Control method of washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of clothes processing device, and discloses a control method of a washing machine and the washing machine. The control method of the washing machine comprises the following steps: S1, detecting whether clothes exist in the drum of the washing machine; if yes, executing step S2; if no, prompting the user to execute a normal washing program; S2, judging whether the clothes state in the drum is a completed washing state; if yes, executing step S3; if no, starting a washing program; S3, judging whether the clothes state in the drum is a dryable state; if yes, prompting the user to dry the clothes, and if no, executing an odor removal program. The present application can avoid energy waste caused by repeated washing of the completed washing clothes by the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clothing handling device technology, and more particularly to a control method for a washing machine and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] A washing machine is a cleaning appliance that uses electrical energy to generate mechanical action to wash clothes. Washing machines can greatly improve the quality of life and are one of the essential household appliances in modern families.

[0003] Users may forget to remove washed clothes from the washing machine to dry. When they need to wash clothes again, they may forget whether the clothes in the drum have been washed, leading to the washing machine washing the clothes repeatedly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method and a washing machine that can avoid energy waste caused by repeatedly washing clothes that have already been washed.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The control method for a washing machine includes the following steps:

[0007] S1. Detect whether there are clothes inside the drum of the washing machine; if yes, proceed to step S2; if no, prompt the user to perform a normal washing program.

[0008] S2. Determine whether the clothes in the drum are in a completed washing state; if yes, proceed to step S3; if no, start the washing program.

[0009] S3. Determine whether the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state; if yes, prompt the user to dry the clothes; if no, execute the odor removal procedure.

[0010] Optionally, step S2 includes:

[0011] S21. Obtain the number of times the washing machine door was opened after the last washing program ended, and obtain the difference between the current weight of the drum-loaded clothing and the weight of the drum-loaded clothing after the last washing program ended;

[0012] S22. Based on the number of times the door is opened and the difference, determine whether the state of the clothes in the drum is that the washing process is complete.

[0013] Optionally, step S22 includes:

[0014] S221. Determine whether the number of times the door is opened is zero; if yes, proceed to step S222; if no, proceed to step S223.

[0015] S222. Determine whether the difference is within a preset range; if yes, determine that the clothes are in a completed washing state; if no, execute the odor removal program.

[0016] S223. Determine whether the user has removed all the clothes from the drum after the last washing program has finished running;

[0017] If so, it is determined that the clothing has not been washed;

[0018] If not, determine whether the user put the clothes back in after performing the clothes retrieval operation; if yes, determine that the clothes have not been washed; if no, determine that the clothes have been washed.

[0019] Optionally, in step S2, if it is determined that the clothes have been washed, then in step S3, the condition of the clothes in the drum is determined to be ready for drying based on the length of time the clothes have been stored in the drum.

[0020] Optionally, determining whether the clothes in the drum are ready for drying based on the length of time they have been stored in the drum includes the following steps:

[0021] S331. Determine whether the storage time exceeds the first preset time; if yes, proceed to step S332; if no, determine that the clothes in the drum are in a state suitable for drying.

[0022] S332. Determine whether the storage time exceeds the second preset time; if yes, execute a high-intensity deodorization program; if no, execute a low-intensity deodorization program; the second preset time is longer than the first preset time.

[0023] Optionally, the high-intensity deodorization program includes a quick wash program; and / or

[0024] The low-intensity deodorization process includes a rinsing process.

[0025] Optionally, step S3 includes:

[0026] Determine whether the clothes in the drum are in a drying state; if so, determine that the clothes in the drum are in a state suitable for air drying; if not, determine that the clothes in the drum are not in a state suitable for air drying.

[0027] Optionally, determining whether the clothes inside the drum are in a drying state includes the following steps:

[0028] The system detects whether the humidity inside the drum is lower than a preset humidity value; if so, it determines that the clothes inside the drum are in a drying state; if not, it determines that the clothes inside the drum are not dried.

[0029] Optionally, in step S1, after prompting the user to perform a normal washing program, the door of the washing machine is unlocked.

[0030] The washing machine is controlled by the aforementioned washing machine control method.

[0031] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0032] The washing machine control method proposed in this invention, when controlling the operation of the washing machine, initially sets the washing machine door to a closed state. After the user starts the washing machine, it first checks whether there are clothes inside the drum.

[0033] If the detection result shows that there are no clothes in the drum, the washing machine will prompt the user to run the normal washing program. At this time, the user can open the washing machine door, put the clothes to be washed into the drum, and close the door after loading. The washing machine will then run the normal washing program.

[0034] If the detection result indicates that there are clothes in the drum, these clothes may be clothes that have already been washed, or clothes that the user previously placed in the drum to be washed but have not yet been washed. In this case, step S2 needs to be executed to determine whether the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state. If the determination result is no, the washing machine directly starts the washing program to wash the clothes. If step S2 determines that the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state, it means that the clothes in the drum have already been washed once. To avoid washing washed clothes repeatedly, step S3 is executed.

[0035] In step S3, it is determined whether the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state. If so, the user is prompted to dry the clothes. At this time, the user opens the door, takes out the clothes from the drum, and dries them. If the determination result is that the clothes inside the drum are not in a dryable state, the clothes have developed an odor although the washing is complete. Therefore, an odor removal program needs to be executed. It is understandable that after the odor removal program is completed, the user takes out the odor-removed clothes to dry before putting the clothes to be washed into the drum.

[0036] The washing machine proposed in this invention employs the aforementioned control method. When the washing machine is operating, the user does not initially load clothes into the drum. Instead, the user starts the washing machine with the door closed. After starting, the washing machine automatically determines whether there are clothes in the drum. If there are no clothes, the user can directly load the clothes. If there are clothes, the washing machine determines whether they have already been washed. If they have been washed, the washing machine executes the corresponding program to prompt the user to air-dry or deodorize the washed clothes before the user washes the remaining clothes. This effectively avoids the energy waste caused by re-washing already washed clothes. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a washing machine control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of step S2 in the washing machine control method provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a washing machine control method provided in this embodiment of the invention, which determines whether the state of the clothes in the drum is in the washing completed state based on the number of times the door is opened and the difference.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining whether the clothes in the drum are in a dryable state based on the storage time of the clothes in the drum in the control method of the washing machine provided in this embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0043] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a control method for a washing machine, which can prevent clothes that have already been washed from being washed again inside the drum of the washing machine.

[0048] Specifically, the control method for the washing machine includes the following steps:

[0049] S1. Detect whether there are clothes inside the washing machine drum; if yes, proceed to step S2; if no, prompt the user to perform a normal washing program.

[0050] S2. Determine if the clothes in the drum are in the washing completed state; if yes, proceed to step S3; if no, start the washing program.

[0051] S3. Determine if the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state; if so, prompt the user to dry the clothes; if not, execute the odor removal program.

[0052] The washing machine control method provided in this embodiment initially controls the washing machine to be in a closed state during operation. After the user starts the washing machine, it first checks whether there are clothes inside the drum.

[0053] If the detection result shows that there are no clothes in the drum, the washing machine will prompt the user to run the normal washing program. At this time, the user can open the washing machine door, put the clothes to be washed into the drum, and close the door after loading. The washing machine will then run the normal washing program.

[0054] If the detection result indicates that there are clothes in the drum, these clothes may be clothes that have already been washed, or clothes that the user previously placed in the drum to be washed but have not yet been washed. In this case, step S2 needs to be executed to determine whether the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state. If the determination result is no, the washing machine directly starts the washing program to wash the clothes. If step S2 determines that the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state, it means that the clothes in the drum have already been washed once. To avoid washing washed clothes repeatedly, step S3 is executed.

[0055] In step S3, it is determined whether the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state. If so, the user is prompted to dry the clothes. At this time, the user opens the door, takes out the clothes from the drum, and dries them. If the determination result is that the clothes inside the drum are not in a dryable state, the clothes have developed an odor although the washing is complete. Therefore, an odor removal program needs to be executed. It is understandable that after the odor removal program is completed, the user takes out the odor-removed clothes to dry before putting the clothes to be washed into the drum.

[0056] Using the washing machine control method provided in this embodiment, the user does not first put clothes into the drum. Instead, the user starts the washing machine with the door closed. After starting, the washing machine automatically determines whether there are clothes in the drum. If there are no clothes, the user can directly put the clothes into the drum. If there are clothes, the washing machine automatically determines whether the clothes in the drum have already been washed. If they have been washed, the washing machine executes the corresponding program to prompt the user to air-dry or deodorize the washed clothes. Then, the user washes the clothes that are not yet ready to be washed. In this way, energy waste caused by washing already washed clothes again can be effectively avoided.

[0057] Optionally, the washing machine is a front-loading washing machine. Generally, front-loading washing machines are equipped with a mechanical lock for closing or opening the door. When the user forcefully closes the door, the mechanical lock can automatically lock the door to prevent the door from suddenly opening during operation.

[0058] Higher-end drum washing machines are also equipped with electromagnetic locks. When the mechanical lock on the door is engaged, the electromagnetic lock also engages, preventing children from suddenly opening the door during operation and causing a safety accident. Understandably, after prompting the user to execute the normal washing program in step S1, the electromagnetic lock needs to be unlocked so that the user can open the door. That is, after prompting the user to execute the normal washing program in step S1, the washing machine door is unlocked.

[0059] Similarly, in step S3, after prompting the user to air out the clothes, the electromagnetic lock also needs to be switched to the unlocked state.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a control method for a washing machine, which can prevent clothes that have already been washed from being washed again inside the drum of the washing machine.

[0062] Specifically, the control method for the washing machine includes the following steps:

[0063] S1. Detect whether there are clothes inside the washing machine drum; if yes, proceed to step S2; if no, prompt the user to perform a normal washing program.

[0064] S2. Determine if the clothes in the drum are in the washing completed state; if yes, proceed to step S3; if no, start the washing program.

[0065] S3. Determine if the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state; if so, prompt the user to dry the clothes; if not, execute the odor removal program.

[0066] Specifically, in this embodiment, the normal washing program is the standard washing program of the washing machine.

[0067] The washing machine control method provided in this embodiment initially controls the washing machine to be in a closed state during operation. After the user starts the washing machine, it first checks whether there are clothes inside the drum.

[0068] If the detection result shows that there are no clothes in the drum, the washing machine will prompt the user to run the normal washing program. At this time, the user can open the washing machine door, put the clothes to be washed into the drum, and close the door after loading. The washing machine will then run the normal washing program.

[0069] If the detection result indicates that there are clothes in the drum, these clothes may be clothes that have already been washed, or clothes that the user previously placed in the drum to be washed but have not yet been washed. In this case, step S2 needs to be executed to determine whether the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state. If the determination result is no, the washing machine directly starts the washing program to wash the clothes. If step S2 determines that the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state, it means that the clothes in the drum have already been washed once. To avoid washing washed clothes repeatedly, step S3 is executed.

[0070] In step S3, it is determined whether the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state. If so, the user is prompted to dry the clothes. At this time, the user opens the door, takes out the clothes from the drum, and dries them. If the determination result is that the clothes inside the drum are not in a dryable state, the clothes have developed an odor although the washing is complete. Therefore, an odor removal program needs to be executed. It is understandable that after the odor removal program is completed, the user takes out the odor-removed clothes to dry before putting the clothes to be washed into the drum.

[0071] Using the washing machine control method provided in this embodiment, the user does not first put clothes into the drum. Instead, the user starts the washing machine with the door closed. After starting, the washing machine automatically determines whether there are clothes in the drum. If there are no clothes, the user can directly put the clothes into the drum. If there are clothes, the washing machine automatically determines whether the clothes in the drum have already been washed. If they have been washed, the washing machine executes the corresponding program to prompt the user to air-dry or deodorize the washed clothes. Then, the user washes the clothes that are not yet ready to be washed. In this way, energy waste caused by washing already washed clothes again can be effectively avoided.

[0072] Optionally, the washing machine is a front-loading washing machine. Generally, front-loading washing machines are equipped with a mechanical lock for closing or opening the door. When the user forcefully closes the door, the mechanical lock can automatically lock the door to prevent the door from suddenly opening during operation.

[0073] Higher-end drum washing machines are also equipped with electromagnetic locks. When the mechanical lock on the door is engaged, the electromagnetic lock also engages, preventing children from suddenly opening the door during operation and causing a safety accident. Understandably, after prompting the user to execute the normal washing program in step S1, the electromagnetic lock needs to be unlocked so that the user can open the door. That is, after prompting the user to execute the normal washing program in step S1, the washing machine door is unlocked.

[0074] Similarly, in step S3, after prompting the user to air out the clothes, the electromagnetic lock also needs to be switched to the unlocked state.

[0075] Specifically, in this embodiment, see Figure 2 Step S2 includes:

[0076] S21. Obtain the number of times the washing machine door was opened after the last washing program ended, and obtain the difference between the current weight of the clothes in the drum and the weight of the clothes in the drum after the last washing program ended.

[0077] S22. Based on the number of times the door is opened and the difference, determine whether the clothes in the drum are in the state of completed washing.

[0078] Specifically, in this embodiment, in step S21, the number of times the washing machine door was opened after the last washing cycle ended is obtained, and the difference between the current weight of the clothes in the drum and the weight of the clothes in the drum after the last washing cycle ended is obtained. Then, in step S22, based on the number of door openings and the difference, it is accurately determined whether the state of the clothes in the drum is that the washing process is complete.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, see Figure 3 Step S22 includes:

[0080] S221. Determine if the number of times the door has been opened is zero; if yes, proceed to step S222; if no, proceed to step S223.

[0081] S222. Determine if the difference is within the preset range; if yes, determine that the clothes are in the washing state; if no, execute the odor removal program.

[0082] S223. Determine whether the user has removed all the clothes from the drum after the last washing program has finished running;

[0083] If so, the clothes are determined not to have been washed;

[0084] If not, determine whether the user put the clothes back in after performing the retrieval operation; if yes, determine that the clothes have not been washed; if no, determine that the clothes have been washed.

[0085] It should be noted that in step S221, the number of times the door is opened refers to the cumulative number of times the door has been actively opened by the user from the end of the last washing program to the current time.

[0086] Specifically, in step S223, a camera device is installed inside the door frame of the washing machine. The camera device can record in real time whether the user puts clothes back in after performing the clothes removal operation, and feed the result back to the control board of the washing machine.

[0087] In other words, the logic for determining whether the clothes inside the drum have completed washing is based on the number of times the door is opened and the difference in the number of times the door is opened:

[0088] In step S221, it is first determined whether the number of times the door is opened is zero. If the number of times the door is opened is zero, it means that the user has not opened the door since the end of the last washing program. At this time, the door has never been opened after the clothes in the drum have finished the washing program. Then step S222 is executed.

[0089] Specifically, in step S222, it is determined whether the difference between the current weight of the clothes in the drum and the weight of the clothes after the last wash cycle is within a preset range. If the difference is within the preset range, it means the clothes are in a state of complete washing, and step S3 can be directly executed to further determine whether the clothes in the drum are ready to be dried. If the difference is outside the preset range, it means that too much time has passed since the last wash cycle ended, and the clothes have evaporated a relatively large amount of water, resulting in a difference outside the preset range. In this case, because the washed clothes have been in the drum for too long, they have developed an odor, and the deodorizing program is executed directly. After the deodorizing program is completed, the washing machine prompts the user to dry the clothes.

[0090] In step S221, if the result is that the number of times the door is opened is not zero, it means that the user has opened the door between the end of the previous washing program and the current time. At this time, step S223 is executed to determine whether the clothes have been washed.

[0091] Specifically, in step S223, if it is determined that the user has removed all the clothes in the drum after the previous washing program has finished running, it means that the clothes in the drum at this time are the clothes that the user put in to be washed, and the clothes in the drum are in an unwashed state.

[0092] In step S223, if it is determined that the user did not remove all the clothes from the drum after the previous washing cycle ended, it means that there are still clothes that were washed previously in the drum. At this point, it is further determined whether the user put clothes back in after performing the retrieval operation; if so, it means that the user put in new clothes to be washed, and the new clothes contaminate the remaining washed clothes, so it is determined that the clothes were not washed; if not, it means that the clothes in the drum are the remaining washed clothes, and the clothes are determined to be in a completed washing state.

[0093] Based on the above analysis, repeated washing of clothes is effectively prevented, unnecessary washing or spin-drying cycles are reduced, energy consumption and wear and tear on clothes are decreased, and the washing machine's energy-saving performance is improved. Furthermore, the inclusion of an odor-removing program in the above operations enhances the user experience.

[0094] Optionally, in this embodiment, the preset range can be selected as 0g-200g. That is, if the difference is within 0g-200g (inclusive), the difference can be considered to be within the preset range.

[0095] Example 3

[0096] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a control method for a washing machine, which can prevent clothes that have already been washed from being washed again inside the drum of the washing machine.

[0097] Specifically, the control method for the washing machine includes the following steps:

[0098] S1. Detect whether there are clothes inside the washing machine drum; if yes, proceed to step S2; if no, prompt the user to perform a normal washing program.

[0099] S2. Determine if the clothes in the drum are in the washing completed state; if yes, proceed to step S3; if no, start the washing program.

[0100] S3. Determine if the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state; if so, prompt the user to dry the clothes; if not, execute the odor removal program.

[0101] The washing machine control method provided in this embodiment initially controls the washing machine to be in a closed state during operation. After the user starts the washing machine, it first checks whether there are clothes inside the drum.

[0102] If the detection result shows that there are no clothes in the drum, the washing machine will prompt the user to run the normal washing program. At this time, the user can open the washing machine door, put the clothes to be washed into the drum, and close the door after loading. The washing machine will then run the normal washing program.

[0103] If the detection result indicates that there are clothes in the drum, these clothes may be clothes that have already been washed, or clothes that the user previously placed in the drum to be washed but have not yet been washed. In this case, step S2 needs to be executed to determine whether the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state. If the determination result is no, the washing machine directly starts the washing program to wash the clothes. If step S2 determines that the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state, it means that the clothes in the drum have already been washed once. To avoid washing washed clothes repeatedly, step S3 is executed.

[0104] In step S3, it is determined whether the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state. If so, the user is prompted to dry the clothes. At this time, the user opens the door, takes out the clothes from the drum, and dries them. If the determination result is that the clothes inside the drum are not in a dryable state, the clothes have developed an odor although the washing is complete. Therefore, an odor removal program needs to be executed. It is understandable that after the odor removal program is completed, the user takes out the odor-removed clothes to dry before putting the clothes to be washed into the drum.

[0105] Using the washing machine control method provided in this embodiment, the user does not first put clothes into the drum. Instead, the user starts the washing machine with the door closed. After starting, the washing machine automatically determines whether there are clothes in the drum. If there are no clothes, the user can directly put the clothes into the drum. If there are clothes, the washing machine automatically determines whether the clothes in the drum have already been washed. If they have been washed, the washing machine executes the corresponding program to prompt the user to air-dry or deodorize the washed clothes. Then, the user washes the clothes that are not yet ready to be washed. In this way, energy waste caused by washing already washed clothes again can be effectively avoided.

[0106] Optionally, the washing machine is a front-loading washing machine. Generally, front-loading washing machines are equipped with a mechanical lock for closing or opening the door. When the user forcefully closes the door, the mechanical lock can automatically lock the door to prevent the door from suddenly opening during operation.

[0107] Higher-end drum washing machines are also equipped with electromagnetic locks. When the mechanical lock on the door is engaged, the electromagnetic lock also engages, preventing children from suddenly opening the door during operation and causing a safety accident. Understandably, after prompting the user to execute the normal washing program in step S1, the electromagnetic lock needs to be unlocked so that the user can open the door. That is, after prompting the user to execute the normal washing program in step S1, the washing machine door is unlocked.

[0108] Similarly, in step S3, after prompting the user to air out the clothes, the electromagnetic lock also needs to be switched to the unlocked state.

[0109] Specifically, in this embodiment, the washing machine is a washing machine without a drying function.

[0110] Specifically, in this embodiment, if the determination result in step S2 is that the clothes are in a state of completed washing, then in step S3, the state of the clothes in the drum is determined to be a state of being ready to be dried based on the storage time of the clothes in the drum.

[0111] More specifically, in this embodiment, see Figure 4In step S3, the condition of the clothes in the drum is determined based on the length of time the clothes have been stored in the drum, including the following steps:

[0112] S331. Determine whether the storage time exceeds the first preset time; if yes, proceed to step S332; if no, determine that the clothes in the drum are in a state where they can be dried.

[0113] S332. Determine whether the storage time exceeds the second preset time; if yes, execute the high-intensity deodorization program; if no, execute the low-intensity deodorization program; the second preset time is longer than the first preset time.

[0114] Specifically, when determining whether the clothes in the drum are ready to be dried based on the length of time they have been inside, the washing machine first checks whether the length of time they have been inside exceeds a first preset time. If it does not exceed the preset time, it means the length of time the clothes have been inside is relatively short, and the washing machine can directly determine that the clothes are ready to be dried, prompting the user to hang them to dry. If the result is that the length of time the clothes have been inside exceeds the preset time, then step S332 needs to be executed.

[0115] In step S332, it is further determined whether the storage time of the clothes in the drum exceeds the second preset time. If the determination result is that the storage time of the clothes in the drum does not exceed the second preset time, it means that although the storage time of the washed clothes in the drum exceeds the first preset time, it does not exceed the second preset time. Therefore, although the clothes produce an odor, the odor is relatively small. Thus, the washing machine is controlled to run a low-intensity deodorization program with relatively low energy consumption.

[0116] If the judgment result in step S332 is that the storage time of the clothes in the drum exceeds the second preset time, it means that the storage time of the washed clothes in the drum is too long. At this time, the odor generated by the clothes in the sealed drum is large. Therefore, the washing machine is controlled to run a high-intensity odor removal program with better odor removal effect.

[0117] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first preset duration and the second preset duration can be set as needed.

[0118] For example, in this embodiment, the first preset duration is 2 hours to 4 hours; the second preset duration is 6 hours to 8 hours. Further for example, in this embodiment, the first preset duration is 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, 3.5 hours, or 4 hours; the second preset duration is 6 hours, 6.5 hours, 7 hours, 7.5 hours, or 8 hours.

[0119] More specifically, in this embodiment, the first preset duration is 4 hours; the second preset duration is 8 hours.

[0120] Optionally, in this embodiment, the high-intensity odor removal program includes a quick wash program; and / or

[0121] Low-intensity deodorization programs include rinsing.

[0122] Specifically, in this embodiment, the high-intensity deodorization program includes a quick wash program. The low-intensity deodorization program includes a rinsing program.

[0123] Generally speaking, washing machines include a variety of washing programs, such as standard washing programs, quick wash programs, and rinse programs.

[0124] A standard washing program typically includes a pre-wash, main wash, rinse, and spin-dry cycle, which takes between 1 and 2 hours.

[0125] During the rinsing process, clothes are rinsed multiple times with clean water (usually 2-3 times), typically for 5-10 minutes. No detergent is added during the rinsing process.

[0126] Compared to the standard wash cycle, the quick wash cycle typically completes the entire wash process in just 15-30 minutes. The quick wash cycle achieves this by reducing washing time and water consumption. Detergent is added to the quick wash cycle.

[0127] In other words, when the washing machine is set to run a low-intensity deodorizing program with relatively low energy consumption, simply run the rinse program. When the washing machine is set to run a high-intensity deodorizing program with better deodorizing effect, simply run the quick wash program. With this setup, there is no need to develop new low-intensity and high-intensity deodorizing programs.

[0128] Example 4

[0129] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a control method for a washing machine, which can prevent clothes that have already been washed from being washed again inside the drum of the washing machine.

[0130] Specifically, the control method for the washing machine includes the following steps:

[0131] S1. Detect whether there are clothes inside the washing machine drum; if yes, proceed to step S2; if no, prompt the user to perform a normal washing program.

[0132] S2. Determine if the clothes in the drum are in the washing completed state; if yes, proceed to step S3; if no, start the washing program.

[0133] S3. Determine if the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state; if so, prompt the user to dry the clothes; if not, execute the odor removal program.

[0134] The washing machine control method provided in this embodiment initially controls the washing machine to be in a closed state during operation. After the user starts the washing machine, it first checks whether there are clothes inside the drum.

[0135] If the detection result shows that there are no clothes in the drum, the washing machine will prompt the user to run the normal washing program. At this time, the user can open the washing machine door, put the clothes to be washed into the drum, and close the door after loading. The washing machine will then run the normal washing program.

[0136] If the detection result indicates that there are clothes in the drum, these clothes may be clothes that have already been washed, or clothes that the user previously placed in the drum to be washed but have not yet been washed. In this case, step S2 needs to be executed to determine whether the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state. If the determination result is no, the washing machine directly starts the washing program to wash the clothes. If step S2 determines that the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state, it means that the clothes in the drum have already been washed once. To avoid washing washed clothes repeatedly, step S3 is executed.

[0137] In step S3, it is determined whether the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state. If so, the user is prompted to dry the clothes. At this time, the user opens the door, takes out the clothes from the drum, and dries them. If the determination result is that the clothes inside the drum are not in a dryable state, the clothes have developed an odor although the washing is complete. Therefore, an odor removal program needs to be executed. It is understandable that after the odor removal program is completed, the user takes out the odor-removed clothes to dry before putting the clothes to be washed into the drum.

[0138] Using the washing machine control method provided in this embodiment, the user does not first put clothes into the drum. Instead, the user starts the washing machine with the door closed. After starting, the washing machine automatically determines whether there are clothes in the drum. If there are no clothes, the user can directly put the clothes into the drum. If there are clothes, the washing machine automatically determines whether the clothes in the drum have already been washed. If they have been washed, the washing machine executes the corresponding program to prompt the user to air-dry or deodorize the washed clothes. Then, the user washes the clothes that are not yet ready to be washed. In this way, energy waste caused by washing already washed clothes again can be effectively avoided.

[0139] Optionally, the washing machine is a front-loading washing machine. Generally, front-loading washing machines are equipped with a mechanical lock for closing or opening the door. When the user forcefully closes the door, the mechanical lock can automatically lock the door to prevent the door from suddenly opening during operation.

[0140] Higher-end drum washing machines are also equipped with electromagnetic locks. When the mechanical lock on the door is engaged, the electromagnetic lock also engages, preventing children from suddenly opening the door during operation and causing a safety accident. Understandably, after prompting the user to execute the normal washing program in step S1, the electromagnetic lock needs to be unlocked so that the user can open the door. That is, after prompting the user to execute the normal washing program in step S1, the washing machine door is unlocked.

[0141] Similarly, in step S3, after prompting the user to air out the clothes, the electromagnetic lock also needs to be switched to the unlocked state.

[0142] Specifically, in this embodiment, the washing machine is a washer-dryer combo.

[0143] Specifically, in this embodiment, step S3 includes:

[0144] Determine if the clothes in the drum are in a drying state; if so, determine if the clothes in the drum are ready to be air-dried; if not, determine if the clothes in the drum are not ready to be air-dried.

[0145] In this embodiment, if the clothes in the drum are in a drying state, it means that the clothes have been dried and the humidity in the sealed drum is very low. Even if the clothes are stored in the drum for a long time, they will not produce odors. Therefore, the clothes in the drum are directly determined to be in a state where they can be dried.

[0146] If the clothes in the drum are not dry, then the clothes in the drum are not in a condition suitable for drying.

[0147] Optionally, in some embodiments, when it is determined that the clothes in the drum are not in a dryable state, the odor removal procedure is executed directly.

[0148] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the odor removal procedure includes:

[0149] Determine whether the clothes in the drum have been stored for more than the third preset time; if so, execute the high-intensity deodorization program; if not, execute the low-intensity deodorization program.

[0150] The third preset duration can be set as needed. For example, in this embodiment, the third preset duration is 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3 hours, 3.5 hours, or 4 hours.

[0151] Specifically, in this embodiment, the third preset duration is 2 hours. Of course, in other embodiments, the third preset duration can also be set to other values ​​as needed.

[0152] Specifically, in this embodiment, determining whether the clothes inside the drum are in a drying state includes the following steps:

[0153] The system detects whether the humidity inside the drum is lower than the preset humidity value; if so, the clothes inside the drum are determined to be in a drying state; if not, the clothes inside the drum are determined to be not dried.

[0154] Example 5

[0155] This embodiment provides a washing machine.

[0156] Specifically, the washing machine is controlled by the control method of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0157] In this embodiment, the washing machine is controlled by a control method. The initial state of the washing machine is that the door is closed. After the user starts the washing machine, the system first checks if there are any clothes inside the drum.

[0158] If the detection result shows that there are no clothes in the drum, the washing machine will prompt the user to run the normal washing program. At this time, the user can open the washing machine door, put the clothes to be washed into the drum, and close the door after loading. The washing machine will then run the normal washing program.

[0159] If the detection result indicates that there are clothes in the drum, these clothes may be clothes that have already been washed, or clothes that the user previously placed in the drum to be washed but have not yet been washed. In this case, step S2 needs to be executed to determine whether the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state. If the determination result is no, the washing machine directly starts the washing program to wash the clothes. If step S2 determines that the clothes in the drum are currently in a washed state, it means that the clothes in the drum have already been washed once. To avoid washing washed clothes repeatedly, step S3 is executed.

[0160] In step S3, it is determined whether the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state. If so, the user is prompted to dry the clothes. At this time, the user opens the door, takes out the clothes from the drum, and dries them. If the determination result is that the clothes inside the drum are not in a dryable state, the clothes have developed an odor although the washing is complete. Therefore, an odor removal program needs to be executed. It is understandable that after the odor removal program is completed, the user takes out the odor-removed clothes to dry before putting the clothes to be washed into the drum.

[0161] When using this washing machine, the user should not immediately put clothes into the drum. Instead, start the machine with the door closed. The machine will automatically check if there are any clothes in the drum. If there are no clothes, the user can directly add the clothes. If there are clothes, the machine will determine if they have already been washed. If they have been washed, the machine will execute the appropriate program to prompt the user to air-dry or deodorize the clothes before washing the remaining clothes. This effectively avoids wasting energy by re-washing already washed clothes.

[0162] Specifically, when the washing machine is a washing machine without a drying function, the washing machine control method of Embodiment 3 is used to control the operation of the washing machine.

[0163] When the washing machine is a washer-dryer combo, the control method of the washing machine in Example 4 is used to control the operation of the washing machine.

[0164] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Detect whether there are clothes inside the drum of the washing machine; if yes, proceed to step S2; if no, prompt the user to perform a normal washing program. S2. Determine whether the state of the clothes in the drum is that the washing process is complete; If yes, proceed to step S3; otherwise, start the washing program. S3. Determine whether the clothes inside the drum are in a dryable state; if yes, prompt the user to dry the clothes; if no, execute the odor removal procedure.

2. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S2 includes: S21. Obtain the number of times the washing machine door was opened after the last washing program ended, and obtain the difference between the current weight of the drum-loaded clothing and the weight of the drum-loaded clothing after the last washing program ended; S22. Based on the number of times the door is opened and the difference, determine whether the state of the clothes in the drum is that the washing process is complete.

3. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, Step S22 includes: S221. Determine whether the number of times the door is opened is zero; if yes, proceed to step S222; if no, proceed to step S223. S222. Determine whether the difference is within a preset range; if yes, determine that the clothes are in a completed washing state; if no, execute the odor removal program. S223. Determine whether the user has removed all the clothes from the drum after the last washing program has finished running; If so, it is determined that the clothing has not been washed; If not, determine whether the user put the clothes back in after performing the clothes retrieval operation; if yes, determine that the clothes have not been washed; if no, determine that the clothes have been washed.

4. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, if it is determined that the clothes have been washed, then in step S3, the condition of the clothes in the drum is determined to be ready for drying based on the length of time the clothes have been stored in the drum.

5. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method of determining whether the clothes in the drum are ready for drying based on the length of time the clothes have been stored in the drum includes the following steps: S331. Determine whether the storage time exceeds the first preset time; if yes, proceed to step S332; if no, determine that the clothes in the drum are in a state suitable for drying. S332. Determine whether the storage time exceeds the second preset time; if yes, execute a high-intensity deodorization program; if no, execute a low-intensity deodorization program; the second preset time is longer than the first preset time.

6. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The high-intensity odor removal program includes a quick wash program; and / or The low-intensity deodorization process includes a rinsing process.

7. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S3 includes: Determine whether the clothes in the drum are in a drying state; if so, determine that the clothes in the drum are in a state suitable for air drying; if not, determine that the clothes in the drum are not in a state suitable for air drying.

8. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, Determining whether the clothes inside the drum are in a drying state includes the following steps: The system detects whether the humidity inside the drum is lower than a preset humidity value; if so, it determines that the clothes inside the drum are in a drying state; if not, it determines that the clothes inside the drum are not dried.

9. The control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, In step S1, after prompting the user to perform a normal washing program, the door of the washing machine is unlocked.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that, The operation of the washing machine is controlled by the washing machine control method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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