Control method of washing equipment and washing equipment

By equiping water storage modules in the washing equipment and automatically controlling the flow direction of the washing water according to different situations, the problems of washing damage and resource waste during accidental shutdown are solved, and a green and environmentally friendly washing process is achieved.

CN120366989APending Publication Date: 2025-07-25QINGDAO HAIER WASHING ELECTRIC APPLIANCES CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410092213.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-23
Publication Date
2025-07-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During accidental shutdown of existing washing equipment, the washing materials may be soaked in high concentration detergents for a long time, resulting in damage or discoloration, and serious waste of water resources and detergents.

Method used

It provides a control method for washing equipment, equipped with a water storage module, which automatically executes the shutdown protection program in case of unexpected shutdown, collects or discharges the washing water to the water storage module, determines the water flow direction based on the washing stage, remaining time and water level, and continues to use after the equipment is restored.

Benefits of technology

It avoids detergent damage, reduces waste of water resources and detergents, improves user experience, and realizes a green and environmentally friendly washing process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides a washing equipment control method and washing equipment, the washing equipment comprises a water storage module, if the washing equipment accidentally shuts down in the washing process, a shutdown protection program is automatically executed, washing water in a washing cavity is discharged, or the washing water in the washing cavity is collected into the water storage module, and after the washing equipment continues to work, the shutdown protection program is automatically executed; the water in the water storage module is released into the washing cavity, and washing is continued. The washing machine is simple in structure and convenient to use, the washed objects are prevented from being soaked and damaged in the shutdown process, waste of water resources is reduced, repeated putting of washing agents is reduced, and the washing machine is more environmentally friendly.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and particularly relates to a control method for a washing device and a washing device. Background Art

[0002] During the washing process of washing devices such as washing machines and dishwashers, unexpected shutdowns may occur due to reasons such as malfunctions, water supply interruptions, power outages, etc. In such cases, some of the items to be washed may be immersed in the high-concentration detergent mixed water for a long time, resulting in problems such as damage to the items to be washed or discoloration of some positions, affecting the user experience.

[0003] A patent application with publication number CN115698413A discloses a washing machine, which includes:

[0004] A door lock device that switches the door to a locked state or an unlocked state;

[0005] An auxiliary drainage path having an auxiliary drainage valve for draining the remaining water in the drum;

[0006] A control unit that controls the door lock device and the auxiliary drainage valve;

[0007] A power storage unit that stores the power supplied from an external power source;

[0008] And an auxiliary power supply circuit that supplies the power of the power storage unit to the control unit, the door lock device, and the auxiliary drainage valve during a power outage.

[0009] Thus, the function of the control unit is ensured during a power outage, and the operation of the door lock device and the auxiliary drainage valve is ensured. Thus, the door can be opened during a power outage to take out the clothes in a state where the water has been drained to a certain extent.

[0010] However, with the above solution, once a power outage occurs, the water will be directly discharged, resulting in waste of water resources or detergents, and the repeatedly added detergents will also cause greater pollution to the environment.

[0011] In view of this, the present invention is specifically proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The main object of the present invention is to solve the above technical problems, and provide a control method for a washing device and a washing device, which store the washing water when an unexpected shutdown occurs and reuse it after the washing resumes.

[0013] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is:

[0014] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a washing device. The washing device includes a water storage module. If the washing device unexpectedly stops during the washing process, a shutdown protection program is automatically executed to drain the washing water in the washing cavity, or collect the washing water in the washing cavity into the water storage module. After the washing device resumes operation, the water in the water storage module is released into the washing cavity to continue the washing process.

[0015] Further, the flow direction of the washing water in the shutdown protection program is determined according to the washing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown.

[0016] Further, if the washing device is in the washing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown, the washing water is collected into the water storage module in the shutdown protection program;

[0017] If the washing device is in the rinsing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown, the washing water is drained in the shutdown protection program.

[0018] Further, the flow direction of the washing water in the shutdown protection program is determined according to the remaining time of the washing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown;

[0019] If the washing device is in the washing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown, when the remaining time is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the washing water is collected into the water storage module in the shutdown protection program, and when the remaining time is less than the first threshold, the washing water is drained in the shutdown protection program;

[0020] If the washing device is in the rinsing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown, when the remaining time is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the washing water is collected into the water storage module in the shutdown protection program, and when the remaining time is less than the second threshold, the washing water is drained in the shutdown protection program.

[0021] Further, it is determined whether to execute the shutdown protection program according to the water level in the washing cavity at the time of unexpected shutdown;

[0022] At the time of unexpected shutdown, if the water level in the washing cavity is higher than or equal to a preset water level, the shutdown protection program is executed. If the water level in the washing cavity is lower than the preset water level, the shutdown protection program is not executed.

[0023] Further, after a preset time has elapsed since the unexpected shutdown occurred, the shutdown protection program is executed, or it is determined whether to execute the shutdown protection program.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a washing device that adopts the control method for the washing device as described above.

[0025] Further, the washing device is provided with a drainage pump. The outlet of the drainage pump is switchably connected to the inlet of the water storage module and the drainage pipeline. The outlet of the water storage module is connected to the washing cavity through a water inlet pump.

[0026] Further, the water inlet of the water storage module is arranged at a higher position of the water storage module, and the water outlet of the water storage module is arranged at a lower position of the water storage module.

[0027] Further, the washing device is provided with an energy storage module. If an accidental shutdown is caused by a power failure, the energy storage module discharges externally to supply energy to support the washing device to execute a shutdown protection program.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0029] 1. The washing device provided by the present invention includes a water storage module. If the washing device accidentally shuts down during the washing process, the washing water in the washing cavity can be collected. After the washing device resumes operation, the collected washing water can be used to continue washing, which not only avoids damage to the objects to be washed caused by soaking during the shutdown process, reduces water resource waste, but also reduces the repeated dosing of detergents, making it more environmentally friendly.

[0030] 2. The control method of the washing device and the washing device provided by the present invention determine the flow direction of the washing water in the shutdown protection program according to factors such as the washing stage at which the accidental shutdown occurs, the remaining time of the washing stage, and the washing water level. The control is more reasonable, and users do not need to operate by themselves, eliminating the trouble of selection and providing a better experience.

[0031] 3. The control method of the washing device and the washing device provided by the present invention execute the shutdown protection program after a preset time has elapsed since the accidental shutdown occurred, rather than directly executing it after the accidental shutdown occurs. If the accident is lifted in advance, washing can be continued directly, avoiding repeated operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The drawings, as a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of the present invention are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments, and those of ordinary skill in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the washing device of the present invention.

[0034] Description of the reference numerals in the drawings:

[0035] 1. Washing device;

[0036] 2. Washing cavity;

[0037] 3. Water storage module;

[0038] 4. Drainage pump;

[0039] 5. Water inlet pump;

[0040] 6. Water inlet system.

[0041] It should be noted that these drawings and written descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of the present invention in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Specific embodiments

[0042] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer and more understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0043] [Embodiment 1]

[0044] This embodiment provides a control method for a washing device. In this control method, a shutdown protection program is preset in the control system of the washing device. Specifically, the washing device includes a water storage module. If the washing device stops operating unexpectedly during the washing process, the shutdown protection program will be automatically executed to separate the object to be washed from the washing water, avoiding damage to the object to be washed due to long-term immersion in the washing water with a high concentration of detergent.

[0045] Specifically, in the shutdown protection program, the washing device will discharge the washing water in the washing cavity, or collect the washing water in the washing cavity into the water storage module. After the washing device resumes operation, the water in the water storage module will be released into the washing cavity to continue washing.

[0046] Optionally, the water storage module can also be connected to the toilet tank, and all or part of the water stored therein is used to flush the toilet, playing a role in water conservation.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, after the shutdown protection program is executed, the door body of the washing device will be automatically unlocked, facilitating the user to promptly take out the object to be washed for manual processing or troubleshoot the washing device. Or, after an unexpected shutdown occurs, if the water level in the washing cavity meets the preset conditions, that is, the water level in the washing cavity is lower than the safety level and will not overflow from the door body of the washing device, the door body of the washing device will also be unlocked at this time.

[0048] [Embodiment 2]

[0049] In this embodiment, the flow direction of the washing water in the shutdown protection program is determined according to the washing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown.

[0050] Specifically, if the washing device is in the washing stage during an unexpected shutdown, at this time, the washing water contains a large amount of detergent. In the shutdown protection program, in this case, the washing water is collected into the water storage module and used for washing again after the washing device resumes operation, thus avoiding the reuse of detergent and saving water resources.

[0051] If the washing device is in the rinsing stage during an unexpected shutdown, the purpose of rinsing is to wash away the detergent attached to the object to be washed with clean water. Therefore, in the shutdown protection program, in this case, the washing water is directly discharged, and clean water is used for rinsing after the washing device resumes operation.

[0052] [Embodiment 3]

[0053] In this embodiment, the flow direction of the washing water in the shutdown protection program is determined according to the remaining time of the washing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown.

[0054] Specifically, if the washing device is in the washing stage during an unexpected shutdown, when the remaining time of the washing program is greater than or equal to the first threshold, it indicates that the running time of the washing program is not long, the object to be washed has not been washed sufficiently, and the detergent in the washing water has not fully exerted its effect. Therefore, in the shutdown protection program, in this case, it is preferably to collect the washing water into the water storage module and use the washing water for washing again after the washing device resumes operation; when the remaining time of the washing program is less than the first threshold, it indicates that the running time of the washing program is sufficient, the object to be washed has been washed sufficiently, and the remaining detergent in the washing water can no longer take full effect. Therefore, in the shutdown protection program, in this case, it is preferably to discharge the washing water and directly execute the next program after the washing device resumes operation, such as directly rinsing.

[0055] Furthermore, if the washing device is in the rinsing stage during an unexpected shutdown, when the remaining time is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it indicates that the running time of the rinsing program is not long, the rinsing is not sufficient, and the amount of detergent dissolved in the washing water is not much. Therefore, in the shutdown protection program, in this case, the washing water is collected into the water storage module and used for rinsing again after the washing device resumes operation. When the remaining time is less than the second threshold, it indicates that the running time of the washing program is sufficient, the object to be washed has been washed sufficiently, and the remaining detergent in the washing water can no longer take full effect. In the shutdown protection program, the washing water is discharged.

[0056] Among them, the first threshold or the second threshold can be a preset fixed value, or a ratio of the washing or rinsing time, preferably 80%-90% of the washing or rinsing time. Since the washing and rinsing times vary according to the washing program selected by the user and can also be set by the user himself, the first threshold or the second threshold can change according to the washing or rinsing time. For example, when the washing or rinsing time is short, the first threshold or the second threshold tends to be a preset fixed value to ensure at least the washing or rinsing effect when the time is the first threshold or the second threshold, while when the washing or rinsing time is long, the first threshold or the second threshold tends to be a ratio of the washing or rinsing time to improve the operating efficiency of the washing equipment and minimize the time wasted due to accidental shutdown.

[0057] [Embodiment 4]

[0058] In this embodiment, it is determined whether to execute the shutdown protection program according to the water level in the washing cavity at the time of accidental shutdown.

[0059] Specifically, at the time of accidental shutdown, if the water level in the washing cavity is higher than or equal to the preset water level, it means that the object to be washed is fully soaked in the washing water. In this case, the shutdown protection program is executed to prevent the object to be washed from being soaked; if the water level in the washing cavity is lower than the preset water level, it means that the object to be washed is not easily severely soaked, or it is in the water inlet stage at this time and the amount of water is not enough to soak the object to be washed. In this case, the shutdown protection program may not be executed, and the washing program can be directly continued after the washing equipment resumes operation. Of course, if the time of accidental shutdown is too long and exceeds the set value, the shutdown protection program is forcibly executed to prevent the object to be washed from breeding bacteria and generating odors in a humid and enclosed space for a long time.

[0060] [Embodiment 5]

[0061] In this embodiment, after a preset time has passed since the accidental shutdown occurred, the shutdown protection program is executed, or it is determined whether to execute the shutdown protection program.

[0062] In some cases, the situation of accidental shutdown may be very short, and the washing equipment can resume operation quickly. At this time, if the shutdown protection program is executed, it is very likely to cause waste of time or water resources. Therefore, a preset time is set. When an accidental shutdown occurs and the operation has not resumed within the preset time, the shutdown protection program will be executed, or it is determined whether to execute the shutdown protection program to avoid waste or ineffective operation of the shutdown protection program.

[0063] [Embodiment 6]

[0064] Such as Figure 1As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a washing device 1, which adopts the control method of the washing device 1 in the foregoing embodiment. Among them, the washing device 1 includes but is not limited to a washing machine, a shoe washing machine, a dishwasher, and the like.

[0065] Furthermore, the washing device 1 is provided with a drain pump 4 for draining the water in the washing cavity 2. The water outlet of the drain pump 4 is switchably connected to the water inlet of the water storage module 3 and the drain pipeline, and an electromagnetic three-way valve can be used to control the water path switching.

[0066] Furthermore, the water outlet of the water storage module 3 is connected to the washing cavity 2 through a water inlet pump 5. The washing water stored in the water storage module 3 is transferred into the washing cavity 2 through the water inlet pump 5. Among them, the water outlet of the water inlet pump 5 can be connected to the water inlet system 6 of the washing device 1, so as to reduce the opening of the washing cavity 2. Of course, opening a hole at any position of the washing cavity 2 to connect the water outlet of the washing pump is also an adaptable choice that those skilled in the art can make, and it is not limited here. At the same time, the water outlet can also be switchably connected to the water inlet of the drain pump 4 or the drain system of the washing device 1 to realize the direct discharge of the water in the water storage module 3.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the water inlet of the water storage module 3 is arranged at a higher position of the water storage module 3 to prevent the water inlet from being blocked, and the water outlet of the water storage module 3 is arranged at a lower position of the water storage module 3, so that the water in the water storage module 3 can be drained as much as possible to avoid residue.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the water storage module 3 can not only be used to store the used washing water, but also be used to store clean water during daily use to cope with possible water supply interruptions. The washing device 1 can automatically inject clean water into the water storage module 3 in the idle state. When a water supply interruption occurs, the clean water in the water storage module 3 can be used for washing or rinsing.

[0069] Furthermore, when the washing device 1 is washing, the clean water in the water storage module 3 can also be preferentially used, and after the washing is completed, clean water is re-injected into the water storage module 3 to make the water in the water storage module 3 be used and updated frequently, so as to avoid the growth of bacteria due to long-term water storage.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the water storage module 3 further includes an auxiliary water inlet, which is connected to the water inlet system 6 of the washing device 1 to directly inject clean water into the water storage module 3.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, a cleaning system is further provided in the water storage module 3. For example, a spraying module is provided at the auxiliary water inlet. After the water storage module 3 has stored washing water, the spraying module is activated to spray and clean the interior of the water storage module 3. This step can be set after the washing water stored in the water storage module 3 each time is emptied. The water for spraying and cleaning can flow into the washing chamber 2 together with the washing water under the drive of the water inlet pump 5 to participate in washing, or can be discharged.

[0072] Furthermore, the washing device 1 is provided with an energy storage module. If an accidental shutdown is caused by a power outage, the energy storage module discharges externally to supply energy to support the washing device 1 to execute the shutdown protection program.

[0073] Exemplarily, the energy storage module can be a storage battery, which stores electric energy under normal conditions. In the case of an accidental shutdown of the washing device 1 caused by a power outage, the storage battery operates to enable the washing device 1 to complete the execution of the shutdown protection program and, in some cases, the unlocking action of the door body.

[0074] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0075] 1. The washing device provided by the present invention includes a water storage module. If the washing device accidentally shuts down during the washing process, the washing water in the washing chamber can be collected. After the washing device resumes operation, the collected washing water can be used to continue washing, which not only avoids the damage of the objects to be washed being soaked during the shutdown process, but also reduces the waste of water resources, and at the same time reduces the repeated dosing of detergents, making it more environmentally friendly.

[0076] 2. The control method and the washing device provided by the present invention determine the flow direction of the washing water in the shutdown protection program according to factors such as the washing stage at which the accidental shutdown occurs, the remaining time of the washing stage, and the washing water level. The control is more reasonable, and the user does not need to operate by himself, eliminating the trouble of selection and providing a better experience.

[0077] 3. The control method and the washing device provided by the present invention execute the shutdown protection program after a preset time has elapsed since the accidental shutdown occurred, rather than directly executing it after the accidental shutdown occurs. If the accident is lifted in advance, washing can be continued directly, avoiding repeated operations.

[0078] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0079] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is 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 orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0080] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0081] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0082] As described above, similar technical solutions can be derived from the solution content given in combination with the drawings. Any simple modification, equivalent change, and modification made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the technical solution of the present invention still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a washing device, characterized in that: The washing device includes a water storage module. If the washing device stops unexpectedly during the washing process, a shutdown protection program is automatically executed to drain the washing water in the washing cavity, or collect the washing water in the washing cavity into the water storage module. After the washing device resumes operation, the water in the water storage module is released into the washing cavity to continue washing.

2. The control method of the washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Determine the flow direction of the washing water in the shutdown protection program according to the washing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown.

3. The control method of the washing device according to claim 2, wherein: If the washing device is in the washing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown, the washing water is collected into the water storage module in the shutdown protection program; If the washing device is in the rinsing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown, the washing water is drained in the shutdown protection program.

4. The control method of the washing device according to claim 2, wherein: Determine the flow direction of the washing water in the shutdown protection program according to the remaining time of the washing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown; If the washing device is in the washing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown, when the remaining time is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the washing water is collected into the water storage module in the shutdown protection program, and when the remaining time is less than the first threshold, the washing water is drained in the shutdown protection program; If the washing device is in the rinsing stage at the time of unexpected shutdown, when the remaining time is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the washing water is collected into the water storage module in the shutdown protection program, and when the remaining time is less than the second threshold, the washing water is drained in the shutdown protection program.

5. The control method of the washing device according to claim 1, wherein: Determine whether to execute the shutdown protection program according to the water level in the washing cavity at the time of unexpected shutdown; At the time of unexpected shutdown, if the water level in the washing cavity is higher than or equal to the preset water level, the shutdown protection program is executed, and if the water level in the washing cavity is lower than the preset water level, the shutdown protection program is not executed.

6. The control method of the washing device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: After a preset time has elapsed since the unexpected shutdown occurred, execute the shutdown protection program, or determine whether to execute the shutdown protection program.

7. A washing device, characterized in that: Adopt the control method of the washing device according to any one of claims 1-6.

8. The washing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The washing device is provided with a drainage pump, and the water outlet of the drainage pump is switchably connected to the water inlet of the water storage module and the drainage pipeline, and the water outlet of the water storage module is connected to the washing cavity through a water inlet pump.

9. The washing device according to claim 8, wherein: The water inlet of the water storage module is arranged at a higher position of the water storage module, and the water outlet of the water storage module is arranged at a lower position of the water storage module.

10. The washing device according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that: The washing device is provided with an energy storage module. If the unexpected shutdown is caused by a power failure, the energy storage module discharges externally to supply energy to support the washing device to execute the shutdown protection program.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Washing machine

    CN115698413A