CN211395009U - Washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model discloses a washing device. The washing device comprises a body, a washing cavity, a control system and a balance ring arranged in the washing cavity. The washing cavity can be rotatably connected with the body, and the control system is arranged on the body. A movable balancer is arranged in the balancing ring. The control system includes a first wireless communication module and a wireless gateway, and the balancer includes a second wireless communication module. The second wireless communication module, the first wireless communication module and the wireless gateway are used for forming a wireless communication network. The control system is used for controlling the balancer to move through the wireless communication network according to the vibration signal of the body. The utility model discloses embodiment's washing device can realize the removal of control system wireless control balancer, avoids adopting the mode connection control system and the balancer of brush and the communication interference that leads to is big, unstable and easy wearing and tearing scheduling problem.

Description

Washing device

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a washing technical field, in particular to washing device.

Background

In the related art, in order to reduce vibration and noise of the washing apparatus, a balancing ring having a balancer built therein is provided at front and rear ends of the dehydration tub. By controlling the movement of the balancer in the balancing ring, the eccentricity of the clothes in the dewatering barrel is balanced by the self gravity and the centripetal force of the balancer, so that the vibration of the dewatering barrel tends to be reduced, and the noise of the washing device is reduced.

The movement of the balancer in the washing apparatus may be controlled by a control system of the washing apparatus. The current method is to connect the circuit of the balancer to the bearing of the dewatering drum through a wire and electrically connect the circuit of the balancer to the control system by using a brush, so as to communicate the circuit of the balancer with the circuit of the control system. In this method, a relatively moving dehydration tub and a washing apparatus body mounted with a control system are connected by using a brush, and the brush has problems of instability, large communication interference, easy abrasion, and the like.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The utility model discloses embodiment provides a washing device.

The utility model discloses embodiment's washing device include body, washing cavity, control system and set up in the balancing ring of washing cavity, the washing cavity can connect with rotating the body, control system set up in the body, be equipped with the equalizer that can remove in the balancing ring, control system includes first wireless communication module and wireless gateway, the equalizer includes second wireless communication module, second wireless communication module first wireless communication module with wireless gateway is used for constituteing wireless communication network, control system is used for the basis the vibration signal of body passes through wireless communication network control the equalizer removes.

The utility model discloses embodiment's washing device, control system's first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module of equalizer pass through wireless gateway network deployment, can intercommunicate to realize the removal of control system wireless control equalizer, can avoid adopting the mode connection control system and the equalizer of brush and the communication interference that leads to is big, unstable and easy wearing and tearing scheduling problem.

In some embodiments, the washing chamber has an axis of rotation, the washing chamber includes a first end and a second end along the axis of rotation, the first end and the second end each having the balancing ring attached thereto, and at least one balancer is disposed within each balancing ring.

Therefore, the two ends of the washing cavity along the rotating axis of the washing cavity can be connected with the balance rings, so that the effect of balancing the eccentricity of the washing cavity is better.

In some embodiments, the balancer is configured to communicate with the remaining balancers via the wireless communication network to obtain locations of the remaining balancers.

Therefore, when a plurality of balancers are arranged in the same balancing ring, the balancers can communicate with each other to obtain the positions of other balancers, and the balancers are prevented from colliding with each other in the moving process.

In some embodiments, the body includes a water containing cavity, the washing cavity is rotatably located in the water containing cavity, and the control system includes a first control circuit configured to obtain a vibration signal of the water containing cavity, determine a target position of the balancer according to the current position and moving direction of the balancer and the vibration signal, and transmit the target position to the balancer through the wireless communication network so that the balancer moves to the target position.

Therefore, the balancer is controlled to move to the target position, and the eccentric mass of the washing cavity during rotation can be offset, so that the aim of reducing the vibration level of the washing device is fulfilled.

In some embodiments, the balancer is configured to send a current location of the balancer to the first control circuit via the wireless communication network during movement of the balancer to the target location.

Therefore, the current position of the balancer is fed back to the control system in the moving process of the balancer, closed-loop control is formed, and the balancer can be moved to the target position.

In some embodiments, the washing device comprises a power motor for driving the washing cavity to rotate, the control system comprises a first switch module, and the balancer comprises a second switch module;

and under the condition that the washing device receives a signal for controlling the rotation of the washing cavity and the balancer is in a closed state, the control system is used for sending an activation signal to the second switch module through the first switch module, and the second switch module is used for starting the balancer according to the activation signal.

Therefore, when the balancer is required to move to offset the eccentric mass when the washing cavity rotates, the balancer is started again, and the electricity consumption of the balancer can be reduced.

In some embodiments, the control system is configured to send a shutdown signal to the second switch module through the first switch module when the rotation speed of the washing chamber is less than a preset value or the power motor is turned off, and the second switch module is configured to shut down the balancer according to the shutdown signal.

Thus, when the balancer is not required to move, the balancer is closed, and the electric quantity of the balancer is saved.

In some embodiments, the balancer includes a power module and a second control circuit, the power module includes a battery and a switch, the switch connects the battery and the second control circuit, the second switch module is configured to control the switch to be closed according to the activation signal and to be opened according to the closing signal, and the second control circuit is configured to control the balancer to move according to a control instruction of the control system when the switch is closed.

Therefore, the on-off of the battery and the second control circuit is controlled by controlling the closing of the switch piece, so that the balancer is opened or closed.

In some embodiments, the first switching module comprises a low power wireless communication module and the second switching module comprises a low power wireless communication module.

Therefore, the low-power consumption wireless communication module has the characteristics of very low standby power, quick start, no need of networking for communication, immediate sending and immediate receiving, and the like.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication module comprises a WiFi module, a bluetooth module, an NRF module, a ZigBee module, or a mobile communication module, and the second wireless communication module comprises a WiFi module, a bluetooth module, an NRF module, a ZigBee module, or a mobile communication module, and the first wireless communication module is the same as the second wireless communication module.

Therefore, the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module have multiple choices and are highly replaceable.

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Drawings

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control system of a washing apparatus and a balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram of a washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a schematic structural view of a washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural view of a washing chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a schematic structural view of a gimbal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a schematic structural view of a balancer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the balancer within the gimbal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is another schematic view of the embodiment of the present invention with the balancer inside the gimbal;

fig. 9 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a control method of a washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 10 is another schematic flow chart illustrating a control method of a washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar function throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary only for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implying any number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined as "first", "second", may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the described features. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "a plurality" means two or more unless specifically defined otherwise.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless explicitly stated or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be construed broadly, and may be, for example, fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected; either directly or indirectly through intervening media, either internally or in any other relationship. The specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art according to specific situations.

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different configurations of embodiments of the invention. In order to simplify the disclosure of embodiments of the present invention, the components and arrangements of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may repeat reference numerals and/or reference letters in the various examples, which have been repeated for purposes of simplicity and clarity and do not in themselves dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or arrangements discussed. In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide examples of various specific processes and materials, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize applications of other processes and/or use of other materials.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, a washing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, specifically a washing machine, includes a body 10, a washing chamber 20, a control system 30, and a balance ring 40 disposed in the washing chamber 20. The washing chamber 20 is rotatably connected to the body 10, and the control system 30 is disposed on the body 10. A movable balancer 50 is provided in the balancing ring 40. The control system 30 includes a first wireless communication module 32 and a wireless gateway 34. The balancer 50 includes a second wireless communication module 52. The second wireless communication module 52, the first wireless communication module 32 and the wireless gateway 34 are used to form a wireless communication network. The control system 30 serves to control the movement of the balancer 50 through a wireless communication network according to the vibration signal of the body 10.

The utility model discloses embodiment's washing device 100, control system 30's first wireless communication module 32 and balancer 50's second wireless communication module 52 pass through wireless gateway 34 network deployment, can intercommunicate to realize control system 30 wireless control balancer 50's removal, can avoid adopting the mode connection control system 30 and balancer 50 of brush and the communication interference that leads to is big, unstable and easy wearing and tearing scheduling problem.

It is understood that the first wireless communication module 32 and the second wireless communication module 52 may each be a WiFi module, a bluetooth module, an NRF module, a ZigBee module, or a mobile communication module (e.g., a 4G module, a 5G module, etc.). As such, the first wireless communication module 32 and the second wireless communication module 52 have a variety of options and are highly replaceable. The selection of the wireless gateway 34 is adapted to the type of the first wireless communication module 32 and the second wireless communication module 52. The wireless communication network is built by using the WiFi module in the ISM frequency band as an example. The control system 30 uses a WiFi module as the first wireless communication module 32, uses a WiFi gateway as the wireless gateway 34, and the balancer 50 uses a WiFi module as the second wireless communication module 52, and the second wireless communication module 52 and the first wireless communication module 32 in different balancers 50 can be combined into a wireless communication network through the wireless gateway 34 of the control system 30 to communicate with each other. The WiFi module can be networked by using a TCP/IP protocol so as to realize stable data communication. The operating frequency of the wireless communication module in the ISM band is above 2.4GHZ, and the electromagnetic field generated by the power motor 80 of the washing device 100 and the like does not interfere with the communication, so that the data transmission is stable and reliable.

Specifically, after the washing apparatus 100 is powered on, the control system 30 opens the first wireless communication module 32 and the wireless gateway 34, and sets the first wireless communication module 32 to the server mode and the connection account password and mode of the wireless gateway 34. After the balancer 50 is activated, the second wireless communication module 52 of the balancer 50 is turned on and set to the client mode, and then the wireless gateway 34 is connected, and after the connection of the wireless gateway 34 is successful, the first wireless communication module 32 can be accessed through the wireless gateway 34 to complete the networking. The control system 30 will record the ID number of the balancer 50 after the access is successful. The networking mode is such that the balancer 50 and the control system 30 form a wireless communication network capable of communicating with each other. In the example of fig. 1, the number of balancers 50 is four, which are a balancer 50A, a balancer 50B, a balancer 50C, and a balancer 50D, respectively. Balancer 50A includes a second wireless communication module 52A, balancer 50B includes a second wireless communication module 52B, balancer 50C includes a second wireless communication module 52C, and balancer 50D includes a second wireless communication module 52D. The second wireless communication module 52 of each balancer 50 can be used as a client of the wireless communication network or a server of the wireless communication network, thereby forming a stable signal communication network.

In other embodiments, an infrared communication module or an ultrasonic communication module may be used instead of an electromagnetic wave communication module such as a WiFi module.

In the present embodiment, the washing chamber 20 is rotatably located within the body 10. It is understood that in other embodiments, the washing chamber 20 and the body 10 may be connected in other manners, and are not limited in particular. In the embodiment of the present invention, the washing device 100 is used for washing clothes, etc., and the clothes are placed in the washing chamber 20. When the washing apparatus 100 is in operation (e.g., during a dehydration stage), the washing chamber 20 rotates at a high speed, and the laundry in the washing chamber 20 may be unevenly distributed and may be eccentric. When the washing chamber 20 rotates at a high speed, the washing apparatus 100 generates a large vibration. The balance ring 40 is connected and fixed to the washing chamber 20 and rotates with the washing chamber 20. Accordingly, the eccentric mass when the washing chamber 20 rotates can be offset by controlling the movement of the balancer 50 in the balancing ring 40. Specifically, the control system 30 acquires a vibration signal of the washing apparatus 100, and then generates a control command according to the vibration signal, the control command being transmitted to the corresponding balancer 50 through the wireless communication network to control the movement of the balancer 50. The control instructions include a target position of the balancer 50.

Specifically, the body 10 of the washing device 100 is provided with a door assembly (not shown) to close the washing chamber 20. The body 10 may include a housing (not shown) and a water containing chamber 12. The washing chamber 20 is rotatably provided in the water containing chamber 12. The water holding chamber 12 and the washing chamber 20 may be provided in a housing, and a door assembly may be provided on the housing to close the washing chamber 20 and the water holding chamber 12. The housing is optional, in some embodiments, the water containing cavity 12 can be directly exposed outside or embedded in a wall or a cabinet, and the door assembly is disposed on the water containing cavity 12 to close the washing cavity 20 and the water containing cavity 12. The washing chamber 20 may have a rotation axis X arranged horizontally, obliquely or vertically. That is, the rotation axis X of the washing chamber 20 is parallel, inclined or perpendicular to the horizontal plane. It will be appreciated that one or more balancing rings 40 may be disposed at any position of the washing chamber 20, with the balancing rings 40 rotating with the rotation of the washing chamber 20. The central axis of the balancing ring 40 is parallel to or coincides with the rotation axis X of the washing chamber 20, that is, the balancing ring 40 may be disposed coaxially with the washing chamber 20 or eccentrically with respect to the washing chamber 20. In the illustrated embodiment, washing device 100 is a drum washing machine. In other embodiments, the washing device 100 may be a pulsator washing machine.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the washing chamber 20 has an axis of rotation X. The washing chamber 20 comprises a first end 22 and a second end 24 of the axis of rotation X. A balancing ring 40 is attached to each of the first end 22 and the second end 24. At least one balancer 50 is disposed within each of the balancing rings 40.

Therefore, the two ends of the washing cavity 20 along the rotation axis thereof can be connected with the balance rings 40, so that the effect of balancing the eccentricity of the washing cavity 20 is better. In the illustrated embodiment, the balancing ring 40 comprises a first balancing ring 402 and a second balancing ring 404, the washing chamber 20 has a horizontally arranged rotation axis X, the washing chamber 20 comprises a first end 22 and a second end 24 along the rotation axis X, the first balancing ring 402 is connected to the first end 22 of the washing chamber 20, the second balancing ring 404 is connected to the second end 24 of the washing chamber 20, and the first balancing ring 402 and the second balancing ring 404 are coaxially arranged with the washing chamber 20. Specifically, the second end 24 of the washing chamber 20 is fixedly coupled to the spider 60, the first balance ring 402 is threadedly coupled to the first end 22 of the washing chamber 20, and the second balance ring 404 is threadedly coupled to the spider 60. The water containing cavity 12 and the washing cavity 20 are both cylindrical, and the first end 22 of the washing cavity 20 is a front end and the second end 24 is a rear end. The front end may refer to the end facing the user. In other embodiments, the first end 22 or the second end 24 of the washing chamber 20 is provided with a balancing ring 40, or the balancing ring 40 is provided between the first end 22 and the second end 24.

Hereinafter, the first balancing ring 402 is connected to the first end 22 of the washing chamber 20, the second balancing ring 404 is connected to the second end 24, and two balancers 50 are disposed in the first balancing ring 402 and the second balancing ring 404, respectively.

The first balance ring 402 and the second balance ring 404 are substantially identical in structure except for the difference in the positions where they are coupled to the washing chamber 20. The first balance ring 402 is described in detail below as an example. The initial positions of the two balancers 50A and 50B within the first balancing ring 402 are symmetrically arranged in such a manner that the washing chamber 20 can be balanced in an unloaded state.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the first balancing ring 402 includes the end cap 42, the ring seat 44, the first ring gear 462, the second ring gear 464, and the carrier ring 48. The ring seat 44 and the carrier ring 48 together form a receiving cavity in which the balancers 50A and 50B perform a circular motion.

Referring to fig. 2 and 6, the balancer 50 includes a power module 54, a driving module 56, a control board 58, a bracket 51, a guide module 53, and a carrying module 55. Drive module 56 includes a first gear 562, a second gear 564, and a drive assembly 566, with first gear 562 and second gear 564 being symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of drive assembly 566. The power module 54 may be charged via wireless charging techniques. The drive assembly 566 may include a drive motor, and the power module 54 transmits power to the control panel 58, and the control panel 58 controls the forward, reverse, stop, etc. motion of the drive assembly 566 to control the movement of the equalizer 50. The power module 54, the driving module 56, the control board 58, the guide module 53, the carrying module 55, and the like are fixed on the bracket 51. The supporter 51 may be made of a thick stainless steel plate, and the supporter 51 may not be deformed during the entire operation of the balancer 50.

Referring to fig. 7, a first gear 562 and a second gear 564, which are symmetrically arranged, are engaged with the first ring gear 462 and the second ring gear 464 of the balance ring 40, respectively. The drive assembly 566 may be a two-stage drive for driving the first gear 562 and the second gear 564 in a circular motion along the first gear 462 and the second gear 464 throughout the balancer 50. Wherein the first gear 562 and the second gear 564 rotate in synchronization. The balancer 50 is provided at both ends thereof with guide blocks 53 for preventing the balancer 50 from directly rubbing against the inner wall of the ring seat 44 of the balancing ring 40, and the guide blocks 53 have rollers rotatably coupled to the inner wall of the ring seat 44. A carrier module 55 is secured under the drive assembly 566, and the carrier module 55 moves along the carrier ring 48 as the equalizer 50 moves. The washing chamber 20 performs a circular motion while rotating, and the carrying module 55 serves to bear a centrifugal force of the balancer 50 under the circular motion of the washing chamber 20. The carrier module 55 may be a carrier cart.

Referring to fig. 8, the balancer 50 further includes a first position sensor 572 and a second position sensor 574. The first position sensor 572 cooperates with the protrusions 442 on the inner wall of the ring seat 44 to identify position, while the second position sensor 574 is accurately positioned by identifying the number of teeth on the first gear 562 or the second gear 564. During the movement of the balancer 50, the first gear 562 and the second gear 564 rotate synchronously, and the numbers of teeth of the first gear 562 and the second gear 564 rotate are the same. At least one protrusion 442 cooperating with the first position sensor 572 may be distributed on the ring seat 44 to function as a position correction. The second position sensor 574 precisely determines the moving distance of the balancer 50 by calculating the number of teeth through which the first gear 562 or the second gear 564 rotates, thereby achieving precise positioning of the balancer 50.

In some embodiments, the balancer 50 is configured to communicate with the remaining balancers via a wireless communication network to obtain the location of the remaining balancers 50.

In this manner, when a plurality of balancers 50 are provided in the same balancing ring 40, the balancers 50 can communicate with each other to obtain the positions of the other balancers 50, thereby preventing the balancers 50 from colliding with each other during movement.

It can be understood that the control system 30 controls the movement of the balancers 50 through the wireless communication network according to the vibration signal of the washing apparatus 100, so as to prevent the two balancers 50 in the same balancing ring 40 from colliding with each other. The various balancers 50 communicate with each other via a wireless communication network, and may coordinate their positions and directions of movement with each other. Each balancer 50 transmits its current location to the other balancers 50 through a wireless communication network, thereby further preventing the balancers 50 in the same balancing ring 40 from colliding with each other during movement.

In some embodiments, body 10 includes water holding cavity 12, and washing cavity 20 is rotatably disposed in water holding cavity 12. The control system 30 includes a first control circuit 36. The first control circuit 36 is used for acquiring a vibration signal of the water containing cavity 12, determining a target position of the balancer 50 according to the current position and moving direction of the balancer 50 and the vibration signal, and sending the target position to the balancer 50 through a wireless communication network so as to move the balancer 50 to the target position.

Thus, the balancer 50 is controlled to move to the target position, so that the eccentric mass of the washing chamber 20 during rotation can be offset, thereby reducing the vibration level of the washing apparatus 100.

It will be appreciated that the water containing chamber 12 comprises a third end 122 and a fourth end 124 along the axis of rotation X of the washing chamber 20. When the washing chamber 20 rotates at a high speed, the washing device 100 generates a large vibration, and the third end 122 and the fourth end 124 of the water containing chamber 12 are greatly displaced. Therefore, the vibration signal of the water containing chamber 12 can be obtained by detecting the displacement of the third and fourth terminals 122 and 124, so that the target position of the balancer 50 can be determined according to the vibration signal of the water containing chamber 12 and the current position and moving direction of the balancer 50. The displacement may refer to a vibration amplitude.

In some embodiments, the balancer 50 is configured to transmit the current position of the balancer 50 to the first control circuit 36 via a wireless communication network during movement of the balancer 50 to the target position.

In this way, the current position of the balancer 50 is fed back to the control system 30 during movement, forming a closed loop control that ensures that the balancer 50 can move to the target position.

In some embodiments, the washing apparatus 100 comprises a vibration sensor 70, the vibration sensor 70 is disposed in the water containing cavity 12, and the first control circuit 36 is configured to collect a vibration signal from the water containing cavity 12 via the vibration sensor 70.

In this manner, the vibration signal of the water containing chamber 12 is collected by the vibration sensor 70, so that the target position of the balancer 50 can be determined based on the vibration signal. Specifically, the vibration sensor 70 can be disposed at the third end 122 and the fourth end 124 of the water containing cavity 12 for detecting the vibration signal of the third end 122 and the vibration signal of the fourth end 124. The third end 122 corresponds to the first gimbal 402, and the collected vibration signal is used to determine the target position of the balancer 50 in the first gimbal 402; the fourth end 124 corresponds to the second gimbal 404, and the acquired vibration signal is used to determine the target position of the balancer 50 within the second gimbal 404. The vibration sensor 70 may be an acceleration sensor or a displacement sensor. The displacement sensor may directly detect the displacement of the third and fourth terminals 122 and 124. The acceleration sensor can detect the acceleration of the third terminal 122 and the fourth terminal 124, and then calculate the displacement of the third terminal 122 and the fourth terminal 124 by integration.

Referring to fig. 2, in some embodiments, the washing apparatus 100 includes a power motor 80, and the power motor 80 is used for driving the washing chamber 20 to rotate. The control system 30 includes a first switch module 38 and the balancer 50 includes a second switch module 59. In the case where the washing apparatus 100 receives a signal for controlling the rotation of the washing chamber 20 and the balancer 50 is in the off state, the control system 30 is configured to transmit an activation signal to the second switching module 59 through the first switching module 38, and the second switching module 59 is configured to turn on the balancer 50 according to the activation signal.

Thus, when the balancer 50 is required to move to offset the eccentric mass when the washing chamber 20 rotates, the balancer 50 is turned on again, so that the power consumption of the balancer 50 can be reduced.

It can be understood that, in case of receiving the signal for controlling the rotation of the washing chamber 20, the control system 30 controls the power motor 80 to drive the washing chamber 20 to rotate, and as the rotation speed of the washing chamber 20 increases, the vibration amplitude of the body 10 will become larger. In case that the rotation speed is greater than the preset value, it is necessary to control the balancer 50 to move to offset the eccentric mass when the washing chamber 20 rotates. Accordingly, the balancer 50 may be activated to control the movement of the balancer 50 in case the washing apparatus 100 receives a signal for controlling the rotation of the washing chamber 20. The preset value may be 0 or a value greater than 0, for example, the preset value is 45 rpm.

In some embodiments, in case the rotation speed of the washing chamber 20 is less than a preset value or the power motor 80 is turned off, the control system 30 is configured to send a turn-off signal to the second switching module 59 through the first switching module 38, and the second switching module 59 is configured to turn off the balancer 50 according to the turn-off signal.

In this way, when the balancer 50 is not required to move, the balancer 50 is closed, and the amount of electricity of the balancer 50 is stored.

It can be understood that, in case that the rotation speed of the washing chamber 20 is less than the preset value, the vibration of the body 10 is small, and the movement of the balancer 50 may not be controlled to offset the eccentric mass when the washing chamber 20 rotates. Thus, the balancer 50 may be turned off to conserve power. The preset value is a value greater than 0, for example, the preset value is 40 rpm. Of course, the balancer 50 may be controlled to be closed in case the rotation speed of the washing chamber 20 is 0, that is, in case the rotation of the washing chamber 20 is stopped. When the power motor 80 is turned off, indicating the end of a certain washing stage, the washing chamber 20 may not immediately stop rotating due to inertia, but the rotation speed of the washing chamber 20 gradually decreases, and at this time, the vibration of the washing apparatus 100 is relatively small, so that the balancer 50 may be turned off when the power motor 80 stops rotating.

Further, the balancer 50 includes a power module 54 and a second control circuit 582, the power module 54 includes a battery 542 and a switch 544, the switch 544 connects the battery 542 and the second control circuit 582, the second switch module 59 is configured to control the switch 544 to be closed according to the activation signal and to be opened according to the closing signal, and the second control circuit 582 is configured to control the balancer 50 to move according to a control instruction of the control system 30 in a case where the switch 544 is closed.

In this way, the on/off of the battery 542 and the second control circuit 582 is controlled by closing the switch member 544, so that the balancer 50 is turned on or off. It is understood that the control instructions include the target position of the balancer 50. The switch 544 is closed, the battery 542 and the second control circuit 582 are on, the battery 542 may supply power to the second control circuit 582, and the balancer 50 may operate. Specifically, the first control circuit 36 of the control system 30 determines a target position of the balancer 50 according to the vibration signal of the water containing chamber 12 and the current position and moving direction of the balancer 50 and generates a control instruction, the first control circuit 36 sends the control instruction including the target position of the balancer 50 through the first wireless communication module 32, the balancer 50 receives the control instruction including the target position through the second wireless communication module 52, and the second control circuit 582 controls the balancer 50 to move to the target position according to the control instruction. The switch 544 may comprise a relay. The second control circuit 582, the second wireless communication module 52, and the second switch module 59 may be provided at the control board 58.

In one example, the washing apparatus 100 treats laundry. In case that the washing apparatus 100 starts to perform the dehydration stage, the control system 30 transmits information for activating the balancer 50 to the first switching module 38, and the first switching module 38 converts the information for activating the balancer 50 into an activation signal (wireless signal) and transmits it. After receiving the activation signal from the first switching module 38, the second switching module 59 analyzes the information to activate the balancer 50, so as to control the switching element 544 to close, thereby connecting the battery 542 with the second control circuit 582, so that the balancer 50 can start to operate, and the second wireless communication module 52 starts to operate. After waiting for all balancers 50 to operate, the second wireless communication module 52 and the first wireless communication module 32 start networking through the wireless gateway 34, and after the networking is successful, the control system 30 can control the movement of the balancers 50 through the wireless communication network.

When the washing apparatus 100 finishes the dehydration stage, the control system 30 transmits the information for turning off the balancer 50 to the first switch module 38, and the first switch module 38 converts the information for turning off the balancer 50 into a turn-off signal (wireless signal) and transmits the turn-off signal. After receiving the shutdown signal sent by the first switch module 38, the second switch module 59 analyzes the information to shut down the balancer 50, thereby controlling the switch 544 to be turned off, so that the balancer 50 can store power.

The embodiment of the present invention provides that the first switch module 38 and the second switch module 59 are wireless communication modules having the characteristics of very low standby power, fast start, no need of networking for communication, immediate transmission, immediate reception, etc. The second switch module 59 includes a receiving unit for receiving the activation signal or the shutdown signal, and a processor for processing the activation signal or the shutdown signal, and then the processor sends a level signal to the switch member 544 through the IO port to control the switch member 544 to be closed or opened.

In one embodiment, low power wireless communication modules in the frequency range of 250MHz to 450MHz are used as the first and second switching modules 38 and 59. The first switch module 38 uses a wireless transmission module XC4388, the communication mode of the module is modulation signal frequency and amplitude, the module comprises a power amplifier, a monostable circuit, a phase-locked loop which is controlled by internal voltage and provided with an oscillator and a circulating filter, a few external devices are needed, the power is low, the module has an automatic standby function, and the standby current is less than 1 uA. The monostable is used to control the phase locked loop and the power amplifier so that they can start up quickly when in operation. The second switch module 59 adopts a wireless receiving module XC4366, which is a single-chip radio frequency receiving integrated circuit chip of ASK/OOK (on-off keying), all tuning of radio frequency and intermediate frequency is completed in the integrated circuit, the working voltage is 2.2V-3.6V, the receiving sensitivity is high, the power consumption is low, the current when the switch is closed is 0.9uA, the radio frequency radiation at the antenna is very low, the integration level is high, and the requirement of external devices is low. Of course, the first switch module 38 and the second switch module 59 may also use a low power consumption wireless communication module with a frequency range of other than 250MHz to 450MHz, and are not limited herein.

It should be noted that, when the first switch module 38 and the second switch module 59 are operated before and after the power motor 80 of the washing apparatus 100 starts to operate, the power motor 80 does not generate an electromagnetic field interfering with the first switch module 38 and the second switch module 59, and the first switch module 38 and the second switch module 59 do not operate in an interfering manner, so that the communication quality is high.

Referring to fig. 1-3 and 9, a method for controlling a washing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Washing device 100 includes body 10, can pivoted washing cavity 20, control system 30 and sets up in the gimbal 40 of washing cavity 20, is equipped with the balancer 50 that can remove in gimbal 40, and control system 30 includes first wireless communication module 32 and wireless gateway 34, and balancer 50 includes second wireless communication module 52, the utility model discloses embodiment's washing device 100's control method includes:

step S10: controlling the second wireless communication module 52, the first wireless communication module 32 and the wireless gateway 34 to form a wireless communication network;

step S20: the balancer 50 is controlled to move through a wireless communication network according to the vibration signal of the body 10.

The utility model discloses embodiment's washing device 100's control method, control system 30's first wireless communication module 32 and balancer 50's second wireless communication module 52 make control system 30 and balancer 50 can communicate each other through wireless gateway 34 network deployment to realize control system 30 wireless control balancer 50's removal, can avoid adopting the mode connection control system 30 and balancer 50 of brush and the communication that leads to disturb big, unstable and easy wearing and tearing scheduling problem.

It should be noted that the explanation and the advantageous effects of the washing apparatus 100 of the above embodiment are also applicable to the control method of the washing apparatus 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, and are not detailed here to avoid redundancy. The steps of the control method of the washing device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by the control system 30.

Referring to fig. 10, in some embodiments, the body 10 includes a water containing cavity 12, and the washing cavity 20 is rotatably disposed in the water containing cavity 12. Step S20 includes:

step S22: acquiring a vibration signal of the water containing cavity 12;

step S24: determining a target position of the balancer 50 according to the current position and moving direction of the balancer 50 and the vibration signal;

step S26: the target location is transmitted to the balancer 50 through a wireless communication network to control movement of the balancer 50.

Thus, the balancer 50 is controlled to move to the target position, so that the eccentric mass of the washing chamber 20 during rotation can be offset, thereby reducing the vibration level of the washing apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, a control method comprises:

in moving the balancer 50 to the target position, the current position of the balancer 50 is received through the wireless communication network.

In this way, the current position of the balancer 50 is fed back to the control system 30 during movement, forming a closed loop control that ensures that the balancer 50 can move to the target position.

In some embodiments, the washing apparatus 100 includes a power motor 80, and the power motor 80 is used for driving the washing chamber 20 to rotate. The control system 30 includes a first switch module 38 and the balancer 50 includes a second switch module 59. The control method comprises the following steps:

in case that the washing device 100 receives the signal for controlling the rotation of the washing chamber 20 and the balancer 50 is in the off state, the activation signal is transmitted to the second switching module 59 through the first switching module 38 so that the second switching module 59 turns on the balancer 50 according to the activation signal.

Thus, when the balancer 50 is required to move to offset the eccentric mass when the washing chamber 20 rotates, the balancer 50 is turned on again, so that the power consumption of the balancer 50 can be reduced.

In some embodiments, a control method comprises:

in case the rotation speed of the washing chamber 20 is less than the preset value or the power motor 80 is turned off, a turn-off signal is transmitted to the second switching module 59 through the first switching module 38 to cause the second switching module 59 to turn off the balancer 50 according to the turn-off signal.

In this way, when the balancer 50 is not required to move, the balancer 50 is closed, and the amount of electricity of the balancer 50 is stored.

The computer-readable storage medium of the embodiments of the present invention stores thereon a computer program, and when the program is executed by a processor, the steps of the control method of any of the above-described embodiments are implemented.

For example, in the case where the program is executed by a processor, the steps of the following control method are implemented:

step S10: controlling the second wireless communication module 52, the first wireless communication module 32 and the wireless gateway 34 to form a wireless communication network;

step S20: the balancer 50 is controlled to move through a wireless communication network according to the vibration signal of the body 10.

The utility model discloses computer readable storage medium, the first wireless communication module 32 of control system 30 and the second wireless communication module 52 of balancer 50 make control system 30 and balancer 50 can communicate each other through wireless gateway 34 network deployment to realize the removal of control system 30 wireless control balancer 50, can avoid adopting the mode connection control system 30 and balancer 50 of brush and the communication that leads to disturb big, unstable and easy wearing and tearing scheduling problem.

The computer-readable storage medium may be provided in the washing apparatus 100, or may be provided in a terminal such as a server, and the washing apparatus 100 may communicate with the terminal to obtain the corresponding program.

It will be appreciated that the computer program comprises computer program code. The computer program code may be in the form of source code, object code, an executable file or some intermediate form, etc. The computer-readable storage medium may include: any entity or device capable of carrying computer program code, recording medium, U-disk, removable hard disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, computer Memory, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), software distribution medium, and the like.

The first control circuit 36 of the control system 30 includes a processor, memory, a communication module, and the like. The processor may be a processor of the first control circuit 36. The Processor may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), other general purpose Processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an off-the-shelf Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other Programmable logic device, discrete Gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, etc.

Any process or method descriptions in flow charts or otherwise described herein may be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps of the process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present invention includes other implementations in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the embodiments of the present invention.

The logic and/or steps represented in the flowcharts or otherwise described herein, such as an ordered listing of executable instructions that can be considered to implement logical functions, can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processing module-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions.

It should be understood that portions of embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, the various steps or methods may be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, any one or combination of the following techniques, which are known in the art, may be used: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function on a data signal, an application specific integrated circuit having an appropriate combinational logic gate circuit, a Programmable Gate Array (PGA), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or the like.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or part of the steps carried by the method for implementing the above embodiments may be implemented by hardware related to instructions of a program, which may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, and when the program is executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

In addition, each functional unit in the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into one processing module, or each unit may exist alone physically, or two or more units are integrated into one module. The integrated module can be realized in a hardware mode, and can also be realized in a software functional module mode. The integrated module, if implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as a stand-alone product, may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium.

The storage medium mentioned above may be a read-only memory, a magnetic or optical disk, etc.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention, and that variations, modifications, substitutions and alterations may be made to the above embodiments by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

1. A washing device is characterized by comprising a body, a washing cavity, a control system and a balance ring arranged in the washing cavity, wherein the washing cavity can be rotatably connected with the body, the control system is arranged in the body, a movable balancer is arranged in the balance ring, the control system comprises a first wireless communication module and a wireless gateway, the balancer comprises a second wireless communication module, the first wireless communication module and the wireless gateway are used for forming a wireless communication network, and the control system is used for controlling the movement of the balancer through the wireless communication network according to a vibration signal of the body.

2. A washing device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the washing chamber has an axis of rotation, the washing chamber comprising first and second ends along the axis of rotation, the first and second ends each having the balancing ring attached thereto, at least one of the balancers being disposed within each of the balancing rings.

3. The washing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the balancer is configured to communicate with the remaining balancers through the wireless communication network to acquire positions of the remaining balancers.

4. The washing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body includes a water containing chamber, the washing chamber is rotatably located in the water containing chamber, the control system includes a first control circuit for acquiring a vibration signal of the water containing chamber, for determining a target position of the balancer based on a current position and a moving direction of the balancer and the vibration signal, and for transmitting the target position to the balancer through the wireless communication network to move the balancer to the target position.

5. The washing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the balancer is configured to transmit a current position of the balancer to the first control circuit through the wireless communication network in a process of moving the balancer to the target position.

6. The washing apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the washing apparatus comprises a power motor for driving rotation of the washing chamber, the control system comprises a first switch module, and the balancer comprises a second switch module;

and under the condition that the washing device receives a signal for controlling the rotation of the washing cavity and the balancer is in a closed state, the control system is used for sending an activation signal to the second switch module through the first switch module, and the second switch module is used for starting the balancer according to the activation signal.

7. The washing device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control system is configured to send a turn-off signal to the second switch module through the first switch module when the rotation speed of the washing chamber is less than a preset value or the power motor is turned off, and the second switch module is configured to turn off the balancer according to the turn-off signal.

8. The washing device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the balancer includes a power module and a second control circuit, the power module includes a battery and a switch member, the switch member connects the battery and the second control circuit, the second switch module is configured to control the switch member to be closed according to the activation signal and to be opened according to the closing signal, and the second control circuit is configured to control the balancer to move according to a control command of the control system in a case where the switch member is closed.

9. The washing device as recited in claim 6 wherein the first switch module comprises a low power wireless communication module and the second switch module comprises a low power wireless communication module.

10. The washing device as recited in claim 1 wherein the first wireless communication module comprises a WiFi module, a bluetooth module, an NRF module, a ZigBee module, or a mobile communication module, and the second wireless communication module comprises a WiFi module, a bluetooth module, an NRF module, a ZigBee module, or a mobile communication module, the first wireless communication module being the same as the second wireless communication module.

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