Washing machine and control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine including a housing and a tub within the housing. A metal detector is mounted within the housing to detect metal objects within the tub. Installing the metal detector in the washing machine enables accurate detection of whether or not a laundry load in the tub contains metal objects, thereby preventing items such as keys or coins from being left in the laundry load's pockets. This not only improves the user's washing experience but also prevents damage to the load caused by metal objects during the washing process. The present invention relates to a washing machine control method for detecting laundry in the tub and detecting whether or not a metal object is present within the tub. This control method not only effectively prevents metal objects from being accidentally washed in the washing machine, but also improves the independence and intelligence of the washing machine's foreign object detection, thereby improving the washing effect and reducing the likelihood of damage to laundry during the washing process.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines, and more particularly to a washing machine capable of detecting metal objects and preventing the metal objects from being washed by mistake, and further to a method for controlling a washing machine capable of detecting metal objects and preventing the metal objects from being washed by mistake. [Background technology]

[0002] Nowadays, people's life rhythms are generally accelerated, so that they often forget to check the pockets of clothes when washing clothes using a washing machine. If the laundry contains metal objects such as coins or keys, it is likely to generate abnormal noises when washed by the washing machine. In particular, if the laundry contains electronic parts such as car keys in the pocket, the consequences will be more serious. Even if users can remember to check the pockets of their clothes every time, the clothes currently designed have numerous or relatively unusual types of pockets, so that it is very troublesome for users to check the pockets one by one.

[0003] In addition, metal parts on clothes may damage the clothes during the washing process. Conventional handheld metal detectors are similarly inconvenient for users because they require users to activate them alone and actively inspect the clothes. In addition, they cannot solve the situation where metal parts on clothes damage the clothes during washing.

[0004] In view of the above technical shortcomings, the present application is proposed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can accurately detect whether or not a metal object is present in the washing machine tub, thereby preventing the occurrence of a situation in which the metal object is mistakenly washed, in order to eliminate the above-mentioned defects existing in the prior art, and to provide a washing machine that can detect whether or not a metal ornament is present in the laundry, thereby preventing the occurrence of a situation in which the laundry is mistakenly damaged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems and achieve the above technical effects, the basic design concept of the technical solution adopted in the present invention is as follows:

[0007] The washing machine includes a housing having a tub disposed therein, and a metal detector mounted within the housing for detecting metal objects within the tub.

[0008] The metal detector further includes a search coil, which is directly attached to one or a combination of the side wall, the mouth side, and the bottom side of the tank, or is located outside the tank so as to be adjacent thereto.

[0009] Furthermore, the search coil is formed of a flexible cable wound in a circular shape at least once.

[0010] More preferably, the search coil has a housing with a sealed annular chamber within which the flexible cable is mounted.

[0011] Furthermore, the metal detector further includes a control module, the control module being communicatively connected to the search coil, and the control module being provided with a signal interface, the signal interface being connected to a main control panel of the washing machine via a communication cable.

[0012] Preferably, the metal detector further comprises a power module, the input interface of the power module being connected to the power supply of the washing machine, and the output interface of the power module being connected to the control module.

[0013] Furthermore, the metal detector further includes an alarm output module. The alarm output module is connected to the control module. The alarm output module is any one of a speaker that emits an alarm sound, a display device that generates an alarm image, and a wireless device that issues an alarm push notification to a mobile terminal, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the alarm output module is provided in a main control panel of the washing machine. The alarm output module is indirectly connected to the control module via the main control panel of the washing machine.

[0014] Further, a water tank is provided within the housing. The tank is rotatably mounted to the water tank, and the metal detector is provided in the water tank.

[0015] Furthermore, the search coil of the metal detector is installed along a circle concentric with the axis of the tank. The radial size of the search coil is larger than the radial size of the tank. Preferably, the included angle between the search coil and the axis of the tank is less than or equal to 90 degrees. Preferably, the search coil is located in the center of the tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the search coil of the metal detector is provided in a parallel plane on either tangent to the tank. Preferably, the search coil is located in a horizontal plane above and / or below the tank. Preferably, the search coil is located below the center of the tank.

[0017] The housing is further provided with a clothes insertion opening disposed opposite the tub opening of the tub. The housing is further provided with a main body door capable of opening and closing the clothes insertion opening, and the metal detector is provided on the main body door.

[0018] Preferably, the search coil of the metal detector is arranged along a circle concentric with the axis of the tank, and the radial size of the search coil is smaller than the radial size of the tank and larger than the radial size of the tank mouth.

[0019] Furthermore, a search coil of the metal detector is provided on the tub, and the search coil is wirelessly connected via a wireless module to a control module installed in the housing of the washing machine. Effect of the Invention

[0020] The washing machine described in the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art washing machines:

[0021] By installing a metal detector in the washing machine, it can accurately detect whether the laundry load in the tub contains metal objects, and prevent items such as keys and coins from being left in the pockets of the laundry load, which not only improves the washing experience for users, but also prevents metal objects from damaging the load during the washing process.

[0022] Moreover, the present invention has a simple structure, remarkable effect, and is suitable for widespread use.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a washing machine that can accurately detect whether or not a metal object is present in the tub of the washing machine, thereby preventing the metal object from being washed by mistake, in order to eliminate the above-mentioned defects in the prior art, and further to provide a method for controlling a washing machine that can detect whether or not a metal decoration is present in the laundry, thereby preventing the laundry from being damaged by mistake.

[0024] In order to solve the above technical problems and achieve the above technical effects, the basic design concept of the technical solution adopted in the present invention is as follows:

[0025] The washing machine control method detects laundry in the tub, and issues a warning signal if it detects that a metal object is present in the tub.

[0026] Furthermore, when the washing machine detects that a metal object is present in the tub, the washing machine stops operation and issues a warning signal to the user, preferably including a warning sound, a warning image, a warning push notification to the mobile device, or a combination thereof.

[0027] If a metal object is detected in the tub, the machine will stop operation and automatically open the machine door.

[0028] Preferably, after the main body door is opened, it is detected at regular time intervals whether or not there are any metallic objects in the tank, and if it is detected that there are metallic objects in the tank, the main body door is kept open, but if it is detected that there are no metallic objects in the tank, the main body door is controlled to close.

[0029] Furthermore, after the main body door is closed, it is detected whether or not there are any metallic objects in the tub, and if it is detected that there are metallic objects in the tub, it issues a warning signal to the user, and if it is not detected that there are any metallic objects in the tub, it prompts the user to select a cleaning program and starts operation according to the cleaning program selected by the user.

[0030] Furthermore, when it is detected that the washing machine contains a metal object in the tub, it issues a waiting attention signal to the user to select whether or not to continue the washing process. If the user selects to continue the washing process, the washing machine executes the washing mode for washing laundry that contains a metal object in the tub and washes the laundry that contains a metal object in the tub.

[0031] Furthermore, after detecting that a metallic object is present in the tank, it is determined whether the main body door is opened within a predetermined time.

[0032] If not, the cleaning mode for when a metal object is included is executed.

[0033] When the tank is opened, it is again detected whether or not there is a metallic object in the tank. If it is determined that there is a metallic object in the tank upon the re-detection, the cleaning mode for when a metallic object is present is executed, but if it is determined that there is no metallic object in the tank upon the re-detection, the normal cleaning mode is executed.

[0034] Furthermore, when the washing machine detects that there is a metal object in the tub and executes the cleaning mode for when a metal object is present, the tub rotation speed in the cleaning program selected by the user is reduced by a predetermined value and / or the cleaning time is extended by a predetermined time to create a modified cleaning program, and the washing machine begins operating according to the modified cleaning program.

[0035] More specifically, the method includes the following steps:

[0036] Step S1: The main body door is opened, and the user puts laundry into the tub.

[0037] Step S2: Detect whether or not there is a metal object in the tank. If it is detected that there is a metal object in the tank, execute step S3. If it is detected that there is no metal object in the tank, execute step S9.

[0038] Step S3: The washing machine stops operation and issues a warning to the user.

[0039] Step S4: It is determined whether or not the body door of the washing machine is opened within a predetermined time t. If the body door is opened, step S5 is executed, but if the body door is not opened, step S6 is executed.

[0040] Step S5: It is again detected whether or not there are any metallic objects in the tank. If there are, step S6 is executed, but if there are no metallic objects, step S9 is executed.

[0041] Step S6: The user selects a cleaning program.

[0042] Step S7: The washing machine generates a modified washing program by lowering the tub rotation speed of the selected washing program by a predetermined value and extending the washing time by a predetermined time.

[0043] Step S8: The washing machine starts to operate according to the corrected washing program.

[0044] Step S9: The user selects a wash program.

[0045] Step S10: The washing machine starts to operate according to the selected washing program.

[0046] Furthermore, when the washing machine detects that an object made of a metal material is contained in the tub and executes the cleaning mode when a metal object is contained, the washing machine can only execute a cleaning program in which the rotation speed of the tub is within a predetermined range and the cleaning time is within a predetermined time. Preferably, when the washing machine detects that an object made of a metal material is contained in the tub and executes the cleaning mode when a metal object is contained, the washing machine can only call up and allow a user to select a cleaning program in which the rotation speed of the tub is within a predetermined range and the cleaning time is within a predetermined time.

[0047] In addition, the material of the laundry in the tub is detected, and a corresponding pre-stored washing program is called up according to the detected material of the laundry. The washing machine operates according to the called washing program to wash the laundry.

[0048] Compared with the prior art, the above-mentioned washing machine control method in the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0049] The above control method can effectively prevent metal objects from being washed by mistake in the washing machine, improve the independence and intelligence of the washing machine's foreign object detection, and further improve the washing effect and reduce the probability of damage to laundry during the washing process. In addition, the control method of the present application can warn about the washing load with metal objects attached, and control the washing machine to operate according to the corresponding program to reduce the tub rotation speed as much as possible and extend the washing time. This ensures the washing effect of the washing load and reduces the wear and tear on the clothes.

[0050] In order to make the design concept of the technical solution of the present invention clearer and to further understand the beneficial effects brought by it, some specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in combination with the drawings.

[0051] The drawings are used as a part of the present invention for further understanding of the present invention. In addition, the schematic embodiments of the present invention and their explanations are used for the interpretation of the present invention, but do not unduly limit the present invention. It goes without saying that the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings from these drawings without requiring creative labor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a connection block diagram of the structure of a metal detector in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic flow chart of a method for controlling a washing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] It should be explained that these drawings and textual description are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concepts in any way, but rather to illustrate the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art with reference to specific embodiments.

[0054] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and concisely describe the technical solutions of the embodiments in combination with the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, which are for illustrating the present invention only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0055] In the description of the present invention, it should be explained that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", and "outer" are directions or positional relationships based on the drawings, and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description of the present invention, and do not explicitly or implicitly indicate that the target device or member has a specific direction and must be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, it should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0056] In the description of the present invention, the terms "attached", "connected" and "connected" should be interpreted broadly unless otherwise clearly specified and limited as a point to be explained. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral connection. It may also be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. Furthermore, it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium. A person skilled in the art can interpret the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific situation.

[0057] In the embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine will be described. The washing machine may be any of the conventional washing methods such as a pulsator washing machine and a drum washing machine. For convenience of description, the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to a drum washing machine, but the present invention can be applied to a pulsator washing machine as well.

[0058] As shown in Figs. 1 to 6, a washing machine will be described in the embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine includes a housing 2. A tub 1 is provided in the housing 2. The axis of the tub 1 is extended horizontally or is installed so as to gradually incline downward from the front to the rear. The front end of the tub 1 is a tub mouth 101 that is installed open, and the rear end is a tub bottom 102 that is installed sealed. The tub side wall 103 connects the tub mouth 101 and the tub bottom 102 to form the tub 1. The front end of the housing 2 of the washing machine is equipped with a door 4 that can be opened outward. Therefore, when the door 4 is closed, the tub mouth 101 is sealed, and when the door 4 is opened, the purpose of putting clothes into the tub 1 from the tub mouth 101 is achieved. A water tank is provided outside the tub 1. The water tank has a tub-shaped structure in which the tub is coaxially fitted inside. The rear end of the tub 1 is installed in the housing 2 of the washing machine via a water tank 3. The water tank 3 is installed coaxially at the rear end of the tub 1. The upper and lower ends of the water tank 3 are bent toward the tank opening at the front end of the tank 1. The bent portions extend at least to the center of the tank 1, and the upper and lower bent portions are connected to the housing 2 of the washing machine via vibration-damping suspension springs and vibration-damping support rods, respectively. This achieves the purpose of mounting the water tank 3 in the housing 2 of the washing machine so as to be capable of vibrating. The center of the tank bottom 102 is installed coaxially with the motor shaft of the driving motor 5 of the washing machine so as to drive the inner tank 1 to rotate. Both the tank 1 and the driving motor are fixedly installed on the water tank 3. Preferably, the tank bottom 102 and the driving motor are installed on both sides of the water tank 3, respectively. The driving motor is fixedly connected to the water tank 3. The motor shaft of the driving motor passes through the water tank 3 via a bearing and is fixedly connected coaxially to the tank bottom 102. The motor shaft of the driving motor is rotatable relative to the water tank 3. This achieves the purpose of attaching the tub 1 and the drive motor to the water tank 3 and allowing the tub 1 to rotate independently by the action of the drive motor to wash the clothes inside. Preferably, the motor shaft of the drive motor directly constitutes the tub shaft, and the tub shaft and the tub bottom 102 of the tub 1 are fixedly connected coaxially.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, a metal detector 6 is installed in the housing 2 of the washing machine. The metal detector 6 detects whether there is a metal object in the tub. By installing a metal detector in the washing machine, it is possible to accurately detect whether there is a metal object in the laundry load in the tub, and therefore it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an incident such as an item such as a key or coin being left in the pocket of the laundry load. This not only improves the washing experience for the user, but also eliminates the occurrence of an incident such as a metal object damaging the load during the washing process.

[0060] In addition, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a control method for a washing machine, which detects laundry in the tub when the washing machine is about to operate or during operation, and issues a warning signal if it detects that a metal object is contained in the tub. This effectively eliminates the occurrence of the accident where a metal object is mistakenly washed in the washing machine, improves the independence and intelligence of the washing machine's foreign object detection, and further improves the washing effect and reduces the probability of damage to the laundry during the washing process. In addition, the control method of the present application can be controlled to issue a warning about a washing load with a metal object attached, and to reduce the rotation speed of the tub as much as possible and extend the washing time by operating the washing machine according to an appropriate program. This ensures the washing process effect for the washing load and reduces wear and tear on the clothes. EXAMPLES

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, a washing machine will be described in this embodiment. The washing machine includes a housing 2. A metal detector 6 is attached inside the housing 2. The metal detector 6 detects whether or not a metal object is present inside the tub 1.

[0062] In this embodiment, the metal detector 6 includes a search coil 61. The search coil 61 is directly provided on any one of the tank side wall 103, the tank mouth 101 side, and the tank bottom 102 side, or a combination thereof, or is provided outside the tank so as to be adjacent thereto.

[0063] In this embodiment, the search coil 61 is composed of a flexible cable wound in a circular shape at least once. Preferably, the search coil 61 is composed of a flexible cable wound in a circular shape several times. In this embodiment, the search coil 61 has a housing. A sealed annular chamber is provided inside the housing, and the flexible cable is installed inside the annular chamber. The housing of the search coil 61 is made of a material (e.g., a plastic material) that is permeable to electromagnetic waves and does not have electromagnetic shielding properties. The housing of the search coil 61 mainly supports the flexible cable disposed in the internal annular chamber, thereby ensuring that the flexible cable is wound and installed in a circular shape.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, the metal detector 6 further includes a control module. The control module is communicatively connected to the search coil 61. The control module is provided with a signal interface. The signal interface is connected to the main control panel of the washing machine via a communication cable. Preferably, the control module is connected to the search coil 61 via a signal sending unit and a signal receiving unit, respectively, to send and receive signal commands to the search coil 61.

[0065] In this embodiment, the metal detector 6 further includes a power module. The input interface of the power module is connected to the power supply of the washing machine, and the output interface is connected to the control module. The power module is connected to the control module, and the power supply controllably supplies electricity to the search coil 61 through the power module. When the search coil 61 receives power from the single power supply, it detects the magnetic flux and transmits a detection signal of the changed magnetic flux to the control module. The control signal generates a determination signal indicating whether or not there is a metal object in the tub after comparing the detection value with a predetermined value.

[0066] In this embodiment, the metal detector 6 further includes an alarm output module. The alarm output module is connected to the control module. The alarm output module is one of a speaker that emits an alarm sound, a display device that generates an alarm image, and a wireless device that issues an alarm push notification to a mobile terminal, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the alarm output module is provided on the main control panel of the washing machine. Also, the alarm output module is indirectly connected to the control module through the main control panel of the washing machine. In this way, the alarm output module of the metal detector 6 is directly configured by components on the washing machine, and the metal detector 6 is integrated into the washing machine, thereby reducing the number of components and saving costs. EXAMPLES

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, this embodiment is based on the above-mentioned first embodiment and further has the following technical features.

[0068] In this embodiment, a water tank is provided in a housing 2, and tank 1 is rotatably attached to water tank 3. The metal detector 6 is provided in water tank 3. By providing a search coil in the water tank which cannot rotate with respect to the tank, when detecting whether or not there is a metal object in the tank, the tank can be controlled to rotate relative to the tank, and an object moving in the tank can be detected using the search coil which is fixed so as not to move. This improves the detection accuracy.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the search coil 61 of the metal detector 6 is installed along a circle concentric with the axis of the tank 1. The radial size of the search coil 61 is larger than the radial size of the tank 1. Preferably, the search coil 61 is provided in the center of the tank side wall 103. This allows the search coil 61 to detect the center of the tank 1, whose axis extends horizontally, effectively improving detection accuracy. In order to further improve detection accuracy, the detection coverage range may be further expanded by installing the metal detectors 6 in multiple radial directions of the tank 1, respectively.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to expand the detection coverage range, the search coil 61 may be installed at an angle to any radial cross section of the tub 1, so that an included angle of less than 90 degrees is formed between the search coil 61 and the axis of the tub 1. This allows the search coil 61 to have a certain coverage range in the axial direction of the tub, and the search coil 61 can perform metal detection for the laundry load within that range. This significantly expands the detection range of the metal detector 6.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the search coil 61 of the metal detector 6 may be provided in the water tank 3 on the tank bottom 102 side of the tank. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the search coil 61 of the metal detector 6 may be provided in the water tank 3 on the tank mouth 101 side of the tank 1. In this case, the purpose of detecting metal in the items in the tank can be similarly achieved. In particular, when the washing machine is a pulsator washing machine, the entire tank 1 extends in the vertical direction, so that the washing load accumulates on the tank bottom 102. Therefore, by installing the search coil 61 of the metal detector 6 in the water tank 3 on the tank bottom 102 side of the tank, the detection accuracy can be effectively improved. EXAMPLES

[0072] As shown in FIG. 4, this embodiment is based on the above-mentioned first embodiment and further has the following technical features.

[0073] In this embodiment, a water tank 3 is provided in a housing 2, and tank 1 is rotatably attached to water tank 3. The metal detector 6 is provided in water tank 3. By providing a search coil in the water tank which cannot rotate with respect to the tank, when detecting whether or not there is a metal object in the tank, the tank can be controlled to rotate relative to the tank, and an object moving in the tank can be detected using the search coil which is fixed so as not to move. This improves detection accuracy.

[0074] 4, in this embodiment, in order to perform metal detection on a laundry load that has moved to the vicinity of the search coil 61 within the rotating tub 1, the search coil 61 of the metal detector 6 is provided on a parallel plane in any tangential direction of the tub 1. Since the metal detector 6 extends within the tangential plane of the tub 1, the detection coverage area of ​​the metal detector 6 is not limited to a single cross section, and the detection range is increased.

[0075] Preferably, in this embodiment, the search coil 61 of the metal detector 6 is located on a horizontal plane above and / or below the tank. More preferably, in order to improve detection accuracy, the search coil 61 is located below the center of the tank 1 to detect the location where clothes are most likely to accumulate. This further improves detection accuracy. In addition, in order to further improve detection accuracy, the detection coverage range may be further expanded by installing the metal detectors 6 in multiple radial directions of the tank 1. EXAMPLES

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, this embodiment is based on the above-mentioned first embodiment and further has the following technical features.

[0077] In this embodiment, the housing 2 is provided with a clothes insertion opening that is arranged opposite the tub mouth 101 of the tub 1. The housing 2 is also provided with a main body door 4 that can open and close the clothes insertion opening, and the metal detector 6 is provided on the main body door 4.

[0078] In this embodiment, the search coil 61 of the metal detector 6 is installed along a circle concentric with the axis of the tank 1. The radial size of the search coil 61 is smaller than the radial size of the tank side wall 103 of the tank 1 and larger than the radial size of the tank mouth 102 of the tank 1. [Example 4]

[0079] This embodiment is based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1, and further has the following different technical features.

[0080] In this embodiment, the search coil of the metal detector is directly installed on the tub. The search coil is wirelessly connected to a control module installed in the housing of the washing machine via a wireless module. By installing it as described above, it is possible to realize the purpose of mounting the search coil directly on the rotating tub, performing metal detection on the laundry load in the tub, and performing wireless power supply and signal transmission (not shown in the figure). EXAMPLES

[0081] As shown in Figs. 7 to 11, in this embodiment, a method for controlling a washing machine will be described in which laundry in the tub is detected, and a warning signal is issued if it is detected that an object made of a metal is contained in the tub.

[0082] In this embodiment, when a metal object is detected in the tub, the washing machine stops operation and issues a warning signal to the user. Preferably, the warning signal includes a warning sound, a warning image, a warning push notification on the mobile device, or a combination thereof. The warning signal may be issued from a component on the washing machine or from a unit provided in a metal detector installed separately on the washing machine.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 7, in this embodiment, when it is detected that a metallic object is present in the tub, the washing machine stops operation and automatically opens the main door of the washing machine. Preferably, after the main door is opened, it is detected whether or not a metallic object is present in the tub at regular time intervals t. If it is detected that a metallic object is present, the main door is kept open, but if it is detected that no metallic object is present, the main door is controlled to close.

[0084] In this embodiment, after the main body door is closed, it is detected whether there is a metallic object in the tub, and if it is detected that there is a metallic object, it issues a warning signal to the user. On the other hand, if it is not detected that there is a metallic object, it prompts the user to select a cleaning program and starts operation according to the cleaning program selected by the user.

[0085] In this embodiment, when it is detected that a metal object is present in the tub, a waiting warning signal is issued to the user to select whether or not to continue the washing process. If the user selects to continue the washing process, the washing machine executes the washing mode for when a metal object is present, and then performs the subsequent operations to wash the laundry that contains the metal object in the tub.

[0086] In this embodiment, when the washing machine detects that there is a metal object in the tub and executes the cleaning mode for when a metal object is present, the tub rotation speed in the cleaning program selected by the user is reduced by a predetermined value and / or the cleaning time is extended by a predetermined time to form a modified cleaning program, and the washing machine starts operating according to the modified cleaning program.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 8, this embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0088] Step S1: The main body door is opened, and the user puts laundry into the tub.

[0089] Step S2: Detect whether or not a metal object is present in the tank. If it is detected that a metal object is present in the tank, execute step S3, and if it is detected that a metal object is not present in the tank, execute step S9.

[0090] Step S3: The washing machine stops operation and issues a warning to the user.

[0091] Step S4: The washing machine executes step S2 again at every predetermined time interval t, and simultaneously continues to execute the next step S5.

[0092] Step S5: When the user provides feedback to the washing machine that the laundry contains metal objects based on the warning information, step S4 is skipped and step S6 is executed.

[0093] Step S6: The user selects a cleaning program.

[0094] Step S7: The washing machine generates a modified washing program by lowering the tub rotation speed of the selected washing program by a predetermined value and extending the washing time by a predetermined time.

[0095] Step S8: The washing machine starts to operate according to the corrected washing program.

[0096] Step S9: The user selects a wash program.

[0097] Step S10: The washing machine starts to operate according to the selected washing program. EXAMPLES

[0098] This embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiment 5 in the following points.

[0099] In this embodiment, after detecting that a metallic object is present in the tank, it is determined whether the main body door is opened within a predetermined time.

[0100] If the container is not opened, the cleaning mode for when a metal object is included is executed.

[0101] On the other hand, when the tank is opened, it is again detected whether or not there is a metallic object in the tank. If it is determined that there is a metallic object in the tank upon the re-detection, the cleaning mode for when a metallic object is present is executed, but if it is determined that there is no metallic object in the tank upon the re-detection, the normal cleaning mode is executed.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 9, this embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0103] Step S1: The main body door is opened, and the user puts laundry into the tub.

[0104] Step S2: Detect whether or not a metal object is present in the tank. If it is detected that a metal object is present in the tank, execute step S3, and if it is detected that a metal object is not present in the tank, execute step S9.

[0105] Step S3: The washing machine stops operation and issues a warning to the user.

[0106] Step S4: It is determined whether or not the body door of the washing machine is opened within a predetermined time t. If the body door is opened, step S5 is executed, but if the body door is not opened, step S6 is executed.

[0107] Step S5: It is again detected whether or not there are any metallic objects in the tank. If there are, step S6 is executed, but if there are no metallic objects, step S9 is executed.

[0108] Step S6: The user selects a cleaning program.

[0109] Step S7: The washing machine generates a modified washing program by lowering the tub rotation speed of the selected washing program by a predetermined value and extending the washing time by a predetermined time.

[0110] Step S8: The washing machine starts to operate according to the corrected washing program.

[0111] Step S9: The user selects a wash program.

[0112] Step S10: The washing machine starts to operate according to the selected washing program. EXAMPLES

[0113] This embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiments 5 and 6 in the following points.

[0114] In this embodiment, when the washing machine detects that a metal object is contained in the tub and executes the cleaning mode when a metal object is contained, the washing machine can only execute a cleaning program in which the tub rotation speed is within a predetermined range and the cleaning time is within a predetermined time. Preferably, when the washing machine detects that a metal object is contained in the tub and executes the cleaning mode when a metal object is contained, the washing machine can only call up a cleaning program in which the tub rotation speed is within a predetermined range and the cleaning time is within a predetermined time and allow a user to select it.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 10, this embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0116] Step S1: The main body door is opened, and the user puts laundry into the tub.

[0117] Step S2: Detect whether or not a metal object is present in the tank. If it is detected that a metal object is present in the tank, execute step S3, and if it is detected that a metal object is not present in the tank, execute step S8.

[0118] Step S3: The washing machine stops operation and issues a warning to the user.

[0119] Step S4: The washing machine executes step S2 again at every predetermined time interval t, and simultaneously continues to execute the next step S5.

[0120] Step S5: When the user provides feedback to the washing machine that the laundry contains metal objects based on the warning information, step S4 is skipped and step S6 is executed.

[0121] Step S6: The washing machine calls up a washing program that is in a predetermined section and has a washing time within a predetermined time, and the user selects one of the washing programs called up by the washing machine.

[0122] Step S7: The washing machine starts to operate according to the selected washing program.

[0123] Step S8: The user selects a wash program.

[0124] Step S9: The washing machine starts to operate according to the selected washing program. [Example 9]

[0125] This embodiment is based on the above-mentioned embodiments 5 to 8, and further has the following technical features.

[0126] In this embodiment, the washing machine detects the material of the laundry in the tub, and calls up a corresponding pre-stored washing program according to the detected material of the clothes. The washing machine then operates according to the called washing program to wash the laundry. In addition, in order to ensure the completion of the above control method, the washing machine needs to be equipped with a clothing material detector to automatically detect the material of the clothes in the tub. The clothing material detector in this embodiment can be any type of conventional structure.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 11, this embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0128] Step S1: The main body door is opened, and the user puts laundry into the tub.

[0129] Step S2: Detect whether or not a metal object is present in the tank. If it is detected that a metal object is present in the tank, execute step S3, and if it is detected that a metal object is not present in the tank, execute step S9.

[0130] Step S3: The washing machine stops operation and issues a warning to the user.

[0131] Step S4: The washing machine executes step S2 again at every predetermined time interval t, and simultaneously continues to execute the next step S5.

[0132] Step S5: When the user provides feedback to the washing machine that the laundry contains metal objects based on the warning information, step S4 is skipped and step S6 is executed.

[0133] Step S6: Detect the material of the wash load in the tub, and select a corresponding wash program based on the detected material.

[0134] Step S7: The washing machine generates a modified washing program by lowering the tub rotation speed of the selected washing program by a predetermined value and extending the washing time by a predetermined time.

[0135] Step S8: The washing machine starts to operate according to the corrected washing program.

[0136] Step S9: The user selects a wash program.

[0137] Step S10: The washing machine starts to operate according to the selected washing program.

[0138] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed above by a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, slight modifications or additions that can be made by a person skilled in the art using the technical content presented above are equivalently modified equivalent embodiments, and none of them deviate from the content of the technical solution of the present invention. In addition, any simple modifications, equivalent modifications and additions made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention all belong to the scope of the solution of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1 tank 2. Housing 3. Water tank 4 Doors 5 Drive motor 6 metal detector 61 Search coil 21 Tank axis 101 Tank mouth 102 Tank bottom 103 Tank side wall

Claims

1. A washing machine including a housing, the housing having a tub disposed therein, A metal detector is mounted in the housing to detect metal objects in the tank, The housing is provided with a clothes inlet that is disposed opposite to a tub opening of the tub, the housing is provided with a main body door that can open and close the clothes inlet, and the metal detector is provided on the main body door. A washing machine characterized in that a search coil of the metal detector is installed along a circle concentric with the axis of the tub, and a radial size of the search coil is smaller than a radial size of the tub and larger than a radial size of a tub opening of the tub.

2. The metal detector includes a search coil; 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the search coil is constituted by a flexible cable wound in a circular shape at least once.

3. 3. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein said search coil comprises a housing having a sealed annular chamber within said housing, and a flexible cable is mounted within said annular chamber.

4. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the metal detector further includes a control module, the control module being communicatively connected to the search coil, the control module being provided with a signal interface, and the signal interface being connected to a main control panel of the washing machine via a communication cable.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the metal detector further includes an alarm output module, the alarm output module being connected to the control module, and the alarm output module being any one or a combination of a speaker that emits an alarm indication sound, a display device that generates an alarm indication image, and a wireless device that issues an alarm indication push notification to a mobile terminal.

6. A method for controlling a washing machine, comprising:

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising detecting the laundry in the tub and detecting whether the tub contains any metallic objects.

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