A washing machine and its control method

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and discloses a washing machine and a control method thereof. The washing machine includes an inner tub, and an eccentric member is provided on the wall of the inner tub. The eccentric member can absorb water to increase its weight, and can lose water to reduce its weight when the rotation speed of the inner tub is greater than a set rotation speed V0. By providing an eccentric member on the wall of the inner tub that can absorb water to increase its weight, when the washing machine washes small loads, the eccentric member that has absorbed water and increased its weight can offset at least part of the eccentricity generated by the load in the tub after draining, enabling the inner tub to reach a balanced state and thus start dehydration. At the same time, during the dehydration process, when the rotation speed of the inner tub is greater than the set rotation speed V0, the eccentric member dewatering synchronously with the load maintains the balanced state of the inner tub, ensuring the smooth progress of the dehydration process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and specifically relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] When the existing washing machine washes small loads, due to the difference between the load volume and the inner drum capacity, it is difficult for the load in the drum to form a uniform distribution state after drainage. Thus, during the dehydration stage, the load in the drum tends to stick to one side of the drum wall under the action of inertia, resulting in a large eccentricity of the inner drum, and easily causing the outer drum to impact the cabinet or the whole washing machine to shift during the high-speed rotation dehydration process of the inner drum. For a washing machine with an eccentricity protection program itself, it may lead to the situation that the rotation speed of the inner drum cannot be increased to the set dehydration speed all the time, and even the washing machine does not run the dehydration program and alarms frequently, thus resulting in the problem that small loads cannot be dried after washing.

[0003] In the prior art, for the eccentricity generated during the dehydration stage of a washing machine, the load can be adjusted to a uniform state by rotating the inner drum to disperse the load or adding a small amount of water to redistribute the load. However, when the items to be washed are small loads, due to the huge difference between the load volume and the inner drum capacity, it is very likely that the uniform state cannot be achieved even after multiple adjustments, resulting in a low dehydration success rate when using the existing washing machine to wash small loads. It will also greatly extend the washing time due to multiple adjustments, and waste water resources due to multiple water inlets.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is specifically proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, and provide a washing machine and a control method thereof, in which an eccentric member is provided on the inner wall of the inner drum, and the eccentric member can offset the eccentricity generated by the load in the drum during the dehydration stage when washing small loads, ensuring the smooth progress of the dehydration process.

[0006] To solve the above technical problem, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0007] A washing machine includes an inner drum, and an eccentric member is provided on the inner wall of the inner drum. The eccentric member can absorb water to increase its weight and lose weight by losing water when the rotation speed of the inner drum is greater than the set speed V0.

[0008] Further, the eccentric member includes a housing having a hollow chamber and a water-absorbing member disposed inside the housing. A plurality of water inlet holes are opened on the housing, and the water-absorbing member can absorb water to increase its own weight.

[0009] Further, a partition plate perpendicular to the radial direction of the inner cylinder is provided inside the housing. The partition plate divides the hollow chamber into a first chamber away from the inner cylinder wall and a second chamber close to the inner cylinder wall;

[0010] The water inlet hole is provided on the housing corresponding to the first chamber. The water absorption member is arranged in the first chamber. A water passing hole communicating the first chamber and the second chamber is formed on the partition plate;

[0011] A water outlet communicating the second chamber and the outside of the housing is formed on the surface of the housing facing the inner cylinder wall. A centrifugal drainage mechanism is also arranged in the second chamber. The centrifugal drainage mechanism can open the water outlet to drain water to the outside of the housing when the rotation speed of the inner cylinder is greater than the set rotation speed V0.

[0012] Further, the centrifugal drainage mechanism includes a valve plug that can reciprocate to open / block the water outlet, a counterweight connected to the inner wall of the second chamber through an elastic member, and a connecting rod connecting the valve plug and the counterweight;

[0013] One end of the connecting rod is connected to the valve plug, and the other end is connected to the counterweight. A bracket is fixedly arranged in the second chamber, and the middle part of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the bracket;

[0014] When the rotation speed of the inner cylinder is greater than the set rotation speed V0, the counterweight moves in a direction away from the axis of the inner cylinder under the action of centrifugal force, driving the valve plug to move in a direction close to the axis of the inner cylinder to open the water outlet;

[0015] When the rotation speed of the inner cylinder is less than or equal to the set rotation speed V0, the elastic member drives the counterweight to move in a direction close to the axis of the inner cylinder, driving the valve plug to move in a direction away from the axis of the inner cylinder to block the water outlet;

[0016] Preferably, the elastic member is a tension spring. One end of the tension spring is connected to the counterweight, and the other end is connected to the partition plate.

[0017] Further, a plurality of water outlets are provided. The centrifugal drainage mechanism includes a plurality of valve plugs corresponding to the water outlets one by one. The plurality of valve plugs are connected to the same counterweight through a plurality of connecting rods corresponding to the valve plugs one by one;

[0018] Preferably, the counterweight is arranged in the middle of the second chamber, and the plurality of water outlets are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the counterweight.

[0019] Further, the housing includes a first housing and a second housing that are detachably connected. One side of the first housing is open and is buckled on the second housing;

[0020] The first housing and the partition board enclose a first chamber, and the water absorption member is disposed in the first chamber in a manner that it can be put in / removed; the second housing is fixedly connected to the partition board, and the two enclose a second chamber;

[0021] Preferably, a clamping groove is provided on the inner side of the open end of the first housing, and a clamping buckle is correspondingly provided on the second housing. When the first housing is buckled on the second housing, the clamping buckle is snapped into the clamping groove;

[0022] Preferably, a sealing member is provided in the housing for sealing the connection between the first housing and the second housing.

[0023] Further, the eccentric member is detachably connected to the barrel wall of the inner barrel;

[0024] Preferably, a magnetic attraction device / magnetic member is provided on the surface of the eccentric member facing the barrel wall of the inner barrel, and a magnetic member / magnetic attraction device is provided at the corresponding position on the barrel wall of the inner barrel. The magnetic member can be adsorbed by the magnetic attraction device, so that the eccentric member is detachably adsorbed on the barrel wall of the inner barrel;

[0025] Alternatively, an adsorption structure is provided on the surface of the eccentric member facing the barrel wall of the inner barrel, and the eccentric member is detachably adsorbed on the barrel wall of the inner barrel through the adsorption structure.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for the washing machine described above. The washing machine has a small-load dehydration program, and the small-load dehydration program specifically includes the following steps:

[0027] S1. The washing machine detects the eccentricity value of the inner barrel. When the eccentricity value of the inner barrel is less than L1, it controls the rotation speed of the inner barrel to rise to V1 and lasts for a certain period of time;

[0028] S2. It controls the inner barrel to reduce the rotation speed and detects the eccentricity value. When the eccentricity value of the inner barrel is less than L2, it controls the rotation speed of the inner barrel to rise to V2 and lasts for a certain period of time;

[0029] S3. It controls the inner barrel to reduce the rotation speed and detects the eccentricity value. When the eccentricity value of the inner barrel is less than the preset eccentricity value L0, it controls the rotation speed of the inner barrel to rise to the set dehydration rotation speed V 脱 for dehydration;

[0030] wherein, L2 < L1, V1 < V0 < V2 < V 脱 .

[0031] Further, after the washing machine is started, if it receives a signal that the user selects the small-load dehydration program, it controls the washing machine to execute the small-load dehydration program;

[0032] Preferably, if the washing machine does not receive a signal that the user selects the small-load dehydration program, the weight of the load in the drum is obtained before starting dehydration. When the weight of the load in the drum is lower than the preset weight, it is determined whether the eccentric member is installed on the inner wall of the inner drum;

[0033] If the judgment result is yes, the washing machine is controlled to execute the small-load dehydration program; otherwise, the washing machine is controlled to execute the following steps:

[0034] S1’, the washing machine detects the eccentricity value of the inner drum. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L3, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to rise to V3 and continue for a certain period of time;

[0035] S2’, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to decrease and the eccentricity value is detected. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L4, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to rise to V4 and continue for a certain period of time;

[0036] S3’, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to decrease and the eccentricity value is detected. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L5, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to rise to V5 and continue for a certain period of time;

[0037] S4’, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to decrease and the eccentricity value is detected. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than the preset eccentricity value L0, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to rise to the set dehydration rotation speed V 脱 for dehydration;

[0038] wherein, L1 < L5 < L4 < L3, V3 < V1 < V4 < V2, V4 < V5.

[0039] Further, the method for determining whether the eccentric member is installed on the inner wall of the inner drum specifically includes:

[0040] S01, the inner drum is controlled to rotate to distribute the load in the drum, the eccentricity value of the inner drum is detected, and the detected eccentricity value is compared with L1;

[0041] S02, step S01 is repeatedly executed N times, and it is judged whether the probability that the eccentricity value is less than L1 appears is greater than X;

[0042] S03, if the judgment result is yes, it is determined that the eccentric member is installed on the inner wall of the inner drum;

[0043] Preferably, in step S02, step S01 is repeatedly executed 5 - 8 times, and the value of X satisfies: X ≥ 80%.

[0044] After adopting the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0045] In the washing machine of the present invention, an eccentric member is provided on the inner wall of the inner drum. The eccentric member can absorb water and increase its weight during the washing / rinsing process. When the washing machine is washing small loads, the eccentric member that has absorbed water and increased its weight can offset at least part of the eccentricity generated by the load in the drum after drainage, enabling the inner drum to reach a balanced state and thus start dehydration. At the same time, during the dehydration process, when the rotational speed of the inner drum is greater than the set speed V0, the eccentric member dehydrates synchronously with the load, maintaining the balanced state of the inner drum and ensuring the smooth progress of the dehydration process.

[0046] In the present invention, the interior of the housing of the eccentric member is divided into two chambers, and the water-absorbing member and the centrifugal drainage mechanism are respectively arranged in the two chambers without interference, ensuring the effect of the eccentric member. By providing a plurality of drainage ports and valve plugs and connecting them to the same counterweight, the structure of the centrifugal drainage mechanism is simplified, and at the same time, the drainage efficiency of the eccentric member to the outside of the housing is increased.

[0047] In the present invention, the housing is provided as a detachable first housing and a second housing, enabling the water-absorbing member to be taken out of the housing. Thus, after the laundry is completed, the eccentric member can be opened and the water-absorbing member can be taken out for drying, making it easier to dry the inside of the eccentric member and avoiding the growth of bacteria in the humid environment inside the eccentric member. The eccentric member is detachably installed on the inner wall of the inner drum. When washing a large load, the eccentric member can be not installed to avoid affecting the washing of a large load.

[0048] For the control method of the washing machine of the present invention, when washing small loads, first perform low-speed dehydration at a speed less than V0, so that the load is slightly dehydrated and loses weight while the eccentric member does not lose water, making it easier to meet the requirement of the eccentricity value of the inner drum in the subsequent dehydration process. Then increase the speed to a speed greater than V0 for medium-speed dehydration. The load and the eccentric member dehydrate synchronously, and the inner drum can be maintained in a balanced state. After the medium-speed dehydration ends, the water content of the load is greatly reduced and its weight is lighter. At the same time, the water in the eccentric member is basically drained, and the rotational speed of the inner drum rises to V 脱 with a higher success rate, and the water content in the load can be further reduced through high-speed dehydration, ensuring the dehydration rate of small loads.

[0049] The following further describes in detail the specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0050] The accompanying drawings, as a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of the present invention are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some embodiments. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts. In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the eccentric member in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 It is a schematic exploded view of the eccentric member in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 It is a side view of the eccentric member in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 It is the present invention Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the A-A cross-section in the present invention when the water outlet is in the open state;

[0055] Figure 5 It is the present invention Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the A-A cross-section in the present invention when the water outlet is blocked;

[0056] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of the second housing in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 7 It is the present invention Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the B-B cross-section in the present invention;

[0058] Figure 8 It is the present invention Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the C-C cross-section in the present invention;

[0059] Figure 9 It is a flowchart of the control method of the washing machine in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] In the figure: 100, the first housing; 110, the water absorption member; 120, the first chamber; 200, the second housing; 201, the buckle; 202, the insertion part; 211, the counterweight; 212, the valve plug; 213, the connecting rod; 214, the bracket; 215, the elastic member; 220, the second chamber; 300, the partition plate; 401, the water inlet hole; 402, the water outlet; 403, the water passing hole; 500, the suction cup; 600, the housing.

[0061] It should be noted that these drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of the present invention in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Embodiments

[0062] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0063] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0064] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0065] Embodiment 1

[0066] The washing machine described in this embodiment includes an inner tub for holding a laundry load to be washed. An eccentric member is provided on the wall of the inner tub. The eccentric member can absorb water to increase its weight and lose water to reduce its weight when the rotational speed of the inner tub is greater than a set rotational speed V0.

[0067] As Figures 1 to 8 shown, in this embodiment, the eccentric member includes a housing 600 having a hollow chamber and a water-absorbing member 110 disposed inside the housing 600. A plurality of water inlet holes 401 are formed in the housing 600, and the water-absorbing member 110 can absorb water to increase its own weight.

[0068] In this embodiment, the water-absorbing member 110 is a water-absorbing material with a specific water absorption rate, such as a water-absorbing sponge.

[0069] Furthermore, a partition plate 300 perpendicular to the radial direction of the inner tub is provided inside the housing 600. The partition plate 300 divides the hollow chamber into a first chamber 120 away from the wall of the inner tub and a second chamber 220 close to the wall of the inner tub.

[0070] The water inlet holes 401 are formed in the housing 600 corresponding to the first chamber 120, and the water-absorbing member 110 is disposed in the first chamber 120. A water passing hole 403 communicating the first chamber 120 and the second chamber 220 is formed in the partition plate 300.

[0071] An outlet 402 communicating the second chamber 220 with the outside of the housing 600 is formed on the surface of the housing 600 facing the wall of the inner tub. A centrifugal drainage mechanism is also provided in the second chamber 220. The centrifugal drainage mechanism can open the outlet 402 to drain water to the outside of the housing 600 when the rotational speed of the inner tub is greater than the set rotational speed V0.

[0072] In the above solution, the lower surface of the eccentric member is mounted facing the inner wall of the inner cylinder. During the washing / rinsing process, the eccentric member is immersed in water. The washing / rinsing water enters the first chamber 120 through the water inlet hole 401 and is absorbed by the water absorbent member 110, causing the weight of the water absorbent member 110 to increase. After draining, the water absorbent member 110 is in a state of being filled with water. During the process of distributing the load of the rotating inner cylinder, the eccentric member can offset at least part of the eccentricity generated by the load in the cylinder, enabling the inner cylinder to reach a balanced state and thus start dehydration.

[0073] During the dehydration process, the water absorbed by the water absorbent member 110 is thrown out and is in a flowing state in the first chamber 120, and then enters the second chamber 220 through the water passing hole 403. When the rotational speed of the inner cylinder does not exceed V0, the centrifugal drainage mechanism cannot open the water outlet 402, and the water in the second chamber 220 cannot be discharged, and the weight of the eccentric member remains basically unchanged. When the rotational speed of the inner cylinder is greater than V0, the centrifugal drainage mechanism opens the water outlet 402, and the water in the second chamber 220 is discharged from the water outlet 402, enabling the eccentric member to dewater and reduce weight synchronously with the load, maintaining the balanced state of the inner cylinder, and ensuring the smooth progress of the dehydration process.

[0074] The partition plate 300 divides the interior of the housing 600 into two chambers. The water absorbent member 110 and the centrifugal drainage mechanism are respectively arranged in the two chambers without interfering with each other, ensuring the effect of the eccentric member.

[0075] Specifically, the centrifugal drainage mechanism includes a valve plug 212 that can reciprocate to open / block the water outlet 402, a counterweight 211 connected to the inner wall of the second chamber 220 through an elastic member 215, and a connecting rod 213 connecting the valve plug 212 and the counterweight 211.

[0076] One end of the connecting rod 213 is connected to the valve plug 212, and the other end is connected to the counterweight 211. A bracket 214 is fixedly arranged in the second chamber 220, and the middle part of the connecting rod 213 is rotatably connected to the bracket 214.

[0077] As Figure 4 shown, when the rotational speed of the inner cylinder is greater than the set rotational speed V0, the counterweight 211 moves in a direction away from the axis of the inner cylinder under the action of centrifugal force, driving the valve plug 212 to move in a direction close to the axis of the inner cylinder to open the water outlet 402.

[0078] As Figure 5 shown, when the rotational speed of the inner cylinder is less than or equal to the set rotational speed V0, the elastic member 215 drives the counterweight 211 to move in a direction close to the axis of the inner cylinder, driving the valve plug 212 to move in a direction away from the axis of the inner cylinder to block the water outlet 402.

[0079] In this embodiment, the elastic member 215 is a tension spring. The lower end of the tension spring is connected to the counterweight 211, and the upper end is connected to the lower surface of the partition plate 300. The tension spring applies an upward pulling force to the counterweight 211, causing the counterweight 211 to drive the valve plug 212 through the connecting rod 213 to block the water outlet 402. When the rotational speed of the inner cylinder is greater than the set rotational speed V0, the counterweight 211 moves downward under the action of centrifugal force, overcoming the pulling force of the tension spring, and then driving the valve plug 212 to move upward to open the water outlet 402, enabling the water in the second chamber 220 to be discharged.

[0080] In another solution of this embodiment, the elastic member 215 can also be a compression spring disposed below the counterweight 211. The upper end of the compression spring abuts against the counterweight 211, and the lower end abuts against the bottom wall of the second chamber 220. When the rotational speed of the inner cylinder does not reach V0, the compression spring applies an upward elastic force to the counterweight 211 to maintain the blocking state of the water outlet 402. When the rotational speed of the inner cylinder exceeds V0, the counterweight 211 moves downward under the action of centrifugal force, overcoming the elastic force of the compression spring, and driving the valve plug 212 to open the water outlet 402.

[0081] In a further solution of this embodiment, a plurality of water outlets 402 are provided. The centrifugal drainage mechanism includes a plurality of valve plugs 212 corresponding to the water outlets 402 one by one. The plurality of valve plugs 212 are connected to the same counterweight 211 through a plurality of connecting rods 213 corresponding to the valve plugs 212 one by one. A plurality of brackets 214 are provided in the second chamber 220, and the plurality of brackets 214 correspond to the plurality of connecting rods 213 one by one.

[0082] Preferably, the counterweight 211 is disposed in the middle of the second chamber 220, and the plurality of water outlets 402 are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the counterweight 211.

[0083] As Figures 6 to 8 shown, in this embodiment, a total of four water outlets 402 are provided, and there are two water outlets 402 on each side of the counterweight 211.

[0084] In the above solution, by providing a plurality of water outlets 402 and the valve plugs 212 corresponding to them one by one, the drainage efficiency of the eccentric member to the outside of the housing 600 is improved. The plurality of valve plugs 212 are connected to the same counterweight 211, and the same counterweight 211 drives the plurality of valve plugs 212 synchronously to ensure that the plurality of water outlets 402 can be opened / closed simultaneously. At the same time, the structure of the centrifugal drainage mechanism is simplified, and the space inside the second chamber 220 is saved.

[0085] In a further solution of this embodiment, the housing 600 includes a first housing 100 and a second housing 200 that are detachably connected. The lower side of the first housing 100 is open and is buckled on the second housing 200.

[0086] The first housing 100 and the partition plate 300 enclose a first chamber 120, and the water absorption member 110 is disposed in the first chamber 120 in a removable manner. The water inlet hole 401 is provided on the first housing 100. The second housing 200 is fixedly connected to the partition plate 300, and the two enclose a second chamber 220.

[0087] In the above solution, the housing 600 is provided as the detachable first housing 100 and the second housing 200, so that the water absorption member 110 can be taken out from the housing 600. Thus, after the laundry is completed, the eccentric member can be opened and the water absorption member 110 can be taken out for drying, and the water absorption member 110 can be dried and stored to avoid damp and mildew of the water absorption member 110.

[0088] Preferably, a card slot is provided on the inner side of the open end of the first housing 100, and a buckle 201 is correspondingly provided on the second housing 200. When the first housing 100 is buckled on the second housing 200, the buckle 201 is snapped into the card slot. In this embodiment, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are connected by the card slot and the buckle 201, which is convenient for disassembly and assembly.

[0089] More preferably, the upper end surface of the second housing 200 has an insertion portion 202 with a reduced cross-sectional area, and the buckle 201 is provided on the side surface of the insertion portion 202. When the first housing 100 is buckled on the second housing 200, the insertion portion 202 is inserted into the open end of the first housing 100, so that the buckle 201 is snapped into the card slot.

[0090] In the above solution, after the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are buckled, the side surface of the eccentric member is flat without protrusions, avoiding rubbing between the eccentric member and the load in the drum during the washing process, resulting in wear of the load in the drum.

[0091] In the preferred solution of this embodiment, a sealing member is provided in the housing 600 for sealing the connection between the first housing 100 and the second housing 200. For example, a sealing ring can be provided on the inner side of the open end of the first housing 100, and the inner wall of the sealing ring is in interference fit with the insertion portion 202 on the second housing 200 to achieve sealing after the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are buckled.

[0092] In the above solution, by providing a sealing member for sealing, the water in the first chamber 120 will not seep out from the connection between the first housing 100 and the second housing 200. All the water inlet holes 401 are provided in the upper half of the first housing 100. During the dehydration process, the water thrown out by the water absorption member 110 flows downward to the second chamber 220 under the action of centrifugal force and hardly flows out from the water inlet holes 401. At the same time, the connection between the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 is sealed, and there will be no water leakage, so that the weight of the eccentric member can be kept almost unchanged during the dehydration process when the rotational speed of the inner drum does not reach V0.

[0093] In a further solution of this embodiment, the eccentric member is detachably connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder. When the load to be washed by the user is not a small load, the load itself is relatively easy to form a uniform distribution state in the cylinder, and there is no need to use the eccentric member to offset the eccentricity. At this time, the user can not install the eccentric member to avoid the influence of the eccentric member on washing.

[0094] On the other hand, the user can remove the eccentric member from the inner wall of the inner cylinder after the laundry is completed, and open the eccentric member for drying. It is easier to dry the inside of the eccentric member, avoiding the growth of bacteria in the humid environment inside the eccentric member.

[0095] Specifically, a magnetic attraction device / magnetic member is arranged on the surface of the eccentric member facing the inner wall of the inner cylinder, and a magnetic member / magnetic attraction device is arranged at the corresponding position on the inner wall of the inner cylinder. The magnetic member can be adsorbed by the magnetic attraction device, so that the eccentric member is detachably adsorbed on the inner wall of the inner cylinder.

[0096] Alternatively, an adsorption structure is arranged on the surface of the eccentric member facing the inner wall of the inner cylinder, and the eccentric member is detachably adsorbed on the inner wall of the inner cylinder through the adsorption structure.

[0097] In this embodiment, a suction cup 500 is fixedly installed on the lower surface of the eccentric member, and the eccentric member can be adsorbed on the inner wall of the inner cylinder through the suction cup 500. Four suction cups 500 are arranged, respectively located at the four top corners of the lower surface of the eccentric member, so that the eccentric member can be stably adsorbed on the inner wall of the inner cylinder, reducing the probability of the eccentric member detaching due to collision with the load in the cylinder during washing.

[0098] In a further solution of this embodiment, a plurality of water absorption members 110 can be provided, and the user can independently judge the number of water absorption members 110 to be placed in the first chamber 120 according to the amount of the load to be washed. The number of water absorption members 110 placed is different, and the weight increased after the eccentric member absorbs water is also different, so the eccentricity that can be offset is also different.

[0099] Alternatively, the washing machine has a load weighing function. After the user puts the load to be washed into the inner cylinder, the washing machine feeds back the required number of water absorption members 110 to the user according to the weight of the load in the cylinder. The user puts an appropriate number of water absorption members 110 into the first chamber 120 according to the information fed back by the washing machine, and then installs the eccentric member on the inner wall of the inner cylinder and starts the washing machine to start washing.

[0100] In another solution of this embodiment, one water absorption member 110 is provided, and the user can independently judge the required number of eccentric members to be installed according to the amount of the load to be washed. Or the washing machine weighs the load to be washed and feeds back the required number of eccentric members to the user, and the user installs an appropriate number of eccentric members on the inner wall of the inner cylinder according to the feedback information of the washing machine.

[0101] In this embodiment, by providing an eccentric member on the inner wall of the inner drum that can absorb water and increase weight, when the washing machine is washing small loads, the eccentric member that has absorbed water and increased weight can offset at least part of the eccentricity generated by the load in the drum after draining, enabling the inner drum to reach a balanced state and thus start dehydration. At the same time, during the dehydration process, when the rotational speed of the inner drum is greater than the set speed V0, the eccentric member dewateres synchronously with the load, maintaining the balanced state of the inner drum and ensuring the smooth progress of the dehydration process. The eccentric member is detachably installed on the inner wall of the inner drum, and the user can choose whether to install the eccentric member according to the situation of the load to be washed, so that the washing machine has good adaptability to different load conditions.

[0102] Embodiment Two

[0103] As Figure 9 shown, this embodiment provides a control method for the washing machine described in the above Embodiment One. The washing machine has a small-load dehydration program, and the small-load dehydration program specifically includes the following steps:

[0104] S1, the washing machine detects the eccentricity value of the inner drum. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L1, it controls the rotational speed of the inner drum to rise to V1 and lasts for a certain period of time;

[0105] S2, it controls the inner drum to reduce the rotational speed and detects the eccentricity value. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L2, it controls the rotational speed of the inner drum to rise to V2 and lasts for a certain period of time;

[0106] S3, it controls the inner drum to reduce the rotational speed and detects the eccentricity value. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than the preset eccentricity value L0, it controls the rotational speed of the inner drum to rise to the set dehydration speed V 脱 for dehydration;

[0107] wherein, L0 < L2 < L1, V1 < V0 < V2 < V 脱 .

[0108] In the above steps S1, S2, and S3, when the detected eccentricity value of the inner drum does not meet the requirements, the inner drum can be controlled to continuously rotate to distribute the load in the drum until the eccentricity value meets the requirements and then the rotational speed of the inner drum is controlled to increase.

[0109] In this embodiment, when the load to be washed is a small load, since an eccentric member is provided on the inner wall of the inner drum, it can offset a part of the eccentricity generated by the load in the drum. Therefore, the rotational speed of the inner drum can be controlled to increase and start dehydration when the eccentricity value is higher than the preset eccentricity value L0 in the conventional dehydration program.

[0110] When the washing machine performs dehydration, it first controls the inner drum to perform low-speed dehydration at a rotational speed V1 less than V0. In this stage, the load dewateres and loses weight slightly, and the centrifugal force is not sufficient to open the water outlet on the eccentric member. Therefore, the eccentric member hardly loses water in this stage and its weight remains basically unchanged.

[0111] After the low-speed dehydration is completed, since the load weight has decreased, the eccentricity detection threshold can be appropriately reduced to L2. After the eccentricity value meets the requirements, the inner drum is controlled to increase its speed to a rotation speed V2 greater than V0 for medium-speed dehydration. At this time, the water outlet on the eccentric member is opened under the action of centrifugal force, and the load and the eccentric member are dehydrated synchronously in this stage, and the inner drum can maintain a balanced state.

[0112] After the medium-speed dehydration is completed, the water content of the load is greatly reduced, and its weight is lighter. At the same time, the water in the eccentric member is basically discharged, and the rotation speed of the inner drum smoothly rises to V 脱 with a higher success rate. At this time, the eccentricity detection threshold in the conventional dehydration program can be adopted, that is, the preset eccentricity value L0 is used as the standard for judging whether dehydration can start. When the detected eccentricity value is less than L0, the inner drum is controlled to increase its speed to V 脱 for high-speed dehydration. Through high-speed dehydration, the water content in the load is further reduced, ensuring the dehydration rate of small-piece loads.

[0113] In the optimal solution of this embodiment, V1 = 180 rpm and V2 = 400 rpm.

[0114] In a further solution of this embodiment, after the washing machine is turned on, if a signal indicating that the user selects the small-load dehydration program is received, the washing machine is controlled to execute the small-load dehydration program during the dehydration stage.

[0115] Preferably, if the washing machine does not receive the signal that the user selects the small-load dehydration program, the weight of the load in the drum is obtained before starting dehydration. When the weight of the load in the drum is lower than the preset weight, it is judged whether the eccentric member is installed on the inner wall of the inner drum.

[0116] If the judgment result is yes, the washing machine is controlled to execute the small-load dehydration program; otherwise, the washing machine is controlled to execute the following steps:

[0117] S1’, the washing machine detects the eccentricity value of the inner drum. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L3, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to rise to V3 and continue for a certain period of time;

[0118] S2’, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to decrease and the eccentricity value is detected. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L4, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to rise to V4 and continue for a certain period of time;

[0119] S3’, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to decrease and the eccentricity value is detected. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L5, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to rise to V5 and continue for a certain period of time;

[0120] S4’, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to decrease and the eccentricity value is detected. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than the preset eccentricity value L0, the rotation speed of the inner drum is controlled to rise to the set dehydration speed V 脱 for dehydration;

[0121] Among them, L1 <L5<L4<L3,V3<V1<V4<V2,V4<V5。

[0122] In the above scheme, after the user installs the eccentric member on the wall of the inner drum, he can independently set the washing program and select the small load dehydration program to dehydrate the load. After receiving the signal that the user selects the small load dehydration program, the washing machine automatically controls the washing machine to execute the small load dehydration program after entering the dehydration stage.

[0123] If the washing machine does not receive a signal from the user to select a small load spin program, in order to avoid the situation where the load is a small load and the user forgets to select a small load spin program when setting, the washing machine weighs the load in the drum before starting the spin cycle, and determines whether the load is a small load based on the weighing result. If the load is not a small load, the washing machine is controlled to perform a normal spin cycle.

[0124] When the washing machine determines that the load to be washed is a small load, the washing machine further determines whether the user has installed an eccentric piece. If the user has installed an eccentric piece, the washing machine is controlled to execute the small load dehydration program to successfully complete the dehydration process of the small load. If the user has not installed an eccentric piece, it is difficult for the load in the drum to be evenly distributed. In order to ensure that the dehydration process can proceed smoothly and to minimize the dehydration rate of the load in the drum while reducing the probability of hitting the drum during the dehydration process, it is necessary to further reduce the speed of the inner drum during the dehydration process and appropriately increase the eccentricity detection threshold used to control the start of dehydration.

[0125] In this embodiment, when the load to be washed is small items but the user does not install an eccentric piece on the drum wall, the entire dehydration process is divided into four stages, and the speed of the inner drum is controlled to increase in sequence in these four stages to gradually remove water from the load. After the water content of the load decreases and the weight is reduced, the speed of the inner drum is gradually increased, and the eccentricity generated by the load is reduced, which can reduce the probability of dehydration hitting the drum.

[0126] In the above scheme, since the user did not install an eccentric piece, the eccentricity caused by the load in the drum cannot be offset. Therefore, in the above dehydration process, the inner drum speeds in the first and second stages are lower than the dehydration speeds in the corresponding stages of the small load dehydration program.

[0127] In the optimal solution of this embodiment, V3=120rpm, V4=240rpm, and V5=400rpm.

[0128] In a further solution of this embodiment, the method for judging whether the eccentric member is installed on the wall of the inner cylinder specifically includes:

[0129] S01, controlling the inner cylinder to rotate and distribute the load inside the cylinder, detecting the eccentricity value of the inner cylinder, and comparing the detected eccentricity value with L1;

[0130] S02. The step S01 is repeatedly executed N times, and it is judged whether the probability that the eccentricity value is less than L1 is greater than X;

[0131] S03. If the judgment result is yes, it is determined that the eccentric part is installed on the barrel wall of the inner barrel.

[0132] Preferably, in the step S02, the step S01 is repeatedly executed 5 - 8 times, and the value of X satisfies: X≥80%.

[0133] In the above solution, the washing machine judges whether the eccentric part is installed by detecting the eccentricity value of the inner barrel, with high automation and no need to set up additional detection devices, saving the manufacturing cost of the washing machine.

[0134] In another solution of this embodiment, a sensor can also be provided on the barrel wall of the inner barrel to detect whether an eccentric part is installed on the barrel wall.

[0135] In this embodiment, when washing small-piece loads, the rotation speed of the inner barrel is controlled to increase in stages for dehydration. With the setting of the eccentric part, the load and the eccentric part cooperate in the inner barrel to maintain the balance state of the inner barrel, ensuring the smooth progress of the dehydration process and thus guaranteeing the dehydration rate of small-piece loads. The washing machine can obtain the weight of the load in the barrel to judge whether the washed load is a small-piece load, and can also independently judge whether the user installs the eccentric part, and control the inner barrel to dehydrate at different rotation speeds according to different situations, improving the dehydration success rate of small-piece loads, with high automation and convenient for users to use.

[0136] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not impose any form of limitation on the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art of this patent, without departing from the technical solution scope of the present invention, can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments by using the technical content prompted above. However, as long as it does not depart from the content of the technical solution of the present invention, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising an inner tub, characterized in that, An eccentric member is provided on the wall of the inner cylinder. The eccentric member includes a housing having a hollow chamber and a water-absorbing member disposed inside the housing. The water-absorbing member can absorb water to increase its own weight. A partition plate perpendicular to the radial direction of the inner cylinder is provided inside the housing. The partition plate divides the hollow chamber into a first chamber away from the wall of the inner cylinder and a second chamber close to the wall of the inner cylinder. An inlet hole is provided on the housing corresponding to the first chamber. The water-absorbing member is disposed in the first chamber, and a water passing hole communicating the first chamber and the second chamber is opened on the partition plate. An outlet communicating the second chamber with the outside of the housing is provided on the surface of the housing facing the wall of the inner cylinder, and a centrifugal drainage mechanism is provided in the second chamber. The centrifugal drainage mechanism includes a valve plug that can reciprocate to open / block the outlet, a counterweight connected to the inner wall of the second chamber by an elastic member, and a connecting rod connecting the valve plug and the counterweight. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the valve plug, and the other end is connected to the counterweight. A bracket is fixedly provided in the second chamber, and the middle of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the bracket. When the rotational speed of the inner cylinder is greater than the set rotational speed V0, the counterweight moves in a direction away from the axis of the inner cylinder under the action of centrifugal force, driving the valve plug to move in a direction close to the axis of the inner cylinder to open the outlet and drain water to the outside of the housing, so that the eccentric member loses water and reduces weight. When the rotational speed of the inner cylinder is less than or equal to the set rotational speed V0, the elastic member drives the counterweight to move in a direction close to the axis of the inner cylinder, driving the valve plug to move in a direction away from the axis of the inner cylinder to block the outlet.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of inlet holes are opened on the housing.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic member is a tension spring. One end of the tension spring is connected to the counterweight, and the other end is connected to the partition plate.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of outlets are provided. The centrifugal drainage mechanism includes a plurality of valve plugs corresponding to the outlets one by one, and the plurality of valve plugs are connected to the same counterweight through a plurality of connecting rods corresponding to the valve plugs one by one.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The counterweight is disposed in the middle of the second chamber, and the plurality of outlets are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the counterweight.

6. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that, The housing includes a first housing and a second housing that are detachably connected. One side of the first housing is open and is buckled on the second housing. The first housing and the partition plate enclose the first chamber, and the water-absorbing member is disposed in the first chamber in a manner that can be put in / removed; the second housing is fixedly connected to the partition plate, and the two enclose the second chamber.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, A clamping groove is provided on the inner side of the open end of the first housing, and a clamping buckle is correspondingly provided on the second housing. When the first housing is buckled on the second housing, the clamping buckle is snapped into the clamping groove.

8. The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, A sealing member for sealing the connection between the first housing and the second housing is provided inside the housing.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that, The eccentric member is detachably connected to the wall of the inner cylinder.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, A magnetic attraction device / magnetic member is provided on the surface of the eccentric member facing the wall of the inner cylinder, and a magnetic member / magnetic attraction device is provided at the corresponding position on the wall of the inner cylinder. The magnetic member can be attracted by the magnetic attraction device, so that the eccentric member is detachably adsorbed on the wall of the inner cylinder. Alternatively, an adsorption structure is provided on the surface of the eccentric member facing the wall of the inner cylinder, and the eccentric member is detachably adsorbed on the wall of the inner cylinder through the adsorption structure.

11. A control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 - 10, characterized in that, The washing machine has a small-load dehydration program, and the small-load dehydration program specifically includes the following steps: S1. The washing machine detects the eccentricity value of the inner drum. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L1, it controls the speed of the inner drum to rise to V1 and lasts for a certain period of time; S2. It controls the inner drum to reduce the speed and detects the eccentricity value. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L2, it controls the speed of the inner drum to rise to V2 and lasts for a certain period of time; S3, control the inner drum to reduce the rotation speed and detect the eccentricity value. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than the preset eccentricity value L0, control the rotation speed of the inner drum to rise to the set dehydration rotation speed V 脱 Perform dehydration; wherein, L2 < L1, V1 < V0 < V2 < V 脱 .

12. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that, After the washing machine is turned on, if it receives a signal that the user selects the small-load dehydration program, it controls the washing machine to execute the small-load dehydration program.

13. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that,If the washing machine does not receive a signal that the user selects the small-load dehydration program, it obtains the weight of the load in the drum before starting dehydration. When the weight of the load in the drum is lower than the preset weight, it judges whether the eccentric part is installed on the wall of the inner drum; If the judgment result is yes, it controls the washing machine to execute the small-load dehydration program, otherwise it controls the washing machine to execute the following steps: S1'. The washing machine detects the eccentricity value of the inner drum. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L3, it controls the speed of the inner drum to rise to V3 and lasts for a certain period of time; S2'. It controls the inner drum to reduce the speed and detects the eccentricity value. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L4, it controls the speed of the inner drum to rise to V4 and lasts for a certain period of time; S3'. It controls the inner drum to reduce the speed and detects the eccentricity value. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than L5, it controls the speed of the inner drum to rise to V5 and lasts for a certain period of time; S4', control the inner drum to reduce the rotation speed and detect the eccentricity value. When the eccentricity value of the inner drum is less than the preset eccentricity value L0, control the rotation speed of the inner drum to rise to the set dehydration rotation speed V 脱 Perform dehydration; Wherein, L1 < L5 < L4 < L3, V3 < V1 < V4 < V2, V4 < V5.

14. The control method of the washing machine according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method for judging whether the eccentric part is installed on the wall of the inner drum specifically includes: S01. It controls the inner drum to rotate to distribute the load in the drum, detects the eccentricity value of the inner drum, and compares the detected eccentricity value with L1; S02. The step S01 is repeated N times, and it judges whether the probability that the eccentricity value is less than L1 appears is greater than X; S03. If the judgment result is yes, it determines that the eccentric part is installed on the wall of the inner drum.

15. The control method of the washing machine according to claim 14, characterized in that, In the step S02, the step S01 is repeated 5 - 8 times, and the value of X satisfies: X≥80%.

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