Washing Machines and Their Control Methods

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of washing machine technology, specifically providing a washing machine and its control method, which at least solves the problem of easily damaging clothes. The washing machine provided by this invention includes a body, a washing drum, and a door. The body has a clothes loading port; the washing drum is rotatably disposed within the body and has a washing chamber; the door is hinged to the body and used to open and close the clothes loading port, and has a detergent dispenser. The door also has an injection channel and an outlet channel. The injection channel communicates with both the detergent dispenser and the washing chamber, and the outlet channel communicates with both the detergent dispenser and the washing chamber. The inlet of the injection channel is configured to receive water overflowing from the washing drum during rotation, so as to dilute the detergent added a second time in the detergent dispenser. This invention effectively avoids the corrosion risk that may be caused by high-concentration detergent directly contacting clothes and also reduces the overall water consumption of the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing machine technology, and specifically provides a washing machine and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] As an essential household appliance in modern families, the washing performance of washing machines has always been a key concern for users. Traditional washing machines typically require users to add detergent all at once, and the washing process is completed through preset washing programs. However, in actual use, users often encounter the following problems:

[0003] (1) Detergent concentration is not easy to control. After adding detergent all at once, the concentration of detergent is often difficult to reach the optimal state due to changes in factors such as the amount of water, the degree of dirtiness of the clothes, and the washing time during the washing process, thus affecting the washing effect.

[0004] (2) It can easily damage clothes. When detergent is poured directly into the washing drum at once, the detergent will come into direct contact with the clothes. Due to the high concentration, the detergent may cause local fading, deformation, fiber damage, or uneven washing results such as spots or stripes.

[0005] (3) Insufficient flexibility in washing programs. Traditional washing machines typically add detergent before the wash cycle begins, making it impossible to adjust the program flexibly according to washing needs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve at least one of the problems of difficult control of detergent concentration, easy damage to clothes, and insufficient flexibility of washing program.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a washing machine, the washing machine comprising a body, a washing drum, and a door, the body having a clothes inlet; the washing drum being rotatably disposed within the body, the washing drum having a washing chamber; the door being hinged to the body and used to open and close the clothes inlet, the door having a detergent dispenser, and the door also having an injection channel and an outlet channel, the injection channel communicating with the detergent dispenser and the washing chamber respectively, the outlet channel communicating with the detergent dispenser and the washing chamber respectively, the inlet of the injection channel being configured to receive water overflowing from the washing drum during rotation, so as to dilute the detergent added a second time in the detergent dispenser with the overflowing water.

[0008] The washing machine provided by this invention features a detergent dispenser, a liquid injection channel, and a liquid outlet channel on the door, with the liquid injection channel connected to the washing chamber. Its water inlet is designed to receive water overflowing from the washing drum during rotation. When the user's previously added detergent is insufficient, detergent can be easily added back into the washing chamber without stopping the machine or opening / closing the door. This detergent is diluted with the existing water in the washing drum, eliminating the need to dilute and rinse the newly added detergent with fresh water. This allows for flexible detergent addition during washing, based on the condition of the clothes and the user's needs, ensuring the detergent concentration in the washing chamber matches the cleaning requirements of the clothes. This results in better washing performance for moderately or heavily soiled clothes without requiring additional water, thus improving washing efficiency while saving water. Furthermore, this design ensures the detergent is fully diluted before entering the washing chamber, effectively preventing damage to clothes that might result from direct contact with high-concentration detergent.

[0009] In some feasible embodiments of the washing machine described above, the water inlet is formed on the door body, and an intercepting member for preventing clothes from entering is provided at the water inlet.

[0010] In some feasible embodiments of the washing machine described above, the liquid outlet channel is provided with at least one bend.

[0011] In some feasible embodiments of the washing machine described above, at least one agitator is provided in the liquid outlet channel, and the agitator is located at the bend.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a control method for a washing machine, wherein the washing machine is any of the washing machines described in the foregoing technical solutions, and the control method includes:

[0013] Water is introduced into the washing drum and continued until the water volume reaches the preset water volume;

[0014] Obtain the detergent concentration in the water inside the washing drum;

[0015] The detergent concentration is compared with a preset concentration threshold.

[0016] Based on the comparison results, selectively execute the washing program or issue a prompt message;

[0017] If a prompt message is issued, check if detergent needs to be added;

[0018] Based on the test results, the washing machine may be selectively paused or the washing drum may be started.

[0019] In the washing machine control method provided by this invention, during operation, after the washing drum is filled with water to the preset water level, the system begins to monitor the detergent concentration in the water inside the washing drum in real time. This mechanism can keenly detect situations where the user's initial detergent dosage is insufficient or the clothes are heavily soiled (heavy soiling of clothes will accelerate detergent consumption, thereby reducing the concentration of the mixed detergent; by detecting the concentration, the degree of soiling of the clothes can be indirectly reflected), and promptly remind the user to replenish detergent. After the user replenishes detergent, the water that rotates with the washing drum during its rotation directly dilutes the detergent added a second time in the detergent dispenser, thereby ensuring that the detergent concentration in the washing chamber can be maintained at a relatively high level. This is beneficial for improving the washing effect. Compared with the solution of directly diluting detergent through the water inlet pipe, the control method of this invention can also reduce water consumption.

[0020] In some feasible embodiments of the above-described control method for a washing machine, the washing machine includes a first water inlet pipe connected to the washing chamber and a second water inlet pipe connected to the detergent dispenser. The control method includes: obtaining a first level of detergent in the detergent dispenser before water is introduced into the washing drum; and selecting water to be introduced through the first water inlet pipe and / or the second water inlet pipe based on the first level of detergent.

[0021] In some feasible implementations of the above-described washing machine control method, the phrase "selecting water to enter through the first water inlet pipe and / or the second water inlet pipe based on the first inventory status" includes:

[0022] If the first water level is zero, then water is supplied through the first water inlet pipe and / or the second water inlet pipe to bring the water level in the washing drum to a preset level; or

[0023] If the first water level is not zero, water is introduced through the second water inlet pipe to bring the water level in the washing drum to the preset level.

[0024] In some feasible implementations of the above-described washing machine control method, "making the washing drum run" includes: making the washing drum run at a first preset speed so that some of the water in the washing drum can flow through the liquid injection channel into the detergent box.

[0025] In some feasible embodiments of the above-described washing machine control method, after the washing drum operates at a first preset speed, the control method further includes: obtaining a second level of detergent in the detergent dispenser; if the second level of detergent is zero, reducing the speed of the washing drum to a second preset speed, and then entering the main wash program.

[0026] In some feasible implementations of the above-mentioned washing machine control method, the preset water volume has a preset mapping relationship with the weight of the clothes to be washed by the user. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the washing machine provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a front view of the washing machine provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a washing machine provided by the present invention, showing the water inlet pipe;

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the washing machine door provided by the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a front view of the door of the washing machine provided by the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A sectional view along the CC direction;

[0036] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along the DD direction;

[0037] Figure 10 A side view of the door of a washing machine provided by the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Cross-sectional view along the EE direction;

[0039] Figure 12 for Figure 10 A cross-sectional view along the FF direction;

[0040] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the washing chamber and the liquid outlet channel of the washing machine provided by the present invention;

[0041] Figure 14 A top view structural schematic diagram of the detergent dispenser of the washing machine provided by the present invention;

[0042] Figure 15 A structural schematic diagram of the detergent dispenser of the washing machine provided by the present invention, viewed from below.

[0043] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating the control method for a washing machine provided by the present invention.

[0044] Figure label:

[0045] 100. Body; 110. First valve; 120. Second valve; 130. Clothes inlet; 200. Door; 210. Detergent box; 211. First limiting component; 220. Liquid injection channel; 221. Interception component; 230. Liquid outlet channel; 231. Agitator; 240. Placement cavity; 241. Second limiting component; 300. Washing drum; 310. Water deflector; 400. Outer drum; 500. Drive component. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific applications. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to better illustrate the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the invention can be practiced without certain specific details.

[0047] In the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on actual application and are used merely for ease of description. They do not indicate or imply that the device to be protected must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention. Furthermore, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used only for convenience and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] Please see Figures 1 to 15This invention provides a washing machine, specifically a drum washing machine, comprising a body 100, a washing drum 300 (inner drum), an outer drum 400, a drive component 500, and a door 200. The outer drum 400 and the drive component 500 are fixedly installed inside the body 100. The washing drum 300 is rotatably installed inside the outer drum 400 and has a washing chamber. The central shaft of the drive component 500 passes through the outer drum 400 and connects to the washing drum 300. The body 100 has a clothes inlet 130, and the door 200 is hinged to the body 100 and used to open and close the clothes inlet 130. The door 200 has a detergent dispenser 210 and other features such as... Figure 3 The injection channel 220 shown and as Figure 12 The liquid outlet channel 230 and the liquid injection channel 220 shown in the figure have their inlets connected to the washing chamber and their outlets connected to the detergent box 210. The inlet of the liquid outlet channel 230 is connected to the outlet of the detergent box 210 and the outlet of the liquid outlet channel 230 is connected to the washing chamber. The inlet of the liquid injection channel 220 is configured to receive water overflowing from the washing drum 300 during the rotation of the washing drum 300, so as to dilute the detergent added to the detergent box 210 by means of the overflowing water.

[0050] It should be noted that the "overflow" in "water overflowing from the washing drum 300" does not refer to overflow due to excessive water in the washing drum 300, but rather to the water level being raised due to the rotation and agitation of the water in the washing drum 300. This portion of water then flows out of the washing drum 300 and into the liquid injection channel 220.

[0051] Specifically, the inlet and outlet of the injection channel 220, the inlet and outlet of the outlet channel 230 are all formed on the door body 200. An intercepting component 221 to prevent clothing from entering is provided at the inlet of the injection channel 220. Figure 6 As shown, the interceptor 221 is grid-shaped, composed of multiple grid strips. These grid strips are inclined, with the inclination direction facing the direction in which water flows into the injection channel 220. Alternatively, the interceptor 221 can also be perforated, mesh, or other shapes. Since clothing such as socks may tumble significantly within the washing chamber during the washing process, the interceptor 221 prevents clothing from entering the injection channel 220 and causing blockage. In addition to preventing clothing from entering, the interceptor 221 can also filter out larger impurities in the wash water, such as hair and paper scraps, to a certain extent.

[0052] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4The inner wall of the washing drum 300 is provided with multiple water-repelling blades 310. The front side of the water-repelling blades 310 along the direction of rotation is provided with an inclined surface. During the washing process, when the washing drum 300 rotates counterclockwise, the inclined surface design of the water-repelling blades 310 can guide the water flow to the water inlet of the liquid injection channel 220, thereby delivering more water to the detergent box 210 and improving the dilution efficiency of the detergent.

[0053] The bottom surface of the section of the injection channel 220 near its inlet is angled downwards. This angled bottom surface design guides the water flow into the injection channel 220 more smoothly. After the water flows into the injection channel 220, the water flow can be more evenly distributed inside the injection channel 220 due to the guidance of the angled surface. This ensures that the detergent box 210 can obtain a sufficient and uniform water supply, which is beneficial to improving the dissolution and distribution efficiency of the detergent.

[0054] The washing machine includes a first water inlet pipe connected to the washing chamber. This first water inlet pipe directly introduces water into the washing chamber, ensuring sufficient water volume during the washing process so that the water in the washing chamber can fully mix with the clothes and detergent for effective washing. The washing machine also includes a second water inlet pipe connected to the detergent dispenser 210. This second water inlet pipe mainly introduces water into the detergent dispenser 210 to dilute the detergent inside, preventing high-concentration detergent from directly contacting the clothes and causing corrosion.

[0055] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The washing machine also includes a main water inlet pipe, an auxiliary water inlet pipe, a first valve 110, and a second valve 120. The first valve 110 is a three-way switching valve. The inlet of the first valve 110 is connected to the main water inlet pipe, and the two outlets of the first valve 110 are connected to the auxiliary water inlet pipe and the first water inlet pipe, respectively. The auxiliary water inlet pipe is connected to the second water inlet pipe through the second valve 120. When water needs to be added to the detergent dispenser 210, the first valve 110 is controlled to connect the main water inlet pipe and the auxiliary water inlet pipe, and the second valve 120 is opened. At this time, water is added to the detergent dispenser 210 through the second water inlet pipe. When water needs to be introduced into the washing chamber, the first valve 110 can be controlled to connect the main water inlet pipe to the first water inlet pipe, at which point water is introduced directly into the washing chamber through the first water inlet pipe. Alternatively, the first valve 110 can be controlled to connect the main water inlet pipe to the auxiliary water inlet pipe and open the second valve 120, at which point water is introduced into the detergent box 210 through the second water inlet pipe, and then the water flows through the liquid outlet channel 230 to indirectly introduce water into the washing chamber.

[0056] In another embodiment, the washing machine further includes a main water inlet pipe, with separate valves connected to the first and second water inlet pipes. When water needs to be introduced into the detergent dispenser 210, the corresponding valve on the second water inlet pipe can be opened. When water needs to be introduced into the washing chamber, either only the valve between the first and main water inlet pipes can be opened, allowing water to flow directly into the washing chamber via the first water inlet pipe; or only the valve between the second and main water inlet pipes can be opened, allowing water to flow directly into the washing chamber via the second water inlet pipe; or both valves can be opened, allowing water to flow into the washing chamber simultaneously via both the first and second water inlet pipes.

[0057] Detergent dispenser 210 may be one or more, such as Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, there are two detergent dispensers 210, arranged side by side. The specific number of detergent dispensers 210 is designed based on the washing machine model and user needs survey. Different detergent dispensers 210 can hold different detergents, such as laundry liquid, fabric softener, disinfectant, etc.

[0058] Please see Figures 8 to 11 The liquid injection channel 220, the inner cavity of the detergent box 210, and the liquid outlet channel 230 are connected sequentially from top to bottom. Under the action of gravity, the water will flow downward naturally. During this process, the water will come into contact with and mix with the detergent in the detergent box 210, thereby diluting the detergent. When there are multiple detergent boxes 210, the inner cavity of each detergent box 210 is connected to the liquid injection channel 220 and the liquid outlet channel 230 respectively.

[0059] Please see Figure 12 In this embodiment, the liquid outlet channel 230 has two 180° bends, forming an S-shape. Two agitators 231 are installed within the liquid outlet channel 230, with the agitators 231 positioned at the bends. Alternatively, the liquid outlet channel 230 can also be Z-shaped, arc-shaped, spiral-shaped, or zigzag-shaped, etc. The number of bends and agitators 231 can be multiple, and one or more of the agitators 231 may be fan-shaped.

[0060] When water flows through the outlet channel 230, it drives the agitator 231 to rotate. The rotation of the agitator 231 generates eddies and shear forces, which help promote the mixing between the water and detergent, ensuring that the detergent dissolves evenly and quickly in the water, thus achieving detergent dilution. Especially at bends, the water flow direction changes, and the agitator 231 at the bend helps to break the laminar flow state of the water and form turbulent flow, thereby increasing the contact area between the water and the detergent and improving the mixing effect.

[0061] The detergent dispenser 210 is installed at a height greater than one-third of the overall height of the door 200, specifically above the lower third of the door 200. This higher position facilitates user observation and detergent dispensing, while also providing sufficient vertical distance for water flow to adequately dilute the detergent. Furthermore, a one-way valve can be installed at the outlet of the liquid outlet channel 230, ensuring that water flows only from the channel to the washing drum 300. This effectively prevents backflow due to pressure changes, protecting the detergent dispenser 210 from unnecessary contamination.

[0062] It should be noted that the structure of the stirrer 231 is not limited to the fan-shaped stirrer 231 described above. The fan-shaped stirrer 231 can achieve unpowered rotation by the gravity of water, without consuming electrical energy. It can be understood that the stirrer 231 can also be configured as a powered electric stirrer 231, and its structure can be fan-shaped, or it can be a single-plate structure or any other structure that can realize the stirring function.

[0063] Please see Figures 11 to 15 The door 200 has a mounting cavity 240 adapted to accommodate the detergent dispenser 210, and the detergent dispenser 210 is movably disposed within the mounting cavity 240. The detergent dispenser 210 includes a front wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, and a bottom wall, which together form a space for holding detergent. The top of the detergent dispenser 210 has a first opening communicating with the liquid filling channel 220, and the first opening also facilitates the user to add detergent. The rear of the detergent dispenser 210 has a second opening communicating with the liquid outlet channel 230, which allows the detergent in the detergent dispenser 210 to be discharged from the liquid outlet channel 230 under the action of water flow.

[0064] In one embodiment, the detergent dispenser 210 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the placement cavity 240 via a first limiting member 211 and a second limiting member 241. Specifically, the first limiting member 211 and the second limiting member 241 are matching slide rails and grooves. This design allows the user to easily slide the detergent dispenser 210 out of the placement cavity 240, and to conveniently add detergent while the entire door 200 is open, improving ease of use and efficiency. Additionally, the front wall of the detergent dispenser 210 has a pull hole to provide a position for the user to pull the detergent dispenser 210.

[0065] It should be noted that the structure of the detergent box 210 in the above embodiments is merely exemplary, and the structure of the detergent box 210 is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can adjust the external structure of the detergent box 210 as needed, as long as it has the above functions.

[0066] This invention also provides a control method for a washing machine, wherein the washing machine is any of the washing machines described in the foregoing technical solutions, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the control method includes:

[0067] S1. Add water to the washing drum 300 and continue until the water volume reaches the preset level.

[0068] Specifically, before water is introduced into the washing drum 300, the first amount of detergent in the detergent box 210 is obtained, and water is introduced through the first water inlet pipe and / or the second water inlet pipe according to the first amount.

[0069] The preset water volume has a preset mapping relationship with the weight of the clothes to be washed by the user. The weight of the clothes to be washed can be obtained before water is introduced, and the specific value of the preset water volume can be calculated according to the preset mapping relationship.

[0070] The initial amount of detergent in the detergent dispenser 210 can be obtained through a weight sensor, a level sensor, or other means. The weight sensor can be located at the bottom of the detergent dispenser 210 and calculates the amount of liquid or solid detergent by sensing changes in weight within the dispenser. The level sensor can be located on the inner wall of the detergent dispenser 210 or the mounting cavity 240 and is used to measure the level of highly viscous liquid detergent within the detergent dispenser 210, thereby calculating the amount of liquid detergent remaining.

[0071] If the first water level is zero, water is introduced through the first water inlet pipe and / or the second water inlet pipe to bring the water volume of the washing drum 300 up to the preset water volume.

[0072] When the first level of detergent in the detergent box 210 is less than or equal to a preset level threshold and close to zero, water can be introduced into the washing chamber directly through the first water inlet pipe, or water can be introduced into the detergent box 210 through the second water inlet pipe, and then the water flows into the washing chamber indirectly through the liquid outlet channel 230. Alternatively, water can be introduced into the washing chamber simultaneously through the first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe.

[0073] If the first water level is not zero, then water is introduced through the second water inlet pipe to bring the water volume of the washing drum 300 up to the preset water volume.

[0074] When the initial detergent level in the detergent dispenser 210 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it is determined that the detergent level is sufficient. At this point, water is introduced into the detergent dispenser 210 via the second water inlet pipe. This water then flows through the preset outlet channel 230, indirectly entering the washing chamber. This water inlet method ensures that the washing chamber automatically dilutes the detergent while water is being introduced. With the combined action of the agitator 231 and the specially shaped outlet channel 230, the water effectively dilutes the detergent before being discharged into the washing chamber, avoiding the risk of corrosion that could result from direct contact between high-concentration detergent and clothing.

[0075] S2. Obtain the detergent concentration in the water inside the washing drum 300.

[0076] Specifically, a concentration sensor can be installed inside the washing drum 300 to detect the detergent concentration inside the washing drum 300 in real time.

[0077] S3. Compare the detergent concentration with the preset concentration threshold.

[0078] The preset concentration threshold is related to factors such as washing effect, detergent type, fabric material, and washing program. The specific value is obtained by the designers based on multiple experimental tests. For example, the preset concentration threshold is 0.3%. Of course, the preset concentration threshold can also be adjusted according to user preferences to meet the needs of different users.

[0079] S4. Based on the comparison results, selectively execute the washing program or issue a prompt message.

[0080] S41. If the detergent concentration is greater than or equal to the preset concentration threshold, the washing program continues. This ensures that there is enough detergent to remove stains during the washing process, so the washing program can continue.

[0081] S42. If the detergent concentration is less than or equal to or less than the preset concentration threshold, a prompt message is issued, and then step S5 is executed.

[0082] The alert can be issued through sound and light warnings, voice prompts, or text message notifications. Reminding users to add detergent in a timely manner effectively avoids poor washing results caused by insufficient detergent concentration, ensuring clothes are thoroughly cleaned.

[0083] S5. If a prompt message is issued, check if detergent needs to be added.

[0084] In one embodiment, a weight sensor can be used to detect changes in the weight of the detergent dispenser 210 and thus detect whether detergent needs to be added. If the weight sensor detects that the weight of the detergent dispenser 210 has increased, it is determined that the user has added detergent.

[0085] In another implementation, an infrared sensor can be used to detect whether the user has completed the detergent dispensing action. For example, when the user removes the detergent dispenser 210 from the washing machine, an infrared sensor pre-installed inside the washing machine activates and projects a beam of infrared light. This beam of light should normally be received by a specific target (or reflective surface) positioned at the reset position of the detergent dispenser 210 and reflected back to the sensor. In this state, because the detergent dispenser 210 is removed, the infrared light cannot be reflected by the target, and the infrared sensor therefore cannot receive the reflected signal. This indicates that the detergent dispenser 210 is not in a reset state, and also suggests that the user may be adding detergent.

[0086] Subsequently, when the user finishes adding detergent and resets the detergent dispenser 210, the target re-enters the infrared projection path. At this time, the infrared light is reflected back to the sensor by the target. After receiving the reflected signal, the sensor can determine that the detergent dispenser 210 has been correctly reset, thereby indirectly confirming that the user has completed the dispensing action (adding and resetting the detergent dispenser 210), that is, completing the detection of whether the user has replenished detergent.

[0087] S6. Based on the test results, selectively pause the washing machine or start the washing drum at 300°C.

[0088] S61. If detergent is detected as insufficient, the washing machine will pause operation. Automatic pause reminds the user to replenish detergent while avoiding unnecessary energy and water consumption.

[0089] S62. If detergent is detected to have been replenished, the washing drum 300 is operated at a first preset speed so that some water in the washing drum 300 can flow through the liquid injection channel 220 to the detergent box 210.

[0090] The first preset rotation speed is greater than the rotation speed of the washing drum 300 during the main wash program (i.e., the second preset rotation speed), and some of the water stirred up when the washing drum 300 rotates at the first preset rotation speed (i.e., the water that raises the water level) can flow through the liquid injection channel 220 and the detergent dispenser 210. The specific value of the first preset rotation speed is related to factors such as the weight of the laundry, the amount of water used, and the type of washing machine. The first preset rotation speed was designed by the experimenters based on data from multiple experiments. Taking a washing machine with a drum diameter of 540mm and a height distance of 300mm between the water inlet of the liquid injection channel 220 and the bottom wall of the washing drum 300 as an example, the specific value of the first preset rotation speed (i.e., the rotation speed adjusted after adding detergent) can be found in Table 1 below.

[0091] Table 1. Relationship between the first preset spin speed and the weight of laundry and water consumption.

[0092] For example, when adding 3kg of clothes, with water added at a ratio of 4.6 (water): 1 (clothes), the water volume is 13.8L, the normal water level is 157mm, and the spin speed is 700 rpm, the water volume caused by the rotation of the washing drum 300 and the water deflector 310 is raised to a height of 230-240mm. At this time, only a very small amount of water flow or even no water flow passes through the liquid injection channel 220.

[0093] When detergent is detected to have been replenished, the rotation speed of the washing drum 300 is increased to 1220 rpm. The water body driven by the rotation of the washing drum 300 and the water deflector 310 is raised to a height of 330-340 mm. At this time, a large amount of overflow water will flow from the liquid injection channel 220 into the detergent box 210. The overflow water will dilute the detergent added to the detergent box 210 for the second time. After dilution, the detergent will be discharged from the washing drum 300 along the liquid outlet channel 230.

[0094] Furthermore, after step S62, the control method further includes:

[0095] S63. Obtain the second amount of detergent in the detergent dispenser 210, and based on the second amount, selectively reduce the rotation speed of the washing drum 300 to a second preset speed. Specifically:

[0096] S631. If the second inventory level is not zero, keep the washing drum 300 running at the first preset speed so that some of the water in the washing drum 300 can flow through the liquid injection channel 220 and the detergent box 210.

[0097] Similarly, the second amount of detergent in the detergent dispenser 210 after the second addition of detergent can be obtained through a weight sensor, liquid level sensor, or other means. When the second amount of detergent in the detergent dispenser 210 is greater than or equal to a preset amount threshold (close to zero), it is determined that the second amount is not zero. At this time, the second addition of detergent has not completely entered the washing drum 300. Therefore, the washing drum 300 needs to continue to operate at the first preset speed so that the detergent added in the detergent dispenser 210 is fully output to the washing drum 300.

[0098] S632. If the second inventory level is zero, the speed of the washing drum 300 is reduced to the second preset speed, and then the main wash program is started.

[0099] When the second amount of detergent in the detergent dispenser 210 is less than or equal to or less than the preset amount threshold, the second amount is determined to be zero. At this time, the detergent added a second time has basically entered the washing drum 300 completely. Therefore, the speed of the washing drum 300 can be reduced to the second preset speed (i.e. the speed required for the main wash program) before entering the main wash program.

[0100] The washing machine provided by this invention features a detergent dispenser 210, a liquid injection channel 220, and a liquid outlet channel 230 on the door 200, with the liquid injection channel 220 connected to the washing chamber. Its water inlet is designed to receive water overflowing from the washing drum 300 during drum rotation. When the user's previously added detergent is insufficient, detergent can be easily added back into the washing chamber without stopping the machine or opening / closing the door. This detergent is diluted by the existing water in the washing drum 300, eliminating the need to dilute and rinse the newly added detergent with fresh water. This design allows for flexible addition of detergent during washing, based on the condition of the clothes and the user's actual needs, ensuring the detergent concentration in the washing chamber matches the cleaning requirements of the clothes. This results in better washing performance for moderately or heavily soiled clothes without requiring additional water, thus improving washing efficiency while saving water. Furthermore, this design ensures the detergent is fully diluted before entering the washing chamber, effectively preventing damage to clothes that may result from direct contact with high-concentration detergent.

[0101] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes: The body (100) is provided with a clothing loading port (130); A washing drum (300) is rotatably disposed within the body (100), the washing drum (300) having a washing chamber; A door (200) is hinged to the body (100) and used to open and close the clothing inlet (130). The door (200) is provided with a detergent box (210), an injection channel (220) and an outlet channel (230). The injection channel (220) is connected to the detergent box (210) and the washing chamber, respectively. The outlet channel (230) is connected to the detergent box (210) and the washing chamber, respectively. The inlet of the injection channel (220) is configured to receive water overflowing from the washing drum (300) during the rotation of the washing drum (300), so as to dilute the detergent added to the detergent box (210) a second time with the help of the overflowing water.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet is formed on the door body (200), and an interceptor (221) for preventing clothing from entering is provided at the water inlet.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid outlet channel (230) is provided with at least one bend.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one agitator (231) is provided in the liquid outlet channel (230), and the agitator (231) is located at the bend.

5. A control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine is the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and the control method includes: Water is introduced into the washing drum (300) and continued until the water volume reaches the preset water volume; Obtain the detergent concentration in the water within the washing drum (300); The detergent concentration is compared with a preset concentration threshold. Based on the comparison results, selectively execute the washing program or issue a prompt message; If a prompt message is issued, check if detergent needs to be added; Based on the test results, the washing machine may be selectively paused or the washing drum (300) may be started.

6. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The washing machine includes a first water inlet pipe connected to the washing chamber and a second water inlet pipe connected to the detergent dispenser (210). The control method includes: Before water is introduced into the washing drum (300), the first amount of detergent in the detergent box (210) is obtained; Based on the first inventory level, water is selected to enter through the first water inlet pipe and / or the second water inlet pipe.

7. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The phrase "selecting water to enter through the first inlet pipe and / or the second inlet pipe based on the first stock condition" includes: If the first water level is zero, water is supplied through the first water inlet pipe and / or the second water inlet pipe to bring the water volume into the washing drum (300) to a preset level; or If the first inventory level is not zero, water is introduced through the second water inlet pipe to make the water intake of the washing drum (300) reach the preset water volume.

8. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The phrase "to operate the washing drum (300)" includes: The washing drum (300) is operated at a first preset speed so that some of the water in the washing drum (300) can flow through the liquid injection channel (220) and through the detergent box (210).

9. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, After the washing drum (300) is operated at a first preset speed, the control method further includes: Obtain the second inventory level of detergent in the detergent dispenser (210); If the second inventory level is zero, the rotation speed of the washing drum (300) is reduced to the second preset rotation speed, and then the main wash program is started.

10. The control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, The preset water volume has a preset mapping relationship with the weight of the clothes to be washed by the user.

Images