Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine and a control method thereof.The washing machine comprises an inner barrel, a circulating assembly and a degerming device, the circulating assembly comprises a circulating pump and a circulating pipeline, an inlet and an outlet of the circulating pipeline are connected to the inner barrel, the circulating pump is used for driving water flow to circularly flow in the inner barrel and the circulating pipeline, and the degerming device is connected to the circulating pipeline; the degerming device is used for generating bacteriostatic molecules and mixing the bacteriostatic molecules with the water flow; the washing machine control method comprises the steps of obtaining a current program type of a washing machine; and determining the starting stage and the starting duration of the sterilization device according to the current program type. The sterilizing device is arranged at the circulating pipeline of the circulating assembly, ions with a sterilizing effect can fully permeate into clothes under the action of circulating water flow, so that the sterilizing effect on the clothes is improved, the starting duration of the sterilizing device adapts to the program type, not all programs are started all the time, and the sterilizing effect is improved. The sterilization effect and the energy and electricity conservation can be considered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of washing machine technology, and in particular relates to a washing machine and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] As one of the most frequently used household appliances, washing machines' basic washing performance is no longer sufficient to meet users' needs, and users are increasingly concerned about the sterilization effect of washing machines. Among related technologies, UV lamps are used for sterilization, but these lamps can only be installed above the door seal, which is too far from the clothes, resulting in less than ideal sterilization effects. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a washing machine and its control method, which can improve the sterilization effect by combining the action of circulating water flow and sterilization device.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a control method for a washing machine. The washing machine includes an inner drum, a circulation assembly, and a sterilization device. The circulation assembly includes a circulation pump and a circulation pipeline. The inlet and outlet of the circulation pipeline are both connected to the inner drum. The circulation pump drives water to circulate in the inner drum and the circulation pipeline. The sterilization device is connected to the circulation pipeline and generates antibacterial molecules that mix with the water flow. The control method for the washing machine includes: Obtain the current program type of the washing machine; The activation stage and duration of the sterilization device are determined based on the current program type.

[0005] Optionally, determining the activation stage and duration of the sterilization device based on the current program type includes: If the current program type is a washing program, then obtain the type of clothing in the inner drum; The duration of the circulation pump during the main washing stage and the proportion of the duration of the sterilization device to the duration of the circulation pump's operation are determined based on the type of clothing. The operating time of the sterilization device is calculated based on the running time of the circulating pump and the ratio.

[0006] Optionally, calculating the operating time of the sterilization device based on the running time of the circulating pump and the ratio includes: If the type of clothing is cotton and linen, then the running time of the circulation pump during the main washing stage is determined as the first running time, and the ratio of the operating time of the sterilization device to the running time of the circulation pump is determined as the first ratio. The product of the first running time and the first ratio is calculated to obtain the first operating time of the sterilization device during the main washing stage.

[0007] Optionally, the step of calculating the operating time of the sterilization device based on the running time of the circulating pump and the ratio further includes: If the type of clothing is mixed, the running time of the circulation pump during the main washing stage is determined to be the second running time, and the ratio of the operating time of the sterilization device to the running time of the circulation pump is determined to be the second ratio. The product of the second running time and the second ratio is calculated to obtain the second operating time of the sterilization device during the main washing stage.

[0008] Optionally, if the current program type is a washing program, after obtaining the type of clothes in the inner drum, the control method further includes: If the garment is down, then the sterilization device is set to operate for a preset duration during the final rinse.

[0009] Optionally, if the current program type is a washing program, after obtaining the type of clothes in the inner drum, the control method further includes: If the garment is wool or silk, then the sterilization device is turned off during each washing stage.

[0010] Optionally, determining the activation stage and duration of the sterilization device based on the current program type further includes: If the current program type is a self-cleaning program, then water is introduced into the inner cylinder to the set water level; Start the circulation pump and the sterilization device; After setting the time, first turn off the circulation pump, then turn off the sterilization device.

[0011] Optionally, the washing machine further includes a microbubble generator connected to the circulation pipeline. The microbubble generator is used to mix air and water to generate microbubbles. The control method further includes: When the sterilization device is started, the microbubble generator is started simultaneously, and the microbubble generator and the sterilization device are operated synchronously.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a washing machine, comprising: The inner tube is used to hold clothing; A circulation assembly includes a circulation pump and a circulation pipeline, wherein the inlet and outlet of the circulation pipeline are both connected to the inner cylinder, and the circulation pump is used to drive water flow in the inner cylinder and the circulation pipeline; A sterilization device is connected to the circulation pipeline, and the sterilization device is used to generate antibacterial molecules and mix them with the water flow; A processor is electrically connected to both the circulation pump and the sterilization device, and the processor is used to execute the control method of the washing machine as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0013] Optionally, the washing machine further includes: A microbubble generator includes a venturi tube and a chamber. The inlet and outlet of the venturi tube are both connected to the circulation pipeline. The venturi tube also has an air intake port. The chamber is connected to the venturi tube through the air intake port. The sterilization device is disposed in the chamber.

[0014] In the washing machine and control method provided in this application embodiment, a sterilization device is set in the circulation pipe of the circulation component. Under the action of the circulating water flow, ions with sterilization effect can fully penetrate into the clothes, thereby improving the sterilization effect on the clothes. In addition, the opening time of the sterilization device is adapted to the program type, rather than being turned on all programs, so as to balance the sterilization effect and energy saving. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a first flowchart illustrating the control method for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a second flowchart illustrating the control method for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a third flowchart illustrating the control method for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the microbubble generator in a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 A structural block diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] To improve the sterilization effect on clothing, this application provides a washing machine and its control method, which will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] The washing machine can be either a front-loading or top-loading model. This application uses a front-loading washing machine as an example for illustration, and should not be construed as a limitation on the type of washing machine. The washing machine includes an inner drum, a circulation assembly, and a sterilization device. The inner drum holds the clothes. The washing machine may also include an outer drum, which is fitted around the inner drum and holds water. The inner drum can rotate relative to the outer drum, thereby rotating the clothes and cleaning them under the action of detergent. The circulation assembly includes a circulation pump and circulation pipes. The inlet and outlet of the circulation pipes are both connected to the inner drum. For example, the inlet of the circulation pipe can be connected to the bottom of the inner drum, and the outlet can be connected to the top of the inner drum. The circulation pump drives the water flow to circulate within the inner drum and circulation pipes, continuously drawing water from the bottom of the inner drum to the top for circulation. Since detergent tends to settle at the bottom of the inner drum, the circulation assembly continuously mixes the detergent with the water flow, increasing the detergent's dissolution probability and thus improving the cleaning effect on clothes. The sterilization device is connected to the circulation pipeline. It generates antibacterial molecules that mix with the water flow, allowing them to fully penetrate the clothing and improve the sterilization effect. The sterilization device can be an ion generator, ozone generator, or other device that ionizes air to produce antibacterial molecules. This application uses an ion generator as an example for illustration, and should not be construed as a limitation on the sterilization device.

[0026] Of course, washing machines are not limited to the components mentioned above. They may also include devices such as display panels, housings, and circuit boards, which are not limited here.

[0027] In order to fully utilize the sterilization effect of the sterilization device while also taking into account the energy-saving and power-saving effects, the control method of the washing machine has been improved in this application embodiment.

[0028] For example, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a first flowchart illustrating a washing machine control method provided in an embodiment of this application. The washing machine control method includes: 110. Get the current program type of the washing machine.

[0029] Washing machines offer various program types, such as washing, drying, care, and self-cleaning programs. The required activation time and duration of the sterilization device differ depending on the program type, ensuring both effective sterilization and energy saving. Furthermore, the sterilization device's operation time can overlap with the circulation system's operation time. This allows the antibacterial molecules generated by the sterilization device to mix with the water flow, penetrating the clothes and improving both cleaning and sterilization effects.

[0030] The current program type of the washing machine can be obtained either by obtaining the program type selected by the user through the main control board, or by obtaining the program type automatically matched by the washing machine through the main control board.

[0031] 120. Determine the start-up stage and duration of the sterilization device based on the current program type.

[0032] The start-up phase and duration of the sterilization device vary depending on the program type, thus adapting to different program types and balancing sterilization effectiveness with energy saving.

[0033] For example, if the current program type is a washing program, the sterilization device can be activated during the main washing stage. During the main washing stage, the circulation component also runs synchronously, which increases the probability of detergent dissolution. In addition, the antibacterial molecules generated by the sterilization device mix with the water flow and penetrate into the clothes, which can improve the cleaning and sterilization effects of the clothes.

[0034] For example, if the current program type is a self-cleaning program, the sterilization device can be activated after the self-cleaning process reaches the set water level. The activation time can be set as needed, and the empty cylinder can be run for a set time to achieve both cylinder cleaning and sterilization.

[0035] In the washing machine control method provided in this application embodiment, a sterilization device is set at the circulation pipe of the circulation component. Under the action of the circulating water flow, ions with sterilization effect can fully penetrate into the clothes, thereby improving the sterilization effect on the clothes. In addition, the opening time of the sterilization device is adapted to the program type, rather than being turned on all programs, so as to balance the sterilization effect and energy saving.

[0036] Sterilization devices, such as ion generators, produce ions in water to form ionized water. Ionized water has strong oxidizing properties and can easily damage clothing. Therefore, such as... Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a second flowchart illustrating the control method for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. This application also provides a control method for a washing machine, including: 210. If the current program type is a washing program, then obtain the type of clothes in the inner drum.

[0037] During the washing process, the washing water contains antibacterial molecules generated by the sterilization device. The duration of the sterilization device can be set to different times for different types of clothing, i.e., different fabric materials, so as to both sterilize the clothes and reduce damage to them.

[0038] Sterilization devices, such as ion generators, produce ions that mix with water to create ionized water. The strong oxidizing properties of ionized water, combined with the fragility of protein fibers, can damage clothing. The destructive effect of strong oxidizing ions: Ion components: The "positive and negative ions" generated by air ionization are not simply charged particles; their core active components are usually ozone, hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species, hydroxyl radicals, etc. These substances have extremely strong oxidizing properties and attack protein structures: Silk (mainly composed of serine) and wool (mainly composed of keratin) are protein fibers composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Strong oxidants oxidize amino acid side chains, damaging specific amino acids in protein molecules (such as sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine, and aromatic amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, etc.), altering their chemical properties. Breaking peptide bonds: Directly attacking the peptide bonds connecting amino acids, causing the protein macromolecular chain to break. Damaging disulfide bonds: The strength, elasticity, and morphological stability of wool largely depend on the disulfide bonds between and within keratin molecules. Strong oxidizing agents easily oxidize and break these key disulfide bonds, converting them into sulfonic acid groups, leading to the disintegration of the fiber structure. In summary, the oxidative damage from ionized water reduces the strength of clothing, making fibers brittle and prone to tearing and breakage; it also causes a loss of elasticity, with wool losing its fluffiness and resilience, becoming stiff and matte; it worsens the feel of clothing, with silk losing its soft, smooth luster, becoming rough and stiff; similarly, it affects the color of clothing, as oxidizing agents damage the dye molecular structure, leading to fading and discoloration (especially for natural dyes and some sensitive synthetic dyes), with silk being particularly prone to yellowing. Furthermore, the air ionization process may produce small amounts of nitrogen oxides, which, when dissolved in water, form acidic substances such as nitric acid. Ozone decomposition may also create a slightly acidic environment. Protein fibers are very sensitive to pH: although silk and wool have some acid resistance, strong acids or prolonged contact with acidic substances will still hydrolyze peptide bonds, leading to fiber damage. Wool is particularly sensitive to alkalis; even a slightly alkaline environment can significantly promote the hydrolysis of wool fibers, damaging the cuticle and cortex layers, leading to decreased strength, a rough feel, and yellowing. Silk is also prone to hydrolysis and fibroin swelling under alkaline conditions. The pH fluctuations (even small ones) generated by ionized water systems, combined with their strong oxidizing properties, will synergistically exacerbate the damage to protein fibers.

[0039] Therefore, when the current program type is washing, the duration of the sterilization device needs to be determined according to the type of clothing in order to balance the sterilization effect and reduce damage to the clothing.

[0040] The type of clothing can be determined by the program type. For example, if the program type is intensive wash, the clothing type is cotton or linen; if the program type is mixed wash, the clothing type is standard, that is, ordinary cotton clothing; if the program type is gentle wash, the clothing type is down; if the program type is wool wash, the clothing type is wool or silk.

[0041] The type of clothing can also be obtained through an image sensor. For example, an image sensor can take a picture of the clothing to be processed inside the inner drum and match it with the clothing types pre-stored in the main control board to obtain the type of clothing to be processed inside the inner drum.

[0042] You can also determine the type of clothing by setting a separate button for clothing material on the washing machine's control panel. The user can select the clothing material button to determine the type of clothing.

[0043] 220. Determine the running time of the circulation pump during the main washing stage and the proportion of the running time of the sterilization device to the running time of the circulation pump based on the type of clothing.

[0044] The circulation pump is not always on during the washing program. Its main function is during the main wash phase, when detergent is added, which can lead to incomplete dissolution. Activating the circulation pump during this phase increases the likelihood of detergent dissolution, thus improving cleaning effectiveness. To balance energy conservation and improved garment handling, the pump's runtime during the main wash phase can be determined based on the type of fabric. For example, it can be longer for finer fabrics and shorter for coarser fabrics. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the pump's runtime can be determined based on the weight of the clothes to ensure thorough detergent penetration.

[0045] The duration of the sterilization device's operation is determined by the running time of the circulation pump and its proportion of the circulation pump's running time. Since the type of clothing determines the circulation pump's running time, the sterilization device's operating time is thus determined according to the type of clothing in the washing program. The operating time of the sterilization device determines the degree of damage to different clothing materials. Therefore, selecting a certain proportion within the circulation pump's running time to determine the sterilization device's operating time allows for adaptation to the sensitivity of different clothing types to the antibacterial molecules of the sterilization device, thereby balancing the sterilization effect on different clothing types while minimizing damage.

[0046] 230. Calculate the operating time of the sterilization device based on the running time of the circulating pump and the ratio.

[0047] The operating time of the sterilization device can be the product of the running time of the circulation pump and a certain ratio. In other words, the sterilization device is controlled to work for a certain period of time within the running time of the circulation pump. This allows the working time of the sterilization device to be adapted to the type of clothing, thereby reducing damage to different types of clothing.

[0048] For example, if the clothing type is cotton and linen, the running time of the circulation pump during the main washing stage is determined as the first running time, and the ratio of the sterilization device's operating time to the circulation pump's running time is determined as the first proportion. The product of the first running time and the first proportion is calculated to obtain the first operating time of the sterilization device during the main washing stage.

[0049] For example, if the clothing type is mixed, the running time of the circulation pump during the main washing stage is determined as the second running time, and the ratio of the sterilization device's operating time to the circulation pump's running time is determined as the second ratio. The product of the second running time and the second ratio is calculated to obtain the second operating time of the sterilization device during the main washing stage.

[0050] For example, to simplify program design, the first and second running times of the circulation pump can be the same for different types of clothing during the main washing stage. That is, the same circulation pump running time is set for all clothing types, thereby simplifying program design and reducing the probability of program errors. In this case, the second ratio can be smaller than the first ratio. For example, for cotton and linen clothing, the first ratio can be set to 70%, and for mixed clothing, the second ratio can be set to 50%. Because cotton and linen clothing are less sensitive to antibacterial molecules than mixed clothing, increasing the sterilization time for cotton and linen clothing can improve the sterilization effect on cotton and linen clothing.

[0051] Of course, the first and second running times of the circulation pump in the main washing stage can also be different for different types of clothing, depending on the type and / or weight of the clothing. In this case, the second ratio can still be less than the first ratio, such as the second ratio being 50% and the first ratio being 70%, so that the overall sterilization time for mixed clothing types is reduced, thereby reducing damage to mixed clothing types.

[0052] 240. If the garment type is down, then the sterilization device is set to operate for the preset duration during the final rinse stage.

[0053] 250. If the garment is wool or silk, ensure that the sterilization device is turned off during each washing stage.

[0054] Regarding steps 240 and 250: For softer or more fragile clothing types, such as down, wool, and silk, the duration and stages of the sterilization device are different from those mentioned above, thereby reducing damage to these types of clothing and improving the user experience.

[0055] For example, if the garment is down-filled, the sterilization device is activated only during the final rinse, and the activation time is a preset duration. Because down garments are more sensitive to antibacterial molecules than cotton or linen garments, and ionized water is more damaging to the high protein content of down, the sterilization device is only activated for a predetermined duration during the final rinse, such as a preset duration of 3 minutes. This reduces damage to the down garment while still providing a certain level of cleaning.

[0056] For example, if the clothing is wool or silk, these types of clothing are more sensitive to antibacterial molecules such as ionized water than other types of clothing. Therefore, in order to reduce the probability of damage to wool or silk, the sterilization device is turned off in each washing stage.

[0057] In the washing machine control method provided in this application embodiment, the activation time of the sterilization device is determined according to the type of clothing. This allows different types of clothing to be matched with the activation time of the sterilization device. Compared with activating the sterilization device for the same duration without distinguishing the material, this can reduce damage to clothing and save energy.

[0058] When the current program type is a self-cleaning program, that is, a program that cleans the inner cylinder, the duration of the sterilization device's operation is different from the setting method mentioned above.

[0059] For example, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a third flowchart illustrating the control method for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. An embodiment of this application also provides a control method for a washing machine, including: 310. If the current program type is self-cleaning program, water will be introduced into the inner cylinder to the set water level.

[0060] 320. Start the circulation pump and sterilization device.

[0061] 330. After setting the time, first turn off the circulation pump, then turn off the sterilization device.

[0062] Regarding steps 310 to 330: When the current program type is self-cleaning, since the self-cleaning program usually runs for a long time, the sterilization device can be turned on at the beginning of the self-cleaning program, thereby improving the cleaning effect and increasing the sterilization effect of the self-cleaning program.

[0063] For example, after the self-cleaning program starts running, water is first poured into the inner cylinder to the set water level, and then the circulation pump and sterilization device are started. During this program operation phase, the running time of the circulation pump and sterilization device can be the same, and both can run for a set time, such as within 1 minute. After the set time, the circulation pump is turned off first, and then the sterilization device is turned off. In this way, the water in the circulation pipeline can be fully mixed with the antibacterial molecules generated by the sterilization device, thereby improving the cleaning effect on the inner cylinder.

[0064] In the washing machine control method provided in this application embodiment, by adaptively setting the activation time of the sterilization device in the self-cleaning program, both energy saving and improved cleaning effect can be achieved.

[0065] To improve the sterilization effect on clothes, the washing machine in this embodiment of the application is also equipped with a device for generating microbubbles. Since the high specific surface area of ​​microbubbles can promote the effectiveness of surfactants, and can enhance the oxidative decomposition ability by combining with ozone, positive and negative ions.

[0066] For example, the washing machine also includes a microbubble generator connected to the circulation pipe. The microbubble generator is used to mix air and water to generate microbubbles. For example, the microbubble generator can be in the form of a Venturi tube. The control method of the washing machine also includes: simultaneously activating the microbubble generator when the sterilization device is activated, and making the microbubble generator run synchronously with the sterilization device. That is, by activating the microbubble generator and the sterilization device synchronously and running for the same duration, the two can work synergistically, allowing positive and negative ions or ozone to mix with the water under negative pressure and form microbubbles at the microbubble generator. Combined with the water circulation of the circulation component, these microbubbles enter the inner drum, which can promote improved cleaning and achieve a certain sterilization effect.

[0067] It's important to note that the physical and mechanical action of bubbles involves the Venturi tube drawing gas (ionized air) into the water, forming numerous microbubbles. These bubbles rise and burst in the water. Regarding the impact on delicate fibers, in terms of friction and abrasion, the generation, movement, and bursting of numerous bubbles on and within the fiber surface create a "micro-abrasion" effect, increasing friction and wear between fibers. Silk, with its smooth surface but relatively low strength, and wool, with its scaly surface, are easily damaged by this mechanical friction, leading to pilling, fuzzing, or surface abrasion. In terms of impact, the micro-jet streams generated by bursting bubbles can cause localized impacts to fragile fibers. Regarding potential localized high temperatures, although the overall water temperature may not be high, bubble bursting or strong oxidizing reactions (such as ozone decomposition) can generate instantaneous high temperatures in localized microenvironments. Protein fibers are heat-sensitive, and localized high temperatures can accelerate their denaturation or hydrolysis. Regarding residues and persistent effects, oxidizing substances (such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide) may not be completely decomposed or rinsed away during washing, leaving small amounts on the clothing fibers. During subsequent storage or wear, these residues will continue to slowly oxidize the fibers, causing the clothing to gradually turn yellow and become brittle, thus shortening its lifespan.

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the working time and start-up time of the microbubble generator are kept consistent with those of the sterilization device, which allows the two to work together to improve the cleaning effect on clothes and reduce the overall time that the two act on clothes, thereby reducing the damage to clothes caused by microbubbles and antibacterial molecules, and improving the cleaning effect and safety of clothes.

[0069] This application embodiment utilizes a combination of a venturi-type microbubble generator and a sterilization device such as an ion generator. The high specific surface area of ​​the microbubbles enhances the effectiveness of surfactants and, when combined with ozone and positive and negative ions, strengthens oxidative decomposition capabilities. Utilizing the negative pressure of the venturi tube, as water flows through it, an ion generator or ozone generator is added through the air intake. Under this negative pressure, positive and negative ions or ozone mix with the water flow, forming microbubbles from the microbubble nozzle and entering the cylinder. This enhances cleaning and achieves a certain sterilization effect. Furthermore, the microbubble generator and sterilization device are placed on the circulation pipeline connected to the circulation port of the circulation pump and the door seal. The activation stage and duration of the sterilization device and microbubble generator are determined by the user-selected material program.

[0070] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the microbubble generating device in a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. This application also provides a washing machine 400, which can be either a drum washing machine or a top-loading washing machine. This application uses a drum washing machine as an example for illustration, and should not be construed as a limitation on the type of washing machine. The washing machine 400 includes an inner drum 410, a circulation assembly 420, and a sterilization device 430. The inner drum 410 is used to hold clothes. The washing machine 400 may also include an outer drum 440, which is sleeved outside the inner drum 410 and used to hold water. The inner drum 410 can rotate relative to the outer drum 440, thereby causing the clothes to rotate and be cleaned under the action of detergent. The circulation assembly 420 includes a circulation pump 421 and a circulation pipe 422. The inlet and outlet of the circulation pipe 422 are both connected to the inner drum 410. For example, the inlet of the circulation pipe 422 can be connected to the bottom of the inner drum 410, and the outlet can be connected to the top of the inner drum. The circulation pump 421 drives water to circulate within the inner drum 410 and the circulation pipe 422, thereby continuously drawing water from the bottom of the inner drum 410 to the top for circulation. Since detergent tends to settle at the bottom of the inner drum 410, the circulation assembly 420 continuously mixes the detergent with the water flow, increasing the detergent's dissolution probability and thus improving the cleaning effect on clothes. A sterilization device 430 is connected to the circulation pipe 422. The sterilization device 430 generates antibacterial molecules that mix with the water flow, allowing them to fully penetrate the clothes and improve the sterilization effect. The sterilization device 430 may be a device that can ionize air to generate antibacterial molecules, such as an ion generator or an ozone device. The embodiments of this application are described using an ion generator as an example, and should not be construed as limiting the sterilization device 430.

[0071] The washing machine 400 also includes a microbubble generator 450, which comprises a venturi tube 451 and a chamber 452. The inlet and outlet of the venturi tube 451 are connected to a circulation pipe 422. The venturi tube 451 also has an air intake. The chamber 452 is connected to the venturi tube 451 through the air intake. A sterilization device 430 is disposed within the chamber 452. By placing the sterilization device 430 within the chamber 452 of the microbubble generator 450, the sterilization device 430, such as an ion generator, can ionize the air within the chamber 452. This ensures that the air drawn into the negative pressure zone of the venturi tube 451 is the gas within the chamber 452, i.e., air containing antibacterial molecules such as ions. This rational arrangement of the sterilization device 430 saves space and improves the synergistic effect between the sterilization device 430 and the microbubble generator 450.

[0072] In order to control the microbubble generator 450, solenoid valves can be installed at the inlet and outlet of the microbubble generator 450 to control the flow of water.

[0073] Of course, washing machines are not limited to the components mentioned above. They may also include components such as a display panel, cabinet, and door, which will not be elaborated here.

[0074] Please see Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. The washing machine 400 may further include a processor 460 with one or more processing cores, a memory 470 with one or more computer-readable storage media, and a computer program stored on the memory 470 and executable on the processor 460. The processor 460 is electrically connected to the memory 470. Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure of the washing machine 500 shown in the figures does not constitute a limitation on the washing machine, and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0075] The processor 460 is the control center of the washing machine 400. It connects various parts of the washing machine through various interfaces and lines. For example, the processor 460 can be electrically connected to the solenoid valves of the circulation pump, sterilization device and microbubble generator. By running or loading software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 470, and calling data stored in the memory 470, it executes various functions of the washing machine 500 and processes data, thereby monitoring the washing machine 500 as a whole.

[0076] In this embodiment, the processor 460 in the washing machine 400 loads the instructions corresponding to the processes of one or more applications into the memory 470 according to the following steps, and the processor 460 runs the applications stored in the memory 470 to achieve various functions: Get the current program type of the washing machine; The start-up phase and duration of the sterilization device are determined based on the current program type.

[0077] For details on the implementation of each of the above operations, please refer to the previous examples, which will not be repeated here.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be performed by instructions, or by instructions controlling related hardware. These instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and loaded and executed by a processor.

[0079] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a plurality of computer programs that can be loaded by a processor to execute the steps in the washing machine control method provided in embodiments of this application.

[0080] The storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0081] Since the computer program stored in the storage medium can execute the steps in the washing machine control method provided in the embodiments of this application, it can achieve the beneficial effects that any washing machine control method provided in the embodiments of this application can achieve, as detailed in the previous embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0083] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features.

[0084] The washing machine and its control method provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes an inner drum, a circulation assembly, and a sterilization device. The circulation assembly includes a circulation pump and a circulation pipeline. The inlet and outlet of the circulation pipeline are both connected to the inner drum. The circulation pump is used to drive water to circulate in the inner drum and the circulation pipeline. The sterilization device is connected to the circulation pipeline and is used to generate antibacterial molecules and mix them with the water flow. The control method for the washing machine includes: Obtain the current program type of the washing machine; The activation stage and duration of the sterilization device are determined based on the current program type.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the activation stage and duration of the sterilization device based on the current program type includes: If the current program type is a washing program, then obtain the type of clothing in the inner drum; The duration of the circulation pump during the main washing stage and the proportion of the duration of the sterilization device to the duration of the circulation pump's operation are determined based on the type of clothing. The operating time of the sterilization device is calculated based on the running time of the circulating pump and the ratio.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The calculation of the sterilization device's operating time based on the circulation pump's running time and the ratio includes: If the type of clothing is cotton and linen, then the running time of the circulation pump during the main washing stage is determined as the first running time, and the ratio of the operating time of the sterilization device to the running time of the circulation pump is determined as the first ratio. The product of the first running time and the first ratio is calculated to obtain the first operating time of the sterilization device during the main washing stage.

4. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of calculating the operating time of the sterilization device based on the running time of the circulating pump and the ratio further includes: If the type of clothing is mixed, the running time of the circulation pump during the main washing stage is determined to be the second running time, and the ratio of the operating time of the sterilization device to the running time of the circulation pump is determined to be the second ratio. The product of the second running time and the second ratio is calculated to obtain the second operating time of the sterilization device during the main washing stage.

5. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the current program type is a washing program, then after obtaining the type of clothing in the inner drum, the control method further includes: If the garment is down, then the sterilization device is set to operate for a preset duration during the final rinse.

6. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the current program type is a washing program, then after obtaining the type of clothing in the inner drum, the control method further includes: If the garment is wool or silk, then the sterilization device is turned off during each washing stage.

7. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the activation stage and activation duration of the sterilization device based on the current program type further includes: If the current program type is a self-cleaning program, then water is introduced into the inner cylinder to the set water level; Start the circulation pump and the sterilization device; After setting the time, first turn off the circulation pump, then turn off the sterilization device.

8. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The washing machine further includes a microbubble generator connected to the circulation pipe. The microbubble generator is used to mix air and water to generate microbubbles. The control method further includes: When the sterilization device is started, the microbubble generator is started simultaneously, and the microbubble generator and the sterilization device are operated synchronously.

9. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: The inner tube is used to hold clothing; A circulation assembly includes a circulation pump and a circulation pipeline, wherein the inlet and outlet of the circulation pipeline are both connected to the inner cylinder, and the circulation pump is used to drive water flow in the inner cylinder and the circulation pipeline; A sterilization device is connected to the circulation pipeline, and the sterilization device is used to generate antibacterial molecules and mix them with the water flow; The processor is electrically connected to the circulation pump and the sterilization device, respectively, and the processor is used to execute the control method of the washing machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes: A microbubble generator includes a venturi tube and a chamber. The inlet and outlet of the venturi tube are both connected to the circulation pipeline. The venturi tube also has an air intake port. The chamber is connected to the venturi tube through the air intake port. The sterilization device is disposed in the chamber.

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