A drum washing machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses a drum washing machine, comprising a housing, an outer drum, and a drain pipe. The outer drum is provided with a foam discharge port. The drum washing machine further comprises a foam discharge pipe and a diaphragm pump. The diaphragm pump comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid channel connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. By providing the diaphragm pump, the extremely strong pumping capacity generated by the diaphragm pump can be utilized to promptly and efficiently discharge foam in the outer drum through the foam discharge pipe, thereby preventing the foam from remaining in the outer drum and affecting the washing effect of clothes. Furthermore, the diaphragm pump is connected to the foam discharge pipe and the drain pipe, and the diaphragm pump can be used to discharge foam and also cooperate with the drain pipe to drain water. During the drainage process, foam floating in the washing water can be discharged together with the washing water, which is beneficial to improving drainage efficiency. No separate water pump is required for drainage, which simplifies the drainage and foam discharge structure of the washing machine and reduces the space occupied by the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and in particular relates to a drum washing machine. Background Art

[0002] Drum washing machines inevitably produce foam during operation. If users don't use low-foaming detergent or put in too much detergent, even more foam will form, causing it to overflow from the water inlet and contaminate the floor. Furthermore, any unabated foam remains in the outer drum, preventing the pump from discharging it. This severely impacts the centrifugal pump's drainage efficiency, reducing the machine's drainage efficiency and even causing it to fail and trigger a machine malfunction alarm. The presence of excessive foam also impairs the cleaning process, leaving residual foam on clothing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The utility model aims to solve the problems existing in the prior art and proposes a drum washing machine. The utility model can discharge the foam in the outer drum by arranging a foam discharge pipe and a diaphragm pump.

[0004] A drum washing machine comprises a housing, an outer tub disposed within the housing and used to contain washing water, and a drain pipe connected to the outer tub and used to drain the washing water from the outer tub, wherein a foam discharge port is provided on the outer tub. The drum washing machine further comprises:

[0005] a foam discharge pipe, connected to the outer cylinder through the foam discharge port, for discharging foam in the outer cylinder;

[0006] A diaphragm pump is connected to the drain pipe and the foam discharge pipe and is used to discharge washing water and foam; the diaphragm pump includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid channel connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, a diaphragm is provided in the fluid channel, and the diaphragm has a suction process of sucking washing water or foam from the fluid inlet into the fluid channel and a discharge process of discharging the washing water or foam in the fluid channel from the fluid outlet.

[0007] Furthermore, the diaphragm pump includes a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel arranged in parallel, a first diaphragm is arranged in the first fluid channel, and a second diaphragm is arranged in the second fluid channel, and the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are arranged to alternately perform the suction process and the discharge process.

[0008] Furthermore, the diaphragm pump also includes a connecting rod connecting the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm and a motor driving the connecting rod to reciprocate, and the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm alternately perform the suction process and the discharge process under the drive of the connecting rod.

[0009] Furthermore, the drum washing machine further includes a controllable valve, and the diaphragm pump is selectively connected to the drain pipe and the foam discharge pipe through the controllable valve.

[0010] Furthermore, the controllable valve is a three-way solenoid valve.

[0011] Furthermore, the drum washing machine also includes a discharge pipe, one end of which is connected to the diaphragm pump, and the other end of which extends out of the housing.

[0012] Furthermore, the foam discharge port is higher than the horizontal plane where the axis of the outer cylinder is located.

[0013] Furthermore, a plurality of foam discharge ports communicating with the foam discharge pipe are provided on the outer cylinder, and the plurality of foam discharge ports are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0014] Furthermore, a plurality of foam discharge ports are provided at the same height of the outer cylinder, and the foam discharge pipes are multiple and correspond to the foam discharge ports. Each of the foam discharge pipes is connected to the outer cylinder through a corresponding foam discharge port, and the plurality of foam discharge pipes are all connected to the diaphragm pump.

[0015] Furthermore, a foam sensor is provided on the outer cylinder near the foam discharge port.

[0016] Furthermore, the foam discharge port is higher than the horizontal plane where the axis of the outer cylinder is located.

[0017] Furthermore, the ratio of the distance between the foam discharge port and the horizontal plane where the axis of the outer cylinder is located to the radius of the outer cylinder is 0.25 to 0.7.

[0018] Furthermore, the ratio of the distance between the foam discharge port and the horizontal plane where the axis of the outer cylinder is located to the radius of the outer cylinder is 0.5.

[0019] Furthermore, a water inlet box is provided in the box body, the water inlet box is communicated with the outer cylinder, and the first row of foam ports is lower than the plane where the water outlet on the bottom surface of the water inlet box is located.

[0020] Furthermore, a plurality of foam sensors corresponding to the foam discharge ports at different heights are provided on the outer cylinder.

[0021] Furthermore, a plurality of switch valves for connecting and closing are provided between the plurality of foam discharge ports and the foam discharge pipe, and the washing machine controller controls the foam discharge port corresponding to the selected foam sensor to connect with the foam discharge pipe.

[0022] Furthermore, a plurality of foam discharge pipes are provided, and the water outlet ends of the plurality of foam discharge pipes are all connected to one end of the connecting pipe, and the other end of the connecting pipe is connected to the solenoid valve.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: by arranging a foam discharge pipe and a diaphragm pump, the extremely strong pumping capacity generated by the diaphragm pump can be utilized to discharge the foam in the outer drum in a timely and efficient manner through the foam discharge pipe, thereby avoiding foam overflow and polluting the indoor environment, and also avoiding the foam remaining in the outer drum affecting the washing effect of clothes; moreover, the diaphragm pump is connected to the foam discharge pipe and the drain pipe, and the diaphragm pump can be used to discharge foam and cooperate with the drain pipe to drain water, and in the drainage process, the foam floating in the washing water can be discharged together with the washing water, which is beneficial to improving drainage efficiency and reducing machine failure rate; moreover, there is no need to configure a separate water pump for drainage, which simplifies the drainage and foam discharge structure of the washing machine and reduces the space occupied by the washing machine.

[0024] After reading the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a drum washing machine proposed by the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the rear part of the middle and outer cylinders;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the working principle of the diaphragm pump;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of another working state of the diaphragm pump;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the drum washing machine proposed by the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the drum washing machine proposed in the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the rear part of the middle and outer cylinders;

[0033] Figure 8This is a structural schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the drum washing machine proposed by the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" and the like indicate directions or positional relationships based on the positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, with the direction closer to the axis of the inner cylinder being "inner" and the opposite being "outer." These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of this utility model and simplify the description. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. A feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this utility model, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0036] In this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, indirect connection through an intermediate medium, internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on specific circumstances.

[0037] See also Figure 1-4, is the first embodiment of a drum washing machine proposed by the present invention, a drum washing machine includes a casing 10, an outer drum 20 and an inner drum arranged in a suit, the outer drum 20 is used to contain washing water, the outer drum 20 is provided with a foam discharge port 11, the bottom of the outer drum 20 is connected with a drain pipe 30 for discharging the washing water in the outer drum 20; a foam discharge pipe 40 connected with the outer drum 20 is provided for discharging foam in the outer drum 20, the foam discharge pipe 40 is connected with the outer drum 20 through the foam discharge port 11; a diaphragm pump 50 is connected with the drain pipe 30 and the foam discharge pipe 40 for discharging washing water and foam; it includes a fluid inlet 51, a fluid outlet 52, and a fluid channel connecting the fluid inlet 51 and the fluid outlet 52, a diaphragm is provided in the fluid channel, the diaphragm has a suction process of sucking washing water or foam from the fluid inlet 51 into the fluid channel and a discharge process of discharging washing water or foam in the fluid channel from the fluid outlet 52. By providing the foam discharge pipe 40 and the diaphragm pump 50, the extremely strong pumping capacity generated by the diaphragm pump can be utilized to discharge the foam in the outer drum 20 promptly and efficiently through the foam discharge pipe 40, thereby preventing foam from overflowing and polluting the indoor environment, and also preventing the foam from remaining in the outer drum 20 and affecting the washing effect of clothes; moreover, the diaphragm pump 50 is connected to the foam discharge pipe 40 and the drain pipe 30, and the diaphragm pump 50 can be used to discharge foam and cooperate with the drain pipe 30 to drain water, and during the drainage process, the foam floating in the washing water can be discharged together with the washing water, which is beneficial to improving drainage efficiency and reducing the failure rate of the machine; moreover, there is no need to configure a separate water pump for drainage, which simplifies the drainage and foam discharge structure of the washing machine and reduces the space occupied by the washing machine.

[0038] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 The figure shows the structure of the diaphragm pump 50. The diaphragm pump 50 includes a first fluid channel 53 and a second fluid channel 54 arranged in parallel. A first diaphragm 551 is arranged in the first fluid channel 53, and a second diaphragm 552 is arranged in the second fluid channel 54. The first diaphragm 551 and the second diaphragm 552 are arranged to alternately perform the suction process and the discharge process; that is, when the first diaphragm 551 sucks the washing water and / or foam into the first fluid channel 53, the second diaphragm 552 discharges the liquid in the second fluid channel 54 through the fluid outlet 52, thereby realizing continuous suction and discharge of the diaphragm pump 50, which is beneficial to improving the working efficiency of the diaphragm pump.

[0039] The diaphragm pump 50 further includes a connecting rod 553 connecting the first diaphragm 551 and the second diaphragm 552 and a motor driving the connecting rod 553 to reciprocate. The first diaphragm 551 and the second diaphragm 552 alternately perform the suction process and the discharge process under the drive of the connecting rod 553. By providing the connecting rod 553, the first diaphragm 551 and the second diaphragm 552 can be synchronized, ensuring that the first diaphragm 551 and the second diaphragm 552 alternately perform the suction process and the discharge process.

[0040] The first fluid channel 53 is provided with a first diaphragm cavity 531 for accommodating the first diaphragm 551, a first connecting waterway 532 connecting the first diaphragm cavity 531 and the fluid inlet 51, and a second connecting waterway 533 connecting the first diaphragm cavity 531 and the fluid outlet 52. A first valve 534 is provided between the first diaphragm cavity 531 and the first connecting waterway 532, and a second valve 535 is provided between the first diaphragm cavity 531 and the second connecting waterway 533. Through the movement and deformation of the first diaphragm 551, the volume of the fluid that can be accommodated in the first diaphragm cavity 531 changes, thereby achieving the suction or discharge of fluid into the first diaphragm cavity 531; when the first diaphragm 551 moves and deforms to the right, the volume that can be accommodated in the first diaphragm cavity 531 increases, and the pressure in the first diaphragm cavity 531 becomes lower. Under the action of negative pressure, the first valve 534 opens upward, so that the first diaphragm cavity 531 is connected with the first connecting water channel 532, and fluids such as foam and washing water reach the first diaphragm cavity 531 through the fluid inlet 51 and the first connecting water channel 532, completing the suction process; then the first diaphragm 551 moves and deforms to the left, squeezing the fluid in the first diaphragm cavity 531, causing the pressure to increase, and then the second valve 535 opens upward, and the first valve 535 closes, so that the first diaphragm cavity 531 is connected with the second connecting water channel 533, and the fluid in the first diaphragm cavity 531 flows through the second connecting water channel 533 and the fluid outlet 52 and is discharged, completing the discharge process.

[0041] The first valve 534 and the second valve 535 are one-way valves that can only be opened upward. Preferably, the first valve 534 and the second valve 535 are ball valves, and an annular step 536 matching the ball valve is provided on the waterway, so that the ball valve is stopped at the annular step by gravity.

[0042] The working mode of the second fluid channel 54 is the same as that of the first fluid channel 53 and will not be described again here.

[0043] The drum washing machine also includes a discharge pipe 60, one end of which is connected to the diaphragm pump 50 and the other end extends out of the washing machine housing 10. The diaphragm pump 50 is arranged on the discharge pipe 60. When there is foam in the outer drum 20, the foam flows rapidly through the foam discharge pipe 40 under the action of the diaphragm pump 50 and reaches the discharge pipe 60 for discharge. When draining, the washing water in the outer drum 20 flows rapidly through the drain pipe 30 under the action of the diaphragm pump 50 and reaches the discharge pipe 60 for discharge. When discharging foam, the drain pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 60 cannot be connected, so it is necessary to set a structure on the pipeline to realize the opening and closing of the pipeline; preferably, a controllable valve 70 is connected to the inlet end of the discharge pipe 60, and the diaphragm pump 50 is selectively connected to the drain pipe 30 and the foam discharge pipe 40 through the controllable valve 70; the controllable valve 70 is used to control the connection or closing of the drain pipe 30 and the discharge pipe 60, and the controllable valve 70 also controls the connection or closing of the foam discharge pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 60; the outlet end of the drain pipe 30 and the outlet end of the foam discharge pipe 40 are both connected to the controllable valve 70, and through the action of the controllable valve 70, the closure of the discharge pipe 60, or the connection of the discharge pipe 60 with the drain pipe 30, or the connection of the discharge pipe 60 with the foam discharge pipe 40 is realized; preferably, the controllable valve 70 is set to a three-way solenoid valve.

[0044] When too much detergent is added and the outer tub 20 is filled with foam, the continuously formed foam increases the pressure of the outer tub 20, causing the foam to overflow. In this embodiment, the foam discharge port 11 is higher than the horizontal plane of the outer tub axis, or in other words, the foam discharge port 11 is located in the upper half of the outer tub 20. If the foam discharge port 11 is located too low, the wash water may reach the foam discharge port 11. The foam discharge port 11 is located in the upper half of the outer tub 10 and can be set to be open. After the foam reaches the foam discharge port 11, it enters the foam discharge port 11 and is opened by the diaphragm pump 50, connecting the foam discharge pipe 40 with the discharge pipe 60. The foam is discharged before the outer tub 20 is filled, thereby preventing the foam from overflowing from the water inlet box.

[0045] Preferably, the ratio of the distance between the foam discharge port 11 and the horizontal plane where the axis 100 of the outer cylinder 20 is located to the radius of the outer cylinder is 0.25 to 0.7; more preferably, the ratio of the distance between the foam discharge port 11 and the horizontal plane where the axis of the outer cylinder 20 is located to the radius of the outer cylinder 20 is 0.5; this is conducive to the timely discharge of foam after a certain amount of foam is generated.

[0046] A water inlet box 80 is provided in the box body, which is connected to the outer cylinder 20 for water intake; the foam discharge port 11 is lower than the plane of the bottom water outlet of the water inlet box 80 to prevent foam from reaching the water inlet box 80.

[0047] A foam sensor is provided on the outer drum 20. The washing machine controller controls the connection or closure of the foam discharge pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 60 according to the output of the foam sensor, and controls the opening of the diaphragm pump 50. Preferably, the foam sensor is provided near the foam discharge port 11. When the foam reaches the foam discharge port 11, the foam sensor outputs a signal to the controller, and the controller starts the diaphragm pump 50 and controls the controllable valve 70 to operate, so that the foam discharge pipe 40 is connected to the discharge pipe 60. When the foam sensor detects that there is no foam, the controller controls the diaphragm pump 50 to close and controls the controllable valve 70 to operate, so that the foam discharge pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 60 are no longer connected.

[0048] For foam removal, the diaphragm pump 50 can be kept running during the wash cycle. When the foam in the outer tub 20 reaches the foam outlet 11, it is discharged from the outer tub 20 through the foam outlet pipe 40 and the diaphragm pump 50. If the foam in the outer tub 20 does not reach the foam outlet 11, the diaphragm pump 50 operates to only discharge air. At the end of the wash cycle, the diaphragm pump 50 is controlled to shut down. In other words, if foam removal is initiated when the washing machine enters the wash cycle, foam removal is terminated when the wash cycle ends.

[0049] Alternatively, you can set the diaphragm pump 50 to start and stop during the washing process, and start and stop it at a fixed time. For example, the diaphragm pump 50 will start after the washing process has run for a set time, and then stop after the diaphragm pump 50 has run for a set time. Alternatively, you can set the diaphragm pump 50 to start at a fixed time, that is, start for a set time, then stop for a set time, and then start again. The foam discharge start condition is to start at a fixed time during the washing process, and the foam discharge end condition is to stop the diaphragm pump 50 after running for a set time.

[0050] Another foam removal method for a drum washing machine in this embodiment is described below, including the following steps:

[0051] S110. Foam detection steps

[0052] During the washing process of the washing machine, the foam sensor detects the foam in the outer drum 20 and outputs the detection result to the washing machine controller; when the foam discharge start signal output by the foam sensor is received, the foam discharge step is entered, otherwise, the foam detection step is continued.

[0053] Specifically, the foam discharge start signal is when the foam sensor detects foam. After the controller receives the output signal of the foam sensor, it determines whether the foam sensor detects foam. The foam sensor can be set to output a signal of 1 if it detects foam and a signal of 0 if it does not detect foam. Based on the output signal, it can be determined whether there is foam.

[0054] S120. Foam removal steps

[0055] The washing machine controller starts the diaphragm pump 50 to discharge the foam in the outer drum 20 through the foam discharge pipe 40; at the same time, the foam sensor continues to detect foam and outputs it to the washing machine controller to determine whether the foam sensor detects foam. If so, the foam discharge step continues; otherwise, the foam discharge end step is entered.

[0056] Specifically, while starting the diaphragm pump 50, it is also necessary to control the operation of the controllable valve 70 so that the foam discharge pipe 40 is connected to the discharge pipe 60, and continue to detect the foam in the foam discharge step. If there is foam, continue to discharge the foam. If there is no foam, enter the foam discharge end step.

[0057] S130. End of foaming step

[0058] The washing machine controller turns off the diaphragm pump 50. Specifically, the controller controls the diaphragm pump 50 to turn off, and at the same time controls the controllable valve 70 to operate, so that the space between the foam discharge pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 60 is closed.

[0059] After the foam discharge step is completed, the foam detection step is entered until the washing program of the washing machine is completed.

[0060] See also Figure 5 , is the second embodiment of a drum washing machine proposed by the present invention. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that it has two foam discharge pipes 40 and two foam discharge ports 11 are opened on the outer drum 20. The rest of the structure can be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0061] A drum washing machine includes a housing 10, an outer drum 20 and an inner drum arranged in a suit. The outer drum 20 is used to hold wash water and is connected to a drain pipe 30 at the bottom of the outer drum 20 for draining the wash water in the outer drum 20. Two foam drain pipes 40 are provided in communication with the outer drum 20 for draining foam in the outer drum 20. A diaphragm pump 50 is provided for draining both the wash water and foam. The foam drain pipes 40 are provided for draining foam, and the diaphragm pump 50 is provided to simultaneously drain both water and foam. The diaphragm pump 50 has a strong foam pumping capability, allowing the generated foam to be promptly and efficiently pumped out, protecting the normal operation of the washing machine. Furthermore, during the drainage process, foam floating in the wash water can be drained along with the wash water, which helps improve drainage efficiency and reduce machine failure rates.

[0062] The water outlet ends of the two foam discharge pipes 40 are connected to the controllable valve 70 through a connecting pipe 90. Two foam discharge ports 11 are opened on the outer tube 20. It is preferred to set the two foam discharge ports 11 at the same height on the outer tube 20, that is, the two foam discharge ports 11 are at the same height; only one foam sensor is required. By setting two foam discharge ports 11 and two foam discharge pipes 40, the speed of foam discharge is increased, and the foam in the outer tube 20 is quickly discharged.

[0063] See also Figure 6-Figure 7 , is the third embodiment of a drum washing machine proposed by the present invention. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that it has multiple foam discharge ports at different heights, and the rest can adopt the same structure as the first embodiment.

[0064] The outer drum 20 is provided with multiple foam discharge ports 11 connected to the foam discharge pipe 40. At least a plurality of foam discharge ports 11 are spaced apart vertically, i.e., at different heights. Different foam discharge ports can be used to discharge foam depending on the level of wash water in the outer drum. Two foam discharge ports at different heights can be provided. Different washing machines have different water levels for washing water, generally divided into five levels. The washing water level can be determined by weighing the laundry to determine the water inlet level. Alternatively, the foam discharge port can be selected based on the weight of the laundry.

[0065] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, three foam outlets 11 are provided at different heights on the outer cylinder 20: a first row of foam outlets 111, a second row of foam outlets 112, and a third row of foam outlets 113. Three foam sensors corresponding to the three foam outlets are provided on the outer cylinder 20. For ease of description, the three foam sensors are defined as a first foam sensor, a second foam sensor, and a third foam sensor. The first foam sensor detects foam at the first row of foam outlets 111, the second foam sensor detects foam at the second row of foam outlets 112, and the third foam sensor detects foam at the third row of foam outlets 113. Three on-off valves are provided between the three foam outlets and the foam outlet pipe 40 for connecting and closing the ports. For ease of description, the three on-off valves are defined as a first on-off valve, a second on-off valve, and a third on-off valve. The first on-off valve opens and closes the first row of foam outlets 111 and the foam outlet pipe 40, the second on-off valve opens and closes the second row of foam outlets 112 and the foam outlet pipe 40, and the third on-off valve opens and closes the third row of foam outlets 113 and the foam outlet pipe 40. By providing multiple foam discharge ports at different heights, it is advantageous to select different foam discharge ports according to the wash water level or the weight of the laundry to be washed. This facilitates timely detection and discharge of foam when a large amount of foam is generated, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency. For example, when washing less laundry and the wash water level is low, the foam in the outer drum generally does not reach the first foam port 111, but has already exceeded the third foam port 113. If the foam is not discharged, it will be difficult to completely discharge the foam during the washing and rinsing processes, resulting in an incomplete rinse and a poor cleaning efficiency.

[0066] The following describes a first foam removal method for a drum washing machine in this embodiment. The foam removal method includes the following steps:

[0067] S200. Determine the foam sensor step for startup

[0068] The foam sensor for starting is selected according to the set conditions to perform the foam detection step. The foam sensor for starting can be determined according to the weight of the laundry and / or the washing water level.

[0069] If the weight of the laundry is used as the judgment condition, the correspondence between the weight of the laundry and the three foam sensors is first set in the system. The weight of the laundry can be divided into three segments, with each segment corresponding to a foam sensor. Preferably, the weight of the laundry is compared with the full load weight of the washing machine. When the ratio of the weight of the laundry to the full load weight of the washing machine is greater than 0.5, the first foam sensor is selected as the startup foam sensor; when the ratio of the weight of the laundry to the full load weight of the washing machine is equal to 0.5, the second foam sensor is selected as the startup foam sensor; and when the ratio of the weight of the laundry to the full load weight of the washing machine is less than 0.5, the third foam sensor is selected as the startup foam sensor. For the comparison between the weight of the laundry to be washed and the full load weight of the washing machine, more preferably, when the ratio of the weight of the laundry to be washed to the full load weight of the washing machine is greater than 0.6, the first foam sensor is selected as the starting foam sensor; when the ratio of the weight of the laundry to be washed to the full load weight of the washing machine is between 0.4 and 0.6, the second foam sensor is selected as the starting foam sensor; and when the ratio of the weight of the laundry to the full load weight of the washing machine is less than 0.4, the third foam sensor is selected as the starting foam sensor.

[0070] You can also select a startup foam sensor based on the wash water level in the outer tub or the wash water inlet level. For example, if the wash water inlet level is level 1, the third foam sensor will be used as the startup foam sensor; if the wash water inlet level is level 2 or 3, the second foam sensor will be used as the startup foam sensor; and if the wash water inlet level is level 4 or 5, the first foam sensor will be used as the startup foam sensor.

[0071] S210. Foam detection steps

[0072] In the washing program of the washing machine, the foam sensor detects the foam in the outer drum 20 and outputs the detection result to the washing machine controller; when the foam discharge start signal output by the foam sensor is received, the foam discharge step is entered, otherwise the foam detection step is continued.

[0073] Specifically, when the foam sensor detects foam within the set first time, the foam discharge step is entered.

[0074] S220. Foam removal steps

[0075] The washing machine controller activates the diaphragm pump 50 and simultaneously opens the on-off valve corresponding to the priming foam sensor, connecting the foam discharge port 11 at that location to the foam discharge pipe 40. The on-off valves corresponding to the remaining foam sensors are closed, allowing the foam in the outer drum 20 to be discharged through the foam discharge pipe 40. Simultaneously, the priming foam sensor continues to detect foam and outputs this information to the washing machine controller, which determines whether the priming foam sensor detects foam. If so, the foam discharge step continues. Otherwise, the on-off valve closes, and the foam discharge end step is entered.

[0076] Specifically, for example, if the second foam sensor is selected as the starting foam sensor, the second on-off valve is controlled to connect the second foam outlet to the foam discharge pipe 40. Simultaneously, the controllable valve 70 is controlled to connect the foam discharge pipe 40 to the discharge pipe 60. The diaphragm pump 50 is also activated. During the foam discharge step, the second foam sensor is used to detect foam. If foam is present, foam discharge continues. If not, the second on-off valve is closed, and the foam discharge process ends.

[0077] S230. End of foaming step

[0078] The switch valve diaphragm pump 50 is turned off, and at the same time, the controllable valve 70 is controlled to operate so that the space between the foam discharge pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 60 is closed.

[0079] Preferably, the controllable valve 70 is closed after a second time period, and the diaphragm pump 50 is closed after a third time period, wherein the third time period is greater than the second time period. Specifically, after the foam sensor detects the absence of foam, the on-off valve is closed first, the controllable valve 70 is closed after the second time period, and the diaphragm pump 50 is closed after the third time period. Closing the on-off valve, the controllable valve 70, and the diaphragm pump 50 in sequence in the direction of foam discharge facilitates the discharge of foam from the pipeline and prevents residual foam from remaining in the pipeline.

[0080] The second foam discharge method for the drum washing machine of this embodiment is described below. The main difference between this method and the first method is that during the foam discharge step, multiple foam discharge ports can be opened simultaneously to speed up the foam discharge. The foam discharge method includes the following steps:

[0081] S300. Determine the foam sensor step for startup

[0082] The foam sensor for starting is selected according to the set conditions to perform the foam detection step. The foam sensor for starting can be determined according to the weight of the laundry and / or the washing water level.

[0083] The weight of the laundry is used as the judgment condition. First, the corresponding relationship between the weight of the laundry and the three foam sensors is set in the system. The weight of the laundry can be divided into three segments, and each segment corresponds to a foam sensor.

[0084] S310. Foam detection step

[0085] In the washing program of the washing machine, the foam sensor detects the foam in the outer drum 20 and outputs the detection result to the washing machine controller; when the foam discharge start signal output by the foam sensor is received, the foam discharge step is entered, otherwise the foam detection step is continued.

[0086] Specifically, when the foam sensor detects foam within the set first time, the foam discharge step is entered.

[0087] S320. Foam removal steps

[0088] To select the foam outlet, multiple foam sensors detect foam in the outer drum and output a signal to the washing machine controller. Based on the output signal from each foam sensor, the sensor that detects the presence of foam is identified as the active foam sensor. The on-off valve at the location corresponding to the active foam sensor is then controlled to open, connecting the foam outlet at that location to the foam outlet pipe. If all three foam sensors detect foam, the corresponding three on-off valves are opened. If only the startup foam sensor detects foam, the corresponding one on-off valve is opened.

[0089] When the switch valve is opened, the washing machine controller starts the diaphragm pump 50, and the controllable valve 70 is actuated, so that the foam discharge port, the foam discharge pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 60 are connected; it is possible to have multiple foam discharge ports for foam discharge at the same time, speeding up the foam discharge speed, improving efficiency and saving time.

[0090] During the foam discharge process, the effective foam sensor continues to detect foam and outputs information to the washing machine controller to determine whether the foam sensor detects foam. If so, the switch valve at the corresponding position of the foam sensor remains open; otherwise, the switch valve at the corresponding position of the foam sensor is closed. When all the switch valves opened in the foam discharge port selection step are closed, the foam discharge termination step proceeds. Preferably, the number of effective foam sensors is obtained and the output power of the diaphragm pump 50 is adjusted accordingly.

[0091] Specifically, during the foam discharge process, when multiple switch valves are opened, after the foam near a foam discharge port is completely discharged, the corresponding switch valve is controlled to close.

[0092] S330. End of foam removal step

[0093] The switch valve diaphragm pump 50 is turned off, and at the same time, the controllable valve 70 is controlled to operate so that the space between the foam discharge pipe 40 and the discharge pipe 60 is closed.

[0094] Preferably, the controllable valve 70 is closed after a second time period, and the diaphragm pump 50 is closed after a third time period, wherein the third time period is greater than the second time period. Specifically, after the foam sensor detects the absence of foam, the on-off valve is closed first, the controllable valve 70 is closed after the second time period, and the diaphragm pump 50 is closed after the third time period. Closing the on-off valve, the controllable valve 70, and the diaphragm pump 50 in sequence in the direction of foam discharge facilitates the discharge of foam from the pipeline and prevents residual foam from remaining in the pipeline.

[0095] See also Figure 8 , is the fourth embodiment of a drum washing machine proposed by the present invention. The main difference between this embodiment and the third embodiment is that a plurality of foam discharge ports are provided at the same height of the outer drum, and the rest of the structure can be the same as that of the third embodiment.

[0096] The outer cylinder 20 is provided with a plurality of foam discharge ports connected to the foam discharge pipe 40. A plurality of foam discharge ports are opened at the same height of the outer cylinder, and a plurality of foam discharge ports are arranged at intervals in the downward direction, that is, there are foam discharge ports of the same height and foam discharge ports of different heights. When discharging foam, multiple foam discharge ports at the same height can be used to discharge foam, which is beneficial to improving the discharge efficiency. Preferably, at least two foam discharge pipes are provided, connected to the multiple foam discharge ports; as shown in the figure, two first row foam ports 111 and two second row foam ports 112 are provided. The multiple foam discharge ports at the same height are preferably detected by a foam sensor, and a switch valve corresponding to the foam discharge port is provided. The switch valves of the multiple foam discharge ports at the same height can be controlled to open and close at the same time. For the control of multiple foam discharge ports at different heights when discharging foam, the same method as in the third embodiment can be used.

[0097] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, it is still possible for a person skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or to replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed to be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A drum washing machine comprising a housing, an outer tub disposed in the housing and used to contain washing water, and a drain pipe connected to the outer tub and used to drain the washing water in the outer tub, characterized in that: The outer drum is provided with a foam discharge port, and the drum washing machine further comprises: a foam discharge pipe, connected to the outer cylinder through the foam discharge port, for discharging foam in the outer cylinder; a diaphragm pump connected to the drain pipe and the foam discharge pipe, for discharging washing water and foam; the diaphragm pump includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid channel connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, a diaphragm is provided in the fluid channel, and the diaphragm has a suction process for sucking washing water or foam from the fluid inlet into the fluid channel and a discharge process for discharging washing water or foam in the fluid channel from the fluid outlet; The drum washing machine further includes a controllable valve, the diaphragm pump is selectively connected to the drain pipe and the foam discharge pipe through the controllable valve, and the outlet end of the drain pipe and the outlet end of the foam discharge pipe are both connected to the controllable valve; The outer cylinder is provided with a plurality of foam discharge ports connected to the foam discharge pipe, and the plurality of foam discharge ports are spaced apart in the vertical direction; a foam sensor is provided on the outer cylinder near each of the foam discharge ports; The foam sensor for starting is determined according to the weight of the laundry and / or the washing water level. The foam sensor for starting outputs a foam discharge starting signal, and then the foam discharge step is entered.

2. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diaphragm pump includes a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel arranged in parallel, a first diaphragm is arranged in the first fluid channel, a second diaphragm is arranged in the second fluid channel, and the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are configured to alternately perform the suction process and the discharge process.

3. The drum washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diaphragm pump further includes a connecting rod connecting the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm and a motor driving the connecting rod to reciprocate. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm alternately perform the suction process and the discharge process under the drive of the connecting rod.

4. The drum washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The controllable valve is a three-way solenoid valve.

5. The drum washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The drum washing machine further includes a discharge pipe, one end of which is connected to the diaphragm pump, and the other end of which extends out of the box.

6. The drum washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The foam discharge port is higher than the horizontal plane where the axis of the outer cylinder is located.

7. The drum washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: There are a plurality of foam discharge pipes corresponding to the foam discharge ports, each of the foam discharge pipes is communicated with the outer cylinder through a corresponding foam discharge port, and the plurality of foam discharge pipes are all communicated with the diaphragm pump.

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