Washing apparatus, control method therefor, control device, and storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of washing equipment, and provides washing equipment, a control method and device thereof, and a storage medium, the control method comprising the following steps: in response to a preset water inlet instruction, a water inlet valve is controlled to be opened to supply water into a washing drum; the washing drum is controlled to rotate at a preset wall-attaching rotating speed for a first duration; a water level sensor is controlled to emit a detection signal and receive a return signal; and based on the return signal, the current water level of the washing drum is determined. By controlling the washing drum to rotate at the preset wall-attaching rotating speed during water inlet, the centrifugal force is used to attach clothes to the drum wall, an unobstructed observation space is constructed in the middle of the washing drum, the clothes are prevented from causing obstruction and interference to the detection path of the water level sensor, the detection signal emitted by the water level sensor can directly reach the water surface and return without obstruction, the problem that the signal is lost or the detection is inaccurate due to the obstruction of the clothes in the existing water level detection scheme is avoided, and the reliability and accuracy of water level detection of the washing equipment are improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing awareness of healthy washing, pulsator washing machines with non-perforated inner drums have gradually become the mainstream in the market. This technology completely seals the washing water in the inner drum, eliminating dirt residue between the inner and outer drums. However, it also brings technical challenges to water level detection, as traditional water level sensors based on the principle of communicating vessels cannot be used.

[0003] Currently, most related technologies use weighing sensors to calculate water level based on weight. However, the difference in water absorption rate of clothes leads to large calculation errors, and real-time response is not possible. While the solution of directly mounting optical or radar sensors on the top of the impeller cover for distance measurement can theoretically achieve high-precision water level detection, the tumbling of the washing drum shaft and the obstruction of the detection path by clothes and people seriously affect the reliability and practicality of the detection, resulting in low accuracy of water level detection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a washing device and its control method, control apparatus and storage medium to solve the problem of inaccurate water level detection in existing washing devices.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a control method for a washing device, the washing device including a water inlet valve and a washing drum connected to the water inlet valve, wherein a water level sensor is disposed in the middle region of the top of the washing drum; the control method includes: In response to a preset water inlet command, the water inlet valve is opened to allow water to enter the washing drum. The washing drum is controlled to rotate at a preset wall-adhering speed for a first duration; wherein the preset wall-adhering speed is configured to cause the clothes to be washed to adhere to the wall of the washing drum under centrifugal force, so as to form an unobstructed observation space in the middle area of ​​the washing drum. The water level sensor is controlled to transmit detection signals and receive echo signals; The current water level of the washing drum is determined based on the echo signal.

[0006] In some embodiments of this application, before controlling the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-mounted speed for a first duration, the control method further includes: Obtain the weight of the clothes to be washed inside the washing drum; Based on the weight of the clothing, a target rotational speed matching the weight of the clothing is determined from a preset rotational speed mapping relationship, and the target rotational speed is used as the preset wall-hugging rotational speed.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, controlling the water level sensor to transmit detection signals and receive echo signals includes: controlling the water level sensor to continuously transmit multiple detection signals and receive corresponding multiple echo signals. Determining the current water level of the washing drum based on the echo signal includes: extracting the echo time of each echo signal to obtain time series data composed of multiple echo times; taking the echo time with the largest value in the time series data as the second echo duration; and determining the current water level based on the second echo duration.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, after extracting the echo time of each echo signal to obtain time series data composed of multiple echo times, the control method further includes: The echo time with the smallest value in the time series data is taken as the first echo duration; The foam thickness inside the washing drum is determined based on the first echo duration and the second echo duration.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, after determining the foam thickness inside the washing drum, the control method further includes: If the foam thickness is greater than a preset thickness threshold, the washing drum is controlled to execute a preset defoaming program, and the process returns to the step of controlling the water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive an echo signal, so as to redetermine the current water level. When the foam thickness is less than or equal to the preset thickness threshold and the current water level is greater than or equal to the target water level, the washing equipment is controlled to execute a washing program. When the foam thickness is less than or equal to the preset thickness threshold and the current water level is less than the target water level, the water inlet valve is controlled to open for a first preset duration, and the process returns to the step of controlling the water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive an echo signal, so as to re-determine the current water level.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, controlling the washing drum to execute a preset defoaming program includes: controlling the washing drum to rotate forward and reverse one revolution each and then waiting for a second preset time.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, prior to the step of controlling the water level sensor to transmit a detection signal and receive an echo signal, the method further includes: Obtain the opening duration of the inlet valve; After the opening time reaches the third preset time, the water inlet valve is controlled to close, and the step of controlling the water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive an echo signal is executed.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a control device for a washing machine, the washing machine including a water inlet valve and a washing drum communicating with the water inlet valve, a water level sensor being provided in the middle region of the top of the washing drum, and the control device including: The water inlet module is used to control the water inlet valve to open and introduce water into the washing drum in response to a preset water inlet command; The control module is used to control the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-adhering speed for a first duration; wherein the preset wall-adhering speed is configured to cause the clothes to be washed to adhere to the drum wall under centrifugal force, so as to form an unobstructed observation space in the middle area of ​​the washing drum; and to control the water level sensor to emit detection signals and receive echo signals. The determination module is used to determine the current water level of the washing drum based on the echo signal.

[0013] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a washing device, the washing device comprising: A washing drum, wherein a water level sensor is provided in the middle area of ​​the top of the washing drum; The water inlet valve is connected to the washing drum; A motor is configured to drive the washing drum to rotate; The controller is electrically connected to the water level sensor, the water inlet valve, and the motor, and is configured to perform the steps of the control method for the washing equipment described in the above embodiments.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the washing device further includes a venturi tube and an air suction tube. The venturi tube is connected to the water inlet valve, one end of the air suction tube is connected to the negative pressure air suction port of the venturi tube, and the other end is positioned towards the water level sensor.

[0015] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method for the washing equipment as described in the above embodiments.

[0016] The control method for a washing device provided in this application includes, in response to a preset water inlet command, controlling the water inlet valve to open and allowing water to enter the washing drum; controlling the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-adhering speed for a first duration; wherein the preset wall-adhering speed is configured to cause the clothes to be washed to adhere to the drum wall under centrifugal force, thereby forming an unobstructed observation space in the middle region of the washing drum; controlling a water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive an echo signal; and determining the current water level of the washing drum based on the echo signal. By controlling the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-adhering speed during the water inlet process, centrifugal force is used to adhere the clothes to the drum wall, creating an unobstructed observation space in the middle of the washing drum. This avoids the clothes obstructing the detection path of the water level sensor, allowing the detection signal emitted by the water level sensor to reach the water surface and return without obstruction. This avoids the problem of signal loss or inaccurate detection caused by clothes obstructing the existing water level detection scheme, thus improving the reliability and accuracy of water level detection in the washing device.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the control method for the washing equipment provided in this application embodiment. Figure 1 .

[0021] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the control method for the washing equipment provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 .

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control device for a washing equipment provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the washing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure label: 100. Washing drum; 200. Inlet valve; 300. Water level sensor; 400. Electric motor; 500. Venturi tube; 600. Inhalation tube. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0031] In recent years, with the increasing awareness of healthy washing, pulsator washing machines with non-perforated inner drums have gradually become the mainstream in the market. This technology completely seals the washing water within the inner drum, eliminating dirt residue between the inner and outer drums. However, it also brings technical challenges to water level detection: traditional water level sensors based on the principle of communicating vessels cannot be used. Users have placed higher demands on the accuracy of water level control, program response speed, and level of intelligence during the washing process, making accurate real-time water level sensing a key direction for washing machine innovation.

[0032] Currently, most related technologies use weighing sensors to calculate water level based on weight. However, the difference in water absorption rate of clothing leads to large calculation errors, and real-time response is not possible. While the solution of directly mounting optical or radar sensors on the top of the impeller cover for distance measurement can achieve high accuracy in principle, it faces three major pain points under complex washing conditions: foam coverage leading to misjudgment of water surface, water spray causing lens blindness, and tumbling clothing obstructing the detection path, which seriously affects the reliability and practicality of detection.

[0033] This application provides a washing device and its control method, control apparatus, and storage medium to solve the problem of inaccurate water level detection in existing washing devices. The following will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-5 Please provide an explanation.

[0034] In this embodiment, the washing device includes a water inlet valve and a washing drum connected to the water inlet valve. A water level sensor is installed in the middle area of ​​the top of the washing drum. The washing device can be a non-perforated inner drum pulsator washing machine or a regular pulsator washing machine. (Reference) Figure 1 As shown, the control method for the washing equipment includes: S101: In response to a preset water inlet command, control the water inlet valve to open and allow water to enter the washing drum; For example, when a user selects and starts a washing program, or when the washing stage switches to the water inlet stage, the controller of the washing equipment receives a preset water inlet command. In response to this command, the controller outputs an electrical signal to drive the water inlet valve to open, and external tap water flows into the washing drum through the water inlet pipe.

[0035] S102: Control the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-adhering speed for a first duration; wherein, the preset wall-adhering speed is configured to cause the clothes to be washed to adhere to the drum wall under centrifugal force, so as to form an unobstructed observation space in the middle area of ​​the washing drum.

[0036] During the water intake process or after a certain initial water volume is reached, the controller controls the drive motor to rotate the washing drum. The preset wall-adhering speed is not the high speed used during regular washing or spin-drying, but rather a pre-set low-speed range, such as 30-60 rpm, which can be set by those skilled in the art as needed. At this preset wall-adhering speed, the centrifugal force acting on the clothes to be washed overcomes their own gravity and the random disturbances of the water flow, causing them to be smoothly thrown against the drum walls and adhere to them.

[0037] The first duration can be a preset rotation maintenance time, the purpose of which is to ensure that all clothes complete the wall-hugging action and stabilize in that state. The specific duration can be determined based on experimental data, for example, it can be 30-60 seconds or other values. This embodiment does not make a specific limitation on this. Through the above process, the clothes that were originally randomly distributed in the drum and were very easy to roll are actively thrown to the surrounding drum walls, thereby creating an observation space without clothes obstructing the detection path of the top water level sensor above the middle area of ​​the washing drum.

[0038] S103: Controls the water level sensor to transmit detection signals and receive echo signals.

[0039] The controller activates a water level sensor, such as an infrared sensor or millimeter-wave radar, installed in the middle of the top cover of the washing drum. The sensor emits a detection signal along a vertically downward straight detection path towards the water surface in the washing drum. Since the physical obstruction of clothing has been eliminated in step S102, the detection signal can pass through the observation space without hindrance. When the signal encounters the water surface or a layer of foam on the water surface, it is reflected, and the sensor subsequently receives the returned echo signal.

[0040] Optionally, to improve the anti-interference capability and accuracy of water level detection, the sensor can continuously transmit multiple detection signals in a short period of time and receive the corresponding multiple echo signals to form time series data for subsequent analysis.

[0041] S104: Determine the current water level in the washing drum based on the echo signal.

[0042] After receiving the echo signal, the signal processing unit inside the controller analyzes and calculates the echo signal to calculate the straight-line distance from the sensor to the actual water surface. Finally, by subtracting this straight-line distance from the total depth of the washing drum, the current water level in the washing drum can be accurately obtained.

[0043] In an optional implementation, before controlling the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-mounted speed for a first duration, the control method further includes: obtaining the weight of the clothes to be washed in the washing drum; determining a target speed that matches the weight of the clothes from a preset speed mapping relationship based on the weight of the clothes, and using the target speed as the preset wall-mounted speed.

[0044] Specifically, before water enters the machine, the controller can briefly perform a low-speed rotation or stall test on the drive motor to collect the motor's current parameters and calculate the weight of the clothes to be washed using a corresponding model; or it can directly read the weight signal output by the weighing sensor located at the bottom of the washing machine to obtain the weight of the clothes to be washed. Subsequently, based on the weight of the clothes, a target rotation speed matching the weight of the clothes is determined from a preset rotation speed mapping relationship, and the target rotation speed is used as the preset wall-mounting rotation speed.

[0045] Specifically, the controller has a pre-stored mapping table between the weight of the clothes and the rotation speed. Because clothes of different weights have different inertia, the centrifugal force required to achieve stable adhesion to the washing drum also varies. When the clothes are light, an excessively high rotation speed may cause them to tangle or be excessively thrown out of the water; therefore, the corresponding target rotation speed is lower. When the clothes are heavy, a greater centrifugal force is needed to overcome the weight and tangling resistance of the clothes after absorbing water; therefore, the corresponding target rotation speed is higher. The controller uses the obtained clothes weight to look up the most suitable target rotation speed in the table and uses it as the preset rotation speed for subsequent control of the washing drum rotation.

[0046] In this embodiment, by matching the optimal target rotation speed based on the weight of the clothes, it is ensured that the clothes can adhere to the drum wall as stably as possible under different load conditions, thereby ensuring that the observation space in the central area is not blocked by the clothes, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of water level detection.

[0047] In one optional implementation, controlling the water level sensor to emit detection signals and receive echo signals includes: controlling the water level sensor to continuously emit multiple detection signals and receive corresponding multiple echo signals; determining the current water level of the washing drum based on the echo signals includes: extracting the echo time of each echo signal to obtain time series data composed of multiple echo times; taking the echo time with the largest value in the time series data as the second echo duration; and determining the current water level based on the second echo duration.

[0048] First, the water level sensor is controlled to continuously transmit multiple detection signals and receive corresponding multiple echo signals. Specifically, after the washing drum maintains a low-speed rotation to create an unobstructed observation space, the controller controls the water level sensor (such as a radar or optical sensor) installed on top to sample at a preset frequency, for example, transmitting dozens of detection signals continuously within 1 second. Since the echo signal of a single measurement is often random and fluctuating, it is necessary to obtain a set of continuous echo signal samples.

[0049] Subsequently, the controller extracts the echo time of each echo signal, obtaining time-series data composed of multiple echo times. The echo time is the time interval from signal transmission to reception of the reflected wave. The controller arranges this series of discrete echo times in the order of sampling time to construct a time-series data set containing information on dynamic changes in water level.

[0050] Next, the echo time with the largest value in the time series data is taken as the second echo duration. In this time series data, the smaller echo time represents that the detection signal hit the wave crest or local foam on the water surface; while the larger echo time represents that the detection signal hit the relatively most stable and farthest real base water surface in multiple measurements.

[0051] The controller substitutes the duration of the second echo into the ranging formula to calculate the farthest distance from the water level sensor to the actual water surface. Then, it uses the total depth of the washing drum to calculate the current water level, which serves as the basis for determining the water intake.

[0052] By repeatedly transmitting detection signals and receiving echo signals, interference from dynamic fluctuations in the liquid level can be eliminated, effectively filtering out local water level changes caused by the impact of water flow or disturbance of clothing, and eliminating misjudgments of the water level due to foam covering the liquid surface, thereby improving the stability of water level detection.

[0053] In an optional implementation, after extracting the echo time of each echo signal to obtain time series data consisting of multiple echo times, the control method further includes: taking the echo time with the smallest value in the time series data as the first echo duration; and determining the foam thickness in the washing drum based on the first echo duration and the second echo duration.

[0054] In this embodiment, the echo time with the smallest value in the time series data is taken as the first echo duration. Specifically, in the time series data of multiple consecutive measurements, the echo time with the smallest value represents the time when the detection signal encounters the reflective interface closest to the water level sensor. Since the foam generated by the detergent floats above the actual water surface, and there are bubble protrusions of varying sizes on the surface of the foam layer, during multiple transmissions, a portion of the detection signal will inevitably hit the upper surface of the foam layer first and be reflected. This shortest time data is the first echo duration.

[0055] After acquiring the duration of the first echo representing the surface of the foam layer and the duration of the second echo representing the actual water surface, the controller calculates the spatial distance difference using the time difference based on the signal propagation speed c, such as the speed of light or the speed of sound.

[0056] The specific calculation logic is as follows: Foam thickness D = c*(t2-t1) / 2. Where t1 is the duration of the first echo and t2 is the duration of the second echo. Through this simple difference calculation, the system can calculate the thickness of the foam layer in the bucket in real time without adding any additional hardware sensors, accurately distinguishing the foam layer from the actual water surface, thus eliminating the interference of foam on water level detection.

[0057] In an optional implementation, after determining the foam thickness inside the washing drum, the control method further includes: if the foam thickness is greater than a preset thickness threshold, controlling the washing drum to execute a preset defoaming program and returning to the step of controlling the water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive an echo signal to redetermine the current water level; if the foam thickness is less than or equal to the preset thickness threshold and the current water level is greater than or equal to the target water level, controlling the washing device to execute a washing program; if the foam thickness is less than or equal to the preset thickness threshold and the current water level is less than the target water level, controlling the water inlet valve to open for a first preset duration and returning to the step of controlling the water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive an echo signal to redetermine the current water level.

[0058] Understandably, if the foam thickness exceeds a preset threshold, it indicates that the foam in the tub is excessive. Continuing to add water or washing directly may lead to foam overflow or a decrease in the washing ratio. In this case, the controller instructs the washing tub to execute a preset defoaming program, such as controlling the motor to rotate forward and backward at a specific rhythm to break up the foam. After the defoaming program is completed, the system returns to the step of controlling the water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive the echo signal, recalculating the current water level and foam thickness after some foam has been eliminated.

[0059] When the foam thickness is less than or equal to the preset thickness threshold, it indicates that the foam is within a safe range and the current water level is greater than or equal to the target water level. The actual water surface has reached the program setting requirements. At this time, the controller controls the water inlet valve to remain closed and controls the washing equipment to officially enter the main washing program.

[0060] When the foam thickness is less than or equal to the preset thickness threshold, but the current water level is less than the target water level, it indicates that although the foam interference is small, the water inflow has not yet reached the set requirements. At this time, the controller controls the inlet valve to open for a first preset time to replenish water. After the water replenishment is completed, to confirm whether the water level after replenishment has reached the target water level, the system returns to the step of controlling the water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive the echo signal, recalculating the current water level and foam thickness until the foam thickness and current water level meet the requirements.

[0061] In one optional implementation, controlling the washing drum to perform a preset defoaming program includes: controlling the washing drum to rotate one revolution forward and one revolution backward, and then waiting for a second preset time.

[0062] Specifically, when the defoaming logic is triggered, the controller outputs a drive pulse to the drive motor, causing the washing drum to rotate clockwise once. Then, the current polarity is switched to control the washing drum to rotate counterclockwise once, disturbing the foam and accelerating its bursting. The washing drum then enters a static waiting state, allowing the disturbed foam to gradually burst in a still environment.

[0063] In an optional implementation, before the step of controlling the water level sensor to transmit a detection signal and receive an echo signal, the method further includes: obtaining the opening duration of the inlet valve; after the opening duration reaches a third preset duration, controlling the inlet valve to close, and performing the step of controlling the water level sensor to transmit a detection signal and receive an echo signal.

[0064] In this embodiment, the inlet valve is closed after a third preset time period. This third preset time period can be dynamically set according to the pipeline water pressure and target water volume; this embodiment does not impose a specific limitation on it. Subsequently, the water level sensor detects the current water level and foam thickness to avoid interference from the inlet water flow on the sensor's detection results, ensuring the accuracy of the water level detection.

[0065] The control method for a washing device provided in this application includes, in response to a preset water inlet command, controlling the water inlet valve to open and allowing water to enter the washing drum; controlling the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-adhering speed for a first duration; wherein the preset wall-adhering speed is configured to cause the clothes to be washed to adhere to the drum wall under centrifugal force, thereby forming an unobstructed observation space in the middle region of the washing drum; controlling a water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive an echo signal; and determining the current water level of the washing drum based on the echo signal. By controlling the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-adhering speed during the water inlet process, centrifugal force is used to adhere the clothes to the drum wall, creating an unobstructed observation space in the middle of the washing drum. This avoids the clothes obstructing the detection path of the water level sensor, allowing the detection signal emitted by the water level sensor to reach the water surface and return without obstruction. This avoids the problem of signal loss or inaccurate detection caused by clothes obstructing the existing water level detection scheme, thus improving the reliability and accuracy of water level detection in the washing device.

[0066] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the specific control process of the washing equipment may include: starting water intake; opening the water inlet valve; the venturi tube generating negative pressure to draw in water vapor / splashes near the water level sensor lens; starting the washing drum to rotate at low speed, so that the clothes run along the drum wall, ensuring that no clothes obstruct the detection area in the center of the drum; water intake time ≥ t0? If so, enter the water level detection cycle; the sensor emits a detection signal, receives the echo signal, identifies multiple echo times and sorts them by time, taking the earliest echo as the foam top time, i.e., the first echo duration t1, and the latest echo as the water surface time, i.e., the second echo duration t2, and calculating the foam thickness D=c*(t2-t1) / 2; calculating the water surface distance H=c*t2 / 2, and calculating the current water level = total depth of the inner drum - H, where c represents the propagation speed of the sensor's emitted signal; determining whether D > threshold? If so, record that the foam is too thick, execute the defoaming program, control the washing drum to rotate one revolution in each direction, wait for a certain period of time, and then return to the step of the sensor transmitting a detection signal to monitor the water level; if D is less than the threshold, determine whether the current water level is greater than the target water level. If so, start the washing program; otherwise, open the water inlet valve to add water, and then return to the step of the sensor transmitting a detection signal to monitor the water level.

[0067] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a control device for a washing machine. The washing machine includes a water inlet valve and a washing drum connected to the water inlet valve. A water level sensor is disposed in the middle region of the top of the washing drum. Figure 3 As shown, the control device includes: Water inlet module 301 is used to control the water inlet valve to open and introduce water into the washing drum in response to a preset water inlet command; The control module 302 is used to control the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-adhering speed for a first duration; wherein the preset wall-adhering speed is configured to cause the clothes to be washed to adhere to the drum wall under centrifugal force, so as to form an unobstructed observation space in the middle area of ​​the washing drum; and to control the water level sensor to transmit detection signals and receive echo signals. The determination module 303 is used to determine the current water level of the washing drum based on the echo signal.

[0068] Furthermore, the control module can also be used to perform other steps of the control method of the washing equipment in the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0069] It is understood that since the control method of the washing equipment has the beneficial effects of the above embodiments, the control device of the washing equipment also has the beneficial effects of the above embodiments. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above embodiments, and this embodiment will not elaborate on it.

[0070] Thirdly, refer to Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment also provides a washing device, which includes: a washing drum 100, a water level sensor 300 disposed in the middle region of the top of the washing drum 100; a water inlet valve 200 connected to the washing drum 100; a motor 400 configured to drive the washing drum 100 to rotate; and a controller electrically connected to the water level sensor 300, the water inlet valve 200 and the motor 400, the controller being configured to execute the steps of the control method of the washing device of the above embodiment.

[0071] For example, the washing drum 100 is configured as a closed inner tub structure without holes to accommodate the clothes to be washed and the washing water. A water level sensor 300 is installed in the middle area of ​​the top of the washing drum 100. This installation position ensures that the sensor's detection path is vertically downward, so that the water level can be detected using the unobstructed observation space in the middle of the washing drum 100 when the clothes are thrown against the surrounding tub walls. The water inlet valve 200 is directly connected to the inner tub cavity of the washing drum 100 through a water inlet pipe, for introducing external water into the washing drum 100. The motor 400 is drivenly connected to the washing drum 100 and is configured to provide driving force to drive the washing drum 100 to perform rotational movements at different speeds, including but not limited to low-speed rotation that generates centrifugal force to make the clothes stick to the wall, and forward and reverse rotation to perform defoaming operations.

[0072] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the washing equipment also includes a venturi tube 500 and an air suction pipe 600. The venturi tube 500 is connected to the water inlet valve 200, and one end of the air suction pipe 600 is connected to the negative pressure air suction port of the venturi tube 500, while the other end is set toward the water level sensor 300.

[0073] In this embodiment, the venturi tube 500 is connected in series in the downstream inlet pipe of the inlet valve 200. When the inlet valve 200 is opened and the water flows at high speed through the constriction section of the venturi tube 500, the water velocity increases sharply, resulting in a significant drop in static pressure, thereby generating a negative pressure suction effect at the negative pressure suction port of the venturi tube 500.

[0074] One end of the suction pipe 600 is sealed to the negative pressure suction port of the venturi tube 500, and the other end is pointed to the lens of the water level sensor 300. The negative pressure zone is formed by the flow rate of the incoming water, and the debris near the lens of the water level sensor 300 is sucked up through the suction pipe 600.

[0075] In this embodiment, by setting up a venturi tube 500 and an air suction tube 600, water droplets splashed onto the lens can be effectively absorbed while water is being introduced, and detergent foam can be prevented from adhering to the lens surface. This forms a non-powered air curtain protection device for the lens of the water level sensor 300, which completely solves the problem of sensor lens contamination failure, achieves continuous and reliable protection with zero energy consumption, and ensures the reliability of water level detection.

[0076] In this embodiment, the water level sensor 300 integrates a radar and infrared composite sensor and is designed with a non-powered air curtain device driven by a Venturi tube 500, which automatically blows the lens using the incoming water flow. Simultaneously, by controlling the low-speed rotation of the washing drum 100, an unobstructed observation zone is actively created in the central area, overcoming the detection bottleneck caused by physical obstruction from clothing and achieving precise closed-loop water level control. Furthermore, combined with a multi-echo analysis algorithm, it distinguishes between the foam layer and the actual water surface in real time, not only solving the problem of water level misjudgment caused by foam interference but also developing the ability to quantitatively monitor foam thickness. This systematically solves the three major interference problems of foam, contamination, and obstruction, achieving precise closed-loop control of water intake and enabling the monitoring of foam thickness to guide intelligent defoaming, significantly improving the water level detection accuracy and intelligence level of the holeless inner drum washing machine.

[0077] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method for the washing equipment as described in the above embodiments.

[0078] Figure 5 An example is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of an electronic device, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the electronic device may include a processor 501, a communication interface 502, a memory 503, and a communication bus 504. The processor 501, communication interface 502, and memory 503 communicate with each other via the communication bus 504. The processor 501 can call logical instructions stored in the memory 503 to execute the steps of the control method for the washing device.

[0079] Furthermore, the logical instructions in the aforementioned memory 503 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory 503 (ROM), a random access memory 503 (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0080] On the other hand, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program includes program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed by a computer, the computer is able to execute the control method of the washing equipment provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0081] In another aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by processor 501, is implemented to perform the control method of the washing equipment provided in the above embodiments.

[0082] Computer-readable storage media can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by a processor, including but not limited to magnetic storage (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MOs), etc.), optical storage (such as CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor storage (such as ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memory (NAND flash), solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0083] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0084] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., including several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods of various embodiments or some parts of embodiments.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing device includes a water inlet valve and a washing drum connected to the water inlet valve, and a water level sensor is installed in the middle area of ​​the top of the washing drum; the control method includes: In response to a preset water inlet command, the water inlet valve is opened to allow water to enter the washing drum. The washing drum is controlled to rotate at a preset wall-adhering speed for a first duration; wherein the preset wall-adhering speed is configured to cause the clothes to be washed to adhere to the wall of the washing drum under centrifugal force, so as to form an unobstructed observation space in the middle area of ​​the washing drum. The water level sensor is controlled to transmit detection signals and receive echo signals; The current water level of the washing drum is determined based on the echo signal.

2. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before controlling the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-mounted speed for a first duration, the control method further includes: Obtain the weight of the clothes to be washed inside the washing drum; Based on the weight of the clothing, a target rotational speed matching the weight of the clothing is determined from a preset rotational speed mapping relationship, and the target rotational speed is used as the preset wall-hugging rotational speed.

3. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the water level sensor to transmit detection signals and receive echo signals includes: controlling the water level sensor to continuously transmit multiple detection signals and receive corresponding multiple echo signals. Determining the current water level of the washing drum based on the echo signal includes: extracting the echo time of each echo signal to obtain time series data composed of multiple echo times; taking the echo time with the largest value in the time series data as the second echo duration; and determining the current water level based on the second echo duration.

4. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, After extracting the echo time of each echo signal to obtain time series data composed of multiple echo times, the control method further includes: The echo time with the smallest value in the time series data is taken as the first echo duration; The foam thickness inside the washing drum is determined based on the first echo duration and the second echo duration.

5. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, After determining the foam thickness inside the washing drum, the control method further includes: If the foam thickness is greater than a preset thickness threshold, the washing drum is controlled to execute a preset defoaming program, and the process returns to the step of controlling the water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive an echo signal, so as to redetermine the current water level. When the foam thickness is less than or equal to the preset thickness threshold and the current water level is greater than or equal to the target water level, the washing equipment is controlled to execute a washing program. When the foam thickness is less than or equal to the preset thickness threshold and the current water level is less than the target water level, the water inlet valve is controlled to open for a first preset duration, and the process returns to the step of controlling the water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive an echo signal, so as to re-determine the current water level.

6. The control method for the washing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control of the washing drum to execute a preset defoaming program includes: controlling the washing drum to rotate forward and reverse one revolution each and then waiting for a second preset time.

7. The control method for the washing equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Prior to the step of controlling the water level sensor to transmit a detection signal and receive an echo signal, the method further includes: Obtain the opening duration of the inlet valve; After the opening time reaches the third preset time, the water inlet valve is controlled to close, and the step of controlling the water level sensor to emit a detection signal and receive an echo signal is executed.

8. A control device for a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing equipment includes a water inlet valve and a washing drum connected to the water inlet valve. A water level sensor is installed in the middle area of ​​the top of the washing drum. The control device includes: The water inlet module is used to control the water inlet valve to open and introduce water into the washing drum in response to a preset water inlet command; The control module is used to control the washing drum to rotate at a preset wall-adhering speed for a first duration; wherein the preset wall-adhering speed is configured to cause the clothes to be washed to adhere to the drum wall under centrifugal force, so as to form an unobstructed observation space in the middle area of ​​the washing drum; and to control the water level sensor to emit detection signals and receive echo signals. The determination module is used to determine the current water level of the washing drum based on the echo signal.

9. A washing device, characterized in that, The washing equipment includes: A washing drum, wherein a water level sensor is provided in the middle area of ​​the top of the washing drum; The water inlet valve is connected to the washing drum; A motor is configured to drive the washing drum to rotate; A controller, electrically connected to the water level sensor, the water inlet valve, and the motor, is configured to perform the steps of the control method for the washing equipment according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. The washing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The washing equipment also includes a venturi tube and an air suction tube. The venturi tube is connected to the water inlet valve, one end of the air suction tube is connected to the negative pressure air intake of the venturi tube, and the other end is set towards the water level sensor.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the control method for the washing apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-7.

Images