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

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses a sterilization and cleaning method, a control device, and a washing machine for a washing machine. The sterilization and cleaning method includes: controlling the liquid level of the outer drum to reach a first liquid level, and when the liquid level of the outer drum is at the first liquid level, the outer drum 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, 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; wherein the sterilization parameters include steam flow rate and / or inner drum speed, and the steam generation method includes continuous heating and / or intermittent heating. This embodiment adopts different steam sterilization strategies in combination with different parts to be cleaned, thereby achieving comprehensive sterilization of the outer drum, inner drum, and connecting pipes of the washing machine, thereby ensuring the cleaning effect.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] If the washing machine remains damp for extended periods after washing clothes, and dirty water accumulates in the pipes and is exposed to the outside world, bacteria can easily grow and produce odors. This is especially true for users who wash clothes infrequently, as it not only causes secondary contamination of the laundry but also affects the user's health.

[0003] In the related art, washing machines with a drum cleaning function use hot water at about 90°C to clean the inner drum to reduce the growth of bacteria. However, before the drum cleaning is completed, the inner drum is rinsed with cold water. 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 embodiments 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 tube 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 tube, and when the liquid level of the outer tube is at the first liquid level, the outer tube 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 adopting different cleaning strategies for different parts to be cleaned during the sterilization and cleaning process, wherein the different cleaning strategies include adopting different sterilization parameters and / or controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods;

[0009] 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 achieving efficient and thorough sterilization and cleaning while effectively reducing energy consumption.

[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 greater the steam flow rate corresponding to it;

[0014] and / or, when performing sterilization and cleaning on areas that are more difficult for steam to reach, the corresponding inner drum speed is higher;

[0015] And / or, the sterilization and cleaning phase that is executed earlier controls the heating device to heat continuously, and the sterilization and cleaning phase that is executed later controls 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 conjunction 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 performed sequentially, wherein the first cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the outer tube and the outer wall of the inner tube, and the second cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the inner tube, 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] The first steam flow rate is greater than the second steam flow rate, and the first inner drum rotation speed is less than or equal to the second inner drum rotation speed.

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

[0022] In conjunction 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. 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] 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, the internal pipes of the washing machine are sterilized by adopting the third steam flow rate and the third inner drum speed in the third cleaning stage, so as to prevent the bacteria hidden in the internal pipes of the washing machine from spreading and contaminating the inner and outer drums, thereby 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 and generate steam sterilization in the first cleaning stage, and controlling the heating device to intermittently heat and 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 the 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 drain the liquid;

[0031] When the liquid level of the outer cylinder is lower than the second liquid level, controlling the liquid to be fed 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] Alternatively, when the liquid level in the outer cylinder is higher than a first liquid level, the outer cylinder is controlled to drain liquid to the first liquid level; and when the liquid level in the outer cylinder is lower than the first liquid level, the outer cylinder is controlled to fill liquid to the first liquid level.

[0033] With this embodiment, when the liquid level in the outer tub is higher than the second liquid level, the liquid in the outer tub is drained and then refilled to the first liquid level, thereby utilizing cleaner liquid to heat and generate steam, thereby reducing the generation of bacteria and impurities. Alternatively, when the liquid level in the outer tub is higher than the first liquid level, the liquid in the outer tub is drained to the first liquid level, and when the liquid level in the outer tub is lower than the first liquid level, the liquid in the outer tub is controlled to be refilled to the first liquid level, thereby utilizing the liquid in the outer tub to heat and generate steam, thereby conserving 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 and 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 structural schematic diagram 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 embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 3This is the second flowchart of the washing machine sterilization and cleaning provided in the embodiment 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 figures are marked 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 this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] It should be understood that the "plurality" mentioned herein refers to two or more. In the description of the embodiments 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 a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not limit certain different

[0047] In addition, the terms "comprises" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. 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 expressly listed but may include other steps or elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, product or apparatus.

[0048] In related art, washing machines with a drum cleaning function, when performing a drum cleaning cycle, fill the outer drum with water to the wash or rinse level, then heat the water in the outer drum to approximately 90°C. This high-temperature water in the drum cleans and sterilizes both the outer and inner drums. However, this drum cleaning method still requires rinsing the inner drum with cold water before the drum cleaning is complete. After the drum cleaning is complete, the residual water in the outer drum that has not been completely drained can accumulate for a long time, causing bacteria to grow inside the drum and causing odor problems. Furthermore, the drum cleaning process in related art is time-consuming and energy-intensive, resulting in low usage of the drum cleaning function and poor drum cleaning results.

[0049] In order to solve the above technical problems, this embodiment proposes a sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine, wherein the washing machine includes 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 includes:

[0050] Controlling the liquid level of the outer tube to reach a first liquid level, the first liquid level being higher than the heating device and less than or equal to the lowest position of the outer wall of the inner tube, and when the liquid level of the outer tube is at the first liquid level, the outer tube 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. 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.

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

[0053] This embodiment heats the liquid in the outer cylinder 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.

[0054] The technical solution of this embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments and examples can be combined with each other unless there is any conflict.

[0055] This embodiment proposes a sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine. 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 is shown in FIG. The washing machine comprises a housing 1, an outer drum 2, and an inner drum 3. The outer drum 2 is disposed within the housing 1, and the inner drum 3 is rotatably disposed within the outer drum 2. The outer drum 2 serves as a water storage tank, while the inner drum 3 serves as a washing drum. The inner drum 3 has multiple water holes in its wall, through which water in the outer drum 2 can flow into the inner drum 3. A drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the outer drum 2. The drain outlet is also connected to a drain pipe 51, which communicates with the external environment of the washing machine. The drain outlet is normally open, and a drain pump 5 is provided on the drain pipe 51. During drainage of the outer drum 2, the water in the outer drum 2 is pumped out of the washing machine through the drain pipe 5 under the action of the drain pump 5. In other embodiments, the drain pump 5 is not provided on the drain pipe 51, and a drain valve is provided at the drain outlet for opening and closing the drain outlet. When draining the outer drum 2, the drain valve opens the drain outlet, connecting the outer drum 2 and the drain pipe 51, 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 also has a water inlet connected to a water inlet pipe 41, which is connected to the water supply line. The water inlet pipe 41 is provided with a water inlet device 4, such as a water inlet valve. When water enters the outer cylinder 2, the water inlet device 4 connects the water supply line to the passageway of the water inlet pipe 41. When the target water inflow or water level is reached, the water inlet valve disconnects the water supply line from the passageway of the water inlet pipe 41.

[0059] A heating device 6 is further 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 includes 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. Control 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. If the liquid level in the outer drum 2 is lower than the first liquid level, it is necessary to control the liquid to be added to the outer drum 2 to the first liquid level. If the liquid level in the outer drum 2 is higher than the first liquid level, it is necessary to control the liquid to be drained from the outer drum 2 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 stopped state or the drain valve closes the drain outlet. The first liquid level is higher than the heating device 6 located at the bottom of the outer drum 2 and not higher than the lowest position of the inner drum 3, to ensure that the liquid covers the heating device 6 and has a margin, to avoid dry burning and damage to the heating device 6, and to avoid excessively high liquid levels that increase energy consumption.

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

[0066] Specifically, after the water in the outer tube 2 reaches a first liquid level, the heating device 6 heats the liquid in the outer tube 2 at the first liquid level, bringing the liquid to a boiling state. The boiling liquid in the outer tube 2 generates steam. Part of the steam generated by the boiling liquid in the outer tube 2 fills the space between the outer tube 2 and the inner tube 3, part enters the inner tube 3 through the water holes in the inner tube 3, and another part enters the water inlet pipe 41 connected to the outer tube 2. If drainage is performed using the drain pump 51, some steam will also enter the drain pipe 51. The liquid in the outer tube 2 comprises water, and the steam generated by the heating device 6 heating the water to a boiling state sterilizes and cleans the outer tube 2, the inner tube 3, and the pipes connected to the outer tube 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, since the steam concentration in the drum increases from low to high during the steam generation process, 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 pattern of the steam concentration in the drum and the distribution pattern 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, in which different parts to be cleaned are sterilized. 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 and / or controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods in different sterilization and cleaning stages; wherein,

[0073] The earlier the sterilization and cleaning phase is executed, the greater the steam flow rate. This is because, in earlier sterilization and cleaning phases, the steam concentration in the drum is lower, and a higher steam flow rate is required to achieve efficient and thorough sterilization of the area to be cleaned. This means increasing the heating power of the heating device 6. In later sterilization and cleaning phases, the steam concentration in the drum is higher, so a lower steam flow rate is required to maintain it. This means reducing the heating power of the heating device 6 to reduce energy consumption.

[0074] And / or, when sterilizing and cleaning areas that are more difficult for steam to reach, the corresponding inner drum rotation speed is higher. This is because, when sterilizing and cleaning the internal pipes of the washing machine, the entrance to the internal pipes is small, making it difficult for steam to enter. In this case, the steam flow can be accelerated by controlling the inner drum 3 to rotate at a higher speed so that the steam can enter the internal pipes smoothly. When sterilizing and cleaning the inner wall of the outer drum 2 and the outer wall of the inner drum 3 of the washing machine, 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. Therefore, 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 in this embodiment can be unidirectional rotation or alternating forward and reverse rotation.

[0075] Alternatively, the heating device may be controlled to heat continuously during cleaning phases that are executed earlier, while intermittent heating may be controlled during cleaning phases that are executed later. This is because, during sterilization and cleaning phases that are executed earlier, the amount of steam in the drum is relatively low. In this case, by controlling the heating device 6 to heat continuously and generate steam continuously, the amount of steam in the drum is increased, achieving efficient and thorough sterilization of the area to be cleaned. In contrast, during sterilization and cleaning phases that are executed later, since the amount of steam in the drum is relatively high, the heating device 6 only needs to be controlled to heat intermittently and generate steam intermittently to maintain the amount of steam in the drum, thereby reducing 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 sequentially. The first cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the outer tube 2 and the outer wall of the inner tube 3, and the second cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the inner tube 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 tube speed are used; in the second cleaning stage, a second steam flow rate and a second inner tube speed are used; wherein, the first steam flow rate> the second steam flow rate, and the first inner tube speed ≤ the second inner tube speed.

[0077] Specifically, considering that steam is mainly filled between the inner wall of the outer tube 2 and the outer wall of the inner tube 3 in the initial stage of steam generation, and the inner wall of the outer tube 2 and the outer wall of the inner tube 3 are the most seriously contaminated parts, the first cleaning stage is carried out at this time, steam sterilization is performed on the inner wall of the outer tube 2 and the outer wall of the inner tube 3, and a large steam flow rate and a low inner tube speed are used to thoroughly sterilize the inner wall of the outer tube 2 and the outer wall of the inner tube 3. The range of the first speed is, for example, 0 to 60 rpm.

[0078] After the first cleaning phase ends, the first cleaning duration ends and the second cleaning phase begins. This cleaning phase primarily sterilizes the inner wall of the inner drum 3. As the steam volume in the drum increases, steam enters the inner drum 3. At this point, the steam flow rate can be appropriately reduced to reduce energy consumption. Meanwhile, the current inner drum speed can be maintained or appropriately increased to accelerate steam flow, allowing more steam to smoothly enter the inner drum 3 through the holes on the inner drum 3, thereby thoroughly sterilizing the inner wall of the inner drum 3. The second speed range is, for example, 50 rpm to 150 rpm.

[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. 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 phase ends after the second duration, and the third cleaning phase begins. This phase primarily sterilizes the internal pipes of the washing machine. Due to the plentiful steam in the drum, sterilization is performed at a lower steam flow rate and a higher drum speed to allow steam to penetrate the internal pipes of the washing machine. The third speed ranges from 100 rpm to 600 rpm, for example.

[0081] The third cleaning stage ends after the third duration, and the sterilization and 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 phase is the initial stage of steam generation, the amount of steam in the cylinder is relatively low. During this phase, heating device 6 is controlled to continuously heat and generate steam, rapidly increasing the amount of steam in the cylinder and achieving efficient and thorough sterilization of the inner walls of outer cylinder 2 and inner cylinder 3. During the second and third cleaning phases, the amount of steam in the cylinder is relatively sufficient. Intermittent heating and steam generation by heating device 6 are then controlled, ensuring steam sterilization of the inner wall of inner cylinder 3 and its internal piping while further reducing energy consumption.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the sterilization and cleaning process of this embodiment includes multiple first cleaning stages, and a flushing stage is performed between two adjacent first cleaning stages, wherein the flushing 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] The inner drum 3 is then controlled to rotate at a preset speed. At the preset speed, 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. Since the first sterilization stage has already been performed, the dirt on the outer wall of the inner drum 3 and the inner wall of the outer drum 2 has been 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 heating the liquid, and the hot water can be used to more easily flush out the dirt. In other implementations, 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 from the first cleaning stage and the newly added liquid to flush the dirt, which can also achieve a better flushing effect.

[0087] After the fourth duration of the rinse phase, inner drum 3 is controlled to stop rotating, and outer drum 2 is controlled to drain. Dirt flushed from the inner and outer walls of outer drum 2 and inner drum 3 is discharged from the washing machine along with the liquid. After the liquid in outer drum 2 is completely drained, outer drum 2 is controlled to refill with water to the first liquid level in a non-draining state, and the washing machine enters the next first cleaning phase to steam sterilize the rinsed outer and inner walls of inner drum 3 and outer drum 2 again. After the last first cleaning phase is completed, the washing machine enters the second cleaning phase.

[0088] This embodiment does not limit the number of times the first cleaning phase is performed, and can be flexibly determined based on the degree of soiling of the washing machine. For example, if the interval between the current sterilization and cleaning and the most recent 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 indicates that the washing machine is severely soiled, and the first rinse phase will be performed more than twice. If the interval between the current sterilization and cleaning and the most recent 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 indicates that the washing machine is lightly soiled, and the first rinse phase will be performed twice.

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

[0090] In another example, controlling the liquid level in outer tube 2 to reach a first liquid level includes: first detecting the liquid level in outer tube 2; when the liquid level in outer tube 2 is above a second liquid level, controlling outer tube 2 to drain the liquid; and when the liquid level in outer tube 2 is below the second liquid level, controlling the liquid to be added to outer tube 2 to the first liquid level, wherein the second liquid level is less than the first liquid level and the second liquid level is below heating device 6. The second liquid level is the level at which outer tube 2 is empty or nearly empty. This embodiment takes into account that residual liquid accumulated in outer tube 2 for a long time may contain a large amount of bacteria and impurities. By first draining the residual liquid in outer tube 2 and then adding liquid to the first liquid level, the cleaner liquid is heated to generate steam, thereby reducing the generation of bacteria and impurities.

[0091] This embodiment utilizes the heating device 6 to heat and boil the liquid in the outer tube 2, which can disinfect and sterilize the parts that the liquid and its steam come into contact with. The steam generated by 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 disinfected based on 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 empty 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 remove the clothes in the inner drum 3. After the user removes the clothes in the inner drum 3, the inner drum 3 is weighed again.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the liquid in the outer tube 2 is boiling, the generation of steam will cause the liquid level in the outer tube 2 to continuously decrease. To ensure steam flow and prevent the heating device 6 from drying out, this embodiment also controls the outer tube 2 to be replenished to a first liquid level while the liquid in the outer tube 2 is boiling. Specifically, while the liquid in the outer tube 2 is boiling, the liquid level in the outer tube 2 is continuously monitored. When the liquid level in the outer tube 2 falls below a third liquid level, the outer tube 2 is replenished until the liquid level in the outer tube 2 reaches the first liquid level, where the second liquid level < the third liquid level < the first liquid level, and the third liquid level is the level that just covers the heating device.

[0094] In some embodiments, controlling the replenishment of liquid into the outer tube 2 to the first liquid level includes: determining a steam flow rate within the outer tube 2, and determining a replenishment flow rate based on the steam flow rate. Since the steam flow rate reflects liquid consumption, a greater steam flow rate indicates greater liquid consumption within the outer tube 2, and a greater likelihood of the heating device drying out. To prevent this, the replenishment flow rate is determined based on the steam flow rate. When the steam flow rate is high, the replenishment flow rate is increased to prevent dry burning of the heating device; when the steam flow rate is low, the replenishment flow rate is reduced to prevent excessive liquid inflow into the outer tube 2, which would increase 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. For example, 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 based on the steam flow rate includes: first determining the ratio of the steam flow rate to the liquid density, and then determining the liquid replenishment flow rate based on the ratio of the steam flow rate to the liquid density, wherein 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, 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 detected by the liquid level detection device 7 may be affected by factors such as vibration and signal interference, resulting in a certain range of fluctuation in the detected data, the height difference between the third liquid level at the location of the heating device 6, the first liquid level at the lowest point of the inner drum 3, and the second liquid level used to determine whether the outer drum 2 is empty is not large in this embodiment, detection using the liquid level detection device 7 is prone to misjudgment, which may cause dry burning and damage to the heating device 6. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first liquid level is determined by controlling the rotation of the inner drum 3 and determining whether the liquid level in the outer drum 2 has reached the first liquid level based on the operating parameters of the inner drum 3's drive device during the rotation of the inner drum 3.

[0101] Specifically, this embodiment determines whether the liquid level in the outer drum 2 has reached the first liquid level by detecting operating parameters of the driving device driving the inner drum 3. When the liquid level in the outer drum 2 is higher than the first liquid level, the inner drum 3 is partially submerged in the liquid. The operating parameters required by the driving device to rotate the inner drum 3 differ from those required when the liquid level in the outer drum 2 is at the first liquid level. Therefore, whether the liquid level in the outer drum 2 has reached the first liquid level is accurately determined based on the operating parameters of the driving device driving the inner drum 3. The operating parameters include at least one of motor current, motor power, and / or motor frequency.

[0102] In one example, determining whether the liquid level in the outer drum 2 has reached a first level based on operating parameters of the drive device of the inner drum 3 during its rotation includes: determining that the liquid level in the outer drum 2 has reached the first level when the operating parameters of the drive device reach a standard value while the inner drum 3 is operating at a set speed, wherein the standard value is the value of the operating parameter when the inner drum 3 is at the set speed and the liquid in the outer drum 2 is in contact with the inner drum 3. The set speed can be a speed used to detect the liquid level in the outer drum 2 or a speed value when the liquid is boiling. For example, when the inner drum 3 rotates at 50 rpm and the liquid level in the outer drum 2 is at the first level, the power of the drive device is P0. When the inner drum 3 rotates at the same speed, the power of the drive device is P>P0 when the liquid level in the outer drum 2 is above the first level, and is P<P0 when the liquid level in the outer drum 2 is below the first level.

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

[0104] In some embodiments, after controlling the heating device 6 located 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 time, the sterilization and cleaning procedure is ended. If the outer tube 2 is in a rotating state, the outer tube 2 is also 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 at high temperature remains in the outer tube 2 and the connecting pipe, forming a liquid seal to prevent external air and bacteria from entering the cavity, thereby achieving long-term antibacterial effect.

[0105] In summary, the sterilization and cleaning method of this embodiment, when a user needs to disinfect the internal cavity and pipes of a washing machine, heats a small amount of liquid at the bottom of the cavity through the heating device 6 to generate steam, thereby fully disinfecting the areas of the cavity and pipes where liquid has long been retained. At the same time, the boiling steam penetrates deeply into every corner of the cavity for deep disinfection and sterilization. Furthermore, by combining the variation in steam concentration and distribution within the drum, different steam cleaning strategies are adopted to provide targeted cleaning for different parts of the washing machine, achieving efficient sterilization of each area to be cleaned while effectively reducing sterilization energy consumption.

[0106] After sterilization and cleaning, the high-temperature sterilized liquid remains in the washing machine, forming a liquid seal that prevents outside air and bacteria from entering the cavity, achieving long-term antibacterial effect. This embodiment heats a small amount of liquid for disinfection, which not only improves disinfection efficiency, shortens operation time, and reduces energy consumption, but also achieves deep disinfection and long-term antibacterial effect in the cavity and pipes, ensuring user health 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 a logical order is shown in the flow chart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in an order different from that shown 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-transitory 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, such as 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 enable 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 configured to employ the aforementioned 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 computer program product, computer-readable storage medium, and control device described above is similar to the description of the method implementation described above and has similar beneficial effects as the method implementation. For any 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 introductions 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 embodiments described above are only exemplary. For example, the division of the units can be a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as 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 separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of this embodiment.

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

[0116] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented 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, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. 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 one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. 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 therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a digital versatile disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state disk (SSD)). 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 embodiment 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, wherein the washing machine comprises an outer drum and an inner drum, wherein a heating device is provided at the bottom of the outer drum, wherein: The sterilization and cleaning method comprises: controlling the liquid level of the outer tube 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 tube, and when the liquid level of the outer tube is at the first liquid level, the outer tube 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 adopting different cleaning strategies for different parts to be cleaned during the sterilization and cleaning process, the different cleaning strategies including adopting different sterilization parameters and controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods; The sterilization parameters include steam flow rate and inner drum speed, and the heating mode includes continuous heating and intermittent heating; 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; different cleaning strategies are adopted for different parts to be cleaned, including adopting different sterilization parameters in different sterilization and cleaning stages and controlling the heating device to adopt different heating methods; Among them, the earlier the sterilization and cleaning stage is executed, the greater the steam flow rate corresponding to it; when sterilizing and cleaning a part that is more difficult for steam to reach, the corresponding inner drum speed is higher; the earlier the sterilization and cleaning stage is executed, the heating device is controlled to heat continuously, and the later the sterilization and cleaning stage is executed, the heating device is controlled to heat intermittently.

2. The sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple sterilization and cleaning stages include a first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage that are performed sequentially. The first cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the outer tube and the outer wall of the inner tube, and the second cleaning stage sterilizes the inner wall of the inner tube. 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; The first steam flow rate is greater than the second steam flow rate, and the first inner drum rotation speed is less than or equal to the second inner drum rotation speed.

3. The sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine according to claim 2, 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; 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.

4. The sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heating device is controlled to heat continuously during the first cleaning stage, and is controlled to heat intermittently during the second cleaning stage and the third cleaning stage.

5. The sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controlling the liquid level of the outer cylinder to reach the 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 drain the liquid; When the liquid level of the outer cylinder is lower than the second liquid level, controlling the liquid to be fed 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; Alternatively, when the liquid level in the outer cylinder is higher than a first liquid level, the outer cylinder is controlled to drain liquid to the first liquid level; and when the liquid level in the outer cylinder is lower than the first liquid level, the outer cylinder is controlled to fill liquid to the first liquid level.

6. The sterilization and cleaning method for 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 controlled to be replenished with liquid to the first liquid level.

7. The sterilization and cleaning method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 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.

8. A control device, characterized in that: It includes one or more processors and a non-transitory 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 to 7.

9. 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 7, or includes the control device described in claim 8.

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