starts to work and detects the distance between the clothes and the laser ranging module. Since the laser ranging module needs to calculate the distance based on the emission time and the receiving time, the transmitting unit will emit lasers at a fixed time. As the impeller rotates or the relative motion between the impeller and the washing tub continues, the transmitting unit forms a ring-shaped laser detection point at the bottom of the washing tub. The initial distance h1 mentioned above is obtained by performing a ring detection on the bottom of the washing tub and taking the average value of multiple detection values. The specific setting time of the time period T1 can be determined according to the rotation speed of the impeller and the laser emission time interval of the laser ranging module transmitting unit. At least each detection position forms a complete ring at the bottom of the washing tub, and each detection position is evenly distributed on this ring. The weighted average calculation of the multiple initial distances h1 obtained is performed to obtain the distance average value havr within the period T1, and it is set as the upper limit of the water level hmax, that is, after the water enters, the highest height of the load does not exceed the average height of the dry clothes before the water enters.

[0081] After the period T1, the water inlet control module or controller starts to control the water inlet, and in the period T1, the distance between the load (including but not limited to clothes, wet clothes after absorbing water, and water level) and the laser ranging module is measured in real time. Similarly, the distance obtained in the period T1 is weighted averaged to obtain the distance average h in the period T1. As the water inlet time continues, the water inlet time will continue for multiple periods T1, and multiple distance averages h are obtained. As described in the first embodiment, the multiple distance averages h are compared to obtain the maximum distance h2, that is, the minimum water level, and marked as hmin (hmin = the distance between the laser ranging module and the washing machine). The distance from the bottom of the barrel is H-the maximum distance h2), Δh=h-hmin is calculated, and the threshold for stopping water inlet is pre-stored as Δhth, and Δh≥Δhth is set as the first judgment condition for triggering the stop of water inlet; further, in order to avoid the occasional situation that a single Δh≥Δhth is caused by the lower local clothes resulting in a larger detection distance and thus affecting the average distance, for this purpose, a time period T2 is set. When Δh≥Δhth is detected for the first time, period T2 is entered at the same time. During period T2, the number of Δh≥Δhth detected is counted. When the number of Δh≥Δhth is greater than the preset value, the water inlet is controlled to stop.

[0082] Furthermore, in order to more accurately control the water inlet and avoid the first detection of Δh≥Δhth as an accidental situation, when Δh≥Δhth is detected, the average value of the real-time distance is further judged against the upper limit hmax set before water inlet. When h≥hmax, there is no need to enter the time period T2, and the water inlet is directly stopped and the washing program is started.

[0083] In this embodiment, as described above, when Δh≥Δhth is detected, it can be determined whether to stop water supply and start the washing program by judging h≥hmax. When h<hmax, the number of Δh≥Δhth within the cycle T2 is further determined. In practical applications, the conditions for triggering the stop of water intake can be determined based on experimental results, including but not limited to the above two conditions. At the same time, a single trigger condition can also be selected. For example, when Δh≥Δhth is detected, there is no need to enter period T2, keep water intake, and continue to perform distance detection and weighted average calculation. The calculation period is period T1. When it is detected that h≥hmax, the control stops and the washing program starts; or when Δh≥Δhth is detected, enter period T2, count the number of Δh≥Δhth, and when the number of Δh≥Δhth is greater than the preset value, control stops water intake and starts the washing program; or, or when Δh≥Δhth is detected, enter period T2, count the number of Δh≥Δhth, and when the number of Δh≥Δhth is greater than the preset value and h≥hmax, control stops water intake and starts the washing program. When Δh≥Δhth is detected, it is necessary to count the number of Δh≥Δhth and judge h≥hmax. The trigger sequence can be further determined in combination with the volume, water inlet flow rate, water inlet flow rate and other conditions of the washing machine. Any of the trigger conditions mentioned above is within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0084] Furthermore, in the four water inlet control embodiments provided by the present invention, the distance between the load and the laser distance measuring module is detected by a laser distance measuring module and judged with a preset value to accurately control the water inlet. The laser distance measuring module is arranged inside the washing machine, at any position such as the upper part of the washing tub, the inner side of the door, the balance ring, etc., without affecting the washing program, not easily contacting with splashing washing water and causing moisture failure, and can emit laser into the washing tub, so as to stably detect the height of the load in the washing tub or the distance between the load and the laser distance measuring module.

[0085] The transmitting unit of the laser ranging module transmits a laser beam (hereinafter referred to as laser) at a certain interval, and the receiving unit receives the laser reflected by the load. According to the transmitting and receiving time, and in combination with the wavelength or propagation speed of the laser, the distance between the laser ranging module and the load is calculated. The laser emission interval time can be controlled according to factors such as the height of the washing tub, the installation position of the laser ranging module, and the laser wavelength. Further, considering that the surface of the clothes is a rough surface, the laser is diffusely reflected on the surface of the clothes. Even if it is a water surface, due to the rotation of the impeller and / or the washing tub during the water intake process, the water surface is dynamic, and the reflection of the laser on the dynamic water surface cannot guarantee the realization of complete mirror reflection and reflection angle. The diffusely reflected laser may be reflected on the washing tub, and then reflected by the washing tub again or multiple times before being received by the receiving unit. At this time, the received reflected laser has a path that exceeds the actual distance between the load and the laser ranging module due to multiple reflections. Therefore, this part of the signal needs to be excluded. In the present invention, the first signal received by the receiving unit within a predetermined time after the transmitting unit emits the laser is the received signal after the laser reflection, which is used to calculate the distance. The signals received after the predetermined time and the signals after the first signal are all regarded as invalid signals. When no valid signal is received within the predetermined time, the water inlet control module or controller counts the number of valid signals, especially for the third and fourth embodiments, when the corresponding initial distance and maximum distance are obtained by calculating the weighted average, invalid signals are excluded and the number of signals is reduced to avoid distortion of the calculated distance value, such as the occasional Δh≥Δhth in the fourth embodiment. The predetermined time for receiving the valid signal is determined according to the time when the laser direct irradiation washing bucket (no load) bottom reflection is normally received by the receiving unit. Further, the predetermined time is variable. When the initial distance is detected, the predetermined time is less than the time when the laser direct irradiation washing bucket bottom reflection is normally received by the receiving unit, and as the detected distance increases, the predetermined time becomes longer. When the maximum distance is reached, the predetermined time is less than or equal to the time when the laser direct irradiation washing bucket bottom reflection is normally received by the receiving unit. As the distance rebounds, the predetermined time decreases. The water inlet control module or controller presets a corresponding table of the predetermined time and the distance value. In the corresponding table, the distance value corresponding to the predetermined time is a data range, so as to be applicable to different washing situations. The time interval of laser emission is greater than the predetermined time, and further, the time interval of laser emission is greater than the maximum predetermined time in the corresponding table, so as to avoid that in the adjacent laser emission and reception process, the receiving unit receives multiple diffuse reflection signals of the laser emitted by the previous emission unit in the latter emission and reception process. It should be noted that, due to the angle problem, the laser after multiple diffusion of the conical hole set at the receiving unit will usually be shot on the wall of the conical hole when it enters the conical hole at the receiving unit, thereby effectively avoiding the reception of the laser signal after multiple diffuse reflections. The diameter of the conical hole at the receiving unit is set to be smaller than the diameter of the conical hole at the transmitting unit, so as to further avoid the reception of redundant invalid signals.

[0086] In summary, the control method and washing machine provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0087] 1. No changes are needed to the existing products. The water inlet control method of the present invention can be completed by adding a distance measuring sensor and changing the control program in the controller;

[0088] 2. Use multiple distance measuring sensors, take the average value or select the sensor with the largest initial distance to determine the water inlet height according to the preset program, so as to reduce the false height caused by the stacking of clothes (load) and the support of hard clothes, which affects the judgment of water inlet control;

[0089] 3. According to the different loads, the water intake is accurately controlled by changing the distance to ensure the washing effect while avoiding the waste of water and electricity;

[0090] 4. According to the distance between the load and the distance measuring sensor during the washing water inlet, the rinsing water inlet is controlled by adding error adjustment, so as to further accurately control the rinsing water inlet, avoid insufficient water inlet, and ensure the rinsing effect.

[0091] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes by using the technical content suggested above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. The implementation scheme in the above embodiment can also be further combined or replaced. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiment based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still falls within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a washing machine, characterized in that: A distance measuring sensor and an electric cover are arranged on the door of the washing machine; a controller controls the water inlet valve to open the electric cover before or while water is flowing into the washing chamber according to a washing program, so as to expose the distance measuring sensor; when water is flowing in, when the distance measuring sensor detects that the load height in the washing machine reaches a preset value, water flow is stopped.

2. A method for controlling water inlet of a washing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a lighting lamp, which is turned on during the operation of the washing machine and turned off when the distance sensor detects the load height.

3. A method for controlling water inlet of a washing machine as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The lighting lamp is turned on during the working interval of the ranging sensor; preferably, the lighting lamp is turned on once during the working interval after the ranging sensor works n times.

4. A method for controlling water inlet of a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: When the difference between the real-time distance detected by the distance measuring sensor and the maximum distance detected reaches a preset value, the water intake is stopped.

5. A method for controlling water inlet of a washing machine as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: After water ingress, the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the load detected in real time first decreases and then increases as water ingress continues, and the distance measured before increasing is the maximum distance; or when water ingress is initially detected, the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the load measured is set as the initial distance, and the multiple initial distances obtained are sorted. After water ingress, the maximum value measured in real time by the distance measuring sensor corresponding to the maximum initial distance is the maximum distance.

6. A method for controlling water inlet of a washing machine as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: When water is initially inflowed, the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the load is set as the initial distance, and the difference between the initial distance and the real-time distance is calculated. When the difference of the latter time is greater than or equal to the difference of the previous time or the absolute value of the difference of the latter time is less than or equal to the absolute value of the difference of the previous time, the real-time distance h corresponding to the difference of the previous time is marked as the maximum distance h2; or if the same difference appears after n differences, the real-time distance corresponding to the difference between the same differences or the maximum distance value is marked as the maximum distance.

7. A method for controlling water inlet of a washing machine as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: When no water enters, the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the load is set as the initial distance, and the difference between the initial distance and the real-time distance is calculated. A continuous and overlapping comparison interval of the real-time distance or difference is set, and there are n distance values ​​and / or difference values ​​in the interval. An interval is set every m data, m≤n, so that the data in adjacent intervals have a certain overlap. According to the time sequence of the received data, if the real-time distance h or difference values ​​in the same interval are all the same, the data in this interval are excluded. If there are differences in the real-time distance h or difference values ​​in a certain interval, the maximum real-time distance h or difference value in the interval is determined, and for the remaining intervals after excluding the intervals with all the same data, the real-time distance corresponding to the maximum real-time distance or maximum difference value in each interval is determined and marked as the maximum distance.

8. A method for controlling water inlet of a washing machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: When no water enters, the distance between the distance sensor and the load is set as the initial distance. When the difference between the real-time distance detected by the distance sensor and the maximum distance detected reaches a preset value and the real-time distance is greater than or equal to the initial distance, the control stops water entry.

9. A method for controlling water inlet of a washing machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: When no water is entering, the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the load is set as the initial distance. While detecting the distance and the water entering, the impeller of the washing machine is rotated or the impeller and the washing tub are moved in opposite directions. When the difference between the real-time distance and the detected lowest water level reaches a preset value and the real-time distance is greater than or equal to the initial distance and / or the difference between the real-time distance and the detected lowest water level reaches a preset value, the water entry is controlled to stop.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that: A water inlet control method for a washing machine comprising the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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