Dish-washing machine control method and dish-washing machine

Abstract

The invention provides a dish-washing machine control method, the dish-washing machine comprises a storage mode, the dish-washing machine judges whether stored tableware is taken out during storage, and if yes, the dish-washing machine exits from the storage mode; and if not, continuing to execute the storage mode. When a user takes out all stored tableware in advance, the dish-washing machine automatically quits the storage mode, and energy is saved; when the user takes out part of the stored tableware in advance, the dish-washing machine normally executes the storage mode, and the use experience of the user is guaranteed. The invention further provides the dish-washing machine adopting the dish-washing machine control method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular, relates to a dishwasher control method and a dishwasher. Background Art

[0002] As people's living standards improve, their requirements for the quality of life also increase accordingly. Dishwashers have gradually entered thousands of households, becoming the second tool to liberate human hands after washing machines. Chinese families generally have small kitchens, and dishwashers themselves have the problem of being large in size. Therefore, it is not reasonable to take out the dishes after washing them in the dishwasher and then find a separate space for them.

[0003] Existing dishwashers are often equipped with a storage mode. The Chinese patent with application number 202222124615.8 provides a dishwasher with a tableware storage function. In the storage mode, the dishwasher monitors the humidity inside the dishwasher in real time through a humidity sensor. When the humidity is too high, the built-in hot air drying module of the dishwasher is activated to dry the internal space of the dishwasher to ensure that the tableware is always in a dry state. The tableware inside the dishwasher is disinfected at preset intervals. However, in the prior art, if the user takes out the stored tableware during the storage period, the dishwasher will still work according to the preset program within the corresponding time period, which will cause energy waste.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide a dishwasher control method, wherein the dishwasher exits a storage mode when it detects that all the stored dishes have been taken out during storage, thereby saving energy.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher using the above dishwasher control method.

[0007] In order to achieve the first invention objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A dishwasher control method includes a storage mode. During the storage period, the dishwasher determines whether all the stored dishes have been taken out. If so, the storage mode is exited; if not, the storage mode is continued.

[0009] Furthermore, the custody mode includes:

[0010] The dishwasher starts at least one of the sterilization, ventilation and cleaning functions according to the storage time.

[0011] Furthermore, the dishwasher is provided with a weight sensor, and the dishwasher determines whether the feedback information of the weight sensor is less than the initial storage weight. If so, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware is taken out; if not, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware is not taken out.

[0012] Furthermore, the dishwasher is provided with a first image acquisition module for identifying the position information of the tableware. The dishwasher compares the feedback information of the first image acquisition module with the initial position information of the storage. If there is a difference, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware has been taken out; if there is no difference, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware has not been taken out.

[0013] Furthermore, the dishwasher is provided with a second image acquisition module for identifying user information, and the dishwasher matches the user information with the storage information of the storage mode one by one.

[0014] Furthermore, the storage information includes storage time, tableware location information, and activation frequency of sterilization, ventilation, and cleaning functions.

[0015] Furthermore, when there is a difference between the feedback information of the first image acquisition module and the initial storage position information, but the user information does not match, the dishwasher reminds the current user and the custodial user.

[0016] Furthermore, when all the stored tableware are taken out and the user information matches, the dishwasher exits the storage mode corresponding to the current user information, and the storage modes corresponding to the remaining user information are executed normally.

[0017] In order to achieve the second invention objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0018] A dishwasher adopts the above dishwasher control method.

[0019] Further, it includes a first image acquisition module and a second image acquisition module;

[0020] The first image acquisition module is disposed in the inner tank of the dishwasher and is used to acquire the position information of the tableware;

[0021] The second image acquisition module is disposed on the dishwasher housing and is used to collect user information.

[0022] After adopting the above technical scheme, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0023] 1. When the user takes out all the stored tableware in advance, the dishwasher automatically exits the storage mode to save energy; when the user takes out part of the stored tableware in advance, the dishwasher normally executes the storage mode to ensure the user experience.

[0024] 2. The dishwasher of the present invention can identify the user's identity and match the storage information of the storage mode with the user's identity one by one. When the user takes out all the stored tableware, it will not affect the normal operation of the storage mode selected by other users.

[0025] 3. The dishwasher of the present invention can match the user identity with the location information of the tableware in the dishwasher one by one, thereby avoiding the situation of mistakenly taking tableware.

[0026] The specific implementation modes of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a dishwasher control method according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 4 is a flow chart of a dishwasher control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but are intended to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “inside” and “outside” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0034] Dishwashers in the prior art are often set with a storage mode, that is, users temporarily store tableware in the dishwasher. To avoid tableware from generating odor, the dishwasher regularly performs sterilization, ventilation, and cleaning functions, thereby ensuring the user's experience. However, if the user takes the tableware out of the dishwasher in advance, the dishwasher will still perform sterilization, ventilation, and cleaning functions in the corresponding time period according to the preset program, which will cause energy waste.

[0035] In view of this, if Figure 1-2 As shown, the present invention provides a dishwasher control method, the dishwasher includes a storage mode, when the user selects the storage mode, the dishwasher determines whether all the stored tableware has been taken out during the storage period, if so, exits the storage mode, if not, continues to execute the storage mode.

[0036] The storage mode includes the dishwasher timingly starting at least one of the sterilization, ventilation and cleaning functions according to the storage time.

[0037] For example, a user plans to go on a business trip for 5 days. To avoid odors from the dishes to be washed, the user puts the dishes to be washed into the dishwasher before leaving and selects the storage mode. The storage time is set to 5 days. Generally, within 5 days, the dishwasher will regularly start at least one of the sterilization, ventilation, and cleaning functions to ensure that the dishes are clean and odor-free. However, if the user returns early and takes the washed dishes out of the dishwasher, the present invention will determine whether all the dishes to be kept have been taken out. If so, the dishwasher exits the storage mode to save energy. If the user only takes out some of the dishes for use, at this time, to ensure that the remaining dishes to be kept in the dishwasher are clean and odor-free, the dishwasher will still execute the storage mode according to the preset program, that is, regularly start at least one of the sterilization, ventilation, and cleaning functions.

[0038] Embodiment 1

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the dishwasher is provided with a weight sensor. The dishwasher determines whether the feedback information of the weight sensor is less than the initial storage weight. If so, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware is taken out; if not, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware is not taken out.

[0040] When the user selects the storage mode, if all the dishes in the dishwasher are stored dishes and no ordinary washed dishes are placed, the dishwasher determines that the difference between the initial storage weight and the feedback information of the weight sensor is equal to the initial storage weight or the feedback information of the weight sensor is zero, and it determines that all the stored dishes have been taken out. At this time, the dishwasher exits the storage mode, and at least one of the sterilization, ventilation, and cleaning functions will no longer be performed by default in the subsequent corresponding time period.

[0041] If both stored tableware and ordinary washed tableware are placed in the dishwasher, in order to avoid confusing the stored tableware with the ordinary washed tableware, in this embodiment, the user needs to select a washing mode before placing the tableware. For example, the user selects an ordinary washing mode such as smart wash or strong wash, and the weight sensor records the current weight as the weight of the ordinary washed tableware. After the user places the ordinary washed tableware, he selects the storage mode again on the control panel of the dishwasher, and then puts the stored tableware into the dish rack of the dishwasher. At this time, the weight sensor records the newly added weight as the initial storage weight, thereby distinguishing the weight of the ordinary washed tableware from the stored tableware.

[0042] Specifically, when the user selects multiple washing modes, after selecting a washing mode and placing dishes in the dish rack, the dish rack is pushed back into the dishwasher tank, the dishwasher door is closed, and the user selects the next washing mode on the dishwasher control panel, then opens the dishwasher door again, pulls out the dish rack, and places dishes again. After the user places all dishes in the dish rack and closes the dishwasher door, the user executes the selected washing mode by pressing the "Start" button on the dishwasher control panel.

[0043] At the end of washing, when the user takes out the normally washed dishes, since the weight of the normally washed dishes and the weight of the stored dishes are distinguished, the dishwasher will not mistakenly judge that "the feedback information of the weight sensor is less than the initial storage weight", thereby ensuring the normal execution of the storage mode.

[0044] After the user takes out all the dishes for ordinary washing, the current feedback information of the weight sensor is the weight of the dishes being stored. If the feedback information of the weight sensor during the storage period is less than the initial storage weight, the dishwasher determines that the dishes being stored have been taken out. Furthermore, if the difference between the initial storage weight and the feedback information of the weight sensor is equal to the initial storage weight, the dishwasher determines that all the dishes being stored have been taken out and the dishwasher exits the storage mode.

[0045] Alternatively, considering that the current form of shared rental is relatively common, if the dishwasher is for public use, the first user selects the storage mode, and during the storage period, when the second user uses the dishwasher for ordinary washing, since in this embodiment, the first user first selects the storage mode, and then puts the stored tableware into the dishwasher, the feedback information of the weight sensor is the initial storage weight. When the second user uses the dishwasher, he first selects the smart washing mode that is judged by the dishwasher as ordinary washing, and then puts the tableware of ordinary washing into the inner tank of the dishwasher. At this time, the weight of the tableware of ordinary washing will not affect the previously recorded initial storage weight, that is, in this embodiment, each time the user selects a washing mode, the feedback information of the weight sensor is independent of each other. When the second user takes out the tableware of ordinary washing, the dishwasher will not misjudge that "the feedback information of the weight sensor is less than the initial storage weight". After the second user takes out his tableware completely, if the dishwasher determines that the feedback information of the weight sensor is less than the initial storage weight, it determines that the stored tableware has been taken out.

[0046] If both the first user and the second user select the storage mode, since the user needs to select the washing mode before placing the stored dishes, the dishwasher in this embodiment can distinguish the initial storage weight of the first user from the initial storage weight of the second user. When a user takes out the stored dishes in advance, if the weight of the weight sensor decreases and is the same as the initial storage weight of any user, the dishwasher determines that the stored dishes of the user have been taken out, stops executing the storage mode of the user, and executes the storage mode of other users normally.

[0047] Furthermore, when the dishwasher performs sterilization, ventilation, and cleaning functions during storage, specific washing parameters, such as the amount of detergent added, are determined based on the weight of all tableware currently in the dishwasher tank.

[0048] Embodiment 2

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the dishwasher is provided with a first image acquisition module for identifying the position information of tableware. The dishwasher compares the feedback information of the first image acquisition module with the initial storage position information. If there is a difference, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware has been taken out; if there is no difference, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware has not been taken out.

[0050] In the previous embodiment, when multiple users use the same dishwasher, if the first user takes out part of his or her stored tableware, and the second user takes out part of his or her stored tableware, and the sum of the weights taken out twice is exactly equal to the initial storage weight of any one of the users, the dishwasher will mistakenly determine that all of its stored tableware has been taken out, and stop executing its storage mode, and the user experience cannot be guaranteed.

[0051] In this embodiment, when multiple users use the same dishwasher or the same user uses multiple washing modes, the user first selects a washing mode before placing the dishes into the dishwasher, and then the first image acquisition module records the position information of the dishes under the current washing mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, the dishwasher can distinguish the positions of dishes corresponding to different washing modes or different users.

[0052] When the same user selects multiple washing modes, the user first selects a washing mode, then opens the dishwasher door and pulls out the dish rack to place the dishes. After the dishes corresponding to the current washing mode are placed, the user pushes the dish rack back into the dishwasher tank and closes the dishwasher door, selects the remaining washing modes on the dishwasher control panel again, then opens the dishwasher door again and pulls out the dish rack to place the remaining dishes. When all the dishes are placed, the user executes the selected washing mode through the "Start" button on the dishwasher control panel.

[0053] For example, when the user's cupboard space is limited, some dishes are washed in normal mode and put into the cupboard after washing, and other dishes are placed in the dishwasher storage mode. When placing dishes into the dishwasher, the first image acquisition module records the dishware position information corresponding to each washing mode, and records the dishware position information in the storage mode as the initial position information.

[0054] The dishwasher compares the feedback information of the first image acquisition module with the initial storage position information. If there is a difference, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware has been taken out. Furthermore, when the dishwasher determines that all the stored tableware has been taken out based on the feedback information of the first image acquisition module, the dishwasher exits the storage mode.

[0055] In this embodiment, the dishwasher is further provided with a second image acquisition module for identifying user information. When multiple users use the same dishwasher, the dishwasher matches the feedback information of the second image acquisition module with the washing mode selected by the user one by one.

[0056] If multiple users select the storage mode, the dishwasher will match the user information with the storage information of the storage mode one by one. The storage information includes the storage time, tableware location information, and the activation frequency of the sterilization, ventilation, and cleaning functions.

[0057] For example, when the first user and the second user both select the storage mode, the storage time of the first user is 7 days, and the activation frequency of the sterilization, ventilation, cleaning and other functions is every day. The second user uses the storage mode of the dishwasher during the storage time of the first user, and its storage mode is 3 days. The activation frequency of its sterilization, ventilation, cleaning and other functions is also every day. At this time, in order to save energy, the dishwasher can coordinate the activation time of the sterilization and other functions of the first user with the activation time of the sterilization and other functions of the second user, and the sterilization, ventilation, cleaning and other functions only need to be activated once a day.

[0058] Preferably, when the dishwasher performs sterilization, ventilation and cleaning functions, specific washing parameters, such as the amount of detergent added, are determined according to the weight of all tableware currently in the inner tank of the dishwasher.

[0059] If both the first user and the second user select the storage mode, in this embodiment, the tableware position information is identified by the first image acquisition module, and the user information is identified by the second image acquisition module. Therefore, this embodiment can distinguish the initial storage position information of the first user and the second user. When the first user partially takes out his stored tableware, the storage mode selected by the first user is executed normally. When the second user partially takes out his stored tableware, the storage mode selected by the second user is executed normally. Even if the weight of the stored tableware taken out by the first user and the second user is the same as the initial storage weight of any user, this embodiment will not make a misjudgment. Since the stored tableware of the first user and the second user are not completely taken out, the washing mode selected by the first user and the washing mode selected by the second user are both executed normally. When the stored tableware of the first user is completely taken out, the dishwasher exits the storage mode of the first user according to the feedback information of the first image acquisition module. When the stored tableware of the second user is completely taken out, the dishwasher exits the storage mode of the second user according to the feedback information of the first image acquisition module.

[0060] Furthermore, since the first image acquisition module can collect tableware location information and the second image acquisition module collects user information, when other users take the wrong tableware, that is, the user information fed back by the second image acquisition module does not correspond to the tableware location information fed back by the first image acquisition module, the dishwasher reminds the current user and the custodian. The dishwasher can remind the current user by making a buzzer sound, and the dishwasher can remind the custodian by sending a prompt message to the custodian user's mobile phone.

[0061] Furthermore, considering that the custodian user may feel uncomfortable after receiving the wrongly taken information of the dishwasher, in this embodiment, after receiving the wrongly taken information of the dishwasher, the custodian user can choose to clean immediately or increase the activation frequency of ventilation, sterilization, cleaning and other functions during the storage time on the APP interface corresponding to the dishwasher on his mobile phone. When the custodian user chooses to clean immediately, the dishwasher will clean the dishes after the current user closes the dishwasher door.

[0062] Therefore, in this embodiment, when and only when all the stored tableware are taken out and the user information fed back by the second image acquisition module corresponds to the tableware position information fed back by the first image acquisition module, that is, when the user information matches, the dishwasher exits the storage mode corresponding to the current user information, and the storage modes corresponding to the remaining user information are executed normally.

[0063] The present invention also provides a dishwasher using the above dishwasher control method, the dishwasher comprising a storage mode, that is, a mode for regularly starting at least one of the sterilization, ventilation and cleaning functions within the storage time.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher is provided with a weight sensor to determine whether the stored tableware is taken out.

[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, the dishwasher is provided with a first image acquisition module and a second image acquisition module, wherein the first image acquisition module is arranged in the inner tank of the dishwasher to collect the position information of the tableware, and the second image acquisition module is arranged in the housing of the dishwasher to collect the user information. In this embodiment, when the feedback information of the first image acquisition module and the second image acquisition module corresponds, the dishwasher determines that the kept tableware has been taken out, otherwise, the dishwasher reminds the current user and the custodian user to avoid wrong taking of the tableware, and the user's experience cannot be guaranteed.

[0066] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes by using the technical content suggested above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. The implementation scheme in the above embodiment can also be further combined or replaced. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiment based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still falls within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dishwasher control method, characterized in that: The dishwasher includes a storage mode. During the storage period, the dishwasher determines whether all the stored dishes have been taken out. If so, the dishwasher exits the storage mode; if not, the dishwasher continues to execute the storage mode.

2. A dishwasher control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The custody modes include: The dishwasher starts at least one of the sterilization, ventilation and cleaning functions according to the storage time.

3. A dishwasher control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dishwasher is provided with a weight sensor, and the dishwasher determines whether the feedback information of the weight sensor is less than the initial storage weight. If so, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware is taken out; if not, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware is not taken out.

4. A dishwasher control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dishwasher is provided with a first image acquisition module for identifying the position information of tableware. The dishwasher compares the feedback information of the first image acquisition module with the initial storage position information. If there is a difference, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware is taken out; If there is no difference, the dishwasher determines that the stored tableware has not been taken out.

5. A dishwasher control method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The dishwasher is provided with a second image acquisition module for identifying user information, and the dishwasher makes a one-to-one correspondence between the user information and the storage information of the storage mode.

6. A dishwasher control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The storage information includes storage time, tableware location information, and activation frequency of sterilization, ventilation, and cleaning functions.

7. A dishwasher control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: When there is a difference between the feedback information of the first image acquisition module and the initial storage position information, but the user information does not match, the dishwasher reminds the current user and the custodial user.

8. A dishwasher control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: When all the stored tableware is taken out and the user information matches, the dishwasher exits the storage mode corresponding to the current user information, and the storage modes corresponding to the remaining user information are executed normally.

9. A dishwasher, characterized in that: A dishwasher control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is adopted.

10. A dishwasher according to claim 9, characterized in that: It includes a first image acquisition module and a second image acquisition module; The first image acquisition module is disposed in the inner tank of the dishwasher and is used to acquire the position information of the tableware; The second image acquisition module is disposed on the dishwasher housing and is used to collect user information.

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