Washing machine

Abstract

This application discloses a washing machine, including: an outer drum, an inner drum, an air inlet duct structure, an air outlet duct structure, a fan, a heater, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor, and a controller. The outer drum has a water-filled cavity including a main chamber and a heating chamber. The first temperature sensor detects the outlet air temperature, and the second temperature sensor detects the temperature of the gas and liquid in the heating chamber during the drying state. The controller is configured to: during the drying state, acquire data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors respectively, and control the heater to start, stop, and adjust its power based on the acquired data to control the temperature of the air inside the drum; during the washing state, acquire data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors respectively, and control the heater to start, stop, and adjust its power based on the acquired data from the second temperature sensor to control the temperature of the washing liquid. The acquired data from the first and third temperature sensors are not used to control the temperature of the washing liquid. This application can improve the accuracy of control.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510451380.9, filed on April 10, 2025, entitled “Washing Machine”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to home appliance control technology, and includes, but is not limited to, a washing machine. Background Technology

[0003] With the rapid development of electronic technology, more and more household appliances have become widely used, bringing great convenience to people's lives. For example, some newly launched washing machines not only have traditional washing functions, but also corresponding drying functions.

[0004] In related technologies, these washing machines with drying functions can be direct-venting, condensing, or any other possible type. Therefore, these washing machines are generally equipped with multiple temperature sensors to measure the temperature inside the air duct and / or the temperature inside the washing machine cavity, and then control the drying components in these washing machines based on the temperature data measured by the temperature sensors.

[0005] However, since the washing machine receives temperature data from different temperature sensors during the drying process, how to accurately control the washing machine based on the temperature data detected by these temperature sensors is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the washing machine provided in this application embodiment can achieve the effect of improving control accuracy. The washing machine provided in this application embodiment achieves this as follows:

[0007] In one aspect of this application, a washing machine is provided, the washing machine comprising: a casing, the casing comprising: a drum, the drum comprising: an outer drum, the outer drum having a water-holding cavity, the water-holding cavity comprising a main cavity and a heating cavity, the heating cavity being located at the bottom of the main cavity and communicating with the main cavity; an inner drum disposed in the main cavity; an air inlet duct structure disposed in the outer drum, the air inlet end of the air inlet duct structure communicating with the outside of the casing, the air outlet end of the air inlet duct structure communicating with the heating cavity, the air inlet duct structure forming an air inlet duct; and an air outlet duct structure disposed in the outer drum, the air outlet duct structure forming an air outlet duct, the air outlet duct being used to connect the main cavity and the outside of the casing. The washing machine includes: a fan, disposed within the housing and connected to the air inlet duct, for allowing air from outside the housing to enter the heating chamber through the air inlet duct and exit to the outside of the housing via the main chamber and the air outlet duct; a heater, disposed within the heating chamber, for heating the gas and liquid within the heating chamber; and a controller, for controlling the washing machine to operate in the drying state and the washing state.

[0008] The controller is configured as follows:

[0009] During the drying process, the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are obtained respectively. Based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, the heater is controlled to start, stop, and adjust its power to control the temperature of the air inside the cylinder.

[0010] During the washing state, the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are obtained respectively. The heater is started, stopped, and its power is adjusted according to the data collected by the second temperature sensor to control the temperature of the washing liquid. However, the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor are not used to control the temperature of the washing liquid.

[0011] As can be seen from the above, since the air inlet duct and heating chamber of the outer drum are connected, the heater installed in the heating chamber of the outer drum can heat the airflow entering the heating chamber from the air inlet duct during drying mode, and heat the water entering the heating chamber from the main chamber during washing mode. Therefore, it is unnecessary to install heaters in both the air inlet duct and the heating chamber. This solution uses one heater to heat the washing liquid during washing and the air during drying, thus reusing the heater. Compared to traditional washing machines that use two heaters for washing and drying, this avoids the problem of excessive power consumption caused by two heaters working simultaneously. Furthermore, reducing the number of heaters saves costs and reduces the space occupied inside the machine, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the clothing handling device.

[0012] When the washing machine has only one heater, after obtaining data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors, the heater can be controlled using the data from each sensor according to the different states of the washing machine (drying and washing). This allows for the use of all relevant temperature data to control the heater during the drying process, improving the accuracy of control during this state. During the washing process, only the data from the second temperature sensor can be used, reducing the data processing load on the controller and improving processing efficiency.

[0013] In this way, during the drying process, all temperature data related to the drying operation of the washing machine are used to control the heater. Furthermore, the temperature sensors in the heating space, the inlet air temperature, and the outlet air duct temperature sensors are reused, allowing for the collection of multiple temperature points in the drying space during the drying process. This results in more comprehensive temperature parameter collection and improves the accuracy of controlling the washing machine during the drying process.

[0014] Furthermore, during the washing cycle, the first and third temperature sensors, which are not related to the washing operation, can be kept away from affecting the control results of the washing machine. This improves the accuracy of controlling the washing machine during the washing cycle. Moreover, during the washing cycle, there is no need to add control hardware and control logic to cut off the data collection of unrelated temperature sensors, simplifying the control feedback circuit and control logic.

[0015] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: control the heater to start and adjust its power according to the data collected by the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor respectively during the drying state, wherein the power adjustment includes increasing the power and decreasing the power; and control the heater to stop according to the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor respectively during the drying state.

[0016] In this way, the start-up and shutdown of the heater and the power adjustment can be controlled based on the data collected by different temperature sensors during the drying process, which can improve the control accuracy of the heater.

[0017] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor during the drying state, and activate the heater if the outlet air temperature is less than a fourth temperature threshold; or, during the drying state, calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor, and activate the heater if the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is less than a fifth temperature threshold.

[0018] The above presents several schemes for starting the heater by collecting data from a temperature sensor during the drying process. Any one of these schemes can be selected according to the actual usage, providing flexibility in heater control.

[0019] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor during the drying state, and calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor; and activate the heater when the outlet air temperature is less than a fourth temperature threshold and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is less than a fifth temperature threshold.

[0020] The above presents several schemes for starting the heater using data collected from two temperature sensors during the drying process. Starting the heater using data collected from multiple temperature sensors can improve the accuracy of heater control.

[0021] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the power of the heater if the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold.

[0022] In this way, by using only the outlet air temperature to regulate the power of the heater, the temperature inside the heating chamber can be adjusted more quickly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the power of the heater if the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold. In this way, by using only the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber to regulate the power of the heater, the temperature within the heating chamber can be adjusted more quickly.

[0024] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate a first difference between the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the power of the heater if the first difference is less than a first preset threshold.

[0025] In this way, by using data collected by two temperature sensors to regulate the power of the heater, the temperature inside the heating chamber can be adjusted more precisely.

[0026] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the power of the heater when the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold.

[0027] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the power of the heater when the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to a first slope and the slope of the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to a second slope.

[0028] The above provides several methods for regulating the heater power using data collected from two temperature sensors. This allows for selection of the appropriate method to regulate the heater power based on actual conditions, thus improving the flexibility of the solution.

[0029] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the inlet air temperature based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, and calculate a first difference between the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor; and shut down the heater if the inlet air temperature is less than or equal to a third temperature threshold and the first difference is less than or equal to a second preset threshold.

[0030] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the inlet air temperature based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, and calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor; and shut down the heater if the inlet air temperature is less than or equal to a third temperature threshold, the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to a first slope, and the slope of the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to a second slope.

[0031] The above provides multiple solutions for shutting off the heater during the drying process using data collected from the first, second, and third temperature sensors, which improves the flexibility of heater control. Furthermore, shutting off the heater during the drying process can be understood as being executed after determining that the clothes are dry (referred to as "dryness assessment"). Since data from all temperature sensors related to drying is used for this assessment, the accuracy of the assessment is improved, energy consumption is reduced, and over-drying of clothes is prevented.

[0032] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: adjust a second operating parameter of the fan according to target temperature data during the drying state to control the temperature of the air inside the cylinder, wherein the second operating parameter includes rotational speed, and the target temperature data includes data collected by the first temperature sensor or data collected by the second temperature sensor.

[0033] In this way, by adding control parameters to the fan based on the control of the heater, the temperature inside the heating chamber can be adjusted more quickly.

[0034] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the fan speed if the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold.

[0035] In this way, by using only the outlet air temperature to regulate the fan speed, the computational complexity of the controller can be simplified.

[0036] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the speed of the fan if the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold.

[0037] In this way, the fan speed can be controlled solely by the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber, which simplifies the computational complexity of the controller.

[0038] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate a first difference between the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the speed of the fan if the first difference is less than a first preset threshold.

[0039] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the speed of the fan when the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold.

[0040] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the speed of the fan when the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to a first slope and the slope of the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to a second slope.

[0041] The above provides several ways to control the fan speed using data collected from two temperature sensors. This allows for the selection of the specific control method for the fan in different situations, thus improving control flexibility.

[0042] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: receive and call the data collected by the second temperature sensor in the washing state, and not receive the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor; and receive and call the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor in the drying state.

[0043] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: in the washing state, receive data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively, call the data collected by the second temperature sensor, and not call the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor; in the drying state, receive and call the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor.

[0044] In this way, during the washing cycle, the controller can receive data from the first and second temperature sensors that are not needed for subsequent control, without actually using it, or even not receive it at all, thus reducing the processing load on the controller. Furthermore, during the drying cycle, it can utilize as much temperature data as possible related to the drying operation to control the washing machine, thereby improving the accuracy of control during this phase.

[0045] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to: receive and retrieve the data collected by the second temperature sensor during the washing state, and receive and delete the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor; and receive and retrieve the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively during the drying state.

[0046] In this way, after receiving the corresponding collected data, the controller can delete data that is not used for control. For example, in the washing state, the collected data from the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor can be deleted. This way, the storage space can be saved by signals that are not needed, and the utilization rate of storage space can be improved.

[0047] In some embodiments, the heater includes a PTC heater.

[0048] Therefore, PTC heaters provide a more suitable heating temperature for drying or washing clothes compared to electric heating tube heaters, without damaging the garments. Furthermore, PTC heaters automatically reduce power after reaching the set temperature to prevent overheating, thus improving heating efficiency and saving energy.

[0049] The washing machine provided in this application embodiment includes a casing comprising a drum, an air inlet duct structure, an air outlet duct structure, a fan, a heater, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor, and a controller. The first temperature sensor is used to detect the air outlet temperature of the air outlet duct structure, the second temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the gas or liquid in the heating chamber, and the third temperature sensor is used to detect the air inlet temperature of the air inlet duct structure.

[0050] The controller is configured to: in the drying state, acquire data from the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively, and control the heater to start, stop, and adjust its power based on the data acquired by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively, so as to control the temperature of the air inside the drum; in the washing state, acquire data from the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively, and control the heater to start, stop, and adjust its power based on the data acquired by the second temperature sensor respectively, so as to control the temperature of the washing liquid, wherein the data acquired by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor are not used to control the temperature of the washing liquid.

[0051] As can be seen from the above, since the air inlet duct and heating chamber of the outer drum are connected, the heater installed in the heating chamber of the outer drum can heat the airflow entering the heating chamber from the air inlet duct during drying mode, and heat the water entering the heating chamber from the main chamber during washing mode. Therefore, it is unnecessary to install heaters in both the air inlet duct and the heating chamber. This solution uses one heater to heat the washing liquid during washing and the air during drying, thus reusing the heater. Compared to traditional washing machines that use two heaters for washing and drying, this avoids the problem of excessive power consumption caused by two heaters working simultaneously. Furthermore, reducing the number of heaters saves costs and reduces the space occupied inside the machine, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the clothing handling device.

[0052] When the washing machine has only one heater, after obtaining data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors, the heater can be controlled using the data from each sensor according to the different states of the washing machine (drying and washing). This allows for the use of all relevant temperature data to control the heater during the drying process, improving the accuracy of control during this state. During the washing process, only the data from the second temperature sensor can be used, reducing the data processing load on the controller and improving processing efficiency.

[0053] In this way, during the drying process, all temperature data related to the drying operation of the washing machine are used to control the heater. Furthermore, the temperature sensors in the heating space and the air outlet duct are reused, allowing for the collection of multiple temperature points within the drying space during the drying process. This results in more comprehensive temperature parameter collection and improves the accuracy of controlling the washing machine during the drying process.

[0054] Furthermore, during the washing cycle, the first and third temperature sensors, which are not related to the washing operation, can be kept away from affecting the control results of the washing machine. This improves the accuracy of controlling the washing machine during the washing cycle. Moreover, during the washing cycle, there is no need to add control hardware and control logic to cut off the data collection of unrelated temperature sensors, simplifying the control feedback circuit and control logic. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 3 This is a control flowchart of a controller disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 4 This is a control flowchart of another controller disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 5 This is a control flowchart of another controller disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 6 This is a control flowchart of another controller disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 7 This is a control flowchart of another controller disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 8 This is a control flowchart of another controller disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the specific technical solutions of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0064] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0065] In the following description, references are made to “some embodiments,” which describe a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that “some embodiments” may be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments and may be combined with each other without conflict.

[0066] It should be noted that the terms "first, second, third" used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish similar or different objects and do not represent a specific order of objects. It can be understood that "first, second, third" can be interchanged in a specific order or sequence where permitted, so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0067] In related technologies, these washing machines with drying functions can be direct-venting, condensing, or any other possible type. Therefore, these washing machines are generally equipped with multiple temperature sensors to measure the temperature inside the air duct and / or the temperature inside the washing machine cavity, and then control the drying components in these washing machines based on the temperature data measured by the temperature sensors.

[0068] However, since the washing machine receives temperature data from different temperature sensors during the drying process, how to accurately control the washing machine based on the temperature data detected by these temperature sensors is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0069] In view of this, this application provides a washing machine, which includes a cabinet, a drum, an air inlet duct structure, an air outlet duct structure, a fan, a heater, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to: in the drying state, acquire data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors respectively, and control the heater to start, stop, and adjust its power based on the data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors to control the temperature of the air inside the drum; in the washing state, acquire data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors respectively, and control the heater to start, stop, and adjust its power based on the data from the second temperature sensor to control the temperature of the washing liquid, wherein the data from the first and third temperature sensors are not used to control the temperature of the washing liquid. This improves the accuracy of controlling the drying state of the washing machine.

[0070] Optionally, in this washing machine, the drum includes an outer drum with a water-holding cavity, the water-holding cavity including a main cavity and a heating cavity, the heating cavity being located at the bottom of the main cavity and communicating with the main cavity; and an inner drum disposed within the main cavity. The casing may further include an air inlet duct structure, an air outlet duct structure, a fan, and a heater. The air inlet duct structure is disposed within the outer drum, forming an air inlet duct; the air outlet duct structure is disposed within the outer drum, forming an air outlet duct, which communicates the inner drum and the outer drum, and also communicates the outer drum with the outside of the casing; the fan is disposed within the casing and communicates with the air inlet duct; the heater is disposed within the heating cavity, and the heater is used to heat the gas and liquid in the heating cavity; a first temperature sensor is disposed within the air outlet duct structure; and a second temperature sensor is disposed within the heating cavity, specifically at a position corresponding to the heater.

[0071] Furthermore, the air inlet duct is connected to the heating chamber, and the fan is used to allow air to enter the heating chamber and the inner drum from the air inlet duct. For example, if the washing machine uses a direct-vent drying method, the air inside the washing machine drum can be discharged to the outside of the machine through the air outlet duct; if the washing machine uses a condenser drying method, a condenser can also be installed in the washing machine, further allowing the air inside the washing machine drum to be blown to the condenser through the air outlet duct for cooling, and then the cooled air is sent back into the air inlet duct. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0072] This application uses a washing machine as an example for illustration. However, it does not imply that the functions configured or steps executed by the controller provided in this application embodiment can only be performed in a washing machine. In practical applications, the controller in any other possible electronic device can also be configured according to the example provided in this application embodiment. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0073] For example, please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. The washing machine can be as follows: Figure 1 The single-tub washing machine 100 shown in (a) may include a front panel 101 and a tub 102. The front panel 101 is provided with a first opening, and the tub opening of the tub 102 is connected to the first opening.

[0074] The washing machine can be as follows: Figure 1 The twin-tub washing machine 110 shown in (b) may include a cabinet, on which a front panel 111 may be provided, and a second opening is provided on the front panel 111; the cabinet also includes two tubs 111a. Moreover, the openings of the two tubs 111a are respectively connected to the second opening.

[0075] The washing machine can be as follows: Figure 1 The three-tub washing machine shown in (c) may include a twin-tub washing machine 122 and a single-tub washing machine 133 stacked together. The twin-tub washing machine 122 includes a tub 1221 and a tub 1222; the single-tub washing machine 133 is provided with a tub 1331.

[0076] Therefore, the washing machine provided in this application embodiment can be any possible single-tub or multi-tub washing machine, and this application embodiment does not limit it in this regard. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The washing machines shown are merely a few possible examples and do not represent that the washing machines provided in the embodiments of this application can only be like these. Figure 1 The washing machine shown can be a single-tub washing machine, a twin-tub washing machine, or a stacked triple-tub washing machine. For example, the washing machine can also be a multi-tub washing machine with three or more washing tubs. This application does not limit this.

[0077] It should be noted that the washing machine disclosed in the embodiments of this application may also include Figure 1 Other components not shown in the diagram may include, for example, any possible components such as a motor, transmission mechanism, drainage device, and power supply device in the washing machine. Figure 1 The components shown should not be construed as limiting the washing machine disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0078] The internal structure and control process of the washing machine proposed in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The washing machine shown in this application embodiment is not limited in this respect.

[0079] To make the objectives and technical solutions of this application clearer and more intuitive, the washing machine provided in the embodiments of this application will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing machine, which may include, but is not limited to, devices such as temperature sensors, fans, and heaters. The washing machine may also include any controller with functions such as processing, analog-to-digital conversion, control, identification, and computation. For example, the controller may specifically be any possible processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor (MPU), digital signal processor (DSP), or field-programmable gate array (FPGA); or, for example, the controller may be a combination of at least two of the following devices: CPU, MPU, DSP, FPGA, digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and analog-to-digital converter (ADC). This application does not limit the specific implementation of this method.

[0081] See Figure 2 This application provides a washing machine 200, which includes a housing 201. The housing 201 includes:

[0082] The cylindrical body includes:

[0083] The outer cylinder 202 has a water-holding cavity, which includes a main cavity 2021 and a heating cavity 2022. The heating cavity 2022 is located at the bottom of the main cavity 2021 and communicates with the main cavity 2021.

[0084] The inner drum 203 is disposed in the main cavity 2021. The inner drum 203 is provided with multiple through holes for liquid circulation, and may also be provided with at least one lifting rib 2031 for lifting and tumbling clothes to enhance the washing effect.

[0085] An air inlet duct structure is provided in the outer cylinder 202. The air inlet end of the air inlet duct structure is connected to the outside of the box body, and the air outlet end of the air inlet duct structure is connected to the heating chamber 2022. An air inlet duct 204 is formed inside the air inlet duct 204 structure, and the air inlet duct 204 is connected to the heating chamber 2022.

[0086] An air outlet duct structure is installed in the outer cylinder 202. An air outlet duct 205 is formed within the structure, connecting the main cavity 2021 and the outside of the housing 201. Specifically, the air outlet duct 205 can deliver air from the main cavity 2021 to the external environment of the housing 201. Furthermore, the air outlet duct 205 is directly or indirectly connected to the main cavity 2021.

[0087] A fan 206 is installed inside the housing 201 and is connected to the air inlet duct 204. The fan 206 is used to allow air from outside the housing 201 to enter the heating chamber 2022 through the air inlet duct 204 and be discharged to the outside of the housing 201 via the main chamber 2021 and the air outlet duct 205.

[0088] Heater R1 is installed in heating chamber 2022 and is used to heat the gas and liquid in heating chamber 2022.

[0089] In this embodiment, heater R1 can be located at the connection between heating chamber 2022 and air inlet duct 204 to heat the air supplied from air inlet duct 204. Additionally, heater R1 can also be used to heat the cold water in the water-filled chamber during the washing process, raising the water temperature to the required washing temperature, and then using water as a medium to transfer heat to the clothes placed in the inner drum 203. In other words, in this washing machine, a single heater R1 can be used to heat either the liquid or the gas in heating chamber 2022.

[0090] Therefore, heater R1 needs to withstand higher temperatures (for example, condenser drying methods need to withstand temperatures above 200°C).

[0091] Therefore, heater R1 needs to have high-temperature resistance. Heater R1 can be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) ceramic heater, an electric heating wire heater encapsulated in a metal tube, or any other possible heater. This application does not limit this. In this application embodiment, the heater can be a PTC heater. Thus, the heating temperature of a PTC heater is more suitable for drying or washing clothes than that of an electric heating tube heater, and will not cause damage to the clothes. Furthermore, the PTC heater automatically reduces its power after reaching the set temperature to avoid overheating, which helps improve heating efficiency and save energy.

[0092] Furthermore, since the air inlet duct and heating chamber of the outer drum are connected, a heater installed inside the heating chamber of the outer drum can heat the airflow entering the heating chamber from the air inlet duct during drying mode, and heat the water entering the heating chamber from the main chamber during washing mode. Therefore, it is unnecessary to install heaters in both the air inlet duct and the heating chamber. This design uses one heater to heat the washing liquid during washing and the air during drying, thus reusing the heater. Compared to traditional washing machines that use two heaters for washing and drying, this avoids the problem of excessive power consumption caused by two heaters working simultaneously. Moreover, reducing the number of heaters saves costs and reduces the space occupied inside the machine, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the clothing handling unit.

[0093] Furthermore, in order for the washing machine 200 to achieve the corresponding functions and effects, in this embodiment of the application, the washing machine may further include: a first temperature sensor T1 and a second temperature sensor T2.

[0094] The first temperature sensor T1 is installed in the air outlet duct 205 structure to detect the air outlet temperature; the second temperature sensor T2 is installed in the heating chamber 2022 to detect the temperature of the gas and liquid in the heating chamber 2022.

[0095] In this embodiment, the outlet air temperature refers to the temperature of the air in the air duct 205. Since the heating chamber 2022 is connected to the main chamber 2021 and the inner cylinder 203, the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber 2022 can also indicate the temperature of the gas in the main chamber 2021 and the temperature of the gas in the inner cylinder 203. Similarly, the temperature of the liquid in the heating chamber 2022 can also indicate the temperature of the liquid in the main chamber 2021 and the temperature of the liquid in the inner cylinder 203. This embodiment does not limit the scope of this application.

[0096] In this embodiment, the second temperature sensor T2 can be placed at any possible location within the drum, as long as it enables the second temperature sensor T2 to detect the temperature of the gas or the liquid in the heating chamber 2022. For example, the second temperature sensor T2 can be placed inside the heating chamber 2022 or inside the main cavity 2021 (after the washing machine's heating chamber 2022 is filled with water, the water will enter the main cavity 2021). This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0097] Furthermore, the second temperature sensor T2 may include a temperature sensor capable of detecting both gas temperature and liquid temperature; alternatively, the second temperature sensor T2 may include a temperature sensor capable of detecting gas temperature and a temperature sensor capable of detecting liquid temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor capable of detecting gas temperature may be located within the main cavity 2021, and the temperature sensor capable of detecting liquid temperature may be located within the heating cavity 2022. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments in this regard.

[0098] Controller ( Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) This controller is used to control the washing machine to be in washing and drying states. Specifically, the controller can be used to control any possible component or device within the washing machine to change its operating state and / or operating mode. For example, the controller can be used to control any possible parameters such as the power, start, and stop of the heater R1; the controller can also be used to control any possible parameters such as the speed, start, and stop of the fan 206. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0099] Furthermore, the first temperature sensor T1 and the second temperature sensor T2 can be used to send the detected data to the controller. Of course, other temperature sensors can also be installed in the washing machine, such as a third temperature sensor T3, which can be installed in the air inlet duct structure to detect the air inlet temperature; this is not a limitation.

[0100] In this embodiment, the washing state can refer to the process of filling the water chamber of the washing machine with water, and driving the inner drum of the washing machine to rotate through components such as the motor and transmission mechanism, so that the washing machine can complete the cleaning operation of the clothes placed in the inner drum 203 according to preset parameters. Furthermore, after the washing machine is in this washing state and has completed cleaning the clothes, the washing machine can also open the corresponding drainage component to drain the liquid from the water chamber of the washing machine into the drum.

[0101] In this embodiment, the drying state can refer to the state in which the liquid in the water chamber of the washing machine is drained, and the clothes placed in the inner drum 203 are dried by components such as the fan, air inlet channel, air outlet channel, and heater (such as the condenser) in the washing machine, so as to achieve the working state of evaporating the moisture of the clothes in the inner drum 203.

[0102] For example, the working principle of this washing machine in drying mode is roughly as follows: After the fan 206 starts working, air can be sent into the drum of the washing machine through the air inlet duct 204 (specifically, it can first be sent into the heating chamber 2022 in the drum, heated by the heater R1, and then sent into the main chamber 2021). The air then flows in the main chamber 2021, carrying away the moisture on the clothes placed in the inner drum 203. Then, the humid and hot air is discharged from the cabinet 201 through the air outlet duct 205. By performing this process multiple times, the purpose of drying the moisture in the clothes in the main chamber 2021 can be achieved.

[0103] In addition to the washing and drying states, the washing machine may also include a spin-drying state. For example, after the washing machine completes the washing state, it can be controlled to enter the spin-drying state. Specifically, the inner drum 203 in the washing machine is driven to rotate at high speed by components such as the motor and transmission mechanism, so that the washing machine can complete the cleaning operation of the clothes placed in the inner drum 203 according to preset parameters.

[0104] Among them, see Figure 3 The controller is configured to perform the following steps:

[0105] Step 301: In the drying state, the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor are obtained respectively, and the heater is started, stopped and its power is adjusted according to the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor, so as to control the temperature of the air in the cylinder.

[0106] In other words, the first temperature sensor ( Figure 2 The data collected by T1 in the middle, the second temperature sensor ( Figure 2 (T2 in the middle) and the third temperature sensor ( Figure 2 The data collected in T3 are all used for process control of this drying state.

[0107] In this embodiment, the data collected by the first temperature sensor is used to indicate the temperature in the air outlet duct structure, that is, the air outlet temperature of the washing machine; the data collected by the second temperature sensor is used to indicate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber or the temperature of the liquid in the heating chamber; and the data collected by the third temperature sensor is used to indicate the temperature in the air inlet duct structure, that is, the air inlet temperature of the washing machine.

[0108] Specifically, the process control of this drying state can refer to a control strategy that uses automation technology to monitor, adjust, and optimize parameters (such as temperature, air speed, pressure, flow rate, liquid level, pH value, etc.) of the washing machine during operation in this drying state in real time. In this embodiment, the process control of this drying state may include: in order to control the drying state of the washing machine placed in the inner drum ( Figure 2 The clothes in the washing machine (203) are dried at high temperature, and the heater in the washing machine ( Figure 2 The control method involves controlling the parameters of R1 in the washing machine. Of course, the process control of this drying state can also include controlling the fan in the washing machine. Figure 2 The control method uses parameters (206) to control the heater. The parameters of the heater R1 can include starting, stopping, and adjusting the power of the heater R1; the parameters of the fan can include starting, stopping, and adjusting the fan speed.

[0109] In this embodiment, the drying process can be controlled by a first model, which refers to a control model used to implement the drying function of the washing machine. That is, the first model can be a programmable system, specifically used to take the data collected by various temperature sensors as input signals through corresponding mapping relationships or logical algorithms, and then convert these input signals into output commands for controlling the corresponding components in the washing machine, so that the washing machine enters or exits the drying state, and adjusts the parameters of the fan and / or the heater when the washing machine is in the drying state.

[0110] Understandably, in the drying state, since the clothes placed in the inner drum need to be dried, it may be necessary to turn on the washing machine's heater to heat the gas in the heating chamber, thereby raising the temperature inside the washing machine drum. Of course, the washing machine's fan can also be turned on to make air flow between the air inlet duct, the heating chamber, the main chamber, and the air outlet duct.

[0111] Specifically, the drying process can be divided into an initial stage, an intermediate stage, and a final stage. In the initial stage, the fan starts working to send air into the heating chamber through the air inlet duct, and the heater heats the air sent into the heating chamber through the air inlet duct, so that the air in the heating chamber and the main chamber rises rapidly to a set range, thereby causing the moisture on the surface of the clothes placed in the inner drum to evaporate. Since the evaporation of moisture absorbs heat, the temperature of the air discharged from the air outlet duct is lower than that of the air in the heating chamber. In the intermediate stage, as the drying process progresses and the moisture content of the clothes decreases, the drying process continues. As the water level decreases, the heat absorbed during evaporation decreases, causing the air temperature inside the heating chamber to stabilize. The temperature of the air exiting the duct also gradually rises. In this final stage, as the clothing nears dryness, the air's ability to carry water vapor increases, leading to faster evaporation of moisture under the same heat. This results in rapid heat loss from the heating chamber and main chamber, potentially causing a temporary drop in air temperature within them. Simultaneously, due to the significantly reduced evaporation rate, the air temperature in the duct continues to rise, bringing the outlet air temperature close to or slightly higher than the temperature of the gas inside the heating chamber. Throughout this process, the fan and heater can operate continuously or intermittently.

[0112] In this situation, it is necessary to control the heater's start-up and shutdown as well as its power, which may include:

[0113] During the drying process, the heater is activated and its power is adjusted based on data collected by the first or second temperature sensor. This power adjustment can include increasing or decreasing power; for example, the power supply voltage or current to the heating chamber can be adjusted to change the heater's power. In other words, after the washing machine enters the drying mode, the gas temperature and outlet air temperature of the heating chamber can be detected. The system determines whether the heater needs to be activated based on these temperatures, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, after the heater is activated, the system continues to detect the gas temperature and outlet air temperature to determine whether the heater's power needs adjustment.

[0114] During the drying process, the heater is controlled to stop based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor. In other words, after the washing machine enters the drying mode, the gas temperature, inlet air temperature, and outlet air temperature of the washing machine's heating chamber can be detected. Based on these three temperatures, the drying status inside the washing machine is determined, indicating whether drying has been achieved, and thus controlling whether to turn off the heater to end the drying process.

[0115] Therefore, after obtaining the data collected by the first, second, and third temperature sensors, the heater of the washing machine can be controlled using the data collected by each temperature sensor. In this way, during the drying process, as much temperature data related to the drying operation of the washing machine as possible can be used to control the heater, thereby improving the accuracy of controlling the washing machine during the drying process.

[0116] Specifically, during the process control of the drying state, the start-up and shutdown of the heater and its power can be controlled, or the start-up and shutdown of the fan and its speed can be controlled; or the start-up and shutdown of the fan and its speed and the start-up and shutdown of the heater and its power can be controlled simultaneously. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0117] In this way, during the drying process, all temperature data related to the drying operation of the washing machine can be used to control the heater. Furthermore, by reusing temperature sensors in the heating space, the inlet air temperature, and the outlet air duct temperature sensors, the temperature of multiple points in the drying space can be collected during the drying process, resulting in more comprehensive temperature parameters and thus improving the accuracy of controlling the washing machine during the drying process.

[0118] Step 302: In this washing state, the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor are obtained respectively, and the heater is started, stopped and its power is adjusted according to the data collected by the second temperature sensor in order to control the temperature of the washing liquid.

[0119] Specifically, the data collected by the second temperature sensor is used for process control during the washing process, while the data collected by the first and third temperature sensors are not used for process control during the washing process. In other words, only the data collected by the second temperature sensor is used to control the washing process. The descriptions of the data collected by the first, second, and third temperature sensors are similar to those in step 301 and will not be repeated here.

[0120] In this embodiment, the process control of the washing state can refer to a control strategy that uses automation technology to monitor, adjust, and optimize parameters (such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, liquid level, pH value, etc.) of the washing machine during operation in this washing state in real time. In this embodiment, the process control of the washing state may include a control method that controls the parameters of the heater in the washing machine in order to perform high-temperature cleaning of the clothes placed in the inner drum during the washing state.

[0121] Understandably, during the washing cycle, water may need to be added to the washing machine's water chamber to clean the clothes placed in the inner drum. If the user selects a heated washing mode, the heater will start working to heat the liquid in the water chamber (or heating chamber). In this case, it is necessary to detect the temperature of the liquid in the water chamber (or heating chamber) and control the heater accordingly to adjust the washing temperature. Furthermore, during the washing cycle, there is generally no active airflow between the air inlet duct, the heating chamber, and the air outlet duct; in fact, the air inlet and air outlet ducts may even be closed. Therefore, the temperature within the air inlet and air outlet ducts remains essentially unchanged. Even if there is active airflow between the air inlet duct, the heating chamber, and the air outlet duct, it will not significantly affect the washing temperature. Therefore, the fan generally does not operate during the washing process, and thus does not need to be controlled. Only the heater needs to be controlled to adjust the temperature of the liquid in the heating chamber.

[0122] Therefore, after obtaining the data collected by the first, second, and third temperature sensors, process control of the washing state can be performed using only the data collected by the second temperature sensor, without using the data collected by the first and third temperature sensors. This minimizes the influence of the first temperature sensor, which is unrelated to the washing operation, on the control results of the heater during the washing process, thereby improving the accuracy of controlling the washing machine during washing. Furthermore, no additional control hardware or logic is needed to cut off the data collected by unrelated temperature sensors during the washing process, simplifying the control feedback circuit and control logic.

[0123] In addition, during this washing state, besides obtaining the data collected by the directly related second temperature sensor, the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor are also obtained. In this way, all the temperature data of the washing machine during this washing state can be obtained, which can ensure the integrity of the obtained temperature data. Without adding hardware or software logic, parameters that do not need to be controlled can be left aside. There is no need to do too much complicated processing, and it will not affect the product performance or reliability.

[0124] The following provides several possible examples to explain how the controller obtains the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the controller is configured as follows:

[0126] In this washing state, the system receives and uses the data collected by the second temperature sensor, but does not receive the data collected by the first temperature sensor or the third temperature sensor.

[0127] In this embodiment, after power-on, the first, second, and third temperature sensors begin to collect corresponding temperature data at a certain frequency. Furthermore, each of these sensors continuously sends its collected data to the corresponding I / O ports of the controller. Upon receiving the collected data from the second temperature sensor, the controller can store this data in its internal registers, cache, flash memory, or non-volatile memory. In other words, the process of the controller receiving the collected data from the second temperature sensor is equivalent to the process of the controller storing this data. This embodiment does not limit the scope of this application.

[0128] In this embodiment, the operation of calling the data collected by the second temperature sensor specifically means that the controller can access the physical address corresponding to the second temperature sensor in the register through memory-mapped I / O and instruction operations (such as MOV, LDR) to obtain the data collected by the second temperature sensor. Conversely, the operation of not calling the data collected by the second temperature sensor means that the controller does not access the physical address corresponding to the second temperature sensor in the register. In this embodiment, calling the data collected by the second temperature sensor is taken as an example. Of course, the operation of calling the data collected by the second temperature sensor can also take other forms, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0129] In this embodiment, the operation of not receiving the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor can be understood as a software shielding. Specifically, this means that after the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor send the collected data to the controller's I / O port, the controller does not store the collected data in its internal registers (or, during the process of storing the collected data in the registers, the controller sets the collected data to a constant or marks it as invalid). In this way, the controller can choose not to receive the collected data from the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor, and in this case, the controller does not need to access the collected data from the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor.

[0130] It's worth noting that this approach minimizes the impact of temperature sensor data unrelated to the washing cycle on heater control during liquid temperature adjustment within the water chamber, thus improving the accuracy of washing machine control during the washing cycle. Furthermore, the controller receives data from all temperature sensors, ensuring data integrity. Simultaneously, the controller can selectively acquire but not receive (i.e., not store) data from the first and third temperature sensors that are not needed for subsequent control, thereby reducing the controller's processing load.

[0131] In this drying state, the system receives and retrieves data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor.

[0132] In this embodiment, after power-on, the first, second, and third temperature sensors begin to collect corresponding temperature data at a certain frequency. Furthermore, each of the three temperature sensors continuously sends its collected data to the corresponding I / O ports of the controller. After receiving the collected data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors, the controller can store this data in its internal registers, cache, flash memory, or non-volatile memory. In other words, the process of the controller receiving the collected data is equivalent to the process of storing the collected data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors. Of course, the operation of accessing the collected data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors can also take other forms, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0133] In this embodiment, the operation of accessing the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor can refer to the controller accessing the physical addresses corresponding to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor in the register through memory-mapped I / O and instruction operations (such as MOV and LDR) to obtain the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, respectively. This application embodiment does not limit this aspect.

[0134] It is worth noting that this allows the heater to be controlled using as much temperature data as possible related to the drying operation of the washing machine during the drying process, thereby improving the accuracy of controlling the washing machine during the drying process.

[0135] In one possible implementation, the controller can also be configured as follows:

[0136] In this washing state, the system receives data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, calls up the data collected by the second temperature sensor, and does not call up the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor.

[0137] It is worth noting that when the first, second, and third temperature sensors send their respective collected data to the corresponding I / O ports of the controller, the controller, after receiving the collected data from the first, second, and third temperature sensors, can store all of these data in its internal registers, cache, flash memory, or non-volatile memory. However, during the washing machine's process control in the washing state, the controller will only access the physical address corresponding to the second temperature sensor in the register through memory-mapped I / O and instruction operations to obtain the collected data from the second temperature sensor, and will not access the physical addresses corresponding to the first and third temperature sensors in the register.

[0138] In this way, all temperature data of the washing machine under this washing state can be obtained, ensuring the integrity of the obtained temperature data.

[0139] It is understood that, since the controller can generally only recognize and process corresponding digital signals, in this embodiment, the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor and output to the controller can be digital signals. That is, the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are all digital temperature sensors that can directly output digital signals. Alternatively, it can be understood that the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are all sensors with digital-to-analog conversion functions. In this way, the controller does not need to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the received data. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the controller is configured as follows:

[0141] In this washing state, the system receives data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor. It performs analog-to-digital conversion on the received data collected by the first, second, and third temperature sensors, and calls the data collected by the second temperature sensor after the digital-to-analog conversion, but does not call the data collected by the first and third temperature sensors after the digital-to-analog conversion.

[0142] In this embodiment, in addition to the processing unit for data processing and the register for storing data, the controller may include an ADC for analog-to-digital conversion.

[0143] In this embodiment, the data output to the controller from the first, second, and third temperature sensors can be analog signals; that is, the first, second, and third temperature sensors are all temperature sensors capable of outputting analog signals. Therefore, when the controller receives analog signal data, it can perform analog-to-digital conversion on the analog signal data using the ADC to ensure that the controller can correctly process the data from the second temperature sensor after the analog-to-digital conversion. This improves the reliability of the controller executing subsequent steps based on the data from the second temperature sensor.

[0144] Furthermore, the operation of receiving the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, and performing analog-to-digital conversion on the received data collected by each of the first, second, and third temperature sensors can specifically refer to the following: when the first, second, and third temperature sensors send analog signal data to the I / O port of the controller, the analog signal data can be first converted to digital, and then the converted data collected by the first, second, and third temperature sensors can be stored in the registers inside the controller.

[0145] Furthermore, for an explanation of why only the data collected by the second temperature sensor needs to be called under this temperature condition, please refer to the description of the relevant embodiments above, and this application will not repeat it.

[0146] In the drying state, the system receives data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, performs analog-to-digital conversion on the received data collected by each of the three temperature sensors, and recalls the converted data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor.

[0147] It is worth noting that after receiving the corresponding acquired data, the controller performs analog-to-digital conversion on the analog signal data. This ensures that the controller can correctly identify and process the received acquired signal. Furthermore, for an explanation of the need to access the acquired data from all temperature sensors during the drying process, please refer to the description of the relevant embodiments above; this application will not repeat this detail.

[0148] Understandably, after performing analog-to-digital conversion on the data collected by the first, second, and third temperature sensors, the converted data can be stored in the controller's register, overwriting the analog signal data directly received by the controller from each sensor. This reduces the amount of data occupied by the register and improves its utilization rate.

[0149] In another possible implementation provided in this application embodiment, the controller is configured to perform the following steps:

[0150] In the washing state, the system receives and calls the data collected by the second temperature sensor, but does not receive the data collected by the first temperature sensor or the third temperature sensor.

[0151] During the drying process, the system receives and retrieves data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor.

[0152] In this embodiment, receiving data from any temperature sensor can be understood as the controller storing the acquired data from the I / O port in flash memory, registers, cache, or non-volatile memory; not receiving data from temperature sensors can be understood as the controller not storing the acquired data from the I / O port in flash memory, registers, cache, or non-volatile memory; or, it can be understood as the controller storing the acquired data from the I / O port in flash memory, registers, cache, or non-volatile memory, then setting the acquired data to a preset value or adding an invalidation flag to the acquired data. The explanations for calling and not calling are similar to those in the previous embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0153] In the above example, not receiving the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor can be understood as shielding the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor.

[0154] In this way, the controller can directly refuse to receive data that is not needed during the washing process, thereby reducing the amount of data processed by the controller and lowering its workload.

[0155] In another possible implementation provided in this application embodiment, the controller is configured to perform the following steps:

[0156] In the washing state, the system receives and retrieves the data collected by the second temperature sensor, and receives and deletes the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor.

[0157] During the drying process, the system receives and retrieves data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor.

[0158] The explanation of receiving and calling data is the same as in the previous example and will not be repeated here. In this example, deleting the data collected by the first and third temperature sensors can be understood as follows: after the controller receives the data collected by the first and third temperature sensors, it will first store the data. However, this data is not used for washing control, so the controller can delete the data from the corresponding storage space. Since the data is not stored, the controller does not call the data collected by the first and third temperature sensors during the washing state. This can be understood as follows: during the drying state, the controller only stores the data collected for drying control, and directly deletes the data collected for non-drying control; during the washing state, the controller only stores the data collected for washing control, and directly deletes the data collected for non-washing control.

[0159] This reduces the amount of data that can be stored in the storage space, thus improving the utilization rate of the storage space.

[0160] Of course, the controller can also process the data collected by different temperature sensors in different ways, which will not be limited here.

[0161] The following provides several possible examples to explain how the controller controls the drying process. In the embodiments of this application, controlling the drying process may include controlling the heater to start and stop and adjusting the power, or controlling the fan to start and stop and the speed, or controlling the heater to start and stop and adjusting the power and controlling the fan to start and stop and the speed.

[0162] First, let's take controlling the start-up, shutdown, and speed of the fan as an example.

[0163] When the washing machine is in the drying state, the fan (or the fan and the heater) in the washing machine can be controlled based on data collected from multiple different temperature sensors. Since the data collected by the first, second, and third temperature sensors can indicate which stage of the drying process the washing machine is in, or its specific operating status within that drying state, process control based on the data collected by these sensors can improve the accuracy of the control.

[0164] In this embodiment of the application, during the drying state, the start / stop and speed of the fan are adjusted according to the target temperature data. The target temperature data includes three cases: the target temperature data can be the data collected by the first temperature sensor, or the target temperature data can be the data collected by the second temperature sensor, or the target temperature data can be the data collected by both the first and second temperature sensors.

[0165] Specifically, taking the start-up of the fan as an example, in the drying state, the outlet air temperature can be calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor. If the outlet air temperature meets the first start-up condition, the fan is started. This first start-up condition can be that the outlet air temperature is less than the initial temperature threshold. Alternatively, the gas temperature of the heating chamber can be calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor. If the gas temperature of the heating chamber meets the second start-up condition, the fan is started. This second start-up condition can be that the gas temperature of the heating chamber is less than the initial temperature threshold. Alternatively, the outlet air temperature can be calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the gas temperature of the heating chamber can be calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor. If the outlet air temperature meets the first start-up condition and the gas temperature of the heating chamber meets the initial temperature threshold, the fan is started.

[0166] The fan is started if the second start-up condition is met. In this embodiment, the first and second start-up conditions may also be other conditions, which are not limited here.

[0167] As another example, taking the fan being turned off as an example, in the drying state, the inlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, and a first difference between the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the first and second temperature sensors; the fan is turned off when the inlet air temperature is less than or equal to a third temperature threshold and the first difference is less than or equal to a second preset threshold. Alternatively, in the drying state, the inlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, and the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor; the fan is turned off when the inlet air temperature is less than or equal to the third temperature threshold, the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to a first slope, and the slope of the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to a second slope.

[0168] The above provides a control method for shutting down the fan based on the data collected by all temperature sensors. In this embodiment, when it is necessary to shut down the fan, the processing method of the data collected by all the temperature sensors is not limited, and will not be listed one by one here.

[0169] The following section will explain the process of fan control during the drying process, taking the control of the fan speed as an example.

[0170] In one possible implementation provided in the embodiments of this application, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The controller is configured to:

[0171] Step 3021: In this drying state, calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor.

[0172] It is worth noting that since the data collected by the first temperature sensor is based on the measurement of the air outlet duct, the air outlet temperature can be accurately determined, which facilitates the execution of subsequent steps.

[0173] It is understood that, as described in the above embodiments, the outlet air temperature will change differently in different stages of the drying process. Therefore, the specific value of the outlet air temperature can be used to determine whether the clothes placed in the inner drum are dry.

[0174] Step 3022: If the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, reduce the speed of the fan.

[0175] In this embodiment, the first temperature threshold can be used to indicate the temperature that the air in the air outlet duct should reach when the clothes are already dry or about to dry. Generally, if the air outlet temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, it indicates that the clothes placed in the inner drum are already dry or about to dry.

[0176] For example, the speed of the fan can be reduced by decreasing the duty cycle of the control signal corresponding to the fan, or by reducing the operating voltage of the fan, or by any other possible means. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0177] Specifically, if the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, it can be further determined whether the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first intermediate threshold. If the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first intermediate threshold, it can be determined that the clothes have been dried, and the fan can be turned off directly. Otherwise, if it is determined that the clothes are about to dry, the fan speed is reduced.

[0178] The first intermediate threshold is used to determine whether the clothes placed in the inner drum are already dried or about to be dried.

[0179] Since this embodiment only needs to determine whether the clothes are dry or about to dry based on the outlet air temperature, the judgment logic is simple and helps to improve control efficiency. In addition, the specific method of controlling the fan can be selected according to different situations, which can improve control flexibility.

[0180] It should be noted that in this embodiment and subsequent related embodiments, because the moisture content of the clothing is low (e.g., below 20%), the amount of moisture evaporation is significantly reduced. Increasing the fan speed cannot effectively increase the drying speed; instead, the excessively high airflow velocity causes rapid heat loss from the heating chamber, leading to a decrease in drying efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the fan speed to decrease the airflow velocity when it is determined that the clothing is about to dry or has already dried. Simultaneously, this avoids the problem of the fan continuously and rapidly supplying a large amount of air into the heating chamber, causing excessively high airflow velocity in the heating chamber, the main chamber, and the inner drum. This minimizes the possibility of damage to the clothing placed in the inner drum due to excessively high airflow friction when the moisture content is low.

[0181] In one possible implementation, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 The controller is configured to:

[0182] Step 3023: In this drying state, calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor.

[0183] It is worth noting that since the data collected by the second temperature sensor is based on the measurement of the heating chamber, the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber can be accurately determined, which facilitates the execution of subsequent steps.

[0184] It is understood that, as described in the above embodiments, the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber will change differently in different stages of the drying state. Therefore, the condition of the clothes placed in the inner drum can be determined based on the specific temperature of the gas in the heating chamber.

[0185] Step 3024: If the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, reduce the speed of the fan.

[0186] In this embodiment, the second temperature threshold can be used to indicate the temperature that the gas in the heating chamber should be able to reach when the clothes are already dried or about to be dried.

[0187] Generally, if the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, it indicates that the clothes placed in the inner drum have been dried or are about to be dried.

[0188] Specifically, if the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, it can be further determined whether the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second intermediate threshold. If the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second intermediate threshold, it can be determined that the clothes have been dried, and the fan can be turned off directly. Otherwise, if it is determined that the clothes are about to dry, the speed of the fan is reduced.

[0189] The second intermediate threshold is used to determine whether the clothes placed in the inner drum are already dried or about to be dried.

[0190] Since this embodiment only needs to determine whether the clothing is dried or about to be dried based on the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber, the judgment logic is simple and helps to improve control efficiency. In addition, the specific method of controlling the fan can be selected according to different situations, which can improve control flexibility.

[0191] In one possible implementation, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 The controller is configured to:

[0192] Step 3025: In the drying state, calculate the first difference between the outlet air temperature and the gas temperature in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

[0193] In this embodiment, the first difference can be calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor within the target duration.

[0194] In this embodiment, the target duration can be set by relevant technical personnel according to actual needs. For example, the end time of the target duration can be the current time; or, the target duration can be a period of time in the middle or final stage of the drying process. Additionally, the change parameter includes the rate of change or the amount of change. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0195] As can be understood from the description of the above embodiments, in this drying state, there is a certain correlation between the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber. Moreover, the drying status of the clothes placed in the inner drum can be determined based on the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber. That is, the first difference can be used to assist in determining whether the clothes placed in the inner drum are dry.

[0196] Step 3026: If the first difference is less than the first preset threshold, reduce the speed of the fan.

[0197] In this embodiment, the first preset threshold can be used to measure whether the clothes in the inner drum are dry. Generally, if the first difference is less than or equal to the first preset threshold, it indicates that the clothes placed in the inner drum are dry or about to be dried. Moreover, the first preset threshold can be set according to actual needs or the actual operating conditions of the washing machine. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0198] Furthermore, if the first difference is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, it indicates that the clothes placed in the inner drum are not yet dried. In this case, the fan can be kept running and maintained at a high speed. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0199] It is understandable that if the first difference is less than the first preset threshold, it indicates that the clothes placed in the inner drum have been dried or are about to be dried. In this case, the fan speed can be appropriately reduced or the fan can be turned off directly.

[0200] Specifically, if the first difference is less than the first preset threshold, it can be further determined whether the first difference is less than the target threshold (used to measure whether the clothes placed in the inner drum are already dried or about to be dried). If the first difference is less than or equal to the target threshold, it can be determined that the clothes are already dried, and the fan can be turned off directly. If the first difference is greater than the target threshold, it can be determined that the clothes are not yet dried (about to be dried), and the fan speed can be reduced directly.

[0201] This embodiment can determine whether the clothes are dry or about to dry based on the temperatures at two different locations: the outlet air temperature and the gas temperature in the heating chamber. This improves the accuracy of the judgment and enhances the precision of control. Furthermore, the specific method of controlling the fan can be selected for different situations, increasing control flexibility.

[0202] In one possible implementation, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 The controller is configured to:

[0203] Step 3027: In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor.

[0204] It is worth noting that since the data collected by the first temperature sensor is based on the measurement of the air outlet duct, and the data collected by the second temperature sensor is based on the measurement of the heating chamber, the air outlet temperature and the gas temperature in the heating chamber can be accurately determined, which facilitates the execution of subsequent steps.

[0205] It is understood that, as described in the above embodiments, the outlet air temperature and the gas temperature in the heating chamber will change differently in different stages of the drying state. Therefore, the clothes placed in the inner drum can be determined to be dry based on the specific magnitude of the outlet air temperature and the gas temperature in the heating chamber.

[0206] Step 3028: If the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, reduce the fan speed.

[0207] Generally, if the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, it indicates that the clothes placed in the inner drum have been dried or are about to be dried.

[0208] Specifically, if the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, it can be further determined whether the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first intermediate threshold and whether the gas temperature in the heating chamber is less than or equal to the second intermediate threshold (because, as described above, when the clothes are about to dry or have already dried, the air temperature in the heating chamber and the main chamber may drop briefly, so it is necessary to determine whether it is less than or equal to the second intermediate threshold). If the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first intermediate threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is less than or equal to the second intermediate threshold, it can be determined that the clothes have dried, and the fan can be turned off directly. Otherwise, if it is determined that the clothes are about to dry, the fan speed is reduced.

[0209] This embodiment can determine whether the clothes are dry or about to dry based on the temperatures at two different locations: the outlet air temperature and the gas temperature in the heating chamber. This improves the accuracy of the judgment and enhances the precision of control. Furthermore, the specific method of controlling the fan can be selected for different situations, increasing control flexibility.

[0210] In one possible implementation, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 After step 3027 above, the controller is configured as follows:

[0211] Step 3029: If the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to the first slope, and the slope of the gas temperature in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to the second slope, reduce the speed of the fan.

[0212] Optionally, the target time can be set by relevant technical personnel according to actual needs. For example, the target time can be the current time; or, the target time can be any time in the middle or final stage of the drying process. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0213] In this embodiment, the first slope can be used to indicate the slope at which the outlet air temperature should meet when the clothes are already dried or about to be dried. The second slope can be used to indicate the slope at which the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber should meet when the clothes are already dried or about to be dried. The specific values ​​of the first slope and the second slope can be set according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit them.

[0214] For example, as described in the above embodiments, when the clothes are about to dry or have already dried, the air temperature in the heating chamber and the main chamber may drop briefly, while the air temperature in the air outlet duct will continue to rise. Therefore, when the clothes are already dried or about to dry, the first slope should be a positive value greater than 0, and the second slope should be a negative value less than 0. Therefore, if the slope of the air outlet temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to the first slope, and the slope of the gas temperature in the heating chamber at the target time is less than or equal to the second slope, it can be indicated that the clothes placed in the inner drum are already dried or about to dry.

[0215] As can be seen from the above embodiments, in this application, it is possible to determine whether the clothes placed in the inner drum are dry in a variety of different ways, and different methods can be flexibly selected to control the speed of the fan according to different situations. In this way, the flexibility of the controller in drying control can be improved.

[0216] The following examples illustrate how, during the drying process, the controller controls the heater's start-up and shutdown, adjusts its power, and thus regulates the temperature of the air inside the heating chamber.

[0217] First, the methods for starting and stopping the heater will be explained.

[0218] In some embodiments, when the heater is activated, the controller is configured to:

[0219] In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor. If the outlet air temperature is lower than the fourth temperature threshold, the heater is activated; or,

[0220] During the drying process, the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor. If the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is less than the fifth temperature threshold, the heater is activated.

[0221] In some embodiments, when the heater is activated, the controller is configured to:

[0222] In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor.

[0223] The heater is activated when the outlet air temperature is less than the fourth temperature threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is less than the fifth temperature threshold.

[0224] In some embodiments, if the intake air temperature is too high, it may damage clothing. If the intake air temperature is determined to be higher than the intake air temperature threshold based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, the heater may not be turned on. If the intake air temperature is determined to be lower than the intake air temperature threshold based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, the heater may be turned on.

[0225] The above describes a control method that activates the heater by collecting data from different numbers of temperature sensors. This allows for flexible selection of different activation methods based on various situations, thus improving the controller's flexibility in drying control.

[0226] In some embodiments, when the heater is turned off, the controller is configured to:

[0227] The air inlet temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, and the first difference between the air outlet temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

[0228] If the inlet air temperature is less than or equal to a third temperature threshold, and the first difference is less than or equal to a second preset threshold, the heater is turned off.

[0229] In some embodiments, when the heater is turned off, the controller is configured to:

[0230] The inlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor; the heater is turned off when the inlet air temperature is less than or equal to a third temperature threshold, the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to a first slope, and the slope of the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to a second slope.

[0231] The above describes a control method for shutting down the heater based on data collected from all temperature sensors. For example, the change in inlet air temperature or its rate of change over a period of time can be used to determine the temperature. If the change in inlet air temperature or its rate of change over a period of time meets certain conditions, then the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber are also assessed. The condition for the change in inlet air temperature to meet certain conditions can be that the change in inlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and the condition for the rate of change to meet certain conditions can be that the rate of change is greater than or equal to a threshold value; these conditions are not limited here. In this embodiment, the processing method for the data collected from all the temperature sensors is not limited when it is necessary to shut down the heater, and examples of each method are not provided here.

[0232] The following section uses the control of the heater power as an example to explain the control process of the heater in the drying state.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the controller is configured to adjust the power of the heater based on the target temperature data during the drying state in order to control the temperature of the air inside the cylinder.

[0234] It is worth noting that, as described in the above embodiments, when the washing machine is in the drying state, both the fan and the heater start working, and there is generally active airflow between the air inlet duct, the heating chamber, and the air outlet duct. The temperature in the air outlet duct changes significantly with different stages of the drying process. The data collected by the second temperature sensor during the drying state can indicate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber. Therefore, the first operating parameters of the heater can be adjusted based on the data collected by the first and second temperature sensors. In this way, during the drying state, all temperature data related to the drying operation of the washing machine can be used as much as possible to control the washing machine, thereby improving the accuracy of controlling the washing machine during the drying state.

[0235] In one possible implementation, with Figure 4 In a similar embodiment, the controller is configured to: calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the power of the heater if the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold.

[0236] That is, if the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the power of the heater can be reduced.

[0237] Alternatively, the heater can be directly shut off if the outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the aforementioned first intermediate threshold.

[0238] In another possible implementation, with Figure 5 In a similar embodiment, the controller is configured to: calculate the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the power of the heater if the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold.

[0239] That is, if the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the power of the heater can be reduced.

[0240] Alternatively, the heater can be directly shut off if the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the aforementioned second intermediate threshold.

[0241] In another possible implementation, with Figure 6 In a similar embodiment, the controller is configured to: calculate a first difference between the outlet air temperature and the gas temperature in the heating chamber based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the power of the heater if the first difference is less than a first preset threshold.

[0242] That is, if the first difference is less than the first preset threshold, the power of the heater can be reduced.

[0243] Alternatively, if the first difference is determined to be less than or equal to the aforementioned target threshold, the heater can be directly shut off.

[0244] In another possible implementation, with Figure 7 The corresponding embodiment is similar, and the controller is configured to include the following steps:

[0245] In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor.

[0246] If the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold, the power of the heater is reduced.

[0247] That is, when the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the power of the heater can be reduced.

[0248] Alternatively, the heater can be directly shut off if the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first intermediate threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is less than or equal to the second intermediate threshold.

[0249] In another possible implementation, with Figure 8 The corresponding implementation is similar, and the controller is configured as follows:

[0250] In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor.

[0251] If the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to the first slope, and the slope of the gas temperature in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to the second slope, the power of the heater is reduced.

[0252] That is, if the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to the first slope, and the slope of the gas temperature in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to the second slope, the power of the heater can be reduced.

[0253] The above embodiments are based on controlling the start-up and shutdown of the fan and its speed, or the start-up and shutdown of the heater and its power, respectively. In actual use, the start-up and shutdown of the fan and its speed, as well as the start-up and shutdown of the heater and its power, can also be controlled simultaneously.

[0254] Understandably, although changing the fan speed can also adjust the temperature inside the heating chamber, since the heater is the primary heat source, adjusting the start / stop and speed of the fan, as well as the start / stop and power of the heater, can improve the effect of regulating the temperature of the air inside the cylinder.

[0255] The following explanation illustrates how the controller controls the start / stop and power of the heater, as well as the start / stop and speed of the fan, thereby adjusting the temperature of the air inside the heating chamber.

[0256] In one possible implementation, with Figure 4 Similarly, in the corresponding embodiment, the controller is configured to: calculate the outlet air temperature based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor during the drying state; and reduce the fan speed and the heater power when the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold. That is, when the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the fan speed and the heater power can be reduced.

[0257] Alternatively, if the outlet air temperature is less than or equal to the aforementioned first intermediate threshold, the fan and the heater can be shut down directly.

[0258] In another possible implementation, with Figure 5 The corresponding implementation is similar, and the controller is configured as follows:

[0259] During the drying process, the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on data collected by the second temperature sensor. If the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold, the speed of the fan and the power of the heater are reduced. That is, if the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the speed of the fan and the power of the heater can be reduced. Alternatively, if the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the aforementioned second intermediate threshold, the fan and the heater can be directly shut off.

[0260] In another possible implementation, with Figure 6The corresponding implementation is similar, and the controller is configured as follows:

[0261] In the drying state, a first difference between the outlet air temperature and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor; if the first difference is less than a first preset threshold, the speed of the fan and the power of the heater are reduced.

[0262] That is, when the first difference is less than the first preset threshold, the speed of the fan and the power of the heater can be reduced.

[0263] Alternatively, if the first difference is determined to be less than or equal to the aforementioned target threshold, the fan and the heater can be shut down directly.

[0264] In another possible implementation, with Figure 7 The corresponding embodiment is similar, and the controller is configured to include the following steps:

[0265] In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor; when the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold, the speed of the fan and the power of the heater are reduced.

[0266] That is, when the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the fan speed and the heater power can be reduced.

[0267] Alternatively, if the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first intermediate threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is less than or equal to the second intermediate threshold, the fan and the heater can be directly shut down.

[0268] In another possible implementation, with Figure 8 The corresponding embodiment is similar, and the controller is configured to include the following steps:

[0269] In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor; if the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to the first slope, and the slope of the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to the second slope, the speed of the fan and the power of the heater are reduced.

[0270] As can be seen, in this application, the drying status of clothes placed in the inner drum can be determined in various ways, and the temperature of the air inside the heating chamber can be quickly changed by controlling the fan and the heater. This improves the flexibility of the controller in drying control.

[0271] In some embodiments, when the fan speed and heater power are reduced or increased, only the data collected by the first and second temperature sensors can be used. However, if it is necessary to determine whether to turn off the heater, the data collected by all three temperature sensors must be used. Alternatively, when determining whether the clothes are dry, the data collected by the third temperature sensor must be used to ensure the accuracy of the determination and to ensure that the clothes are dried.

[0272] In this embodiment, the threshold used to determine whether clothes are dry can be a second preset threshold, a third preset threshold, or the first intermediate threshold, second intermediate threshold, or target threshold mentioned in the previous embodiments; no limitation is imposed here. It should be noted that the inlet air temperature may affect the value of the threshold used to determine whether clothes are dry. Taking the threshold used to determine whether clothes are dry as the threshold corresponding to the difference between the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber as an example, the principle of determining whether clothes are dry by the difference between the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is as follows: if the clothes have been dried, then the gas heated by the heater has not had its heat carried away by the wet and cold clothes, so the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber are relatively close. That is, the difference between the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is small. Therefore, when it is determined that the difference between the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is small, it can be determined that the clothes are dry.

[0273] However, the inlet air temperature may affect the accuracy of the above-mentioned drying process. For example, if the inlet air temperature is low, the temperature difference between the gas heated by the heater and the temperature before the heat is removed by the wet and cold clothes will be large. In this case, even if the clothes have been dried, the drying process will continue because the temperature difference between the outlet air temperature and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is not less than the second preset threshold, resulting in over-drying. If the inlet air temperature is high, the temperature difference between the gas heated by the heater and the temperature before the heat is removed by the wet and cold clothes will not be large. In this case, even if the clothes have not been dried, the drying process will stop because the temperature difference between the outlet air temperature and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is less than the second preset threshold, resulting in the clothes not being dried.

[0274] Therefore, the second preset threshold can be a value determined within a preset air inlet temperature range. The preset air inlet temperature range can be less than or equal to the third temperature threshold. When the air inlet temperature is determined to be less than or equal to the third temperature threshold based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, the drying result is considered accurate, and drying is stopped, i.e., the heater is turned off.

[0275] Of course, other methods can also be used to make judgments based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, and this application embodiment does not impose any restrictions.

[0276] In one possible implementation, the controller is configured to perform the following steps:

[0277] In this washing state, when the temperature of the liquid in the heating chamber calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the first over-temperature protection threshold, a washing fault reminder signal is output.

[0278] In this embodiment, the first over-temperature protection threshold can be set according to actual needs. For example, the first over-temperature protection threshold can be determined by the type of clothing currently selected by the user. If the current clothing type is polyester, then the first over-temperature protection threshold can be set to a larger value; if the current clothing type is silk, then the first over-temperature protection threshold can be set to a smaller value. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0279] The washing fault reminder signal can be used to alert that the temperature of the liquid in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to a first over-temperature protection threshold, which may cause damage to clothing and / or damage to components such as the heater in the washing machine. Specifically, the washing fault reminder signal can be any possible form of signal, such as text, sound, or light, and this application embodiment does not limit it in this way.

[0280] In this drying state, when the outlet air temperature calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the second over-temperature protection threshold, and / or the gas temperature in the heating chamber calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the third over-temperature protection threshold, a drying fault reminder signal is output.

[0281] In this embodiment, the second and third over-temperature protection thresholds can be set according to actual needs. For example, the second and third over-temperature protection thresholds can also be determined by the type of clothing currently selected by the user. If the current clothing type is nylon, then the second and third over-temperature protection thresholds can be set to a larger value; if the current clothing type is wool, then the second and third over-temperature protection thresholds can be set to a smaller value. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0282] Moreover, during the drying process, the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is generally greater than or equal to the outlet air temperature. Therefore, the second over-temperature protection threshold can be less than the third over-temperature protection threshold, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0283] The drying fault warning signal can be used to alert that the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the second over-temperature protection threshold, and / or the gas temperature in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the third over-temperature protection threshold, which may cause damage to clothes and / or damage to components such as the heater in the washing machine. Specifically, the drying fault warning signal can be any possible form of signal such as text, sound, or light, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0284] It is understood that the controller can output the drying fault reminder signal or the washing fault reminder signal through corresponding components on the washing machine, or it can output the drying fault reminder signal or the washing fault reminder signal to other electronic devices or servers that are connected to the washing machine (and / or the controller) via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other means. This application embodiment does not limit this. In this way, effective reminder assistance can be provided to the user when an overheating abnormality occurs during washing or drying, thereby improving the practicality of the washing machine.

[0285] It should be noted that in the various embodiments provided in this application, "greater than or equal to" means "greater than" or "equal to". For example, "the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold" means "the outlet air temperature is greater than the first temperature threshold, or the outlet air temperature is equal to the first temperature threshold". "Less than or equal to" means "less than" or "equal to". For example, "the changing parameter is less than or equal to the first preset threshold" means "the changing parameter is less than the first preset threshold, or the changing parameter is equal to the first preset threshold". In addition, any one or more steps in each of the above-mentioned embodiments provided in this application can be separated into an independent embodiment; furthermore, any two or more embodiments can be combined into a new embodiment. Specific adjustments can be made according to actual needs, and this application does not limit this.

[0286] The following describes the control method, device, and computer-readable storage medium used in the washing machine provided in this application. The specific implementation process and technical effects are described above and will not be repeated here.

[0287] This application also provides a control method for a washing machine, which can be applied to any of the washing machines provided in the above embodiments, and can be executed by a controller in the washing machine. The control method includes: in the drying state, acquiring data from the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively, and controlling the heater to start, stop, and adjust its power based on the data acquired by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, so as to control the temperature of the air inside the drum; in the washing state, acquiring data from the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively, and controlling the heater to start, stop, and adjust its power based on the data acquired by the second temperature sensor, so as to control the temperature of the washing liquid, wherein the data acquired by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor are not used to control the temperature of the washing liquid.

[0288] It is worth noting that the method provided in this application embodiment belongs to the same inventive concept as the washing machine 200 described above. Therefore, the method may also include any other possible steps to achieve any technical effect and function that the washing machine 200 and / or the controller in the washing machine 200 can achieve. The embodiments of this application will not be elaborated upon here.

[0289] It should be understood that although the steps in the above flowcharts are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the above flowcharts may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these sub-steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0290] Based on the foregoing embodiments, this application provides a control device for a washing machine. This device includes various modules and units within each module, which can be implemented using a processor; alternatively, it can be implemented using specific logic circuits. During implementation, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor (MPU), digital signal processor (DSP), or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. This device can be used with any of the washing machines provided in the above embodiments.

[0291] Specifically, the control device of the washing machine may include: a control execution module, configured to, in the drying state, acquire data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively, and control the heater to start, stop, and adjust its power according to the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively, so as to control the temperature of the air inside the drum; and in the washing state, acquire data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively, and control the heater to start, stop, and adjust its power according to the data collected by the second temperature sensor respectively, so as to control the temperature of the washing liquid, wherein the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor are not used to control the temperature of the washing liquid.

[0292] The descriptions of the above device embodiments are similar to those of the above method embodiments, and have similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of this application, please refer to the descriptions of the method embodiments of this application for understanding.

[0293] It should be noted that the module division of the washing machine control device provided in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, exist as separate physical units, or have two or more units integrated into one unit. The integrated units can be implemented in hardware, as software functional units, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0294] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, if the above-described methods are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, or the parts that contribute to related technologies, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause an electronic device to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disks, or optical disks. Thus, the embodiments of this application are not limited to any specific hardware and software combination.

[0295] It is understood that the washing machine provided in this application embodiment may also include any possible processor (such as the controller described above) and memory. The processor of the washing machine provides computing and control capabilities. The memory of the washing machine includes a non-volatile storage medium and internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores an operating system, computer programs, and a database. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs in the non-volatile storage medium. The database of the washing machine is used to store data. The network interface of the washing machine is used to communicate with external terminals via a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the above-described method.

[0296] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0297] This application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps in the method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0298] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures shown in any of the accompanying drawings provided in the above embodiments are merely block diagrams of some structures related to the present application solution, and do not constitute a limitation on the washing machine to which the present application solution is applied. A specific washing machine may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figures, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0299] In one embodiment, the control device for the washing machine provided in this application can be implemented as a computer program, which can run on the washing machine described above. The washing machine's memory can store various program modules that make up the device. The computer program, composed of the various program modules, causes the processor to execute the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this application described in this specification.

[0300] It should be noted that the descriptions of the storage medium and washing machine embodiments above are similar to the descriptions of the method embodiments above, and have similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the storage medium, storage medium, and device embodiments of this application, please refer to the descriptions of the method embodiments of this application for understanding.

[0301] It should be understood that the phrases "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "some embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment," "in one embodiment," or "in some embodiments" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence numbers of the above-described processes do not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the above-described embodiments are merely for descriptive purposes and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. The descriptions of the various embodiments above tend to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments; their similarities or commonalities can be referred to mutually, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0302] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three kinds of relationships. For example, object A and / or object B can represent three situations: object A exists alone, object A and object B exist simultaneously, and object B exists alone.

[0303] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0304] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. The embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as: multiple modules or components can be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection between the various components shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or modules can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0305] The modules described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules. They may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0306] In addition, each functional module in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each module can be a separate unit, or two or more modules can be integrated into one unit; the integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

[0307] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it performs the steps of the above method embodiments. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program code, such as mobile storage devices, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0308] Alternatively, if the integrated units described above are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, or the parts that contribute to related technologies, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause an electronic device to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as mobile storage devices, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0309] The methods disclosed in the method embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined to obtain new method embodiments without conflict.

[0310] The features disclosed in the several product embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new product embodiments.

[0311] The features disclosed in the several methods or product embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method embodiments or device embodiments.

[0312] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine, the washing machine comprising: The enclosure includes: The cylindrical body includes: An outer cylinder has a water-holding cavity, which includes a main cavity and a heating cavity. The heating cavity is located at the bottom of the main cavity and is in communication with the main cavity. The inner cylinder is disposed within the main cavity; An air inlet duct structure is provided in the outer cylinder. The air inlet end of the air inlet duct structure is connected to the outside of the housing, and the air outlet end of the air inlet duct structure is connected to the heating cavity. An air inlet duct is formed inside the air inlet duct structure. An air outlet duct structure is provided in the outer cylinder, and an air outlet duct is formed inside the air outlet duct structure. The air outlet duct is used to connect the main cavity and the outside of the box. A fan is installed inside the housing and connected to the air inlet duct. It is used to allow air from outside the housing to enter the heating chamber through the air inlet duct and to be discharged outside the housing through the main chamber and the air outlet duct. A heater, disposed in the heating chamber, is used to heat the gas and liquid in the heating chamber; The washing machine is characterized in that it further includes: The first temperature sensor is installed in the air outlet duct structure to detect the air outlet temperature; A second temperature sensor is installed in the heating chamber to detect the temperature of the gas and liquid in the heating chamber; A third temperature sensor is installed in the air inlet duct structure to detect the air inlet temperature; The controller is used to control the washing machine to be in drying and washing states. The controller is configured as follows: During the drying process, the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are obtained respectively. Based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, the heater is controlled to start, stop, and adjust its power to control the temperature of the air inside the cylinder. During the washing state, the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are obtained respectively. The heater is started, stopped, and its power is adjusted according to the data collected by the second temperature sensor to control the temperature of the washing liquid. However, the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor are not used to control the temperature of the washing liquid.

2. The washing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: During the drying state, the heater is controlled to start and the power is adjusted according to the data collected by the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor, and the power adjustment includes increasing the power and decreasing the power. During the drying process, the heater is turned off based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor.

3. The washing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the heater is activated if the outlet air temperature is less than the fourth temperature threshold. or, During the drying state, the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor. If the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is less than the fifth temperature threshold, the heater is activated.

4. The washing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor. The heater is activated when the outlet air temperature is less than the fourth temperature threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is less than the fifth temperature threshold.

5. The washing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: The air inlet temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, and the first difference between the air outlet temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. If the inlet air temperature is less than or equal to a third temperature threshold, and the first difference is less than or equal to a second preset threshold, the heater is turned off.

6. The washing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: The air inlet temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the third temperature sensor, the air outlet temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor. The heater is turned off when the inlet air temperature is less than or equal to a third temperature threshold, the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to a first slope, and the slope of the gas temperature in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to a second slope.

7. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: During the drying process, the fan speed is adjusted according to the target temperature data, which includes data collected by the first temperature sensor or data collected by the second temperature sensor.

8. The washing machine as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: During the drying process, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor; if the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold, the fan speed is reduced. or, During the drying process, the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor. If the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold, the speed of the fan is reduced.

9. The washing machine as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: In the drying state, a first difference between the outlet air temperature and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. If the first difference is less than a first preset threshold, the speed of the fan is reduced; or, In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor. If the outlet air temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold and the gas temperature in the heating chamber is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold, the fan speed shall be reduced. or, In the drying state, the outlet air temperature is calculated based on the data collected by the first temperature sensor, and the temperature of the gas in the heating chamber is calculated based on the data collected by the second temperature sensor. If the slope of the outlet air temperature at the target time is greater than or equal to the first slope, and the slope of the gas temperature in the heating chamber at the target time is greater than or equal to the second slope, the speed of the fan is reduced.

10. The washing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heater is a PTC heater.

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