Control method for laundry treatment device, and laundry treatment device

Abstract

A control method for a laundry treatment device, and a laundry treatment device using the method. The control method comprises: after washing is completed, sending a clothes removal reminder and determining whether to respond to a triggered sensing signal; if it is determined to respond to a triggered sensing signal, continuing to determine that it is detected within a first set time period that a door lock state is an open state, and terminating the clothes removal reminder; if it is determined that it is detected within the first set time period that the door lock state is a closed state, after the expiration of the first set time period, terminating the current clothes removal reminder, waiting for a second set time period, and sending the clothes removal reminder again; and after the expiration of the first set time period, sending the clothes removal reminder again in response to the triggered sensing signal. The control method avoids the problem of laundry being left inside a washing machine as a result of the washing machine failing to issue subsequent reminders after issuing only a single reminder when a user does not remove the laundry in a timely manner.

Description

A control method for a garment processing device and the garment processing device itself. Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of home appliance technology, and more specifically, it relates to a control method for a clothing processing device and the clothing processing device itself. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of living standards, washing machines have become an essential household appliance. Washing machines can help users complete laundry services very well. However, although the washing machine will give users sound, light, and electrical prompts after the wash is finished, the prompts can only be given once. If the user is not by the washing machine or is busy with other things and fails to pick up the clothes in time, it is easy to forget about them later. This will cause the clothes to remain in the washing machine. If they remain in the washing machine for a long time, they will become wrinkled, moldy, and have an odor. Washing them again will be time-consuming, water-consuming, and electricity-consuming.

[0003] Therefore, how to accurately remind users to retrieve clothes after the washing machine has finished washing is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a control method and a garment handling device. It solves the problem of leaving clothes inside the washing machine when only one reminder is issued, by using human sensing technology and monitoring the door lock status to remind the user to retrieve their clothes after washing.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A control method for a garment handling device, wherein a garment retrieval reminder is sent after the washing is completed and it is determined whether to respond to a triggered sensor signal;

[0007] If so, continue to determine if the door lock is detected to be in an open state within the first set time, and then end the clothing retrieval reminder.

[0008] Furthermore, if it is determined that the door lock is in a closed state within the first preset time period,

[0009] After the first set time expires, the current clothing retrieval reminder ends and the reminder is sent again after the second set time.

[0010] Furthermore, after the first set time has ended, the reminder to retrieve clothes is sent again in response to the triggered sensing signal.

[0011] Furthermore, if the door lock is detected to be open after the clothing retrieval reminder is sent again, the clothing retrieval reminder is terminated.

[0012] Furthermore, after sending the clothing retrieval reminder again, it is determined whether the door lock status detected within a second set time period is open.

[0013] If so, then the clothing retrieval reminder will end;

[0014] If not, after the second set time expires, the current clothing retrieval reminder will end, and the reminder will be sent again after the second set time has elapsed.

[0015] Further, it is determined whether a triggered sensing signal exists within the second set time period.

[0016] If the door lock is detected to be open, the reminder to retrieve clothes will end.

[0017] If not, the clothing retrieval reminder will be sent again in response to the triggered sensor signal after the second set time has ended.

[0018] Furthermore, after the second set time has elapsed, if it is determined that no triggered sensing signal exists,

[0019] If it is determined that the interval since the last clothing retrieval reminder is greater than or equal to the second set time, then the clothing retrieval reminder will be sent again.

[0020] Furthermore, if it is determined that the interval since the last clothing retrieval reminder is less than the second set time,

[0021] If, within the second set time period, a sensor signal is triggered when human activity is detected within the set range, a reminder to retrieve clothes is sent again and the door lock status is monitored.

[0022] Furthermore, during the duration of the clothing retrieval reminder, if a sensor signal is triggered in response to detected human activity within a set range and / or in response to a triggered sensor operation,

[0023] If the door lock is detected to be in an open state, and then the door lock is detected to be in a closed state, the reminder to retrieve clothes will end.

[0024] A garment processing device employs the control method described above for a garment processing device.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0026] 1. Combining human sensing technology and door opening / closing detection technology, it can accurately determine whether the user has taken out the clothes and whether they are near the washing machine, and provide corresponding reminders and control strategies.

[0027] 2. When someone is detected approaching the washing machine, the door lock status is further monitored, and the status of the door opening and closing is used to determine whether the clothes have been taken out.

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a garment processing device;

[0031] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a control method for a garment processing device (I);

[0032] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a control method for a garment processing device (II);

[0033] The labels in Figure 1 are as follows: 1. Washing machine; 2. Door; 3. Human sensor; 4. Door switch sensor; 5. Display control module; 6. Drum light.

[0034] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "inner" and "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "contact," and "communication" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] This embodiment provides a control method for a clothing processing device. Some solutions in this embodiment provide a clothing processing device with computing capabilities, including but not limited to top-loading washing machines, front-loading washing machines, dryers, multi-tub washing machines, washer-dryer combos, and shoe washing machines. It can determine whether clothing has been removed from the clothing processing device and can issue a clothing removal reminder based on different set conditions.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, after the laundry is finished, the garment handling device sends a garment retrieval reminder and checks for a triggered sensor signal. If a triggered sensor signal is detected, the garment retrieval reminder ends when the door lock is detected to be open within a first set time. After the first set time ends, a garment retrieval reminder is sent again in response to a triggered sensor signal.

[0041] The reminder to retrieve clothes ends when the door lock is detected to be open after the reminder is sent again.

[0042] After sending the clothing retrieval reminder again, the system checks whether the door lock is open within the second set time period. If so, the reminder ends. If the door lock is closed, the reminder ends after the second set time period and waits for another set time before sending the reminder again.

[0043] The time for the first clothing retrieval reminder can be set by the user. In some possible solutions of this embodiment, the clothing retrieval reminder can be set to be a continuous reminder until it is detected that the door lock is in the open state within a first set time, and then the clothing retrieval reminder ends.

[0044] In some embodiments of this program, after the laundry is completed, a laundry retrieval reminder is sent, and it is determined whether the reminder is triggered by a sensor signal. If so, it is determined that the door lock is detected to be open within a first set time, and then the laundry retrieval reminder ends. If the door lock is detected to be closed within the first set time, the laundry retrieval reminder ends after the first set time, and a second set time is waited before the reminder is sent again.

[0045] In response to the triggered sensor signal, if the door lock is detected to be closed within a first set time, the reminder to retrieve clothes will end after the first set time has elapsed; and a low-power mode will be entered to save power.

[0046] In some embodiments of this invention, the duration of each clothes retrieval reminder is designed to reduce the reminder time when no user is detected approaching the washing machine for an extended period. Specifically, it is determined whether the reminder duration is greater than or equal to a preset time. If it is, the reminder ends, and upon receiving a sensor signal triggered by human activity within a set range, a reminder is sent again, and the door lock status is monitored. If the door lock is detected to be open within a first set time, the reminder ends, and the clothes are removed from the washing machine drum. If the door lock remains closed within the first set time, the reminder ends after the first set time has elapsed. In this case, a user approaches but does not open the door, or is temporarily unable to retrieve clothes. Alternatively, in a shared clothing processing scenario, multiple shared clothing processing devices exist, and the user needs to find the device they ordered to retrieve their clothes, passing through multiple devices in the process. Therefore, the reminder only needs to end when the door is detected to be open. On the other hand, sending reminders improves the washing machine's performance and also prevents bacteria growth or odors from clothes being left in the drum for extended periods.

[0047] In some embodiments of this invention, a sensing signal is triggered in response to a user approaching within a predetermined range around the garment processing device. Alternatively, the sensing signal can be triggered via the operation panel of the garment processing device, such as by pressing an operation button, a voice command, or upon receiving a voice signal feedback. Furthermore, it can be a sensing signal triggered by matching facial features in facial recognition technology.

[0048] If the duration of the clothing retrieval reminder is less than a preset time, the system continues to monitor the door lock status in response to a detected human activity within a set range and / or a triggered sensor operation within the reminder duration. If the door lock is detected to be open within the first set time, the reminder ends, and the clothing is removed from the clothing handling device. If the door lock is detected to be closed within the first set time, the reminder ends after the first set time has elapsed.

[0049] In some embodiments of this invention, the garment retrieval reminder is interrupted when the door lock is detected to be closed within a set time period, but it still responds to the triggered sensor signal, providing a control method for uninterrupted garment retrieval reminders. After the current garment retrieval reminder ends, a garment retrieval reminder is sent again in response to the triggered sensor signal. Specifically, if no sensor signal triggered by human activity is detected within a set range for an extended period after the current reminder ends, the interval since the last garment retrieval reminder is obtained. If the interval is determined to be greater than or equal to the set time, a garment retrieval reminder is sent again, preventing garments from being left in the garment processing equipment drum due to user forgetfulness, which could lead to bacterial growth.

[0050] In some embodiments of this invention, when the door lock is detected to be closed within a set time period, the clothing retrieval reminder is interrupted, but the system will still respond to the triggered sensor signal. A control method for reminding users to retrieve clothing at regular time intervals is also provided. After the aforementioned clothing retrieval reminder ends, a clothing retrieval reminder is sent at regular time intervals. For example, a clothing retrieval reminder is sent again after a second set time period, but the system will still respond to the triggered sensor signal within the second set time period. When the system responds to the triggered sensor signal, a clothing retrieval reminder is sent. The next step is to determine if the door lock is detected to be open. Specifically, if the door lock is detected to be closed, the clothing retrieval reminder ends after the second set time period, and the system continues to send clothing retrieval reminders at regular time intervals.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, taking a washing machine as an example, after the washing machine finishes washing, it announces a "wash complete, retrieve clothes" reminder. The human detection sensor and door open / close detection sensor then activate. When they detect someone approaching the washing machine, they determine if the washing machine door is open. If the door is open, the "wash complete, retrieve clothes" reminder ends. They stop working when the washing machine door is closed.

[0052] If no one is detected approaching the washing machine after the wash is finished and the reminder to retrieve clothes is broadcast, the reminder will end after the first set time has elapsed; the human sensor and door switch sensor will continue to operate.

[0053] When someone is detected approaching the washing machine again, the wash-complete reminder will be announced again. The reminder will end when the door is detected to be opened within the second set time. After the reminder ends, if the washing machine door is detected to be closed, the human sensor and door open / close sensor will stop working. If the washing machine door is not detected to be closed, the human sensor and door open / close sensor will stop working after a third set time. If the door is not detected to be open, the reminder will end.

[0054] In some embodiments of this example, after the washing cycle is completed, a clothes retrieval reminder is sent, and it is determined whether a triggering sensor signal exists. If a triggering sensor signal is detected, the reminder continues until the door lock is detected as open within a first set time period, at which point the clothes retrieval reminder ends. If the door lock is detected as closed within the first set time period, the reminder ends after the first set time period ends, and a second set time period is waited before a new clothes retrieval reminder is sent. Specifically, it is determined whether a triggering sensor signal exists within the second set time period; otherwise, a clothes retrieval reminder is sent again after the second set time period ends.

[0055] In some embodiments of this invention, sending a reminder to retrieve clothes after washing and determining whether a triggered sensor signal exists includes:

[0056] If the laundry reminder duration reaches the first set time, and no sensor signal or sensor operation triggered by human activity within the set range is detected within the first set time, then the laundry reminder will end.

[0057] Among these, the triggered sensing operations include touch button operations triggered on the control panel, or sound sensing operations triggered upon receiving voice feedback.

[0058] In some embodiments of this invention, a reminder method is provided when sending a clothes retrieval reminder. Specifically, a reminder to retrieve clothes is broadcast when the washing cycle is finished, and the washing machine display panel shows the finished status, such as "END" or "End"; simultaneously, a washing cycle completion sound is played, and the drum light illuminates. In a preferred embodiment, the completion sound plays for 5-15 seconds, and the drum light illuminates when someone approaches. Further preferred, a detection zone of 0-6 meters around the washing machine is defined to save energy.

[0059] The waiting time for the washing machine to finish washing and retrieve clothes is one to three minutes. It can be set to two minutes depending on the specific application. If the washing machine does not open the door and retrieve clothes after two minutes, it will end the wash cycle's completion reminder.

[0060] After the first wash cycle ends and the clothes are retrieved, the washing machine's display and control module goes offline and enters an energy-saving standby state. However, the human sensor and door open / close detection module remain active, continuously monitoring for anyone approaching or opening the door. More preferably, the human sensor remains active, activating only the door open / close detection sensor upon detecting someone approaching.

[0061] When someone is detected approaching the washing machine again, the washing machine will announce the completion of the wash and remind the user to retrieve their clothes. Preferably, it will only announce the end of the wash and turn on the drum light, without illuminating the display control module, so that the user can easily open the door and retrieve their clothes.

[0062] If someone is detected approaching the washing machine again, the waiting time for retrieving clothes is set to one to three minutes, with one minute being more preferred. The clothes-retrieval reminder ends once the washing machine door is opened. When the door is detected to be closed, or the user is detected to have left the human detection area, it indicates that the user has finished retrieving clothes, and the washing machine control system enters a low-power energy-saving state. In this embodiment, the clothes-retrieval reminder can be a voice broadcast reminder, a prompt tone reminder, or a music reminder.

[0063] The washing machine is equipped with a human sensor and door open / close detection. After the wash cycle is complete, it will immediately provide an audio-visual reminder: a finishing tone will play, the drum light will illuminate to facilitate clothing removal, and the screen will display "END" or "End," clearly informing the user that the wash is finished and clothes can be retrieved. If the user is not nearby or is busy with other tasks, the washing machine will enter a screen-off waiting state after a period of time, while simultaneously detecting if the user is near. When the human sensor detects the user's presence, it will again provide an audio-visual reminder. If the user does not retrieve the clothes, a reminder will be given each time the user approaches until the clothes are retrieved. The washing machine then enters a low-power mode, ceasing both detection and reminders.

[0064] It provides precise reminders for retrieving clothing, preventing users from forgetting to do so. It also enables precise energy-saving control, resulting in a more user-friendly experience.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] This embodiment is based on the first embodiment described above and provides a clothing processing device. As shown in Figure 1, taking a washing machine as an example, the washing machine 1 includes a door 2.

[0067] Human sensor 3 is used to detect whether a target user is approaching the washing machine 1. When human sensor 3 detects that a target user is approaching the washing machine 1, it can further detect the distance between the target user and the washing machine 1.

[0068] Door switch sensor 4 is used to monitor the open or closed status of the door.

[0069] Display control module 5 is configured as a washing machine control unit to control the washing machine to turn on and off, select washing programs, adjust washing parameters, and start or pause the running program. During operation, it displays the washing parameters of the currently running washing program, such as the running time.

[0070] The washing machine 1 includes various functions and displays clothing retrieval information when the washing machine 1 sends a clothing retrieval reminder. The washing machine 1 also includes a drum light 6, which illuminates the space inside the washing machine drum 6, making it easier for the target user to check the status of the clothes inside.

[0071] When the washing cycle is finished, the human sensor 3 detects that a target user is approaching the washing machine and issues a reminder to retrieve the clothes, reducing the chance of clothes not being dried in time and improving the performance of the washing machine; at the same time, it prevents clothes from growing bacteria or producing odors due to being left in the washing machine drum for a long time.

[0072] The aforementioned washing machine includes, but is not limited to, a passive infrared detector. The passive infrared detector converts the proximity information of the target user and the distance information between the target user and the washing machine into digital signals and feeds them back to the washing machine control unit, while effectively reducing power consumption.

[0073] In some embodiments of this invention, the provided garment processing device includes one or more of the following components: a processing component, a memory, a power component, a sensor component, a communication component, and a processor.

[0074] The processing component typically controls the overall operation of the garment processing equipment, including related operations such as display, audible alerts, water filling programs, soaking programs, washing programs, rinsing programs, spin-drying programs, drying programs, disinfection programs, sterilization programs, and mite removal programs. The processing component may include one or more processors to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the aforementioned garment processing equipment control methods. Furthermore, the processing component may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the processing component and other components.

[0075] The memory is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of a multi-drum washing machine. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on the garment handling equipment, historical washing data, etc. The memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0076] The power components provide power to the various components of the garment handling equipment. The power components may include a power management system, one or more power sources, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to the garment handling equipment.

[0077] The sensor assembly includes one or more sensors for providing a status assessment of various aspects of the garment handling equipment. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly may also include sensing sensors. For example, a sensor assembly capable of near-field sensing of mobile terminal devices.

[0078] The communication components are configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the garment handling device and other devices. The garment handling device can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or combinations thereof.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the garment processing device may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to execute the control method of the garment processing device described above.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory including instructions, which can be executed by a processor of the garment processing device to perform the control method of the garment processing device. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0081] In another exemplary embodiment, a computer program product is also provided, the computer program product comprising a computer program executable by a programmable device, the computer program having a code portion for performing the control method of the garment processing device described above when executed by the programmable device.

[0082] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a garment processing device, characterized in that, After the laundry is finished, a reminder to pick up the clothes is sent and it is determined whether the system responds to the triggered sensor signal. If so, continue to determine if the door lock is detected to be in an open state within the first set time, and then end the clothing retrieval reminder.

2. The control method for a garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, If it is determined that the door lock is in a closed state within the first preset time period. After the first set time expires, the current clothing retrieval reminder ends and the reminder is sent again after the second set time.

3. The control method for a garment processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the first set time has expired, the reminder to retrieve clothes is sent again in response to the triggered sensor signal.

4. A control method for a garment processing device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, When the door lock is detected to be open after the reminder to retrieve clothes is sent again, the reminder to retrieve clothes ends.

5. A control method for a garment processing device according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, After sending the clothing retrieval reminder again, it is determined whether the door lock status detected within the second set time period is open. If so, then the clothing retrieval reminder will end; If not, after the second set time expires, the current clothing retrieval reminder will end, and the reminder will be sent again after the second set time has elapsed.

6. A control method for a garment processing device according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, Determine whether a triggered sensing signal exists within the second preset time period. If the door lock is detected to be open, the reminder to retrieve clothes will end. If not, the clothing retrieval reminder will be sent again in response to the triggered sensor signal after the second set time has ended.

7. A control method for a garment processing device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, After the second set time has elapsed, if it is determined that no triggering sensing signal exists, If it is determined that the interval since the last clothing retrieval reminder is greater than or equal to the second set time, then the clothing retrieval reminder will be sent again.

8. The control method for a garment processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, If it is determined that the interval since the last clothing pickup reminder is less than the second set time, If, within the second set time period, a sensor signal is triggered in response to human activity detected within the set range, a reminder to retrieve clothing is sent again and the door lock status is monitored.

9. A control method for a garment processing device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, If, during the duration of the clothing retrieval reminder, a sensor signal is triggered when human activity is detected within a set range and / or a sensor operation is triggered, If the door lock is detected to be in an open state, and then the door lock is detected to be in a closed state, the reminder to retrieve clothes will end.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The control method of the garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-9 is adopted.

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