Washing machine control method and washing machine

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of clothes treatment, and discloses a washing machine control method and a washing machine. The washing machine control method comprises the following steps: detecting whether water-soluble washing material exists on the inner wall of a door body and / or a window gasket of the washing machine; judging whether the water-soluble washing material on the inner wall of the door body and / or the window gasket is in a spraying area of a spraying module, and if so, controlling the spraying module to spray the water-soluble washing material. The washing machine control method and the washing machine can spray the water-soluble washing material through the spraying module in time when the water-soluble washing material exists between the door body and the window gasket, so that the water-soluble washing material is dissolved in water flow to participate in subsequent washing process. The water-soluble washing material put by a user can be fully utilized, washing capacity is improved, the washing material is prevented from being insufficient due to the fact that the water-soluble washing material is attached between the inner wall of the door body and the window gasket, clothes washing effect is improved, and waste of the water-soluble washing material is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the innovation of laundry technology and the increasing demands of users for user experience, water-soluble detergents such as laundry pods and fragrance beads are widely used. Each laundry pod has a fixed dosage, so users do not need to add laundry detergent based on their feelings. Fragrance beads can fragrance clothes. Simply put the laundry pods or fragrance beads into the washing machine as needed during the wash cycle.

[0003] In existing technologies, when users use water-soluble detergents such as laundry pods or fragrance beads, improper operation or insufficient clothing can cause the pods to be thrown onto the inner wall of the door or the sealing gasket, especially easily getting stuck in the gap between the door and the sealing gasket. This results in the pods not dissolving completely due to insufficient water flow, leading to insufficient dosage of the pods for washing, inadequate washing, poor clothing washing effect, and waste of water-soluble detergents such as laundry pods and fragrance beads.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a washing machine control method and a washing machine to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a washing machine control method and a washing machine that can promptly handle water-soluble detergents between the door and the door seal, ensuring that all water-soluble detergents participate in the washing process, improving the washing effect of clothes, and reducing the waste of water-soluble detergents.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] On the one hand, a washing machine control method is provided, including:

[0008] Check the inside wall of the washing machine door and / or the door seal for water-soluble detergent residue;

[0009] Determine whether the water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket is within the spraying area of ​​the spray module. If so, control the spray module to spray the water-soluble detergent.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the spray module sprays water-soluble detergents onto the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket. This dissolves the detergents in the water flow, which then washes them away from the area between the inner wall and the gasket. This allows any detergents accidentally adhering to the inner wall and / or gasket to participate in the subsequent washing process, ensuring full utilization of the user's detergent, improving cleaning power, and preventing insufficient detergent dosage due to detergent adhering to the inner wall and gasket. This improves the washing effect and reduces waste of water-soluble detergents. Furthermore, the spray module only activates when the water-soluble detergent is confirmed to be within its spray area. It does not activate when the detergent is outside the spray area, preventing the spray from spraying water without dissolving the detergent. This reduces water and energy waste, ensures effective spraying, and enhances the user experience.

[0011] As an optional solution to the washing machine control method provided by the present invention, the spray module includes a plurality of spray heads arranged at intervals, the spray area includes a plurality of sub-spray areas, the plurality of spray heads correspond one-to-one with the plurality of sub-spray areas, and the spray heads are used to spray water onto the corresponding sub-spray areas;

[0012] "Determining whether the water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket is within the spray area of ​​the spray module, and if so, controlling the spray module to spray the water-soluble detergent" includes:

[0013] Obtain the location information of the water-soluble detergent;

[0014] Based on the location information, determine whether the water-soluble detergent falls within any of the sub-spray zones; if so, control the spray head corresponding to the sub-spray zone where the water-soluble detergent is located to spray water.

[0015] As an optional solution to the washing machine control method provided by the present invention, the current position information of the water-soluble detergent is acquired once every first preset time interval;

[0016] Based on the current location information, determine whether the water-soluble detergent has moved to another of the sub-spray zones;

[0017] If so, the spray head corresponding to the sub-spray zone where the water-soluble detergent is currently located will start spraying water.

[0018] As an optional embodiment of the washing machine control method provided by the present invention, the detection of whether water-soluble detergents exist on the inner wall of the washing machine door and / or the door gasket includes:

[0019] Acquire the current image of the location of the inner wall of the door and / or the window pad;

[0020] The presence of the water-soluble detergent is determined based on the current image.

[0021] As an optional solution to the washing machine control method provided by the present invention, the washing machine pre-stores a first preset image of the inner wall of the door and the window gasket, and a second preset image of the water-soluble detergent.

[0022] If the current image is different from the first preset image and includes the second preset image, then it is determined that the water-soluble detergent is present.

[0023] As an optional embodiment of the washing machine control method provided by the present invention, controlling the spray module to spray the water-soluble detergent includes:

[0024] The spray module stops spraying after the second preset spraying time.

[0025] Alternatively, when the current image screen is detected to have changed to be the same as the first preset image screen, the spray module is controlled to stop spraying.

[0026] As an optional solution to the washing machine control method provided by the present invention,

[0027] Get the set washing duration of the current washing program;

[0028] After the spraying module finishes spraying, the running time of the current washing program is started.

[0029] And / or,

[0030] If the water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket is not within the spray area of ​​the spray module, a first prompt message is sent to the user.

[0031] As an optional embodiment of the washing machine control method provided by the present invention, the washing machine control method further includes:

[0032] Video recording begins when the system detects that a user has placed clothes and water-soluble detergent into the inner drum.

[0033] The order in which the user placed the clothes and water-soluble detergents was analyzed based on the video information.

[0034] If the order is determined to be putting in the clothes first and then the water-soluble detergent, then the washing machine is controlled to issue a second prompt message.

[0035] As an optional solution to the washing machine control method provided by the present invention, upon receiving a washing command, the presence of water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket is detected; or,

[0036] Upon receiving a washing instruction, the inner drum of the washing machine is controlled to rotate;

[0037] After the inner cylinder has rotated for a third preset period of time, the presence of water-soluble detergents is detected on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket.

[0038] On the other hand, a washing machine is provided for implementing the washing machine control method described above, the washing machine comprising:

[0039] The detection module is used to detect whether there are water-soluble detergents on the inner wall of the washing machine door and / or the door seal.

[0040] The spray module is used to spray water onto the spray area;

[0041] The control module is communicatively connected to both the spray module and the detection module, and is used to control the spray module to spray water when the water-soluble detergent falls into the spray area.

[0042] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0043] This invention provides a washing machine control method and a washing machine. After the user puts clothes and water-soluble detergents (such as laundry pods, fragrance beads, etc.) into the inner drum of the washing machine, the washing machine detects whether there are water-soluble detergents on the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal. If so, it further determines whether the water-soluble detergents on the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal are within the spray area of ​​the spray module. If so, it controls the spray module to spray, and the spray water can contact the water-soluble detergents so that the water-soluble detergents dissolve in the water flow and are then washed away by the water flow from the area between the inner wall of the door and the door seal. This allows water-soluble detergents that accidentally adhere to the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal to participate in the subsequent washing process, making full use of the water-soluble detergents added by the user, improving the washing ability, avoiding insufficient detergent dosage due to water-soluble detergents adhering to the inner wall of the door and the door seal, improving the washing effect of clothes, and reducing the waste of water-soluble detergents.

[0044] Furthermore, the spray module will only be activated when the water-soluble detergent is determined to be within its spray area. It will not be activated if the detergent is not within the spray area, thus preventing the spray module from spraying water but the water flow cannot come into contact with the water-soluble detergent to dissolve it. This reduces water and energy waste, ensures the effective operation of the spray module, and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0045] 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.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a first flowchart of the washing machine control method provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a second flowchart of the washing machine control method provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a third flowchart of the washing machine control method provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4 This is the fourth flowchart of the washing machine control method provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5 This is the fifth flowchart of the washing machine control method provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0053] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0054] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0055] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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 invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0056] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connect," and "fix" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0057] 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.

[0058] In this embodiment, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this invention, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0059] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] This embodiment provides a washing machine control method that can promptly handle the presence of water-soluble detergent between the door and the door seal, ensuring that all water-soluble detergent participates in the washing process, improving the washing effect of clothes, and reducing the waste of water-soluble detergent.

[0062] It should be noted that water-soluble detergents can be laundry pods, fragrance beads, and other detergent products that dissolve in water and participate in the washing of clothes.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the washing machine control method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0064] Check the inside wall of the washing machine door and / or the door seal for water-soluble detergent residue;

[0065] Determine whether the water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket is within the spray area of ​​the spray module. If so, control the spray module to spray the water-soluble detergent.

[0066] The washing machine control method provided in this embodiment, after the user puts clothes and water-soluble detergents (such as laundry pods, fragrance beads, etc.) into the inner drum of the washing machine, detects whether there are water-soluble detergents on the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal. If so, it further determines whether the water-soluble detergents on the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal are within the spray area of ​​the spray module. If so, it controls the spray module to spray, and the spray water can contact the water-soluble detergents so that the water-soluble detergents dissolve in the water flow and are then washed away by the water flow from the area between the inner wall of the door and the door seal. This allows the water-soluble detergents accidentally attached to the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal to participate in the subsequent washing process, so that the water-soluble detergents added by the user can be fully utilized, improving the washing ability, avoiding insufficient detergent dosage due to water-soluble detergents attached between the inner wall of the door and the door seal, improving the washing effect of clothes, and reducing the waste of water-soluble detergents.

[0067] Furthermore, the spray module will only be activated when the water-soluble detergent is determined to be within its spray area. It will not be activated if the detergent is not within the spray area, thus preventing the spray module from spraying water but the water flow cannot come into contact with the water-soluble detergent to dissolve it. This reduces water and energy waste, ensures the effective operation of the spray module, and improves the user experience.

[0068] When a user first puts clothes into the inner drum and then places water-soluble detergent pods on top of the clothes, the detergent may slide off the clothes into the area between the inner wall of the door and the window gasket, especially getting stuck in the sealing ring. Alternatively, if there are few clothes, they may be flung into this area during the inner drum's rotation. Specifically, the door includes a main body and an observation window located inside the main body. When the door is closed, the main body and the window gasket are in sealed contact, but there is a gap between the observation window and the gasket. The detergent pods may get stuck in this gap. When the detergent pods get wet, their outer coating has some adhesive properties, potentially adhering to the inner wall of the observation window or the gasket, making it difficult for the incoming water to dissolve them.

[0069] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, if it is determined that the water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the window mat is not within the spray area of ​​the spray module, a first prompt message is sent to the user.

[0070] If the water-soluble detergent is not within the spray area of ​​the spray module, even if the spray module sprays water, the sprayed water will not come into contact with the water-soluble detergent and will not dissolve it, rendering the spray module ineffective. In this case, the first prompt message will be sent to the user to prompt them to handle the situation manually, such as opening the washing machine door, removing the water-soluble detergent stuck on the door seal, and transferring it to the inner drum for subsequent washing.

[0071] For example, the first prompt may be in the form of voice broadcast and / or text display, to clearly suggest manual handling to the user.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, after the user puts clothes and water-soluble detergent into the inner drum, they issue a washing command by operating the washing machine. The washing machine then executes the corresponding washing program according to this command. Upon receiving the washing command, the system detects whether there is water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal. Since the washing program is not yet running, this ensures that any water-soluble detergent stuck between the inner wall of the door and the door seal is dissolved by the water spray before the washing program begins, thus participating in the subsequent washing process. Furthermore, when the door is detected as locked and a washing command is received, the system also detects whether there is water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal.

[0073] After the spray module finishes spraying, the washing machine is controlled to execute the washing program.

[0074] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the steps for "detecting the presence of water-soluble detergent residue on the inner wall of the washing machine door and / or the door seal" include:

[0075] Acquire the current image of the location of the inner wall of the door and / or the window pad;

[0076] Determine whether water-soluble detergents are present based on the current image.

[0077] For example, a camera assembly can be installed inside the inner drum. The camera of the camera assembly can capture images of the inner wall of the door and / or the location of the window gasket. For instance, the camera of the camera assembly can be installed on the side or rear wall of the inner drum to capture images of the front inner wall of the door and the window gasket. Alternatively, the camera can be installed on the window gasket to capture images of the inner ring of the window gasket and the inner wall of the observation window. The specific configuration depends on the model of the washing machine. Furthermore, to capture images of the area between the inner wall of the door and the window gasket from all angles, multiple cameras can be installed at intervals to avoid blind spots.

[0078] For example, the washing machine's control board stores a first preset image of the inner wall of the door and the door seal, and a second preset image of water-soluble detergent. The first preset image is the image when there is no water-soluble detergent adhering to the inner wall of the door and the door seal. The step of "determining whether water-soluble detergent is present based on the current image" includes:

[0079] If the current image is different from the first preset image and includes the second preset image, then it is determined that there is water-soluble detergent between the inner wall of the door and the window gasket.

[0080] If the current image is the same as the first preset image, it is determined that there is no water-soluble detergent between the inner wall of the door and the window gasket.

[0081] By comparing and analyzing the current image captured by the camera with a first preset image, it can be determined whether the current image and the first preset image are the same. If they are different, it indicates that there is a foreign object on the inner wall of the door and the window gasket. Whether the foreign object is a water-soluble detergent needs further confirmation. By comparing and analyzing the image of the foreign object captured with a second preset image stored in the washing machine, it can be determined whether the foreign object is a water-soluble detergent, improving the accuracy of the judgment and avoiding spraying other non-water-soluble detergents when they are present.

[0082] Furthermore, if the image of the foreign object captured differs from the second preset image, the washing machine will issue a warning message to prompt the user to manually remove the foreign object from the non-water-soluble laundry.

[0083] Of course, in other implementations, after a foreign object is detected, a material sensor can be used to determine whether the object is a laundry detergent pod. Specifically, the material of the water-soluble outer coating of the laundry detergent pod can be detected by the material sensor.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the step of "controlling the spray module to spray water-soluble detergents" includes: controlling the spray module to spray for a second preset time and then stopping the spraying.

[0085] After the spray module has sprayed for the second preset time, it is determined that the laundry detergent pods have been completely dissolved. The spray module is then stopped, and the corresponding washing program is executed.

[0086] For example, the second preset time ranges from 1 min to 10 min. Further, the second preset time ranges from 3 min to 8 min. This range of the second preset time is reasonable, neither too large, which would cause the spraying time to be too long and increase the total washing time too much, nor too small, which would cause the laundry pods to not dissolve completely.

[0087] For example, the second preset duration can be 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, 5 min, 6 min, 7 min, 8 min, 9 min, 10 min, etc., but is not limited to the values ​​and ranges listed above.

[0088] Example 2

[0089] This embodiment provides a washing machine control method, which differs from Embodiment 1.

[0090] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, when the spray module starts spraying water-soluble detergent (taking laundry pods as an example), the current image of the inner wall of the door and the location of the window gasket is acquired in real time. When the current image changes to be the same as the first preset image, the spray module is controlled to stop spraying.

[0091] Since the first preset image is a picture of a door interior wall and window gasket without any water-soluble detergent adhering to them, when the current image changes to be the same as the first preset image, it indicates that the water-soluble detergent stuck between the door interior wall and window gasket has been dissolved and washed away by the water flow. After that, the spray module can be controlled to stop spraying and execute the corresponding washing program.

[0092] Based on changes in the current image, the spray module can be controlled to stop spraying in time when the laundry detergent pods are completely dissolved, so that the laundry detergent pods are fully utilized and the total washing time is not excessively extended.

[0093] Example 3

[0094] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a washing machine control method, which is a further improvement on the first and second embodiments.

[0095] In this embodiment, the spray module includes multiple spray heads spaced apart, and the spray area includes multiple sub-spray areas. Each spray head corresponds one-to-one with a sub-spray area, and the spray heads are used to spray water onto their respective sub-spray areas. The multiple spray heads can be spaced apart circumferentially along the window gasket to achieve omnidirectional spraying along the circumferential area of ​​the window gasket. The spray water flow from the spray heads can be directed towards the observation window and / or the window gasket.

[0096] Of course, in other embodiments, only one spray head may be provided, such as on the top of the window mat. When the spray head sprays water, the water flow can spray onto the inner wall of the observation window and at the same time, it can be diverted to both sides along the inner circumference of the window mat and flow to the bottom of the inner ring of the window mat. In this way, the entire inner ring of the window mat can be sprayed and rinsed.

[0097] In this embodiment, see Figure 4 The steps of "determining whether water-soluble detergent residue on the inner wall of the door and / or window gasket is within the spray area of ​​the spray module, and if so, controlling the spray module to spray the water-soluble detergent residue" include:

[0098] Obtain the location information of water-soluble detergents.

[0099] Based on the location information, determine whether the water-soluble detergent falls within any sub-spray zone; if so, control the spray head corresponding to the sub-spray zone where the water-soluble detergent is located to spray water.

[0100] Specifically, the location information of water-soluble detergents (taking laundry pods as an example) is obtained based on the current image of the inner wall of the door and the location of the window gasket. The computer board of the washing machine has pre-stored the location information corresponding to each sub-spray zone. When the location of the laundry pod falls into one of the sub-spray zones, it indicates that the laundry pod is in the spray area of ​​the spray module. Then, the spray head corresponding to the sub-spray zone is controlled to spray water. When the water flows to the sub-spray zone, it gradually dissolves the laundry pod.

[0101] Further, see Figure 4 When the spray module starts spraying, the following steps are also included:

[0102] The current location information of the water-soluble detergent is obtained once every first preset time interval.

[0103] Determine whether the water-soluble detergent has moved to other sub-spray areas based on the current location information.

[0104] If yes, then control the spray head corresponding to the sub-spray zone where the water-soluble detergent is currently located to start spraying water; if no, control the spray head currently performing spraying to continue spraying water.

[0105] By re-acquiring the current position information of the laundry pods at each first preset time interval, it can be determined whether the laundry pods have slid down or fallen into other sub-spray zones due to the impact of the water flow. If they have moved to other sub-spray zones, the currently operating spray head will be unable to continue dissolving the laundry pods. Therefore, the spray head is controlled to stop spraying water, and the spray head corresponding to the sub-spray zone where the laundry pods are currently located is started to spray water to ensure that the laundry pods can continue to be dissolved and to avoid the problem of incomplete dissolution of the laundry pods due to changes in position.

[0106] For example, the first preset duration is 15s to 60s. The range of this first preset duration is reasonable, so that the value is not too small, which would lead to frequent position detection, nor too large, which would prevent timely detection of changes in the position of the laundry pods and reduce the dissolution rate of the laundry pods.

[0107] For example, the first preset duration can be 15s, 20s, 25s, 30s, 40s, etc., but is not limited to the values ​​and ranges listed above.

[0108] Example 4

[0109] like Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a washing machine control method, which is an improvement on any of the above embodiments.

[0110] In this embodiment, the washing machine control method further includes the following steps:

[0111] Video recording begins when the system detects that a user is putting clothes and water-soluble detergent into the inner drum.

[0112] The order in which users placed clothes and water-soluble detergents was analyzed based on video information.

[0113] If the order of adding clothes is determined to be clothes first, followed by water-soluble detergents, then the washing machine will issue a second prompt message.

[0114] By analyzing video footage of users adding clothes and water-soluble detergent (using laundry pods as an example) to the drum and determining the order in which they placed the items, it was identified that the reason the laundry pods were stuck between the inner wall of the door and the door seal was because the user placed the pods on top of the clothes, causing them to roll down into the space between the door and the door seal. Therefore, a second prompt message can be issued to remind the user to place the laundry pods first, then the clothes, to prevent the pods from easily rolling down or being flung into the space between the door and the door seal.

[0115] For example, video information can be recorded using a camera in a camera assembly mounted on the inner cylinder or window gasket.

[0116] For example, the second prompt message may be in the form of voice broadcast and / or text display, so as to clearly tell the user "put in the laundry detergent pods first and then put in the clothes".

[0117] Example 5

[0118] This embodiment provides a washing machine control method, which differs from Embodiment 1.

[0119] In this embodiment, unlike in Embodiment 1 where the detection of water-soluble detergents begins upon receiving a washing command, the inner drum is controlled to rotate after receiving the washing command. After the inner drum has rotated for a third preset time, the presence of water-soluble detergents (taking laundry pods as an example) is detected on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket.

[0120] When the inner drum starts to rotate, laundry pods may be thrown into the area between the inner wall of the door and the window gasket. Therefore, checking for laundry pods stuck between the inner wall of the door and the window gasket after the inner drum has rotated for three preset times can further improve the utilization rate of laundry pods.

[0121] For example, the third preset duration is 30s to 180s, such as 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 80s, 100s, 120s, 180s, etc., but is not limited to the values ​​and ranges listed above.

[0122] Example 6

[0123] This embodiment provides a washing machine control method, which is an improvement on any of the above embodiments.

[0124] In this embodiment, the washing machine control method further includes the following steps:

[0125] Get the set washing duration of the current washing program.

[0126] After the spray module finishes spraying, the timer for the current washing program begins.

[0127] It should be noted that the set washing time can be a pre-stored washing time in the washing program, a washing time determined based on information such as the weight and degree of soiling of the clothes, or a washing time selected by the user. Examples of set washing times are 18 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, etc., without specific limitations.

[0128] That is, the running time of the washing program is not started when the detection of whether there are laundry pods between the door and the window gasket begins. The time is only started when the spray module finishes spraying and the washing program starts. This avoids shortening the effective washing time, which would result in low cleaning efficiency of the clothes and improves the washing effect of the clothes.

[0129] Example 7

[0130] This embodiment provides a washing machine for implementing the washing machine control method described in any of the above embodiments. The washing machine includes a detection module, a spray module, and a control module.

[0131] The detection module is used to detect whether there is water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the washing machine door and / or the window gasket; the spray module is used to spray water onto the spray area; the control module is connected to both the spray module and the detection module and is used to control the spray module to spray water when water-soluble detergent falls into the spray area.

[0132] For example, the detection module includes a camera assembly mounted on the inner drum or window gasket. The camera of the camera assembly can capture images and transmit them to a processing module. The processing module further determines whether water-soluble detergent residue on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket is within the spray area of ​​the spray module. The spray module includes at least one spray head. The control module includes the washing machine's computer board and related controllers, etc.

[0133] After the user places clothes and water-soluble detergents (such as laundry pods, fragrance beads, etc.) into the washing machine drum, a detection module checks whether there are water-soluble detergents on the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal. If so, a processing module further determines whether the water-soluble detergents on the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal are within the spray area of ​​the spray module. If so, the control module controls the spray module to spray, so that the water-soluble detergents dissolve in the water flow and are then washed away from the area between the inner wall of the door and the door seal. This allows water-soluble detergents accidentally adhering to the inner wall of the door and / or the door seal to participate in the subsequent washing process, ensuring that the water-soluble detergents added by the user are fully utilized, improving washing efficiency, avoiding insufficient detergent dosage due to water-soluble detergents adhering to the inner wall of the door and the door seal, improving the washing effect of clothes, and reducing waste of water-soluble detergents.

[0134] In the washing machine provided in this embodiment, the spray module is only controlled to spray when it is determined that the water-soluble detergent is within the spray area of ​​the spray module. The spray module will not be activated when the detergent is not within the spray area, thus preventing the phenomenon that the spray module sprays water but the sprayed water cannot come into contact with the water-soluble detergent to dissolve it. This reduces the waste of water and energy, ensures the effective spraying operation of the spray module, and improves the user experience.

[0135] 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 washing machine control method, characterized in that, include: Check the inside wall of the washing machine door and / or the door seal for water-soluble detergent residue; Determine whether the water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket is within the spraying area of ​​the spray module. If so, control the spray module to spray the water-soluble detergent.

2. The washing machine control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray module includes multiple spray heads spaced apart, and the spray area includes multiple sub-spray areas. Each of the multiple spray heads corresponds to one of the multiple sub-spray areas, and the spray heads are used to spray water onto the corresponding sub-spray areas. "Determining whether the water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket is within the spray area of ​​the spray module, and if so, controlling the spray module to spray the water-soluble detergent" includes: Obtain the location information of the water-soluble detergent; Based on the location information, determine whether the water-soluble detergent falls within any of the sub-spray zones; if so, control the spray head corresponding to the sub-spray zone where the water-soluble detergent is located to spray water.

3. The washing machine control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The current location information of the water-soluble detergent is acquired once every first preset time interval; Based on the current location information, determine whether the water-soluble detergent has moved to another of the sub-spray zones; If so, the spray head corresponding to the sub-spray zone where the water-soluble detergent is currently located will start spraying water.

4. The washing machine control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection of whether water-soluble detergent residue exists on the inner wall of the washing machine door and / or the window gasket includes: Acquire the current image of the location of the inner wall of the door and / or the window pad; The presence of the water-soluble detergent is determined based on the current image.

5. The washing machine control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The washing machine contains a first preset image of the inner wall of the door and the window gasket, as well as a second preset image of the water-soluble detergent. If the current image is different from the first preset image and includes the second preset image, then it is determined that the water-soluble detergent is present.

6. The washing machine control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control of the spray module to spray the water-soluble detergent includes: The spray module stops spraying after the second preset spraying time. Alternatively, when the current image screen is detected to have changed to be the same as the first preset image screen, the spray module is controlled to stop spraying.

7. The washing machine control method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Get the set washing duration of the current washing program; After the spraying module finishes spraying, the running time of the current washing program is started. And / or, If the water-soluble detergent on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket is not within the spray area of ​​the spray module, a first prompt message is sent to the user.

8. The washing machine control method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The washing machine control method further includes: Video recording begins when the system detects that a user has placed clothes and water-soluble detergent into the inner drum. The order in which the user placed the clothes and water-soluble detergents was analyzed based on the video information. If the order is determined to be putting in the clothes first and then the water-soluble detergent, then the washing machine is controlled to issue a second prompt message.

9. The washing machine control method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Upon receiving a washing instruction, the system detects whether water-soluble detergents are present on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket; or, Upon receiving a washing instruction, the inner drum of the washing machine is controlled to rotate; After the inner cylinder has rotated for a third preset period of time, the presence of water-soluble detergents is detected on the inner wall of the door and / or the window gasket.

10. A washing machine, characterized in that, For implementing the washing machine control method as described in any one of claims 1-9, the washing machine includes: The detection module is used to detect whether there are water-soluble detergents on the inner wall of the washing machine door and / or the door seal. The spray module is used to spray water onto the spray area; The control module is communicatively connected to both the spray module and the detection module, and is used to control the spray module to spray water when the water-soluble detergent falls into the spray area.

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