Washing machine sterilizing and cleaning method, control device and washing machine

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a sterilizing and cleaning method of a washing machine, a control device and the washing machine. The sterilizing and cleaning method comprises the steps that the liquid level of an outer cylinder is controlled to reach a first liquid level, and when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is at the first liquid level, the outer cylinder is in a non-liquid-discharging state; controlling the heating device to heat the liquid in the outer barrel to generate steam to sterilize and clean the to-be-cleaned part of the washing machine, and in the sterilizing and cleaning process, adopting different cleaning strategies for different to-be-cleaned parts, the different cleaning strategies comprising adopting different sterilizing parameters and / or controlling the heating device to adopt different heating modes; wherein the sterilization parameters comprise the steam flow and / or the rotating speed of the inner cylinder, and the steam generation mode comprises continuous heating and / or intermittent heating. According to the embodiment, different steam sterilization strategies are adopted by combining different to-be-cleaned parts, so that comprehensive sterilization of the outer barrel, the inner barrel and the connecting pipeline of the washing machine is achieved, and the cleaning effect is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of washing machines, and in particular to a sterilization and cleaning method, a control device and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] After washing clothes in a washing machine, if the washing machine remains humid for a long time and sewage is stored in the pipes of the washing machine and connected to the outside world, it is very easy to breed bacteria and produce odor. Especially for users who do not wash clothes frequently, it will not only cause secondary pollution to the washed clothes, but also affect the health of users.

[0003] In the related art, a washing machine with a drum cleaning function uses hot water at about 90°C to clean the inner drum to reduce the growth of bacteria. However, cold water is used to rinse the inner drum before the drum cleaning is completed. After the drum cleaning is completed, the residual water in the outer drum will accumulate for a long time, which will also cause bacteria growth and odor problems. In addition, the drum cleaning function is time-consuming and energy-intensive. Users rarely use it or the intervals between uses are very long, and the drum cleaning effect is not ideal. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine, so as to at least solve the problems of bacterial growth and odor still occurring in the drum cleaning method of the related art, as well as the technical problem of high energy consumption for drum cleaning.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiment of the present application, a sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine is proposed, the sterilization and cleaning method comprising:

[0006] The washing machine comprises an outer drum and an inner drum, and a heating device is provided at the bottom of the outer drum. The sterilization and cleaning method comprises:

[0007] Controlling the liquid level of the outer cylinder to reach a first liquid level, wherein the first liquid level is higher than the heating device and less than or equal to the lowest position of the outer wall of the inner cylinder, and when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is at the first liquid level, the outer cylinder is in a non-draining state;

[0008] Controlling the heating device to heat the liquid in the outer drum to generate steam to sterilize and clean the parts to be cleaned of the washing machine, and in the sterilization and cleaning process, adopting different cleaning strategies for different parts to be cleaned, and the different cleaning strategies include adopting different sterilization parameters and / or controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods;

[0009] Wherein, the sterilization parameters include steam flow rate and / or inner drum rotation speed, and the steam generation method includes continuous heating and / or intermittent heating.

[0010] By adopting this embodiment, the liquid in the outer cylinder is heated to generate steam when the liquid level in the outer cylinder is at a first liquid level with very little liquid. The steam will fill the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder and the internal pipe, thereby achieving sufficient disinfection and sterilization of the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder and the internal pipe. In addition, this embodiment also adopts different steam sterilization strategies for different parts to be cleaned, thereby effectively reducing energy consumption while achieving efficient and thorough sterilization and cleaning.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the sterilization and cleaning process includes multiple sterilization and cleaning stages, and sterilization is performed on different parts to be cleaned in different sterilization and cleaning stages;

[0012] The different cleaning strategies are adopted for different parts to be cleaned, including adopting different sterilization parameters in different sterilization cleaning stages and / or controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods;

[0013] Among them, the earlier the sterilization and cleaning stage is executed, the larger the steam flow rate corresponding to it is;

[0014] and / or, the inner drum speed is higher when sterilizing and cleaning the parts that are more difficult for steam to reach;

[0015] And / or, the sterilization and cleaning phases that are executed earlier control the heating device to heat continuously, and the sterilization and cleaning phases that are executed later control the heating device to heat intermittently.

[0016] By adopting this embodiment, different sterilization parameters and / or steam generation methods are used according to the steam concentration change law and steam distribution law in different sterilization and cleaning stages to achieve sterilization and cleaning of different parts, further ensuring efficient and thorough sterilization effect and energy consumption reduction effect.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the sterilization and cleaning process includes a first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage that are performed sequentially, wherein the first cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the outer cylinder and the outer wall of the inner cylinder, and the second cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the inner cylinder, and different sterilization parameters are used in different sterilization and cleaning stages, including:

[0018] In the first cleaning stage, a first steam flow rate and a first inner drum speed are adopted;

[0019] In the second cleaning stage, a second steam flow rate and a second inner drum speed are adopted;

[0020] Among them, the first steam flow rate>the second steam flow rate, and the first inner drum rotation speed≤the second inner drum rotation speed.

[0021] By adopting this embodiment, in the first cleaning stage, the inner wall of the outer drum and the outer wall of the inner drum are thoroughly disinfected by adopting the first steam flow rate and the first inner drum speed. In the second cleaning stage, the inner wall of the inner drum is thoroughly sterilized while reducing energy consumption by adopting the second steam flow rate and the second inner drum speed.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the sterilization and cleaning process further includes a third cleaning stage, which is performed after the second cleaning stage, and the third cleaning stage sterilizes the internal pipes of the washing machine, and different sterilization parameters are used in different sterilization and cleaning stages, including:

[0023] In the third cleaning stage, a third steam flow rate and a third inner drum speed are adopted;

[0024] Among them, the third steam flow rate is less than the first steam flow rate, and the third inner drum rotation speed is greater than the first inner drum rotation speed.

[0025] By adopting this embodiment, in the third cleaning stage, the internal pipes of the washing machine are sterilized by adopting the third steam flow rate and the third inner drum speed, thereby preventing bacteria hidden in the internal pipes of the washing machine from spreading and contaminating the inner and outer drums, further ensuring the overall sterilization effect and reducing energy consumption.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the heating device is controlled to heat continuously in the first cleaning stage, and the heating device is controlled to heat intermittently in the second cleaning stage and the third cleaning stage.

[0027] By adopting this embodiment, by controlling the heating device to continuously heat to generate steam sterilization in the first cleaning stage, and controlling the heating device to intermittently heat to generate steam sterilization in the second cleaning stage and the third cleaning stage, energy consumption can be further reduced while ensuring the sterilization effect.

[0028] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, controlling the liquid level of the outer cylinder to reach a first liquid level includes:

[0029] Detect the liquid level of the outer cylinder;

[0030] When the liquid level in the outer cylinder is higher than the second liquid level, the outer cylinder is controlled to discharge liquid;

[0031] When the liquid level of the outer cylinder is lower than the second liquid level, controlling the liquid to flow into the outer cylinder to the first liquid level, the second liquid level is less than the first liquid level, and the second liquid level is lower than the heating device;

[0032] Or, when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is higher than the first liquid level, the outer cylinder is controlled to drain liquid to the first liquid level, and when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is lower than the first liquid level, the outer cylinder is controlled to fill liquid to the first liquid level.

[0033] According to this embodiment, when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is higher than the second liquid level, the liquid stored in the outer cylinder is discharged and then the liquid is added to the first liquid level, thereby using cleaner liquid to heat and generate steam, thereby reducing the generation of bacteria and impurities. Alternatively, when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is higher than the first liquid level, the liquid is discharged from the outer cylinder to the first liquid level, and when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is lower than the first liquid level, the liquid is controlled to be added to the outer cylinder to the first liquid level, thereby using the liquid stored in the outer cylinder to heat and generate steam, thereby saving water resources.

[0034] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, when the liquid in the outer cylinder is heated to generate steam, the outer cylinder is also controlled to be replenished with liquid to the first liquid level.

[0035] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, after the sterilization and cleaning process is completed, the heating device is controlled to stop heating to maintain the non-draining state of the outer cylinder.

[0036] By adopting this embodiment, it is possible to prevent external air and bacteria from entering the cavity after the sterilization and cleaning is completed, thereby achieving long-term antibacterial effect.

[0037] According to the second aspect of the embodiment of the present application, a control device is proposed, which includes one or more processors and a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions. When the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are used to implement the sterilization and cleaning method for the washing machine proposed in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present application.

[0038] According to the third aspect of the embodiment of the present application, a washing machine is proposed, which adopts the sterilization and cleaning method of the washing machine proposed in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present application, or includes the control device proposed in the second aspect of the embodiment of the present application.

[0039] The technical effects obtained by the above-mentioned second to third aspects are similar to the technical effects obtained by the corresponding technical means of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 2 This is one of the washing machine sterilization and cleaning flow charts provided in the implementation mode of this application.

[0042] Figure 3This is the second flowchart of the washing machine sterilization and cleaning provided in the implementation mode of this application.

[0043] Figure 4 It is a system block diagram of the control device provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0044] The figure numbers are as follows: 1. Shell; 2. Outer cylinder; 3. Inner cylinder; 4. Water inlet device; 41. Water inlet pipe; 5. Drain pump; 51. Drain pipe; 6. Heating device; 7. Liquid level detection device; 100. Processor; 200. Communication bus; 300. User interface; 400. External communication interface; 500. Memory. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present application, the technical solution in the implementation mode of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the implementation mode of the present application. Obviously, the described implementation mode is only a part of the implementation mode of the present application, not all the implementation modes. Based on the implementation mode in the present application, all other implementation modes obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0046] It should be understood that the "plurality" mentioned herein refers to two or more than two. In the description of the implementation modes of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the implementation modes of the present application, in the implementation modes of the present application, the words "first", "second" and the like are used to distinguish between the same items or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that the words "first", "second" and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the words "first", "second" and the like do not limit certain different

[0047] In addition, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or elements is not necessarily limited to those steps or elements explicitly listed, but may include other steps or elements not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0048] In the related art, when a washing machine with a drum cleaning function performs a drum cleaning procedure, water is poured into the outer drum to the washing liquid level or the rinsing liquid level, and then the water in the outer drum is heated to about 90°C, and the outer and inner drums are cleaned and sterilized by the high-temperature water in the drum. However, this drum cleaning method still requires the use of cold water to rinse the inner drum before the drum cleaning is completed. After the drum cleaning is completed, the residual water in the outer drum that has not been completely drained will still cause bacteria and odor problems in the drum after a long period of accumulation. In addition, the drum cleaning process in the related art is time-consuming and energy-intensive, the drum cleaning function is used less frequently, and the drum cleaning effect is not good.

[0049] In order to solve the above technical problems, this embodiment proposes a sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine, the washing machine comprises an outer drum and an inner drum, a heating device is provided at the bottom of the outer drum, and the sterilization and cleaning method comprises:

[0050] Controlling the liquid level of the outer cylinder to reach a first liquid level, the first liquid level is higher than the heating device and less than or equal to the lowest position of the outer wall of the inner cylinder, when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is at the first liquid level, the outer cylinder is in a non-draining state;

[0051] The heating device is controlled to heat the liquid in the outer drum to generate steam to sterilize and clean the parts to be cleaned of the washing machine, and in the sterilization and cleaning process, different cleaning strategies are adopted for different parts to be cleaned, and different cleaning strategies include adopting different sterilization parameters and / or controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods;

[0052] The sterilization parameters include steam flow rate and / or inner drum rotation speed, and the steam generation method includes continuous heating and / or intermittent heating.

[0053] This embodiment generates steam by heating the liquid in the outer cylinder when the liquid level in the outer cylinder is at a first liquid level with very little liquid. The steam will fill the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder and the internal pipe, thereby achieving sufficient disinfection and sterilization of the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder and the internal pipe. In addition, this embodiment also adopts different steam sterilization strategies for different parts to be cleaned, thereby effectively reducing energy consumption while achieving efficient and thorough sterilization and cleaning.

[0054] The technical solution of this embodiment is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments and examples can be combined with each other if there is no conflict.

[0055] This embodiment proposes a sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine, and the washing machine may be a washing machine having only a washing function or a washing machine having both a washing function and a drying function.

[0056] First, the structure of the washing machine that implements the sterilization and cleaning method of this embodiment is described in detail:

[0057] Reference Figure 1The washing machine structure schematic diagram is shown, the washing machine comprises a housing 1, an outer drum 2 and an inner drum 3, wherein the outer drum 2 is arranged in the housing 1, and the inner drum 3 is rotatably arranged in the outer drum 2. The outer drum 2 serves as a water storage barrel, and the inner drum 3 serves as a washing drum. The wall of the inner drum 3 is provided with a plurality of water holes, and the water in the outer drum 2 can enter the inner drum 3 through the water holes. A drain port is provided at the bottom of the outer drum 2, and the drain port is also connected to a drain pipe 51, and the drain pipe 51 is connected to the external environment of the washing machine. The drain port is in a normally open state, and a drain pump 5 is provided on the drain pipe 51. During the drainage process of the outer drum 2, the water in the outer drum 2 is pumped out to the outside of the washing machine through the drain pipe under the action of the drain pump 5. In other achievable modes, the drain pump 5 is not provided on the drain pipe 51, and a drain valve for opening and closing the drain port is provided at the drain port. When the outer drum 2 is drained, the drain valve opens the drain port, and the passage between the outer drum 2 and the drain pipe 51 is connected, and the water in the outer drum 2 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drain pipe.

[0058] The outer cylinder 2 is also provided with a water inlet, which is connected to a water inlet pipe 41, which is connected to a water supply pipeline. The water inlet pipe 41 is provided with a water inlet device 4, which is, for example, a water inlet valve. When water is introduced into the outer cylinder 2, the water inlet device 4 connects the water supply pipeline with the passage of the water inlet pipe 41. When the target water inflow or water level is reached, the water inlet valve disconnects the passage of the water supply pipeline with the passage of the water inlet pipe 41.

[0059] A heating device 6 is also provided at the bottom of the outer tube 2, and the heating device 6 can heat the water in the outer tube 2. The heating device 6 is, for example, an electric heating tube.

[0060] The washing machine further comprises a liquid level detection device 7, which is used to detect the liquid level in the outer tub 2. The liquid level detection device 7 is, for example, a liquid level sensor.

[0061] The sterilization and cleaning method of this embodiment is described in detail below.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 The sterilization and cleaning flow chart shows that the sterilization and cleaning method includes the following steps:

[0063] S21, controlling the liquid level of the outer tube 2 to reach a first liquid level, the first liquid level is higher than the heating device 6 and less than or equal to the lowest position of the outer wall of the inner tube 2, when the liquid level of the outer tube 2 is at the first liquid level, the outer tube 2 is in a non-draining state.

[0064] Specifically, after the washing machine enters the sterilization and cleaning program, it first detects the liquid level in the outer drum 2. When the liquid level in the outer drum 2 is lower than the first liquid level, it is necessary to control the outer drum 2 to be filled with liquid to the first liquid level. When the liquid level in the outer drum 2 is higher than the first liquid level, it is necessary to control the outer drum 2 to be drained to the first liquid level. When the liquid level in the outer drum 2 is at the first liquid level, the outer drum is in a non-draining state, at which time the drain pump 51 is in a shutdown state or the drain valve closes the drain port. The first liquid level is higher than the heating device 6 provided at the bottom of the outer drum 2 and not higher than the lowest position of the inner drum 3, so as to ensure that the liquid covers the heating device 6 and has a surplus, so as to avoid dry burning and damage to the heating device 6, and at the same time avoid excessive liquid level to increase energy consumption.

[0065] S22, controlling the heating device 6 to heat the liquid in the outer drum to generate steam to sterilize and clean the parts to be cleaned of the washing machine.

[0066] Specifically, after the water in the outer cylinder 2 reaches the first liquid level, the heating device 6 is used to heat the liquid in the outer cylinder 2 at the first liquid level, so that the liquid is in a boiling state. The liquid in the outer cylinder 2 will generate steam in the boiling state, and part of the steam generated by the boiling of the liquid in the outer cylinder 2 fills the space between the outer cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder 3, part of it enters the inner cylinder 3 through the water hole of the inner cylinder 3, and part of the steam enters the water inlet pipe 41 connected to the outer cylinder 2. In the case of using the drainage pump 51 to drain, part of the steam will enter the drainage pipe 51. Among them, the liquid in the outer cylinder 2 includes water, and the steam generated by the heating device 6 heating the water to a boiling state will sterilize and clean the outer cylinder 2, the inner cylinder 3 and the pipeline connected to the outer cylinder 2.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid in the outer drum 2 is a mixture of water and a bactericide. The heating device 6 heats the liquid in the outer drum 2 to a boiling state, and the steam generated contains a bactericide. The outer drum 2, the inner drum 3 and the pipe connected to the outer drum 2 can be sterilized by both high-temperature sterilization and bactericide sterilization, thereby achieving the sterilization of high-temperature resistant bacteria and further ensuring the sterilization and cleaning effect of the washing machine.

[0068] It should be noted that, although the first liquid level is not higher than the lowest position of the inner tube 3, "reaching the first liquid level" does not mean that the final liquid level will necessarily be no higher than the lowest position of the inner tube 3, but includes the situation where the final liquid level reaches the lowest position of the inner tube 3 or is slightly higher than the lowest position of the inner tube 3.

[0069] S23. During the sterilization and cleaning process, different cleaning strategies are adopted for different parts to be cleaned. Different cleaning strategies include adopting different sterilization parameters and / or controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods.

[0070] Specifically, during the steam generation process, the steam concentration in the drum increases from low to high, and the steam distribution in the drum increases from the outside of the inner drum 2 to the inside of the inner drum 3, and from the bottom of the outer drum 2 to the top of the outer drum 2. Therefore, this embodiment adopts different steam cleaning strategies in combination with the variation law of the steam concentration in the drum and the distribution law of the steam in the drum to carry out targeted cleaning of different parts of the washing machine. Different steam cleaning strategies use different sterilization parameters and / or control the heating device to use different heating methods. The sterilization parameters include steam flow rate and / or inner drum speed, and the heating methods include continuous heating and / or intermittent heating. The steam flow rate can be controlled by controlling the heating power of the heating device 6, the steam can be continuously generated by controlling the continuous heating of the heating device 6, and the steam can be intermittently generated by controlling the intermittent heating of the heating device 6.

[0071] In one example, the sterilization and cleaning process includes multiple sterilization and cleaning stages, and sterilization is performed on different parts to be cleaned in different sterilization and cleaning stages. In the sterilization and cleaning process, multiple sterilization and cleaning stages are performed sequentially to achieve thorough sterilization of the washing machine.

[0072] Different cleaning strategies are adopted for different parts to be cleaned, including using different sterilization parameters in different sterilization cleaning stages and / or controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods; wherein,

[0073] The earlier the sterilization and cleaning stage is executed, the larger the steam flow rate is. This is because, in the earlier the sterilization and cleaning stage is executed, the lower the steam concentration in the barrel is. At this time, a larger steam flow rate is required to achieve efficient and thorough sterilization of the part to be cleaned, that is, at this time, the heating power of the heating device 6 is increased. In the later sterilization and cleaning stage, since the steam concentration in the barrel is at a higher level, it is only necessary to maintain the steam concentration in the barrel with a lower steam flow rate, that is, at this time, the heating power of the heating device 6 is reduced to reduce energy consumption.

[0074] And / or, the higher the corresponding inner drum speed is when sterilizing and cleaning the parts that are more difficult for steam to reach. This is because, when the internal pipelines of the washing machine need to be sterilized and cleaned, the steam is not easy to enter due to the small entrance of the internal pipelines. The steam flow can be accelerated by controlling the inner drum 3 to rotate at a higher speed so that the steam can smoothly enter the internal pipelines. When the inner wall of the outer drum 2 and the outer wall of the inner drum 3 of the washing machine need to be sterilized and cleaned, since the heating device 6 is directly arranged at the bottom of the outer drum 2, the steam generated by the liquid heating directly enters between the inner wall of the outer drum 2 and the outer wall of the inner drum 3, the inner drum 3 can be controlled to rotate at a lower speed to achieve thorough sterilization of the inner wall of the inner drum 3 and the inner wall of the outer drum 2. The rotation mode of the inner drum 3 of this embodiment can be unidirectional rotation or positive and negative alternating rotation.

[0075] And / or, the heating device is controlled to heat continuously in the cleaning stage that is executed earlier, and the heating device is controlled to heat intermittently in the cleaning stage that is executed later. This is because, in the sterilization and cleaning stage that is executed earlier, the amount of steam in the barrel is less, and at this time, the amount of steam in the barrel is increased by controlling the heating device 6 to heat continuously to continuously generate steam to achieve efficient and thorough sterilization of the part to be cleaned. In the sterilization and cleaning stage that is executed later, since the amount of steam in the barrel is higher at this time, it is only necessary to control the heating device 6 to heat intermittently to generate steam intermittently to maintain the amount of steam in the barrel, so as to reduce energy consumption.

[0076] In one example, combining Figure 3 As shown in the flowchart, the sterilization and cleaning process includes a first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage which are performed successively. The first cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the outer drum 2 and the outer wall of the inner drum 3, and the second cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the inner drum 3. Different sterilization parameters are used in different sterilization and cleaning stages, including: in the first cleaning stage, a first steam flow rate and a first inner drum speed are used; in the second cleaning stage, a second steam flow rate and a second inner drum speed are used; wherein, the first steam flow rate>the second steam flow rate, and the first inner drum speed ≤the second inner drum speed.

[0077] Specifically, considering that in the initial stage of steam generation, the steam is mainly filled between the inner wall of the outer cylinder 2 and the outer wall of the inner cylinder 3, and the inner wall of the outer cylinder 2 and the outer wall of the inner cylinder 3 are the most seriously dirty parts, the first cleaning stage is performed at this time, the inner wall of the outer cylinder 2 and the outer wall of the inner cylinder 3 are steam sterilized, and a larger steam flow rate and a lower inner cylinder speed are used to thoroughly sterilize the inner wall of the outer cylinder 2 and the outer wall of the inner cylinder 3. The range of the first speed is, for example, 0 to 60 rpm,

[0078] The first cleaning stage ends after the first duration, and enters the second cleaning stage, which mainly sterilizes the inner wall of the inner drum 3. As the amount of steam in the drum increases, steam has entered the inner drum 3. At this time, the steam flow rate can be appropriately reduced to reduce energy consumption. At the same time, the current inner drum speed can be maintained or the inner drum speed can be appropriately increased to accelerate the steam flow, so that more steam can smoothly enter the inner drum 3 through the holes on the inner drum 3 to thoroughly sterilize the inner wall of the inner drum 3. The second speed ranges from 50rpm to 150rpm, for example.

[0079] In one example, combining Figure 3 As shown in the flowchart, the sterilization and cleaning process also includes a third cleaning stage, which is performed after the second cleaning stage. The third cleaning stage sterilizes the internal pipes of the washing machine, and different sterilization parameters are used in different sterilization and cleaning stages, including: in the third cleaning stage, a third steam flow rate and a third inner drum speed are used; wherein, the third steam flow rate is less than the first steam flow rate, and the third inner drum speed is greater than the first inner drum speed.

[0080] Specifically, the second cleaning stage ends after the second duration, and enters the third cleaning stage, which mainly sterilizes the internal pipes of the washing machine. At this time, since the amount of steam in the drum is sufficient, sterilization is also performed at a lower steam flow rate, and at a higher internal drum speed so that the steam can enter the internal pipes of each washing machine. The third speed ranges from 100rpm to 600rpm, for example.

[0081] The third cleaning stage ends after the third duration, and the sterilization cleaning process is completed. The first duration, the second duration, and the third duration can be flexibly designed according to needs. In a preferred embodiment, the first duration> the second duration> the third duration.

[0082] In one example, the heating device is controlled to heat continuously in the first cleaning stage, and is controlled to heat intermittently in the second cleaning stage and the third cleaning stage.

[0083] Specifically, since the first cleaning stage is the initial stage of steam generation, the amount of steam in the cylinder is small. At this time, the heating device 6 is controlled to continuously heat and continuously generate steam to quickly increase the amount of steam in the cylinder, thereby achieving efficient and thorough sterilization of the inner wall of the outer cylinder 2 and the outer wall of the inner cylinder 3. In the second and third cleaning stages, the amount of steam in the cylinder is sufficient. At this time, the heating device 6 can be controlled to intermittently heat and generate steam, thereby further reducing energy consumption while ensuring the steam sterilization effect on the inner wall of the inner cylinder 3 and the internal pipeline.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the sterilization cleaning process of this embodiment includes multiple first cleaning stages, and a rinsing stage is performed between two adjacent first cleaning stages, wherein the rinsing stage includes:

[0085] First, the liquid level in the outer tube 2 is controlled to reach a flushing liquid level, which is higher than the first liquid level. For example, the flushing liquid level is 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the diameter of the inner tube 3 .

[0086] Then the inner drum 3 is controlled to rotate at a preset speed, and the inner drum 3 can drive the water flow to flush the outer wall of the inner drum 3 and the inner wall of the outer drum 2 at the preset speed. Since the first sterilization stage has been performed in the early stage, the dirt on the outer wall of the inner drum 3 and the inner wall of the outer drum 2 is softened by the action of steam. At this time, by controlling the inner drum 3 to rotate at a preset speed, the water in the outer drum 2 flushes the outer wall of the inner drum 3 and the inner wall of the outer drum 2 under the action of the rotation of the inner drum 3, thereby flushing the softened dirt. During the flushing stage, the heating device 6 can be controlled to continue to heat the liquid, and the dirt can be flushed down more easily with hot water. In other achievable methods, during the flushing stage, the heating device 6 can also stop heating, and use the medium-temperature liquid formed by mixing the high-temperature liquid in the first cleaning stage performed previously with the newly added liquid to flush the dirt, which can also achieve a better flushing effect.

[0087] After the fourth duration of the flushing phase, the inner drum 3 is controlled to stop rotating, and the outer drum 2 is controlled to drain liquid, so that the dirt washed off the inner wall of the outer drum 2 and the outer wall of the inner drum 3 is discharged from the washing machine along with the liquid. After the liquid in the outer drum 2 is completely drained, the outer drum 2 is controlled to refill with water to the first liquid level in a non-draining state, and enter the next first cleaning phase to steam sterilize the outer wall of the inner drum 3 and the inner wall of the outer drum 2 after flushing. After the last first cleaning phase is completed, the second cleaning phase is entered.

[0088] This embodiment does not limit the number of executions of the first cleaning stage, and can be flexibly determined according to the degree of dirtiness of the washing machine. For example, if the time interval between this sterilization and cleaning and the last sterilization and cleaning is greater than the set time, and the number of consecutive washes after the last sterilization and cleaning reaches the set number, it means that the degree of dirtiness of the washing machine is relatively serious, and the number of executions of the first rinsing stage is greater than 2 times; if the time interval between this sterilization and cleaning and the last sterilization and cleaning is less than or equal to the set time, or the number of consecutive washes after the last sterilization and cleaning is less than the set number, it means that the degree of dirtiness of the washing machine is relatively light, and the number of executions of the first rinsing stage is equal to 2 times.

[0089] In one example, controlling the liquid level of the outer tube 2 to reach a first liquid level includes: first detecting the liquid level of the outer tube 2, and when the liquid level of the outer tube 2 is higher than the first liquid level, controlling the outer tube 2 to drain to the first liquid level. When the liquid level of the outer tube 2 is lower than the first liquid level, controlling the outer tube 2 to flow to the first liquid level. This embodiment can directly use the residual liquid in the outer tube 2 to generate steam, reducing water consumption for sterilization and cleaning.

[0090] In another example, controlling the liquid level of the outer cylinder 2 to reach the first liquid level includes: first detecting the liquid level of the outer cylinder 2, and when the liquid level of the outer cylinder 2 is higher than the second liquid level, controlling the outer cylinder 2 to discharge liquid; when the liquid level of the outer cylinder 2 is lower than the second liquid level, controlling the outer cylinder 2 to be filled with liquid to the first liquid level, the second liquid level < the first liquid level, and the second liquid level is lower than the heating device 6. The second liquid level is the liquid level when the outer cylinder 2 is empty or close to being empty. This embodiment takes into account the situation that the residual liquid stored in the outer cylinder 2 for a long time may contain a large amount of bacteria and impurities. By first discharging the residual liquid in the outer cylinder 2 and then filling the liquid to the first liquid level, a cleaner liquid is used to heat and generate steam to reduce the generation of bacteria and impurities.

[0091] This embodiment utilizes the heating device 6 to heat and boil the liquid in the outer cylinder 2, so as to disinfect and sterilize the parts that the liquid and its steam come into contact with. The steam generated by the continuous boiling deeply disinfects every corner to ensure the sterilization effect.

[0092] The sterilization and cleaning program of this embodiment can be executed according to the user's control instructions, or it can be intelligently sterilized according to the frequency or duration of the user's use of the washing machine. In a preferred embodiment, before entering the sterilization and cleaning program, the inner drum 3 is first weighed m, where m0 is the weighing value in the no-load state. If m≤m0, the sterilization and cleaning program begins, otherwise the program ends. More preferably, if m>m0, the washing machine door is unlocked and the user is prompted to take out the clothes in the inner drum 3. After the user takes out the clothes in the inner drum 3, the inner drum 3 is weighed again.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the liquid in the outer cylinder 2 is in a boiling state, the generation of steam will cause the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2 to continuously decrease. In order to ensure the steam flow rate and avoid dry burning of the heating device 6, this embodiment also controls the outer cylinder 2 to be replenished to the first liquid level when the liquid in the outer cylinder 2 is in a boiling state. Specifically, when the liquid in the outer cylinder 2 is in a boiling state, the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2 is continuously monitored. When the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2 is lower than the third liquid level, the outer cylinder 2 is replenished until the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2 reaches the first liquid level, and the second liquid level < the third liquid level < the first liquid level, wherein the third liquid level is the liquid level that just covers the heating device.

[0094] In some embodiments, controlling the liquid replenishment of the outer cylinder 2 to the first liquid level includes: determining the steam flow rate in the outer cylinder 2, and determining the liquid replenishment flow rate according to the steam flow rate. Since the steam flow rate reflects the consumption of the liquid, the greater the steam flow rate, the more liquid is consumed in the outer cylinder 2, and the more likely the heating device will burn dry. In order to avoid the occurrence of dry burning of the heating device, the liquid replenishment flow rate is determined according to the steam flow rate, and the liquid replenishment flow rate is increased when the steam flow rate is large to prevent the heating device from burning dry, and the liquid replenishment flow rate is reduced when the steam flow rate is small to avoid excessive liquid inflow into the outer cylinder 2 and increase the energy consumption of the heating device.

[0095] The steam flow rate is related to the heating power of the heating device. The greater the heating power of the heating device, the greater the steam flow rate. Exemplarily, the steam flow rate and the heating power of the heating device have a preset corresponding relationship. When the heating power of the heating device is determined, the corresponding steam flow rate can be determined.

[0096] In one example, determining the liquid replenishment flow rate according to the steam flow rate includes: first determining the ratio of the steam flow rate to the liquid density, and determining the liquid replenishment flow rate according to the ratio of the steam flow rate to the liquid density, and the larger the ratio of the steam flow rate to the liquid density, the larger the liquid replenishment flow rate. Preferably, the liquid replenishment flow rate satisfies:

[0097]

[0098] Where α is the liquid replenishment flow rate, β is the steam flow rate, i.e. the amount of steam per unit time, ρ is the density of the liquid in the outer cylinder 2, and K1 and K2 are constants related to the units of α, β and ρ. For example, the unit of α is L / min, the unit of β is kg / h, and the unit of ρ is kg / m 3 In this case, K1 is 1000 and K2 is 60.

[0099] In this embodiment, there are multiple ways to determine the first liquid level in the inner tube 3.

[0100] Considering that the liquid level value detected by the liquid level detection device 7 will be affected by factors such as vibration and signal interference, the detection data will have a certain fluctuation range. Since the height difference between the third liquid level at the location of the heating device 6 of this embodiment, the first liquid level at the lowest position of the inner cylinder 3, and the second liquid level used to determine that the outer cylinder 2 is in an empty cylinder state is not large, it is easy to make a misjudgment when using the liquid level detection device 7 for detection, and once a misjudgment is made, it may cause the heating device 6 to burn dry and be damaged. Therefore, the first liquid level of this embodiment is determined by controlling the rotation of the inner cylinder 3, and determining whether the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2 reaches the first liquid level according to the operating parameters of the driving device of the inner cylinder 3 during the rotation of the inner cylinder 3.

[0101] Specifically, the present embodiment determines whether the liquid level of the outer tube 2 reaches the first liquid level by detecting the operating parameters of the driving device driving the inner tube 3 to operate. When the liquid level of the outer tube 2 is higher than the first liquid level, a part of the inner tube 3 is immersed in the liquid, and the operating parameters required by the driving device to drive the inner tube 3 to rotate are different from those when the liquid level in the outer tube 2 is at the first liquid level. Therefore, whether the liquid level of the outer tube 2 reaches the first liquid level is accurately determined based on the operating parameters of the driving device driving the inner tube 3 to rotate, and the operating parameters include at least one of the motor current, the motor power and / or the motor frequency.

[0102] In one example, determining whether the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2 reaches the first liquid level according to the operating parameters of the driving device of the inner cylinder 3 during the rotation of the inner cylinder 3 includes: when the inner cylinder is running at a set speed, when the operating parameters of the driving device reach the standard value, determining that the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2 reaches the first liquid level, wherein: the standard value is the value of the operating parameter when the inner cylinder 3 is at the set speed and the liquid in the outer cylinder 2 is in contact with the inner cylinder 3. The set speed can be a speed value used to detect the liquid level of the outer cylinder 2, or a speed value of the inner cylinder 3 when the liquid is boiling. For example, when the inner cylinder 3 rotates at a speed of 50 rpm, when the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2 is at the first liquid level, the power of the driving device is P0; when the inner cylinder 3 rotates at the same speed, when the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2 is higher than the first liquid level, the power of the driving device is P>P0, and when the liquid level in the outer cylinder 2 is lower than the first liquid level, the power of the driving device is P<P0.

[0103] In other achievable manners, the liquid level detection device 7 may be used to detect whether the liquid level of the outer tube 2 reaches the first liquid level or the second liquid level.

[0104] In some embodiments, after controlling the heating device 6 disposed at the bottom of the outer tube 2 to heat the liquid in the outer tube 2 to boiling and maintaining it for a set period of time, the sterilization and cleaning procedure is terminated. If the outer tube 2 is in a rotating state, the outer tube 2 is controlled to stop rotating after the sterilization and cleaning is completed, and the heating device 6 is controlled to stop heating and maintain the non-drainage state of the outer tube 2. After the sterilization is completed, the liquid that has been sterilized by high temperature remains in the outer tube 2 and the connecting pipe, so that it forms a liquid seal, preventing external air and bacteria from entering the cavity, thereby achieving long-term antibacterial effect.

[0105] In general, in the sterilization and cleaning method of this embodiment, when the user needs to sterilize the internal cavity and pipes of the washing machine, the heating device 6 heats a small amount of liquid in the bottom of the cavity to generate steam, so that the places where liquid has been residual for a long time in the cavity and the lower part of the pipe and the liquid are fully sterilized; at the same time, the steam generated by boiling is used to penetrate into every corner of the cavity for deep sterilization. In addition, different steam cleaning strategies are adopted by combining the concentration change law of steam in the drum and the distribution law of steam in the drum to carry out targeted cleaning of different parts of the washing machine, so as to achieve efficient sterilization of each part to be cleaned and effectively reduce the sterilization energy consumption.

[0106] After the sterilization and cleaning is completed, the high-temperature sterilized liquid remains in the washing machine, forming a liquid seal to prevent external air and bacteria from entering the cavity, achieving long-term antibacterial effect. This embodiment heats a small amount of liquid for sterilization, which not only improves the sterilization efficiency, shortens the operating time and reduces energy consumption, but also achieves deep sterilization and long-term antibacterial effect on the cavity and pipeline, ensuring the health of users and improving user experience.

[0107] In the above-mentioned embodiments of the present application, the description of each embodiment has its own emphasis. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant description of other embodiments. The steps shown in the relevant flow charts can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions, and although the logical order is shown in the flow chart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that here. In other words, the order of steps described in the foregoing embodiments is only an example, and reasonable adjustment of the order of steps based on the content of the embodiments of the present application is also within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0108] An embodiment of the present application also provides a control device, which includes one or more processors and a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions. When the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are used to implement the sterilization and cleaning method proposed in the above embodiment.

[0109] Specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the control device includes a processor 100, at least one communication bus 200, a user interface 300, at least one external communication interface 400 and a memory 500. The communication bus 200 is configured to realize the connection and communication between these components. The user interface 300 may include a display screen, and the external communication interface 400 may include a standard wired interface and a wireless interface. The memory 500 stores a sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine. The processor 100 is used to adopt the above method when executing the sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine stored in the memory 500.

[0110] The embodiment of the present application also proposes a washing machine, which adopts any one of the washing machine sterilization and cleaning methods proposed in the above embodiments.

[0111] The description of the above computer program product, computer-readable storage medium, and control device is similar to the description of the above method implementation, and has similar beneficial effects as the method implementation. For technical details not disclosed in the computer program product, computer-readable storage medium, and control device of this application, please refer to the description of the method implementation of this application for understanding.

[0112] The sequence of numbers or introduction of the implementation methods of this application is for description only and does not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the implementation methods.

[0113] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. Among them, the device implementation described above is only schematic. For example, the division of the units can be a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of units or modules, which can be electrical or other forms.

[0114] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed over multiple units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0115] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0116] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website site, computer, server or data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode to another website site, computer, server or data center. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a digital versatile disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state disk (SSD)), etc. It is worth noting that the computer-readable storage medium mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a non-volatile storage medium, in other words, a non-transient storage medium.

[0117] It should be noted that the information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.), data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, stored data, displayed data, etc.) and signals involved in the implementation of this application are all authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of relevant data must comply with the relevant laws, regulations and standards of the relevant countries and regions. For example, the scene data of the current frame in the three-dimensional virtual scene, the device information of the client, and the scene interaction information involved in the implementation of this application are all obtained with full authorization.

[0118] The above is only a preferred implementation of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine, the washing machine comprising an outer drum and an inner drum, the bottom of the outer drum being provided with a heating device, characterized in that: The sterilization and cleaning method comprises: Controlling the liquid level of the outer cylinder to reach a first liquid level, wherein the first liquid level is higher than the heating device and less than or equal to the lowest position of the outer wall of the inner cylinder, and when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is at the first liquid level, the outer cylinder is in a non-draining state; Controlling the heating device to heat the liquid in the outer drum to generate steam to sterilize and clean the parts to be cleaned of the washing machine, and in the sterilization and cleaning process, adopting different cleaning strategies for different parts to be cleaned, and the different cleaning strategies include adopting different sterilization parameters and / or controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods; Wherein, the sterilization parameters include steam flow rate and / or inner drum rotation speed, and the heating method includes continuous heating and / or intermittent heating.

2. The sterilization and cleaning method of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization and cleaning process includes multiple sterilization and cleaning stages, and sterilization is performed on different parts to be cleaned in different sterilization and cleaning stages; The different cleaning strategies are adopted for different parts to be cleaned, including adopting different sterilization parameters in different sterilization cleaning stages and / or controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods; Among them, the earlier the sterilization and cleaning stage is executed, the larger the steam flow rate corresponding to it is; and / or, the inner drum speed is higher when sterilizing and cleaning the parts that are more difficult for steam to reach; And / or, the sterilization and cleaning stage that is executed earlier controls the heating device to heat continuously, and the sterilization and cleaning stage that is executed later controls the heating device to heat intermittently.

3. The sterilization and cleaning method of a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The multiple sterilization and cleaning stages include a first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage that are performed sequentially, wherein the first cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the outer cylinder and the outer wall of the inner cylinder, and the second cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the inner cylinder, and different sterilization parameters are used in different sterilization and cleaning stages, including: In the first cleaning stage, a first steam flow rate and a first inner drum speed are adopted; In the second cleaning stage, a second steam flow rate and a second inner drum speed are adopted; Among them, the first steam flow rate>the second steam flow rate, and the first inner drum rotation speed≤the second inner drum rotation speed.

4. The sterilization and cleaning method of a washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sterilization and cleaning process further includes a third cleaning stage, which is performed after the second cleaning stage. The third cleaning stage sterilizes the internal pipes of the washing machine. Different sterilization parameters are used in different sterilization and cleaning stages, including: In the third cleaning stage, a third steam flow rate and a third inner drum speed are adopted; Among them, the third steam flow rate is less than the first steam flow rate, and the third inner drum rotation speed is greater than the first inner drum rotation speed.

5. The sterilization and cleaning method of a washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating device is controlled to heat continuously in the first cleaning stage, and the heating device is controlled to heat intermittently in the second cleaning stage and the third cleaning stage.

6. The sterilization and cleaning method of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controlling the liquid level of the outer cylinder to reach a first liquid level comprises: Detect the liquid level of the outer cylinder; When the liquid level in the outer cylinder is higher than the second liquid level, the outer cylinder is controlled to discharge liquid; When the liquid level of the outer cylinder is lower than the second liquid level, controlling the liquid to flow into the outer cylinder to the first liquid level, the second liquid level is less than the first liquid level, and the second liquid level is lower than the heating device; Or, when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is higher than the first liquid level, the outer cylinder is controlled to drain liquid to the first liquid level, and when the liquid level of the outer cylinder is lower than the first liquid level, the outer cylinder is controlled to fill liquid to the first liquid level.

7. The sterilization and cleaning method of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the liquid in the outer cylinder is heated to generate steam, the outer cylinder is also controlled to be replenished with liquid to the first liquid level.

8. The sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: After the sterilization and cleaning process is completed, the heating device is controlled to stop heating to maintain the non-draining state of the outer cylinder.

9. A control device, characterized in that: It includes one or more processors and a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions. When the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are used to implement the sterilization and cleaning method for the washing machine according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that: It adopts the sterilization and cleaning method of the washing machine described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or includes the control device described in claim 9.

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