Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of washing equipment, and discloses a washing machine and a control method thereof. The washing machine comprises a pressure sensing module which is used for obtaining pressure values at least before washing water feeding and at the final dehydration stage; the main control module is in communication connection with the pressure sensing module, the initial mass M1 of the clothes is determined according to the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module before washing water is fed, the moisture content X of the clothes is determined according to the initial mass M1 of the clothes and the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module in the final dehydration stage, and in the final dehydration stage, the moisture content X of the clothes is calculated according to the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module. The main control module judges that the water content X is smaller than or equal to the preset water content Y, and the final dehydration stage is controlled to be finished. According to the method, the water content of the clothes can be obtained in the final dehydration stage, then the ending time of the final dehydration stage is controlled, and the clothes under different conditions can achieve the basically consistent dehydration effect without setting complex parameters such as spin-drying time and spin-drying rotating speed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In existing washing machines, the spin-drying process is controlled by the default settings of the washing machine. Users can select the speed level and spin time of the washing tub to control the spin-drying process. When the spin time is up, the washing tub will stop rotating. However, different clothes require different spin times and spin speeds, and users need to adjust the relevant parameters to achieve the desired effect. Adjusting the speed and spin time is not something that users can accurately control. The existing technology does not have a fixed and relatively simple method to allow users to obtain the desired spin-drying effect in the spin-drying process.

[0003] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a washing machine and a control method thereof, the purpose of which is to accurately control the clothes in the washing tub that have been finally dehydrated to reach an appropriate moisture content.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0006] The present invention provides a washing machine, comprising:

[0007] Pressure sensing module: obtains pressure values at least before washing water enters and during the final dehydration stage;

[0008] Main control module: Communicates with the pressure sensing module, determines the initial mass M1 of the clothes based on the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module before the washing water enters the washing machine, determines the moisture content X of the clothes based on the initial mass M1 of the clothes and the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module in the final dehydration stage, and in the final dehydration stage, the main control module determines that the moisture content X is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, and controls the end of the final dehydration stage.

[0009] Furthermore, the washing machine further comprises a control module, which is communicatively connected to the main control module;

[0010] The main control module receives the user operation information transmitted by the control module and determines the value of the preset moisture content Y.

[0011] Furthermore, the washing machine further comprises a washing tub drive module, which is communicatively connected to the main control module;

[0012] The main control module controls the output rotation speed of the washing tub driving module according to the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module before the start of the final dehydration stage.

[0013] A control method for a washing machine using any one of the above methods is also provided, wherein the main control module receives the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module in real time during the final dehydration stage, and calculates the real-time moisture content X of the clothes during the final dehydration stage. When the real-time moisture content X is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, the final dehydration stage is ended.

[0014] Furthermore, the main control module determines the real-time weight M3 of the clothes in the final dehydration stage according to the pressure value obtained in real time in the final dehydration stage, and then combines the initial weight M1 of the clothes according to the formula:

[0015] (M3-M1) / M1=X is used to calculate the real-time moisture content X of the clothes in the final dehydration stage.

[0016] Furthermore, the main control module receives user operation information sent by the control module, analyzes the user operation information, and obtains the value of the preset moisture content Y set by the user.

[0017] Furthermore, during the dehydration process, the main control module determines whether the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module is greater than the pressure critical value P1. If it is not greater than the pressure critical value P1, it continues to run until the moisture content X calculated by the main control module is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, ending the final dehydration stage.

[0018] Furthermore, the pressure sensing module includes a plurality of pressure sensors. When the pressure values detected by the various pressure sensors are not greater than the critical pressure value P1, the main control module controls the washing tub to continue operating until the final dehydration stage ends.

[0019] Furthermore, if it is determined that the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module is greater than the pressure critical value P1, it is determined whether the current speed of the washing tub reaches the preset speed V1. If the current speed does not reach the preset speed V1, the washing tub is controlled to continue running at the current speed; if the current speed reaches the preset speed V1, the clothing evenly distributing operation is performed.

[0020] Furthermore, the main control module receives a pressure value P sent by the pressure sensing module before the final dehydration stage begins, and determines a value of the preset rotation speed V1 according to the pressure value P and the preset moisture content Y.

[0021] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0022] 1. Users do not need to frequently adjust the spin speed and spin time to achieve the desired drying effect. They only need to select different moisture content of clothes according to the weather and drying time to achieve the expected drying effect.

[0023] 2. When the moisture content of the clothes after drying reaches the preset moisture content, the washing machine will automatically stop running and complete the washing process, which can more flexibly and accurately control the washing time and greatly save the user's washing time;

[0024] 3. When the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor during the dehydration stage is greater than the critical pressure value, the speed of the washing tub is controlled to prevent the tub from crashing.

[0025] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] 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 undue limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without inventive effort. In the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 It is a schematic flow diagram of the spin-drying process of the present invention.

[0028] 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 rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] 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.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; and direct or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] The present invention provides a washing machine, comprising:

[0033] Pressure sensing module: obtains pressure values at least before washing water enters and during the final dehydration stage;

[0034] Main control module: Communicates with the pressure sensing module, determines the initial mass M1 of the clothes based on the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module before the washing water enters the washing machine, determines the moisture content X of the clothes based on the initial mass M1 of the clothes and the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module in the final dehydration stage, and in the final dehydration stage, the main control module determines that the moisture content X is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, and controls the end of the final dehydration stage.

[0035] Specifically, during the final spin stage of the washing machine, the user typically pre-sets the desired spin time and speed setting to spin the clothes in the washing tub. The washing machine of the present invention includes a pressure sensing module that senses the weight of the clothes in the washing tub. This module detects the pressure generated by the clothes in the tub, at least before the water is added to the washing machine, and detects the pressure of the clothes before the washing process begins, as well as the pressure that continuously changes during the final spin stage. The main control module receives the pressure values transmitted by the pressure sensing module and calculates the mass of the clothes in the washing tub based on the received pressure values.

[0036] The user places clothes into the washing tub and starts the wash cycle. The washing machine acquires pressure before entering the wash cycle. The main control module receives the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module before the wash cycle begins, calculates the initial mass M1 of the dry clothes in the tub, and records it. When the washing machine reaches the final spin cycle, the pressure sensing module continuously acquires pressure values in real time. The main control module determines the real-time mass M3 of the clothes in the washing tub during the spin cycle based on the pressure values transmitted by the pressure sensing module. Combined with the initial mass M1, the main control module calculates the moisture content X of the clothes. The moisture content X calculated by the main control module is then compared with the preset moisture content Y set by the user. If the moisture content X calculated by the main control module is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, the user's requirements have been met and the machine stops, completing the final spin cycle.

[0037] The washing machine further includes a control module, which is communicatively connected to the main control module;

[0038] The main control module receives the user operation information transmitted by the control module and determines the value of the preset moisture content Y.

[0039] Specifically, the washing machine is further provided with a control module, which can be a display screen or a knob button on the washing machine, where the user can set the desired moisture content of the clothes after spinning. After receiving the user's operation information, the control module sends the operation information to the main control module for analysis. The main control module interprets the user's operation information as a preset moisture content Y and stores the preset moisture content Y.

[0040] The main control module receives user operation information sent by the control module, analyzes the user operation information, and obtains the value of the preset moisture content Y set by the user. The user enters the command to set the preset moisture content Y into the control module of the washing machine. The control module can be a display screen or a button knob on the washing machine. After the user enters the desired moisture content of the clothes into the control module, the control module sends the user's input operation information to the main control module for analysis. The main control module stores the preset moisture content Y obtained after analysis and uses it to compare with the actual moisture content X calculated by the main control module when the washing process enters the final dehydration stage, thereby controlling the operation of the dehydration stage of the washing machine.

[0041] As a specific embodiment, the preset moisture content Y can be set to two levels: normal and drying. The preset moisture content for the normal level ranges from 40% to 120%, while the preset moisture content for the drying level ranges from 40% to 80%. After selecting a level, the user can set the specific value of the preset moisture content Y based on the desired moisture content of the clothes. If the user does not make further settings, the default value of the preset moisture content Y is 40%. The washing machine will stop operating when the moisture content X calculated in the final spin stage is less than or equal to 40%.

[0042] The washing machine further includes a washing tub drive module, which is communicatively connected to the main control module;

[0043] The main control module controls the output rotation speed of the washing tub driving module according to the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module before the start of the final dehydration stage.

[0044] Specifically, the washing machine needs to control and drive the washing tub to rotate, and is further provided with a washing tub driving module for receiving a signal transmitted by the main control module to drive the washing tub to perform corresponding operations.

[0045] As a specific embodiment, the washing tub driving module at least includes a driving motor transmission-connected to the washing tub.

[0046] The main control module receives the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module immediately before the start of the final spin stage, i.e., the weight of the unspun laundry in the washing tub at the completion of the washing stage and the start of the spin stage. Based on the calculated weight of the unspun laundry and a preset moisture content Y set by the user, the main control module determines the output speed to be maintained by the washing tub during the final spin stage, which is recorded as the preset speed V1.

[0047] Before the final spin stage begins, the laundry in the washing tub has been washed and the wash water has been drained. The pressure sensing module then detects the pressure of the laundry in the tub and transmits the detected pressure value to the main control module, which then calculates the weight M2 of the laundry after washing. The main control module then calculates a preset rotational speed V1 based on the calculated weight M2 and the user-preset moisture content Y. After the final spin stage begins, the main control module controls the washing tub drive module to gradually increase the rotational speed of the washing tub according to a preset spin curve until it reaches the preset rotational speed V1. The speed then remains at the preset rotational speed V1 until the final spin stage is complete.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the pressure sensing module includes multiple pressure sensors mounted on the bottom of the washing machine at the adjustment screw position. During the final spin cycle, the pressure sensors detect the pressure transmitted by the washing tub in real time. The main control module compares the received real-time pressure value with a stored pressure threshold value P1. If the detected pressure value is less than or equal to the pressure threshold value, the washing tub is controlled to continue accelerating until it reaches a calculated preset speed V1. If the detected pressure value is greater than the pressure threshold value, it indicates that the clothes in the washing tub are eccentric, resulting in significant shaking. At this time, a determination is made as to whether the current speed has reached V1. If not, the washing tub is controlled to stop accelerating and operate at the current speed. If the speed has reached V1, the washing tub is controlled to slow down and some water is introduced into the washing tub to redistribute the clothes in the washing tub, achieving an even distribution. The washing tub is then controlled to accelerate again when the pressure value detected by the pressure sensing module is no greater than the pressure threshold value P1. During this acceleration process, the pressure sensing module continuously acquires pressure values to ensure that the washing tub can respond appropriately if eccentricity recurs.

[0049] This embodiment also provides a control method for a washing machine, which uses the above-mentioned washing machine. The main control module obtains the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensor module, calculates the moisture content of the clothes in the washing tub, and determines whether the dehydration stage is completed based on the moisture content.

[0050] The main control module receives the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module in real time during the final dehydration stage, and calculates the real-time moisture content X of the clothes during the final dehydration stage. When the real-time moisture content X is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, the final dehydration stage is ended.

[0051] Specifically, the pressure sensing module records the continuously changing pressure values during the final spin stage. The main control module acquires the continuously changing pressure values detected by the pressure sensing module and calculates the real-time moisture content X of the clothes in the washing tub during the final spin stage based on the acquired pressure values and the dry laundry weight M1 calculated before the washing water enters the washing tub. The real-time moisture content X is compared with a preset moisture content Y set by the user. When the moisture content X calculated by the main control module is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, the main control module controls the washing tub drive module to stop operation, completing the spin stage and ending the washing process.

[0052] The main control module determines the real-time changing weight M3 of the clothes in the final dehydration stage based on the pressure value obtained in real time in the final dehydration stage, and then calculates the real-time moisture content X of the clothes in the final dehydration stage according to the formula: (M3-M1) / M1=X in combination with the initial weight M1 of the clothes.

[0053] Specifically, when calculating the real-time moisture content X of the laundry in the washing tub during the dehydration phase, the pressure value obtained by the main control module from the pressure sensing module during the dehydration phase is used to calculate the weight M3 of the wet laundry, which changes in real time during the final dehydration phase. The wet laundry weight M3 and the dry laundry weight M1 are then substituted into the formula (M3-M1) / M1=X for calculation. The moisture content of the laundry is obtained by subtracting the dry laundry weight M1 from the wet laundry weight M3. The ratio of the moisture content to the dry laundry weight is then calculated to determine the actual moisture content of the laundry in the washing tub. When the moisture content X is less than or equal to the preset moisture content set by the user, it indicates that the laundry has been dried to the user's specifications, and the washing machine can be stopped.

[0054] During the dehydration process, the main control module determines whether the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module is greater than the pressure critical value P1. If it is not greater than the pressure critical value P1, the main control module continues to run until the moisture content X calculated by the main control module is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, ending the final dehydration stage.

[0055] Specifically, the pressure threshold P1 is a standard value used to determine whether the laundry in the washing tub has excessive eccentricity. The main control module stores this pressure threshold P1, receives the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module during the final spin cycle, compares the received pressure value with the stored pressure threshold P1, and determines whether the pressure value received from the pressure sensing module is greater than the stored pressure threshold P1.

[0056] If the pressure value received from the pressure sensing module is determined to be less than the stored pressure threshold P1, the distribution of the laundry within the tub is within a controllable range. The main control module then continues to receive pressure values transmitted by the pressure sensing module and compares the calculated moisture content X with the preset moisture content Y. When the calculated moisture content X is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, the main control module stops the tub drive module, ending the dehydration phase. If the pressure value received from the pressure sensing module is determined to be greater than the stored pressure threshold P1, the eccentricity of the tub at the current speed is too large, resulting in uneven distribution of the laundry within the tub and reduced dehydration efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether the current tub speed has reached the preset speed V1 in the event of excessive eccentricity. The main control module then issues appropriate instructions to correct the situation.

[0057] In a further solution, the pressure sensing module includes several pressure sensors. When the pressure value detected by any pressure sensor is not greater than the pressure critical value P1, the main control module controls the washing tub to continue operating until the final dehydration stage ends.

[0058] Specifically, the pressure sensor, located on the bottom of the washing machine near the adjustment bolt, transmits the machine's weight information to the microcontroller via the pressure sensor to accurately calculate the moisture content and detect uneven distribution of clothing within the washing tub. If uneven distribution occurs, the sensor sends a signal to the main control module, which then controls the washing tub to perform corresponding operations to improve the uneven distribution of clothing.

[0059] In a specific embodiment, four pressure sensors are evenly distributed across the bottom of the washing machine. When the pressure detected by any of these pressure sensors exceeds a preset threshold pressure value P1, the pressure sensing module sends a signal to the main control module, alerting it to uneven distribution of clothing within the washing tub, resulting in excessive eccentricity during the tub's rotation. Upon receiving the signal from the pressure sensing module, the main control module then determines the current speed of the washing tub drive module and determines whether this speed has reached the preset speed V1.

[0060] If it is determined that the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module is greater than the pressure critical value P1, it is determined whether the current speed of the washing tub has reached the preset speed V1. If the current speed has not reached the preset speed V1, the washing tub is controlled to continue running at the current speed; if the current speed has reached the preset speed V1, the clothes evenly distributing operation is performed.

[0061] Specifically, if the main control module receives information that the current speed of the washing tub does not reach the preset speed V1, the main control module controls the washing tub drive module to stop accelerating and maintain the speed of the washing tub at the current speed to carry out the dehydration process of the clothes. At this time, although the washing tub will be eccentric, causing the shaking amplitude to increase, the shaking amplitude will not increase further because it is kept running at the current speed, and the washing tub will not hit the barrel. Therefore, it can maintain operation at the current speed until the calculated moisture content X of the clothes reaches the preset moisture content Y, and the dehydration stage ends at this time.

[0062] If the main control module receives information that the current speed of the washing tub has reached the preset speed V1, it controls the washing machine to allow a small amount of water to enter the washing tub and control the washing tub to reduce its speed, thereby redistributing the clothes in the washing tub and achieving a uniform distribution. The pressure sensing module continuously sends the detected pressure value to the main control module. When the detected pressure value no longer exceeds the preset pressure threshold, the washing tub is controlled to speed up again. During the speed increase, the pressure value is obtained and the speed of the washing tub is controlled accordingly. If there is no eccentricity, the speed is gradually increased to the preset speed V1. The operation is continued until the calculated moisture content X reaches the preset moisture content Y, ending the dehydration process.

[0063] The main control module receives the pressure value P sent by the pressure sensing module before the final dehydration stage begins, and determines the value of the preset rotation speed V1 according to the pressure value P and the preset moisture content Y.

[0064] Specifically, after the wash cycle ends and before the spin cycle begins, the pressure sensing module detects pressure in the washing tub and transmits this pressure value to the main control module, which calculates the laundry weight M2. The laundry weight M2 represents the total weight of the laundry after washing and containing a significant amount of water. The desired spin speed for this spin cycle is determined based on the laundry weight M2 and the user-set preset moisture content Y. The higher the calculated laundry weight M2, the higher the preset spin speed V1. Similarly, the lower the user-set preset moisture content, the higher the preset spin speed V1.

[0065] However, the washing tub's rotational speed has an upper limit. When the laundry weight M2 or the user-set preset moisture content Y exceeds a certain value, the preset rotational speed V1 remains at the upper limit and will not increase further. Furthermore, the pressure sensing module continuously transmits the pressure value in the washing tub during the spin phase to the main control module, which calculates the pressure value as the moisture content of the laundry in the washing tub. Users do not need to set a timer. When the moisture content is less than or equal to the user-set moisture content, the main control module controls the washing tub drive module to stop, completing the spin phase and ending the washing process.

[0066] This embodiment provides a method for controlling a washing machine. When using the washing machine, the user does not need to set the spin time and speed. Instead, the user simply places the laundry into the washing tub and sets the desired moisture content for the laundry. The washing machine automatically calculates the speed of the washing tub during the spin cycle. The system also continuously monitors the moisture content of the laundry within the tub. When the moisture content reaches the user's preset value, the washing process automatically stops. This ensures accurate drying of laundry at the user's preset moisture content, and also stops the machine when the user's desired moisture content is reached. This method not only meets user needs but also saves time and enhances the user experience.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make slight changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments using the above technical content without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that: include: Pressure sensing module: obtains pressure values at least before washing water enters and during the final dehydration stage; Main control module: Communicates with the pressure sensing module, determines the initial mass M1 of the clothes based on the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module before the washing water enters the washing machine, determines the moisture content X of the clothes based on the initial mass M1 of the clothes and the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module in the final dehydration stage, and in the final dehydration stage, the main control module determines that the moisture content X is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, and controls the end of the final dehydration stage.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein It also includes a control module, which is in communication with the main control module; The main control module receives the user operation information transmitted by the control module and determines the value of the preset moisture content Y.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a washing tub drive module, which is communicatively connected to the main control module; The main control module controls the output rotation speed of the washing tub driving module according to the pressure value obtained by the pressure sensing module before the start of the final dehydration stage.

4. A control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The main control module receives the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module in real time during the final dehydration stage, and calculates the real-time moisture content X of the clothes during the final dehydration stage. When the real-time moisture content X is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, the final dehydration stage is ended.

5. A method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The main control module determines the real-time changing weight M3 of the clothes in the final dehydration stage based on the pressure value obtained in real time in the final dehydration stage, and then calculates the real-time moisture content X of the clothes in the final dehydration stage according to the formula: (M3-M1) / M1=X in combination with the initial weight M1 of the clothes.

6. The control method of a washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The main control module receives the user operation information sent by the control module, analyzes the user operation information, and obtains the value of the preset moisture content Y set by the user.

7. The control method of a washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: During the dehydration process, the main control module determines whether the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module is greater than the pressure critical value P1. If it is not greater than the pressure critical value P1, the main control module continues to run until the moisture content X calculated by the main control module is less than or equal to the preset moisture content Y, ending the final dehydration stage.

8. The control method of a washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pressure sensing module includes a plurality of pressure sensors. When the pressure values detected by the various pressure sensors are not greater than the critical pressure value P1, the main control module controls the washing tub to continue operating until the final dehydration stage is completed.

9. A method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: If it is determined that the pressure value transmitted by the pressure sensing module is greater than the pressure critical value P1, it is determined whether the current speed of the washing tub reaches the preset speed V1. If the current speed does not reach the preset speed V1, the washing tub is controlled to continue running at the current speed; if the current speed reaches the preset speed V1, the clothes evenly distributing operation is performed.

10. The control method of a washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The main control module receives the pressure value P sent by the pressure sensing module before the final dehydration stage begins, and determines the value of the preset rotation speed V1 according to the pressure value P and the preset moisture content Y.

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